[ The Operator breathes a quiet sigh of relief when the young man relents and opens the door to let them inside. Maybe this will be a more peaceful interaction than they anticipated. They'd like that. Though they hadn't been sure what to make of the stranger at first, it now seems likely that he's an innocent bystander in the situation, if not a victim himself. It would sadden them to have to harm him.
They follow into the foyer—and then pause with the shock of sudden recognition. They were here before when they'd sought shelter from the blizzard a couple of months back. This is Luna's home. And, they realize as he continues to speak, the stranger is her boyfriend. They feel a brief spark of warmth, happy to have met him—before they remember the grim conversation that awaits. ]
No, thank you, [ the Operator says, taking a seat on one of the armchairs. The warm softness of it stirs memories of their last time in this room, the comfort of it. Now, though, there is a tension to the way they sit, perched stiffly on the edge of their seat. They're not afraid, of course—this man doesn't frighten them and neither does Paimon. But they've never actually had to explain how an Orokin takes a Yuvan to anyone before, much less someone who may have lost a young family member in such a way. It makes their stomach twist inside them and, for a moment, their expression is that of a nervous child, daunted by the task in front of them and wishing their mother were here to take care of it. The Lotus was always the one who spoke; the Tenno always remained silent.
But the Lotus is not here. The Operator swallows their disquiet and forces themself to speak, slow and careful. ]
What I'm going to tell you about Charles won't be easy to hear. But it's important that you understand why I need to find him. [ They pause, chewing the inside of their cheek. And then: ] Have you ever heard him mention the name 'Paimon?'
no subject
They follow into the foyer—and then pause with the shock of sudden recognition. They were here before when they'd sought shelter from the blizzard a couple of months back. This is Luna's home. And, they realize as he continues to speak, the stranger is her boyfriend. They feel a brief spark of warmth, happy to have met him—before they remember the grim conversation that awaits. ]
No, thank you, [ the Operator says, taking a seat on one of the armchairs. The warm softness of it stirs memories of their last time in this room, the comfort of it. Now, though, there is a tension to the way they sit, perched stiffly on the edge of their seat. They're not afraid, of course—this man doesn't frighten them and neither does Paimon. But they've never actually had to explain how an Orokin takes a Yuvan to anyone before, much less someone who may have lost a young family member in such a way. It makes their stomach twist inside them and, for a moment, their expression is that of a nervous child, daunted by the task in front of them and wishing their mother were here to take care of it. The Lotus was always the one who spoke; the Tenno always remained silent.
But the Lotus is not here. The Operator swallows their disquiet and forces themself to speak, slow and careful. ]
What I'm going to tell you about Charles won't be easy to hear. But it's important that you understand why I need to find him. [ They pause, chewing the inside of their cheek. And then: ] Have you ever heard him mention the name 'Paimon?'