Something in the air...

[polymods]

✖ The Isle That Blooms

Ⅰ. ARRIVAL
You can read all about your character's arrival in the game lore.
This is the first isle you can smell before you see it rising on the island. It starts with the faint hint of growing things that blossoms into a floral scent that teases you with the combination of familiarity and the unknown. The next breeze seems to carry you closer even as it coats everything in a delicate wash of golden pollen that only the Ferryman seems to be able to avoid.

Do you like your lips to taste the gritty sweetness? Or are you already starting to sniffle? Either way, the island starts as a smudge then turns into a riot of color as it reveals itself.

The Isle that Blooms lives up to its name as flowers vie in a silent war of roots and strangling vines to cover every viable surface with sprays of color and vibrant pulsing life. There are signs of human life in the form of a village built on stilts and full of little anachronisms like a glowing neon sign that hint that the island sees a large number of Travelers come through this place.

And who wouldn’t be drawn to the abundant flora, brightly painted houses, and lively locals?

Everyone seems to be glowing with health as the locals gather near the dock to welcome the latest set of tourists. They come with arms full of flower wreaths and friendly smiles, clearly in control of their faculties and interested in trade. Their clothing is as bright as the paintings on their buildings, as the flowers that surround them, and perfect for the warmth of the day.

Do you notice, though, the absence of any babies or prepubescent children? Or that while there are old people, no one shows signs of the infirmities that come with age? It might be easy to miss, especially as the Isle starts to affect you, too.

The ache in your back from that terrible fall, the craving for that next drink, the trauma that’s too close to the surface, all the petty hurts the build up in a lifetime start to fade as you, too, start to bloom.

Notes:
1. NO GUNS are allowed on this island. The Ferryman will keep them safe for you.

2. These residents of the island are normal humans. Killing them is possible and may affect the color of your Scrywatch.

3. Any type of flower could exist on the island, blooming somewhere, regardless of its real world requirements. Rare ones are difficult to find and magical ones need a check in with the mods.

4. There is nothing preadolescent of any animal species on the entire island, including insects.

5. The island’s ability leaves people as the healthiest, most energetic version of their current selves. Examples: A blind person in otherwise good mental and emotional health would notice minimal changes. A person with a disorder would find themselves having a string of good days. A 50 year old probably hasn’t felt this good since their thirties.

---

Ⅱ. THE TEMPLE
Orchids in shades of yellow and pink so bright they glow have been trained to grow along the walkways and bridges of the elevated village to guide Travelers to this island’s Temple. The building stands alone at the edge of the Village, extending out in the ocean of flowers that fill most of the isle.


The temple is made of simple stout wood that has been carved and painted in patterns ornate and lovely in a way that speaks of hundreds of hours of creation and maintenance. The same orchids that guided you here gild building and act as camouflage the sleeping porches ring the outside. They are kept private and safe from insects by fine netting, and you will find the bedding soft and fine.

This Temple’s Guardians are a pair of lazing cats with strange spots and scaly wings that regard you with affectionate disinterest as you explore the facilities. There are toilets and sinks, but no baths or showers. The pantries are stocked with edible flowers and fresh fish and the space and tools to cook. If you are brave enough, the Guardians will probably give you practical advice on how to use those supplies. There are new clothes and sandals better suited to the heat, and even practical machetes.

Notes:
1. The Main Temple is still open to those who are brand new to PM.

2. There are paints and carving tools if you want to add to the temple decorations. (Maybe mention it during the Oracle Event if you do.)

3. All fabric items are ridiculously bright and vaguely tie dyed.

4. The marker orchids have a distinctly strong smell of vanilla with a hint of lime.

---

Ⅲ. THE LOTUS BATHS
CW: fantasy setting drugs.
There’s only so long a person can stand to be covered in pollen, and when you ask the locals, they grin. Oh, you want a bath? There’s a path back to the ground and through the tall flowers to a natural spring. Make sure to head out early, they warn.

It’s always better to be in the village before nightfall, and you are clearly going to take a while.

As you walk the winding path to the baths, the everpresent flowers seem to thin out and even disappear as ground warms and rock rises from rich soil. You can smell the mineral richness of the bright blue pools that form waterfalls over a series of rising ledges. There is life, though, even here, in the form of delicate lily pads that float in rafts around vivid lotus flowers.

If you test the water, you’ll find it’s warm enough to melt the knots out of muscles and make it easy to understand why the few bathers seem to be so languid and relaxed. If you sink all the way in, well, not only will you manage to get clean, but you might find yourself mellowing out even more. So mellow you’ll hardly notice when the pleasant hallucinations start.

You’ll find yourself drawn into visions of your most private joys and of the pleasures you keep to yourself. Maybe it’s a matter of shame or maybe it’s because they’re too precious. There’s one small problem, though. If someone else gets in the same pool, not only will they start to share the same vision, but you’ll start to see theirs too.

Will the fantasies become a nightmare or will you manage to navigate them together? Will you ever be able to look at each other the same way again?

Notes:
1. The hallucinations will end when you leave the water, but only once you and your bathing partner are both out.

2. The flowers are magical and will affect everyone, even robots or super powered people.

---

Ⅳ. NIGHTBLOOMING
CW: abduction, violence.
You are warned to stay in the elevated village at night. The flower fields are safe enough during the day, but things happen at night. It’s hard to imagine during the day when stingless bees that glitter in jewel colors bumble along and hummingbirds the size of chihuahuas feed from the abundant flowers while squeaking their strong opinions at each other.

But as the moon rises, and most of the flowers close, there’s rustling sounds that make it clear that there are big things moving through that growth. Things that make the hair rise up on the back of a person’s neck. It would take a big prize to make it worth finding out what makes those sounds. A big prize or a reason to face your fears.

There’s a scream in the night. You can ignore it, of course. Not everyone is meant to run towards the scream. It might not even change the color of your ScryWatch.

But if you go to the source of the sound you’ll find a mother weeping openly while other locals gather around to comfort her. It seems her teenager decided that the best way to woo their lover was with glowing flowers that only open under a full moon. The teen has been gone for hours, and the grim expressions on the people around you say his chances aren’t good.

You have a choice to make. Will you go into the dark to face the unknown dangers? Will you offer some other form of comfort? Or will you go back to hide in the safety of the Temple?

Notes:
1. The danger in the flowers consists of six foot tall nocturnal orchid mantises who have the teen pinned in a tree. They are currently singing a human language lullaby to the kid to get them to go to sleep and fall out of the tree.

2. The mantises have a hive mind and will retreat if one of their number is killed, but can also be talked to and negotiated with. They will be willing to trade a regular supply of fish for no longer hunting people.

---

Ⅴ. SPECIAL EVENT: THE FLOWER ORACLE
In the center of the village, there is a giant flower bud that is bigger than a man is tall. The villagers tell you that you are lucky. You will be here when the Flower Oracle blooms. You will have a chance to speak directly to the Ancient One through the Oracle, and She even answers. All it takes is a little sacrifice.

Notes:
1. During the week of July 12-18, there will be a special event post where characters can choose to interact with the Flower Oracle for a chance to be rewarded, get an answer, get silence, or get punished by the Ancient.

2. Any starter posted during this window will be honored, specifics to come.

3. This event is optional!

Bonus: music to watch the flowers bloom to.

Network · Logs · OOC · Memes · Plurk

Comments

Chloe | Detroit: Become Human | OTA

[neverwither]

⭕ TEMPLE

( A place filled with flowers and somewhere to cook? Things are definitely looking up in the world of island-hopping. She’s also managed to find a long dress in vibrant hues of pink and yellow. Rather garish, certainly, but it also serves to help the android feel a little more like herself.

All too keen to get stuck in, and bring some small sense of normalcy, Chloe is busy preparing a selection of brightly coloured candied flowers. They’ll serve as edible decoration for the baked apples filled with fruit jam that she already has cooking. Because everyone deserves a treat, don’t they? The bowls and cutlery she has stacked up and laid out on the work space suggest she has no intention of keeping these spoils to herself.

There might not be as much scope for culinary creation as she would have wished for but she seems to be making herself at home with what there is – a Martha Stewart in the making. )



⭕ LOTUS BATHS

( The warm water is undeniably soothing. As it washes over her, Chloe feels an ease she hasn’t felt in a very long time. She has always been a fan of the water (and is fortunately waterproof enough to be able to indulge) and this wonderful bath is no exception.

As the scene around her shifts, Chloe shifts too. She turns so her arms and head rest upon the edge of the spring. Only that natural water source and its surroundings have become a red pool in a spartan room. A room that holds one of her best memories as well as one of the very worst.

Right now, she bathes in a pleasant memory. One that makes her feel full of light and life. A man with a naturally imposing and commanding presence crouches by the side of the pool. He looks at her with a small, and rare, smile. She, too, smiles at him. He reaches for her, tucking his fingers around her chin so he can lift her head to better gaze at him. Or perhaps to better gaze at her. When he speaks, his voice is quiet. As gentle as he ever is. )

I’m not going to say I’m proud of you. There’s no need. You passing the Turing Test was a mere formality. And I know you’re also wondering if I’m pleased with you. Yes, Chloe, my flower, I’m pleased with you. Very pleased. The first of my androids was as impeccable as I imagined. Soon the whole world will change.

( Chloe herself just continues to smile, basking in the praise of her creator. )



⭕ NIGHTBLOOMING

( Chloe would have been very, very content to bask in the niceties of the island and to not get involved whatsoever in whatever things might happen at night.

However, she can’t quite force herself to ignore screaming and sobbing. Maybe it won’t be any sort of thing. Maybe it will just be someone in need of the sort of help Chloe may be able to provide. But the thought that someone could be in trouble, and that it could be one of the Travelers, gnaws at her.

So it isn’t long before she goes to investigate. And while she probably isn’t the best individual to recruit for a search and rescue mission, she finds herself being recruited all the same. How can she deny a distraught mother and those concerned faces of the villagers?

Here’s hoping that the teenager found their beau and the two of them are currently doing what teenagers do. Though Chloe still glances around for anyone who might be willing to provide some backup. )



⭕ THE FLOWER ORACLE

[ There will be text here, but there isn’t now. Except for this. ]



⭕ WILDCARD

[ Feel like something different with Chloe? Catch me at Another_thoughts_hat or via PM and we can do a thing! ]

temple

[nanban]

[ Hawks has been hanging out in the temple a bit for want of something better to do. He doesn't mind the weather, but the pollen sticks to his feathers and he'd rather not become a walking (or flying) allergy attack for anyone else.

He has his own brightly coloured clothes in green and yellow that clash with his red wings. But any port in a storm, right?

He follows the scent of baking to the kitchens and lingers in the doorway. ]

Oh, man, I hope you made enough to share of whatever smells so nice.

[neverwither]

( Another winged individual. Perhaps another fae? The time spent with other Travelers thus far has made these quirks seem much more commonplace. Whether getting used to all of this is a good thing or not is anyone's guess.

Greeting him with a bright smile and an eager nod, Chloe is already reaching for a bowl so she can serve up a portion. )

Of course! Just hold on one moment...

( One of the ready apples is carefully placed into the bowl. The jam filling spills out of the top invitingly, releasing yet more fruity aromas. Not content with that, Chloe artistically places a few of the candied flowers on top. Only when it looks like something reproduced from a magazine spread is she satisfied. One eats with the eyes first and all.

A spoon and a knife are balanced neatly within the bowl and then she hands it to him. )

I hope you enjoy. Though please do be honest - one should always strive for improvement.

[nanban]

[ Hawks finds it weird to be around people who don't have some kind of power, since his world is full of people who do. Sure, some of them are useless powers, but still.

The whole meeting people from other universes thing is fascinating, but also a lot to take in, even for someone as generally easygoing as Hawks.

He watches her ready the food with anticipation. He hadn't been all that hungry, but that smells and looks delicious. ]

Man. I almost hate to eat this because it's so pretty.

[ Hawks is a goes-for-takeout-too-much type himself. He can cook passably, but why bother, when other people can do it so much better? But he recognises that there's a lot of skill in this food.

Despite his words, though, he's absolutely going to dig in to this, going for the jam with a flower first. ]

Mmm, that tastes as good as it looks. It's a good combo, that fruit with the flowers.

[ He grins at her between bites. ]

I'm Hawks, by the way.

[neverwither]

( While he takes his first few bites, Chloe awaits the news of her culinary fate. It should be a tasty morsel. All palates differ, obviously, but she knows how to balance flavours and to create dishes to suit sophisticated diners (or diners who may like to brand themselves sophisticated). Even so, she doesn't assume success.

When he gives a positive assessment, her face lights up. Since arriving on the islands, she has changed her personal lexicon from being pleasing to humans to being pleasing to organic beings to better encompass the diversity she is experiencing. Human, fae, those from another planet and everything else in between are all on the same level for her by virtue of them being real and therefore to receive praise is her treat. )

Wonderful! I'm so glad you like it. It really isn't that complicated to put together, and such beautiful flowers can easily pretty up anything.

( Because it's important to remain modest. She can't help but keep smiling, though. )

Delighted to meet you, Hawks. I'm Chloe. Is there anything else I can get for you? Things do seem rather fish and flower heavy but I'm sure we could get creative.

( Maybe it's the island but Chloe is full of the joys of spring. )

[nanban]

[ He laughs a little. ]

Maybe, but I sure as hell don't have the skill to make anything look this pretty. There's probably at least a learning curve.

[ He keeps digging into the food, but has manners enough not to talk with his mouth full. ]

You don't have to go out of your way. I'm good with this
for now. Did you like to cook back home too?

nightblooming

[unkindled_madness]

[If she's looking for someone a little more capable of handling danger, Sephiroth is already on his way from the village, but close enough to spot and catch up to. That silver hair does a good job of catching the moonlight. So does the blade of the machete maybe.

He slows his step once he notices her, and glances back. His eyes glint in the dark.]

Were the villagers any more descriptive now that someone has been attacked?

[No, he didn't bother to speak with them about it. He's just assuming someone was attacked. Why scream otherwise?]

[neverwither]

( On the one hand, she's glad to see Sephiroth. As far as backup against whatever might be lurking out there goes, he seems like an excellent candidate. And he's armed. So that's... something. On the other hand, he strikes her as being the 'chop first, ask questions later' type. Or to just chop and not ask questions at all.

Then again, they could balance each other out. She doesn't always act when she probably should and he... Well, he might listen to her?

Or that could be the hopeless optimism showing itself again. Either way, it's time to get down to business. )

No, not really...

( Not wanting to discuss it too much in front of the villagers, she cants her head for them to move out of earshot. She relays the tale told to her - the lovestruck teenager who wandered off into the night despite the warnings not to. Hardly the violence he assumed. )

But that doesn't mean they aren't being attacked now. I mean, it could be nothing but... Let's not take the chance. You'll come with me?

[unkindled_madness]

[Sephiroth snorts when she relays the details.] As though any flower is worth that here. [Aren't there enough of them in the daytime, if these are so dangerous to gather? How stupid.

He eyes her skeptically at her question. He's quite certain he doesn't need assistance, least of all hers, but she isn't exactly under his command. She can do as she pleases.]

I intend to go regardless. If you insist on coming... Don't fall behind.

[neverwither]

People will do all sorts for the one they love.

( Said a tad defensively, and not entirely about the situation at hand. That aside, a degree of understanding doesn't go amiss.

Ignoring the look he gives her, she gives a nod in return. As they start traversing, she makes a point of keeping up with him. She might not be as useful as a soldier but she wants to play her part in making sure the missing person returns home safe and sound. )

We do have an agreement, don't we? About learning some self-defense? This could be an opportune time...

( Though Chloe hopes it won't come to that. For starters, she doesn't want to solve problems through violence. Secondly, plunging straight into the fray probably isn't the best way to learn. Or the safest. It's a show of willingness, at least. )

[unkindled_madness]

[He rolls his eyes, but at least "glowing flowers" gives them something to keep an eye out for. Sephiroth might have good night vision, but he isn't much of a tracker.

Also, it's a good thing there aren't any supernatural forces or Aeris to take umbrage with him for destroying flowers, because he is going to put that machete to use in clearing the denser plant life.]

I suppose it gives you a chance to observe, if nothing else. Are you armed in any way?

TEMPLE

[extrasensory_problems]

(Carter had been wandering around the temple aimlessly when the sweet smell of candied flowers and fruit caught his attention, he follows it to the pantry and sees Chloe preparing a mountain of goodies. He grins and sneaks up behind her, making sure she isn't holding any knives before he speaks up.]

Wow look at this spread! You weren't joking when you said you were a good cook.

[neverwither]

( Focused on what she's doing, the voice makes her jump. She chuckles to herself at being startled but when she turns to face Carter, it's with a mock-stern look.

Which lasts for about five seconds. Then it's all smiles. )

Carter! It's lovely to see you, despite the sneakiness. Would you like to try some? It isn't really that much of a spread but I'm sure I can rectify that while we're here.

( At least she isn't apologising for the current shameful lack of dishes on offer? )

[extrasensory_problems]

(He laughs and leans against the counter where she is preparing the delicious assortment of treats.)

It's nice to see you too, and of course I'd like to try some. What would you recommend chef Chloe?

[neverwither]

Well, today at Blooming Delicious we do only have one special on offer...

( Easy-going as Carter is, she becomes all too aware of what an idiot she's being. Chloe would swear up and down that humour is a talent she sorely lacks. So she looks down for a moment with a tiny shake of her head. Best stick to cooking, not attempts at pun-laden commentary. )

What we have is baked apple filled with a mixed fruit jam.

( As she speaks, she dishes up said treat. Only once the candied flowers are added in the most aesthetically pleasing way does she hand the bowl over to him. Chloe will not serve sub-par offerings. )

There. Now it's perfect for you.

[extrasensory_problems]

(She would be surprised to know that Carter thought she was being pretty cute and funny with her puns, so when she almost shakes herself out of being silly his brows knit together in confusion and concern. But then she is serving him what looks like a masterpiece that could probably be presented on shows like Top Chef or Sugar Rush.)

Woah, Chloe this looks beautiful!

temple

[nightschool]

[Whatever brand of magical panacea this island intends to be for its inhabitants, it's clearly never butted up against a daemon in low spirits set on remaining in them by sheer habit of the fact. Given the choice, he wouldn't ask to give up what ails him; he wouldn't want to carve out accumulated hurts. So deeply entrenched in his person, what would even be left of him without the prick of thorns in proportion to the bloom? Contentment is a stiff new shoe, ill-fitting, not conformed to his shape. It chafes him raw.

As it follows, though he hasn't felt as keen an urge to keep watering his feelings with liquor, he has. And is. The partially consumed bottle of a strong honeysuckle vodka sloshing around in one hand is more or less to thank for him not hearing Chloe at work until he's already slouching inside--

--just to stop upon seeing the kitchen space occupied. For a moment he's chagrined to step in on her in his bedraggled turnout.]

Oh. My apologies.

[But the pang eases. For one, who gives a fig, really, when there's no one here who should expect anything of him with dozens of yardsticks and no standard to measure them by.

For another, by then he's gotten a good look at her, and that his hair bears the mark of a pillow and his shirt is unbuttoned at the collar no longer seems all that important. His eyebrows climb in sudden, sparking realization.]

You're the other one.

[The android.]

Re: temple

[neverwither]

( His somewhat rumpled appearance isn't something that would make Chloe bat an eyelid. It in combination with the bottle does give her pause. It isn't her place to make assumptions, yet there's a flicker of concern. But it isn't her place to judge. Particularly since she was indulging in the speakeasy not so long ago.

The first thing she does is smile. Ready to launch into a usual spiel about how there's no need to apologise, she's halted by his simple following statement. A statement that could mean nothing at all. Or nothing of real importance, at least. Having already been found out once (well, given herself away once, if she's honest), Chloe is more alert to what his words could mean.

It could easily be her own anxieties running away with her. There's no need to jump to the conclusion that still makes her nervous. Though with the way she can feel eyes on her, there may be reason for those nerves to linger.

She continues to smile, pleasant and welcoming. )

The other one...?

( There. That sounded relaxed enough. )

Is there anything I can get for you? I have some baked apples that are just about done.

[nightschool]

[Is that a flash of uncertainty halting her smile? A passing ripple of puzzlement that smooths over on the way to politeness? Understated and yet so complexly nuanced, the human face powered by sentient intelligence.

Were she wearing one as a purely human woman, he would've gone ahead and excused himself; he'd intended to visit the kitchens when they were empty and could always return at another time. But it's the very fact of her otherness that interests him enough to linger, tightening the lid on his bottle so that he may set it aside on the counter.]

I believe your companion prefers the name android, am I correct?

[A pleasant discovery. Surely there's a fair share of people hailing from the late sixteenth century who would take one look at a woman powered by something a good deal more alchemical than God's grace and run the other way, but not Kit. Not in regards to Connor and Chloe. And certainly not when he, too, could send people running just the same.]

Might I ask why? [His gaze lands on where she's been holding court, the edibles and the supplies. Less in consideration of the offer and more to do with--] Do you gain sustenance from it?

[He would not have guessed an automata diet would leave room for fruit, but...]

[neverwither]

( Oh. Well. That answers that. And opens up plenty of other questions in its wake. The smile stays in place, a shield against the crawling sensation in her biocomponents. Just smile through it all and everything will be fine. Let the people poke and prod at the curious thing before them. Who wouldn't, after all? )

Ah. I take it you've met Connor?

( The tone is light. Conversational. As though it would be a perfectly normal meeting between perfectly normal individuals. But as she speaks, she busies herself. She tinkers with candied flowers, arranging them into neat little sections by colour.

What might have Connor said, exactly? Has he just told people? Yes, she supposes he might have. Others have been open about their various powers, about being something more or other than human, so why wouldn't he? Her wanting to play at being human doesn't mean he wants to join the game too. )

I thought I would make them for the Travelers. Something sweet to brighten the day. And I like to cook. But no, there's no need for me to eat.

[nightschool]

To my surprise. He served me a history lesson.

[He pulls out a small stool set by the counter space and slumps down onto it. Not so far gone yet that he slumps right off of it--but the day is young.]

Unfortunately, I don't think he realized he was prophesying to a student of events to come until it was too late for him. [But he'd suffered the hail of scholarly interest admirably, so his tone suggests, an experience Kit prizes. And unfortunately, it's that understanding that now lines Chloe up in the same crosshairs.] It's been my hope since to meet you as well, one day. Just when I found the possibilities that exist ahead of my time disappointing in, he instilled a sense of anticipation for the advancement of automata.

[He cants his head. Her reasoning seems to intrigue him, or at least gives more to figuratively chew on.]

Could you?

[Eat what she makes. He's always found that part of a wearh's nature curious: the almost nostalgic longing for what they can no longer digest into fuel. But what of machines, who might never have a memory of a human belly full from a meal?]

Lotus Baths

[lickstheevidence]

[Connor's never felt so light before, like all of his problems and self-doubts have taken a vacation since their arrival on this island. He doesn't question it- he doesn't even think to question it. His mind is clear, his steps feel springy, his mood is calm and peaceful. Is this what happiness feels like?

Cyberlife's idea of bathing him was a cold chemical shower that he'd never questioned and never minded, but if the thought of a warm, soaking bath interests and intrigues him, he doesn't compare it to what he'd known before. That was in the past, and it wasn't important. As h makes his way along the path toward the baths, there's a gentle smile on his face. Every now and again he stops to press his nose to a vibrant flower or simply to appreciate the ambience, the sounds of singing birds and wildlife scurrying through the undergrowth lining the path. As he approaches, his sensors pick up on the rich scent of the minerals in the springs.

His bathing trunks match his mood, bright, sunny yellow that complements the placid blue of his lazily circling LED. He wears nothing else, enjoying the feeling of the various textures under his bare feet. He's never gone anywhere barefoot before, and it feels almost luxuriously decadent.

As he nears the pools, the air becomes heavy with the thick, cloying scent of fresh roses in bloom, and stepping closer he can see Amanda at her trellises, her back to him as she tends her garden. Slipping into the warm water, he approaches Amanda, his demeanor open and pleasant as he greets her. She turns to him, a warm smile on her face as her voice floats over to him, full of praise and affection.]

Connor. It's good to see you. Congratulations, Connor. Finding that deviant was far from easy. And the way you interrogated it was very clever. You've been remarkably efficient, Connor. You're the most advanced prototype Cyberlife has ever created.

[Connor closes his eyes, basking in the approval of his handler with a gentle smile on his face. It confuses him to hear Kamski's voice soon after, so he opens his eyes, noticing Chloe for the first time. How odd.]

Chloe?

[neverwither]

( Voices. There are other voices she knows. They float around her like leaves dancing on the wind. Elijah still holds her face, though she's since closed her eyes. It's a meaningless gesture as she has no need to try to commit the moment to memory the way a human might. Even so, her eyes stay shut.

It's only when Elijah's hand moves to stroke her cheek that her eyes flutter open. It's curious. His fingers brush over her skin as he continues to gaze at her. As he sees her. Her thirium pump feels like it could burst. If it exploded in her chest right then and there, she would feel complete.

Perfect.

Voices. There were other voices. Wasn't one saying her name? Voices she knows.

Slowly, she orients herself to face into the pool. A garden? At first she assumes it to be her garden. Only she isn't resting. And the more she studies the details, the more she sees that it doesn't resemble her garden. Not exactly. But this place doesn't belong to the baths either, does it? Or was she so distracted to not take note of her surroundings?

And there's Connor. And Amanda. How lovely. How special. How strange for them all to be together, but how wonderful. Amanda is a very important woman. And while she shouldn't be there, how lucky they are that she is. How wonderful for Elijah.

The smile she gives Connor holds an easy radiance. )

Are you enjoying the bath, Connor? Isn't it lovely?

[lickstheevidence]

[Connor's head is tilted as he regards Chloe with a baffled smile. He knows that Amanda was Kamski's mentor, and although he was pleased and comforted by her gentle words to him, maybe she was here to see Elijah and Connor just happened to intrude?]

I guess- yes, I am. Are you? You look very relaxed.

[And Elijah looks positively doting. Has their relationship improved since Connor visited Kamski's mansion? Maybe Elijah had been struck with guilt and dedicated himself to Chloe's happiness as a way of apologizing? Connor still has a slightly dumb look on his face as he glances between the three of them, his smile growing awkward.]

I'm sorry, I think I must be interrupting something. I didn't realize Elijah was here. Do you know Amanda, Chloe?

[neverwither]

( The blonde goes to answer him but it would seem the hallucinated creator takes over instead. The apparition of Elijah Kamski looks to her and Chloe remains quiet. There is, however, more curiosity in the way she watches the man. Less of the blissful glaze over her features.

Elijah strolls over to Connor, standing behind him to place both hands on the android's shoulders and speaks. )

You aren't interrupting anything, Connor. I'm sure Chloe is glad to see you.

( Taking her cue, Chloe nods. Yes, it is nice to see Connor. His presence presents no problem to her, and certainly not if it presents no problem to Elijah.

Though she considers the question that was posed. Does she know Amanda? Yes, she does. Yes, they had met. Elijah had displayed what all the teaching had helped form. Only the mentor had died. And yet here she is. What an odd thing.

But Elijah continues. )

I know Chloe worries about you. Such a sensitive thing. Perhaps you'd like her to hold your hand again?