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The Warrior of Light and the Shadowkeeper enjoy something that isn’t real - but does that make it matter any less?
“Okay, now open your eyes”
Cylva does, and she's met with an explosion of colour that matches with the plush under her feet and the fragrant air.
In the middle of it all, smiling like an idiot, is the Warrior of Light.
Cylva feels the corner of her mouth twitch up in response. “What is this?” she asks indulgently, seeing how eager Nivienne is to explain.
“Something I happened upon back in the Source. It's a spelled book - telling takes from Corvos. It was said to be able to draw its readers right into its pages, and well-” she gestures to the world around them.
Cylva takes in the scenery for a moment before she takes a seat on the low couches behind her. It’s just as comfortable as it looked. Never let it be said Nivienne doesn’t take her anywhere nice. Nivienne takes a seat beside her, leaning against her side.
“Corvos… do I know that one?” Cylva muses, giving Nivienne another opportunity to respond, or just enjoy the mood.
Nivienne seems talkative today. “Not likely.” she admits. “I don't think I've spoken much about it, as I haven’t yet had the chance to visit. I’ve no idea if it’s still like this.” She frowns. “It was invaded some time ago. It’s actually where G’raha - the Exarch - was from. I asked him about it but he doesn't remember much of it either.”
“So this is more of the idea of a place, than the place itself.” She gestures to the room around her. “Even if it was a real place, where we are now isn’t real - does it matter if there is a place like this, back on your Corvos?” she asks.
“Does it matter if a painting is of a real place? Or something we imagine could be real? The most inspiring works aren’t based in reality anyway.”
“Does the truth of a story not make it more inspiring?”
Nivienne hums, not ready to answer that particular question.
The quiet settles around both of them. Heavy, but not uncomfortable. Nivienne shakes herself loose from it first. She gets up from the couch and offers Cylva her hand. “There's a beach? If you're interested in seeing it.”
Cylva smiles. “That sounds nice.” She allows Nivienne to pull her up, and they begin walking arm in arm.
Maybe it doesn't particularly matter if it's real or not.
It is nice.