Video 愛 un: companioning

[companioning]

[The feed flickers a few times as Inara pokes at her phone a few times. Finally it steadies and Inara shakes her head.]

Bàoqiàn. I'm sorry, I'm still attempting to get use to these communication devices.

[She settles back and offers a charming smile before briefly dipping her head.]

Nín hǎo? For those of you I've failed to meet, I'm Inara Serra and still relatively new here. [She draws in a deep breath before continuing on.] Now I know that there are a great deal of you came from Earth, and while I find that truly fascinating and would love to hear some of your stories concerning it, I'm interested in knowing just where everyone else comes from.

I ask because though my ancestors come from Earth, though, no one has lived on Earth for centuries. I was born and raised on a planet called Sihnon. I trained there as well but before coming here, I'd spent a good year traveling between the different planets and various moons of our system.

[She takes a small sip of her tea before giving a brief nod of her head. She might have borrowed a teapot and some cups.]

I can't offer much, but I've only just made a fresh pot of tea and I'd be willing to share it with anyone who wouldn't mind telling me about where they come from.


((OOC: hover over Chinese for translations))

Comments

[inaurare]

Out of necessity, I think...

[with a gentle laugh and a shake of his head-]

Well, my living there doesn't mean I was well-travelled in my country's parts either...! I was in service since childhood so it was not exactly an easy thing for me to travel...

[companioning]

I think I'm finding that a lot of things might happen out of necessity here...

[Which is still odd to think about, but she's attempting to be as open minded as possible.]

Truly? [Her head cants a bit to the side as she studies him.] What was the service you provided, if you don't mind me asking.

[inaurare]

I cannot promise it gets easier...

[but he only finds himself cast into befuddlement only once or twice a week, so that is an improvement?]

Oh; nothing of any consequence...

[lies; and he has picked the wrong person with which to try this play. Certainly one as skilled in reading people as Inara will be able to tell there is something he is plainly sidestepping]

I was only five years old when I was-- sold away. So whatever small tasks can be set a child...

[companioning]

[She casts him a knowing look because she can tell there's something he's hiding or just doesn't care to talk about. She understands but... still.]

To be so young, that's.... I find it sad. [She's never been fond of slavery of any type.] But, you don't look to be a child anymore so I'm sure your small tasks grew into something more....

[inaurare]

They did that, yes...

[he catches the look, acknowledges it if only with a dip of his head. The rest... it is not for discussing in polite company...]

It was... necessary, I think. I was only young but I can't say I remember my father so much, or any family at all.

[and he cannot expect ever to understand it fully, with the two men party to the decision long dead.]

But the house was my home, to all intents and purposes.

[companioning]

[Her heart melts a little and she can't help but think of what a sad way that must have been to grow up. At least she'd had the choice and she hadn't done anything until she was much older.]

I'm a very good listener should you ever wish to truly talk...

[And maybe it would be good for her to talk too. Maybe it would be good for both of them. Besides, she could tell him about her profession and maybe, that would help some.]

[inaurare]

[another of those acquiescent little dips of his head]

Thank you, that's very kind. I will remember the offer.

[whether he intends to take her up on it, well. The full story is more than most bargain for - many find his origins distasteful enough. Even though he has learned at least here is it not a mark against him - that he was a servant - so much as the world he came from, he is careful about disclosing even that never mind the rest...

It wouldn't be fair, loading that onto her shoulders.]

What of the world you came from, Miss Serra? You already mentioned its name, forgive me...

[companioning]

[She smiles and nods her head, figuring that the conversation about him is over until he decides to bring it up again. She's really not the type to push and she doesn't wish to make him uncomfortable.]

Please, call me Inara. But where I come, it's a planet called Sihnon. It's one of the most beautiful planets from where I come from. I was lucky enough to be born there and raised as well. Once I was old enough, I was accepted to one of the great training houses there.