[ Relief slowly filters in when it's clear her little example was enough, shoulders sagging as some of the tension finally drains from her. It seems she has finally achieved what she set out to do, or at least the first step, and she will take whatever small victory that she can.
Especially as it seems things will not always be so simple from here. Dottore bridges that gap and Lapis stubbornly remains in place, eyes fixed on where she assumes his eyes would be (she's starting to loathe that mask, how it makes it impossible to gauge him); unwilling to let herself flinch back even as he reaches for her jaw. He will at least feel how it tenses under his grip, her mask fracturing only slightly in how her eyes narrow - in how the chains shift and twist when he leans in too close, moving as if they were living things.
She came here knowing some of the potential outcomes, and now it's being presented to her. Becoming Dottore's test subject... A fate many would consider worse than death. ]
Alright. [ But she knows she'll be able to withstand anything he does to her. So long as she can get the answers she desires, she'll offer herself to him and whatever his machinations may be.
She would be lying, if she told herself she wasn't worried. But it's easy to take those feelings and shove them aside, ignore them when her goal inches closer within reach. ]
So long as you help me, I'll do whatever you wish.
[ He murmurs beneath his breath, thumb drawing against the scope and slope of her jaw before falling. Dottore watched the way her eyes met him with reluctance surrounding her determination. Of course, it was only human to desire to know what one actually happened to be, but at the same time, some were too cowardly to ask such a difficult question. ]
You know, I should be the one thanking you. [ He flashes a smile, widening to show the tips of his pointed teeth. This expression might have looked nice if not for his ever-present, boundless arrogance. ] This is the first time that someone has arrived at my doorstep, with the offer to help me navigate through one of Teyvat’s greatest mysteries.
[ As he said before, the Doctor gives credit where its due. There is a certain greediness within him, of course, but he has always been a patient man. It is the process that he enjoys, rather than endures. He is a true scholar, so he likes to think.
The inflection in his voice remains subtle and thoughtful. ]
I do want to ensure that our little secret is kept between the two of us, for now. Since you are my generous volunteer… you can either stay in the nearby city and commute to the palace, or the Fatui will provide you with a room here.
[ His preference is obvious, as a close proximity between the pair would make his work easier. However, he understands the appeal behind freedom — even if it would be but an illusion. In many ways, this entire winter nation was a Fatui stronghold. ]
[ Lapis is a split-second too late to stop the hitch of breath as his thumb trails against her jaw, the touch strange for someone so distant from everyone around her. But besides the brief tense of muscle, there's no attempts to lean back or flinch; stubbornly, she keeps up the wall of apathy, wanting to present herself as unaffected as possible. No matter how far from the truth that is.
But she can't stop herself from blinking at the smile (though those pointed teeth aren't comforting), and the thanks that comes along with it. Of course, she can maybe understand it from a scholars point of view - not many can boast such a control over death, and she's aware of how many questions her powers could answer. But it's something she never considered, only wanting answers about what she is. Though if she could offer than much in return... ]
Then I'm... glad I'm able to help. [ And for the first time, she sounds hesitant. She was expecting many things, but thanks wasn't one of them.
At least him mentioning where she should stay lets her gloss over her slight fumble, and she takes a moment to consider. Of course, staying somewhere in the city is far more appealing; it would allow her to roam and do as she pleases, when he doesn't need her for any studies or experiments. But despite it seeming like the obvious answer, she still takes a moment to consider - canting her head to the side as brows furrow, weighing the options. ]
I will stay here. People would eventually notice me coming and going if I stayed in the city, so the less attention, the better.
[ And unless it's from him, she doesn't want to deal with any probing questions. She knows just her being here might perk some curiosity amongst others in the Fatui, and currently she would prefer to keep a low profile. ]
... Though if I did need to head outside for anything, I can travel by shadow if necessary. It's just a bit inconvenient sometimes.
[ Placement of shadows, density... She would rather not travel somewhere only to find the best exit method is through the ceiling. Her skills are still limited, in a sense, so there's only so much she can do until she has more control. ]
[ Dottore looks at her very carefully. Now that he considers her worthy of being a subject of observation, it only figures that his attentions would be drawn towards her. She remains guarded, unsure.
On the other hand, he is unperturbed, simply nodding in understanding. ] I see. [ He moves past her, opening the door, beckoning with his hands to the other two guards, who were more on his beck and call than would-be protectors. ] Then, you will be shown to your quarters by these two fine gentlemen.
[ Accordingly, he turns back to face Lapis. ]
It’s late, after all. You should get some rest. [ His voice lifts at the helpful intonation of his words. For one reason or another — professional interest, he tells himself, he wants her to like him. It’ll make things easier to deal with. An aside to the pair of guards, ] Show her to our most recently vacated room.
[ They’re about to lead her out when the Doctor provides a refrain of parting words. ]
We’ll meet again in the morning. I look forward to it. [ This time, he doesn’t put on much of a show, simply catching the door by the handle and closing it as she’s moved out. ] Good night, Lapis.
[ Lapis will find her room simple and restrained, but stocked with all the necessities, which mercifully includes a private shower and rest area. Breakfast is provided in the private kitchens in the basement, though for test subjects it’s an overwhelmingly simple affair of either eggs and toast, or porridge.
Having been provided a general outline of her immediate surroundings, she would have been left to find the Doctor’s main laboratory on her own. When Lapis arrived, it was empty except for Dottore, who was inspecting a series of vials placed together by a holder.
When he hears the heavy door pushed to an open, he speaks without so much looking at her. ]
Come, sit. [ He places the vial, filled with a swirl of fuchsia and purple, back in place and strides over to the clinic chair set to the side. Raises his brow, the barest hint of a tease on his tongue. ] I do hope that you slept well. For your sake, as well as mine.
[ She knows that now she's offered herself to be a subject, having his focus on her is something she should expect. But it makes her... oddly nervous, hands absently twisting into the fabric of her coat as she suppresses any urges to fidget. It's simply yet another feeling she shoves aside and smothers, unwilling to let her guard down. Rumours may just be rumours, but they have their origins and Dottore has more than a few unpleasant ones attached to his name. Though so far he's shown himself as... not as unpleasant as she had feared, but it could also be due to how she has, or more accurately she is, something of interest.
But it's something she doesn't dwell on, golden eyes glancing towards her new guides once that door is opened, before back to the doctor. Rest would be good, though she knows sleep will be difficult as it always is. But she simply nods as she goes to follow the guards, only to blink once again at his parting words - briefly hesitant, before she softly speaks as she drifts out the door. ]
... Good night, Dottore.
[ She hadn't been expecting much from her accommodation, so she's certainly glad for the private shower. Which she spends far too long in, she's always been terrible with handling the cold, before she lays herself onto the bed for some kind of rest. Any dips into sleep are plagued by the usual whispers of spirits, things that are far more emboldened in the dark and claw at the edges of her awareness. It doesn't help that there's the stirring of anxiety on top of that, unwilling to let herself relax completely.
But she's no less worse for wear when morning arrives - opting for porridge for something simple and filling despite her lack of appetite, before she navigates her way to the laboratory. There's only the briefest moment of hesitation before she pushes the door open, letting herself glance around before taking a seat as instructed. At first her eyes drift to the vials, the colours catching her attention, only to quickly settle on Dottore - that faint tease prompting a gentle huff from her. ]
As well as I ever do. [ Her response is wry, less chilled and guarded compared to yesterday. She pauses, letting her hands drift to her lap as her fingers twist together; brows raising in faint curiosity. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Especially as it seems things will not always be so simple from here. Dottore bridges that gap and Lapis stubbornly remains in place, eyes fixed on where she assumes his eyes would be (she's starting to loathe that mask, how it makes it impossible to gauge him); unwilling to let herself flinch back even as he reaches for her jaw. He will at least feel how it tenses under his grip, her mask fracturing only slightly in how her eyes narrow - in how the chains shift and twist when he leans in too close, moving as if they were living things.
She came here knowing some of the potential outcomes, and now it's being presented to her. Becoming Dottore's test subject... A fate many would consider worse than death. ]
Alright. [ But she knows she'll be able to withstand anything he does to her. So long as she can get the answers she desires, she'll offer herself to him and whatever his machinations may be.
She would be lying, if she told herself she wasn't worried. But it's easy to take those feelings and shove them aside, ignore them when her goal inches closer within reach. ]
So long as you help me, I'll do whatever you wish.
no subject
[ He murmurs beneath his breath, thumb drawing against the scope and slope of her jaw before falling. Dottore watched the way her eyes met him with reluctance surrounding her determination. Of course, it was only human to desire to know what one actually happened to be, but at the same time, some were too cowardly to ask such a difficult question. ]
You know, I should be the one thanking you. [ He flashes a smile, widening to show the tips of his pointed teeth. This expression might have looked nice if not for his ever-present, boundless arrogance. ] This is the first time that someone has arrived at my doorstep, with the offer to help me navigate through one of Teyvat’s greatest mysteries.
[ As he said before, the Doctor gives credit where its due. There is a certain greediness within him, of course, but he has always been a patient man. It is the process that he enjoys, rather than endures. He is a true scholar, so he likes to think.
The inflection in his voice remains subtle and thoughtful. ]
I do want to ensure that our little secret is kept between the two of us, for now. Since you are my generous volunteer… you can either stay in the nearby city and commute to the palace, or the Fatui will provide you with a room here.
[ His preference is obvious, as a close proximity between the pair would make his work easier. However, he understands the appeal behind freedom — even if it would be but an illusion. In many ways, this entire winter nation was a Fatui stronghold. ]
What will be your preference?
no subject
But she can't stop herself from blinking at the smile (though those pointed teeth aren't comforting), and the thanks that comes along with it. Of course, she can maybe understand it from a scholars point of view - not many can boast such a control over death, and she's aware of how many questions her powers could answer. But it's something she never considered, only wanting answers about what she is. Though if she could offer than much in return... ]
Then I'm... glad I'm able to help. [ And for the first time, she sounds hesitant. She was expecting many things, but thanks wasn't one of them.
At least him mentioning where she should stay lets her gloss over her slight fumble, and she takes a moment to consider. Of course, staying somewhere in the city is far more appealing; it would allow her to roam and do as she pleases, when he doesn't need her for any studies or experiments. But despite it seeming like the obvious answer, she still takes a moment to consider - canting her head to the side as brows furrow, weighing the options. ]
I will stay here. People would eventually notice me coming and going if I stayed in the city, so the less attention, the better.
[ And unless it's from him, she doesn't want to deal with any probing questions. She knows just her being here might perk some curiosity amongst others in the Fatui, and currently she would prefer to keep a low profile. ]
... Though if I did need to head outside for anything, I can travel by shadow if necessary. It's just a bit inconvenient sometimes.
[ Placement of shadows, density... She would rather not travel somewhere only to find the best exit method is through the ceiling. Her skills are still limited, in a sense, so there's only so much she can do until she has more control. ]
no subject
On the other hand, he is unperturbed, simply nodding in understanding. ] I see. [ He moves past her, opening the door, beckoning with his hands to the other two guards, who were more on his beck and call than would-be protectors. ] Then, you will be shown to your quarters by these two fine gentlemen.
[ Accordingly, he turns back to face Lapis. ]
It’s late, after all. You should get some rest. [ His voice lifts at the helpful intonation of his words. For one reason or another — professional interest, he tells himself, he wants her to like him. It’ll make things easier to deal with. An aside to the pair of guards, ] Show her to our most recently vacated room.
[ They’re about to lead her out when the Doctor provides a refrain of parting words. ]
We’ll meet again in the morning. I look forward to it. [ This time, he doesn’t put on much of a show, simply catching the door by the handle and closing it as she’s moved out. ] Good night, Lapis.
[ Lapis will find her room simple and restrained, but stocked with all the necessities, which mercifully includes a private shower and rest area. Breakfast is provided in the private kitchens in the basement, though for test subjects it’s an overwhelmingly simple affair of either eggs and toast, or porridge.
Having been provided a general outline of her immediate surroundings, she would have been left to find the Doctor’s main laboratory on her own. When Lapis arrived, it was empty except for Dottore, who was inspecting a series of vials placed together by a holder.
When he hears the heavy door pushed to an open, he speaks without so much looking at her. ]
Come, sit. [ He places the vial, filled with a swirl of fuchsia and purple, back in place and strides over to the clinic chair set to the side. Raises his brow, the barest hint of a tease on his tongue. ] I do hope that you slept well. For your sake, as well as mine.
no subject
But it's something she doesn't dwell on, golden eyes glancing towards her new guides once that door is opened, before back to the doctor. Rest would be good, though she knows sleep will be difficult as it always is. But she simply nods as she goes to follow the guards, only to blink once again at his parting words - briefly hesitant, before she softly speaks as she drifts out the door. ]
... Good night, Dottore.
[ She hadn't been expecting much from her accommodation, so she's certainly glad for the private shower. Which she spends far too long in, she's always been terrible with handling the cold, before she lays herself onto the bed for some kind of rest. Any dips into sleep are plagued by the usual whispers of spirits, things that are far more emboldened in the dark and claw at the edges of her awareness. It doesn't help that there's the stirring of anxiety on top of that, unwilling to let herself relax completely.
But she's no less worse for wear when morning arrives - opting for porridge for something simple and filling despite her lack of appetite, before she navigates her way to the laboratory. There's only the briefest moment of hesitation before she pushes the door open, letting herself glance around before taking a seat as instructed. At first her eyes drift to the vials, the colours catching her attention, only to quickly settle on Dottore - that faint tease prompting a gentle huff from her. ]
As well as I ever do. [ Her response is wry, less chilled and guarded compared to yesterday. She pauses, letting her hands drift to her lap as her fingers twist together; brows raising in faint curiosity. ]
So... What should I be expecting today?