Zeus himself could not undo the web of stone closing around me. I have forgotten the men I was before; I follow the hated path of monotonous walls that is my destiny. Severe galleries which curve in secret circles to the end of the years. Parapets cracked by the days' usury. In the pale dust I have discerned signs that frighten me. In the concave evenings the air has carried a roar toward me, or the echo of a desolate howl. I know there is an Other in the shadows, whose fate it is to wear out the long solitudes which weave and unweave this Hades and to long for my blood and devour my death. Each of us seeks the other. If only this were the final day of waiting.
[But depending how Hell to Earth mail works probably alongside it is a second letter. It took him half the day to work up the ability to write, okay. He was going to leave it at that.]
[Sad Bird in Snow],
There isn't anything odd about saying you are my daughter, is that not the way it works? [Red Bull Gives You Wings] seemed to be calling [Mateus the Corrupt] his stepfather which is far more dubious, and then there is [Chamomile Gatorade (For Poets)] as his brother and father both? I should think then a true daughter-in-law counts.
I am glad to see you seem to be settling in well, [Chamomile Gatorade (for Poets)] sent photos as well. [Red Bull Gives You Wings] was worried what Kyrie would think, but I assume that has gone alright.
Little has happened here besides the usual with games. Avante had an unfortunate loss but I am not sure of their thoughts on it. Our member from your world has gone and been replaced by someone who seems remarkably annoying, which is particularly unfortunate as he wasn't half bad.
Things may be peaceful there now but just you wait until I am back. Then you'll see.
Hey! How are you? It’s been a little while; I hope you’re well and getting settled in okay! What’s it like where you are? Is it nice? Are you all healthy and safe? I hope so. I think about you often and wonder how you are. Even after all this time, I keep expecting I’ll run into you somewhere. I guess there’s a part of me that’s still trying to process your absence! So I thought I’d write and touch base, and make sure you’re doing okay.
Things are the normal chaos and pandemonium here. Graduations are still happening at an alarming clip -- at least a couple people a week, it seems like. A couple of the units have dropped all the way down to half the sizes they used to be, and the replacement newbies are dwindling. What does it mean? Is the show wrapping up, or just starting a new season? It’s hard to say. But it’s a little unnerving!
It looks like the next person to graduate is going to be me. [Firefly] is coming with me, thank the Six, or I don’t think I’d be able to manage. This feels hard enough as it is, leaving everyone behind. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what it’s like.
We got our memories back, and now I’m more sure than ever that there’s no place left for me at home. After much thought, [Firefly] and I have decided to make our own home somewhere new, and make a wish.
You extended an invitation to me once, to come to your world after I left this place. I never forgot, and it really meant the world to me. Please know that. It was a difficult decision, but in the end, I want to see what good I can do here. I want to try to make this place better, even if it’s just in a small way. I’m sorry; I hope you’re not too disappointed in me. I hope my wish helps you somehow, even just a little. And more than anything, I hope our paths cross again someday, even though I’ve just made that process a lot more complicated.
Anyway, thank you again for the offer to come to your world. And thank you for being such a good part of my life. I’ll write again soon. I’m scared of what the future holds, but also excited. I’m going to do my best.
I hope you’re doing well, and I’m sending you the warmest of wishes!
Prefacing this with everything's fine, and sorry for being so late responding to your letter.
The jackets look cool. So do your eyes.
How have things been? Hope you've had enough time to settle in, it's been a while now, right? In Avante, not too much has changed. There's someone among the new guys who Amaranth knows, and was here before during the last guest event? I didn't know him, but Amaranth attacked him on sight, so thought you might.
[ There's a rough sketch of Hades. ]
He seems really worried about becoming a horrible person like he seems to be in the past, right now he's pretty nice. It reminds me a lot of how Nero was at one point; hope he'll become the kind of person he wants to be too.
I'll do my best to make sure he knows he's not alone on his journey either. A friend makes becoming the person you want to be easier, right?
There's a new girl named Orchid Swan, I think you would have gotten along with her. She's nice.
Everyone else is about the same. The biggest thing I noticed was the teams getting a little smaller. Maybe the kidnapping is starting to get old hat?
... Sorry, it's a little rambly isn't it. I'm not very experienced with this whole letter writing thing. I just wanted to let you know you're still remembered here, and missed.
I hope this letter finds you in good health, and I’m sorry for responding so late to yours. The jacket looks great and it gladdens me to see that you’re doing well in your new home. I’ll treasure the pictures always. I won’t tell her, but I’m also happy you got to meet Crane.
I’m doing all right, I think, and I’m not saying this just to reassure you. Things are as usual here. I think I am making more friends? Not that this is unusual, but it still feels strange to say something like that.
Speaking of which, that guy — I don’t know if you’ve been able to follow the show, but your former colleague is back with zero memories. And I don’t know how to say that I find the guai lan asshole is actually pretty okay as he is right now? Though I will concede that my definition of ‘okay’ here is probably pretty lax compared to some people’s.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I don’t think he’s kind of annoying occasionally, given he’s taken to trying to get reactions out of me, and I don't disbelieve in his capacity to stab a person. It’s just … I find myself thinking that he probably wouldn’t be too out of place in Wu-Jian. If nothing else, his current attitude feels familiar enough to me. Like how I’ve had sisters and aunties, he reminds me of some of the brothers and uncles I’ve met before. Down to thinking I’m amusing, I suppose. Which is maybe one of the more bizarre thoughts I’ve had here.
I have no idea how I should feel about all this. It’s just too damn weird and I thought I ought to share because at least it’s probably a little funny to read about, I imagine.
Safe journeys to you, and I hope to see you again some day.
How you been? I know we weren't ever like real close or anything, but I always super appreciated you looking out for Nem the way you did.
She still misses you, I'm pretty sure. She ain't said nothing, cause she's Nem, but I think it'd really make her happy if you wrote. I know you're probly real busy, but would you mind sending her a letter, if you get the chance?
Thanks. And take care of yourself, okay? I hope life's treating you good.
... I realise that's such an ominous statement to open my letter on, but I'm fine, if tired and embarrassed. Probably, at least [ 末っ子 ] is judging me for my taste in friends?
So I say, but I'm not sure if it's fair to call our mutual friend a friend of mine, when he definitely wouldn't call me his. He seems to get annoyed whenever he catches himself dwelling too hard in that direction, though, so I guess it's a start? And I wouldn't suppose you're responsible for the glitter in his last batch of fanmail?
Actually, I wanted to ask if you could share the recipe for the dish you made for the meeting. He certainly had some kind of reaction to it.
Safe journeys to you, and I hope to hear from you soon.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
380
The Labyrinth
Zeus himself could not undo the web
of stone closing around me. I have forgotten
the men I was before; I follow
the hated
path of monotonous walls
that is my destiny. Severe galleries
which curve in secret circles
to the end of the years. Parapets
cracked by the days' usury.
In the pale dust I have discerned
signs that frighten me. In the concave
evenings the air has carried a roar
toward me, or the echo of a desolate howl.
I know there is an Other in the shadows,
whose fate it is to wear out the long solitudes
which weave and unweave this Hades
and to long for my blood and devour my death.
Each of us seeks the other. If only this
were the final day of waiting.
[But depending how Hell to Earth mail works probably alongside it is a second letter. It took him half the day to work up the ability to write, okay. He was going to leave it at that.]
[Sad Bird in Snow],
There isn't anything odd about saying you are my daughter, is that not the way it works? [Red Bull Gives You Wings] seemed to be calling [Mateus the Corrupt] his stepfather which is far more dubious, and then there is [Chamomile Gatorade (For Poets)] as his brother and father both? I should think then a true daughter-in-law counts.
I am glad to see you seem to be settling in well, [Chamomile Gatorade (for Poets)] sent photos as well. [Red Bull Gives You Wings] was worried what Kyrie would think, but I assume that has gone alright.
Little has happened here besides the usual with games. Avante had an unfortunate loss but I am not sure of their thoughts on it. Our member from your world has gone and been replaced by someone who seems remarkably annoying, which is particularly unfortunate as he wasn't half bad.
Things may be peaceful there now but just you wait until I am back. Then you'll see.
[POWERTHIRST]
398
Dear [Sad Bird in Snow],
Hey! How are you? It’s been a little while; I hope you’re well and getting settled in okay! What’s it like where you are? Is it nice? Are you all healthy and safe? I hope so. I think about you often and wonder how you are. Even after all this time, I keep expecting I’ll run into you somewhere. I guess there’s a part of me that’s still trying to process your absence! So I thought I’d write and touch base, and make sure you’re doing okay.
Things are the normal chaos and pandemonium here. Graduations are still happening at an alarming clip -- at least a couple people a week, it seems like. A couple of the units have dropped all the way down to half the sizes they used to be, and the replacement newbies are dwindling. What does it mean? Is the show wrapping up, or just starting a new season? It’s hard to say. But it’s a little unnerving!
It looks like the next person to graduate is going to be me. [Firefly] is coming with me, thank the Six, or I don’t think I’d be able to manage. This feels hard enough as it is, leaving everyone behind. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you what it’s like.
We got our memories back, and now I’m more sure than ever that there’s no place left for me at home. After much thought, [Firefly] and I have decided to make our own home somewhere new, and make a wish.
You extended an invitation to me once, to come to your world after I left this place. I never forgot, and it really meant the world to me. Please know that. It was a difficult decision, but in the end, I want to see what good I can do here. I want to try to make this place better, even if it’s just in a small way. I’m sorry; I hope you’re not too disappointed in me. I hope my wish helps you somehow, even just a little. And more than anything, I hope our paths cross again someday, even though I’ve just made that process a lot more complicated.
Anyway, thank you again for the offer to come to your world. And thank you for being such a good part of my life. I’ll write again soon. I’m scared of what the future holds, but also excited. I’m going to do my best.
I hope you’re doing well, and I’m sending you the warmest of wishes!
All the best,
Cobalt
402
Prefacing this with everything's fine, and sorry for being so late responding to your letter.
The jackets look cool. So do your eyes.
How have things been? Hope you've had enough time to settle in, it's been a while now, right? In Avante, not too much has changed. There's someone among the new guys who Amaranth knows, and was here before during the last guest event? I didn't know him, but Amaranth attacked him on sight, so thought you might.
[ There's a rough sketch of Hades. ]
He seems really worried about becoming a horrible person like he seems to be in the past, right now he's pretty nice. It reminds me a lot of how Nero was at one point; hope he'll become the kind of person he wants to be too.
I'll do my best to make sure he knows he's not alone on his journey either. A friend makes becoming the person you want to be easier, right?
There's a new girl named Orchid Swan, I think you would have gotten along with her. She's nice.
Everyone else is about the same. The biggest thing I noticed was the teams getting a little smaller. Maybe the kidnapping is starting to get old hat?
... Sorry, it's a little rambly isn't it. I'm not very experienced with this whole letter writing thing. I just wanted to let you know you're still remembered here, and missed.
Send more pics so I can put them up on my wall.
Your unitmate and friend,
[Gold]
Day 404
I’m doing all right, I think, and I’m not saying this just to reassure you. Things are as usual here. I think I am making more friends? Not that this is unusual, but it still feels strange to say something like that.
Speaking of which, that guy — I don’t know if you’ve been able to follow the show, but your former colleague is back with zero memories. And I don’t know how to say that I find the guai lan asshole is actually pretty okay as he is right now? Though I will concede that my definition of ‘okay’ here is probably pretty lax compared to some people’s.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like I don’t think he’s kind of annoying occasionally, given he’s taken to trying to get reactions out of me, and I don't disbelieve in his capacity to stab a person. It’s just … I find myself thinking that he probably wouldn’t be too out of place in Wu-Jian. If nothing else, his current attitude feels familiar enough to me. Like how I’ve had sisters and aunties, he reminds me of some of the brothers and uncles I’ve met before. Down to thinking I’m amusing, I suppose. Which is maybe one of the more bizarre thoughts I’ve had here.
I have no idea how I should feel about all this. It’s just too damn weird and I thought I ought to share because at least it’s probably a little funny to read about, I imagine.
Safe journeys to you, and I hope to see you again some day.
Your younger brother,
[ Spring Born Wind ]
Day 406
How you been? I know we weren't ever like real close or anything, but I always super appreciated you looking out for Nem the way you did.
She still misses you, I'm pretty sure. She ain't said nothing, cause she's Nem, but I think it'd really make her happy if you wrote. I know you're probly real busy, but would you mind sending her a letter, if you get the chance?
Thanks. And take care of yourself, okay? I hope life's treating you good.
Hurricane
Day 411
... I realise that's such an ominous statement to open my letter on, but I'm fine, if tired and embarrassed. Probably, at least [ 末っ子 ] is judging me for my taste in friends?
So I say, but I'm not sure if it's fair to call our mutual friend a friend of mine, when he definitely wouldn't call me his. He seems to get annoyed whenever he catches himself dwelling too hard in that direction, though, so I guess it's a start? And I wouldn't suppose you're responsible for the glitter in his last batch of fanmail?
Actually, I wanted to ask if you could share the recipe for the dish you made for the meeting. He certainly had some kind of reaction to it.
Safe journeys to you, and I hope to hear from you soon.
Your younger brother,
[ Spring Born Wind ]