(ley line)

[anciently]

[ Perhaps the light, female voice is familiar to those who hear it, recognizable as belonging to Aerith, or perhaps it's a stranger that you suddenly have chatting in your mind. Either way: ]

Hi there, everyone! I won't take too much of your time.

How many people have gone home from here and come back, and...how many have just...gone?

Just wondering. Thanks.

[ Those even a little familiar with the flower girl might note the uncharacteristic curtness to the message, clipped in tone and lower in energy than her usual... ]

Comments

[kimihiros]

I don't recognize your voice, miss, but I've only heard stories. Are you ok?

[anciently]

My name's Aerith. It's nice to sort-of meet you!

[ The question creates a brief pause, and then a light clearing of her throat. ]

I'm okay. Just...trying to figure out how this place works. It isn't easy!

[kimihiros]

I'm Watanuki.

How long have you been here?

[anciently]

Hmm... Time's a little funny here, but I've been around since the first group arrived. The first one that we know of, anyway! How about you?

[kimihiros]

Not too long before the first party at the museum. Still adapting.

[anciently]

The party! Wasn't too long ago, but it feels like a while. [ Hence the "time is weird" sentiment, right? ] Are you settling in okay? I'd be happy to give you a tour, if it's not too late!

[kimihiros]

I'm more of a home-bond person, I'm afraid. Where is your favorite place?

[anciently]

I'm a little biased... [ She admits in a slightly more playful tone than had been used in her initial message. ] But...the church! Ever been there?

[kimihiros]

I've seen it, but it felt like breaking and entering to just go in. I usually stay at the shrine.

[anciently]

Well, as the sort-of owner, I give you full permission to enter whenever you'd like! It's supposed to be a place people can go to...feel safe, I guess. I hope you'll stop by sometime.

[ Even if it's just for cake, rather than any deeper reason. ]

[kimihiros]

Feel free to drop by my shop as well. It's in Kichijoji and there's a small sign in front of it.

[anciently]

Okay! What kind of shop is it?

[ She hasn't spent a ton of time around Kichijoji...yet, anyway. ]

[kimihiros]

It was supposed to be a wish-granting shop, but given my abilities are locked out, people just come around to take about their woes.

[anciently]

Wish granting? That sounds pretty amazing! It's too bad it isn't working right now. [ There's a brief pause, and then her voice adopts a lightly playful tone. ] ...But, maybe that'll change in the future. This place adapts all the time to our experiences, you know?