A fine day for horseback riding. ((For i_paladin))

[chiron_survivor]

Adia is full of nervous energy as she waits outside of the Nexus inn for Paladin. She is mostly excited, but it has been a long time since she has ridden a horse. Her riding boots and helmet are long gone, lost along with everything else when Leonis was destroyed. She is wearing her regular boots and jeans, along with a sweater and her heavy wool coat. She didn't bother with a scarf, worried the fluttering might startle or distract the horse. Paladin did say that he was sassy.

Shifting her weight from foot to foot, she pulls out her PINpoint for the hundredth time and checks for messages. The innkeeper was happy enough to play go-between, printing out Adia's electronic messages and transcribing anything that Paladin wanted to write back in return. It's how they were able to plan their get-together. But Adia checks anyway. Plans can change, after all.

Comments

[i_paladin]

"Mmmmmm," hilarious, talking about food while eating food, it can't get any better than this. "Ours were very similar but he would put cinnamon and a nutty mixture in the spiral, I never figure out how to make that, it was his special recipe. If I find some we shall have a feast." Maybe someone in the Dwarven settlement can make them just like he used to.

"I believe it's the way it is made in my world," think super old fashioned coffee, throwing grounds in a kettle to boil. "The machines you make it on here are nothing like the ones we have."

[chiron_survivor]

It seems inevitable for two people who enjoy their food, desserts in particular. "Oh, we had those, too. We called them cinnamon rolls. We didn't make them with honey, though, we used brown sugar for the filling." It is impossible for Adia not to think of lazy Sunday mornings with her parents, the smell of cinnamon rolls wafting up to her room. "My mom made those sometimes. They came from a can instead of from scratch but they were still good."

Adia nods, having a vague idea of what Paladin means. "This is strong enough for me, usually. And after all that iced tea, I don't need much more caffeine."

[i_paladin]

"Cinnamon rolls, the name just sounds delicious. I would try cinnamon rolls," in a New York minute, if there was a New York in her world. "That must be a very pleasant memory for you, would you eat them with her while having a cup of coffee?" That also sounds lovely, half of which comes from having a mother that one can sit down with and have a meal with.

Paladin licks the blueberry filling from the fork before going in for another bite, the mixture of the two is really appealing, it's probably the sweetened fruit. "It is the perfect thing for a long watch, or a cold morning." Suddenly a grin and a bit of a laugh. "Or any time really."

[chiron_survivor]

"They're very good. And I know I've seen them for sale in the Nexus. The Crossroads Cafe has them for sure." She takes another sip of coffee, letting the memories wash over her without getting swept up in them. "Yes. Well, not when I was very young. I didn't start drinking coffee until I was older... she'd make them on weekends. Days that we didn't have to rush off to work or school, so we could just sit and enjoy them."

It's hard to believe that she ever took for granted such simple rituals. "What other drinks do you have on your world? Do you have any carbonated beverages?" She asks before taking another bite of cheesecake.

[i_paladin]

Black fingers wiggle in excited planning. "It will be on my list of things to do while I am in the Nexus. It is exciting to me to eat foods found in your world." Adventurous eating has always been a hobby of Paladin, why eat the same old boring things when THERE IS SO MUCH TO TRY. Except fish. After the long trip up the Northern Road, stopping in fishing village after fishing village, every single fish in all of history can go for a swim.

"Ah, ah," a bob of her head in understanding. "Like our holy day, when people do not work but take time off to go to temple and visit."

As for drinks? It's weird, what Paladin has never thought of before. "Well, we have a standard selection of alcoholic beverages. The town of Barlox is starting a new batch of cider which I am very excited to try. As far as I am aware we do not have... Carbonated beverages," the words are drawn out, slow and suspiciously. "Mainly because I don't know what that means."

[chiron_survivor]

"I can tell," Adia says with a small laugh. Why else would Paladin be so excited to try jello? "If I get a chance, I hope to try something from your world, too."

"Yes, exactly... that's what our Sunday used to be, a religious day." She doesn't know why they ended up with another day off, but it hardly matters anymore. She works daily without question, attending to those who need vaccinations or medical care when she isn't in the lab generating data for the Cylons. It's a wonder she has time for the Nexus at all, but she makes sure to find some when she can.

Adia feels a little bad for throwing out such a modern term without explanation, but she was distracted by the cheesecake. "Sorry. It's, um... fizzy water. Water with gas bubbles in it. You can find it natural occurring in a mineral spring, or you can make your own with a little technological help."

[i_paladin]

"Yes!" And those blue eyes light up again. "I have not forgotten, Adia. I owe you giant bee honey, and I will find something good and sweet for you to try as well. I wonder if you would like my world in general, it's not such a bad place."

Except for the chaotic evil creatures that roam the countryside and terrorize villagers, but what can you do about it?

"Days of rest are very important to have no matter what you do, from working the farm to helping people like you do," maybe Adia's day of rest is when she comes to The Nexus.

As for the bubbly water? Paladin's eyes narrow in thought before finally giving a shake of her head. "If there is such a thing I have not come across it. I have seen a large part of the world but not all, so it could be there."

[chiron_survivor]

"You don't owe me anything," Adia protests mildly, but she is secretly glad that Paladin did not forget about the giant bee honey. "You world sounds scary and amazing, to be honest, but I would be honored to see it sometime." Despite not getting much opportunity, Adia does enjoy visiting other worlds, so long as she has a guide. "How safe is it for someone like me? Assuming I'm in your company."

"Of course." She looks at Paladin thoughtfully. "How is it for you? Do you get regular time off?"

"You should try some, then... maybe not right now, it doesn't really go with dessert or coffee. You can try the water plain, or flavored." Preferably when Adia is around, because she would love to see Paladin's reaction to trying seltzer water.

[i_paladin]

"I promised!" The Tiefling argues back with a smile. "I will not forget my promise and it is such a small thing I would be a cad to forget." Especially since there are so many other ways in which they are a cad.

"It is a very exciting place but you would be very safe with me. Which is not to say because I am strong and powerful, but because the town that is my home is very safe and the area around it is relatively safe as a result." Out of habit and in the spirit of sincerity, Paladin reaches out and touches the back of Aida's hand lightly before realizing the act and letting her fingers drop away.

"It depends on what is needed. I am currently in the service of The Margrave which means that if something reaches the ears of the crown I get sent to deal with it. Or if someone seeks me out." There are busy weeks and not so busy weeks.

A grin: "so many things to try! Do they have it here? I could try it later."

[chiron_survivor]

"I wouldn't want that," Adia says with a small grin. "Is the giant beehive near your town? I'd love to see it." She smiles at the hand touch, perhaps a little confused by Paladin pulling away just as quickly. She's pretty hesitant herself at gauging how much physical friendliness other people want, though, so it's sort of understandable. "But, you really should get a PINpoint before you head back home. You'll want to set your home coordinates. I can show you how to do that, it's very easy."

"What's the Margrave? Is that a title?" She takes a long sip of coffee while Paladin answers. "Start with the simply flavored kind, if you can. There's stuff called pop, but a lot of it is artificially flavored. They started originally as tonics for indigestion, but then people started making them with more and more sugar. I don't really have a taste for them."

[i_paladin]

"It is a few days ride from Rensford, I would be happy to take you out there." All of the real dangers were cleaned away, well, except for the ants, but that's easy enough to deal with. Paladin isn't actually sure if the ants are dangerous anyway, it just seemed like a shame to kill them. "I would be much obliged if you did, Adia, thank you!" That should make things much, much easier.

As for touch it's an odd thing for Paladin. Historically, the Tiefling hasn't been the subject of hugs or physical signs of affection unless she paid for it. So when it comes to reassuring gestures she doesn't exactly know how to handle them but assumes that most people wouldn't want to even brush against her. As a keen observer it's become clear that there are those moments where a touch is just that, a touch, and a powerful means of reassurance, support, or sympathy. With people Paladin is comfortable with it comes a little easier but with hesitancy.

"Indeed, think: hereditary title, a ruler of territories, generally under an empire. Despite the empire falling, old titles still stick around. From the interactions I have had with her she is a worthy leader, strong and very dedicated to her people. A good person, which is why I have no qualms working for her," generally authority figures get Paladin to make a rude gesture but the Margrave is different as is her captain of the guard.

"After this dessert I will have met my sugar quota for the day at least, so I will go with what you recommend."

[chiron_survivor]

A few days... that might be longer than Adia can spare, on her world. But she won't say no, outright. Things may change, or time may run differently there. "It's no trouble. You'll be able to do it yourself in no time."

Adia's hang-ups about physical touch are rooted in her own social insecurities, but a friendly touch from a person she trusts is always welcome. "Oh, that's good, that she's a good leader." She sounds a little like former President Roslin, but unfortunately she did not get enough time to prove herself before being voted out of office.

She finishes her cheesecake and starts to work on her pie, but it's slower going. "I think I'm reaching my sugar quota, too," she laughs. "This was a wonderful meal, Paladin. Thank you so much for treating me."

[i_paladin]

"It helps that I have a very fine teacher," it's really very, very nice that Adia takes time to show and explain things to Paladin. The Tiefling is deeply indebted to her.

It's hard to judge, some people are very welcoming of social touches and others not so much. Since Adia didn't recoil in horror friendly hand pats might happen again. And indeed, she's very much like Roslin, younger, a little more hardened though.

"It is my pleasure," Paladin assures her with a broad smile. "You are excellent company and have been so very helpful for me it is literally the least I could do."

[chiron_survivor]

Adia would do it for anyone. Well, anyone who befriended her, which Paladin has done. "Have you read the pamphlet yet? Someone took the trouble of making a pamphlet for Nexus newcomers. When I first found the Nexus, all I had was an ugly neon sign telling me to ask a question." And she had to walk barefoot in the snow both ways to get to the Plaza... just kidding. She's glad that people have an easier time of it these days.

She blushes a little at the praise, a smile on her face while she finishes her pie. "You're wonderful company, too, Paladin. I'm lucky to have met you."

[i_paladin]

"Ah, there was something on the nightstand in my bedroom, I have not had time to read it yet. I didn't realize it was anything important, and I was obsessed with the shower and bath." Running water? Running hot water? Next to the people she has met it's the best thing so far in the Nexus.

Paladin's skin doesn't allow for an obvious blush, but Adia might catch the effect of the compliment by the way the usually gregarious Tiefling is silent, staring at the plate in front of her, poking at the remaining crust of her pie. There is such a strong feeling gripping at her chest and at the moment it is hard to tell if it is a good feeling or bad. "Well then," looking up from the plate Adia is given a smile. "We shall have to do this again some time."

[chiron_survivor]

"I don't think the pamphlet will tell you anything that you don't already know now. But it wouldn't hurt to take a look." At the least, it will tell Paladin what she is expected to know after her first visit. But with Adia's assistance, she's already beyond Nexus 101 material.

She doesn't quite know what to make of Paladin's reaction. Bashful? Or something else? Adia worries for a moment that she said something wrong, but relaxes once Paladin smiles at her again. "That'd be nice." She sets aside her plate and carefully wipes her mouth with a napkin. Between the blueberry filling and the coffee, her teeth are going to need a good brushing. Luckily toothpaste is still available in the settlement. No one has resorted to trying to eat it yet. "I can show you how to use one of the Nexus terminals, too. So you can look stuff up on your own, too."

[i_paladin]

"Well then, I will read it before bed." Until her eyelids get too heavy and she just passes out with the pamphlet still in hand.

A satisfied sigh and Paladin rests back in the chair, legs stretching out under the table as if that would give some relief to the waistband of her pants. The waitress returns and begins to gather up the dishes after refilling their mugs. "Ah, the machines I have seen around that say 'welcome' on their face? Could you show me briefly before we part for the day?"

[chiron_survivor]

"Absolutely," Adia says without a second thought. While the waitress is still at their table, she asks if the inn has a terminal that guests may use. Obviously the innkeeper has one for his own use, or else he wouldn't have been able to play messenger, but it would be pushing it to ask to borrow his. Fortunately, the waitress confirms that there is an alcove in the inn's lobby that has a Nexus terminal.

Adia thanks the waitress before turning to Paladin. "That's good news. You won't have to walk back to the Plaza every time you want to look up something."

[i_paladin]

"That is very good news!" Slender hands clap together in agreement and satisfaction. "Now, what will I be able to do on these machines? I can ask it questions and it will give me answers?" That's actually pretty important to her especially since, as their time together has shown, Paladin has a lot of questions.

The Tiefling is itching to get to this machine and figure it all out, the only thing is the bill, which she will sign to the room. It was explained to her earlier that gold and silver is not accepted at the table but at the front desk, which makes sense to her. It's the same way at the inns in Rensford, just will less paper to sign.

[chiron_survivor]

"Sort of. It's more like a librarian that you can ask for help. You give it a topic, and it will pull up lots of resources that can explain that topic. But, like books, these resources are all written by different authors. The first few resources are usually the most accurate." Not always, but if Paladin is going to be looking up concrete things as opposed to philosophical questions, the first link should be fine.

She'll wait for Paladin to sign off on the bill have a bit more coffee, but not finish the mug. Already refilled once, she's had enough caffeine.

[i_paladin]

The little slip of paper was signed and all taken care of, a painless experience. "Shall we go?"

Standing, Paladin puts the napkin back on the table and gives a gentle brush of clothes in order to keep appearance neat and tidy, no stains, no crumbs - all good. One last look around to make sure there is nothing forgotten, and the Tiefling waits for Adia before heading out to the lobby, that's where the waitress said there was a terminal if Paladin isn't mistaken.

[chiron_survivor]

"Sure." Adia stands up and takes her coat from the back of her chair, but drapes it over her arm instead of slipping back into it. The temperature of the lobby is comfortable, despite the large, welcoming doors that lead out into the Nexus.

Near the check-in desk, past a small sitting area, there is a little sign that says TERMINAL and has a picture of a computer. There are two computers available for use, as well as a charging station for electronic devices. Both of the screens say "welcome" in a pleasing font. Adia giggles the mouse attached to one of the terminals, and the screen changes to a blue background with a row of small icons along the side. "So, there's something called an internet browser, and there's where you can look up most things. You use this thing -- it's called a mouse -- to move the little arrow symbol to this thing, and then click on it."

She clicks the mouse button and the screen changes once again, a generic-looking search browser appearing like an open window. Adia clicks it closed and then steps aside so Paladin can sit down. "Would you like to try?"

[i_paladin]

Very dutifully Paladin follows along and steps back when Adia steps forward to use the terminal. Paladin spotted these before but had no idea what they were even used to until Adia told her about them.

It's so very interesting and the Tiefling finds it endlessly fascinating as the screen glows and she is sucked into what looks like a glass window that somehow reacts to what is going on outside of it. Because Adia moves the mouse and it takes a moment but Paladin catches the little arrow moving across the screen till another picture opens on the screen.

"Wizardry," Paladin breathes at the sight and then looks up at the human next to her, inky blue eyes wide. A bit uncertain, she looks down at the seat and the monitor and finally sits. Hand resting lightly on the mouse she gives it a little wiggle and tracks the arrow on the screen. It takes some time for her to get a hold of this skill, moving one thing and tracking the results of it somewhere else.

Mimicking Adia's actions, the other worldly creature almost gets it except instead of left clicking she right clicks and a list pops up from the action. Startled, Paladin lets go of the mouse and looks up with serious concern and worry.

[chiron_survivor]

"Technology," Adia corrects gently. Even if Paladin was being facetious, it's an important distinction to make, especially because the tiefling hasn't had the greatest track record with actual wizards.

She wheels over the other computer chair and sits down next to Paladin, not wanting to hover over her, watching her in silent encouragement. This is a novel experience for her, too, teaching someone to use a machine that is ubiquitous in her daily life. Even while struggling on New Caprica, she still has access to her ship's computers for research purposes.

"It's okay!" Adia says reassuringly. "You right-clicked instead of left-clicked, it's no big deal." She points out the two buttons on the mouse. "All you did was bring up a little list of other options." Move the arrow key off the box and click again. It'll disappear."

[i_paladin]

"Technology," Paladin echos dutifully. Yes, wizards didn't make this, this is something outside of her world and realm of expertise and so the same rules don't necessarily apply. It runs off an energy that seems mundane compared to what happens in her world, almost everyone has the power to harness it here through little buttons or switches.

There is a bit of relaxing when Adia says it's okay and with the instructions the Tiefling moves the cursor from the list and makes sure to left click to make it go away. There is a moment of doubt and double checking, looking over at the hand on the mouse and making sure the correct click is made. Once the list has gone away Paladin is rather pleased and returns the arrow back to the icon that Adia showed her before and clicks again, this time with the correct button it seems.

The internet browser window opens and her tail sways happily. "Right, yes? This is the portal?"