audio → text | headless ragdoll

[matermali]

[ Her voice is a low rasp with her murmured poem—melancholy. ]

"Though fate ordains we now must part
Companions true a little while
I grasp with firm and grateful heart
The gift of friendship's gentle smile

Shared roads together we have walked
O'er hill and dale, mist dark and light
Enriching bonds between us talked
Dispelling shadows with delight

With backward glances fondly cast,
Cherished mem'ries I'll keep secure.
Though winds of change now blow by fast,
Affection's ties shall yet endure."

[ Onward to text. ]

My dear allies and friends,

You are, all of you, stunning fighters — in violence, yes, but also in wit and heart. It has been a strange blessing for me to have known and fought among you all. I am glad for it, and I thank you for the company shared in these arduous trials. I have never known anything quite like it, and it has allowed me a modicum of peace — or something like it — in our final days together. Something I did not think possible for any world that had me.

This war has been won, but the city still recovers. I will remain to help where I can, and keep watch over the beacons.

Should anyone else have nowhere to return, then you are welcome company.

For all who return home, however we have known one another... I shall miss you, and will not forget you, and I may selfishly hope that you will remember our time together.

Sincerely,
Vanessa Ives

Comments

audio only;

[revengeisalie]

You do? Ah, that's too kind! What is it?

[matermali]

Come and see me before you depart. It is only a small thing, but no doubt useful for whatever you may require.

[ She doesn't like being too public even over small gifts. Embarrassing! ]

How must you be feeling, now that you are to resume your journey? Are you to keep these memories?

[revengeisalie]

Alright, I will see you soon.

I haven't been here long, and it has been a confusing and sometimes upsetting time. Still, I would like to keep my memories. I met some good people here.

I'll remember you fondly, Vanessa.

[matermali]

[ Oh, that will choke her up a bit. Rin probably doesn't know what a statement like that means to someone like Vanessa. ]

And I you, Rin.