ooX ✘ and i- i took the one less traveled by [ location: gatas castle | visual ]

[herquietude]

As she stirs, it's almost immediately clear to Petrana that she isn't where she belongs. This is not Riva, nor any of the bedchambers she's most accustomed to occupying there or elsewhere. She considers this new development in her situation with slightly more tranquility than might be expected of her, her hands folded on her stomach as she regards

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[voice]

[beholdthedrums]

Is there a problem, my Lady? [he sounds confused]

[ visual ]

[herquietude]

"Only in that I seem to be in quite the wrong bloody place," Petra sighs, adjusting the robe and tucking her feet up next to her on the settee. "But that, I am assured, is quite temporary. I suppose you, too, are expecting a Countess?"

[ voice ]

[beholdthedrums]

[sigh] And are you suddenly not the Countess?

[ visual ]

[herquietude]

"Well, it doesn't feel sudden at all from where I'm sitting, milord...?"

[ voice ]

[beholdthedrums]

I suppose it wouldn't. [he sighs, and deftly avoids giving her his name] So then, what's your story, if you're not a Countess?

[ visual ]

[herquietude]

The lady who has been deliberately only telling people part-truths about herself can't really throw stones at someone for not giving her his name.

"A bit longer than hers, apparently," she says, slightly dry.

[ voice ]

[beholdthedrums]

Interesting. Tell me more.

[ visual ]

[herquietude]

The pleasant smile doesn't change, but the eyes above it are a little sharper; this approach is not much like the others who have spoken to her, and doesn't earn the same gentle handling.

"Ask nicely."

[ voice ]

[beholdthedrums]

Pretty please, dearest Petrana. I do wish to know, oh so much. [he... kind of sounds serious]

[ visual ]

[herquietude]

Well, now he's made her laugh. Petra tucks the robe around herself, resting her chin in her hands with her elbows on the arm of the settee. "I am what she could've been- or vice versa."

Which still doesn't tell him much about who or what she is, but she's always enjoyed being difficult from time to time.

[ visual ]

[beholdthedrums]

He finally switches on the visual, although for a moment he's not actually there, but at last the Master comes into view, and he seems fairly pleased with making her laugh. Sometimes it's the little things in life that he can enjoy. "I must confess I don't know a terrible amount of the Countess." Pause, and he adds thoughtfully, "she paints." There's more, sure, but that comes to mind most.

[ visual ]

[herquietude]

"I haven't seen the inside of my studio in months," she admits, scrutinizing him now that he's there to be scrutinized. What an intersting gentleman. "I couldn't speak for her; I'm afraid I've had to piece my guesses together from this place and everyone else."

And rummaging through the Countess's belongings.

[ visual ]

[beholdthedrums]

"It's better to get out, anyway." He frowns. "Are you alright? I heard the Countess had been injured before - though I can't say I know how or why." He's curious if it carried over to this... not-Petrana. He shakes his head and rubs a hand over his face. "This city occasionally seems to 'glitch' the people within it." He's been on the glitched side of the curtain, but never quite on the side of dealing with those around him experiencing it...

[ visual ]

[herquietude]

The caution about the Countess's injuries is met with a flare of concern, only briefly visible but easily read while it's there. But- no, she isn't. The only injuries she has are old scars and she doesn't feel any differently.

(She wishes for Polgara, all the same. Just to be sure. Traipsing around the multiverse can't be good for the child unborn.)

"I'm perfectly well," she assures him, slightly belatedly. "Besides taken from the citadel to this place- I am hoping Doul is right about the nature of my abduction. It'd be so inconvenient if I had to stay."

[ visual ]

[beholdthedrums]

He tilts his head in interest, but she seems to be truthful. He doesn't worry for the safety of people because he cares; it's only about knowing how well a tool of sorts will perform... He hates when they have those flaws that he can't use to his advantage. This turn of events? May just turn out to benefit him in some way.

"And what has this Doul told you?"

[ visual ]

[herquietude]

Selectively truthful, but isn't everyone? To differing degrees...

"You still haven't told me who you are to be inquiring after my counterpart," she reminds him, lightly. "Perhaps I shouldn't share her business with her employees so quickly."