(CLOSED) sing me a song of a lass that is gone

[beautifullies]

WHO: Claire Fraser and Dorian Gray, later, Petyr Baelish. Also at (insert library here) Gregor and the other Dorian. PLUS, meeting Toby Matthews. And Bonus!Spiderman!
WHERE: Insert pub/bar here, the park in Maurita Falls, and libraries.
WHEN: Back around her arrival-mid-month
WHAT: Dorian gets the whole living through different times, thing. MUCH TO CLAIRE'S RELIEF. Petyr is interested in making sure she's a successful healer-person in the Falls, and other people nerd out with her.
WARNINGS: None I can think of, will update if needed.
NOTE: If anyone else would like a specific starter feel free to let me know!



It's a funny thing, to suddenly be on the opposite end of knowing the future and fate of people's circumstances. Things are a bit different, she's been told, from her history and other's, but then everyone's version of the world seems to be different somehow. The conflict with Russia is something she's trying to understand via all of the messages she's received, but between her history, Jamie's, and now this, she's taking a break from trying to wrap her mind around all of it and going for drinks with Dorian.

It hardly seems like the wrong thing to do, in any case.

When she arrives, she's still wearing skirts and a corset, but she's lost any heavy scarves because they just aren't needed, though as she observes others she's not sure what the stance on appropriate clothing even is.

Jesus Christ, what happens to fashion in the next sixty years? She can't imagine a woman's bare backside and midriff are supposed to be so exposed. In any case, she waits for Dorian, not ordering anything until he's arrived.

Comments

[brushoff]

Dorian's clothes aren't going to help Claire understand modern fashion and he dresses in a simple, classic way. He wears khaki slacks and brown shoes, the only splash of color being a light yellow polo shirt. A pair of sunglasses sits perched on his head as he gives Claire a grin, slipping into the seat across from her.

"Hopefully this world hasn't driven you too much to drink already." He's absolutely teasing, giving Claire a wide smile of his own.

[beautifullies]

She's glad she has an acquaintance like this already if only because she's not sure she'd be out at all alone and she very much does need the drink. His smile does make her (at least attempt to) relax, and she lets out a breath.

"Between having to learn what a 'sports bra' is, my very poorly assigned job, and a new roommate, I'm feeling a bit like they could just leave the bottle at the table. How are you?"

[brushoff]

"Two of the three you can change if needed," Dorian responds, a little sympathetically. Having come in with a poorly assigned job and a poorly assigned roommate, he knows that feeling of sheer annoyance. "As for 'sports bras', rest assured, I'm sure you'll find modern clothing and trends easier to adjust to the longer you're here—or you can forego them entirely! Who gives a damn?"

Dorian is being a little bit of a hypocrite here: he gives a damn, and has regularly ridiculed others for not adapting or changing to the times in the first place. But Claire? She's stressed, she's confused, she's worried. He may be fairly heartless, but he has enough common sense to try and be a bit reassuring here. "I occasionally find myself wearing paisley despite that it's dreadfully out of date back home and has yet to catch on in this world."

[beautifullies]

She's very grateful for him, and Claire smiles at his reassurance. "I could transition to what would have been modern clothes for my true time easily enough, I suppose. But that probably means making a bit more money to go shopping with."

When she orders her drink it's a whisky, neat. "Maybe I need some sort of fashion expert, I'm sure this place isn't lacking in them?" She wants to get used to this place, and while she'll likely never wear some of the more revealing clothes she's seen, she wants to make a good go of it once she's past her shock.

[brushoff]

He orders a gin and tonic, giving the bartender a grin before the man heads off. But with Claire's problem, Dorian sighs, shaking his head slightly.

"I'm afraid I'm a bit more experienced with men's fashion, but I can offer my advice if you want. I'd like to say I've acclimated fairly well." Plus, he's got the experience of coming in from a world relatively close to the same time this one was. Those are always perks.

Closed to Petyr

[beautifullies]

Before meeting with Dorian, Claire has a standing meeting with Petyr so that she can see her new home. He's put her mind at ease about being wary, but the things she's already heard about regarding crime are worrisome. She wishes Jamie were here, but then that seems a bit like she doesn't think she can take care of herself. So, she resolves to be more informed and carry a knife under her skirts.

When she arrives and sees the man from the video call she smiles in greeting.

"Mr. Baelish. For as advanced as the communication device is, it's still nice to meet you in person."

[baetiful]

The attire is a welcome sight in this world. It's a taste of home away from home, and Petyr Baelish is always glad to see that familiarity.

He arrives at the park, dressed in a form fitting tunic -- tailored in black with gold stitched mockingbird designs in the fabric. To an onlooker, it might seem like two people dressed up for a renaissance faire, but hey. He has stubbornly clung to the fashion he's used to.

"Lady Fraser." He extends his hand for hers so that he can properly greet her with a kiss to her knuckle. "Call me a bit old-fashioned, but I do much prefer face-to-face meetings over those on the communicator. Unfortunately as you've surely realized, they are a staple part of this society."

[beautifullies]

In person, he certainly appears to be a man of certain wealth and status, but this is familiar. More familiar than some of the things she's experienced so far, such as an anonymous person calling her a bitch, but...not in a negative way more than once. That'll take some getting used to.

She extends her hand as well, again taking comfort in at least this formality. "I can think of times when such instant communication would be something to be grateful for, but I'm realizing there are...all sort of interesting characters speaking back and forth. If you're old fashioned, then I suppose we will be together."

[baetiful]

He chuckles amicably after her comment. "There are a handful of us with these similar world views, so you will not have to fear being alone in them. And as for the communicators, do not get me wrong. It is far more convenient than waiting for a crow to deliver a letter. But you do lose something that comes from meeting people outside of a tiny screen."

Petyr releases her hand and takes a step back to give Claire her space. "Shall we begin, then? Is there any place in particular you would like to visit first? ImPort housing or the shopping district?"

[beautifullies]

Hands clasped in front of her, Claire ponders it for a brief moment before making her choice.

"The shopping district would be fine. I assume any space I occupy would be there? Or as Ambassador, would you have another location in mind?" she asks curiously. She wants to be in a location that makes sense, and he knows the lay of the land much better than she does.

"And I'll admit to wanting to explore a bit more of the fashion. Just to see what I'm in for."

Closed to Gregor at whatever library anywhere, days after her arrival

[beautifullies]

Claire's decision making has been made easier by speaking with Mr. Baelish. Registering will also help, she's been told, and while she's not sure how much money it will take exactly, eventually she'll be setting up her own independent healing facility. There's a desire to take a few nursing classes as well, perhaps catch up with modern times, but that can come at a slower pace. For now, she's traveling to different libraries, seeking out any and all information she can on herbal remedies through different cultures. She knows the basics about Scotland, but there are other places in the world people come from, in a similar time frame as her own, surely.

When she sees the spine of a book with the title The Herbal Alchemist's Handbook, she goes to shift the pile but realizes there's a man close enough nearby that they could possibly already be claimed by him. Speaking quietly, she tilts her head to indicate she's speaking to him, specifically.

"Sorry to bother you, are you planning to use these books?"

[vorbarra]

Occasionally Gregor likes to read at the library simply to get away from the chaos of the Residence. It might be way out in the countryside, but the amount of people who live there-- including two workaholic teenagers-- makes it hectic even on quiet days. He has the luxury of insisting on a certain minimum of time spent in solitude here on Earth and he often does insist. Given his telepathic links to is subjects, he's never truly misplaced, and that gives him more freedom than Gregor has ever been used to.

In short, he feels practically rebellious every time he goes to a different town and walks to a library unescorted, and then spends hours just sitting there reading. Completely unguarded. With Lucifer gone, that's not nearly as nerve-wracking as it'd used to be, either. Gregor is relieved just to be able to sit, undisturbed and (mostly) unanxious about potential threats, in a public space...

Even if it does lead to meeting people. This part he actually doesn't mind so much. It's always an interesting prospect here, and it's so far outside of his normal social group at home that it hasn't stopped being novel.

"Someone else left them there, so feel free," he offers in appropriately library-quiet tones. His polished, vaguely Russian accent immediately stands out in a time and place where there's fervent anti-Russian sentiment, but Gregor doesn't try to disguise it. He glances at the books in question more closely. "Although now you have me curious about herbal alchemy." Not something the 31st century has an abundance of, to say the least. Something like folk remedies, perhaps? The hill folk on Barrayar still use those.

[beautifullies]

Claire honestly knows so little of the Russian conflict so far that the accent registers but not for any negative reason. Glad to know the book is free, she sits across from him so that she can, without toppling them over, grab the book in the middle of the stack.

"I'm a healer, and not quite from this time. My comfort lies in what I know of home, and I believe others here might feel the same way if their illnesses aren't too serious. It won't do, though, to not branch out and learn new things." Her own voice is hushed, just loud enough for him to be able to hear her but not disruptive.

[vorbarra]

Sure enough, the random person he runs into in a library in an imPort city is interesting right from the get-go.

Gregor has a naturally soft voice well-suited to library conversing, at least. "I'm from far from this time myself," he admits, though he decides not to tack on that it's the other direction. Barrayar is... complicated, in any case. "I know several people who are taking this chance to broaden their learning. Myself included, really, though my knowledge base isn't nearly so practical as yours."

An emperor learns an incredible amount about many things, none of which are especially relevant to his life here, or anyone else's.

[beautifullies]

"I didn't realize so many people were displaced in time, but it's a comfort to know I'm not the only one." She actually assumes he's from the past, and so, doesn't ask any follow-up questions just yet.

"I learned general medicine first so that I could help wounded soldiers on the battlefield. I fell into learning more about the herbal side quite by accident, but now it certainly feels more familiar. Most times for minor injuries and ailments, that's all you need, but people are so conditioned to get some sort of medicine for everything, now."

Now, her head tilts to the side a bit.

"What is it you're hoping to learn more about, Mr...?"

Closed to the other Dorian at ANOTHER LIBRARY. Mid month.

[beautifullies]

[ Claire's completely lost in thought as she pours over a book that's honestly a bit over her head. Something about the string theory and alternate universes, and honestly, it's making her head spin a bit. She wants to understand all of this, these different worlds, but she also wants to understand what her own experience means. If she's alive in 1743, what if she's her own great-great-great etc. grandmother or some other such thing? God, it's all too much to think about.

Closing the book, she's alone in her little corner for now and covers her face with her hands, pressing her fingers against her forehead. ]

God, I need a drink.

[ She isn't speaking, of course, to anyone in particular, assuming she's still alone. ]

[curled]

[ Not that he's suddenly becoming a "modern" man, as it were—especially considering his state of dress is still very "medieval" by these peoples' standards—but he has taken to using the porters to travel between the cities. Not much, because it's still something strange to him, but in going to De Chima, he learned something valuable and interesting, so certainly going to another may lend the very same.

While is first stop on this trip isn't a cozy little bookstore of the hipster—he's trying the lingo; he doesn't like it—variety, it's still one of the scholarly type. He's made a home for himself in the Heropa library, so why not Maurita Falls, too? A book or two has caught his eye—both history books he doesn't recall seeing in any previous library—and they're tucked under one arm as he rounds the corner, his fingers trailing lightly over the shelves as he goes. He hears a voice saying a few words he's thought to himself more times than he can count. The voice is vaguely familiar and when he turns to confirm, a smile spreads easily over his lips.

It is a library, so his tone is low but the amusement is still thick and evident. ]

My favorite words. [ He gestures toward the nearest window, indicating further outside. ] I'm certain there's a tavern nearby that could fill that need.

[beautifullies]

[ Claire blinks a bit and looks up at the familiar voice, then lets out a quiet laugh. A man she can recognize because the communication device comes with video. Amazing. ]

Dorian. A pleasure to meet you face to face. And honestly, if you wouldn't mind accompanying me, that tavern has a seat with my name on it.

[ She does gesture to his books, though. ]

But not if I'm keeping you from something. In fact, I can wait. I've been trying to wrap my mind around my own reading.

[curled]

[ He'd agree that it is pretty amazing. There's a lot of amazing things here. In a manner of speaking. ]

Claire. [ He tips his head in greeting, the easy smile still on his lips. ] I can offer the very same.

[ Because it's always a pleasure to meet interesting people. Granted they've "met" but. Still. It's not quite the same. This is always infinitely better. ]

You're hardly keeping me from anything. [ He lifts the books with a smile. ] These can just as easily come right home with me. I find I'm a much better study once a few libations have joined.

Closed to Toby, mid-month

[beautifullies]

Claire hasn't done much, but she has managed to find a whisky that somewhat tastes like what her husband and the other clansmen drink. After buying two bottles - one for her to keep and the other to gift - she takes one bottle to Dorian's, intending to introduce him to what she knows.

For as much as she's tried to go modern with her clothing, Claire hasn't been able to wrap her mind around it yet, so she's still in tartan and corsets, though she has lost quite a few of the undergarments that make her hips appear wider. Knocking on the door, she clears her throat, only belatedly wondering if it's alright to come by unannounced. She should have used the phone (though she's sure it's not actually called that because she's done everything on it but speak without video) to call first but now there's not much to be done about it.

[hisheartsdesire]

It's not the first time someone's popped by unannounced for Dorian when he isn't home. Months before, Toby might've been suspicious of Dorian's visitors, save for Hawke dropping by to watch movies. But now that he and Toby are married, and Dorian has confessed his most recent destructive scheme, they both could use a few more friends. It's just a matter of who those friends are, what they're like, and whether or not Dorian's going to make a mess of them again. Augh.

Hearing a rap on the door, he puts his video game on pause and waits a second or two more for the sound of keys in the knob, but there's nothing. That's odd. Klarion has always had the habit of just teleporting in if he's wanted to visit, and as far as Toby knows, they haven't had many visitors as of late. At least, visitors they haven't accompanied in themselves.

"Coming!" Putting aside his controller, he strolls to the door and opens it to discover a beautiful woman wearing what one might consider a period piece. Considering that Toby hasn't met her yet, colour him a little surprised.

"Oh, hello! Um, can I help you?"

[beautifullies]

For a moment, Claire thinks she's got the wrong house, but then she remembers Dorian is married.

To a vampire.

A vampire who happens to be a man, but only that first part makes her slightly more cautious, if only because she has no idea what to expect from a vampire. Men, she can navigate.

"I'm sorry, I was looking for Dorian. I shouldn't have dropped by unannounced. You must be his husband," she says with a smile in greeting, extending her hand to shake. "I'm Claire Fraser."

[hisheartsdesire]

"Ah—yes. Tobias Matthews."

As Toby gives her hand a good, firm shake, Claire might note his skin is noticeably cold. Though his smile is pleasant and genial, he inwardly ponders how she knows Dorian. At least she's already aware Dorian is married, naturally and also correctly presuming he's the lucky man.

"Pleasure to meet you, Miz Fraser. Unfortunately, I think he might have just stepped out. Not sure exactly when he'll be returning," but Toby is pretty sure Dorian doesn't have work this evening, "though you're welcome to step inside if you'd like."

thanks for waiting on me!

[shutterbugged]

((Continued from here!))

"Full props! I usually hear a lot more screaming from first-timers," Spidey comments (as much as anyone can "comment" when shouting to be heard over their own wind tunnel). Wait, "props" is a modern idiom, isn't it? He's really going to have to watch for that.

"Anyway, kinda rude of me, I just realized I never got your name--actually, hold that thought, we're turning a corner." It takes a bit of finessing to make that turn one-armed without subjecting his passenger to amateur-unfriendly g-forces; he manages, but they get close enough to the ground that Spidey's outstretched feet brush the canvas top of a hot dog cart. "Sorry, bro!" he yells over his free shoulder.

i'm so glad you were still interested!

[beautifullies]

Oh, God, he's trying to talk to her at the same time, and she is...trying hard to answer him. Swallowing hard, she opens her mouth and shouts back so that he can hear her.

"Claire! Claire Fraser. Please for the love of Christ don't drop me." It has to be said, even though she's clinging to him as tightly as she can and she feels secure enough.