Shades of a Promise

[bloodsong1]

'Ahh. Coffee. My best friend.' Song cradled the cup in her hands. A five star establishment meant coffee being served in fine china, cloth napkins and a discreet menu with insane prices. Riane hovered by the buffet, intrigued by the strange foods. Song took the opportunity to order, eschewing the buffet for a la carte. In for a penny, in for a pound, and if she was going to be blacklisted, she might as well enjoy the time left. *sip*

'Riane.'

'Yes?' Riane hurried over to Song, anticipation roiling.

'How exactly do I proceed?'

'You're going to do it?'

'It's a matter of personal honor now.' Takasoma would understand that.

'Thank you, Wind Song.' Riane gave an odd sort of bow, a gesture of deep respect. Song returned the gesture in her mind, not wanting to be seen bowing to nothing. Riane's eyes widened and suddenly she was there. In Song's mind. She looked much like she did in the dream, except the jumpsuit was red and black. 'You did it! You have already succeeded!'
Song blinked a few times, wondering at having a weird sort of double vision. She could see the ghost sitting across the table and internally as well, kind of off to the side. She focused more on the internal Riane. A background of red, gold and blue swirled around them. Her colors.

'Is this...what it's like?'

'Yes. You're distracted from the outside world right now.'

'Would shifting my focus break the connection?'

'No, but it will be diminished. Those with well-connected relays can carry on verbal and relay communication at the same time.'

'I see.' The scent of Eggs Benedict caught Song's attention. She nodded to the waiter, put down her coffee cup and started eating. 'Ok, I think I have the hang of this.'

'You're doing very well.' Riane smiled. It was a pretty smile.

'So, how do I extend outward?'

'You need to focus on who you want to speak with.' Another figure appeared beside Riane. He also had blue skin and pointy ears, but with darker hair and a strong build. His eyes were yellow and they looked...sad. Something shadowed around his back. 'This is Shira Lexx. I think he rolled up during the fight, but I'm not sure. I wasn't really participating. He might look different.' Song studied the young man, her hands on auto-pilot as she ate. He was...handsome. Amazement towards his helper. Song summoned the impressions from the battleground. Lexx's face changed slightly, his eyes taking on a gleam of hope and... Song turned away.

'Thank you. I have what I need to focus.' Riane let the image of Lexx vanish, confused. Song concentrated on eating, fighting to keep her emotions under control. That look. She knew it all too well.

'I'm sorry, Wind Song. I didn't mean to upset you.' Riane approached Song, hands extended slightly. Song forced a smile and turned back to Riane.

'Old wound, Riane. Nothing more. I'll be all right. I don't know when I'll have time to contact Lexx. I have work to do today. Would it be all right if I practice on you?'

'Of course.' Someone cleared his throat.