elnysa | video, un: orientalism

[It looks like he's been crying recently, his eyes and cheeks red. He sniffles and scrubs at his eyes a little, trying to collect himself more before he speaks.]

It's nice, up here. Truly it is. I love having the exhibition hall -- I can go look at the flowers whenever I like. Maybe I'll be able to find a little box, or something? I have these seeds I wanted to plant.

And of course I'm happy that we've all made it, and we're safe, and the dragon isn't a problem anymore. Or at least I hope he isn't. I feel bad for him, though, it wasn't his fault --

I suppose it doesn't matter now, does it. [He frets at the sleeve of his shirt a bit, glancing down and away]

It's only that -- well I'm not trying to sound ungrateful, we do have this lovely ship that we can all live on.

Only that it feels a bit unfair, I suppose. We all had our homes taken away, some of us quite recently, and then our new homes vanished as well.

I don't know right now, if I'd rather return to the planet, if we could, or to stay here. It could be nice to stay here! I could meet some of the people I've only spoken to over communicators, or had only just met before -- everything. Madame Fraser, I'd like to see her again. Oh and I never got to meet Mademoiselle Blossom! We could share poetry, perhaps? It would be easier to get together, this way.

Mademoiselle Jessica, I hope you're all right, as well, and settling in.

[The boy sighs and sniffles again, wiping a little at his nose, self consciously.] I suppose I'm craving some stability.

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It's all right. I know you're not the only one feeling this way. We're all in a terrible situation, and you've been very brave, I'm sure. Do you always try to find the silver lining?

I do, yes. I've been criticized for it, sometimes, but someone has to, I feel? There's always the chance that things will improve sooner rather than later.

That's right. Stay in the dark too long and soon that's all you can see.

Now. [Optimism is a heavy burden, at times.] What can I do to brighten your day, Jehan?

Oh I think that's beautifully said. [He rests his chin on his hand and smiles more broadly this time.] I'd very much like to visit you again, whenever you had the time. I'm certain you're busy -- are you still tending to people, up here?

I have time. [Less patients to juggle and more dealing with the arrival of Bree and Fergus, but she can make time.] I'd be very happy to see you again in person.

Sometimes -- [He lowers his voice a little, because he feels bad.] I love my friends dearly, you understand. But they do fight quite a lot. Mostly about politics which is -- fine, Enjolras is quite passionate about it, as am I, but --

It would be very nice to have a quiet, simple conversation, for once.

Then we will have that. No politics and no yelling. I promise.

It's much appreciated, madame.

Perhaps we could talk about plants and herbs instead! I would love, still, to know how you came to be so knowledgeable as to start an apothecary.

It's not a very long or interesting story, but if that's what you wish, I can't deny you.

Well you could, if you wanted to. I won't make you tell me, of course. That would be silly.

I don't mind. I just don't want to bore you, sweetheart.

Oh but I love to hear other people's stories! I find people so completely fascinating.

Then I'll tell you whatever you'd like. It's no trouble.

Oh well, let's see. How did you first find interest in plants, I suppose? Have you always been interested, or was it out of necessity here.

Oh!! My friend has given me a lovely box to plant my new seeds in. Will they be all right, growing all together?

It was suggest to me by my husband, at the time. Something to keep me busy. I ended up liking it more than either of us thought I would.

Perhaps not all of them, Jehan. I'd wait until we're able to go back home. You can plant some of them in other boxes or pots, or in the ground.

Oh -- yes, that's a much better idea. But perhaps a few, here? To tide me over until we get back home.

[There's an edge of doubt there. A quiet if in his sentence, but he smiles through it.]

[Claire relents. God only knows how long they'll be away.]

All right. But how about instead of your new box, we use a cup or bowl? You can always put your plant in the box later.

Oh! Can you plant in a cup or a bowl? I had not idea! I thought perhaps they needed more room but -- well I suppose it's not too different from a pot.

Though Grantaire did go through the trouble of finding me the box, it would be a shame not to use it, after that effort.

You can. It'll be easier to transport than a box. The box should be used at home, where it can sit and not be jostled about if we have to move in a hurry.

Oh I see! I'm very glad I asked you, then. I will save the box for when we are settled. Grantaire thinks it needs some painting and redoing, so that will give us the time we need to spruce it up.

You see? Because a spruce is a sort of tree!

It was a joke.

[Oh... oh lord, that's a pun. Claire laughs.]

You're a very sweet young man, Jehan.

[Oh dear. The apples of his cheeks and the edges of his ears turn a bright pink and he ducks his head to try to hide the fierce blush.]

Thank you, ma'am. I think you're quite lovely. Not -- before your husband gets terribly upset with me -- not in a romantic way, though it's very clear that anyone who met you would find you lovely in a romantic way.

No, I mean that you've been quite kind to me, and your kindness is appreciated.

[He's adorable. Far too adorable to have to deal with all the bullshit lately, but alas, there's little Claire can do about that.]

Thank you, Jehan, and don't you worry.

You're free to call me Claire. We're friends, are we not?

video, un: orientalism

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