Thanks? [ She sounds genuinely surprised by that. Obviously, it's not something she's used to hearing. From people in the Bureau, sure, but not anyone out in the field. It's just one surprise after another. ] You don't need to thank me for anything. Really.
[ « I'm not sure how to feel about being thanked. It's... it's normal, and I don't deal with normal. »
Jesse's gaze quickly drops down to his hands once again. They could tear that menu apart if he could focus long enough on one thing long enough. Is that how it is in the dimension he was trapped in? Constantly going from one thought to the next without being able to focus? None of the dimensions in the Oldest House are quite like that, but, she's seen what's happened to people who weren't prepared when they go into the Astral Plane--or any plane. Did that happen to him? Was he just swirled into the events and left to fend for himself with no help at all?
« It would explain a few things. »
As she is about to respond to his statement, the waitress comes over to take their order. Jesse smiles and orders the waffles meal for herself, the lighter meal for Alan, and then tells her whatever Steve would like is all on her tab. She then gently takes the menu from Alan before handing both of theirs to the waitress. ]
I haven't seen you folks around before. Did you come by for Deerfest?
...Deerfest? [ Jesse finally takes a look out the window and sees the float. Oh. She blinks a few times before looking back at the waitress. ] We actually met up with some friends that live in the local area. I guess they left that detail out.
Oh, the more the merrier! Bright Falls really comes alive during Deerfest, you'll see! I'll bring some brochures over with the drinks.
[ The waitress walks away and Jesse keeps her eyes on her. Then, her attention moves back to Alan with every intent of answering his statement about her story. Except, those words never come out. Not when she sees the reaction just "Deerfest" had on him. He had some sort of connection... was it Deerfest when the AWE happened thirteen years ago?
Without thinking, Jesse reaches over and puts her hands on his. She doesn't realize she has until she does it. Then, her gaze drops to her hands. Why did she do that? It didn't feel like someone else guiding her or even telling her to do that. It felt natural--she wanted to. But, why? She's never physical with people.
The... well, everything seems to suddenly change in a blink of an eye.
It's dark, too dark, and almost a hint of green everywhere. The wind is ungodly loud, and Steve is shouting something by the door of the diner. The diner is empty, cold, lacking in any warmth or feeling that Deerfest should bring. Tables overturned, menus spread everywhere, coffee spilled on the floor.
Wake is there too, huddled on the floor, clutching one side of his head with his hand. His hair is combed, and he looks more presentable, but unable to really do much. Steve shouts more: "Director, we've got to go now!"
That's when Faden makes the decision.
She pulls Wake up to his feet, grabbing his hands to force his attention back to her. It's worked before. She pulls the flashlight from her belt and shoves it into his hands beside the gun he has. Then, she's pushing him backwards towards Steven. Except it's not just her pushing. Those paranormal powers she's managed to tame thanks to her guiding star serve as an extra force to help Wake snap out of his stupor and towards the ranger.
Her right hand ranger. Her most trusted ranger.
He's seen the Darkness before. He knows what's at stake.
"Alan! GO. I'll hold him off here. We don't have TIME to argue! Steve, get this man to the nearest outdoor light!"
"...Y-yes, Ma'am!"
Faden gives one final push with those powers to shove the men out the diner doors--to give them a head start. Then, she pulls tables, booths, plates, whatever her powers will pick up to block the entrance. Satisfied with what she's done for the moment, she turns to face the hallway that leads back towards the bathrooms of the diner. She pulls out another flashlight and clicks it on.
Jesse jerks up right suddenly, glancing around at the diner. It's sunlight, warm, and just as she thought it was a few moments ago. But it felt so real--what... what was that? Did that come from Alan when she touched him? Or... or was it something else? A vision?
Polaris shifts.
« No? A... a memory? Of something that hasn't happened? How is that possible? »
She pulls her hands away slowly from him.
« I need a moment. Maybe ten. What WAS that? » ]
S-sorry, hold that thought. I'll be right back. Steve, hold down the fort for me.
[ She gives a smile that doesn't quite reach the corner of her lips before standing up from the booth. In a stride she's down the hall that leads to the two bathrooms in the back. ]
no subject
[ « I'm not sure how to feel about being thanked. It's... it's normal, and I don't deal with normal. »
Jesse's gaze quickly drops down to his hands once again. They could tear that menu apart if he could focus long enough on one thing long enough. Is that how it is in the dimension he was trapped in? Constantly going from one thought to the next without being able to focus? None of the dimensions in the Oldest House are quite like that, but, she's seen what's happened to people who weren't prepared when they go into the Astral Plane--or any plane. Did that happen to him? Was he just swirled into the events and left to fend for himself with no help at all?
« It would explain a few things. »
As she is about to respond to his statement, the waitress comes over to take their order. Jesse smiles and orders the waffles meal for herself, the lighter meal for Alan, and then tells her whatever Steve would like is all on her tab. She then gently takes the menu from Alan before handing both of theirs to the waitress. ]
I haven't seen you folks around before. Did you come by for Deerfest?
...Deerfest? [ Jesse finally takes a look out the window and sees the float. Oh. She blinks a few times before looking back at the waitress. ] We actually met up with some friends that live in the local area. I guess they left that detail out.
Oh, the more the merrier! Bright Falls really comes alive during Deerfest, you'll see! I'll bring some brochures over with the drinks.
[ The waitress walks away and Jesse keeps her eyes on her. Then, her attention moves back to Alan with every intent of answering his statement about her story. Except, those words never come out. Not when she sees the reaction just "Deerfest" had on him. He had some sort of connection... was it Deerfest when the AWE happened thirteen years ago?
Without thinking, Jesse reaches over and puts her hands on his. She doesn't realize she has until she does it. Then, her gaze drops to her hands. Why did she do that? It didn't feel like someone else guiding her or even telling her to do that. It felt natural--she wanted to. But, why? She's never physical with people.
The... well, everything seems to suddenly change in a blink of an eye.
Jesse jerks up right suddenly, glancing around at the diner. It's sunlight, warm, and just as she thought it was a few moments ago. But it felt so real--what... what was that? Did that come from Alan when she touched him? Or... or was it something else? A vision?
Polaris shifts.
« No? A... a memory? Of something that hasn't happened? How is that possible? »
She pulls her hands away slowly from him.
« I need a moment. Maybe ten. What WAS that? » ]
S-sorry, hold that thought. I'll be right back. Steve, hold down the fort for me.
[ She gives a smile that doesn't quite reach the corner of her lips before standing up from the booth. In a stride she's down the hall that leads to the two bathrooms in the back. ]