thedressingroom | (no subject)

(no subject)

[There's a pile of books beside the beanbag this wolf is sitting in, a collection that seems to dip into some fairly advanced magic. Remus frowns as he flips through the pages. He's decided that he really ought to take advantage of his time here, and this little studying session promises to be the first of many. He seems preoccupied, though, and occasionally stares off into the corner of the room instead of at the pages before him, thinking about all he has to look forward to when he heads back to the cottage.]

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[His eyebrows twitch upwards] You were planning to demonstrate them on me?

[But he patters closer, arms sliding behind him.] Show me.

[Remus was joking, but he decides that the research is more interesting than an explanation. He hefts up two books to display them side by side.]

You see, there are existing spells that render a space impossible to detect unless others know of its existence already. The spell blocks perception, changes memory, makes people subconsciously refuse to enter that space or even know that it exists. I'm intending to strengthen and modify these spells to accommodate for my... monthly changes. The first thing is to find all life within the perimeters of this forest and... well, convince it to leave. Then to set up impenetrable wards to keep me within this space and keep me from harming anything within it. Then to add on the restrictions I mentioned about perception. Then to make sure that this repeats three nights every month.

[He reaches for the books as Remus explains the spell, flipping it open to read through the pages. Magic is magic- it doesn't sound very different from his own processes when he wants to learn a new spell.]

That is a fair amount of work. Your people are more advanced than I'd thought. [He'll... just not mention that he'd thought mortals incapable of even rudimentary sorcery.]

And other werewolves- they must do this as well every month? [It seems strange that Remus seems so isolated. Surely he isn't the only one.]

Some others don't bother at all. They run free intentionally. Harming at will.

Those that are more conscientious chain themselves to walls, hide in cages, keep away from human populations at all costs. Of course, when we change in confinement, we tend to... brutalize ourselves if nothing else is available.

[For a moment, his gaze runs over Remus, wondering if his body must be a mass of scars, before it turns back to his face.]

Does the moon wax and wane here as it does outside?

[Oh, it most certainly is, and Remus watches that gaze with vulnerability and stoicism.]

No. But it does in the place that I have chosen as my new home.

You've left your old home behind? [Curious, how curious. So many similarities between them- or perhaps Loki is only seeking to see himself in another, hoping that he isn't as strange as he thinks.]

What of your family?

I did. Because I can have... what I've been searching for, here.

My father is ill. I've had. Difficulties with him, which makes it a troubling separation.

It's easier to cut everything off. [His voice is colder than he'd intended it; he covers it with yet another question.] What do you search for?

[Looking curiously at him.]

... I know it will sound ridiculous, but. Love.

[The look Loki levels at Remus is indeed mildly amused, although he won't voice his derision aloud, not now.]

I see. Then may you find it, and whatever else it is.

[For some reason, that smile makes him bristle.]

I have already, actually. He'll be assisting me with the spells and watching over me.

How fortunate, then. I wish you my very best.

Do you?

[He cocks his head slightly, an eyebrow raised.] Why do you doubt my words?

Because I am not dense, and I can tell that "love" is hardly a priority for you.

No. It does not stop me from wishing another well, however. [And that smile returns.]

And do you find it likely?

That one may find love? What a foolish question. You've found it, I deem it unimportant, and let us then go on our own merry ways.

As you wish it.

What a disapproving look.

No, not at all. A bit uncomfortable, perhaps. The conversation has become a bit stilted.

I suppose I should not have tried to push you into defending your ideals. All the same, my wishes stand, and perhaps I'll hear of your success with your- ah- self-confinement should we meet again.

You don't need to go, Loki.

Now is that merely courtesy or do you actually like my company?