xp_logs | Sooraya and Korvus: A chance encounter

Sooraya and Korvus meet by chance in the library and discover they have some things in common.

The library was very quiet when Sooraya entered, intent on hunting down the books she needed for her paper for History of Islam. Ms. Smith was not behind her desk when and Sooraya headed in the direction she knew where the history books must be standing, not really looking where she was going, her gaze intent on the list in her hand. So focused she was on the list, that she didn't noticed the young man sitting in the chair until she bumped into his chair. Startled she looked up and dropped the paper, one hand flying up to cover her mouth. "Sorry, I wasn't watching where I was going."

Korvus caught her paper easily, even though a moment before he had been looking down at his Nook. "It is of no concern." He offered Sooraya her paper with a smile. "No harm was done."

She regarded the young men curiously. “I don’t think we have met before… I am Sooraya Qadir.” Politely she held out her hand to shake, using her other hand to accept the paper he was holding up to her.

"I am a recent arrival." He took her hand politely. "Korvus Rook'shir. It is nice to meet you."

Sooraya’s eyes widened slightly. “Oh, we talked a little bit on my journal… about arranged marriages… Thanks for saying what you did to Angelo… He can be a little bit protective of me…”

"It was not a problem. I may not exactly be a pacifist in the most strict sense but I am non-violent." Korvus observed. "I understand they were adhering to the protocols of a friend and appreciate that. I hope I was not inflammatory."

It took Sooraya a moment to sort through the sentences. Though she was able to use English almost completely fluently now, formal language like this or other language she wasn’t used to still took a moment to process. “ Of course not.” She finally replied. “At least, not in my opinion and most of the other people would have reacted if they thought so…” She pulled out a seat and sat down next to him. “Do you like the school so far?”

Korvus nodded, "The people are very accommodating and helpful. The resources are exceptional. I have access to the most advanced mutant training programs in the world. This is better than I expected when I requested to be housed."

A small smile spread on her face when he said that. “We have a lot of chances here… I almost couldn’t believe my eyes when I first arrived here…” Her voice faded away and her eyes were distant, lost in the past for a few moments. “Sorry, I was just thinking back for a moment…”

"You are welcome to share, should you care to." Sometimes sharing was therapeutic, so Korvus offered.

“It is a very long story and I will be happy to tell you the details another time… But I was being kept as a slave in Afghanistan and a man who used to teach here encounter me and bought from my owner. Then he asked me if I wanted to come here and I said yes. He taught me English and helped me to adjust to this culture…” Her eyes went distant once more and that same faint smile once more crossed her face. “Of course, that was after being kidnapped and saved again before I even got on a plane to the States… And Angelo, the man you were talking to on the journal, was there too…” Her gaze focused once more. "How did you come to the school?"

"I was a slave in Madripoor for a time. When I returned to India I found my family had been executed by the previous regime. I requested to come here." Korvus offered a weak smile as they exchanged sad stories."It is why I want to help the world with my mutation as much as I can."

She returned his sad smile. “I understand. You will have many chances to do that here. Even now, when you are still a student…” She trailed of, thinking for a moment. “I hope to do the same..”

Korvus nodded, "I hope that is the case. The people here saved my country when it needed it."

Sooraya didn’t quite know what to say to that, so she just smiled at him shyly and nodded understandingly. “They do many good things and have helped many people…” She finally said.”I am sorry, but I need to get back to my assignment. With all that happened in Attilan, I am a bit behind…”

"If you require any assistance, I would be glad to help. It is my understanding tragedy is more common here than elsewhere however I believe our shared circumstance may still be rare." Korvus smiled, trying to be helpful and personable.

“I just need to gather the books and do some serious reading.” She gestured to the paper she still was holding. “And thanks for your offer. If you do want to talk to someone, I would be happy to listen.”