audio.

[mercedis]

( as always, he's trying to make this as short as possible, but it's hard to even know where to stop with the way his voice carries into the charm. it's likely going to come out all wrong, but: he figures it's like posting something on the notice board in the slums. no one's going to listen to it, right? )

Looking to head back out into the forest to see if there's any trace of the people that went missing.

Figured it might be best to find someone, or someones, to come with me. Not looking to become one of the missing myself.

Some questions if you're considering it...

One, are you afraid of ghosts?

Two, how do you react when you're scared?

( --and then, with a measured sigh: )

My name is Cloud. Blonde hair, big sword. If you're worried, I'm pretty good at keeping people alive, but.

( imagine if he had just, you know, done a video. )

Comments

[inemeraldfaith]

Hmmm...! I want you to teach me how to use your sword!

[mercedis]

You want to learn how to use a sword?

[inemeraldfaith]

Mhm! I'm pretty good with a staff, but I think using a sword could be beneficial, too.

[mercedis]

In that case, we should start with something a little smaller. Lighter.

[inemeraldfaith]

That's probably true. I don't know that I could just pick up your sword like it was nothing. A little practise would be useful.

[mercedis]

We can see about getting you a smaller sword made. If you win.

[inemeraldfaith]

Now I'm definitely going to win. Maybe you should give me sword lessons regardless.

[mercedis]

Maybe you should pay for them.

[inemeraldfaith]

I keep offering to pay you, but you won't take my money!

[mercedis]

Not money. And not dates, either. You probably offer them to everyone.

( a friendly tease. )

...Do you know how to sew?

[inemeraldfaith]

Wow...! I absolutely don't! Jeez.

[HOW ROOD.]

I know a little about sewing. I wouldn't say I'm an expert, but I could do something for you. I finished the thing for your charm, too. But I guess that wasn't really sewing.

[mercedis]

...Think you could teach me? Just the basic...whatever...is fine.

[inemeraldfaith]

Oh, yeah! It's easy. Just a little time consuming. I can definitely teach you. Whenever you want! But why do you want to learn?

[mercedis]

Well, why do you want to learn how to use a sword?

You have two bodyguards, last I heard.

[inemeraldfaith]

Well, I want to be useful? I don't want anyone to feel like they have to protect me. I want to prove that I can hold my own, too. I want to be able to protect you and others that I care about.

[mercedis]

I'm sure no one feels that way. It's not a burden or anything.

But... sounds like a fair trade then. For if you don't win. Sword for sewing.

[inemeraldfaith]

Well, what if we just had this little competition anyway and still exchanged sword for sewing regardless? That way you feel like you're getting something out of it.

[mercedis]

Then you need to pick a different prize.

[inemeraldfaith]

Why do I have to pick a different one? Is there a problem?

[mercedis]

Because it's...not a prize if we're just going to do it anyway.

[inemeraldfaith]

I mean, I guess. The real prize to me is just being able to spend time with you.

[mercedis]

Weirdo. ( he's smiling a little though. in secret. )

[inemeraldfaith]

Yeah, you’re right! I am a weirdo! Takes one to know one, though.