PT 014 Xho and Aevarnis

USS Adventure06/20/2020

You go over to Aevarnis's office, which is surprisingly closed and locked.

Xho06/20/2020

*asks ARTI where she's at.*

USS Adventure06/20/2020

ARTI: "Dr. Aevarnis is with a client at this time, Commander. But she should see you momentarily."

Xho06/20/2020

Ah, excellent. I will wait here.

USS Adventure06/20/2020

Eventually the cabin door opens and Duma steps out. "...Commander. ...hello."

Xho06/20/2020

*smiles at him, a little tiny bit.*

[11:43 PM]

Ah, I was going to try to find you later. Perhaps we could meet in the Chimaera Chamber at some point again before we make the jump back?

USS Adventure06/20/2020

Duma: "...yeah, that could be fun."

[11:44 PM]

Aevarnis enters the doorway. "Commander, welcome."

Xho06/20/2020

*nods to Duma, and heads into Aevarnis's office.*

USS Adventure06/20/2020

Duma: "...I should make sure ARTI's systems are running smoothly."

[11:46 PM]

The door closes and Aevarnis takes a seat at her desk. "Please, sit anywhere you want."

Xho06/20/2020

*waves to him, before the door closes, and then sits.*

USS Adventure06/20/2020

Aevarnis: "...are we considering this a first session?"

Xho06/20/2020

.... first?

USS Adventure06/20/2020

Aevarnis: "...I hope so. Do you not see this continuing?"

Xho06/20/2020

Oh, I see. Yes, I suppose so. I have decided not to resign but I am not sure personnel will not be changed somewhat when we reach home, either.

USS Adventure06/20/2020

Aevarnis: "...perhaps. I am actually rather confident, though."

Xho06/20/2020

I am very much hoping to stay, and keep the crew as it is.

USS Adventure06/20/2020

Aevarnis: "I find that very comforting to hear. I have difficulty imagining this ship without the crew as it stands, you in particular. But I suppose my job forces me to have a certain closeness that some just...can't afford themselves."

Xho06/20/2020

That is possible. ... I do hope you have friends here.

USS Adventure06/20/2020

Aevarnis: "...do you not consider us friends?"

[11:54 PM]

She makes a hurt expression.

[11:55 PM]

She breaks the expression and smiles. "I'm kidding. I know what you mean."

Xho06/20/2020

*nods.*

[11:56 PM]

... I *have* valued your assistance.

USS Adventure06/20/2020

"...admittedly, it's hard for people to talk to me in a casual manner. There's a fear I'll take whatever they say as some form of ammunition. But Nastur Ironspine and I actually spend a lot of time over drinks."

[11:57 PM]

"Also, Von Kemp brings me sweets every week. ...I do not know where he gets the supplies or finds time to bake, frankly."

[11:57 PM]

"I am glad I could help you, Commander. I hope I can assist you in the future."

Xho06/20/2020

*nods.*

[11:58 PM]

... I am... having trouble resting.

USS Adventure06/20/2020

"...oh?"

Xho06/20/2020

Yes. ... I do go into a trance-like state for approximately the same amount of time as I used to trance. Or... I did. I have been able to meditate but I cannot seem to *stay* in trance.

June 21, 2020

USS Adventure06/21/2020

"...hm...can you describe your meditation process and what thoughts you have while trying to trance?"

Xho06/21/2020

*does describe it. Basically, she changes into soft, comfy clothes and lies down, kind of the norm.*

[12:03 AM]

... I catch movement out of the corner of my eye and become concerned that there is someone there, and wake up. When it is just a plant, or Dread Beast, or nothing at all. Sometimes I do not even have to see anything.

USS Adventure06/21/2020

"...would you describe your emotional state as...anxious? Or do you have fears of being watched or preyed upon?"

Xho06/21/2020

I am a little anxious, I suppose.

[12:05 AM]

And I am afraid I am being watched.

[12:05 AM]

... I *know* I am not being watched.

[12:05 AM]

But it *feels* as if I am.

USS Adventure06/21/2020

"...sometimes after people go through a traumatic experience, their emotional state locks there. You now know you were potentially being watched for the past decade, even when you believed you were alone. It makes sense that this would instill a paranoia in you."

[12:07 AM]

"...I will not reveal names, obviously, but you're not the only case I am having like this. Even if the exact details are not identical."

[12:09 AM]

"...there are a few methods we could try. I could offer alternative meditations that may help you relax more. ...I also could recommend that you try and trance in the Chimaera Chamber for the time being, where you have much greater control of the environment and may be able to find a setting you'd find more comfortable."

Xho06/21/2020

*nods.*

[12:10 AM]

... perhaps I could try with someone else present.

USS Adventure06/21/2020

"....there are also medicinal options, but those can be extreme. Especially for elves. And especially given your current state."

Xho06/21/2020

... surely I would not be worried about someone being there if someone *were* in fact there.

USS Adventure06/21/2020

".......with someone else present could be more comforting. We can trance together tonight, if that's your preference."

[12:12 AM]

"...I also have other patients this could help with, but I think we should try it with me as a control, first."

Xho06/21/2020

*nods.*

[12:13 AM]

... if it is too much of an imposition I can ask someone else instead.

USS Adventure06/21/2020

"Of course not. I'll bring my favorite jammies and come to your cabin tonight."

Xho06/21/2020

*relaxes a little bit.*

[12:14 AM]

Thank you. It's.... very difficult not to think about it. And then once I am awake it takes a long time to settle my thoughts.

USS Adventure06/21/2020

"That makes sense. Trust me, I have made far bigger sacrifices for patients."

[12:15 AM]

"...do drow sleepovers work like high elven ones? Should I still bring the sparkle nail polish?"

[12:15 AM]

She smirks.

Xho06/21/2020

... what is a sleepover?

USS Adventure06/21/2020

"...oh my."

[12:17 AM]

((I think this is a good stopping point if you're ok with this))

[12:17 AM]

((Maybe squish the sleepover or Duma session another time))

Xho06/21/2020

((Sure thing! Probably no need to do the Duma thing unless you think it's necessary, just say it happened. She considers him a friend, so she just wanted some time with him before they potentially are split up.))

USS Adventure06/21/2020

((I don't think it's necessary, I'd just like to get more Duma in there.))

[12:19 AM]

((I feel like he's kind of underrepresented.))

Xho06/21/2020

((Oh, sure! He's a good character. Oh, one more thing maybe.))

[12:20 AM]

... if you would prefer, I could ask Duma? Or perhaps I could try in engineering. Or ask the captain, or Duo.

USS Adventure06/21/2020

Aevarnis: "...if you'd feel more comfortable. I only recommended myself because I could monitor your progress. But if you have people you feel comfortable around and trust, you should ask them."

Xho06/21/2020

I do trust you. I just do not want to inconvenience you. ... do keep in mind that I will look somewhat... dead.

USS Adventure06/21/2020

Aevarnis: "...your concern is touching but unnecessary. But it's your choice."

Xho06/21/2020

Then we will try. If that does not work, or if our schedules slide out of sync, I will try something else.

USS Adventure06/21/2020

Aevarnis: "More than fair."