Tenth Flake [video]

[defyingfrigidity]

[When the video flocks on, it shows Elsa, looking... a bit thoughtful. Not in a moody way like she was in her last post, judging by the lack of any trouble on her face, but.... it takes a moment for her to realize the recording started before she speaks.]

I checked the date today, and I only just realized something. Today is the one year anniversary of my arrival in Johto. [There's a pause, and she laughs, looking a bit embarrassed.] I promise this won't be as messy as the last time I talked about an "anniversary". That... got a little bit out of hand.

[A shake of the head, and with a sigh, her embarrassment fades.]

I've just... been thinking a lot today. The things I've done here, the people I've met.... they changed me. In ways I don't think I would've been able to change back home. I've learned a lot about the world and other people, and even discovered some things about myself I didn't know before. All thanks to the people here.

I suppose I should thank all of the people I've talked to here. Even if we've only spoken once, you've done much to help me, and for that, I'm forever grateful.

She smiles, then, a bright and brilliant thing.]

From the bottom of my heart, thank you all.

Comments

video;

[freshprints]

This place...it does have a way of doing that, doesn't it.

As disorienting as it can be to be snatched up from home and dropped here with no warning...in some ways, being here is often a "second chance", for people who arrive.

(Video)

[defyingfrigidity]

[Oh! A new face.]

It would be a good idea to keep an eye on them. They'll sneak up on you before you know it.

video;

[defyingfrigidity]

... It is, yes. During my year here, I've heard of all sorts of stories of what the lives of the residents were like before they arrived. Good things, bad things, things about how they struggled to live, or how they died...

[She still has a hard time wrapping her head around that.]

As I've said elsewhere, I can never truly consider this place my home, but... I'm very grateful for it. Both for how it's helped me, and how it's helped many of the others here.

[loveisanopendoor]

Well, it definitely wouldn't be as good as something from a nice bakery, regardless! You deserve nothing but the best, Elsa.

[ She gratefully takes the cake from Noel with a smile... ]

And this looks pretty darn close!

(Video)

[baremyfangs]

I don't think a "first day" anniversary exists. (Unless it's the anniversary of her first day a year from now. With the oddities of time, Fang wouldn't be shocked if she was suddenly propelled forward.)

Make sure to spend it with your friends and family.

[defyingfrigidity]

I'd take something homemade over store-bought any day.

... But yes, you're right. [She laughs.] It does look very good.

[nvcr]

...something like that.

I love Night Vale so very much, and in my heart, I know I want to come back...but I suppose I can stay here as long as I need to.

...I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way.

[loveisanopendoor]

Look, it was home-made by somebody!

You gotta make the first cut, though! Kind of like a birthday but, y'know, not really!

video;

[freshprints]

...Have you heard the rumor that when people leave here, they're returned to the precise moment they left?

[defyingfrigidity]

It certainly helps that no time in our worlds passes while we're here.

I'm glad, too. For a while it... bothered me, like I should feel bad for not missing Arendelle as much. But I think being content here is something far more common than you might think it is.

[defyingfrigidity]

... Good point.

[STILL. THERE ARE DIFFERENCES!!]

Okay... do you have a knife?

video;

[defyingfrigidity]

Yes, I have. Not... in those exact words, but many people say that time stops in our worlds while we're here.

And I believe it, too. My sister was here for several months before I arrived, and yet, I'd only seen her just that morning in our home.

(Video)

[defyingfrigidity]

Sure it does. You can celebrate arriving in a new place, right?

[... Might not be good here, considering how confused some people get, but hey. Today's a good day for Elsa, so she's feeling more optimistic than usual.]

[shatterings]

Mm. If it weren't for my friends, too... I'm not certain where I would be. It's wonderful, to have such close bonds.

[nvcr]

I'm kind of used to time being...well, weird, but that's good to hear!

...so are you planning on, like, doing anything?

[loveisanopendoor]

I'll get you one! One second...

[ She runs out of the room real quick, coming back with a cute little plastic knife and some lit candles (Thanks, Nova!!!!)... ]

Okay, okay, one second, one second, let me plop these on here and...

[ She does so as she starts to sing... ]

Happy Johtoversary to you~

video;

[freshprints]

There's likewise a rumor that in going back, we'll forget the entirety of the time we spent here.

But that's not one I can accept. For...many of the reasons you've brought up, yourself.

[irenicly]

[His year anniversary is very quickly approaching, so he knows how that goes.]

It sounds like she has a party planned.

I hope it's a good one.

[defyingfrigidity]

... A feature of your world, or...?

[She's not sure she can get used to weird time shenanigans, oh boy...]

And not really, no. My sister got me a cake, but that's about it. I'm not really sure what one does for an "I've been stuck in this land I was brought to against my will" anniversary.

[defyingfrigidity]

[Okay, okay, NOW Elsa's getting a bit flustered here.]

G-Geez, you don't need to sing too...!

[defyingfrigidity]

It is. I thought it would be terrifying, to let people other than Anna in that much, but...

It sounds awful, but I've felt better here than I've ever felt back home.

[loveisanopendoor]

Happy Johtoversary, yes I do~

[shatterings]

... But it's not so bad, and it's not hard, once you start.

[ A smile, and Naminé shakes her head. ]

I don't think it sounds awful at all. It's a wonderful place, here.

video;

[defyingfrigidity]

[Boy, that's a sobering thought. But... still. Elsa surprisingly doesn't look as upset as one might be upon hearing that.]

I can't believe that either.

Even if your memories are erased, the good feelings - or bad feelings - brought on by those memories are still there. Not even magic can take that away.

[Her sister is proof of that.]

[defyingfrigidity]

I wouldn't be surprised. Even though I told her we didn't have to celebrate... Anna can never resist a chance to throw a party now, it seems.