There must be ways to enjoy yourself without doing wrong. [Go read a book or something, Isabela.
Justice nods along at the description. Yes, that definitely sounds like a spirit of justice.] Your Chantry does not teach mortals the difference between demons and spirits. Demons are the creatures that feed on your vices, and they are the ones that attempt to possess a mage in order to experience the mortal realm. Spirits thrive on virtue, and for the most part, we are content to be left alone in the Fade. I cannot imagine a spirit of justice forcing itself on a mage. Any of us would sooner die. I imagine that your Justice witnessed some abuse by Templars that it could not abide and offered your mage help, or perhaps it was trapped in your world and your mage offered to be a host.
[Despite her sticky fingers, Justice already likes this woman despite himself. She treats him like a person, not a threat. She reminds him a little of Sigrun, and he’d be lying if he ever said he wasn’t terribly fond of Sigrun.] Most mortals were unnerved by my appearance, and they feared what I was if they discovered my nature. Now I believe my mannerisms are the main source of discomfort. I am aware that I do not pass as human well.
Oh, I have plenty of ways to enjoy myself that doesn't break the law. [Mostly. Don't tell her how to live her life Justice.] A strong drink, a good roll in the sheets, It's not always wrong, simply questionable.
I tend to avoid dealing with them if I can manage, personally. Its always so boring and stuffy every time I've had to, always Andraste this, the Maker that, our way is the only right way for salvation and everyone else is wrong. I've never followed their teachings and I don't plan to anytime soon.
[Even if they might have a point in some matters, they never seemed to bend a knee to anything outside of their teachings. If Anders had anything right besides his incessant talk of the mistreatment of mages, its that the Chantry was not the beacon of glory they preached to be.]
I don't need the sisters or the Divine herself to tell me the difference, I've seen what demons are like firsthand. You're too far too honest to be one regardless. I tend to trust what I see over principles, so I'll take your word over theirs. I couldn't begin to tell you how they met, I just know that I remembered he was different from when I'd seen him last. Actually... [She gets a little quieter then, remembering there were things the people around them both weren't meant to know, and the last thing she wants to do is make a scene.] If it really is true that the people we know are either around and about here or taking a nap in stasis then maybe you'll run into him sometime so you can ask him yourself.
I'd be a bit unnerved at a walking corpse too personally, no offense. That'd probably be about the worst of it though, since I imagine you wouldn't choose to come across that way if you could choose otherwise. [For better or worse she's generally indifferent of others unless she has good reason to be one way or the other.] Well...I wouldn't go so far as to call it discomforting, but you could use some work on your approach. You aren't a lost cause though, look on the bright side! You've got all your odds and ends, now only your manners could use some work. A name too might help, or do you spirits like you just go by what you are?
But he doesn't care about drinking and sex as long as no one gets hurt, even though drinking especially confuses him. Why do mortals willingly compromise their own senses? Questions he suspects he'll never see adequately answered.
But no, he is definitely liking this woman despite himself. Quick, human, go steal something so he can go back to being cross.]
You are wise to trust your experience over what you are told. The Chantry has its place, but its understanding of magic and the Fade is fundamentally flawed. [And that flawed understanding allows terrible things to happen, things that Justice is only just beginning to grasp.
He begins to walk through the market, nodding for her to walk with him. It'll be easier not to be overheard if they're not standing in the middle of the market.] I would be interested in speaking with them, should you encounter them here. I do have questions.
[The parallels between this woman and Sigrun are only growing stronger in his mind.] Spirits do not typically speak to each other as much as mortals do, so we have no need for names. Addressing me as Justice will serve the function enough.
It's served me well so far. I mean, I'm still around to talk to you aren't I? Anyway, from what I know I don't think the Chantry is completely wrong, but the way they go about things is absolutely terrible. I try to stay out of their matters as best I can though, it's always too complicated.
[She still is of the mind that everyone should be free and have a chance which she knows is the opposite of the Chantry's teachings from what she is aware, but she doesn't nearly go on and on about it like some people she knows. She follows him along as he walks though, arms crossed as they begin to blend in much better with the moving crowds.]
I'm sure he'll be hard to miss if he's actually around. Anders never was very good at the whole incognito bit. [She thinks back to his clinic in Lowtown, and even though it was only heard of by word of mouth everyone had some clue about it one way or another.] I'm sure he'll be glad to speak to you though, the man loves to talk.
I figured you'd say something like that, but I do like it. It suits you, actually being a spirit of Justice aside. You can call me Isabela by the way. [She muses over his choice with a pleased hum, before chuckling softly.] See? That's one step down. Keep it up and you'll fit in with everyone else before you know it.
[That swallows up all his attention. Justice does not have many friends, and Anders is one of the scant few. What is the likelihood that there's another mage that goes by Anders palling around with spirits? Especially spirits of justice?]
I know that mage. He was not possessed by anything when last I saw him.
[And Justice saw him just before the storm hit. Unless he's forgetting something?
Forgetting something big and important like Anders getting possessed by a spiirt seems unlikely, but it is technically not outside the realm of possibility.]
Yep, the one and only. Also known as everyone's favorite cat loving healer in Lowtown. [She's a little surprised at his reaction, how he narrows in on the matter. She'd just thought mentioning him by name would help Justice find him easier if he wasn't in stasis, which she isn't entirely sure of because she hadn't looked for him specifically. ]
I was going to joke about how he's more famous than I thought, but if you know him then that theory's right out. [She chuckles a little to help keep the mood light, it's a joke Justice.] He most definitely wasn't alone in there when I saw him last, but it didn't necessarily seem all that bad. He was the same as he always was to me, just more grumpy and a bit stuck up than before. [And more serious than he used to be, less funny, but mostly the same old same old.] I don't really know how it all works, but whatever the case I believe it's a mutual affair.
This is strange. I have no memory of this. Not even a remains of a memory. [And usually forgotten things itch a little when he's reminded of them. He's usually aware of it when he's made himself forget something, even if he doesn't know exactly what he forgot. He's relatively certain he hasn't made himself forget anything since before he left the Fade.
But he senses no lies from this woman, and he doesn't know why she would lie about this anyway.] This is worth investigating. If Anders is on this planet, then I shall find him.
[Unless being possessed by a spirit has altered his presence to the point of unrecognizability, but in that case, Justice will just follow the feeling of the Fade. It's not like there's a ton of possessed mages walking around this planet.] When did you last see him?
Maybe it happened after you saw him? I can't say for certain when it happened, when I'd seen him in Denerim years ago he was spirit free. More fun too. He was always on the move back then though, so maybe it was sometime after that?
[She thinks back to the good times at the pearl with a bit of a wistful sigh. Those were definitely the days. Justice's questions reactions are both more intense and different than she'd expect from finding out that his friend has a spirit inside of him. She'd expected concerns of him being an abomination, or even fear but she guesses maybe spirits see things differently.]
Last time I saw him was... [Before she attempted to run away and avoid a disaster that she's at fault for- She crosses her arms, taps her foot in thought.] Maybe a few days before I planned to set sail from Kirkwall. I haven't seen neither hide nor blonde hair of him here, but I can help keep an eye out for you if you like. I didn't know he knew two spirits of Justice after all, I'm dying to know how he got so popular.
[It can't have happened after Justice had seen Anders unless he's forgotten something, because Justice saw him right before the storm. Or, perhaps, this woman is mistaken. That seems like the most likely answer, but this is still... troubling.
Justice isn't going to panic at this point, but he's concerned, and the sooner he has a chance to talk to Anders, the better.]
He is a spirit healer. He has more opportunity to meet us than most. And he treats us kindly. [That last part is softer, almost to himself. Anders is selfish and irreverent and at times obnoxious and cowardly, but he's kind. He could easily be just as afraid of Justice as almost everyone else, but he treats Justice like a friend. He teaches him about mortal life and teases him and helps him hold Kristoff's rotting body together. It's a rare thing for a mortal to treat Justice like he's a person.
But that doesn't explain how Anders would get possessed by another spirit of justice without Justice's knowledge. Anders isn't the type to sit around chatting with the spirits that help him heal.] If you would let him know that I am looking for him if you see him, I would appreciate it.
I thought he was only kind to other mages or the stray cats around his clinic, but I suppose I shouldn't be too surprised spirits count for that too.
[Well, she also only thought there was only the one spirit around but you learn something new everyday. Still she remembers when Anders used to make more jokes with them at the templars' expense, his exasperated sighs every time she'd come barge into his clinic with another affliction he'd end up helping her with. Maybe it's not that farfetched after all.]
I think I can manage. Of course, that's if he's not taking a nap in those pods up there with everyone else we might not run into down here. [And that's still so bizarre to her, something she doesn't entirely even comprehend. Magic is still a unknown field to her, let alone technology that can put living people into a sleep they can't wake up from whenever they want.] So, besides giving guilty merchants quite the fright and having a nice new good looking body, what's a spirit interested in doing around here? Anything exciting?
[Once again, the vague come on flies right over his head. He assumes that when she says 'good looking body', she's saying that it looks good in comparison to a corpse, which he'd assume.]
My purpose is to bring justice wherever I go. That is what I do.
[He pauses a beat.]
I also enjoy... experiencing this realm, if that makes sense. Your world is beautiful in so many ways. Like sunsets. We do not have sunsets in the Fade, and they are beautiful. And I enjoy speaking to mortals. You fascinate me. You always find ways to be surprising.
[It's not an adequate description of just how much he loves to explore the world and meet its inhabitants. Even if he's awkward and often rebuked by mortals, he still likes meeting them, and he still appreciates the beauty of every entirely unique soul he encounters.
He doesn't know how to describe it properly, though, so this is how he'll say it.]
[Oh Justice...such potential makes him seem almost innocent to her despite how stern he is.]
I gathered the first bit well enough from what little I know of what spirits do, but you may want to go about it a little less direct or bold in the future.
[They were supposed to be more like the people in town after all, laying low and less direct about their circumstances. Which for her was doable seeing as laying low was perfect for her own ideas and strategies, but for a direct spirit like him...well. Seeing how spooked the shopkeeper was when he kicked them both out made her just a little concerned on his behalf, such well meant intentions probably wouldn't be received well by most people.
She does smile a bit at his eagerness over something so mundane as everyday life though. To her she saw people going about in their day, the sounds of market shopping and conversations that she could possibly use to her advantage, and shiny treasures among clothing and other goods.]
That's sort of sweet actually. I never really thought to look at things like sunsets and the like with a curious eye like yours, although I bet to you its something often taken for granted by those of us who don't even take the time to look right. [Her expression grows a little fond though, because actually on this? They can relate just a bit.] Maybe it's like how I see the sea. She can be moody, she can be rough, but there's a beauty there people often over look as just a body of water.
[And said fond look is gone as soon as it comes because she's grinning instead. It continues to go over his head sure, but she can't resist just one more.] Either way, I think you'll be able to get more than your fill of mortal life now. Easily even, as long as you don't startle anymore people with that mind reading thing you do. Might be able to get them to drop it if you smile at them though, since I bet you even have a handsome one to match your looks.
I do not know how to be anything less than direct. [In fact, it can get very confusing when mortals insist on not being direct themselves. How is he supposed to understand them if they won't make themselves easily understood?
Although Isabela is right to be concerned. Justice doesn't understand how quickly his mannerisms will have him ostracized from the native population.
Justice softens at her description of the ocean.] I have only ever seen the ocean from the shore. It is indeed beautiful.
[He probably could have spent all day staring at it if he didn't have work to do.
He cocks his head at the smile comment, his brow furrowing ever so slightly.] Do you believe that smiling would put more mortals at ease? It does not come naturally to me. [Beat.] Wait, does this body qualify as handsome? I cannot tell.
[That seems like the kind of thing that might be useful to know about this new form.]
Nothing wrong with direct if that works for you, just maybe ease on it a little here and there. You'll find most people don't like hearing the truth.
[Pot meet kettle, but it's a general fact she figures it might help him to know so less interactions like the shopkeeper happen less. She just shrugs knowing that she's the last person to ever be open and direct but being a people person enough to be able talk her way out of most things gives her some standing on advice.
She laughs, smile on her lips wistful and longing as she thinks of being out beyond the horizon. Someday soon, she'll make sure of it.]
Wait until you've had a chance to actually be out on it. It'll ruin you for land travel, there's nothing else quite like it.
[She looks at him with a look of disbelief when he mentions his looks. Did he really not know? Had he even seen himself since he'd woken up here? And here she'd thought it had been obvious.]
You really aren't aware then? [She's a little surprised even though the obvious 'well of course he doesn't know, he was a corpse before' thought rings in her head. She'd seen first hand what demons could look like, so then what did spirits look like in the Fade? She feels a little embarrassed at first for once in her blatant flirtations, but she just laughs it off. How to explain, how to explain...] You've certainly got a bit of charm to you. A little on the the scruffy side sure, but it works for you. People do generally like it when others smile though, so it might help if you practice. That serious look of yours might do it for some people too, now that I think about it. Makes you look mysterious.
If someone does not like to hear the truth, is that not greater evidence that they must?
[Justice dips his head. He has tried rowing across a body of water, but maybe that's not the same as sailing across the ocean.
She seems surprised that he hasn't noticed the quality of his appearance. He has trouble telling human faces apart sometimes, and still hasn't quite grasped what makes one aesthetically pleasing and another disturbing.] Spirits do not pay attention to appearance because ours can always change. I do not know what constitutes a conventionally attractive mortal.
If you believe that smiling would put mortals at ease, I suppose I can attempt it. [And what follows is most decidedly not a smile, though he tries to make one. What he ends up with is more of a tense grimace.]
Usually, but that doesn't mean they want to hear it any more than they need to. You've got to be careful with your wording there, make it sound a little nicer when you call someone out on their problems.
[Well, that definitely answers her question. Of course they could change, she hadn't even thought of that. If demons could do it why not spirits after all? She at least figures with Justice being well, Justice it was for a good cause or whatever they did in the Fade. She makes a note to ask him about it sometime, he knew more of the Fade than she'd ever know in her lifetime.]
Some would say that I count as one If you want an example. [Others well...she isn't phased much by the terms slattern or pirate whore from those that disagreed with her appearance.] The body you woke up in certainly counts as one if you ask me. Of course, being who you are I'm not worried about it getting to your head with how humble and focused you are on other things. But you look good! The not rotting bit is really doing wonders for you.
[She tries really, really hard not to laugh. He's trying his best and she knows that, and it's as adorable as a baby animal learning to walk for the first time. She does end up laughing just a little though, patting his shoulder in a mix of sympathy and apology.] Sorry, sorry. It's certainly a good start though, but definitely keep practicing at it. Really give those muscles a nice break from frowning all the time.
How do I make it sound nicer while remaining honest?
[Justice would love to learn how to say things in a way that mortals won't take badly, but he finds that a lot of mortals lie to smooth out social situations and he can't do that.
Justice looks Isabela up and down, but there's none of the lasciviousness that Isabela may associate with the gesture. It's more like a person studying a textbook, trying to understand important bits of information.] I am uncertain what physical features we have uncommon, beyond dark hair.
[It doesn't quite occur to Justice that there may be different beauty standards between men and women, and that attractiveness isn't necessarily a collection of universally enjoyed facial features.
Justice is already back to his usual neutral frown, like he can only stand trying to smile for so long.] My muscles do not feel tired from frowning.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Justice nods along at the description. Yes, that definitely sounds like a spirit of justice.] Your Chantry does not teach mortals the difference between demons and spirits. Demons are the creatures that feed on your vices, and they are the ones that attempt to possess a mage in order to experience the mortal realm. Spirits thrive on virtue, and for the most part, we are content to be left alone in the Fade. I cannot imagine a spirit of justice forcing itself on a mage. Any of us would sooner die. I imagine that your Justice witnessed some abuse by Templars that it could not abide and offered your mage help, or perhaps it was trapped in your world and your mage offered to be a host.
[Despite her sticky fingers, Justice already likes this woman despite himself. She treats him like a person, not a threat. She reminds him a little of Sigrun, and he’d be lying if he ever said he wasn’t terribly fond of Sigrun.] Most mortals were unnerved by my appearance, and they feared what I was if they discovered my nature. Now I believe my mannerisms are the main source of discomfort. I am aware that I do not pass as human well.
no subject
I tend to avoid dealing with them if I can manage, personally. Its always so boring and stuffy every time I've had to, always Andraste this, the Maker that, our way is the only right way for salvation and everyone else is wrong. I've never followed their teachings and I don't plan to anytime soon.
[Even if they might have a point in some matters, they never seemed to bend a knee to anything outside of their teachings. If Anders had anything right besides his incessant talk of the mistreatment of mages, its that the Chantry was not the beacon of glory they preached to be.]
I don't need the sisters or the Divine herself to tell me the difference, I've seen what demons are like firsthand. You're too far too honest to be one regardless. I tend to trust what I see over principles, so I'll take your word over theirs. I couldn't begin to tell you how they met, I just know that I remembered he was different from when I'd seen him last. Actually... [She gets a little quieter then, remembering there were things the people around them both weren't meant to know, and the last thing she wants to do is make a scene.] If it really is true that the people we know are either around and about here or taking a nap in stasis then maybe you'll run into him sometime so you can ask him yourself.
I'd be a bit unnerved at a walking corpse too personally, no offense. That'd probably be about the worst of it though, since I imagine you wouldn't choose to come across that way if you could choose otherwise. [For better or worse she's generally indifferent of others unless she has good reason to be one way or the other.] Well...I wouldn't go so far as to call it discomforting, but you could use some work on your approach. You aren't a lost cause though, look on the bright side! You've got all your odds and ends, now only your manners could use some work. A name too might help, or do you spirits like you just go by what you are?
no subject
But he doesn't care about drinking and sex as long as no one gets hurt, even though drinking especially confuses him. Why do mortals willingly compromise their own senses? Questions he suspects he'll never see adequately answered.
But no, he is definitely liking this woman despite himself. Quick, human, go steal something so he can go back to being cross.]
You are wise to trust your experience over what you are told. The Chantry has its place, but its understanding of magic and the Fade is fundamentally flawed. [And that flawed understanding allows terrible things to happen, things that Justice is only just beginning to grasp.
He begins to walk through the market, nodding for her to walk with him. It'll be easier not to be overheard if they're not standing in the middle of the market.] I would be interested in speaking with them, should you encounter them here. I do have questions.
[The parallels between this woman and Sigrun are only growing stronger in his mind.] Spirits do not typically speak to each other as much as mortals do, so we have no need for names. Addressing me as Justice will serve the function enough.
no subject
[She still is of the mind that everyone should be free and have a chance which she knows is the opposite of the Chantry's teachings from what she is aware, but she doesn't nearly go on and on about it like some people she knows. She follows him along as he walks though, arms crossed as they begin to blend in much better with the moving crowds.]
I'm sure he'll be hard to miss if he's actually around. Anders never was very good at the whole incognito bit. [She thinks back to his clinic in Lowtown, and even though it was only heard of by word of mouth everyone had some clue about it one way or another.] I'm sure he'll be glad to speak to you though, the man loves to talk.
I figured you'd say something like that, but I do like it. It suits you, actually being a spirit of Justice aside. You can call me Isabela by the way. [She muses over his choice with a pleased hum, before chuckling softly.] See? That's one step down. Keep it up and you'll fit in with everyone else before you know it.
no subject
[That swallows up all his attention. Justice does not have many friends, and Anders is one of the scant few. What is the likelihood that there's another mage that goes by Anders palling around with spirits? Especially spirits of justice?]
I know that mage. He was not possessed by anything when last I saw him.
[And Justice saw him just before the storm hit. Unless he's forgetting something?
Forgetting something big and important like Anders getting possessed by a spiirt seems unlikely, but it is technically not outside the realm of possibility.]
no subject
I was going to joke about how he's more famous than I thought, but if you know him then that theory's right out. [She chuckles a little to help keep the mood light, it's a joke Justice.] He most definitely wasn't alone in there when I saw him last, but it didn't necessarily seem all that bad. He was the same as he always was to me, just more grumpy and a bit stuck up than before. [And more serious than he used to be, less funny, but mostly the same old same old.] I don't really know how it all works, but whatever the case I believe it's a mutual affair.
no subject
But he senses no lies from this woman, and he doesn't know why she would lie about this anyway.] This is worth investigating. If Anders is on this planet, then I shall find him.
[Unless being possessed by a spirit has altered his presence to the point of unrecognizability, but in that case, Justice will just follow the feeling of the Fade. It's not like there's a ton of possessed mages walking around this planet.] When did you last see him?
no subject
[She thinks back to the good times at the pearl with a bit of a wistful sigh. Those were definitely the days. Justice's questions reactions are both more intense and different than she'd expect from finding out that his friend has a spirit inside of him. She'd expected concerns of him being an abomination, or even fear but she guesses maybe spirits see things differently.]
Last time I saw him was... [Before she attempted to run away and avoid a disaster that she's at fault for- She crosses her arms, taps her foot in thought.] Maybe a few days before I planned to set sail from Kirkwall. I haven't seen neither hide nor blonde hair of him here, but I can help keep an eye out for you if you like. I didn't know he knew two spirits of Justice after all, I'm dying to know how he got so popular.
no subject
Justice isn't going to panic at this point, but he's concerned, and the sooner he has a chance to talk to Anders, the better.]
He is a spirit healer. He has more opportunity to meet us than most. And he treats us kindly. [That last part is softer, almost to himself. Anders is selfish and irreverent and at times obnoxious and cowardly, but he's kind. He could easily be just as afraid of Justice as almost everyone else, but he treats Justice like a friend. He teaches him about mortal life and teases him and helps him hold Kristoff's rotting body together. It's a rare thing for a mortal to treat Justice like he's a person.
But that doesn't explain how Anders would get possessed by another spirit of justice without Justice's knowledge. Anders isn't the type to sit around chatting with the spirits that help him heal.] If you would let him know that I am looking for him if you see him, I would appreciate it.
no subject
[Well, she also only thought there was only the one spirit around but you learn something new everyday. Still she remembers when Anders used to make more jokes with them at the templars' expense, his exasperated sighs every time she'd come barge into his clinic with another affliction he'd end up helping her with. Maybe it's not that farfetched after all.]
I think I can manage. Of course, that's if he's not taking a nap in those pods up there with everyone else we might not run into down here. [And that's still so bizarre to her, something she doesn't entirely even comprehend. Magic is still a unknown field to her, let alone technology that can put living people into a sleep they can't wake up from whenever they want.] So, besides giving guilty merchants quite the fright and having a nice new good looking body, what's a spirit interested in doing around here? Anything exciting?
no subject
My purpose is to bring justice wherever I go. That is what I do.
[He pauses a beat.]
I also enjoy... experiencing this realm, if that makes sense. Your world is beautiful in so many ways. Like sunsets. We do not have sunsets in the Fade, and they are beautiful. And I enjoy speaking to mortals. You fascinate me. You always find ways to be surprising.
[It's not an adequate description of just how much he loves to explore the world and meet its inhabitants. Even if he's awkward and often rebuked by mortals, he still likes meeting them, and he still appreciates the beauty of every entirely unique soul he encounters.
He doesn't know how to describe it properly, though, so this is how he'll say it.]
no subject
I gathered the first bit well enough from what little I know of what spirits do, but you may want to go about it a little less direct or bold in the future.
[They were supposed to be more like the people in town after all, laying low and less direct about their circumstances. Which for her was doable seeing as laying low was perfect for her own ideas and strategies, but for a direct spirit like him...well. Seeing how spooked the shopkeeper was when he kicked them both out made her just a little concerned on his behalf, such well meant intentions probably wouldn't be received well by most people.
She does smile a bit at his eagerness over something so mundane as everyday life though. To her she saw people going about in their day, the sounds of market shopping and conversations that she could possibly use to her advantage, and shiny treasures among clothing and other goods.]
That's sort of sweet actually. I never really thought to look at things like sunsets and the like with a curious eye like yours, although I bet to you its something often taken for granted by those of us who don't even take the time to look right. [Her expression grows a little fond though, because actually on this? They can relate just a bit.] Maybe it's like how I see the sea. She can be moody, she can be rough, but there's a beauty there people often over look as just a body of water.
[And said fond look is gone as soon as it comes because she's grinning instead. It continues to go over his head sure, but she can't resist just one more.] Either way, I think you'll be able to get more than your fill of mortal life now. Easily even, as long as you don't startle anymore people with that mind reading thing you do. Might be able to get them to drop it if you smile at them though, since I bet you even have a handsome one to match your looks.
no subject
Although Isabela is right to be concerned. Justice doesn't understand how quickly his mannerisms will have him ostracized from the native population.
Justice softens at her description of the ocean.] I have only ever seen the ocean from the shore. It is indeed beautiful.
[He probably could have spent all day staring at it if he didn't have work to do.
He cocks his head at the smile comment, his brow furrowing ever so slightly.] Do you believe that smiling would put more mortals at ease? It does not come naturally to me. [Beat.] Wait, does this body qualify as handsome? I cannot tell.
[That seems like the kind of thing that might be useful to know about this new form.]
no subject
[Pot meet kettle, but it's a general fact she figures it might help him to know so less interactions like the shopkeeper happen less. She just shrugs knowing that she's the last person to ever be open and direct but being a people person enough to be able talk her way out of most things gives her some standing on advice.
She laughs, smile on her lips wistful and longing as she thinks of being out beyond the horizon. Someday soon, she'll make sure of it.]
Wait until you've had a chance to actually be out on it. It'll ruin you for land travel, there's nothing else quite like it.
[She looks at him with a look of disbelief when he mentions his looks. Did he really not know? Had he even seen himself since he'd woken up here? And here she'd thought it had been obvious.]
You really aren't aware then? [She's a little surprised even though the obvious 'well of course he doesn't know, he was a corpse before' thought rings in her head. She'd seen first hand what demons could look like, so then what did spirits look like in the Fade? She feels a little embarrassed at first for once in her blatant flirtations, but she just laughs it off. How to explain, how to explain...] You've certainly got a bit of charm to you. A little on the the scruffy side sure, but it works for you. People do generally like it when others smile though, so it might help if you practice. That serious look of yours might do it for some people too, now that I think about it. Makes you look mysterious.
no subject
[Justice dips his head. He has tried rowing across a body of water, but maybe that's not the same as sailing across the ocean.
She seems surprised that he hasn't noticed the quality of his appearance. He has trouble telling human faces apart sometimes, and still hasn't quite grasped what makes one aesthetically pleasing and another disturbing.] Spirits do not pay attention to appearance because ours can always change. I do not know what constitutes a conventionally attractive mortal.
If you believe that smiling would put mortals at ease, I suppose I can attempt it. [And what follows is most decidedly not a smile, though he tries to make one. What he ends up with is more of a tense grimace.]
no subject
[Well, that definitely answers her question. Of course they could change, she hadn't even thought of that. If demons could do it why not spirits after all? She at least figures with Justice being well, Justice it was for a good cause or whatever they did in the Fade. She makes a note to ask him about it sometime, he knew more of the Fade than she'd ever know in her lifetime.]
Some would say that I count as one If you want an example. [Others well...she isn't phased much by the terms slattern or pirate whore from those that disagreed with her appearance.] The body you woke up in certainly counts as one if you ask me. Of course, being who you are I'm not worried about it getting to your head with how humble and focused you are on other things. But you look good! The not rotting bit is really doing wonders for you.
[She tries really, really hard not to laugh. He's trying his best and she knows that, and it's as adorable as a baby animal learning to walk for the first time. She does end up laughing just a little though, patting his shoulder in a mix of sympathy and apology.] Sorry, sorry. It's certainly a good start though, but definitely keep practicing at it. Really give those muscles a nice break from frowning all the time.
no subject
[Justice would love to learn how to say things in a way that mortals won't take badly, but he finds that a lot of mortals lie to smooth out social situations and he can't do that.
Justice looks Isabela up and down, but there's none of the lasciviousness that Isabela may associate with the gesture. It's more like a person studying a textbook, trying to understand important bits of information.] I am uncertain what physical features we have uncommon, beyond dark hair.
[It doesn't quite occur to Justice that there may be different beauty standards between men and women, and that attractiveness isn't necessarily a collection of universally enjoyed facial features.
Justice is already back to his usual neutral frown, like he can only stand trying to smile for so long.] My muscles do not feel tired from frowning.