V. ...16...

[tread_the_earth]

... I don't think this turkey will be eaten anymore.

The more I learn about Thanksgiving, the more I appreciative I become of this place. A life after death, with a heart. Though more hearts would be better. A library that will supply everything I will ever need to read. A peculiar ecosystem to be studied.

I suppose I am easy to please.

Comments

[vi_schemer]

Short and stocky like Ienzo indeed...

I've been to the library, and it's quite nice. It has everything anyone could ever want to read, no matter their world, I would suspect.

And even if you are easy to please, all of those things would, and should, make anyone happy. This mansion is quite a resource.

...and what, praytell, is Thanksgiving?

[tread_the_earth]

You don't take offense to the comparison?

Indeed. I've always had a good book to read.

I haven't yet decided whether the mansion is simply magical or actually alive.

Thanksgiving is a time of gathering, celebrating good fortune, and sharing food. The worlds that celebrate it seem to treat it as a day of parades, entertainment, and parties.

[vi_schemer]

Not wholly, no. But I didn't gobble, nor did I have the appetite your turkey has.

I've been researching hearts again. I feel like I am back, much younger, as Ansem's apprentice...cooped up in the library for all hours, reading and writing up hypotheses for the project.

I would think both, truly.

I see. That's quite interesting. Well, plenty here, even I, have enough to celebrate, what with being alive once more in this surreal sort of reality.

[tread_the_earth]

Your feet are a little big, though.

Have you found anything of interest yet?

Yes, the once-dead here likely have a lot to celebrate. I'm not sure about the living, though.

[vi_schemer]

...Why are you looking at the size of my feet?

Somewhat. I have attempted to research the mansion as a whole, and came up with very little. Hearts, meanwhile, have an abundance of books, from fairy tales and folklore to muscular study. I will find something, I assure you. And if not, perhaps the mansion will be so kind as to gift me with one.

The living can celebrate that they are not dead.

[tread_the_earth]

... Because I look down often, and I notice them.

I hope for your success. Can I help at all?

... That is true.

[vi_schemer]

A good excuse, though I suspect something else.

Thank you. Two heads are better than one, if you wish to join me. If not, that is quite alright. I'll give you and update if ever I should find something.

And they can be thankful that the darkness has not touched them.

[tread_the_earth]

You suspect ulterior motives?

I will join you if I can be of any assistance.

Even more true. We have had little need to worry about Heartless here.

[vi_schemer]

I am...unsure. I wouldn't find them malicious, but other motives? Perhaps.

Thank you, it is greatly appreciated. You'll find me on one of the taller ladders, in the back, under 'H' of Reference.

Indeed, a merciful thing. True, we could probably destroy them, but I doubt some of the residents here could.

[tread_the_earth]

... Hm. Perhaps.

I think I will have no trouble finding you. I will bring tea.

There was a Heartless that used to live in the mansion. Xehanort's Heartless.

[vi_schemer]

Perhaps you would indulge me in this other motive?

Heh, yes, I doubt you'll have trouble. And tea...sounds wonderful, thank you again.

Xeha- His Heartless? Here? What happened?

[tread_the_earth]

I believe I lack the proper words.

Ansem -- as he called himself -- was one of the many residents. For the most part, he did not bother anyone. ... He had great interest in Xehanort himself.

[vi_schemer]

Attempt, at least, when you see me.

He didn't...Wait. Xehanort was here too? All of them, the Heartless, the Nobody, AND Xehanort? And they didn't return to each other?

[tread_the_earth]

... I'll try.

Yes, all three were here at once. There was confusion as to why they did not merge, but there was not enough time for significant study.

[vi_schemer]

Please do, if you would.

Interesting...I wish I had been there, or at least, remembered being there. It must have been quite a study.