Embrace the Sky [Video]

[restlessdevil]

[Zenobia appears on the vine, wearing a fancy red dress. You can see the courtyard of the fortress behind her.]Oh, hello everyone. Zenobia here. Let's see. First, I want to thank everyone who helped me when I got in trouble on the beach last week. Especially Vivio and Epsilon. You're my heroes

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[urbanwonderland]

[Reeve appears. She's plainly seated, twiddling a pen thoughtfully between her fingers.]

I see.

Well, Zenobia, I don't want for you to take this amiss, but I do have a friendly relationship with Jessica and think that I know her if not well, then more than casually. I actually have had the impression from her that this sort of-- closeness was something she had little to no interest in, at least currently. She strikes me as a very intelligent young woman-- I find it odd that she'd suddenly agree that this sort of plan would help her "understand that she needs love".

[Reeve pauses to push a lock of hair behind one ear.]
However, all that aside, I was under the impression that you are, for lack of a better word, "ancient". Whereas Jessica hasn't yet come of age on her world. This age difference is a little problematic from a "marriage" standpoint, don't you think?

[restlessdevil]

Huh. When we talked, she said that she wasn't worthy of being loved. That she didn't deserve it. I wanted to prove her wrong. If you think I'm somehow twisting her arm, would you like to talk to her face-to-face on the matter? She's nearby.

[The word 'ancient' hits Zenobia like an arrow.] I am... very old... yes. But.. I don't see why that is bad. I'm not sure what you mean by "come of age," but Jessica looks mature to me.

[urbanwonderland]

[Reeve straightens in her seat, tucks the pen behind her ear.]
No, I understand wanting to prove a friend wrong when what they have to say about themselves is unkind or untrue from your point of view. It's not that I was thinking of you having literally or figuratively "twisted her arm"-- it's that while this might prove your point to your satisfaction, it might not benefit Jessica in the way you seem to think it will.

As for the "ancient" thing-- I didn't say it was "bad", what I said was that the age difference is problematic. I would never presume to speak for Jessica, and I hate to speak about her as if her opinion didn't matter-- but from what I understand, on her world Jessica isn't considered able to consent to "marriage" or sexual activity. Jessica isn't an adult, no matter how "mature" she might appear to be. You, however, are much older, no matter how young you appear to be.

All that aside, I'll certainly speak to Jessica if she wants to speak to me.

[restlessdevil]

[Zenobia pauses for a moment, trying to let her words sink in. She feels a little cold.]

But... if I can get to know her... love her... and make her happy... how could that not benefit her? ... ... She's in love with someone but thinks its hopeless. Wouldn't she feel more confident if I can prove that there's hope for her?

She's... not allowed to marry or have sex? I don't understand. When will she be an adult? This all sounds pretty arbitrary to me.

[urbanwonderland]

The laws and concepts regarding majority are different on my world, but there as well as on Jessica's world, they exist to safeguard children from being coerced or exploited by adults into activities or situations for which they are mentally or physically unprepared. Of course, the line is arbitrary, but its purpose is sound.

I'm not sure when Jessica will attain majority-- I think she might have mentioned it being a little while longer-- perhaps you should ask her.

[Having been, at Jessica's age, a somewhat awkward, earnest nerd, Reeve feels a kinship with her.]
To be quite honest, the relationship you're describing-- it simply isn't how human relationships work. No matter how well-intentioned you might be, you can't "get to know" her and "make her happy" simply by declaring your devotion for a week. Or for a year, for that matter. These things are meant to arise naturally between two people, not to be the decision of one to somehow "fix" or "complete" the other.

[Reeve give a wry sigh.] In the end, I'm afraid sometimes being

[restlessdevil]

You raise many good points. Perhaps I should abandon this idea. But I pledged myself... what should I do? I guess I should ask her to release me from it. And if she will, I'll... I guess all I can do is be her friend like you said.

...I'm all confused.

[urbanwonderland]

To be frank, I think that the best thing you can do at this juncture is talk to Jessica. Not in terms of asking her what you should do, but in terms of asking her what she'd like to do. Most importantly, give her space and don't pressure her for a response. In other words, behave as if you are a friend. Which is not a small thing at all, actually.

I'm sorry to have brought clouds to hover over your parade, but if you value your relationship with Jessica, and if you value Jessica's feelings, give this thing the open discussion it deserves. Ironing out expectations can make a friendship, or any relationship, stronger. Best of luck.

[restlessdevil]

Thank you very much, Reeve. You may have saved me from making quite a mistake. I'll talk to her. I'll try to act as a friend and listen.

It's okay. I guess I do things without putting in proper thought sometimes. I'll try to set this right.