Log:Strange Kinship

2020/06/08 	 Dorian Artemis

1

Dorian is coming out of Starguard on foot. He's currently dressed in civilian clothing, even if it IS a retro army jacket.

Artemis has her mind on a mission that she got very distracted from. But now the Godflora is back on the task! She swoops down eagerly from the sky, feet not even touching the ground as she whooshes past Dorian to the HQ doors. She hovers long enough to throw the door open wide and then stops a moment. Whirling about, she finally recognizes the civilian she passed. "Lord Commander Perrault! I hardly could recognize you in those vestments!" Dying must have reset her use of titles. "I am in need of your counsel!"

Dorian laughs at the title. "Umm, hi Artemis. And just 'Commander' is fine. I'm not a Lord." He smiles, "What do you need help with?"

Artemis purses her lips over that distinction. "Yes, right you are...'Commander'." It seems so disrespectful to leave off the extra title to someone she wishes to show respect. "I had questions of a woman who I believe is hooman or perhaps se'ecra who has a shared past with you. She made claims that you haunt her, which sounds most bizarre to me. I was curious to learn more about your past with this Yellow Jacket."

Dorian stares at Artemis for a long moment. "Hmm. Where did you run into her, if you don't mind my asking?"

"In the land of stripping malls out yonder," Artemis points to the west, having ignored the long stare. "Some time ago when she was on the hunt for sustenance from your groceries stores. She helped us subdue the Undying Ember and was defeated for it." Her hand lowers as she gives it some thought. "Actually, I do believe she only assisted because she saw you in the Undying Ember's flames."

Dorian blinks as he parses that. "Huh. Well...she was part of a villain group called the 'Deadly Stingers' while I was Syphon. She...hated me because I was accepted by society when she felt that she had been a pariah. She thought we were the same...but that I have gotten some kind of special treatment. She's also the woman who 'killed' me. Destroyed my body, and caused the process of separation and re-formation of my self."

Artemis nods and takes that all in stride. Being no stranger to death and rebirth, she smiles. "Ah, you must be one of the exceptions Friend Wade spoke of. I...suppose I can see why she would think there a kinship with your other half. They both look different from the average hooman, though attractive in their own ways," she opines while rubbing her chin and staring off beyond Dorian. Then she looks back at him and lowers her hand. "Though what is this about you haunting her?"

Dorian sighs, "I...think she still hates me. I'm even more...'normal' looking now than I was. That can only make her angrier. I did check in on her a few times at the asylum. I did feel a kind of kinship, but I wanted to try to help her. Heal her. And while she didn't know if was me originally, over time she figured it out."

Dorian says, "My track record for dealing with villains is...generally very good. She's one of those that I haven't done so well with. Though I did hear that she was free. And she hasn't come after me or my wife. So..perhaps she's mentally healthy, more or less?"

Artemis considers his words carefully. "So...you wish to help heal her of this fear of you? If that is true, I would very much like to assist. It is my duty to help mortals aspire to their best selves. Perhaps a quiet meeting without cars being heaped upon her?"

Dorian blinks. "Cars?" He shakes his head, "I am...not sure that's wise. I don't think my physical presence is going to help her."

Artemis takes a breath and sighs in thought. "What is it humans say about fear's face?"

Dorian chuckles. "I have no idea. Unless you're talking about 'facing your fears'. But sometimes it's best to avoid them. Sure, forcing yourself to deal with it can help alleviate your fear. But...it can backfire. Badly."

Artemis snaps her fingers and points to Dorian. "Yes, that is the saying!" Disappointment soon follows. "Ah, yes, there is a risk of her bringing about your death again."

Dorian nods. "Or at least she might try again. I'm not concerned about myself so much as I am about my wife."

Artemis nods slowly, showing some more care and consideration now. "And what powers does your wife possess?"

Dorian smiles. "None. Other than a caring heart...and seeing the person I was on the inside when I was Syphon." He pauses and adds, "She's a good businesswoman, too."

Artemis appears perplexed as she absorbs that information. Then suddenly it clicks and she smiles. "Ah...to love a mortal, yes?" she says in romantic, reminiscing tones. "We must make sure then not to endanger your lady love, then. I shall not pursue this idea of a peaceful meeting. I fear I know not enough of the hooman condition to help Yellow Jacket heal from wounds of the psyche."

Dorian smiles. "Thanks, I appreciate that. If it becomes necessary, I can meet with her, but I don't want to...pour salt on the wound, so to speak."

Artemis nods slowly. "Perhaps...I should speak with her again if I can find her and see her thoughts on such." She has a very rare, insightful moment. "Or...perhaps...I...should...not?" she struggles with that.

Dorian shrugs, "You could speak with her again and ask, if you like."

Artemis smiles. "If I knew where to find her, I would. Perhaps I can find out where her dwelling is."

Dorian nods. "I can probably find that out for you, if you like."

Artemis smiles positively. "I would appreciate that. There is one other thing I wish to ask you about, but...it is of a personal matter. Not concerning your duties as L--Commander."

Dorian looks surprised. "Alright. What did you want to ask?"

"It is concerning your celebrations of birthing dates. I understand it is custom to find a gift that is important to the hooman being celebrated. What...what sort of gifts do hoomans enjoy?" Artemis asks as she thinks of how to word her question.

Dorian smiles, "Ummm...it depends on the person. Some people like...a purchased gift? Kids like toys, for example. I build scale models, so I often got those for a gift over the years. But the best gift is something that comes from the heart. Something that means something to the giver...and the receiver. Some of the best things I got as a gift were hand made crafts or...hand made food."

Dorian says, "Birthday gifts don't need to be big things, either."

Artemis sets her jaw as she thinks about his advice. "I...do not think I know enough to find a gift of meaning," she laments at the realization. Hand made food? Artemis might just end up poisoning Wade!