Video: UN - Runeseeker

[onerthes]

[Vira-Lorr was not doing well. On the surface, it wasn't going to be obvious. The omni showed her on the shoreline of Trench, bundled up and watching out to the iceflows of the winter. There were, in the background, greeters tending to the last steps of the arrivals. The beasts from the ocean weren't breaking out of the ice right now, and it was past the usual time for sleepers to wash up, so the winter festivities were being closed up. Everything was safe. She just looked like she was finishing up a vigil. Anyone who knew her knew that she did this every month. She was usually waiting for a few people in particular. She just ... didn't publicize it like this.

Her eyes were rimmed red. It was clear that she'd been crying, but she wasn't doing it currently. Instead, she was smiling, though it was a distant and pained thing. One hand reached up to rest on her shoulder, to feel where the mark had been placed.]

I... don't need to tell some of you this. You will know. You always do. This is for other people in town who might care.

[Usagi would know. She didn't name Serenity, but she knew that she would know that a Senshi had departed, and if she knew then Makoto and Hotaru would know very quickly afterwards. Either by connection, or being told. This message wasn't specifically to tell them that Venus had gone home, though she would appreciate hearing from her friends. It was for the ones who weren't connected like they had been, like she had been.]

My wife, Minako Aino, is fine. She has safely returned to the sea. I felt the distance as it progressed, and ... I know that nothing caught her amongst the monsters below. She's safe. She will be safe in her home. I ... I want all of you who care about her to be certain of that.

[Her lips quivered a little and she sighed. She'd dealt with this before. How many people had she lost since the nightmares? How many had she tried to love? To get close to? Only to lose them too. She'd lost Minako twice now this way. She could handle it. Yet, this time was different. In so many ways it was different because deep down, she knew there was a chance Minako did not remember her where she was going. Usagi, Makoto, Hotaru, they would be reunited one day, but they might all forget her. It hurt.]

I'm fin... no, I'm not. I'm not going to lie. I'm not fine. My wife is gone, and I will come back every month to see if she returns to me, to us. I'm a patient woman. People have come back to me before. I have centuries to wait. My race gives me that luxury. but today hurts. A lot.

[There was a momentary pause and she sighed.]

I could probably use some company over the next few days. I'll be running the shop to help get my mind off of it, so if you need a reading, I just won't be a hundred percent is all. I've been very moody lately. Not sure why, but this is not helping.

Comments

[imaglyphwitch]

[Luz listened to the message. Once, twice, three times. She was crying by the third time, because of course she was. Who wouldn't be, if they'd been at the wedding, gotten to see them take their vows, watch them be happy, watch VIRA be happier than she'd been in a long time.

And now she was just there. Dealing. Luz didn't know if she could bring enough tea, could hug her friend hard enough to whisk away that pain. This would be difficult. Luz had liked Minako too, had thought the girl was good for Vira, and now she was gone.

But Luz would let herself cry now, because Vira certainly didn't need to contend with HER tears. Vira would be fighting back her own. Luz had noted the redness in her eyes, how she was trying to appear composed and strong despite everything. And Luz wasn't going to let Vira down. She'd do everything she could.

After a few minutes of composing herself, Luz finally replied to her friend].

Vira, it's Luz. I'm going to come over. I will bring my legion of stuffed animals, enough sweets to choke a cow, some comfort movies and big snuggly blankets.

I know it's not a lot. But it's a start.

[onerthes]

Oh, Luz... [she sighed and sagged a little, before smiling some and turning towards the feed.]

All of those things will be wonderful, but really... the fact that you're there is the most wonderful thing. I might not be great company, but I doubt you were expecting it. You can come over whenever you wish. Thank you.

[She really did appreciate it, a lot. this was already not easy.]

[ video | un: keith ]

[tempredmental]

[While Keith hadn't lost a spouse or lover like that, he knew the pain of loss in general. So, he reached out. After all, Vira-Lorr'd been there for him in the past, and he liked her. Considered her a friend. So, he wanted to be there for her if she needed him.]

Hey...

Need a drink or some food? Or someone to listen for a bit?

[onerthes]

The... last thing I need is a drink. I might not leave the bottle right now, but if it's something without alcohol, that could work. I don't really have much of an appetite, but I would appreciate the company. Thank you.

[She honestly appreciated the effort. She really did.]

Text; UN: Cuddlebunny

[lightthedarkness]

[It had hit like a mountain being thrown atop her. Her beloved Minako, one of her best friends, her twin in trouble, her partner in crime, the leader of the Senshi, head of her guard, was gone.

It wasn't the bond snapped. That only ever happened when the girls died or were killed. When they went home, it was more like a bright, taut, vibrant cord of light suddenly went dark and slack. If she pulled along the cord it would just give and give and give, leading her to the depths of the ocean and beyond but it was faint, a mere whisper compared to the vibrant strings of the present senshi.

She also knows what Minako is returning to. She knows the life that is awaiting her, them. It doesn't hurt any LESS that she's gone, but there's a soft warmth when she pulls on the string, the same way she can pull on her connection with Ami, with Rei, with Mamoru, Setsuna, Haruka, Michiru, and Luna. It's a faded warmth but it's there.

Vira does not have that luxury.

There are no words that will make this easier or better or gentler.

She's been crying all day.]

She'd never want anyone to lie about how they were feeling. [Even if Minako was notorious for shoving her own emotions down for the sake of duty.]

[onerthes]

No, she wouldn't want me to hide it or lie about it. I'm struggling because the feelings are so complex. I know she's ok. I know I can cope. I don't want to lose her.

The hardest thing is the thought that she'll forget me. The thought of forgetting all that I've been through is the hardest part at times. But I'm just glad she's safe. I have to focus on that to help with this, the knowledge that she's ok. That you will be reunited one day.

[She was hunting hard for those silver linings. But she could be very honest and admit that it was the loss of memories that hurt the most. She didn't want to ever forget Minako.]

action

[azurestar]

[Lance sees the post when he's out, and skips replying as he was on his way to the beach anyway. He comes here all the time for a whole lot of reasons, one of them similar to hers: waiting for people. As much as the hope hurts time and again. There's been a lot of loss and he hasn't lived as long as she, but he knows how much it hurts and how worn losing people over and over can make you.

He comes over to where she is standing, dressed in autumn clothing rather than heavy winter because he doesn't get cold. In fact, he can be a living space heater if he wants and she'll feel that when he gets close enough to nudge her arm with his own. A pained sympathetic smile follows when he looks her in the eye.]

Hey. [He looks out at the ocean.] …You're taking it better than I did.

[Attacking a god in hindsight was probably the peak of 'taking it badly'. He heaves a breath and raises an arm up in offer of a heated hug if she wants it.] 'm sorry, Vira.

[onerthes]

Am I?

[She was wiping her eyes when he walked up. She'd been crying again. It took her a moment, aa moment that was occupied with grabbing him and hugging him as he offered. Her eyes closed and she shuddered.]

I'm... I'm not mad at her. I'm not mad at them... I'm pretty sure none of them, that she doesn't control the situation. I'm just...

mad.

video; un: firefly

[melodyofsilence]

[ While her bond with the other Senshi isn't as strong as Usagi's, Hotaru was aware of the silence where Minako used to be. It wasn't gone, not completely. But it was no longer as strong and prominent as it used to be, falling out of sync with the three who were left here. She was back with the others, going back to the harmony of their universe.

Hotaru isn't as sad as the others. Loss is very much a part of life, and she knows that Minako might be gone from Trench, but she'll always be there. Here and back home - even if in different ways. So she will put aside her sadness for opportunities lost to be there for the ones who will miss Minako more. ]

Minako-chan will be missed, but I can come keep you company sometimes. After all, she's part of my family and that makes you family too.

[ A small hum about the last part. ]

I can bring some tea and incense to try to help with your mood. Special blends have worked for me in the past when I was experiencing some of the odd monthly blood symptoms.

[onerthes]

[She rubbed at her face a little, clearly replying between the posts as a rule. It meant that each reply took a little bit longer than it normally would, but they came all the same. Vira-Lorr smiled at Hotaru and nodded.]

I'd really appreciate it if you could come. I don't care if the Tea helps. Tea is always good, and the company will.

[Part of it was just the connection to her as a friend of Minako's from their world. That connection was precious to her right now.]

un: GoldenFlowers, text

[the_obedient_servant]

I'm coming over.

[onerthes]

I will be here. Thank you, Chara. You can find me on the beach and we can go back to my house.

[She had literally no idea how Chara would react to such a thing, but the fact that they cared enough to come over was important. Chara could be very different in how they reacted, but they were here. They were here and they cared. She appreciated it.]

[eudaimonikos]

[Well, then.

Michael never knew Minako especially well, really. But he's always sorry to see one of the old crowd go, and anyway - he knows Vira. He's not the greatest at helping people with emotional stuff directly, he'll leave all that to others, but he can do other things.]

...I'll come by. You need food, or anything?

[onerthes]

[She knew Michael really had a bit of trouble with this, so just the attempt was appreciated. She sighed and laughed softly to herself.]

I... probably shouldn't cook for myself today. So I'd appreciate some food, thank you.

<30hotdoglimit>

[stilljustyou]

( They already know that it hurts to say good bye to someone important. But, knowing that they might not see them again...

We haven't really talked before, but... sorry.

[onerthes]

It's ok. I know that there will be people I don't know well who see this. I do appreciate the thought all the same.

This is a hard thing. You never really get used to it.

private, text, un: kickflips

[strongroots]

[ The second loss of love this month. Robby figures that it happens, but it's not something he's had to think about. It's nothing he's really heard about until--well, now, with Vira and with Waver. ]

hey its robby. sorry about your wife. im glad shes safe

i could visit you at your shop when youre in. what times are you? if you want company

[onerthes]

Hello, Robby. I'm glad that she safely traveled through the water. Even the feeling of the severing of the connection we had? It comes with the knowledge that she was safe in leaving here, and she's safe in her world.

I leave the stall open during the day, if you want to stop by anytime.

Action

[survivalthroughhate]

[As soon as Maul hears about what has happened, he immediately goes down to the beach. He didn't know Minako well but Vira-Lorr has often been a good friend to him, a steady rock despite all the turmoil Deerington and Trench alike have brought.

When he gets there, he goes right over to her. He's not one much for physical contact but he does place a hand on her shoulder. The gesture says a lot without Maul having to say much at all.]

You can talk if you want. Or if you want me to just be here in silence, I will do that too.

[onerthes]

[Honestly, a hand on her shoulder was a lot more physical contact than she'd expected to have when she realized Maul was there. She leaned into the touch and sighed softly.]

I've never really been very good with silence, but you know that. [Her eyes closed.] This world is ... unfair, very unfair.

video; un: ushiromiya

[entreats]

[ .. of course this would happen to Vira-Lorr, Ange thinks, feeling her own heart ache. She wasn't particularly close to Minako herself, so it doesn't mean much to her personally, but she knows how much the other must be hurting.

It's not like it's the first time Vira-Lorr has lost someone, after all, and Ange knows how quickly that starts to wear on a person. Especially when they're this close. Especially when, this time, Vira-Lorr dared to risk marrying someone.

And then the ocean took it away from her.

Ange tries to shove down the rage that thought instills in her, slowly breathing out before replying. Of course he'll come visit Vira-Lorr later, but even aside from that-- ]

Do you want company while waiting for her each month?

[ Ange hasn't regularly visited the beach to see newcomers in ages, not since finding a weird sense of peace in regards to her own world and everything back there. But for a friend - of course she'd come out. ]

So you'll never have to wait alone.

[onerthes]

I...
That is...

[She blinked. Vira-Lorr was taken aback by the offer, because really? She wasn't surprised Ange offered something like that, but she also knew what this almost certainly meant. The bond was severed. She might be here waiting forever, all things considered.]

I really do appreciate the thought, Ange. You don't have to do it all the time, but I'd like the company now and again...

video; un: price is right

[tagartist]

[ Okay this is sad and she should feel sad and she does, she swears, even if it's... Y'know. Conflicted after everything. But there's a big old thing here that she missed while she was away and apparently it trumps her desire to awkwardly avoid Vira-Lorr as long as was physically possible. ]

You got fucking married?

CW: Just putting it out there, some serious angst is probably coming in here

[onerthes]

[So. On the one hand, she was grieving. This was a moment of mourning for her and she was in agony about it. On the other fucking hand, she was on the beach specifically most months to help the people who manned the booths and to watch for a small number of people washing up on shore, one of whom?

Was this very person.

So, her voice was an almost alarmed squawk mingled with tears.]

Wait, fuck, CHLOE?!? YOU'RE HERE?

video; un: quibbler

[creidim]

I'm very sorry, Vira-Lorr. [ Luna's sombre. She didn't know Minako completely well outside of passing greetings and exchanges, but she seemed nice. And well, the thought of people she cares about going back into the ocean is something she frets about. She's already lost plenty, like John or Clarisse or Bella or Diarmuid. Peter disappearing will forever be one of her biggest fears. ]

... I wish we didn't have to say goodbye to the ones we love, that sometimes they have to go back to the ocean. I thought this was supposed to be our new life.

Re: video; un: quibbler

[onerthes]

Thank you, Luna.

[She really did appreciate the presence of every friend. It helped her a lot, considering it reminded her that she wasn't alone.]

It... still is. It's just a life that contains agonizing partings at times. [She sighed.] Which isn't fair.

video; UN: rosestorm

[thunderingcourage]

[They could all sense it, the loss of Minako and Sailor Venus. A certain tug on their mind and heart as she departed. It wasn't the same as when they perished, but that didn't make it any less painful, and she imagined that it wouldn't be much consolation to Vira-Lorr to know that she would be well and happy at home. Makoto was already preparing several things when she saw the post that Vira-Lorr made.]

I know it hurts, but you're as strong as any of us. I'm packing a few things and then I'll be on my way. Anything special you want me to bring?

[onerthes]

[She sagged and crumpled, sighing though her voice was grateful when she heard Makoto speak. It was good to hear her, just as it was to hear Usagi.]

Don't give me too much credit. You're seeing me after the worst of the screaming. [She gave a weak smile.] I... trust you to bring something nice with you, Makoto. Really, I just want your company. It will be good to share a moment with a good friend.

[Audio][UN:A_Wesker013]->[Action]

[subject_013]

[...A long pause with only a slow inbreath followed by a slow outbreath.]

...I'll join you as soon as I can.

[The connection cuts out.]

------------------

The day may have waned toward sundown when he arrives, coat collar turned up against the winter chill and carrying a wine bottle. "Lockjoint cases have kept me busy. And I also made a side trip to retrieve something from my personal stock." He holds up the bottle. "In case you desired some liquid comfort. The vintners blended it with Darkblood.

He pauses, turning his face toward the sea before looking back to her. "I'm here to listen if you wish to speak. Or if you simply need the companionship."

[onerthes]

She sent back a short reply in the affirmative, but she was all too happy when he made his way over to see her. She smiled softly at him and ushered her friend in, a small and sad chuckle. "It would be much better if I didn't. I've a bad habit of descending into the drink and never coming out, though I appreciate the offer," she said as she made her way back to the kitchen.

"But, why don't we put it in the fridge and have a little tea? The company and chance to be talked would be appreciated."