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[nuncommon]

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voice; during the october event

[cresture]

[it's voice because Marianne CANNOT text over her compass right now. She's too tired and feeling drained, the clatter of desperate voices around her are all feeding into the tension she feels right in her shoulders... She should get back to helping, but she feels... well, like whatever she's doing isn't enough, and that she shouldn't try in the first place.

Which isn't helpful or conducive at all to this room of injured strangers -- though all from towns from the Moon territory -- so after a moment, Marianne pulls up her compass and thinks of the one person who comes to mind.]

Um, Mercedes? It's me, Marianne... I can try again later if you're busy right now.

[nuncommon]

Marianne?

[ Mercedes responds almost instantly. From the low murmur of the voices around her, she's doing the same duty as her farflung friend. Healers are always needed in violent situations, after all, but upon hearing the voice of someone familiar that she hasn't had the opportunity to check on...

Of course she has to answer. ]

It's all right, I just finished. Are you all right? Is something wrong? You sound a little strained...

[cresture]

[The relief Marianne feels when Mercedes answers? A little ridiculous considering the fact that Mercedes is not the kind of person who wouldn't answer, but let Marianne have this... Everything is stressful!! She takes in a breath, inhale, exhale....

okay, and another one just in case, inhale... exhale...]

I'm fine! I'm not injured, fortunately. [like in a bodily sense she's fine!!!] I'm inside and helping the people here who did get injured. And...

I thought we were about finished, but there's been so many more people coming in that it's all just... [it's a MESS!!! there are sounds in the background, shouts for help and shouts from help, and Marianne tries clasping her compass closer so that her voice can be heard more clearly]

Mercedes, I'm so sorry to have to ask, but... I need your help.

[nuncommon]

You don't have to apologize.

[ Mercedes once again speaks quickly, not at all fond of the fact that Marianne sounds so stressed and guilty just for admitting that she needs help. There are so many injured people from these attacks... it's too much for one person to shoulder, and even if she did have assistance, more couldn't hurt.

Things have largely settled here; she can move on. ]

Just tell me exactly where you are and I'll be there as soon as I can.

misfire; before all the wendigo nonsense goes down bc i do what i want

[pebblestone]

[ sometimes, when you wear a lot of armor and have fat fingers, you make a couple of mistakes when selecting a recipient. ]

Lady Marianne, I hope this message finds you well.

[ is he still gonna be 200% over the top for a stupid text message? yes. ]

With the temperatures dipping as they have, I thought to see if there were any winter accessories you were still in need of.
There is a stall down the way that sells a number of delightfully patterned mittens and scarves.
If you would like I would be happy to pick something up for you as thanks for assisting me with the compass earlier.

[ see, he even learned PUNCTUATION and the ENTER button!! too bad this message will never reach marianne, RIP. ]

oh snap

[nuncommon]

[ There are many puzzling things about this message. The first is that the sender seems to have mistaken her for Marianne. Also, the sender seems incredibly formal-- thoughtful, and fond of sewing patterns, it seems. Goodness, has Marianne made a friend? How delightful!

... Except, oh. This... wasn't seen by Marianne, was it. It takes Mercedes a good bit of time to formulate a response-- not because she doesn't have one, but because typing is Ridiculous. ]

Excuse me, but I'm afraid you've contacted the wrong person. Marianne does seem partial to blue, however, if I might offer my opinion on a thank-you gift.

[pebblestone]

[ Oh. How tragique. ]

I'm terribly sorry for the inconvenience.
I appear to selected incorrectly on the compass.

[ Just when he thought he'd mastered some of these strange functions. Clearly he has much more to learn. ]

Are you a friend of hers, by chance?

[nuncommon]

I am, yes! My name is Mercedes von Martritz. Who might you be?

[ Not someone she knows, that's for sure. Even if the formality sounds a lot like Dimitri... then again, he'd never call any of them by a title. ]

holiday gift!

[pauldron]

[The next time Mercedes passes through Kyst, a courier will deliver a wrapped package to her. It's decently heavy and when she opens it, she'll find it's a cookbook filled with recipes of local delicacies and sweet treats, with a folded note inside.

Thanks for the healing. Call if you ever need help.
Lightning]

un: dante

[redload]

How long do those pizza pies take you to get made?

[nuncommon]

Mm...? I would say about a few hours, depending on how many.

[redload]

I need five.

[!]

[nuncommon]

Five?? Goodness, I know you have an appetite, but--

un: dimitri; voice, a few days after the ball

[royalboar]

Hello, Mercedes. Do you have a moment?

[He comes bearing news!]

[nuncommon]

Hello, Dimitri! For you, anytime.

[ Well, she'd take the time for anyone, but. You know. ]

Has something happened?

[royalboar]

Actually, yes. You recall the last request for blessings? Mine was fulfilled.

I asked for a home situated in the neutral lands, as I do not believe that having our welfare tied to Stars’ territory is the wisest option right now. It is large, big enough to house any of our friends or allies who might need a place to stay.

un: v

[summonere]

Dear Mercedes,

I wanted to write to you and tell you that Griffon and I both greatly enjoyed your company at the ball. We have conflicting desires in that he wishes you will come and spoil him again, whereas I think he is spoiled enough, but we do agree that we hope we will see you again. We've been invited into a home within the Moon territories, but would gladly travel in to Kyst to visit with you.

Regards,
V

un: mercedes

[nuncommon]

Dear V,

Your sentiment is returned. I too enjoyed meeting you and Griffon, as well as having the opportunity to spend time with the both of you before the night ended. I can't promise that I won't treat Griffon to an extent that you would consider spoiling him, but I would be delighted to see you both again! Much like yourselves, I was recently invited into a home, though one not within Court territory. I've found myself in Kyst more often than not, due to that, as it requires a great deal of decorating still.

If you would like, perhaps you and Griffon could join me for tea? At your convenience, of course. My days haven't become too terribly exciting just yet, save for my studies!

Most Sincerely,
Mercedes

[summonere]

I think luckily I will leave the decorating to my friend, as it is her house. Although I expect to be called upon to have the familiars move around some furniture.

Would you like us to join you at your new housing?

un: Edelgard

[flame_emperor]

Hello Mercedes,

I hope the day finds you well. I enjoyed speaking with you at the party and I wondered if, when you're available and if you're interested of course, you might wish to join me for a visit over tea and cakes. I enjoyed having such gatherings back home when there was time and I'd like to continue them here, if I could.

I could introduce you to my new kitten Adhemar, if you like. I received him as one of my first, ah, blessings not too long ago, and he's very sweet. I'd like for him to get used to people and I think this would be a good method.

I look forward to hearing from you,
Edelgard

[nuncommon]

Hello, Edelgard,

Regarding your invitation, I should have some time tomorrow. And you have my congratulations on receiving a kitten! It's true that it's important to socialize them while they're still young, so I would be happy to work with you in that regard.

Sincerely,
Mercedes

1/2

[flame_emperor]

Dear Mercedes,

Thank you, Adhemar has already proven himself to be a boon companion; he's curled up asleep on my lap as I write this, in fact. I look forward to introducing him to you. My quarters are still in the Court of Stars palace's residential wing.

I will see you tomorrow afternoon then.

Kindest regards,
Edelgard von Hresvelg

& Adhemar

action; in part one of the event

[pauldron]

[There's few places open late in Kyst. Inns, of course, the occasional rowdy tavern, but most other establishments close up with setting of the sun. It can make getting what's needed difficult, but Lightning's walked these streets enough to know what's open and what isn't.

It comes in handy on this night, when her and Mercedes' paths cross in the darkened streets. There's some things even the shadows can't hide, like the exhaustion in both of their bearings, the bone deep and heart sick tiredness no amount of sleep can fix. But then, that seems to be on everyone's faces these days. The war is here, and they're out of time. One more reason to stop in at the small corner of the wall teashop for a break.]

Here. Owner swears by it.

[It being a warm mug of honey tea with a hint of something bright that Lightning passes over to Mercedes as she returns to their table. She settles onto the other seat with her own mug, cradling it in her hands with a sigh. The weight of Serah's tear in its pouch beneath her tunic feels like it could drag her to the bottom tonight. She still lifts her eyes to look Mercedes over.]

Rough few nights?

[nuncommon]

... Thank you, [ Is the first tiredly grateful thing she says in response, wrapping her fingers around the mug and letting the warmth seep into her palms. It won't be long before Mercedes brings it to her lips for a sip, well-aware as Lightning looks her over that she definitely looks as though she needs a nap or seven. ]

But yes, you could say that. I imagine I'm not the only one.

[ She knows she isn't. ]

[pauldron]

[They all need a nap or seven. Her thoughts dart back to Dimitri in the woods, Felix and his haunted eyes, Clary even quieter than the new normal, everyone else she's crossed paths with these few days, and she turns her attention to the steaming tea as if it holds all the answers.

It doesn't even hold one.]

No. You're not. [A soft sigh disrupts the wafting steam.] I think it's all of us by now. Visions, dreams. [A shake of her head.] More magic tricks to keep us in line. Keep us fighting for them.