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)

[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.

(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.]

(Video)

[baremyfangs]

I'll be in a partyin' mood when I catch up with Sunshine.

(So much partying will be had and there will be hugging of baby sisters.)

(Video)

[defyingfrigidity]

... Sunshine?

[Oh, so she has friends here already... that's good! Elsa definitely knows how much having a familiar face around can help ease you into life here..]

(Video)

[baremyfangs]

Yeah she's got a few names up her sleeve. Lightning is probably the most well-known.

(And now the irony of the nickname is revealed.)

(Video)

[defyingfrigidity]

[... ah

WELL THEN

Something in Elsa's expression kind of... shifts. She's still smiling, but something about her smile seems a bit. Hollow, now.]

Oh. So you're one of her companions from her world, then?

(Video)

[baremyfangs]

(Whoops? Fang feels like she should apologize, but for what?)

One of the worlds, yeah. We actually come from different worlds.

...are you alright?

(Video)

[defyingfrigidity]

I'm fine.

[That's. Said almost too quickly. And if that wasn't suspicious enough, she immediately latches onto that chance to change the subject.]

... Different worlds? So this sort of thing is normal for you, then?

(Video)

[baremyfangs]

(She can't exactly argue with her.)

Only if me being brought here is thanks to a war.

(Video)

[defyingfrigidity]

[The tension in her shoulders eases ever so slightly; it's not totally gone, but she's a bit more relaxed at the change of subject. Thank goodness, she took the bait...]

What do you mean?

(Video)

[baremyfangs]

The reason I was shifted from Gran Pulse to Cocoon initially was because of a war. (And slumbering for so long after cracking the world as Ragnarok.)

(Video)

[defyingfrigidity]

I see...

[Elsa, of course, is just assuming she means that like she's some sort of refugee.]

I'm very sorry to hear that, ma'am.

(Video)

[baremyfangs]

For what? I've been able to stick close to the only family I have. (She shrugs.) I'm alright.

(Which isn't completely true.)

(Video)

[defyingfrigidity]

Still. To be ripped from your home because of something as horrible as war...

It must have been terrible, even with the people you care about beside you.

(Video)

[baremyfangs]

I was at the heart of it. I was dangerous...hunted...

The same for my partner.

We met up with Lightning by chance, but she had an effect on us.

(Video)

[defyingfrigidity]

[Once, Elsa may have been suspicious at that. Being hunted, after caught at the center of a war... that's not entirely good, is it?

But she knows Lightning. She speaks fondly of Lightning. If she's one of Lightning's friends, then she has to be a good person. So the sympathy is still there.

Besides, while it wasn't as extreme... she knows what it's like to feel hunted. She still has nightmares of Weselton's goons coming after her...]

... She does that a lot, doesn't she?

[A small smile crosses her face, but it's more than a little sad...]

(Video)

[baremyfangs]

She put up a fuss about bein' followed, but I think she liked it. (That is said with all the fondness in the world.) I trust her more than jus' about anyone else.

(A little smile follows that statement.)

If she calls you a friend, you should feel proud.

(Video)

[defyingfrigidity]

[A...h....

Maybe it's because Elsa's been in Johto for a year, but it's... hard to hide the way her expression sort of falls at that. Once, it had been so easy to conceal her feelings, but now...]

I... Y-Yes, I do....

(Video)

[baremyfangs]

(She can almost read that expression. Almost. Instead of driving right at the possible explanations, she errs on the side of caution.)

Wanna make a confession? I'm good at keeping secrets.

(Video)

[defyingfrigidity]

[Elsa shakes her head, but the way she's not looking directly into the camera is kind of a big tell otherwise.]

No, I'm fine! Really...

(Video)

[baremyfangs]

I know we just met an' all, but shouldering burdens on your own is a good way to be miserable. You seem too nice for that.

(Video)

[defyingfrigidity]

[OH FANG IF YOU ONLY KNEW]

I know, but... [She reaches up to rub awkwardly at the back of her neck.] I don't know if Lightning would want me to talk about... certain things....

(Video)

[baremyfangs]

Something happen between you? (She frowns a little. Clearly it's time to do a little fishing with Lightning.) It's private, I understand. Just try to smile now and then.

(Video)

[defyingfrigidity]

I don't know... I've tried that, and it just seems to be making things worse. Or it just doesn't help at all.

[She avoids the question for the moment. Sure, she knows that if this woman can call herself Lightning's friend, that means Lightning must trust her enough that it wouldn't be bad to tell her what happened, but...

She's just. Not sure how it'll all go if she did tell her...]

(Video)

[baremyfangs]

Give yourself time. Deciding the best course doesn't always come immediately. (She's old as dirt. Broken hearts are not new to her and it's clear Elsa isn't a bad person.) We can only wait for clarity.