[ Nikolai nods before Daniel is even finished speaking. The truth has been dawning on him for some time now. It's not often that Nikolai dreams - especially not now that he's been taking that sleeping tonic from Genya every night. Before that, though, the contents of his dreams had been a predictable roster. Nightmares about the Darkling and his nichevo'ya. Nightmares about Fjerdan invasion or war with Shu Han. Nightmares about transforming into a monster halfway through a royal speech and ripping out the throats of half the court.
He did not dream of quiet walks in other worlds, filled with strange technology and even stranger people. Besides that, he is feeling cold, a little hungry, a little stiff from sleeping on that subway train. He's never felt cold in a dream, before. So that leaves only one option: this is real. ]
Is it that obvious?
[ Nikolai swallows, trying his best to inject an air of humor and calm into his voice. It's... not his best attempt. The man he is speaking to does not seem even slightly surprised to find someone quietly panicking in the middle of the park. Maybe it is that air of sympathy, understanding, and calm that does it. Nikolai gestures to the statue he'd been staring at and asks, voice tight with emotion: ]
If this isn't a dream, then how does that statue have my face?
[ The resemblance is unmistakable to Nikolai, at least. It is his hair, his nose, his brow, his chin, his smile. Only the eyes and teeth do not match - at least, not right now. ]
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He did not dream of quiet walks in other worlds, filled with strange technology and even stranger people. Besides that, he is feeling cold, a little hungry, a little stiff from sleeping on that subway train. He's never felt cold in a dream, before. So that leaves only one option: this is real. ]
Is it that obvious?
[ Nikolai swallows, trying his best to inject an air of humor and calm into his voice. It's... not his best attempt. The man he is speaking to does not seem even slightly surprised to find someone quietly panicking in the middle of the park. Maybe it is that air of sympathy, understanding, and calm that does it. Nikolai gestures to the statue he'd been staring at and asks, voice tight with emotion: ]
If this isn't a dream, then how does that statue have my face?
[ The resemblance is unmistakable to Nikolai, at least. It is his hair, his nose, his brow, his chin, his smile. Only the eyes and teeth do not match - at least, not right now. ]
What is going on?