Orlesian fêtes often feel like he is very much out of his depth, particularly alongside this older shark in the waters. Stephen likes a concrete physical problem, like solving a logical puzzle. Re-attach that nerve, activate that neuron, sever that lobe. Brains are a complex series of buttons and levers. Neat, tidy cause and effect.
People aren’t neat and aren’t tidy; they don’t behave in predictable ways. They’re mired in personal history and traumas that he can’t read on a chart.
So he consigns himself to eventually letting it wash over him. Romain and Gwenaëlle talk and catch up and strategise, and discuss the household’s plans for dinner tomorrow, and Stephen dissociates for a little while to watch the rest of the party over the edge of his drink, sizing up those potential prospects to bother about Research patronage later. He tunes back in once it seems Romain’s about to leave them to do his own rounds about the room, and the sorcerer deploys a polite smile, a gracious goodbye, a thank-you once more for hosting us, and we’ll see you back at the house.
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Orlesian fêtes often feel like he is very much out of his depth, particularly alongside this older shark in the waters. Stephen likes a concrete physical problem, like solving a logical puzzle. Re-attach that nerve, activate that neuron, sever that lobe. Brains are a complex series of buttons and levers. Neat, tidy cause and effect.
People aren’t neat and aren’t tidy; they don’t behave in predictable ways. They’re mired in personal history and traumas that he can’t read on a chart.
So he consigns himself to eventually letting it wash over him. Romain and Gwenaëlle talk and catch up and strategise, and discuss the household’s plans for dinner tomorrow, and Stephen dissociates for a little while to watch the rest of the party over the edge of his drink, sizing up those potential prospects to bother about Research patronage later. He tunes back in once it seems Romain’s about to leave them to do his own rounds about the room, and the sorcerer deploys a polite smile, a gracious goodbye, a thank-you once more for hosting us, and we’ll see you back at the house.