dreamcrystals | [open] a query

Sender: Phantom
To: Everyone
Subject: Healing Magic

Good evening. I write to ask if there are any amongst us dreamwalkers who may be able and willing to teach the healing arts.

The ability to mend wounds and cleanse poisons is a valuable skill that can help us prepare for unexpected events. Owing to the varied forms of dreamwalkers, I believe that magic would be more effective, as well as more accessible, whether drawing from magical aptitude or from our own dreamotion energies.

Please let me know if you are interested in teaching. I can offer some compensation for your time. I also encourage fellow prospective students to write in, I shall keep you apprised of any developments.

Thank you for your perusal, and I wish all a pleasant sunset.

Phantom

[ ooc: Sometimes I render Phantom's network posts with 𝔣𝔞𝔫𝔠𝔶 𝔣𝔬𝔫𝔱 to emphasise his handwriting and/or way of speaking. It's opt-in since I understand it can be kind of illegible! Let me know via PM if you want the 𝔣𝔞𝔫𝔠𝔶 𝔣𝔬𝔫𝔱. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Susato absolutely melts at Miss Christine's purring. It's such a small thing, to be accepted by her, but it feels huge, as if she is privileged. Her smile grows wider in turn. ]

She would be most welcome at my home, or the Harvest. Any time. [ They are both her homes, truly, but that may be a conversation for another day. ] I have never met a cat with two tails, though.

[ She admires them as she spoils Miss Christine with attention. Does it hurt? Was she born that way? ]

She is unique amongst her kind, but her past is shrouded in mystery even to me.

[ Miss Christine seems comfortable enough. Perhaps she truly is special, or she possessed some magical abilities of her own. Who knows? Phantom would not pry at a lady's secrets without her permission, and he's grateful for her company.

He takes another sip of his tea, observing Susato's countenance now that they've both had a chance to sit down. Does she look visibly injured anywhere? ]

[ By now, she is not, thankfully. There are more subtle differences, though. Her posture, the tired yet subtle way her shoulders sag, but Phantom would be forgiven for not noticing them. Seeing him sip the tea is a gentle reminder that she, too, should probably drink the tea before it gets cold.

She stops petting Miss Christine to do this, though her eyes never leave her. ]

I see... Then, did she already have that name when she came to you, or did you give it to her?

[ Phantom is keenly observant both by nature and by his training as an assassin. He is relieved to see that her wounds have healed, though her exhaustion does not escape him. ]

I bequeathed this name to her as a mark of our friendship, and to aid in her communication with other people.

[ Miss Christine turns to look at him and meows, as if in affirmation. Phantom seems to be able to understand her speech, even if others do not. ]

It is her name to wear while she journeys with me.

[ A name can be a precious thing. Miss Christine certainly seems to appreciate it. Susato gives a nod of acknowledgement and for a moment simply enjoys the taste and scent of chrysanthemum and white tea. It's a comfortable silence, but one that does not last. ]

I imagine she has helped you quite a bit in your recovery.

[ Phantom nods, his expression softening as Miss Christine purrs. ]

Indeed she has. When I still wandered the world alone, she would keep me company, as the stars would a lost soul.

[ If not for her intervention, he would have lost himself long ago. She is more like a parent to him, rather than being his pet. It's a nuance that people usually catch onto after being around them for a while. ]

[ How romantic... The imagery his words evoke makes Susato smile. She takes another sip. ]

I am glad you have a friend, and that I was able to meet her.

What made you two decide to live here, above the studio...? Are you a musician?

I am. I play the piano, and I used to sing.

[ Venti has helped purify his Oripathy, so he can speak freely, but the treatment could not remove the cursed nature of his song. He would be able to advise others on the matter, though. ]

I am also the manager of the studio. The people here were looking for a musician to assist them in setting it up when I first arrived in this realm, and I have been part of it ever since.

[ Phantom's voice is light, without the theatrical weight that it usually carries. It seems the studio helps to put him at ease. ]

Oh, how wonderful! That you were still able to keep music a part of your life.

[ Wish she could say the same thing about law. Unfortunately, Susato knows nothing about his song, nor the curse upon it if there is one, so she'll come out and ask directly. ]

But why don't you sing anymore?

[ She isn't the first person to ask about his voice, and she wouldn't be the last. Phantom has answered this question many times, and he is used to it by now. ]

I can no longer sing. My voice has been twisted by a dark curse.

[ He places a hand over the limiter around his neck. Many black crystals are visible under it, embedded directly over his throat. ]

Mourn not for me, for I have made my peace with it. I still have the piano and many fellow musicians for company.

[ Susato falters, disposition notably less cheery than before. She doesn't know what she expected, but it feels rather grim. ]

I understand.

If you've truly made your peace, I don't wish to linger on it... Though I do wonder if this dream world might offer a way to break such a curse.

[ Phantom dips his head. He sees the change in her expression - her empathy and kindness shining through. ]

I appreciate your concern... unfortunately, it is tied to my body in the waking world, but some dreamwalkers have been helping me by reducing its effects on mine dream self. I can speak with you freely, that much is already a great improvement.

[ He certainly would not wish to inadvertently fry her brain just through casual conversation. With Venti and Zelda's help, the burden of Oripathy and its accompanying ills have been greatly reduced. ]

I see.

[ What can she say to that? She dips her head in acknowledgement in turn, a subtle nod. ]

Dreamwalkers are fascinating. There is no shortage of kindness, not to mention all sorts of different abilities and varying backgrounds that fostered them, from entirely different worlds. I feel rather fortunate in a way, that I was able to meet everyone.

You, too.

[ ...

...... ]

Thank you.

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