4/13/99

You say "*very quietly* Van'chela? Are you awake?" into the communit.

Your communit crackles to life and blares "Yeah, awake and relatively coherant." in Tarrant's voice.

You say "Are you all right? That is, is there anything that I can get for you?" into the communit.

Your communit crackles to life and announces "I'm fine. Clara came by, although I am given to understand she was not supposed to. She has informed me if I behave she may let me out of this imprisonment tomorrow afternoon." in Tarrant's voice.

You say "She was not supposed to do so? Do you know why? And tomorrow afternoon is quite soon--you do not have much longer to wait." into the communit.

Your communit crackles to life and says "She had been placed on a day's medical leave. Yeah, just one more night. I can manage that." in Tarrant's voice.

You say "*concern* I do hope she is all right. And one more night is not much, and then you will be able to go back to your closet." into the communit.

Your communit crackles to life and announces "She seemed all right. One of the others came along and ran her out. I suppose I should have done so, but I couldn't bring myself to do so." in Tarrant's voice.

You say "*pause* Would you like some company, van'chela? There is that which I must finish here, but I can come down and try to keep you from becoming too bored, if you like." into the communit.

Your communit crackles to life and announces "I would not wish to interfere with your work, Corian. Finishing things that need finishing is best." in Tarrant's voice.

You say "*pause* All.. right, then. Perhaps after I finish, then? If you need to rest, though, of course, I can remain here." into the communit.

Your communit crackles to life and announces "No, I...I would very much like to see you, if you can spare the time. I just do not wish to interfere more than I already have. After you finish would be wonderful, if you've the time?" in Tarrant's voice.

You say "Oh, I certainly have the time, yes. I can only manage too much translation at one sitting, after all. I'll be most glad for the break." into the communit.

Your communit crackles to life and announces "Whenever you've the time for a visit then, I'll be here." in Tarrant's voice.

You say "I do not have much more to complete. I will comm you before I come down, does that suit?" into the communit.

Your communit crackles to life and says "Perfectly, my thanks." in Tarrant's voice.

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

You say "I will see you soon, then." into the communit.

Your communit crackles to life and announces "I will await your presence with pleasure." in Tarrant's voice.

[Time passes.]

You say "Van'chela, I've managed to complete my work, at least for the moment. Are you still desiring company--and have you eaten?" into the communit.

Your communit crackles to life and says "I still would greatly appreciate company, and I have more or less eaten, yes." in Tarrant's voice.

You say "More or less? *amused* More more, or less?" into the communit.

Your communit crackles to life and blares "I guess it depends on your point of view. I honestly do not consider broth or applesauce real foods. I mean why make applesauce anyhow? Did someone at some point get -offended- at the apple and wish to squish it?" in Tarrant's voice.

You say "*pause* Are you not able to eat... real food, then? That really does not sound like an appealing meal." into the communit.

Your communit crackles to life and blares "I don't know, I didn't ask. I'm not terribly worried. If I get out of here tomorrow and all, I can survive it." in Tarrant's voice.

[Travelspam to Tarrant's room deleted.]

Corian observes, with a quick smile, "I thought this would be better than continuing via the comm." She comes into the room and moves to perch on the chair. She hangs on to her hands, though, at least for now.

Tarrant is half-propped up in the bed, looking perhaps a little harried. As you enter he relaxes noticably, half-grinning, alert if a bit fuzzy around the edges. "Hello there. Yeah, certainly a little more efficent. Has your day been pleasant?"

Corian inclines her head. "Rather, yes, despite an overexposure to the Gileni delegates," she replies, lips quirking with amusement. "And you? You spent this morning running a marathon, yes?"

Tarrant snaps his fingers lightly, "Darn, and I was hoping to surprise you with that. I even got fourth place...I'm sure I have the trophy around here -somewhere-." He pats absently at the blanket as if looking for something in the oversized bed. He adds more seriously, "I just hung around this morning. Clara and I had a long and rather philisophical discussion. She seems to agree with you on the matter of my sanity."

Corian inclines her head fractionally. "I am somehow not surprised by that," she observes, with a quick smile. "I am glad she told you, though. Maybe someday you will believe it--though I suppose that would be rather unfortunate. I was recently informed of my own lunatic tendencies, you see, and it is nice to be near someone who at least thinks that he shares them."

"You're a lunatic too?" Tarrant questions, sounding genuinely puzzled. There's a brief pause, "I guess that explains a lot."

Corian nods to that, shifting to sit lotus-style in the chair. She's wearing pants, so it's not potentially indecent. "Honalee informed me of that. But what does it explain, van'chela?"

"And Honalee is usually correct about such things?" Tarrant questions with an amiable half-smile, relaxing still further in the comfort of your presence. "Explain? Well, the fact that you put up with -me- for example. And why all the kids like you. Kids like lunatics."

Corian considers that for a moment. "She says it is genetic, so I suppose that she has had plenty of time to observe it. And putting up with you..." She hesitates for a moment, then shakes her head, with a quick smile. "That does not require lunacy, van'chela. It is quite an easy thing to do." Your final statement, however, elicits a brief laugh. "I merely treat them like people, rather than a separate species--though sometimes it can be difficult to tell which is which."

Tarrant twitches a hand lightly at the edge of the blanket. He's not hiding hands beneath it for warmth anymore, someone has kindly turned the heat up in the room a degree or two. "Well, it's good to know you're a lunatic at least. The world needs more of them. Yup."

Corian nods her agreement to that, expression just a bit amused. "Rather, yes. Hona was somewhat disappointed, though, poor woman. Perhaps another of her descendants will prove to be free from the family lunacy."

Tarrant stifles a quiet laugh, regarding you in amusement, "Well, if it has bred true thus far, pardon if I don't hold my breath, doncha' know. It seems like you may be doomed to it. Still, it's a cheerful doom. What made her deem you a lunatic?"

Corian replies, after a brief pause, "She has decided that I lack a sane fear of danger. I suppose she's right about that, though I am not sure that such should put me in the lunatic category. If it pleases her to call me that, though, I will not argue--not to her face, at least."

That elicits a half-fuzzy smile from Tarrant, "There is a difference between not fearing danger and dealing with it. One -is- insane. The other...well really isn't. I mean danger is scary. But sometimes it has to be dealt with."

Corian nods thoughtfully to that, though a hint of a shadow briefly crosses her face. "Yes," she says slowly. "Yes, it does sometimes. Hopefully, you will get a bit of a break from that, though."

"At least now things will be back to normal danger, stuff I'm trained to deal with. This having an insider thing was not pretty. But it's over now." Tarrant replies rather thoughtfully. "And normally it's not like this at all."

You have been here for 0 years, 5 months, and 23 days.

Corian nods thoughtfully to that. "It will be relatively safe danger, yes," she says, a hint of humor in her tone, though she's still not smiling. "I am still considering making inquiries into re-joining the department. I believe that decision, though, should still wait a bit. After all, I have seven months left of my contract here, though my employers seem to be amenable to the occasional random disappearance."

"Yeah, seven months would seem a reasonable length of thinking time." Tarrant looks a bit sheepish, "I guess I'm a bad one to comment on such a decision, considering I've not done much else. Still, it really isn't normally like this. Things are more...planned."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Corian nods her agreement to that. "I know that, van'chela," she says, with a quick smile. "After all, I do have some small amount of experience with the organization."

Tarrant nods to that, offering another fuzzy smile. "I know, goodness I could not forget. I just... I don't know, don't want recent events to color your opinion."

Corian nods once more, absently shifting a bit closer to you in the chair. "Of course, Tarrant. That is, in part, why I am waiting to decide." She pauses a beat, then suggests, "Perhaps you should get a bit of sleep? You look somewhat as if you are in need of it."

Tarrant looks rather sheepish for a moment, but shakes his head rather quickly. "It's the drugs. They're evil and mind controlling and vicious."

Corian reaches to straighten your blanket, whether it is in need of straightening or not. "Well, at least it is keeping you in bed, so you can rest and recover. You -will- take it easy for a little while once Clara releases you," she adds, "Won't you? It seems like you have been racking up injuries rather quickly; your body could use a break."

"I will certainly endeavor to do so. At least if taking it easy does not mean a lack of trees and playgrounds. If it means refraining from being an evil sneaky guy, that I can manage." Tarrant replies absently, half bemused. "Staying in bed is not entirely amazing. Trees are better."

Corian chuckles very quietly at that, settling back in the chair. "Playgrounds and trees are therapeutic," she decides. "I would, I think, be happy if you could manage to remain on this planet for a bit. Would that suit you?"

Tarrant nods with another half-fuzzy smile, "That I think I can manage. I am looking forward to dragging a book out to that tree. Or maybe setting a pit trap up for whoever does rooms here."

Corian blinks at that, then inquires, "So you are going to attempt to get an actual room, rather than a modified closet? Excellent, that is wonderful. You certainly need more suitable accomodations."

"I have been trying since the beginning. It is not the size I object to. I just would like hot water, and maybe a stove." Tarrant muses, half adjusting to regard you better. "I am somewhat spoiled and like access to both of these things."

Corian, expression amused, observes, "And those are such unreasonable requests, van'chela." With a quiet chuckle, she observes, "Should you have the desire to cook, of course, you may use my facilities whenever you wish." She does not, however, offer her shower. That wouldn't quite be proper, and she'd blush too much if she even considered it.

Tarrant smiles rather absently at that, "I owe you dinner several times as it is. Bribing you with food certainly seems like a potentially good idea. It couldn't hurt..." He would probably also look rather startled were you to offer such a thing, and in this be fuzzed state would probably say something -really- innapropriate.

Corian shakes her head, reaching over to rest a hand lightly on your arm, careful of the bruises. "Bribery is unnecessary, van'chela. I enjoy cooking, especially when there is someone to share it. Though I would be glad to share a meal with you, no matter who cooked."

It's just amazing how much of an improvement on Tarrant's day having your hand on his arm is. Almost hesitantly he brings his be-tubed hand over to half cover yours, affirming its presence, but not entrapping it. "But bribery is -fun-. After all I am evil and immoral and enjoy such things." There's a pause, "Especially if eggplant is involved."

Corian pokes you very gently with one finger, though she leaves her hand on your arm. "You are hardly evil and immoral," she chides, voice as gentle as the poke. "Though eggplant would be very good. One can never have too much eggplant."

"Eggplant is key, especially with cheese and bread crumbs, and..." Tarrant pauses, snickering softly. "Okay, this is perhaps not the best conversational topic considering hospital food optionage."

Corian nods to that, a hint of sympathy crossing her face. "Tomorrow evening, if you are released tomorrow afternoon, we should have dinner, yes?" And then she dismisses the topic, adding, slowly, "If you are unable to get a room, van'chela... well, if you find a need for hot water, you are welcome to use my bathroom. It allows a bit of privacy, after all." And she's not altogether sure what you've been doing.

"I think that sounds like a wonderful idea. I will not starve before tomorrow evening." Tarrant blinks a few times at the offer of hot water, "I appreciate the offer, but I'll stick to cold water in my own shower. I don't think you'd really much appreciate some strange guy in your bathroom."

Corian casts a quick smile to you. "You are hardly 'some strange guy'," she replies. "But as you wish. I, however, would much prefer to avoid that much exposure to cold water."

"I'm definately a strange guy," Tarrant murmurs, looking decidedly amused. "Besides, you're not supposed to let assassins shower in your house. It's like feeding stray cats. Next thing you know I'll be pawing at your door and meowing."

Corian blinks at you for a moment, then dissolves into quiet laughter, relaxing enough to take your hand. Oh, the horror. "That would be an entertaining sight, van'chela. And you are most definitely an original." See, that's a nice way to say 'strange'. "As you will, of course. I will certainly not force you into my shower if you would rather avoid it." And, yes, she says that with utter innocence.

"Don't think I'd object to being forced into a shower by a pretty lady," Urm, perhaps talking with Tarrant this drugged is dangerous. "Hey. Do you think it would work if I went to the people who organize room assignments and meowed at them?"

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Oh, dear. It's not quite dangerous, but it's certainly embarrassing for Corian, as suggested by that lovely shade she turns. "Ah... meowing. Perhaps that would work, yes. Though it might disturb them as well."

Tarrant is out of it enough to be entirely unaware of how embarassing a comment that was and is instead somewhat mystified by the funny color you're turning. His hand over yours pats almost comfortingly. "Hey, they can't assign me anything any scarier than they already -have-. Could it hurt?" There's a pause, "You okay."

Corian nods quickly, giving your hand a reassuring squeeze--gentle, as everything seems to be. "Ahh... yes, I am fine." She smiles. See? Fine. Time for a segue. "So. You and Clara had a discussion this afternoon, yes? Was it enjoyable?"

Tarrant nods to that, obviously reassured by the gesture. "We discussed my parents, and sanity, and deer. Various random conversational topics. I wasn't gonna be picky, anything she wanted to talk about so she'd stay."

Corian's blush fades, slowly but surely. "She is good company to have," she says slowly. "I am glad that she was able to spend some time with you."

"I was glad she could come by, even if she wasn't supposed to be. The Major ran her off. It was fairly amusing to watch her fleeing," Tarrant muses, chuckling quietly.

Corian chuckles softly. "Major Langely?" she inquires. "He seems to be a very capable man. It is good that she has him looking after her, though." She pauses a beat, then says slowly, "I do hope you haven't been too bored, here."

"Not really bored as such, no. It's been a bit odd though. Not something I intend to repeat, ever." Tarrant nods to the first, "I believe that's the one. He's quite amusing. It is good someone looks out for her, as she looks out for everybody else."

Corian nods firmly to that. "I very much agree that you should not repeat such an incident, van'chela. I very much like to have you in one piece, with the appropriate number of openings, and no scorches or bruises." She rubs her thumb lightly over your fingers, her quick smile and brief head-ducking suggesting that, for once, she's aware of the gesture.

Tarrant's hand gently squeezes atop yours, although he does not comment, not wanting to scare you off, but wanting to show his appreciation for the gesture. "I shall endeavor to remain in one piece and all, so as to meet with your preferences." There's a pause, "Not to mention, random extraneous holes aren't a lot of fun."

With another nod, Corian observes lightly, "I have noticed that, in fact." She regards you for a moment, gray eyes serious, then says, "You were very lucky, van'chela, that you were not more badly injured. I was..." She takes a moment before she can continue. "I was very worried."

"Lucky, yeah, Pritchett didn't have enough warning to turn the power level up on his bolter. And I jumped too..." Tarrant looks a bit chagrined. "But I am sorry, I honestly didn't wish to worry you. I guess.. I don't know what I thought."

Corian's gaze lingers on you for a moment longer, then drops to regard her hand and yours. She inquires, very quietly, "How could you think that I would not worry? I do... care very much for you, after all."

"I don't know, perhaps I am simply unaccustomed to having people who will worry. I just, I guess I did not think you would overmuch. Kind of like a stuffed toy. Nice to have around, but not worried about." Okay, so Tarrant's attempt at explaining makes little sense. It's not the drugs fault this time.

Corian still speaks very quietly. "Well... so that you know for sure, I did worry, and will very likely worry in the future as well, though I do not believe it will be quite so bad as this most recent incident. It is one thing to know of the possibility that you will be injured, but quite another to believe it a certainty."

"Well now I know. And I won't be doing that again. I learned. Very pointedly I learned," Tarrant says quietly, looking still quite chagrined. "I do not wish to upset you."

Corian finally does look at your face once more. "Thank you, Tarrant," she says, with a small smile. "I do appreciate that. It was... somewhat unpleasant, at that. But you are here, now, and mending, and so life is markedly better."

"Nope, not mending. I'm darning. Got any socks with holes in them?" Tarrant's question is semi-innocent, although amusement does lurk in his eyes despite their vague be-fuzzment. "I am glad to be here, rather than there. You're here."

"I am here," Corian agrees quietly, with a short laugh. "And I am afraid that I do not own any such socks, which is quite a shame. I would not mind putting your time to good use, after all. Perhaps I can ask around and find some, if you like?"

Tarrant chuckles quietly, gently squeezing your hand. "That's okay, though I appreciate the offer. I think I'll manage to survive til tomorrow afternoon without fixing random socks. I am glad it is just one more night however."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Corian nods to that. "As am I," she says, with a brief smile. "I would prefer that you be comfortable, after all, and your... paranoia does not seem to sit well with this room. I do not quite understand it, though," she adds. "You seem to be fine in my quarters."

"That's because -you're- in your quarters," Tarrant answers almost absently. "See, there's a difference."

Corian pauses a beat. "Well, van'chela," she says slowly. "I am here now. I will stay as much as I can."

"You gotta' work though, and sleep, and stuff. That's okay, you don't have to be here. It's a weird situation." Tarrant answers, trying to take more care with his words. "I am sorry, I am being a pest."

After a long hesitation, Corian says slowly, "But I would rather be with you. Work... work can be done at other times. That which I have to do is without much of a deadline." After another pause, she adds, still slowly, and with that about-to-flee manner that you had when you made your declaration, "And I could sleep here--in the chair, that is. It folds out, it would most certainly be comfortable."

Tarrant squeezes your hand a little more tightly, as if by that he could somehow prevent you from fleeing. "I'd appreciate that." He admits quietly. "I would not ask that of you, in fear of offending you. But, I would very much appreciate it."

"Well, then." Corian takes a deep breath, with a quick, rather shaky smile. "I suppose I will stay, then. And, van'chela," she adds, with a smile that is somewhat more honest, and holding a hint of humor, "I am not quite so easily offended as you think, I believe."

Tarrant looks more than a little relieved at the fact you will be staying, and because you're not fleeing. He can't quite entirely restrain a grateful sigh. He echoes the smile rather shyly, "I think I am learning that. One thing at a time."

Corian nods amiably to that. "Slowly but surely, yes," she agrees. "You need not learn everything at once, Tarrant. There... there will be plenty of time for us to figure out these things."

"I do not wish to learn everything at once. I think that would be complicated. My brain's gelatin anyhow right now." Tarrant explains quietly, still carefully holding onto your hand. "Still, learning things is good. So I do not worry you, or annoy you, or tie your shoelaces together."

Corian glances down at her shoes, which are slip-ons. "Many of my shoes do not have laces," she notes, "So tying them together would be somewhat difficult. And sometimes annoyance is necessary."

"I could attach shoelaces to them first," Tarrant offers relatively innocently, grinning in amusement. "Annoyance is -necessary-?" He pauses, "You mean my sister was -right-?"

Corian nods very seriously, despite the gleam of mirth in her eyes. "Of course. Sisters are inherently right, van'chela. This is one of those things that you must learn."

Tarrant sighs in quiet resignation. "Sisters are deeply evil is what they are. Especially little sisters. I am not sure I can master this concept of always rightness."

Corian repeats, with a short laugh, "There is time. And sisters can be deeply evil and still be inherently right."

Tarrant ahhs softly, giving a briefly bright grin. "Ohhh, as long as the concepts are not mutually exclusive. I shall have to call Sarah and inform her of her sudden status promotion."

Corian absolutely beams at that. "I'm glad of that, van'chela. Sisters generally need to hear when their brothers have come to see the light."

Tarrant can't help but smile as you beam. He's not sure why exactly, but when you smile he just has an overwhelming desire to do the same. "Then I'll hafta' do that soon then. It's been a long time since I've talked to her."

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

Corian inclines her head. "Soon would be good, then. Family--or my family, at least--tends to become someone less than pleased when they perceive themselves to be neglected."

"Mine's kinda' used to it by now I guess." Tarrant muses, squeezing your hand briefly, reflexively. "The job kinda throws me out of touch a lot. But when I have time I make sure to call. That goes on the list with tree climbing I think, after I get to escape."

Corian nods her understanding to that. "Of course, van'chela. The job does hinder that, I understand that. Goodness knows my own family was rather neglected while I was working for the department. And you should, of course, wait until you are able to leave this room. I suppose it would be interesting if you were able to comm her from the tree," she adds, with a brief laugh.

"Calling with tubes sticking out of me would probably invite questions I'd rather not invite." Tarrant agrees quietly, half twitching the IVd hand. "Comming her from the tree would at least be -different-." He pauses, "I wonder if they'd let me build a tree house in the Atrium."

Corian shakes her head. "Probably not, I am afraid, though you could possibly coax some of the plants to grow a bit more, to that end. The children would approve of a tree house, at least."

"There's that big tree in the middle. It'd be big enough. Much nicer to live in than my closet." Tarrant really does seem somewhat alert, despite the lunacy of his rambling and the overdialation of his pupils.

Corian shakes her head very slowly. "There would not be much privacy in a treehouse, though, van'chela. And I would be less likely to visit you if you were there, I believe. But perhaps you could see about building one in the park? The diplomats could hardly object to that." Sure they could, but Corian is an optimist.

"Less likely to visit?" Tarrant is brought up quite short from this idea. "No living in a treehouse." There's a pause and he half-nods. "That'd be better. More folks can go to the park than the Atrium."

Corian nods to that, with a warm smile. "That was my thought as well, yes," gently squeezing your hand. "Thank you. That actually sounds like an entertaining project--almost as much fun as riding a roller coaster." No, she hasn't forgotten about that.

"Roller coasters." Tarrant sounds a little dubious, but anything that gives him the excuse to be with you. "They certainly look...fascinating."

Corian says gently, "You need not ride them if you would prefer not to do so, van'chela. But I believe that it is something that you would enjoy. And how will you know," she adds, pragmatism touched with just a hint of thoughtfulness, "If you do not try?"

Tarrant looks rather sheepishly amused, nodding. "True enough. I will try it. You just must promise not to laugh too hard if I panic overmuch."

Corian smiles at that. "Of course I will not laugh at you, van'chela. Panic can be part of the joy of rollercoasters, as long as it does not get out of hand." After a brief pause, she reiterates, a bit more quietly, "I will not laugh."

"You can laugh," Tarrant explains with an amused grin, "Just in moderation perhaps? I'm silly I know. It is all the screaming I suppose. I do not normally figure screaming and fun to go together."

Oh, it's a good thing Kathlyn isn't here. Corian doesn't even consider what would immediately spring to Kathlyn's mind, however, instead saying lightly, "In this case, however, they do. I still do not believe I will laugh, though. I will just be glad for a companion on the coaster."

Oooh, now Tarrant's been upgraded to companion. Maybe he's a golden retriever. "I am certainly willing to try it. I have done sillier things certainly. And besides, it looks like a pretty park."

Corian nods firmly to that. "From what I have seen, it is a very lovely park. It will be nice to get out and about a bit, even without the coasters."

Tarrant shifts slightly on the bed, the various blanketage rustling softly. He moves half onto his side so he can regard you better. "And it will be lovelier if you're there." Lots and lots of drugs. "Getting out of the building's a good thing once and a while. Getting away from these folks, it clears the head."

Corian's gaze shifts to her hand once more--the one that you've got. "Tarrant... it really isn't necessary for you to make comments like that. I am not objecting, mind--but it is not necessary."

Tarrant looks rather exceedingly sheepish, going back and realizing what he said. "Would you prefer that I didn't say such things?"

Corian shakes her head rather quickly. "It is not a matter of preference. I do not mind it either way, I just do not wish you to feel obligated in any way."

"I do not feel obligated," Tarrant explains quietly, making sure that he's not clinging to your hand, although he does not remove his hand from atop it. He can't quite go that far, still worried you're going to escape. "I just...It occurs to me and I say it. It is the truth, it is not something I am just saying to have something to say. If it makes you feel uncomfortable I can stop."

Corian shakes her head just a bit, apparently not quite believing that she can actually inspire such commentary. "It does not make me feel quite uncomfortable. I just... never mind. It is not important. Would you like something to drink?" Hello, awkward segue.

Tarrant is still be-fuzzed enough he's not sure if the segue was awkward or if he's just confused. "You just?" He does however nod to the latter question, "If you wouldn't mind too terribly? Something to drink would be wonderful."

Corian gets her hand back once more, lightly standing. She moves to rummage a bit, and returns with, "Water okay? Considering your sumptuous dinner, I am uncertain just what you are able to drink, but it seems like water should be unobjectionable."

Corian gets her hand back once more, lightly standing. She moves to rummage a bit, and returns with, "Water okay? Considering your sumptuous dinner, I am uncertain just what you are able to drink, but it seems like water should be unobjectionable."

"Water would be wonderful. That was what I had earlier, I doubt there'd be any objection." Tarrant replies, looking saddened that the hand has gone away, but figuring you're glad to reclaim it.

Corian offers a bottle, neatly fitted with some sort of straw-type arrangement. "There you go." She curls up in the chair once more. "If there is anything else, van'chela, I am here to help, after all, and I do not mind doing so."

Tarrant accepts the bottle, shifting up a bit on the various pillowage to access it better. "Thank you, it's greatly appreciated." He takes a long sip from the water, in fact looking quite pleased about the introduction of water into his existance. "Just being here is an awful lot of help. I must admit, I was going crazy earler, when the drugs were hitting much harder."

Corian says gently, "If I could have helped, then you should have commed me. I would have been more than glad to put aside my work to come keep you company. The work is not, after all, that important in the grand scheme of things."

"You have better things to do," Tarrant re-iterates quietly, "Than keeping idiots company. Especially earlier when I could barely count past ten."

Corian regards you for a moment, chewing lightly on her upper lip. "Isn't it really my place to decide what my priorities are?" she inquires. "I appreciate the thought, van'chela, but I think I would rather be with you." Her gaze flicks away at that, back to her lap and the embroidery on her pants.

You faintly hear a chime mark the hour.

"I'm not going to object," Tarrant says quietly, settling the bottle aside and slumping back into his former position. "I'd much rather have you here. You can fend off the suspicious lady who keeps making -disturbing- remarks about sponges."

Corian's brows lift rather abruptly. "Disturbing remarks about sponges?" she echoes. "Is this the sort of thing I would rather not hear?"

"It's the sort of thing -I'd- rather not hear, so probably." Tarrant murmurs, half glancing towards the door. "And she keeps -leering-."

Corian all but bristles at that, though she manages to control her reaction after a moment. "Who was it?" she inquires, mildly enough. "Was it one of the nurses? That really does not seem especially professional."

"The blonde nurse, with the oversized blue eyes that make her look like one of those ceramic figurines purchased by disturbing middle aged women. Precious something or another. The children with no mouths. I always worried about them. How did they -eat-?" Tarrant rambles more or less on. Yes, he's trying to explain Giani.

Corian really can't be annoyed, not when your rambling is so entertaining. Her lips twitch with amusement. "Well," she decides. "I will be here, and if this woman makes an appearance, I will inform her that no sponges are necessary--and that no leering is necessary, as well."

"I -think- she was attempting to be friendly, but I was a little too drugged, and had had altogether too little sleep and was simply disturbed." Tarrant explains absently. "Defense from overly cheerful people would be appreciated, yep."

Corian inquires, with a vaguely mystified glance at the IV setup, "Did Clara lower the amount of cortrazime, then? You seem to be quite coherent now, after all, as these things go." She leans lightly against the arm of the chair, resting her hands on the bed. (The hand is a fickle creature, prone to sudden flights.)

"I think she must have, or somebody did. Or maybe I'm better at ignoring it than I was. Probably lowering it though. I was having a lot more trouble earlier than I am now." Tarrant does not make any sudden moves, not wishing to scare off the hands, simply reveling in being this close to you, despite the situation.

Corian says pleasantly, "Well, then, that seems to be a good sign, either way that goes. And I am most glad that you are no longer having quite so much trouble. This is not a drug that I have experienced, but it certainly seems rather disconcerting."

"It is pretty disconcerting. On one hand it's very nice, it does stop the pain very efficently." Tarrant's words are still entirely comprehensible, although his volume has dropped a bit. "Still, there's a tendency to say things rather more freely than normal."

Corian hesitates for a moment. "Well, yes," she says slowly. "I have noticed that. But it is not necessarily a bad thing, yes? Sometimes it can be difficult to say things."

"Yeah, somedays it can be almost impossible. But in saying them...it's like the weight of it's gone." Tarrant muses quietly, "Things may work, or they may backfire, but at least it's said and out there and things are simpler, if not easier. Still, it is kind of odd."

Corian takes a deep breath, though she nods. "I... yes, simpler. Sometimes it most certainly is simpler merely to say things. But... well, what if one is uncertain as to what to say?"

"Uncertain?" Tarrant considers in his rather vague state, "I usually ramble then. Thinking aloud sometimes helps. Sometimes the very act of voicing something helps make decisions. S'why I ramble a lot. Rambling is my friend."

Corian is silent for a long moment. "I am not especially prone to rambling, though," she murmurs. Gaze flicking to your face, she says, with a faint smile, "You say that you love me, Tarrant. How... how do you know this?"

Uh-oh, she's asking tricky questions. Tarrant is more than willing to give it a shot though, proving he does ramble indeed, "Um, well, that's not easy, this is the first time I've ever felt like this. I guess... I guess it's that I'd rather be with you than anybody else. When you're gone I feel as if something important's been taken away. I keep half turning around, expecting, hoping to see you there. I want you to be happy more than anything else. And I want to be the one to make you happy if I can."

Corian considers your words, expression thoughtful. Perhaps she figures that it's best to ask the tricky questions while you're drugged, as she's more likely to get a full answer. "Thank you," she says quietly. "That is certainly something to consider. I... you see, I am altogether uncertain as to the definition of that word. It seems like it should be a personal thing, somewhat, but there should also be something more universal about it." She shakes her head, then, with a rueful smile. "And now it is my turn to ramble, and to avoid making sense."

"Rambling is good Corian," Tarrant says, quirking half a wry grin. "Sometimes there are things we don't even know about ourselves until we reach to put them into words." He shakes his head slightly, "I think it's too complicated a word for words, silly as that sounds. I cannot express the full of it by any means. And at first...I had no idea what was going on. Just that when I saw you again I thought I was going to trip and fall flat on my face."

Corian finally does take your hand--the one without the tube attached. "But you did not--which is good, I believe, as that would have been somewhat difficult to explain." After a brief pause, she adds, "And it does make sense, to have a word too complicated for words. I believe you are correct, in that. I... I suppose I should think more, then, and perhaps ramble somewhat, and see if that is helpful for me."

Tarrant perks up a bit as you take his hand, holding onto it gently in return. "If these are not things you wish to think of, don't worry about it. I did not mean to press such things onto you. I just...wanted you to know I guess. I have to pretend too much. I did not want to do so with you."

Corian shakes her head, with a small smile. "It is not that I do not wish to do so. In fact, there are times when I am able to do little else. And... well, I am glad to know it. Goodness knows that this is certainly not a thing I would have considered on my own."

Tarrant is quiet a moment at that, treasuring the phrase, 'able to do little else'. Perhaps it is false hope, but it's hope nevertheless. He's willing to hold onto so small a scrap, he has that as well as your hand after all. "It's a complicated thing. I'm just glad you're not angry at me."

Corian chuckles very quietly. "Angry? No, I am definitely not angry with you. How could I be so, when you say such kind things to me?" She shakes her head slowly. "I just wish I were able to say..." She pauses, then shakes her head once more. Maybe -she- needs some cortrazime.

Tarrant could share? He has enough. Oh don't tell me, she won't take that stuff? "Very easily," Tarrant replies quietly, searching your face with still fuzzed eyes. "All too easily." His words are very quiet in the dim light of the room, the drawl furring their edges. "Able to say..." He echoes, a bookmark of sorts, bringing you back to your place.

Corian shakes her head once more. "If I were able to say it," she notes, with a hint of wry amusement, "Then I would have said it. But you need not worry, van'chela. I am not angry with you for saying how you feel about me." She very gently squeezes your hand, not quite able to meet your albeit fuzzy gaze.

Tarrant needs one of those blanket de-fluffers for his eyeballs maybe, as the whole fuzzy look is ery much there indeed. "Ah," he replies softly, that spark of hope fading. Still, he half-clings to the ash of it, your hand is still there after all. "Thanks for being here."

Corian lifts her gaze to you, finally. "I would not be anywhere else," she says, with a warm smile. "I... well, I... care very much for you. If it makes you feel better to have me here, then I am here."

"It does help," Tarrant murmurs, his eyes closing for a moment. "-You- I trust."

Corian leans forward, very tentatively stroking your hair with her fingertips. "Why don't you go to sleep, van'chela? I will be here when you wake."

"Sure you don't mind?" Tarrant asks quietly, having to work to keep his drawl from being too thick. "Very tired..."

Corian shakes her head, though your eyes are closed. "Of course I don't mind. Sleep will help you recover. If you are tired, you should sleep." Okay, so it's kind of a pot-kettle thing, but the thought is still sound. And, once again, she's using that lull-the-person-to-sleep kind of voice. It's handy to have a flexible voice.

Tarrant carefully squeezes your hand, his eyes not opening, "Y'should sleep too. Thanks for staying. Couldn't sleep after you left last night. No lock...Thanks..." And with that last badly slurred word he's asleep, or close enough as makes no odds.

Corian gently extracts her hand, but only long enough that she can unfold the chair to a full, sleepworthy position. She snags a spare blanket and curls up on the chair, then rests her hand lightly atop yours, whispering quietly, "Sleep well."

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