#tlan

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well, needless to say I was a little emotional drawing this one. I was in the middle of it when we got the news about Shield of Tomorrow coming to a close, so thank you to the crew for all the laughs, tears, & stories! and a big thanks to Rykar01 on twitter for commissioning me to draw this!

"What does it feel like down there?" Tlan crosses to the wall screen and gazes wistfully at the live feed of the planet's surface.

"I cannot feel."

They nod. "But, if you could, what would it feel like?"

"How would I know?"

"Guess?"

"Well, it's colder—"

"It feels colder?"

"Yes. Tegmen is colder than the Alsion. Did you not know that?"

"I guess I did. I just imagined that it would feel warmer, living on something that's alive."

"Technically, you already do." I increase power to some of the lights in the room, selectively illuminating spots on the walls and floor where the blooming flora grows thickest.

"Indeed. Kor is everywhere." Laðə says with my voice.

"Ah!" Tlan jumps. "Laðə. You're here?"

Tlan has always been able to tell the difference between us. I've even attempted to impersonate Laðə at times. They always know. It's nice.

If I remain on the Alsion later today, come tomorrow at least one person will register that I'm gone. I do feel bad for Tlan in that respect—they've lost enough as it is—but at least I won't disappear fully into another's identity. I am myself. I am unique. Tlan knows that and they will remember me when I'm gone—if I go.

"We are everywhere." Laðə replies.

"Yes, but right here. Right now. You're literally with us." Flowers on the wall expand and twist affirmatively. Tlan sighs, "You ought to let people know when you're with them."

"Okay. We are sorry. Tlan?"

"Yes, Laðə?"

"We are with you."

Tlan chuckles, "Great," and returns to their wide seat. "Thank you, Laðə."

"We are always with you as well," Laðə streams into my consciousness.

"Yes, Laðə. Thank you. I'm well aware of this."