[Video]

[inemeraldfaith]

[At first, there's just audio as Aerith is figuring out how this little trinket works. A phone would be easier, wouldn't it? As video comes on, she lifts a hand and wiggles her fingers in greeting.]

Hellllooooo!

[If it seems like she's too cheery, that very likely might be the case. Despite the situation and bizarre circumstances, she's chosen to approach all of this with a great deal of optimism. Smile, and the world smiles with you, goes the saying.]

I understand a lot of us are kind of going through the same thing and it's probably very easy to focus on what we don't know, but I thought it might be kind of nice to have the reminder that we have a common goal. So whether you arrived here with friends or without them, you're not alone! You have the rest of us, too.

[Gesturing to herself, she continues.]

My name's Aerith and I didn't arrive with very much, but if there's something I can help you out with, make sure you let me know and I'll do my best! Also, if you're having trouble finding a place to stay, I'm sharing a room here with my bodyguard, but I'm sure he won't mind too much if we make a little more room for you.

[You're welcome, Cloud.]

Comments

If too old, please feel free to drop. Sorry for the wait!

[inemeraldfaith]

I’d like to do that.

[It doesn’t take more than a moment for Aerith to nod, as if she’s just confirming something she’s known and felt all along. Despite the way her roots have planted her in Midgar, there’s a part of her that’s always known that isn’t where she’s going to be staying. When one wants to be free, they have to be permitted some kind of freedom. Living isn’t living, when it’s restrained.]

I’ve had the chance to look at a map of the place. They have one in the tavern and I think there’s probably a few of them all over the town. I couldn’t really tell by scaling, but it looked pretty big to me. I don’t know where I want to begin, but I’m planning to get to know as much as they’re willing to share with us.

Sorry, I have been busy too!

[emyoji]

That sounds lovely. Like a real adventure!

Ah, I assume your bodyguard will want to accompany you too. But imagine what you might find out at the edges of this world. I like your plan. If there's any way I can help, would you let me know? I'm curious as well.

No worries at all!!

[inemeraldfaith]

I’m pretty sure you’re right. He doesn’t seem to like it much when I put myself in harm’s way.

[Which, honestly, makes sense. If he’s meant to protect her, then he’ll want to do that. And probably prefer that she not put herself in danger intentionally.]

I’d welcome other help, too. I don’t think I’m the only one who wants to get to know the area, and you know what they say! [Or does he?] Safety in numbers. Easier to overcome something if we’re working together. We should pick out a place to explore and go together! My bodyguard will worry less if someone’s with me.

[And it’ll let Cloud focus on his work, too.]

[emyoji]

I imagine it would be very difficult for him if you were hurt. It must be hard, wanting to help you reach your goals and worrying about you along the way.

But I agree with you! It's easier to get things done if we all go together. As long as you don't mind, I'd like to join you on an exploration. The world is vast, and I'm sure we can find many magical things.

[Literally or figuratively is left a bit open.]

[inemeraldfaith]

We're like that with any of our friends, aren't we? We want to support them without restraining them, but we also want them to be safe and we worry when they might not be. It's a difficult balance. I'm sure I put Cloud through plenty of stuff and yet he's still willing to put up with me.

You're welcome to join me anytime you'd like to. I'm not suspecting I'm ready to venture out too far just yet, but we should definitely get out of Aldrip and see what the surrounding lay of the land is like.

[emyoji]

Is that how it is?

[He wonders if that's what his life has been. Has he been too restraining? Have people who cared for him actually been stopping themselves from restraining him in the past? Seimei probably messed that up, if this is what good support should be. After all, he did in a way restrict the entire world without asking.

Maybe he's just a bad friend.]

Ah, but that means he likes it, right? Or he wouldn't go along with it?

[Doubts shrugged aside, he smiles brightly, happy to get the invitation.]

In that case, I will join you. I want to see this world for what it is, and I suppose we can't do that by living in one place forever. If I help protect you, your bodyguard should be satisfied, right?