[The City] IC Contact

[hypnagothic]

VOICE | TEXT | VIDEO | ACTION | OVERFLOW

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[matermali]

[ Who else has suffered that building? She ought to send out some messages to check on some people if this is something that's happening to just anyone. ]

I wish he had not been forced through such a trial. Did he encounter any danger?

[hypnagothic]

He received a minor injury, a scratch to his neck from what he stated as hands reaching and clawing at him.

[matermali]

I'm relieved it wasn't worse, but sorry he was hurt at all.

Thus far, it seems that beyond scratches or bruises to unsettle us, our hearts and minds were the ideal targets for inflicting the most damage.

[hypnagothic]

It does appear to be a continuing theme with this place. We can only guess at the goal in this affliction.

[matermali]

I have been in such a strange state tonight over the puzzles of this city, that I fear I may go mad for true if I attempt even one more guess.

[hypnagothic]

I would suggest that you rest this night, lady Vanessa.

[matermali]

I am not certain that I would be capable, no matter my number of attempts, even if I wished to.

Did you want for me to call for you so that I could rest?

[hypnagothic]

I would that you call for me if that is what you wished.

[matermali]

And so I am.

Where are you?

[hypnagothic]

I am currently within Hob's residence.

[matermali]

With your friend hurt, I understand if you would prefer to remain in his company. Perhaps I could bring some supplies to aid his healing.

[hypnagothic]

The wound has already been tended.

Will you call for me, my lady, to be by your side?

[matermali]

Please.

[ Directions will be written down as well as its description.

Just a simple two-bedroom apartment, though all of her things remain in the guest room. The doors have all been left ajar with little household items propping them open a sliver, so it's only too easy to let oneself in. ]

[hypnagothic]

[ the coin flip was good so Dream arrives at the front door only moments after she sends her directions. there's no knock, but he does make himself known by slowly opening the front door wider, not yet stepping inside. ]

Lady Vanessa?

[matermali]

[ Still having been gathering supplies in the washroom, she's caught off guard by the speed of travel, but the get-well basket can be assembled later.

By now, she's washed and changed into a slightly more modest dress, though she remains barefoot with her hair down. The dark waves are only slightly damp, with the scent of bergamot, cypress, and aged patchouli still lingering from the bath oils. She had been quite eager to wash away some of the night's memories once her spell hadn't panned out.

Despite how traumatizing some of the evening had been, there had been something good to come out of it, at least enough to still draw a half smile when she slips around the corner to greet him. She even has a jest at the ready, but on seeing him simply stands there and stares, forgetting the tease entirely. ]

[hypnagothic]

[ he himself is back in his normal black clothing and coat, the hand not pushing the door open tucked in a pocket. once the door has swung wide enough, he tucks that hand away too, finally stepping over the threshold now that she's present and visible. ]

Good evening.

[matermali]

[ The sound of a proper greeting is enough to put the power of speech back into her, at the very least. ]

Good evening. Please, come in.

[ No matter the face she's been putting on, she had hated the thought of him staying away tonight. It's with a selfish relief that she looks him over before turning to lightly gesture to the rest of the apartment, even if only the living room is visible from here. ]

I would apologize for having little to offer for a guest, but this is only my second night here in some weeks.

[hypnagothic]

[ he gives a single nod in thanks, not noticing or at the very least not commenting on the way she looks him over as he steps further inside. his head tilts ever so slightly after her apology though. ]

Were you residing elsewhere?

[matermali]

[ She supposes that it's never come up, but that is often by design with her friends. Vanessa usually goes to them, or 'meets' them somewhere; usually where she's sleeping for the night. ]

I rarely stay anywhere for longer than a few days at a time.

[ Which has become a bit more troublesome now that she's received gifts. There's more to carry... A strangely sweet problem to have.

Turning back, she offers a slight shrug with a tilted, sheepish smile. ]

It's how I discovered that quaint bakery.

[hypnagothic]

[ she'll find him closer to her as she turns back, Dream having stepped silently closer. ]

I see. May I ask if there a reason for this practice?

[matermali]

[ It's a welcome closeness, with her far more relaxed now that he isn't lingering just near the door. ]

I shouldn't dare let myself become too comfortable while trapped here.

[hypnagothic]

Yet you should also have the opportunity to rest and recover from such constant vigilance.

[matermali]

Perhaps not so for some people. It isn't safe for me to remain content overlong.

[ When hasn't she been stuck in vigilance? Time with Mina... Moments with Dorian... Both of her stays on the moors... And what had happened? Danger, danger, everywhere.

Here, too, though it is so confined to this city, so stifled, that it's impossible to tell what form it could take. ]

These moments are enough. Here, with you.

[hypnagothic]

I should hope that you could receive more than mere moments, my lady. A night, perhaps, if you would accept such aid.

[matermali]

[ Stepping closer, her head tips as she scans his face. ]

I didn't call you here for aid.

[ Despite the words, her voice is soft for its hush, and she's reaching up to lightly trace a fingertip along the line of his jaw. ]

Only your company. Only you.