Ryslig IC Inbox [Now Closed]

[kokuryuu]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, RIVEROFHEAVEN. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 019.88.200.07 *** RIVEROFHEAVEN has joined 019.88.200.07 <RIVEROFHEAVEN> [ Is this working? I think it is. ] <RIVEROFHEAVEN> [ If it please you, guest, please leave me a missive. ]

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<sodabread> Private

[madeyoufall]

I enjoyed meeting you at our little kidnapping victim's soiree. I hope we get the chance to speak again soon.

-Jim

<RiverofHeaven> Private

[kokuryuu]

Certainly, sir. What would you like to speak about? I have finished my day's work and this is a decent time to correspond.

Re: <RiverofHeaven> Private

[madeyoufall]

Oh, nothing in particular. Though I am interested in what work you've found in this city?

Re: <RiverofHeaven> Private

[kokuryuu]

A good question Sir!
If you do not have work the day becomes dreary
I have found various day jobs by going to house and asking politely of the people there

Or if I pass a work site while walking from place to place, I ask if they know of work I can do

I found a farm where they needed some wood chopped and a long rail fence mended
I helped repair a boat by the waterfront and a roof on a house
Hauling water by bucket
Ah, washing dishes. There are many taverns and public eating houses here aren't there? I was surprised how many
And they all have many dishes to wash and floors to scrub

I was able to save up enough to purchase fabric for a set of clothing and wood for sandals
Winter will arrive soon so it is near time to make a warm pair of boots as well

Do tell me if you see a place where one may purchase tar! For coating the soles

< xiao.xingchen > nov 16th, early afternoon

[daozhangs]

My friend,

Please, let me know if you receive this, and if you're alright.

If so, I entreat you to please keep as far from Bavan as you're able. A band of humans has taken some of us captive, and I'd rather not see you come to harm.

If my response is long in coming, it means I've already set out for Bavan to investigate. I will reply as soon as I'm able.

Xiao Xingchen

<RiverofHeaven> Private

[kokuryuu]

I am unhurt, Xiao Xingchen-sama.
I am changing a lot right now... my body
But it cannot be helped so I am trying to accept it.
I am a bit confused about what I am now.
Who I am.
But, ah, enough idle thoughts

Do you need help? Shall I come with you for safety? I am experienced at combat and can guard you and any friends

I just need to procure a weapon and I shall be there in great haste

[daozhangs]

( souma is changing. such is to be expected, to a degree, but not all who change do so drastically within the first month. jiang wanyin had not - his changes came quite gradually over a number of months. )

These are not idle thoughts, and I wish to hear them as soon as I return. For now, know that I understand - I, too, changed quite drastically within my second month, and I felt much of what you now feel. It can be helped, with patience and time. We will figure this out, my friend, you have my word.

Your offer is kind, but I think I need to make this endeavor alone. I'm unable to hide that which I am, during the fog. That endangers any who come along with me, especially at a time such as this.

[kokuryuu]

I doubt that I can hide any of this. Some of it is rather... drastic.

But, I shall agree to let you go by yourself. For now... if I hear of the situation in Bavan City becoming worse, I shall investigate to be sure you are all right.

People are disappearing. Be cautious, and come back safely.

[ left on the kitchen counter with a little note.. ]

[itsjiaheng]

[ it's not wrapped or anything but apparently jongdae felt too nervous or silly to just hand it to souma directly so he does the next best thing. it is... not great handwriting. like at all. the sad reality of life with no printers and not knowing your roommate's network handle. he's probably embarrassed about that too. maybe also hoping that just because the itou dialect sounds like what he knows that maybe it'll be written differently so then no one has to see how bad his handwriting is directly because it'll get magic-translated into some other writing system... or something. otherwise if the whole "swordsmanship is like calligraphy" thing is for real he'd make a terrible swordsman and possibly lose the respect of his roommate who is into swords....

anyway, it's just a bunch of long feathers and a handful of fluffy, downy feathers tied securely to a thin, flexible stick with a few jingle bells. judging by the colour they're probably jongdae's own feathers. recycling! ]

didn't know if you had any cat toys or anything yet so enjoy
— jongdae

[actions]

[kokuryuu]

[Souma cannot read the writing, but, he does recognize Jongdae's feathers. He picks the toy up reverently, with two hands, as though it is crafted of spun glass and will shatter if he mishandles it.

With bated breath he runs curious fingertips over the pale feathers. The tiniest whisper escapes him.]

Aah--

[They are heartbreakingly soft.

Souma's pale blue eyes blink away tears several times, horizontal pupils seeming to stare blankly, starkly out under his wet seaweed-smelly mane. His face is still deformed, and has not fully gone back to normal, nostrils and mouth down at his chin. Wearing his lengthened hair forward and covering it with a scarf are the only things he can do about it for now.

But someone like Jongdae... is different.

Souma's fingers stroke the length of the side of a feather, admiring its graceful curve and the delicate feel. It is as white as a snowflake, as perfectly formed as a fine sword. A year slips down his long, strange face and behind his scarf.

The bells tinkle. Oh! Souma knows these! They are used on holy charms, sacred weapons, and victory votive plaques. The bells signify a prayer being put into the metal and then the sound carrying the prayer up to the gods. He bites his bottom lip, and looks at the paper again.

Maybe this is a version of-- whatever world Jongdae comes from-- maybe this is how they make prayer charms. Itou usually use hawk, owl, or crow feathers, bells, bones and shells, and tassels or woven cord, bound to an arrow shaft. And they shake it over the one being blessed, or the physical space being purified. Maybe, Souma reasons, Jongdae's people use feathers and bells on a string hanging from a stick. And he made one for me... with part of his own body. He sacrificed it for my well-being.

Souma closes his wide equine eyes and places his hands together in reverent prayer around the stick. The prayer is long, and he presses his face against his hands and the prayer charms, squeezing his eyes shut with effort. Slowly, like a priest, he moves it back and forth in order to make the bells jingle and the prayer be carried up to the gods.

It is then that he feels a tug. He opens his eyes quickly, and sees that Nozomi, the kitten, is tugging on the bound feathers and bells.

Horrified, Souma gasps.]

Yah! Nozomi-chin, NO! You must not!

[The small cat does not know him very well yet, and it pauses, looking confused. Souma clutches the prayer charm to his chest protectively and runs to his room! He will hang it and the note on his wall, reverently, by the small altar he has assembled. That way, Nozomi will understand, this is a holy item. Holy items are NOT for chewing on!]

<KrisKringle>

[getmeoutofthedraft]

Ho ho ho! Your secret Santa gift recipient for this year is QvrwngQck on the network.

Her real name is Gosalyn Mallard, and also, she's a kid, so bear that in mind while picking gifts. Child-appropriate only, or Obi-Wan may kill one of us.

Please spend no more than 20 solars on a gift for Gosalyn, and ensure she receives it on or before Christmas Day (December 25). If not, Santa Claus will come to your house and glare disappointedly through the windows until you cough up.

Merry Winter-Holiday-Of-Your-Choice!

<sweaterqueen>

[meowbel]

Hey, Souma, this is Mabel.

Quick question, where do you live?

<Riverofheaven>

[kokuryuu]

Hello Miss Mabel. I am boarding at Peace Gregory's house outside Bavan. I shall send the location.

Where do you live as well, I have something for you.

[Why here is a message with the info you need voila]

<sweaterqueen>

[meowbel]

Thanks for letting me know!

I live with my Grunkle and my brother! Here, I'll send you my address!

[With that, off she did so!]

By the way, you didn't have to get me anything! I'm just happy to be spend some time with you.

<Riverofheaven>

[kokuryuu]

What is a grunkle? Is it a pet?

I have a pet cat now. She is very pretty.

Miss Mabel... I do not think anyone has ever said that to me before

< carrion >

[the_carrion_spike]

Souma,

Ideally I would like to have a hunting vest made for you, but given the nature of the changes you are presently undergoing I’m concerned about any garments becoming waterlogged or all together restrictive down the line.

I work with leather and furs, is there anything you would request this season?

<Riverofheaven>

[kokuryuu]

[Souma takes a minute to play and replay the text-to-speech of this message a few times, listening to this message over and over with great excitement and delight. Is... he. Building rapport with the the elder man? Becoming friends? In the current situation, that seems like a huge boon. Good for survival, but also, helps him feel accepted. He just became a murder horse that swims, so approval and acceptance are major currency with him right now.

It feels so nice to be thought of.]

Please do not go to any trouble for this one. But I would be most honored to receive a gift from you, Elder Tarkin.

Leather is a wonderful thing to wear but it is now no longer something which is a good idea. However, I am always quite cold...

What of fur from an aquatic creature? I have seen seal, mink, otter, treecutter, and such creatures about.

[fourthsaken]

[On Christmas morning, Souma will find a gift at his door. There's a metal tin full of homemade cookies (gingerbread, chocolate with marshmallows, shortbread, and chocolate chip) and a wrapped leather journal. Inside the journal is a note: "Merry Christmas! Your Secret Santa also owes you one book of your choice from Pandemonium Bookstore and Cafe. Just ask for Jade and she'll help you find the book of your dreams!"]

[kokuryuu]

[Souma is dumbfounded at the generosity of the residents here. They even give gifts-- nice ones-- to the servant caste. It's hard for him to get his mind around the fact that here is Ryslig he isn't seen as a different class or caste from the other monsters. It's too strange a concept for him to grasp yet.

He tastes a bit-- only a bit! It wouldn't do to finish them too quickly, he needs to keep such treasures as long as possible. Just a piece of each treat, and he takes his time to savor the different tastes and textures. They are truly delicious...

Then quickly he hides them in the storage compartment with the two rolling doors in the room he is lodging in, high up on a top shelf where he hopes no one can find them.

The note is a more difficult manner. Being mostly unable to read, Souma must ask someone for help, so he chooses Peace. Once that is done, he hurries to the bookstore with the map his landlady drew for him. Soon there is a tall grey-skinned kelpie entering the store, with thick and wavy black hair and black equine ears. He is dressed in a thick hooded cloak over a kimono and carrying a basket with a towel over it. Souma bows formally and quietly asks the first person he sees if they can help him locate "the gracious one who is called Jade."]

Merry Christmas! (sorry it's so late)

[aquilasshadow]

[On Christmas morning Souma will find a small wrapped gift outside his room with a card that simply reads:]

Happy Nattensfest
- Altair

[Inside is one of the knives that was displayed at the blacksmith stall on the festival of Winter Nights. (Altair definitely didn't use his mimicry to stalk Souma in order to figure out what kind of gift he would like.)]

Not at all!!

[kokuryuu]

[Souma actually likes this note. It's only a few words and he can tell who it is from because the A-L-T beginning of the name makes it easy to guess. And the gift is a most impressive knife. He absolutely loves it. Now he feels rather a heel for his behavior upon his arrival.

Carefully, he decides to add something to the gift he got for Altair, so he takes the gift bag out. The shop clerk had written a card for him which is attached to the gift. It reads,

"A most pleasant holiday is wished for you. Many blessings and happiness in the new year. May what you wish for be realized. Respectfully yours, Souma."

Souma makes a quick trip to town. When he returns, he includes a bottle of fine bourbon in the gift bag. The bag contains hand mittens that he sewed from fine black wool knit fabric, which are to his estimation of Altair's hand size and shape. They are lined in a satin fabric and the cuffs are trimmed with rabbit fur.

He leaves this outside of Altair's door and hurries off to collect eggs from the chickens before anyone happens to see him.]

[aquilasshadow]

[To be fair they were both awful when they first met and Altair regrets how he acted.

Despite Christmas being a very difficult time for him, he knows it's not a terrible time for everyone and he appreciates the gift. Having come from a desert world, he has never gotten used to the cold and he loves the mittens Souma gave him. The bottle of bourbon gets set aside. He appreciates the thought but he hardly ever drinks. Still, he didn't want to offend Souma so he hid the bottle. Who knows, maybe someday he would feel comfortable drinking with others again. Alcohol lasted a long time didn't it?]

[itsjiaheng]

[ due to the fact that they share a living space, souma's present actually arrives right when it's supposed to!

it's a little box wrapped up in glittery silver paper and finished with a little purple bow. jongdae has wrapped exactly one (1) present before this one and it shows. but he did his best!

inside, tucked snugly into a bit of cloth to keep it safe, is a little glass bottle. souma will recognise it as the same type as the one that had been an unfortunate casualty of the bathroom horse incident. there's a little folded up note with it: ]

souma—

sorry i couldn't catch this quick enough before
i know it was important
enjoy !!!!
merry christmas !!!
— jongdae

[ there's something else in the box, a little stack of what feels like business cards held together with a rubber band. each of them reads "valid for 1 free pass" but doesn't clearly say a pass for what for. on the opposite side is a little picture of a bird. thankfully, there's also a little note attached to this too: ]

souma—

have you ever been to the bath house ?
i think you'd really enjoy it !!
i was like a fish person for awhile and i used to go all the time
i still like going even though i'm not a fish anymore
it feels really nice !!! especially if you really like the water
it's like going to a hot spring i guess
or uh
well you probably had bath houses huh
anyway
there's ten free passes here
only i wasn't sure if they'd let me pre-pay for it
so the cards are like
symbolic
but !!!!
tell me whenever you wanna go
and i gotchu
i'm not saying i NEED to go with you
but i would happily go if you wanted company !!!
or i mean you could also take anyone else
if you want
i support u
just know that i'm paying no matter what !!!

merry christmas !!!!

— jongdae

[ so it's not technically giving the gift of his company because he's definitely giving the value of spa days but with the added bonus, optionally, of his company.. ]

1/2

[kokuryuu]

[Souma has been lying low and hiding as much as possible during the events of the month. He isn't even fully aware of why he is doing it, it just keeps happening that he's out of the house hunting a great deal, or he's busy with odd jobs and oops, too tired after work to walk back home and ends up sleeping out in the forest. His devotion to Nozomi (the kitten) and Yoru (the mountain dog puppy which was given to him by Majima) keeps him coming back daily to feed and care for the animals, but he tries as best he can to avoid the eyes of anyone else.

He keeps thinking about how they all saw him as a horse unable to control his own ability, his own body, his powers, and that is more mortifying than anything else they could have witnessed that he can imagine. It brings back hisses from beyond.

Control. You must learn control. Do you want to be condemned? Do you want to be Confined again?

No! No, he doesn't. He stays out nights and days trying to practice and figure out what he can do, but it seems there is no rushing the process no matter how desperately he wishes it. He may be a shadow genius, but he isn't able to decode this new self and new abilities yet. It's shameful.

Sometimes, hiding out in the forests, he thinks of the way the white feathers of Jongdae's small bird form felt, and he feels a strange sort of emptiness. It makes him think of too many things at once, too many things that hurt or that clamor for attention after he has suppressed them too many times. It reminds him of a hand clasped against his in the dying firelight, it makes him think of kind laughter, of soft teacakes, of the inside of his master's fine coats when he used to hold them out for the gentleman to put on. It makes him think of the brush of lips against the back of his neck at dawn, a rushed see you later that became a last farewell. It is soft and just like paper or dough or flesh, it tears so easily. It leaves Souma feeling as if he can see himself, staring down into the snowy ground into a chasm, the dark unknown. The gaping hole, he thinks to himself, left in one's life after circumstances change and people leave as easily as they entered in.

One night, he leans against the tree that bears Jongdae's claw marks, and a tear slips out as he tries to find sleep. Not because he is sad, he tells himself. No, it is because he is tired, surely.

Certainly not because he is afraid, and mourning the things he is not partaking in.

In his dreams sometimes he is in Felfri, and everything feels perfect again. He floats above the maddening lights in slow, sinuous curves that defy the passage of time, content with the warmth of a body clinging tightly against his. If only that could have just lasted forever.

The bitter cold on the night of the Nattensfest drives him home, begrudgingly. He climbs up the outside of the house and through his window, to be greeted by Nozomi and Yoru, and it tugs at the pieces of his heart until he smiles for them.

He sleeps that night with no dreams. It is a respite. ]

2/2

[kokuryuu]

[The next morning, he finds Jongdae's present and feels completely lost. He cannot read enough to understand what Jongdae is saying or even that it is from Jongdae. He does find the bottle and the cards, and that seems to be a clue. Altair's present was easier to understand and this one... he turns the cards over and sees the bird. Could that be... from Jongdae? He sees the letter J on the page, traces it over and over with a gray-skinned fingertip, like a lock of silver-white hair.

Are these perhaps offers to deliver something for him?

As silent as a cloud creeping across the moon, he steals away to leave his own gift box in front of Jongdae's door. There is a card, which he paid a shop clerk to write out for him.

"You are wished a restful and safe holiday. Blessings and every happiness be unto you in the new year. With solemn and reverent regards, Itou Souma"

Inside there are a few items: a pair of hand-sewn white wool gloves made to fit Jongdae's hand shape, with holes for the claws to extend through. The insides are lined with satin and trimmed at the cuffs with rabbit fur.

Beneath that is a crystal wing, carved from a white and clear quartz-like stone with a pleasing cool weight in the palm. The feathers are created in careful detail, the way they splay out one by one is lovely.

Last, there is a bottle of homemade drink-- part tea and part liquor, with dried flowers and herbs added to it. There is a small card tied to the neck, upon which Souma had asked someone else to write for him the words: Good for sleep. Heat up. Drink before retiring.]