paladorable | acatalepsy ☀ inbox

Yes, well – [ he holds up the datapad in his hand, waving it a bit for emphasis ] – I’ve got to get used to it at some point or other.

The point is, if I can help, I will. And if I can’t, hopefully I can help you work out a solution that doesn’t involve you getting hurt.

Right. I have no doubt you'll be able to learn fairly quickly.

[Arenvald might come from a world where the tech isn't nearly as advanced, but that doesn't mean he isn't an intelligent man.

He pauses, and then, seemingly out of the blue:]

You must have a lot of friends back in your world.

[ That does come out of nowhere, and he eases the datapad back down as he casts Connor a curious glance. ]

I suppose. What makes you say that?

Because you're personable, eager to help others, and your outlook is always optimistic. That is the sort of personality that usually attracts friendships, whether meaning to or otherwise.

[Of course, if Connor is wrong about that generalized assessment, he's sure he'll be corrected.

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[ Oh, okay that’s. Direct. It’s not the most flattering of observations, sure, but it’s overwhelmingly positive, and the suddenness of it brings a tell-tale warmth to his cheeks. A mote of warmth blossoms in his chest and he knows all too well by now what that means. ]

Wait, not now-!

[ Ah, too late. He’s glowing. Whoops.

Just. The most tired sigh. ]

[He hadn’t meant it to be embarrassing. Not even flattery — a compliment, perhaps, but only in the way that his observations happened to be positive traits defining his character.

So the initial signs of embarrassment are a little surprising to see, as Connor recognizes them blossoming on the other’s face. But that barely has time to register in his mind, when Arenvald starts... glowing.

His LED flickers quite quickly, trying to parse just what’s happening.]

Arenvald, you’re—

[Bright? Shining?]

Luminescent. Is this normal?

[ Luminescent. What a very… Connor way to put it, and he has too laugh, even as embarrassed as he is. ]

It’s normal now. This is my power from Astoria.

[ Thankfully he’s had some time to practice since Rion took him out shopping, and he now knows what it takes to make the light fade. A moment and a deep breath later, he is back to being normal Arenvald, no glowing in sight. ]

Sometimes it sort of kicks on when I’m taken off-guard. I’m… still working on it.

[He blinks once, twice, as if doing his darnedest to associate Arenvald's new glowing ability as a "power". Connor, on instinct, tries to form a list of advantages it might provide on the fly, but the first few lines get caught in a loop, and so he just shakes his head and verbally announces them instead.]

Helpful in dark places. Could be used to... surprise someone with the sudden activation of light. Plants in particular are sure to like you.

[Connor says the last bit with such a straight face that it's hard to tell if it's a joke. (...01001001 01110100 00100000 01101001 01110011 00101110...)]

Sorry, was I wrong in my assessment? [Since he did say this ability kicks in when caught off-guard.]

You really don't have to give me a list of uses.

[ He's been trying to think of ways it could be useful, himself, and a couple of those had been on his own list. (The thing about plants is a new one, though, and he lets out a little "pfft".)

He's just trying to do the best with what he's been given. ]

Er, I don't know. It's more like I'm not used to compliments. It always surprises me.

Your friends don’t compliment you?

[A question very indicative of the fact that his own experience with friendships is limited at best. He knows how they ideally work, but he’s also only 3 months old, and has maybe one person back home he can really consider a friend at all.]

Er. Not like that.

[ He frowns a bit as he tries to figure out how best to explain it. His own experience with friendships that were not built on desperation or a moment of mutual benefit really only started after he joined the Scions. The friends he has made there are nothing if not steadfast. ]

We’ll talk or banter, or exchange congratulations on a job well done when the situation calls for it, but I’ve never been given a list before.

[Uncertain how to parse that -- and yet still fairly sure he hasn't said anything wrong or rude -- Connor pauses. Then he offers a helpful(?):]

I can provide a more thorough one if you like.

What? No, no, no. That’s not… I don’t need a list of any sort, I promise.

[ He motions with his free hand, between himself and Connor. ]

We’re friends, aren’t we?

[Oh. Well, Connor doesn’t have to think long on it — he supposes they do fit the bill.]

I haven’t known you for very long, but we’re on friendly terms. And you’ve been helpful to me when I’ve needed it thus far, so... yes. I would say so.

[His second friend ever! Connor’s just doing so well.]

Assuming you believe the same, and find my company generally positive.

[ Again with the overly-analytical answer. Apparently, this is just how Connor’s brain works, but he’ll get used to it. ]

Of course I consider you a friend. Apart from the people from my own world, you’re the first friend I made here.

So, if you’re my friend, and I’m your friend, that’s all I need to know.

[Confirmation of the fact is good to hear. And Arenvald's perceived simplicity of it is enough to incite a faint chuckle from Connor.]

All right. No need for lists, then, like you said.

[ He gives a firm nod, grinning broadly. ] Right.

All that aside, I guess just let me know whenever you’re ready to go over this.

[ “This” being, of course, the datapad, which he waves in Connor’s direction. ]

Of course. I'm still trying to partition-

[That isn't quite the right word. Rebuild? Categorize? Take lines and lines of information and slowly put fragmented parts together, building his mind back into a reasonable whole?]

I don't know if there's a proper word to explain it. Not like how I am now. But when my mind is right again, I'll come meet you.

[Hopefully. Connor shoves a hand in his pocket, playing again with the quarter faithfully stashed there.]

It shouldn't be more than a couple of days.

[ This is what happens when you let yourself die on the first world hop, Connor. ]

Sounds good enough to me. Be sure to let me know if there's aught you need in the meantime.

I will. The same, of course, goes for you.

[He seems more content as compared to when Arenvald first entered his room. So much that his focus appears to return, not quite as thoroughly interrupted by unexpected stumbles and repetition in his thought patterns.

And with that, comes observations that had been put on the back-burner initially.]

...You're not wearing your armor.

[CONNOR, A GOOD POLICE BOT]

[ If nothing else, he’s glad that Connor seems calmer. He’d been quite worried when he got here. ]

Hm? Oh, no. Rion took me shopping a couple days ago. She said I ought to get something a little lighter to wear.

That makes sense; armor probably isn't the most practical to constantly wear. An expanded wardrobe is preferable, especially given that this won't be the only world that we visit.

[Says the android who still wears his...android jacket everywhere.]

I'd bet that you move faster in those clothes, too.

Mayhap you ought to follow suit. You got lucky here, but anywhere else, it might not be so good an idea to wander around with the word “android” written across your back in giant letters.

[ JUST SAYING.

He chuckles, waving his free arm. ]

Aye, it’s far easier to get around in, but I still prefer the armor if I’m about to wander into a potentially dangerous situation.

It’s what you’re used to. There’s comfort in that, outside of the physical protection it grants you.

But my own jacket shouldn’t be an issue. I can remove it just fine.

[ It's true, there's something to be said about the familiarly of that suit of armor, but it has sentimental value as well. His parting gift from A'aba and Aulie. ]

All right, but if you ever change your mind, know that Rion has quite the eye for fashion. I think I ended up with half a dozen different outfits.

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