video;

[backsassin]

[The video feed opens on Zam’s face, though the lower half of it is curiously covered by a rich teal veil. Even so, it isn’t difficult to tell from her eyes that she’s smiling beneath the fabric.]

So. Looks like the Ingress actually decided to send me something nice for a change. [Certainly nicer than the saberdart it had sent her before.] Thing is, it didn’t exactly do it in moderation.

[The MID camera pans to an large open crate sitting in the cargo bay, absolutely bursting with vivid squares of fabric in a seemingly endless array of colors, materials, and designs. Black and violet chersilk, silver cerlin, brilliant orange trevella, sheer, iridescent gemweb… It’s a stunning variety, the only similarity between the various pieces the general size and shape, perfectly cut, as Zam had demonstrated, to cover a humanoid face. There are also clearly far too many for any one person. Zam had gone through and picked out a few favorites for herself, as well as a handful of particularly expensive-looking pieces for future trade on planets, but that still leaves her with a frankly excessive number of the things.]

It would be a shame to throw them out or let them sit in my quarters gathering dust, so I figured I’d let people take what they like. [Does that seem strangely charitable of the shapeshifter? One who knows the particular political and religious significance of veils on Zolan might not think so. The camera pans back to Zam, eyes still bright from a hidden grin.] You can come pick a few up in the cargo bay. I’m sure we can find something in your color.

Comments

video

[hellsbel]

When did the Ingress ever do anything in moderation? [bemused but impressed, eyeing the trove with interest. that's a good face for that shade, Zam. ^^]

video;

[backsassin]

[It is, isn’t it?~]

I don’t mind a little excess every once and awhile. [Or a lot of it.] Just as long as it keeps the surplus to good things.

video

[hellsbel]

Let's hope it doesn't count those individually. [grins] Mind if I come down and take a look?

[backsassin]

By all means. You want me to pick one out for you?

[hellsbel]

Not yet, if that's all right. I still have to decide where I want to wear it.~

[veils. they have so many uses. ^^]

I just got off-shift; see you in a few minutes.

[backsassin]

[Zam snickers behind her own veil.] I’d tell you they’re for your face, but I’d hate to stifle your creativity.

See you then. [Zam will be waiting in the cargo bay by the crate when Bel arrives there. None of the veils could exactly be called lacy, but if a few of the more translucent ones are closer to the top of the pile, Zam doesn’t mention it.]

[hellsbel]

[impish grin just for you, Zam.~~

too bad, Bel likes lace.... but also likes sheer and silky fabrics, and gives Zam a quick appreciative glance upon seeing the subtle rearrangement of the pile.] A surfeit of riches indeed. Oh -- [leaning over the open top, hesitating but drawn to one of the shimmering, iridescent textures, running a careful finger over it.] I didn't expect this one to be so soft.

[so many, and all so alike, notwithstanding the wild variation of cloth and color. surely there's a story here.]

[backsassin]

[Zam smiles at Bel’s interest behind her own veil. And their hesitance. The second part’s a little more difficult to parse, but it is endearing nonetheless.] Come on, it’s not going to bite. [She picks up the veil Bel was examining and holds it up to their friend’s face, not quite touching them, but close enough that she can see how it looks set against their features.]

It’s gemweb. Classy stuff. [She tilts her head, admiring its iridescence under the light.] How do you like it? [Zam certainly likes it fine -- it adds some sparkle to Bel’s face without obstructing the view -- but she’ll reserve judgment until Bel voices their own opinion.]

[hellsbel]

No, but I wouldn't want to snag it. [a low, amused murmur against the veil, one hand, rough from the week's salvage work, brushing Zam's wrist to demonstrate the danger.] Some things deserve a light touch.~

It's very fine -- nothing I've ever heard of. [yes. yes, likes it a lot.] Are they from your neck of the woods? [she seems to know how to wear them....]

[backsassin]

Oh, I think you’re plenty capable of a light touch. [A concealed grin.] It’s not in the hands -- it’s how you use them. [Don’t play the innuendo game with Zam, Bel -- they’ll always escalate.]

These ones in particular, no. I only owned a handful back home. [A thoughtful look crosses the shapeshifter’s face as she considers saying more. After a moment of deliberation, she continues.] But it was… customary for people like me to wear them back on my home planet.

[hellsbel]

Never said I wasn't. [thumb taps Zam's wrist lightly at the pulse point, or where it would be if she were human. did you mean: always play the innuendo game? ^^]

[a 'handful' of veils is more than most people own on planets where they're not customary, Zam. 'people like me' feels familiar, though.] Customary for shapeshifters? [tilts head]

[backsassin]

Customary for Clawdites, [Zam amends. The words were pretty much one and the same back on Zolan, though Zam knows that her people aren’t the only shapeshifters in the galaxy.] But there’s no law saying that others can’t wear them too.

[A chuckle.] Well, most others, anyway.