therealbrianna | Come As You Are // Open Post

[ How does she really feel about that? She's been digesting the fact that some of them are going away for a while - and so soon. ]

I kind of have mixed feelings, I guess. I mean, on one hand of course I'm going to miss them so much. It seems like we've only known each other for a short time but so much has already happened.

But on the other hand... It's their decision and it's probably for the best, right? It's kind of how like my classmates from ISM before would move away to another country because they fit there more. So yeah, I kind of get what they're going at.

[Listening intently. The girl's being honest, which is both something that she approves of and is a little relieved about.]

Do you intend to do anything similar for yourself? The fact that you will be blade mates will never change, but there is a strong possibility that if you don't keep growing, you will be left behind.

Well... [ She doesn't want to upset Ma'am Lia. But based on what her blademates have said in the past, she didn't really mind and is actually okay with it. But still... ]

I don't have anything particular in mind. Probably some options floating here and there, but it's not the best time for me right now, I think. Still kinda trying to find my ground here, and moving from one unstable surface to another doesn't seem like a wise thing to do.

[ Plus she was never one to play 'Follow the Leader', but that's just her pride talking.

And then she looks hopeful. ]

Maybe when I get stronger, I'll know for sure.

Fair enough. There is no need to rush after all.

[And in Lia's opinion, those were the two biggest issues at hand.]

Is your head a little clearer now?

Actually... Yes, it does seem better up there.
Thanks for listening.

[ She didn't know voicing out her thoughts like that would actually help. She's been keeping most things to herself since she got here, which is very unlike her. But she's trying to get a feel of the people in general. Somehow she thinks her old bitchy self wouldn't make friends here. ]

It's nothing. This is part of the reason why I'm here.

[Standing up now, and speaking once Brianna has followed suit.]

Now I'm going to show you the Dreamscape for the first time. I'll guide you through how to get there.

[ She stands up after Lia, and at the mention of the Dreamscape, her face turns serious.
Relaxed still, but serious. ]

Okay. I'm ready.

[ Small internal eep. ]

[Nods.]

I want you to close your eyes again, and try to think on what it'd be like to pull your soul out of your body. Take as much time as you need, and let me know if that's too difficult.

[ She manages a small 'Okay.' before closing her eyes. She focuses on the instruction from Lia.

Pulling my soul out of my body... Focus...

She goes back to what she felt during the times when she'd lay in bed in the morning, lazy as fuck, when her mom would wake her up. Her mind would already be up and willing to stand but her body is just lying there, being lazy.

Close enough, I guess? ]

I think... I have an idea of what it'd be like or a start, at least.

[ She wonders if she's on the right track. ]

Good. Now see how that works for you. Feel it through.

[She isn't going to ask. No need, unless it doesn't end up working out.]

[ Minus the sound of her breathing, she's mostly silent.

She's focused on the feeling of her will already up and walking around while her body's still lying down. ]

[And it takes about five minutes before it starts: the spread of Brianna's consciousness throughout the Hallow, swathing the area slowly but surely in black.

She looks on with approval, then gives it a tiny push that Brianna will feel for herself.]

There. Open your eyes now.

[There's a small smile on her face. Back in the real Hallow, the two of them are curled up on the floor, fast asleep.]

[ She opens one eye first, then the other, but she's not so sure if she even opened them as she stares into the complete darkness.

The only figure she can see is Lia. She looks down at where her hands should be, and they seem to be there, as are her legs and feet so...

What... What is this place...

She looks at Lia questioningly. ]

So I guess that worked?

Yes. Note, though, that the Hallow is helping you out this time, as am I. You'll have to practice on your own to be able to do this at will, and on your terms.

[Folding her arms over her chest, looking about.]

Let me show you something.

[She's shutting her eyes and breathing out. The scene instantly changes into a high-class, empty restaurant. It was quite popular back in the 2000s, and it used to be one of Lia's favorite places.]

We might as well relax a little while I give you another lecture.

[ Brianna takes mental notes. Yes, practice. She should probably work on that before she sleeps or as soon as she wakes up so her mind is fresh.

As Lia changes the scene from the dark void to the really nice restaurant, she looks around, taking everything in. She observes the transition of darkness to light. ]

Wow, [ she says with a exhale that clearly expresses how amazed she is. ] ...this place is fancy. Did you "create" this space ma'am?

I did. Patterned it exactly the way its World of Light version looks.

[Taking a seat at her favorite table now. With a single gesture, there are drinks for them both.]

Want some Japanese?

So this place exists out there, huh? It's really nice.

[ She follows Lia to the table and is amazed at what she just did. ]

Uhm, yes actually!

[A mere glance at the table, and it is filling with plate upon plate of Japanese food.]

Eat as much as you like. Drink as much as you like. You'll never get full. You'll never feel sick.

[ That sight, plus what Lia said shocks and amazes her at the same time. ]

Wow, that's... Kinda cool. I've never been a gluttonous one though but I'll take some.

[ A bite of some sashimi, then: ]
This is nice, thank you ma'am.

You're welcome. [Summoning some cigarettes now.] You'll eventually be able to do this for yourself. A word of caution, though: whatever you make out of the Dreamscape will only match what you know. If you have never taken a particular dish, for example, you can bring it out, but it will taste like nothing.

[ Ooh, cigarettes. She could use a stick right now to give her further relaxation.

She tries to mentally conjure a pack of her usual cigarettes, takes a stick as it solidifies and lights it up. ]

That sounds sensible! I'll take note of that.
So what else... [ She tries to think of an appropriate term... ] ...happens here?

In this space? Whatever you and I want, generally. You're welcome to try and create something for yourself, or change the way that this place works. [A beat.] It helps to start with something familiar to you.

[ Whatever I want? Kinda neat. What should she try it on...

A nod, then she thinks of the beautiful scenery that she sees everyday at Falner, especially when she steps out the door of her house or peers out the window in her room. The clear blue sky, the cotton candy clouds. She looks up to see what she's thought of. ]

[There is a slight tug of resistance, and it isn't from Liandrin: it's from the Dreamscape itself.

Nevertheless, it works. Everything around them changes, save for the table they are sitting at.]

Nice work.

[ Eep, she only wanted the ceiling view to change. Maybe she should practice more on specificity. Still, she's amazed at what she just did. She also feels the tug. Whew. ]

I'm... Wow. I'm still so amazed by all of this.
And thank you, ma'am.

[ Any signs of approval of a job well done from Lia matters a lot to her. ]

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