Thieves

[beshackled]

Sender: Erichthonios
To: Everyone
Subject: Avaricious harriers

Pray tell, has anyone else been having trouble with small creatures attempting to make off with your belongings?

They are getting to be remarkably b----

[The b terminates in a long, curved line, as though the writer was startled in the middle of writing.

Sometime later...]

brazen.

Comments

[beshackled]

Aye.

Mayhap your kin from the parallel timeline can provide you with guidance on the matter.

Either way, I wish you well, as ever.

[crouching_sin]

Maybe he can.

I appreciate it, though. There's not all that many who care for people who are near-strangers.

[beshackled]

There aren't?

[Erichthonios... may have been somewhat socially isolated growing up, due to the actions of certain persons. So he genuinely doesn't know.]

[crouching_sin]

[Erich, please... Naoya sighs on his end and rubs the bridge of his nose. An innocent soul as well...]

Not really, no. Most people tend to care for those immediately around them - friends, family, and themselves. That's not to say that people don't help strangers, but it's more unusual to see than simply passing them by.

[beshackled]

I think I understand. Pray forgive my lack of knowledge on the matter. 'Twas only recently I gained friends, and my relationship with family is

[A pause.]

complicated.

The friends I speak of aided me as strangers during a time of great turmoil for me.

[crouching_sin]

An isolated life? That's understandable, then. And... well. Each family is unique, but you'll find many people have 'complicated' families.

But it's good that you had people help you. It's not like I'm saying it's a bad thing, just... unusual. So it makes those that would help all the more different.

[beshackled]

As much as I would hesitate to accept such a description for myself, I cannot deny that my friends are remarkable people.

Would that they were here with me, but whatever it is that has grasped a part of us appears to have not taken hold of them.

[crouching_sin]

Well, who knows? My cousin showed up - maybe your friends will as well.

[beshackled]

Mayhap so. I imagine they would be curious about this place.

My thanks for your kind words.

[crouching_sin]

[It takes a moment for him to respond. Him? Kind? Heh. If this person wants to see it that way, then fine. He certainly doesn't think of himself that way, however.]

Of course. There's much to this place - it holds many mysteries for us to discover. Including how people are drawn here, and who's chosen.

[beshackled]

Aye. I look forward to learning more about this place and its connection to us.

[crouching_sin]

As do I. It's been some time since I've had something wholly new to explore.

[beshackled]

Mayhap you can do so with your cousin. T'would give you an interesting adventure to share, I think.

[crouching_sin]

True, if I can get him to do so. He's very much got his own agenda. ... And even the version who followed my plan seems to have a sore spot. Which I suppose I can't blame him overmuch for.

[beshackled]

You could do something he likes now and then, too.

[crouching_sin]

I can try. Though one of the things he likes is teasing me mercilessly.

... I only have myself to blame on that one, in retrospect.

[beshackled]

I trust in your ability to endure. Or to tease in kind, if you so wish.

[Maybe the cousin likes verbal banter?]

[crouching_sin]

Heh. Indeed. He's strong. He can take it.

I think it's how he shows he cares. Probably again, my fault. But I'm sure he's picked up several bad habits from me.

[beshackled]

Pray try to share a good habit or two as well.

[crouching_sin]

If I can find any in myself, yes.

[beshackled]

I fear I shall have to start worrying about you.

[crouching_sin]

You don't need to worry over me. I end up making it out somehow one way or another.

[Just not always the pleasant way.]

[beshackled]

[See that just makes him inclined to worry more.]

Pray do not lose sight of the good in yourself.

[crouching_sin]

[Unfortunately, he lost that long ago. It takes a minute for him to respond.]

The same to you.

[beshackled]

I shall try.

[A feat easier said than done until recently, but he will continue to work on it.]

'Tis time I get some rest.

Fare you well. May we write again soon.