[ Adjusting a fold of his cloak, he follows after her at a respectful distance. Rinea's personality is always seems to be calm, bright, and polite, but today she is different-- in a good way. She seems rather well. Perhaps having the complex, mathematical magic of alchemy brings her peace. Or purpose. The workplace (and?? trousers?!) suits her.
His brow lifts at the organization of the studio, head turning towards the cauldrons, to the various tools, to the lines of jars housing ingredients. This is no mere amateur's workplace, nor that of a hobbyist's. She's quite serious about her practice.
Somnus' attention moves from the line of potions to the tool set in the circle, and he approaches it, careful not to disrupt the alchemical lines she's already drawn. Finally, his focus returns to her. ]
I trust your talents. [ He motions to the tool upon the table. ] Is more to be done with the dousing tool?
[He trusts her work?... Something about that makes Rinea's cheeks pink with pride. Has she ever received that sort of sentiment before? It feels.... new.]
Nothing, except to fuse the blood sample. [Rinea gestures to an open section of the alchemic circle. She could insert it into the circle herself, but she may as well see Somnus's insistence on keeping the blood sample to himself to the end.] If you are ready, pour it out here and I can finish the encryption.
[Once he does so Rinea steps forward to the table to perform the alchemy. The completed circle comes alight, glowing brightly; the blood and dirt siphons itself from the circle and disappears into the tool with a rush of wind. With the fusion completed the light dims again, everything going still.
She sighs, letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding.]
[ He steps forward, taking out the vial from a pocket sewn into his robes, uncorks it, and pours it where she indicates. Then he steps back, folding his arms across his chest, remaining silent as she works.
It is dangerous enough to be carrying a vial of such blood— potentially. The saving grace of this realm is that all are somehow rendered human, with preternatural abilities inert. Nevertheless, he watches the ritual with an abject, serious intensity.
It’s over before long, and in contrast to the severe look he shows, she smiles at him, accomplished. Somnus closes his eyes slowly, then opens them.
May she never know to whom this blood belongs.
He steps forward, taking the tool in hand. ]
You’ve become an accomplished alchemist, Maiden. [ Despite the seriousness of his expression before, he offers praise. It is due. ]
[ His expression corrects to something less dour, and he nods once, looking at her. If he notices the nervous clasp of her hands, he does not comment. The only thing he may do is encourage her: ]
You need only name it.
[ Somnus tucks the dousing tool into a belt beneath his cloak, his arms falling to his sides. For the potions, he's brought a satchel; but he would hear her speak first. ]
[Ok, here goes. Rinea draws herself up, expression both steeled and anxious.]
You requested I not pry into your affairs, so I shan't. But still... [Still... she cannot do nothing. If Somnus simply disappeared after all of this, what if no one noticed? What if she never saw him again and could only wonder?]
If there is a moment where you need help... or a timeframe after which, if I do not hear from you, I should worry... will you tell me? May I ask for that much?
[ Involving her to this extent is dangerous enough. Necessity demands that he be cruel to sever her from his affairs, lest she be dealt far greater evils. This is countered with the cold, calculating thought that Rinea is, in fact, useful-- her alchemical skills proves it. Somnus can be cruel in this way, too. Nevertheless...
When he replies, his gravely tone is smoothed as if to lessen the impact of his words. ]
Daughter of Rigel...You ask a difficult favor.
[ His hand reaches out, lifts, and... he places his palm atop of her head. There's something honest about the gesture, albeit stiff and regretful, but it's only for a brief moment, and his arm lowers to his side. ]
Edited (had to make it more cryptic) 2021-11-16 05:49 (UTC)
[Rinea looks solemn, cowed by understanding what she is asking for. Something about the act of it is nerve-wracking. Not necessarily because she fears Somnus, or whatever danger may lurk in his shadow... but just because bringing voice to her own desire is terrifying.
Then she is being... patted?
It's a subtle, opaque gesture of affection, but it's enough to surprise Rinea out of her nerves. She looks at Somnus, eyes wide...
...then a tiny smile curves at her lips.]
...May you walk always in the light of the gods' blessing.
[ She smiles, and his gaze lingers upon her expression, carrying with it not only his usual seriousness, but a soft sort of complexity. Perhaps this is how he appears when he's thoughtful. He appears, for all but a few moments, less of whatever stoic role he had in his homeworld, and more of an ordinary man.
But then he takes a step away, collecting the potions into the satchel. He replies: ]
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no subject
His brow lifts at the organization of the studio, head turning towards the cauldrons, to the various tools, to the lines of jars housing ingredients. This is no mere amateur's workplace, nor that of a hobbyist's. She's quite serious about her practice.
Somnus' attention moves from the line of potions to the tool set in the circle, and he approaches it, careful not to disrupt the alchemical lines she's already drawn. Finally, his focus returns to her. ]
I trust your talents. [ He motions to the tool upon the table. ] Is more to be done with the dousing tool?
no subject
Nothing, except to fuse the blood sample. [Rinea gestures to an open section of the alchemic circle. She could insert it into the circle herself, but she may as well see Somnus's insistence on keeping the blood sample to himself to the end.] If you are ready, pour it out here and I can finish the encryption.
[Once he does so Rinea steps forward to the table to perform the alchemy. The completed circle comes alight, glowing brightly; the blood and dirt siphons itself from the circle and disappears into the tool with a rush of wind. With the fusion completed the light dims again, everything going still.
She sighs, letting out a breath she didn't know she was holding.]
There you are.
no subject
It is dangerous enough to be carrying a vial of such blood— potentially. The saving grace of this realm is that all are somehow rendered human, with preternatural abilities inert. Nevertheless, he watches the ritual with an abject, serious intensity.
It’s over before long, and in contrast to the severe look he shows, she smiles at him, accomplished. Somnus closes his eyes slowly, then opens them.
May she never know to whom this blood belongs.
He steps forward, taking the tool in hand. ]
You’ve become an accomplished alchemist, Maiden. [ Despite the seriousness of his expression before, he offers praise. It is due. ]
I have seen no dousing instrument better.
no subject
[She remembers herself, though, and her hand drops to clasp nervously with the other.]
Sir Somnus. [Um...] You told me that you would repay me with a favor. Does that still hold true?
no subject
You need only name it.
[ Somnus tucks the dousing tool into a belt beneath his cloak, his arms falling to his sides. For the potions, he's brought a satchel; but he would hear her speak first. ]
no subject
You requested I not pry into your affairs, so I shan't. But still... [Still... she cannot do nothing. If Somnus simply disappeared after all of this, what if no one noticed? What if she never saw him again and could only wonder?]
If there is a moment where you need help... or a timeframe after which, if I do not hear from you, I should worry... will you tell me? May I ask for that much?
no subject
When he replies, his gravely tone is smoothed as if to lessen the impact of his words. ]
Daughter of Rigel...You ask a difficult favor.
[ His hand reaches out, lifts, and... he places his palm atop of her head. There's something honest about the gesture, albeit stiff and regretful, but it's only for a brief moment, and his arm lowers to his side. ]
no subject
[Rinea looks solemn, cowed by understanding what she is asking for. Something about the act of it is nerve-wracking. Not necessarily because she fears Somnus, or whatever danger may lurk in his shadow... but just because bringing voice to her own desire is terrifying.
Then she is being... patted?
It's a subtle, opaque gesture of affection, but it's enough to surprise Rinea out of her nerves. She looks at Somnus, eyes wide...
...then a tiny smile curves at her lips.]
...May you walk always in the light of the gods' blessing.
no subject
But then he takes a step away, collecting the potions into the satchel. He replies: ]
May Their mercy ever be yours.