(no subject)

[shantiprayer]

[Sera sounded a little awkward as she spoke, still not used to using the psychic connection she shared with the other Travelers. The fact that finding herself in an awkward situation is what prompted her to reach out for advice in the first place probably didn't help.]

I knew the Trumps could make people believe they're someone else, but I didn't think it would be like that. I mean, I didn't think they could make us feel differently about things than we normally do. Especially not about other people... Um, does anyone know what you're supposed to do if you thought you were good friends with someone, and then remembered you've never even talked with them before? I want to go talk to them, but I'm not sure how to do it.

Comments

[wholeheaded]

[ Ambrose's voice has that gentle, accepting, "kind-uncle" thing going on. ]

The first time I infiltrated I sort of picked up an entire family. [ and this time the Trumps had put a totally different spin on he and Daneel's partnership but that's another kettle of muglug. ] So yes, it does happen to all of us, and those people are probably feeling the same thing. Talking it out will probably be good for both of you.

[ adviser, heed thyself. ]

[shantiprayer]

That sounds a little bit like what happened to me. Did talking to them about it work out for you?

[wholeheaded]

To an extent, yes, it was something of a dysfunctional family. But we've stayed close, so maybe it'll go the same for you.

[ there's little pause. ]

Who're you going to talk to? Maybe I know them.

[adjustable]

...Jus' go up and talk to 'em about it. If you're rememberin' that, they're probably rememberin' the same thing.

[Souda sounds a little awkward talking about this but he does it anyway!]

Yeah, it's a little weird when you've suddenly got all these feelings or memories about someone, but you can't get rid of 'em so you may as well act on 'em.

[shantiprayer]

You really think so? I wasn't sure if I should try doing something or try ignoring them and starting over...

[adjustable]

I-- ignore them?! No no no, that's definitely weirder.

[howexciting]

Sera... that is how I met Lila and Alcuin.

[His mental voice is good-natured, soft, reassuring. He's done this before apparently.]

There is no shame in it. Just talk to them, say hello. They might surprise you with how accepting they are. Of course, depending on what you both remember, it could... complicate things, a little. But if you were good friends with them as mermaids, I am convinced you could easily become friends with them as people.

[shantiprayer]

Oh, I didn't know you'd known Alcuin before! He's the one I'm the most worried about. I'd never had a brother before. It was nice.

[A pause. Wait. Waaaaaaaaaait.]

Oh no! If you already knew Alcuin, things must be even more complicated for you two now!

[howexciting]

Sadly, I must inform you that having a brother - or brothers - really is not as grand as others believe, sometimes. But I can speak from personal experience that Alcuin was... a wonderful brother to have.

[... ouch, that hurt. In many different ways, once Leonardo realizes just what he's saying. He hesitates, but continues after a moment, his mental voice still gentle and cheerful.]

Alcuin has been nothing but kind to me since we first met each other properly in Liminal Space. I doubt you will need to worry.

... what do you mean, it must be more complicated?

[canbebrave]

It is difficult.

You do not have to keep the relationship if you do not want to. But in your heart....

[shantiprayer]

But I do want to! I just don't know if they do too. How will I know whether they'd want me to come talk to them, or stay away?

[canbebrave]

I am afraid there is no way of knowing but trying, my lady.

As travelers, the Trumps strip us of ourselves. Each of us reacts to this differently.

[amadine]

'We've never actually met, but since our invisible puppetmasters decided to twist our minds until we thought we knew each other, so I thought I'd come say hello' seems like a reasonable opener.

[Without an actual mask of body language and vocal tone to modify it, this comes out a little more honestly acerbic than she'd generally prefer.]

[shantiprayer]

I don't know, that seems a little...

[There's a pause as she tries - and fails - to think of the right word. Sera ends up giving up on that and moves on instead.]

I'm sorry, I don't think that will quite work. Uh, but thank you! I will go talk to them, I think, even if I don't say it like that.

[capital_asset]

[Speaking of which...]

[...no, he still doesn't quite know how to approach this. Parroting her suggested opening phrase back at her would feel too odd.]

Were you able to escape the Lictor unscathed?

[Because even after he'd gotten his own mind back, he'd been worried about his fellow... ex-Sirens.]

[flatteries]

Shouldn't it be obvious? You should still go and talk to them! [ Easier said than done. Even Inigo himself knows it, considering how naturally shy he is - but he's trying to not give it away here, instead trying to make his mental voice be filled with confidence. ]

Even if those memories may not have entirely been real, you cannot say they are fake either, right? The bond you have with a person does not fade away that easily, even if it may have lasted for only a short while or was based on false premises.

[shantiprayer]

You're right. [There's a short pause before she continues, as if she's thinking something over.] ...Sometimes what's "real" isn't the important thing at all. But so many people seem to think differently, I wasn't sure the people I want to talk to would feel the same.

[She speaks with the kind of quiet certainty that only comes with having some experience to the fact.]

[upcard]

[This is something near and dear to Mai's heart as well, so she can't help but respond, even if the psychic network is still a little awkward for her as well.]

Um... I think that...even if they change our memories, we're all still the same people. So... you should still be able to be good friends with them now, too.

Right?

[shantiprayer]

I'm sure. When I was a mermaid, I was still mostly myself, but looking back I can tell they changed a few small things about who I am. If the Trumps can do that, could they change someone completely if they wanted?

[Granted those changes were mostly due to remembering different experiences, but still.]

[capital_asset]

I admit I've been wondering about that myself.

[The fact that some of the people he interacted with presumably have no idea he can even speak doesn't help.]

...You were part of the school, weren't you?

[shantiprayer]

Well, at least I'm not the only one that's confused.

[She didn't have a lot of experience with people outside of the Junkyard or Karma Society and part of her had wondered if everyone else would find it a dumb question.]

I was, but I was Stricken, so I tried to keep my distance from everyone.

[neverfeltthatway]

I know what you mean. To remember feeling and believing things you can't reconcile with yourself... it's difficult.

[Armin's voice comes through naturally, and as sound in her head - not simply thought. Even the slight hesitation before he continues is conveyed as plainly as if he'd been right in front of her.]

As far as people you knew in the other world... everyone's different. Chances are, if you had strong feelings for them, they did for you too, and that probably hasn't entirely gone away. I've found that most people are willing to explore a friendship when this happens, if not pick up where you left off. But for some people - they take it the opposite way. So... while it's not likely, try not to be too hurt if they're not interested.

[shantiprayer]

I'll try not to. But it's hard, to try talking to someone you cared for like a brother the last time you spoke, wondering if they'll even still want to see you.

[willyousee]

[ Gentle and warm, if a little startled, this is certainly a familiar mind-voice. ]

Sera?

[ There's a flash of relief and pleasure that may not have been meant to be felt - Alcuin's still getting used to this mind-to-mind speech, but even though it tones down, it still colors his voice. ]

Unfortunately, that is a more common experience than you might think. But I've never had anyone whom I was friends - or family - with in a Jaunt run from me when the Trumps bring us back. Everyone likes to make sure that their acquaintances are safe and uninjured. If you seek them out, I don't think you'll find yourself unwelcome.

[shantiprayer]

[Sera is very glad that Alcuin can't hear the surprised squeak she just made.]

Alcuin!? I... forgot you could hear this too.

[Good job there.]

[Still, she's obviously relieved at his response.]

I'm glad to hear that. I don't have a lot of experience with good people, so I didn't know how everyone would react or how I should respond. ...But I'd be happy to still call you my comrade.