hadriel | 011 [Video]

[Lance is clearly back in Hadriel since the video is catching the backdrop of his kitchen, nondescript and standard as always; he really should decorate this place at some point. He's finally done something about his hair though, so although it's still long enough to curl a little it's back under control, if not exactly masterfully styled. He did his best.

But the biggest change after his vacation is that he seems a bit brighter than he has been recently, not as tense and distracted. Things aren't perfect or even really close to truly resolved, but they're better enough that he's making this post.]

Hey, so, I'm back from exploring, and therefore both my actual and metaphorical vacation; this means that if anyone needs any professional advice, or just to talk to someone, I'm available. Especially since the latest event seemed...

['Not great' are the words coming to him, but those aren't particularly professional, so--]

Particularly stressful, to all those involved, for reasons that may be more complicated than usual.

[He also totally stalked all those network posts that happened at the time, and is really glad he missed this event himself. He's keeping in mind the possibility of leaving the city to avoid others in the future if possible, though it's such a simple solution that he's not sure it'll work.]

I'd also like to remind those here, especially new arrivals, that we've recently compiled a list of people willing to teach different skills, and if you'd like to teach something just let me know what. Hopefully we can all stave off boredom and learn something useful at the same time.

[That part addressed, he feels like he should add something else he's been holding off on; it's been awhile, so surely people have noticed by now if they were going to care, but still.]

For anyone unaware, Dr. Brennan disappeared early last month. That means I have her book, if anyone who wanted to read it hasn't had a chance to do so yet.

[Because that's, of course, the biggest issue here. The book.

And, so as not to leave off on a somber note--]

Is there anything important that wasn't on the network that I missed while I was gone?

[Fill him in on stuff, people~]

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[He's totally not answering that, and omg, stop being nice.]

I can accept that about the cantrips, but the others are just... Not great.

[His best attempt at the shield spell was just a sad, not-at-all-invisible, buckler-sized patch that lasted half a second. Of course he'd only tried it twice before getting annoyed with himself and giving up, but still.]

You mean the one you tried like, once or twice? That one takes more work. You still cast it on your first try though, and most people don't pull that off.

[That causes him to brighten a little, encouraged.]

Really? You're not just enjoying embarrassing me with the blushing thing?

[By telling him he's better at magic than he actually is.]

Well, I like embarrassing you too. But seriously, you're doing a really good job. Don't be so hard on yourself.

Okay.

[He's quietly pleased, more convinced that maybe it's indeed alright not to have succeeded so far. Still--]

I'll try not to be, although I do intend to do better next time.

[He has to work on becoming a badass wizard after all, whether or not he eventually decides to go to Kyna's world.]

Okay, but you can't get better than me or I'm never teaching you anything again.

[Alright, that makes him laugh.]

Fair enough, though I don't think you need to worry about that. It takes years to get really good, right?

Yeah, it does, but still. Don't steal my thing.

[She's absolutely teasing.]

[He raises his hands for a moment in mock surrender.]

Fine, fine, I've got it, no usurping you as best wizard. But that means if I do end up needing to learn magic to cross dimensions, you're going to have to do it first.

[He's allowing himself, just for now, to think it might be a possibility.]

Yeah, yeah. I mean, uh, most people can't. It's a hard spell to learn, you know? But I think Harlan and I can figure it out, or just steal those figurines back. Whatever.

Yeah.

[And... Okay, maybe entertaining this idea is a little more terrifying than he thought, especially since now he's really considering it. Would it be so wrong to try, if his plan to return to his world at a specific time is possible?

He just kind of stares off into space for a few seconds before realizing he's mid conversation.]

Yeah. If it's possible, I'm sure you could figure it out.

Uh... Are you okay?

[He briefly grimaces at the question, but nods.]

I'm okay, yeah. Sorry. It's just a lot to think about.

Yeah, I know. Sorry. I just, um. I want you to have options, you know?

[He shakes his head.]

It isn't something to apologize for; I really appreciate it. The more options the better, considering the alternative.

[Which is, you know. 'Go home and die.']

Right.

[Kyna's quiet for a moment, not entirely sure what to say. Part of her wants to try to explain how deeply, horrifyingly unfair it feels for him to die the way that he does, or to tell him how amazing she thinks he is, or maybe to admit, selfishly, that she just desperately doesn't want him to die. But she doesn't know how to say any of that, and she's not even sure she should.]

We don't have to talk about it if you don't want to.

[Lance is quiet while she is, concerned he's upset her and feeling a bit guilty, but reminds himself that she would probably tell him not to and so tries to push the feeling aside. He shakes his head again at the offer, forcing a small smile.]

I appreciate the offer, I just don't... I can't do anything about what happened at home, and that makes it difficult to figure out how to handle it. But having some options, even if I'm conflicted about them, is a good thing. It helps.

[Even though this is all so complicated and just generally a mess. He hesitates a moment, then continues--]

It also helps that I don't have to try to figure it all out alone, so... Thank you.

[For the offer of to go back to her world, and trying to find a way for him to have another option to get home alive, and just generally caring.]

[She smiles back, a little hesitant, but genuine.]

You're welcome. Uh... I'm really glad you're here.

[Maybe that's selfish, too, but there it is anyway.]

Thanks. So am I.

[It isn't selfish, as far as he's concerned; he's one of the people for whom being here really is better for them, as difficult as it can be.]

Um, could you send a message next time you're not busy, for the magic stuff?

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