[open post!]

[ravkanwitch]

Nina misses Ketterdam.

Make no mistake, she is Ravkan through and through; her pride for her country is one of her largest defining features (and she has many delightful defining features). But when she allows herself a moment to think, it is the hustle and bustle of Ketterdam that she misses. The ships in the harbor, the vendors hawking in the Barrel, the shops, the friends, the noise, the friends--

There’s always a weariness to the initial dance of friendship. Of her new acquaintances, only two are aware of her abilities and only one of them - Shen Qingqiu - even has an inkling of their full extent. Fortunately, that also means there’s room to grow…

She’s found hot chocolate and now she’s seated somewhere, sipping at it and reminiscing about Ketterdam, wondering what Inej and Jesper and Kaz and everyone must be doing right now.

Comments

[ravkanwitch]

“Let me make you some,” she says, starting to boil some water. She’s figured out how to use the automated kettle and she’s really proud of herself. Some of the Etherealki would be fascinated by what she’s learned lately. “How have you been?”

[sagramore]

"I exist in a constant state of contentment; I'm always well," lightly. "Also, I've learned to make eggs on toast."

[ravkanwitch]

“No,” Nina says in what could either be mock or true disbelief. “I’ll believe it when I see it! Here… be careful though, it’s hot.”

She hands a mug of hot chocolate to Sagramore.

[sagramore]

"Thank you." He lifts the mug to his face to sniff the steam. "I can already tell you I've never tasted anything like this. You said it's called chocolate?"

[ravkanwitch]

“Yes! This is hot chocolate, though. It also comes in solid candies and you can melt it and drizzle it on other desserts… It’s one of my favorite things, especially when I need a little comfort.” She takes a sip of her mug.

[sagramore]

After a moment of waiting for it to cool -- not that long, though, his impulse control is and always has been terrible -- he takes a sip of his own, and then immediately looks over at her. "That is-- remarkable."

[ravkanwitch]

“Isn’t it?” Nina smiles. “I knew you would love it.”

[sagramore]

"Dear Christ." He drinks again. "Is this easy for you to get at home?"

[ravkanwitch]

“It can be easy to get, though the fancier chocolates are expensive. They’re also used to express love and admiration— so clearly I’ve gotten my fair share,” she flips her hair, jokingly (though it is true). “Maybe the kitchen will have some of the fancier chocolates! It’s almost like… this house is providing for us.”

[sagramore]

"Oh, I think it is. Presumably there's some reason it wants to spare us from my cooking." Her hair flip makes him smile, though he is definitely filing away the information that chocolate is a love-gift. "I'm not surprised you have admirers."

[ravkanwitch]

Nina smiles. “I did, back in Ketterdam. I worked at the House of the White Rose, where all the most desirable women worked.”

The tone of voice is ironic but also indicates that this is probably the sort of house he thinks it is.

[sagramore]

"I should think you'd have them anywhere."

[ravkanwitch]

“Do I have them here?” She asks him with a bit of a teasing tone - though he may note that her heart isn’t completely in flirting today.

[sagramore]

"At least one, if he can be trusted," he teases back, but his expression is soft. "Are you well?"

[ravkanwitch]

"I'm... I'm okay." She pauses, considers. "No, I am okay - but it's been a strange day."

[sagramore]

"Aye?" There's just enough of an offer for talk if she wants, but space for her to deflect, too.

[ravkanwitch]

“I was feeling a little useless… if I’m going to be honest. But I think did some good today.” She gives him a little smile.

[sagramore]

"What do you like to do?"

[ravkanwitch]

The question catches her off guard a little. “For fun?”

[sagramore]

"Mmm. If you were at home, not feeling useless."

[ravkanwitch]

“What makes me feel useful? Revenge schemes, maybe. Stabbing a man who deserves it,” she says with a little laugh, rubbing her face. “No, I suppose… helping people. Sorry, it isn’t the best answer. I haven’t really had much fun in the past year or so.”

[sagramore]

He does laugh at the first part and interject, "Nothing wrong with that." And then, "What would you do for fun? Not to feel useful, but to please yourself?"

[ravkanwitch]

Nina is silent for a long moment, thinking. What would make her happier?

“If I’m going to be honest, Sagramore… I’d like nothing more than quiet evening and a nice dinner with some friends.”

[sagramore]

He's quiet for a moment, giving space to that thought, as if he appreciates the comfort of it. Then he says, "I know I'm not the friends you're missing, and I won't be offended if you say no, but I'd enjoy a dinner with you."

[ravkanwitch]

“I would love nothing more,” Nina beams. “Though perhaps… we can leave the cooking to somebody else.”