ryslig >> IC inbox

[clottedcream]

WELCOME TO YOUR PRIVATE CHANNEL, CremeConsul. FOR SECURE COMMUNICATION, USE 536.05.022.03 *** CremeConsul has joined 536.05.022.03 <CremeConsul> Greetings! You have reached Clotted Cream Cookie. I'm afraid that I am away at the moment, but if you are in need of private counsel, please leave a message for me and I will respond as quickly as I am able.

Comments

<CremeConsul>

[clottedcream]

[So, it was the Captain's idea after all. It makes his chest ache, to know that even after what happened, he's still wanted around. He should have known better. He should have. But... how does one come back so easily, so forgiving after something as severe as death?

It takes another moment for him to respond.]

Then please, by all means, relay to the Captain that I would be glad to help.

Thank you for stepping in, and for the same, I would like to offer my apologies. I feel ashamed that I've allowed this to go long enough that a third party was deemed necessary.

<purevanilla>

[purevanillacookie]

No, my friend, do not apologize. While we may recover swiftly from the damage this place does to our bodies, the hurt to our minds linger, and it is different for everyone. You needed time, and I believe I may speak for all of us in saying we were not going to deny you it. I am proud you are willing to finally step forward, however, for to linger too longer in your melancholy would have left deeper scars.

<CremeConsul>

[clottedcream]

I

Thank you. That means a lot. Truly.

I admit, my hesitance in pursuing reconciliation has been partially driven by the fact that I cannot fathom the return from something that should be so... final. To see a Cookie up and walking around again as though nothing happened, when you so clearly saw him crumble— die before your eyes is

[And here, he stops, fingers hovering over the keys, unusually uncertain of what to say next. So he simply... doesn't. Perhaps Pure Vanilla will understand.]

<purevanilla>

[purevanillacookie]

[Pure Vanilla does understand, and he's silent for a moment, as he lets the words ring in his ears.]

I understand, my friend. It is not something easily gotten over. It weighs on the mind, and casts shadows that stretch long. But you are not alone, and while it feels like you should not burden others with your woes, burdens are only thus because they are not shared. Many shoulders lighten the load. When the weight is getting too much, please never hesitate to reach out. Whether to me, or even Captain Caviar Cookie, whom I know would drop the world to listen to you.

<CremeConsul>

[clottedcream]

[Drop the world... Clotted Cream pauses, hands folded in his lap, fingers worrying fingers as he reads those words. Back at home, on Earthbread, would he have had anyone like that if it wasn't something to do with political matters? Financier Cookie, perhaps. She did can him out on his mother's letters...

It's nice, he thinks, to have more people like that now.]

... thank you, Pure Vanilla Cookie. It means a lot to hear that, and it's heartening to know that I am surrounded by such good friends.

<purevanilla>

[purevanillacookie]

Please never forget that fact, my friend. I know you are used to fighting your battles on your own, and dealing with your health in silence, but you have us now. We are here for you.

<Composing>

[clottedcream]

Old habits are hard to break, but I will do my best to keep it in mind. I am no longer in House Custard, so I just have to remind myself that it won't be seen as a weakness.

I will speak to the Captain myself, as well, though I still need a little time to compose myself. But, rest assured, I will no longer avoid my problems.

<purevanilla>

[purevanillacookie]

Good, my friend. I am proud of you, for these are no easy steps to take. Do let me know how your talk with Captain Caviar goes. Or if you need my assistance for anything.