Do you walk in the valley of kings? Do you walk in the shadow of men?

[notathreat]

WHO: Ellie & Others
WHAT: Catch-all log for August/September
WHEN: End of August/September
WHERE: Various
NOTES: TBA

Comments

[lumelume]

"I did. It took some coaxing."

His smile is a bit strained, but his gaze is sincere.

"To do magic, in Thedas, it's not always a positive thing. Come to think of it, living as a human is the same."

His brow knits poignantly, as if in response to some memory or another.

"There are times when it's better, to simply be a dog."

[notathreat]

"Yeah... I know what you mean. On both counts."

Ellie's face softens; some of the kindest, most sincere people she knows are also the ones most hurt, and it doesn't take a genius of social cues to see that he's carrying some shit around. That's all of Riftwatch, but some waters run deeper than others.

"I don't blame you for wanting to protect yourself."

[lumelume]

Mado simply smiles at that, some of the tension leaving his face. To be understood, even on a basic level, is a luxury.

"You have seen your share of sorrow," he observes, an invitation for her to share if she likes.

[notathreat]

"Everyone has," she answers quickly, and visibly settles herself down, evening out her tone. She's protective of her pain, but Mado clearly means well. Everyone always means well.

"I mean... especially in Riftwatch. It's not new. I don't think there's anybody here who isn't dragging a shitton of baggage."

[lumelume]

"Perhaps not," Mado reasons, perceptively backing off, though his expression remains tender.

"I don't think there's anybody in the world who isn't, when it comes down to it. They aren't easy times, that we're living in."

[notathreat]

"Sorry," Ellie mutters, almost on reflex. He doesn't seem hurt, but she's hurt people before, is wary of it. She considers him with a frown, puts her back against the stone of the wall, and sighs deeply.

"You'd think you'd get used to the constant sense of impending doom," she says, a little flippantly. "But it's almost shittier than a world already past the doom part."

[lumelume]

Contrary to Ellie's discomfort, Mado breaks back into a larger smile.

"But that is what life is about, is it not? Doom impending until it impends no longer?"

[notathreat]

"You're not wrong," Ellie says, breaking out into a soft laugh.

"Better have a good time while we have the time."

[lumelume]

"That is the spirit!" He raises a playful fist in support of her words.

"I ought not keep you, Miss Ellie. Thank you for the conversation! I'll see you about soon, I'm certain."