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[continued from ]

I'm only sorry we didn't have more time together as kids.

[And he means that. There were never enough days, and he never feels like he does enough to repay others for their kindness. But then, he knows how fleeting time is. There just isn't enough of it.

Perhaps now that the war is over and they're both stuck here, he can do something worthwhile for Yuri.]

I'll have to have a look sometime.

Ah, would you do me one more favor? Help me take these back to my room. I promise I'm not far. I thought it would be beneficial to snag a place close to the market.

I see.

[Despite Dimitri's efforts, Ashe can't help but worry a little. The whole thing is a bit much. Stones embedded in them that may turn them into beasts? It's an echo of what they'd fought against before. At least the changes aren't permanent and, evidently, the worst Ashe has gotten are a pair of bunny ears and a fluffy little tail. Dimitri's had it much worse.]

Well, I'm glad you're all right in any case, Your Highness. I'm not sure if I can offer much, but please let me know if I can help you, all right?

[ Let me know if I can help you. Despite how far he's come, it's still a difficult concept to wrap his head around. But he has to trust that if Ashe, his friend, says it then he means that he will help and it isn't a burden on him but-

Hm. ]

Of course. And the same goes for you, of course. We are fortunate to have each other here.

[It's hard to consider for him. Ashe has a difficult time accepting that he could ask much of anything of Dimitri. Not that Dimitri is someone who is unwilling, but it feels like he'd be no more than bothering His Highness.]

That's true. I'm sure other people are much less fortunate than we are in that regard. I wonder how many people must be here completely alone?

[To him, that seems like quite a lonely thing.]

I won't keep you, Your Highness. I'm sure there are other people who could use your help right now. I'll be all right.

[ He can't fathom it. For all the ways that he's struggling to cope with people here, well... He'd rather than be here than where they're supposed to be. Especially the ones he was responsible for putting there. ]

I won't impose but I'd much rather be making sure you're tended to and settle in alright. You'll also find I'm a lot less busy than I was back at home.

[ Being king doesn't mean a whole lot without a kingdom to run, after all. ]

[There's a soft laugh from the archer.]

Yeah, I imagine without a kingdom and a war to worry about, you probably have a lot of free time. I'll be all right, but if you really want you could have some lunch with me or something?

[ There’s silence for a moment before a quiet shit is uttered. Another beat passes before someone actually speaks directly into the device. ]

Hey. It’s that IDIOT from the festival ... thing. Piers. Look ... this is gonna sound like a load of bollocks but I wasn’t myself that day. I’d never talk to anyone like that normally. Like, not even if I did find ‘em attractive.

... not to say you’re not attractive, but ... cripes, never mind that. The point is I was right creepy to you and you shoulda told me to piss off.

You don’t have to respond to this or anythin’. Yeah ... that’s all. Bye.

Oh. Hi Piers.

Um, look. Don't worry about it? I figured out that it was mainly the dust that they were using for their festivities, so that's not really your fault. I got hit with some myself, so I understand where you're coming from.

Thanks for reaching out. I actually kind of appreciate it.

I wish I had a better answer for you. I think the only person who has an answer to that question is probably this Malachite, but I don't think many people have been able to talk to him.

[There's a pause, then he offers his hand to Edelgard.]

Can I get you anything?

[she smiles sardonically.]

You would offer succor to the one who brought war into your life? Likely killed many of your loved ones?

Are you hoping that I'll treat you cruelly?

[A Ruby might be inclined toward temper. An Emerald keeps a level head, which is something that doesn't really occur to Ashe.]

The war is over. And I really wouldn't accomplish anything by hurting you, with words or with action.

It would certainly make more sense if you did.

[the flare of anger subsides, finally, but for how long she doesn't know. she lets go of her head, looking apologetic at ashe.]

I'm sorry - I'll have to learn to navigate these emotions, but this is all new to me. To us.

I understand. There's a lot to adapt to right now.

[There's a pause, and then he does speak quite frankly:] If you do anything that's going to hurt people again, I won't hesitate, though.

[she can't promise anything!! :D;;;; she smiles, though, knowing he can definitely cash in on that promise.]

Loud and clear.

[she stands.]

Well then - shall we make way back to our rooms before the gems flare up again?

[EDELGARD...........]

That's probably for the best.

[and that like ends the thread we did it gang]

[It takes a while for Ferdinand to even find Ashe's physical address. His online inbox? Easy. But this? Well, it's worth it. Such things must be properly done! But once he does Ashe will find a letter in his mailbox, with a simple red seal- no crest or country indicated in the wax, since Ferdinand is lacking such a thing here. The paper inside is almost heavy due to its high quality, and the words are clearly handwritten with a quill and ink.]

My Dear Friend, Ashe

I apologize it has taken me this long to send this. But I do hope that the wait has only given me time to choose my words all the more carefully. I must thank you again for all the care you showed me when last we spoke in person, at the garden. Your kindness helped me overcome such a strange new experience with grace, and left a pleasant memory in my heart. I wish we had allotted more time to explore the gardens together, but even so, I hope the experience was just as fond for you as it was for me.

If it is not too bold of me to ask, I would very much like to plan a similar outing with you in the future? If you find it agreeable please feel free to contact me at your leisure. As charming as a letter would be, please do not feel obligated to respond in kind- these devices the gems offer us are so useful after all!

I look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,
Ferdinand von Aegir

Edited 2021-04-09 01:55 (UTC)

[Ferdinand what the HELL. Ashe has to take like 20 minutes to get over how endearing this letter is before he even thinks to respond!!

But he does! And he writes in return. Although Ashe's handwriting is not nearly as lovely, but it is easy to read which is where it counts at least. He certainly tries his hardest to make sure it's legible and neat, so writing the letter took some agonizingly long time, but he manages.

Inside is a pressed flavor, a violet.]

Dear Ferdinand,

I received your letter and was moved. I'm glad I could make your experience arriving here all the more bearable and I'd be happy to help further in the future. The gardens were quite lovely and I would be extremely flattered to meet with you again.

I have an open schedule save for evenings, but I can work out a time to clear if need be.

I know you said I didn't have to write in return as you did, but I felt it would be in poor taste if I wasn't willing to show the same enthusiasm in kind.

Sincierely,
Ashe Ubert

[Oh he was not expecting the flower! he takes the time to run it under his nose before finding a safe place to keep it pressed.

When he responds it is by text- as nice as the letters are, text seems much easier for actual planning!]

I was thinking... perhaps sharing a meal might be nice? I will admit I do not know the eatery scene here yet, but I am willing to do some research?

Also, the violet was lovely. I wonder if I could find a place to set it in resin? Maybe I should ask Hilda.

Well, I've eaten at a few places. Admittedly, I don't really know your tastes, though. So it might be good if we did a bit of research!

I'm glad you liked it. Violets are my favorite and I'm pretty proud of their bloom so far.

Hey, pal, have you got a minute? I could use your help with something.

Hi Balthus! Of course. What do you need?

I need to make sure I don't wind up running up any debts. But it turns out I've been in debt for so long that I don't really remember what it's like not to be in it! Much less how to keep myself out of it.

I figured you might have some ideas, just some tips or something to help a guy out.

Of course. I'm very familiar with budgeting! Fortunately, I find that making an income in this place has been pretty easy, but it's always good to have a cushion just in case something happens.

Let's see. Do you want to talk in person or like this?

Uhhh, well. Is this gonna be like lecture? Should I take notes?

➵ INBOX

➵ TDM OVERFLOW

➵ YURI

➵ DIMITRI

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Some days after THE INCIDENT

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➵ EDELGARD

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hey ashe, want some snail mail?

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text; un: king.of.grappling

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