realityshifted | (no subject)

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doctor who (d5) tardis

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[it's been some time since the TARDIS was last on the Plane, but here she is, with what looks like a segment from a very large wardrobe. not her own, of course, but some of Romana's old things from her room. there are several hat boxes and chests scattered around her and the TARDIS is currently standing in front of a full-length mirror, trying on a wide assortment of various hats. it's not like Romana needs them anymore, her being gone and all. you know.

besides, the TARDIS has been going through her rooms looking for things she might clear away or pack up in the attic. so whatever she doesn't like is being tossed in a pile to be sorted and filed. it isn't like the Doctor has bothered in some two hundred years to do so. there's also the added bonus of her attempting to appear 'nice' for him, and she knows he fancied Romana, soooo]

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[Reinette appears on the plane as well, dressed in a day gown and gloves, with a parasol in hand. It remains raised, even though it is no longer needed in this place. Too many years and much too much practice, Reinette is far too aware of its charming frame to close it yet.

Her face alights with a wide, natural smile at the sight of the TARDIS, and the color and clutter surrounding her]

That is quite the collection.

[turns to face Reinette, smiling softly, then goes back to trying on hats and other such things] The Madame President was known for her love of clothing. I am simply going through her things.

[she laughs lightly]

You are wearing her things, which is not precisely the same thing.

No, I suppose it is not. But she has had no use for them in some centuries. I am simply deciding which to keep in my own wardrobe and which to pack away.

And by what criteria are you making your decisions? How they look? How they feel? How they make you feel? Or something else all together?

I suppose by what I believe would most appeal to the Doctor. [tries on another hat, frowning faintly] I would like to please him.

[s brief smile passes over her features]

You should please yourself first. And he might, if he chooses, take pleasure in your own in turn.

I do not understand the use and means of these accessories. I simply find them fascinating in their shape. [tries on this hat (http://images.sysiq.com/hi/fpx/03PT7MCGRN.fpx?cell=240,210&cvt=jpeg,quality=90&cnt=2.0)] Do you approve?

[that is something Reinette understands, because feeling without thought frustrates her greatly. She studies the hat, which is unlike anything she has ever seen]

It is -- charming. Simple, but charming. The color suits you as well.

How does it make you feel?

Does it? [studies herself] So it is an aesthetic issue as well? You consider this colour to agree with me? In what way?

I ... do not know. I feel as though my head is getting hot. It is somewhat uncomfortable.

It can be, yes.

Because such things, when strictly worn as fashion, are not always comfortable. They are hot, and confining and often all together ridiculous. And yet they might also be enhancing. Compelling. And form a pretty frame for the picture within.

[she reaches to touch the hat. It is softer than expected]

The shade suits your complexion, though I am sure you could so better.

Humans confuse me. If it is uncomfortable, why wear it? What is the use of clothing in general? It is constricting at best, immobilising at worst. Does appearance matter so much?

[she's aware of the contradiction, oh yes she is]

What do you believe would be better for me?

[at the moment Reinette is highly aware of her own corset, tightly laced. And the parasol above. Finally she lowers it]

It can matter, yes. For myself, it is crucial. A viable part of my identity.

[she glances around]

It is something you can play at. Seek knowledge and possible pleasure through. But for myself, it is a way of life.

As for what would suit you best? I see nothing here that suits your uniqueness.

Is that not simply a way for others to force you to conform to a standard beneath yourself? [frowns] You are not the sum of your garments. You are much more than that. I have seen you, Reinette. Your identity does not lie in that which is human designed.

[glances around, picking through Romana's things]

What, then, might?

Conform? Possibly, I suppose. Though I cannot like the word. Rather it is a way for my to navigate with great skill the environment in which I live. Just as fins to a fish is my finery.

[she smooths the lines of her gown]

I am not entirely ---

No, that is not true.

[for a moment she disappears, but when Reinett returns she is holding a sapphire and sterling necklace. One large teardrop framed by a half dozen smaller ones. She presents the gift]

You deserve something that did not once belong to someone else. That is only yours.

But a fish is created with fins. Humans force themselves unnaturally into garments which hinder and harm. I would consider your intellect and propensity for knowledge to be your fins, Reinette. They are what have truly guided you.

[blinks, confused by the sudden disappearance, then stares wide-eyed at the gift Reinette presents, taking it delicately in her hands]

You believe this to suit me? [examines it, before attempting to put it on] It is mine? A gift, like the Doctor once gave me for Christmas?

But we all where costumes when required. What of the blue wood paneling and aged windows you adapt to to hide your true nature from prying or dangerous eyes. Those are no more natural to you than my corsets to me, yet we both wear them all the same.

[she moves behind her to assist with the delicate clasp]

It is yours, and only yours. And it belonged to no one else before. I cannot say if it is like the gift you received, but I hope it pleases you.

It reminds me of the stars, and you.

[frowns, because Reinette has a point] I have been this shape for so long I do not often remember what I was before. It pleases me, however. Does wearing a corset please you?

[fidgets a little as she allows the other woman to clasp the necklace, fingering the jewels uncertainly] The Doctor gave me a dress -- something he felt would suit a human female, as that is what I requested. You have given me jewellery, which you feel suits me. [glances at Reinette] If this reminds you of me, it shall remind me of you. It seems only appropriate, do you not agree?

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