[Jikan IC Inbox][un: dandelionknight]

[vennessa]

Venti, how do I--?

...

Oh, this is-- This is Vennessa. Please leave a message. I'll contact you when I can.

Comments

un: theballadeer

[lyingstars]

Vennessa we're friends right? I need your advice on something.

[vennessa]

[She actually has to check a couple of times to confirm who this is from before she replies. Scaramouche has never been so direct in calling them friends, even though she does consider him one.]

Of course we are! What's the problem?

[lyingstars]

[Scaramouche takes a moment to reply, trying to find the best way to word his question without having to explain too much. He regrets his decision already.]

For perfectly understandable reasons last month I may have been a bit too distant and upset Kazuha. We spoke at the gala so I'm positive things are fine now but I find it's still bothering me. Is there something I'm supposed to be doing for it to stop bothering me?

[vennessa]

Is it bothering you because he didn't accept your apology in a way you expected or because you still feel guilty about how you treated him even though he forgave you?

[lyingstars]

Does admitting we're friends and that I desire his company count as an apology?

And while you weren't the one I was avoiding I suppose I should still ask if my distance unintentionally upset you as well.

[vennessa]

Saying 'I'm sorry' and then what you are sorry for is an apology. The other things are nice but they aren't quite the same thing even if Kazuha understood what you meant.

And it was confusing for me, but I wouldn't say that I was upset. Don't worry.

[lyingstars]

Even if I had good reason for what I did? If I tell him I'm sorry will it stop bothering me?

That's a relief to hear.

[Even if it's only because he's realizing that friends upset with him is not something he gets amusement out of.]

[vennessa]

It might help to hear that he forgives you for hurting him, even if you didn't do it on purpose.

But it might not stop you feeling guilty completely. That might just take a while to fade on its own.

[lyingstars]

Are friendships normally this complicated? I haven't really had many before.

[vennessa]

They're usually like this, but you'll find it easier as you have more experience!

[lyingstars]

I have some things to consider but I appreciate the help Vennessa. We should do something soon. Celebrate that time didn't loop.

[He follows up with another message a few minutes later.]

If you'd like you are welcome to call me Kunikuzushi.

[vennessa]

[Wait.

What?]

Kunikuzushi? Is that your name?

[lyingstars]

Yes it's my real one. Scaramouche is the name I was given for my job.

[vennessa]

I see! Then I'm honoured to know it.

[Then, feeling somewhat daring...]

Would you mind if I called you Kuni?

[lyingstars]

You wouldn't be the first to want to shorten it. I think from a friend Kuni is fine.

[vennessa]

I wouldn't want to insult you by butchering the pronunciation if I tried to say the whole thing.

[lyingstars]

I've spent plenty of time in places like Snezhnaya you wouldn't be the first to mispronounce it. It's not nearly as a hard as it looks to pronounce if you do ever decide you want to try.

[vennessa]

I shall make a genuine effort the next time I see you in person, and you can correct me.

[lyingstars]

I'll be happy to help though I'm certain you won't need it.

[vennessa]

I appreciate your confidence in me.

You can call me Venn, if you want to.

[lyingstars]

You've yet to prove it misplaced.

I'll keep that in mind.

misfire text; un: steak

[battlebound]

It was their idea! I don't have a fetish!

( ahahaha, sorry Venn. )

[vennessa]

Um. Steak? Are you all right?

[battlebound]

( ... oh. wait. that wasn't who he meant to send that to. how'd that happen? )

That was meant to go elsewhere. It's nothing for you to worry about, Vennessa.

( ahem, in an attempt to bury that message in the chat history; )

How have you been? We haven't spoken in a while!

[vennessa]

[Well, okay. His own business and all.]

I've been fine! Making some new friends. It's getting a little cold outside at night but it isn't too bad.

[battlebound]

( good choice, Venn. it's all stupid and not worth asking about. )

That's true. If you need to warm up at night, I can help you with that.

( ... he means with his fire abilities, we swear. )

[vennessa]

Really? And how would you do that?

[battlebound]

( oh, right. that whole thing where people don't understand food souls... )

As a Food Soul, I have certain abilities associated with steaks.

( he supposes that's one way of putting it. like always being a little bit warm, even when winter hits. )

I can create fire, to an extent.

[vennessa]

[Yes, not understanding Food Souls is definitely what that was.]

How interesting! I'd like to see it. I wonder if it's at all like the people who are gifted pyro Visions where I come from.

[battlebound]

( nothing to do with the way he worded that, nope. )

I don't mind showing you sometime.

( and maybe she can feel how warm he is up close iykwim. )

What are Visions?

[vennessa]

Visions are blessings from the gods given as a form of recognition by Celestia, where they reside. They grant a person command over the element that the Vision corresponds to.

[battlebound]

( that's... interesting. he can't help but think, if that had happened with the God of Beginnings, Food Souls might have never needed to be summoned in the first place.

sure, he wouldn't be alive to be sad about that, but the idea still kind of sucks.

oh well. that isn't how his world works, so dwelling on it is pointless. )

So some humans have their own powers? Doesn't that cause problems?

( he knows he's been lucky in terms of Food Souls. he had a good Master Attendant, and after his passing, he and Red Wine had more than enough power to fight off the shady characters who wanted to capture their untethered power, but many Food Souls are trapped in terrible situations. Souls like Gingerbread and many others.

and that was just through peripheral power. he can only imagine what humans would do with direct access to that kind of power. )

[vennessa]

Not really. People who hold Visions are usually well-respected in their communities and towns.

[She can see how it could cause problems, potentially, but it seems rare that a Vision-user is someone who turns that power towards something wicked. Perhaps it has something to do with how those who are blessed are selected to begin with.]

[battlebound]

( hm... )

I see.
The Gods seek out those who have proven themselves, is that it?

( that must require a lot of oversight from the Gods, if you think about it. )

[vennessa]

No one really knows why the gods choose who they choose to receive Visions.

It isn't always someone who has proven themselves. In fact it most often isn't. Vision go to those people who have the inner drive and strength to do great things.

[battlebound]

( huh. )

Sounds like an interesting world!

( his caution about humans isn't without its reasoning, but by and large, he still thinks there are more good people than bad out there. )

un: matsukaze

[leafwhistle]

Good afternoon, Vennessa.

It's been a little bit of time since I've seen you. I hope you're doing well. Are you magic studies coming along? In these cold months I can't help but think about others that share lifestyles similar to mine. Please let me know if you need anything. I will always be willing to make time for you.

[vennessa]

[He sends messages like he's writing a letter, she notices. Endearing.]

Hello Kazuha.

I have been taking my time with my studies as someone who doesn't find that academic learning comes easily, but I'm still trying my best! The weather hasn't been too much to cope with and I have managed to find a few places that offer good shelter when it rains.

It seems like it's been a long time since we last crossed paths out here. Have you been keeping well also?