The Park, Tuesday Night

[drlambert.livejournal.com]

Having gotten a bit of a primer on Fandom, Natalie emerged from Caritas a bit more wary of her surroundings than before. That there were other vampires to contend with changed things slightly. Not that she couldn't handle herself in a hissing contest; she was more worried about what type of community she found herself in. Did they feed on humans or did they stock up at the local butcher? And if she was going to continue her research, would they pose a threat? She wouldn't know the answers until she met one of them...and that was a prospect Natalie wasn't looking forward to.

The thought of her research brought her to another question -- whether or not her medical supplies would arrive in time for her first day night on the job. She didn't need what was in the packing crates to treat patients. For that, surely she could turn to the clinic stores here. But she did need to get her equipment set up, make a formal donation of it to the lab if that's what it took.

Shoving her hands into the pocket of her leather coat, more from habit than for warmth, she stared out at the sidewalk before her. It was funny, really. Before everything, she had never asked of Nick, and he had rarely offered. Soon after her turning, however, he had her authorized on the de Brebant accounts, as well as his own "savings." Had his guilt driven him to it? Of that, Natalie had little doubt. She had made use of that access often, purchasing the equipment that would arrive in Fandom shortly. She couldn't help but think it felt strange, sharing things like that. It all made sense, of course, but it still felt strange. Surely Nick knew he didn't need to buy her forgiveness?

With a sigh, she arrived once again at the park. Across the pond, she could see her apartment building, the lights offering a warm glow on such a chilly evening. She had to admit it was a beautiful night -- clear, cold with people still bustling about...and a phone booth in the middle of the lawn.

She shrugged. This really was a strange place.

Comments

[notavegetarian.livejournal.com]

Having gotten slightly frustrated with Batou's lack of initiative to interact (not that she herself was a social animal), Zhaan wrapped herself in her cloak and headed off at a brisk walk.

By the time she'd reached the park, she was in a much better frame of mind and rather amused at herself.

On spotting the woman by pond, she considered whether taking her own advice would be a good idea. Then decided it was and approached her. "Good evening." She said pleasantly.

[drlambert.livejournal.com]

Natalie furrowed her brow and blinked a bit, seeing the...blue...woman wrapped in a cloak. Then again, hadn't she just talked to a green demon? "Good evening," she replied with a smile.

[notavegetarian.livejournal.com]

Discovering that the art of small talk had apparently run off with her previous existence, Zhaan considered a moment before speaking again. "I am Zhaan. I trust the evening finds you well?

[drlambert.livejournal.com]

"Natalie Lambert," the doctor replied. There was something peaceful and quiet about this woman, as well as something very formal in her speech patterns. Natalie nodded in greeting. "The evening finds me... well enough, I suppose. I'm still here."

Present condition excepted, she thought.

[notavegetarian.livejournal.com]

A smile crossed Zhaan's lips. "Sometimes, being here is all that is required. Others..." She glanced up at the sky, taking in the stars she once considered home.

[drlambert.livejournal.com]

Nat followed her gaze toward the sky. The moon shone brightly and she thought briefly of Schanke and Captain Cohen and a rueful smile twitched across her lips. "There are some who aren't here, you're right."

[notavegetarian.livejournal.com]

A sobering thought. She has John and Aeryn, Stark and Chiana, in some capacity. But not D'Argo (though Batou is what he could become), not Pilot, or her beautiful Moya. For just a moment, deeper memories of people she hasn't seen in centuries slide to the surface. Then she banishes them, reminding herself of the here and now.

"Had I a drink, I would toast to distant friends," Zhaan offered, regaining her equilibrium.

[drlambert.livejournal.com]

"Maybe the thought alone will be enough." Mischief danced in her eyes. "If not, then I had a couple of drinks earlier."

[notavegetarian.livejournal.com]

"And me with only sober thoughts," Zhaan mocked herself, but she was smiling. "Have you been in town long?"

[drlambert.livejournal.com]

Natalie shook her head. "No. I just arrived yesterday. I'm just learning my way around."

[notavegetarian.livejournal.com]

"Welcome to town, then," Zhaan followed her instincts, and began cutting the conversation short, "It you're ever in need of shelter, or simply herbs, stop by Sanctity."

[ooc:am off to bed *flees*]