04 | Voice

[as_you_command]

[ Guilford has been absent for some time. The man has no recollection of how -- or even precisely when -- he made it to the temple. Not even after he woke up and left.

On his way to the city proper, he makes his presence (and irritation) known. ]

This is Guilford. [ Said as if those who might still be around, if they are, need that introduction

Comments

voice;

[remedyings]

[There’s a soft sigh as Estelle replies, her voice trying to express her usual cheer but there is a noticeable hint of sadness.] Did you also not know or participate in the war until now? [A beat.] However, to answer your question - this is Estellise, and I was…I was not a casualty of this war.

[remedyings]

[There is a light chuckle on her end. It's nice to know that there are people looking out for her even though they hardly know her.] That would be understandable to doubt me if I stubbornly clung on to the past. [And besides, the future held exciting things, did it not? Even if this place was far from ideal, if she could still cling on to the many positive things about Zodion, then she knew he would be okay. She would be okay...!]

[as_you_command]

[ So far, they have both covered discussions of history, and of the future -- and both in the same discussion. Even Guilford can appreciate the humor in that observation, and his spirits are no longer quite as downcast as when he first woke up and noticed ten days had passed without his involvement. ] I was guilty of that, once. [ And still is, about one particular fact. ] Though the world around me was changing, I did not want to accept the new direction straight away. I have since realized that it was foolish of me -- if I did not leave that time behind, the world would just move on without me.

This might not be as life-changing of an experience, but I believe the same principles can be applied.

[remedyings]

[She can appreciate his words and they also ring very true. While a person may be at a standstill, clinging on to a time that was happier, the world would still move on whether they liked it or not. Estelle makes a soft thoughtful noise upon thinking about that.] Yes, the world is always moving forward. No matter how many people look back, that fact will never change. [Sometimes it was a hard fact to accept, but the faster and easier one accepts that, the easier it is to move on.]

[as_you_command]

[ Guilford gives her an affirmative hum. That is a good place to leave that train of thought, he feels.

Further curiosity bids him to double back to the subject that led to this turn. ] Tell me, that... healing you performed. [ Again, he can't believe he's discussing this, but things could be stranger. ] Was it a skill you gained here and, if so, has it grown over time?

[remedyings]

[She had heard of people who had acquired healing powers when they arrived in Zodion, which seemed odd, but it was also like the people who had gained the power to summon animals.] My power? I have been able to heal others since before I could remember. [Yes, her power was…special.] I was a healer back in my world, and that power was the only one I had retained, though that power was greatly diminished. In my world I was able to heal all kinds of physical injuries with ease, but here, it takes me a lot more time and energy to cast such a spell. Though as time went on, it took less time and energy to cast my spells. [There’s a bit of a pause as she thinks over what she had just said.] I-I hope I didn’t confuse you by saying that.

[as_you_command]

No, your explanation was clear enough, considering I have no experience with magic, or soul powers, or whatever source you have for your abilities. [ Not meaning to sound too dismissive. ] Such feats are unheard of, where I am from.

[remedyings]

So, your world doesn't have 'magic', may I safely assume that? [She's had people completely surprised at her when she told them that she was able to cast more than just healing spells in her world, so it's not terribly surprising he was curious.]

[as_you_command]

Only through clever usage of smoke and mirrors. Parlor tricks or outright scams. Nothing-- [ Gesturing with his hand. ] --such as what you or Miss Orihime spoke of. [ Which had, honestly, made him quite curious. ]

[remedyings]

So what people would call 'magic tricks', right? [Sleights of hand, optical illusions and the such - she knew all about those, and what he spoke of were also common tactics in war.] It seems quite understandable that this topic is…ah…difficult to discuss.

[as_you_command]

There are more difficult subjects. [ In other words, it doesn't bother him enough to avoid it altogether. ] It is just one more reality to come to terms with in this world.

[ There is a beat and, unlike him, he cuts in with a quick addition to that. ] --and, from the sound of it, an invaluable skill.

[remedyings]

[She makes a soft sound of agreement at the last part.] I honestly don’t know what I would do without my healing capabilities. They were something I was born with, so…I consider them a part of me and who I am.

[as_you_command]

One could not hope for you to part with a portion of your identity, Miss Estellise. [ That would be like asking him to part with the diminishing pride he has as a Britannian, or his sense of duty. It just could not happen. ] It is fortunate, then, that this place has not robbed you of your abilities.

[remedyings]

Well, upon my arrival, my light artes were taken away, but that is something I choose not to worry about. I am very grateful to the Twelve that they had at least let me keep my ability to heal others. [If she did not have her ability to heal, she honestly would not be sure what to do...after all, for the longest time she believed her life's meaning was 'to heal and be thanked'.]

[as_you_command]

It is not often that I hear of anyone giving our hosts any measure of gratitude. [ Not openly, at least. ] What I would appreciate from them most, now, would be some clearer answers on what had just transpired. [ Though that would likely have to wait. ]

[remedyings]

Yes, I agree with you on that matter. It would be nice if they would offer an explanation for what had just occurred. [A deep exhale can be heard on her end.] I do wonder if we will ever get answers to the questions we constantly ask them…or if they are even listening.