❦ Empatheias Contact ❦

[thefirstbloom]

❧ Contact Trahearne by voice, image, or find him at his apartment in the free district of Verens. He works at Paulson's Books.

Comments

[thefirstbloom]

I would have called you my beloved. [Might as well get that out there now that he's being honest.] I would have taken you out during the festival and asked if you would have liked to officially be... something.

[He rubs at the back of his neck and occupies himself with putting a series back in order.] That is what I wanted. But I was ignoring what had happened in the Maguuma, and the fact you will return to it. And the fact I cannot.

[chronosynthesis]

It would end tragically no matter what you did. [He says it matter-of-factly, because Trahearne is dead. He turns to look up at Trahearne and leans against the bookshelf.] Would you have pursued anything even if you had told me first?

[thefirstbloom]

[He waits until the numbers are in order to put off his response. Once they are, he just stares at the titles to avoid eye contact.] Unless you explicitly told me not to... Yes, I would have.

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya furrows his brow and leans a little closer.] Really? Truly? I do not mean to doubt, I just--I want to know what you honestly believe. What you honestly feel.

[thefirstbloom]

I am being honest with you when I say I would have. [Trahearne frowns, bringing himself back at him.] I do not blame your doubt, Syrlya. Not after my deception. But if I had told you from the beginning my feelings would not have changed.

Perhaps I would not have been so eager to do so. It... It has been hard, accepting we both know I will not return to Tyria with you. But I would have still wanted to pursue you. I wouldn't be able live with myself here if I hadn't tried.

[chronosynthesis]

Why did you not say anything before it was too late? [Syrlya can come up with a dozen reasons why, but he wants to hear the one Trahearne voices. The one that really stopped him.]

[thefirstbloom]

I was going to. [His shoulders sink.] ... I wanted to have that drink with you for a reason. Seeing you again, before the Pact's departure... It reminded me of how I wanted to be with you in a safer world. I did not anticipate one of us would not be in it.

[chronosynthesis]

Oh. [Syrlya had not expected that at all. He assumed it was just to catch up, given how long it had been.

Syrlya shifts on his feet and looks down, suddenly unsure how to respond.] I...

[thefirstbloom]

... You have a package. Are you delivering something? [Trahearne cleared his throat and gestured out to it, hoping a change of subject would get that frown off his face.]

[chronosynthesis]

Hm? Ah, no, it's not... [He stands up straight and offers the package to Trahearne.] It is a gift for you, actually.

[thefirstbloom]

For me? [Trahearne blinks, taking it in both hands and just staring at it for a moment. When was... the last time he got anything...] You know I got one for your awakening day. You did not have to...

[chronosynthesis]

This has nothing to do with that! I just... wanted to give you something, because I think you would like it.

[thefirstbloom]

Really? No one... [does that??? Trahearne looked back with furrowed brows, but doesn't waste any time unwrapping the box. He's actually a little excited now.]

[chronosynthesis]

[Inside is a wooden sliding puzzle box, dark and a little beaten from the years. The decals aligning it are bones with the paint halfway faded.

Syrlya clasps his hands behind his back.] It is a puzzle, in two parts. I thought you might enjoy solving it. And you can store small things in it.

[thefirstbloom]

Oh! [He gasps, eagerly turning it admire every detail of the box. He's already starting to fiddle with its buttons.] It's wonderful! Where did you get this? Did you solve it? You can store small things...?

[chronosynthesis]

I found it in a shop of... interesting items. And you can, once you solve it. [He winks.]

[thefirstbloom]

And I will solve it. [He's grinning from ear to ear by now.] You didn't have to, but I adore it!

[He hesitates, contemplating on whether or not it'd be appropriate to hug him after their conversation. Instead he decides to shift the box into one hand and put the other on Syrlya's arm.] Thank you.

[chronosynthesis]

You're welcome. [Syrlya smiles warmly at him, clasping his hands in front of him.]

[thefirstbloom]

[He parts his lips to comment on the conversation beforehand, but he decides to hold his tongue. He doesn't want this moment ruined. Instead he withdraws his hand and stares at this box.]

... I really shouldn't work on this on the clock.

[He stares and stares. He almost looks like he's going to put it down...



And he starts right back fiddling with the buttons.] But if I can solve it before anyone drops by...

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya snickers and reaches to cover Trahearne's hands before he can keep going.] You will have all night to unveil it. Focus on your books right now!

[thefirstbloom]

But... [Trahearne sighs and ceases his attempt, almost pouting.] You can't give me such an enticing gift while at work. It's not fair.

[chronosynthesis]

It is where I knew to find you! [He pats his hands. Shhh Trahearne.] I am sure you will survive that long. Wrap it back up if it keeps it out of mind.

[thefirstbloom]

No, no... I have the self control. [That's honestly up for debate with how he first kissed Syrlya, but. He gently sets this box on a shelf. He's still looking at it though.]