Nikolai couldn’t help but tilt his head when Emily declared herself sad. It was, he thought, an unusual reaction to last week’s events, miles apart from his own. Concerned might best describe his state of mind, not quite nervous but watchful. However, the more he thought about it and the more she spoke, he couldn’t help but understand, sympathize even. He knew well the feeling of failure or, in this case, perceived failure. It can’t be easy to determine which are the more immediate cause for concern, he interjected, sounding more calmly rational than consoling. Mental powers were unpredictable under the best of circumstances and downright indecipherable in less than ideal situations.
Listening to her description of the dream, he nodded thoughtfully, attempting to picture the image she described. His own abilities, notably psychometry in his younger years, generated unclear images that took time to work through. You’ll figure it out. If it’s been in your dreams enough to preoccupy then, it’ll come to you.
And, his next statement followed quickly on the heels of the previous one, You and I both know very well it’s not so simple. Not everything can be prevented. Sometimes we have to deal with things as they happen. An easy thing to say, but not an easy thing to embrace. Carrying a weight around like that could only do her harm and Nikolai hoped she could agree with the sentiment he shared.
Idly turning his phone in his hand while drinking a few more gulps of coffee, he shrugged and made an unenthusiastic noise. Not all that much. Busy week for me though. I had to practically drag Brian away from his computer. Dragging a teleporting phaser anywhere was nothing to sneeze at. Aside from that, I spent some time with Jams on Friday. A nice break from the usual routine, he admitted as he finished off the last few sips of his coffee and cradled the empty mug in his lap.
Your costume must be much more exciting than all that though. You know I’m always willing to help. Nikolai himself had no plans to dress up for the occasion, but was more than happy to work with others on theirs. In fact, these days he much preferred that than crafting a costume for himself.