𝚕𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚗𝚒𝚗𝚐 🗲 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
sparkstrikes) wrote2023-01-01 12:11 pm
sparkstrikes) wrote2023-01-01 12:11 pm
empatheias IC contact. (archive)
Leave a message.
Leave a message.
[It's a bit of a surprise because one, she hadn't expected a stranger to contact her, and two... the number of times that anyone has contacted her like this she can count on one hand. Which is why her response is both curt and sends a spark back, unintentionally.]
You what?
You what?
[He pulls his head back a little at the sharp response, but he tries to just answer back honestly.]
I'm trying to figure out how I can stay in Verens.
I'm trying to figure out how I can stay in Verens.
[ ... ]
Why the hell would you wanna do that?
[FIRST of all...]
Why the hell would you wanna do that?
[FIRST of all...]
... You want the honest answer?
[ So this is what Usagi meant. ]
Because if I go back I'll die. Again.
[ At least he's pretty sure. ]
[ So this is what Usagi meant. ]
Because if I go back I'll die. Again.
[ At least he's pretty sure. ]
[She raises an eyebrow at his answer. Well, at least he's honest, but she's still got a lot of questions and no answers.]
And Usagi said I could help you? I'm not looking for reasons or ways to stay. I wanna know who's in charge.
And Usagi said I could help you? I'm not looking for reasons or ways to stay. I wanna know who's in charge.
No, she didn't say you could help me exactly.
[Trying to get a friend off the hook.]
But I asked her for anyone else looking into this kind of stuff, and you were one of the people she suggested. If you're looking for how to get out, then the reasons why people end up staying instead could be part of it, right?
Could be.
[If there was any way to convey her arms crossing through voice, it's definitely there right now. She's a little wary of letting her reasons be known to a stranger, but Lightning's also not one to turn down someone when they come to her for help. Maybe in the past, she would have, but it's her job to help.]
Haven't found much out yet, so you're outta luck for now. Thought maybe the Arehtei would be a good place to start, though. [A beat.] Why not just ask one of them to let you stay?
[Does it even work that way? She has no idea.]
[If there was any way to convey her arms crossing through voice, it's definitely there right now. She's a little wary of letting her reasons be known to a stranger, but Lightning's also not one to turn down someone when they come to her for help. Maybe in the past, she would have, but it's her job to help.]
Haven't found much out yet, so you're outta luck for now. Thought maybe the Arehtei would be a good place to start, though. [A beat.] Why not just ask one of them to let you stay?
[Does it even work that way? She has no idea.]
[She is still not used to the whole sudden telepathy message, so it takes a few extra seconds to respond.]
Something wrong?
[Lightning is under the impression that this is a dire emergency and someone, likely either Steven or Ignis, are in trouble, and her stomach sinks.
Something wrong?
[Lightning is under the impression that this is a dire emergency and someone, likely either Steven or Ignis, are in trouble, and her stomach sinks.
Yes.
[ it's WORSE than an emergency. his response is emphasized as the connection changes to what he's seeing, and that's ignis and regis chatting oh-so-amicably on the couch in their matching sweaters. his disgust and exasperation is palatable. ]
He refuses to take it off. I thought I could rely on you for backup.
[ it's WORSE than an emergency. his response is emphasized as the connection changes to what he's seeing, and that's ignis and regis chatting oh-so-amicably on the couch in their matching sweaters. his disgust and exasperation is palatable. ]
He refuses to take it off. I thought I could rely on you for backup.
[Lightning immediately switches to her face just as Steven does, and her face is already shifting into confusion and disgust at the sight before her, or in her head (whatever). She always admired Ignis for having good taste, probably the best, but even Regis is in a similar abomination. She squints as if trying to get a better look.]
Are they matching?
Are they matching?
[ the messenger birds of verens never really spoke to steven - he prefers to have a personal touch to the delivery of his letters and packages, which is why he sends skarmory on this particular errand. knowing her from when they had met at the wedding, the steel-type leaves a gift and accompanying card at her doorstep, written in neat cursive. ]
Lightning,
Though I believe neither of our worlds celebrate the holiday that takes place during this season, I wanted to take the opportunity to show my appreciation for the past few months.
You've been an invaluable friend to Ignis, but also to myself by extension. I'm grateful that we've had the opportunity to get to know each other, and hope that it will continue in the coming new year.
All the best,
Steven Stone
P.S. You have excellent taste in rings.
[ inside of the wrapping is a cookbook on verensian cuisine, along with a sterling silver bookmark. ]
Lightning,
Though I believe neither of our worlds celebrate the holiday that takes place during this season, I wanted to take the opportunity to show my appreciation for the past few months.
You've been an invaluable friend to Ignis, but also to myself by extension. I'm grateful that we've had the opportunity to get to know each other, and hope that it will continue in the coming new year.
All the best,
Steven Stone
P.S. You have excellent taste in rings.
[ inside of the wrapping is a cookbook on verensian cuisine, along with a sterling silver bookmark. ]
I... thought about it. I guess I'm just not sure which one I should probably talk to. Usagi suggested not...
[He has to think about it again.]
Just not Sosyne.
What, afraid of some whale?
[There's a hint of some teasing there, masked behind her usual flat voice.]
Which one are you aligned to?
[There's a hint of some teasing there, masked behind her usual flat voice.]
Which one are you aligned to?
[ On a cold Ennea morning, Lightning will find a very tiny gift package delivered to her. It's addressed from Jaune, so hopefully she'll trust to open it. Inside the package, she will find one (1) gross letter and one (1) tiny fashion badge/pin. ]
Dear Lightning
We haven't known each other for very long, but you've accepted me for who I am from the moment we met. The truth is, I wasn't quite in the happiest state of mind that night at Helisium, but at the same time, meeting you has been one of my highlights in my time in this strange world. You've shown me kindness, you've given me insight, and most importantly, you hear what I have to say, too.
I'm sorry I made jokes about your judgmental glares - it must be just your face! I know now what kind of heart you have, I know you're a good person. It's why I couldn't let you pull the trigger that one time. I followed my instinct, just like you told me to. Thank you for trusting me on that.
There's a lot about you I don't understand yet, the part of you that's angry, or the one I catch looking lonely sometimes, but I hope I can be there for you as a friend. If I can't, I'd like you to have this badge I made as a holiday present! That's my family symbol on there, it's supposed to represent a rainbow arc. Get it? Arc? Fun fact: It's sometimes mistaken for two crescent moons! I don't know why I said it's a fun fact. It's just a regular fact. You see, my family history has a long line of heroes and warriors that spans across generations, so you should wear it with pride! In some ways, you would make my ancestors more proud than I ever could. In other ways, this is just me saying I care about you like you're family.
Actually, you don't have to wear it all the time, or ever. It's probably silly. :) Sorry!! I just didn't know what else to get you.
Happy Holidays!
~ Jaune Arc
Dear Lightning
We haven't known each other for very long, but you've accepted me for who I am from the moment we met. The truth is, I wasn't quite in the happiest state of mind that night at Helisium, but at the same time, meeting you has been one of my highlights in my time in this strange world. You've shown me kindness, you've given me insight, and most importantly, you hear what I have to say, too.
I'm sorry I made jokes about your judgmental glares - it must be just your face! I know now what kind of heart you have, I know you're a good person. It's why I couldn't let you pull the trigger that one time. I followed my instinct, just like you told me to. Thank you for trusting me on that.
There's a lot about you I don't understand yet, the part of you that's angry, or the one I catch looking lonely sometimes, but I hope I can be there for you as a friend. If I can't, I'd like you to have this badge I made as a holiday present! That's my family symbol on there, it's supposed to represent a rainbow arc. Get it? Arc? Fun fact: It's sometimes mistaken for two crescent moons! I don't know why I said it's a fun fact. It's just a regular fact. You see, my family history has a long line of heroes and warriors that spans across generations, so you should wear it with pride! In some ways, you would make my ancestors more proud than I ever could. In other ways, this is just me saying I care about you like you're family.
Actually, you don't have to wear it all the time, or ever. It's probably silly. :) Sorry!! I just didn't know what else to get you.
Happy Holidays!
~ Jaune Arc
[More presents! At her door Lightning will find a package. Inside is a small cherry pie, and a wooden brush for Daisy. Plus, a fancy card with elegant handwriting.]
Merry Christmas, Lightning! They say lightning never strikes twice, but I hope you keep on going forever and ever!
Love,
Apple White.
Merry Christmas, Lightning! They say lightning never strikes twice, but I hope you keep on going forever and ever!
Love,
Apple White.
[The day after Christmas, a large butternut squash is delivered to Lightning's room with a note that it's from Yeul for the pretty tree holiday.]
[She pinches the bridge of her nose between her fingers, letting out a loud, long sigh. It's too bad closing her eyes doesn't do the trick of pushing it out of her mind because regardless of how tight she shuts them, it's still there.]
I'm no expert on fashion but who's bright idea was this?
[Ignis wouldn't betray Lightning and Steven, would he?]
I'm no expert on fashion but who's bright idea was this?
[Ignis wouldn't betray Lightning and Steven, would he?]
[What does one get for Agito on a holiday that celebrates another world's savior? Machina really was at a loss, especially since he really doesn't quite understand the totality of this Christmas but he does grasp that gift giving is part of the tradition.
Delivered to Lightning's house is a toasty winter scarf in vermilion.]
Delivered to Lightning's house is a toasty winter scarf in vermilion.]
[Waiting for Lightning come Christmas morning is a bag of cookies. Attached is a simple note:]
Happy holidays!
Love Usagi
Happy holidays!
Love Usagi
You don't have to be an expert on fashion to know how to feel about these.
[ that was his reaction as well. unfortunately, this sight is going to be burned into their brains for the foreseeable future. ]
From what I understand, Crowe. She wasn't met with much resistance... Noctis and Nyx have their own as well.
[ it's chaos. he already feels betrayed. ]
[ that was his reaction as well. unfortunately, this sight is going to be burned into their brains for the foreseeable future. ]
From what I understand, Crowe. She wasn't met with much resistance... Noctis and Nyx have their own as well.
[ it's chaos. he already feels betrayed. ]
Crowe?
[Her tone makes clear that she's extremely surprised about it, but the other two -- Noctis and Nyx? She's not surprised about that one at all.
They're horrifying and this image is horrifying and everyone involved should feel bad.]
Have you tried talking to Ignis?
[She's not going to say it out loud, but it's kind of like getting dressed in the dark?? Maybe he's not even aware of how horrible the sweater looks??? Just a shot in the dark here. (No pun intended.)]
[Her tone makes clear that she's extremely surprised about it, but the other two -- Noctis and Nyx? She's not surprised about that one at all.
They're horrifying and this image is horrifying and everyone involved should feel bad.]
Have you tried talking to Ignis?
[She's not going to say it out loud, but it's kind of like getting dressed in the dark?? Maybe he's not even aware of how horrible the sweater looks??? Just a shot in the dark here. (No pun intended.)]
I'm not a representative like Usagi is.
[That's what she means, right? He never learned this bit and still has his original crystal.]
[That's what she means, right? He never learned this bit and still has his original crystal.]
Page 4 of 22