notice:
i didn't like the formatting of this blog anymore, so in order to make a new start i'm moving from here to -> @lethes-mailbox ! i might be restarting with lore. i don't know. :)
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@sincerely-some-guy
notice:
i didn't like the formatting of this blog anymore, so in order to make a new start i'm moving from here to -> @lethes-mailbox ! i might be restarting with lore. i don't know. :)
sheriff,
should i start addressing you as that? sheriff? consistently? the outfit is quite fitting on you, though, i must say. you're flattering. it flatters you, i mean. [ the next line is scribbled out in ink so thoroughly it's impossible to make out what he'd originally written. ] the outfit is good on you, is what i mean to say.
i've been away for quite some time, i feel. or maybe time has just passed differently. or perhaps, time is not real at all, and i have only been gone for moments, minutes. it's hard to tell. however, i write you this letter to tell you that i have missed you, and i sincerely hope you are doing well.
i promise that i am a law-abiding citizen, though. i have never done a crime (to my recollection, that is.) ah, imagine if the 'me' of before was a criminal! i wonder what kind? perhaps i'd be some sort of thief, stealing from the rich to give to the poor... what an excellent plotline, if i do say so myself. wouldn't that story be intriguing? however, if i was any sort of criminal... please have mercy on me, sheriff? :]
sincerely,
your friend.
@sincerely-some-guy
[ as soon as he gets the letter, jimmy's eyes are drawn to the blotted-out words. he tries hard to read what it says, but his efforts are fruitless. whatever it is, it's completely indecipherable. damn it. he's curious, especially considering what the earlier sentences had said. he stares at that spot on the paper for maybe a little too long. ]
[ unsolved mystery of the scribbled-out sentence aside, though, jimmy writes back pretty much immediately. it's been way too long since he's heard from his friend, after all. ]
evening!!
it's definitely been way too long, you're right. it feels like it's been ages since we last talked, at least. i've really missed you too. how's all the fogging and stuff going? or whatever you do all the way over there, haha. i've been doing well, don't you worry, you really aren't missed much. i do wish you were here, though!
and hey, you like the outfit? that's really sweet of you to say, honestly. haven't broken out the old sheriff clothes since empires, which was, like, ages ago. i'm glad you like it! you should come see it in person LOL
as for mercy, though... well, to be clear, i was a really good sheriff back in the day. catching bandits and stuff was my thing, you know! (please imagine me flexing my muscles at you right now.) none of those bad guys could ever escape me. and i definitely couldn't be bribed. ever. but, well, i think i would have to make an exception for you. privileges of being my friend! don't tell the others, though, because i absolutely would not let anyone else go free. you better feel special, haha.
love, jimmy!!
sheriff,
i've not done much, unfortunately. i think you know better than most that life in the pale garden isn't exactly exciting. don't think i didn't see you pacing before i had to force you to go back home. i occupy myself, though. do you remember that river i brought you to? i've been down there quite a few times. i tend to go there now when i miss you. i've been writing a bit, and tending to the crows - they're more hungry for seeds than usual. i think they miss you, too. i always wish i was there with you.
as soon as i figure out how to get out of here, i'm forcing you to get into those clothes if you've ditched them by then. you'll have to do it. i must see it happen. do you have a badge? i remember sheriffs are supposed to have badges. i don't remember ever meeting one other than you, though. i'm curious.
and now that you've written that, i'm incredibly curious. what escapades were you up to on empires that involved bribing? catching criminals? your stories intrigue me - all these things that have happened between you and your friends are always fascinating. it makes me want to have been there to experience it as well. if i had been in empires, i wonder how things would have gone. i would have gotten to see a lot more of you, at the very least, under a blue sky where i could do as i liked. wouldn't that be lovely?
(thank you for making an exception for me, though. i won't tell a soul! i feel very special and very honoured, sheriff.)
i'm so glad to have heard back from you.
love,
your friend. ♡
[ of course, jimmy's eyes catch on the love, your friend and the little heart (oh, the heart, that's cute) first. as he reads the rest of the letter, there's this pleasant warmth that lingers in his chest and a small smile that rests on his face. ]
hey, you got back to me quick!
you go down to that river when you miss me? oh, that's really, really sweet, i wish i could still be there with you. i miss you too. and the crows! tell them i say hi or something, haha!
and don't worry, once you finally get out of there and come over here, i'll let you do whatever you want. and if that includes digging up the sheriff clothes again, consider it done! (and yeah, i do have a badge! a hat and everything, too!)
there's definitely a few interesting stories i could tell you about... like, there was this one time where me and fwhip — he was my deputy for a while, back then, before i had to fire him (but that's a story for another time) — we busted a bunch of thieves that had been hiding away in the mines with a bunch of TNT. it was awesome. really badass and stuff! honestly, i think i would've really liked having you there with me during empires. i think you would've liked tumble town. i hope you would've, at least. it wasn't the most successful empire or anything, but, you know. it was mine.
well, maybe i'll show you around someday! you'll get friends-with-the-sheriff privileges! i'll give you a whole special tour and everything... we gotta actually do that sometime, okay? you'll have to dress the part, too — cowboy boots and everything. oh, i can see it in my mind already. it'll be perfect.
(and hey — jokes aside, it made me really happy to get your letter back. i really do miss you. a lot.)
love, jimmy. ♡
sheriff ♡,
of course i'll get back to you quickly. i'm always, admittedly, very excited when your messages come in and i almost always start immediately replying as soon as i catch a second. you mean a lot to me, after all. i'll make sure to tell the crows that you miss them. and of course i return. the time you spent with me i think is the happiest i have ever been.
aww, you do have a little badge and a hat! that's adorable, i love that. i will be looking forwards to seeing you in that outfit, by the way, i'll have you know.
i don't think i've ever messaged this 'fwhip' individual personally - he does not seem to have a mailbox, unfortunately, because what you two have done together sounds quite incredible and very interesting. thieves tormenting your empire? had you ever considered publicly executing them for disrespecting the law? (is that still a thing? for some reason, i feel like wherever i've come from originally must have had that as a thing, because it feels natural, but now that i think about it, i'm sure other places must have different ways of going about things.) that would have probably scared off the rest of them, but TNT is good as well. and, i think i would have liked the town. if it was yours, i would have loved it, actually.
when i get out of here, we'll go visit together. and if that's what you want from me, i'll absolutely dress up in the clothes. i wouldn't mind a change of my closet or of my fashion - i think i could probably pull it off, don't you? i wonder how i'd look in that sort of fashion (and i have no frame of reference, considering i don't know what i look like). do you think i'd look alright?
i miss you too, jimmy.
with lots of love,
your friend ♡
moooorning!!
aaawww, you get that excited to hear back from me? that's so sweet. it's the same for me, though — usually, it takes me ages to get back to people, if at all. hey, it's not my fault, i just forget and by the time i remember it's too late to reply anyways! maybe i'm just not made for the writing-letters lifestyle... but you're really important to me too, so i make sure to reply as soon as i can. ♡
also, hey, the sheriff hat and badge is meant to be intimidating, not adorable. a strike-fear-into-the-hearts-of-my-enemies kinda thing! well, you'll see it, and then you'll get what i mean. not adorable at all.
we never did public executions in tumble town, no. i'm not sure if anyone did that in all of empires, actually. but we did have a pretty decent jail, if i do say so myself! it was kinda small, though, now that i'm thinking about it... public executions might have been the way to go, especially since, well, not many people were actually scared off by the jail. i'm really, really happy to hear that you think you would've liked it, though. that means a lot, coming from you. :]
oh, and i know you'd definitely be able to pull the clothes off. i know you don't know what you look like and all, but take my word for it, you really are very handsome — easily one of the prettiest people i've ever seen. i mean it! if i'm being really honest, i think you would look good in just about anything. hey, you know what, i'll even let you wear an honorary deputy badge when you do come over, i'm sure i've got one around somewhere!
love, jimmy. ♡
p.s. i think i'm kind of losing it over here. is it weird to say i miss the sound of your voice? because i really, really do.
[ for some reason, as he picks up the pen to write the letter back, his heart does a little stutter in his chest as he looks at the placement of the heart. they'd been exchanging letters like these - a little bit of a border over the label of friendship for some time, and the little hearts are so lovely and after the day he's had, for some reason, it makes him feel warm. he begins to write. ]
dearest sheriff ♡,
i've had.. an eventful day, today. i've met this girl. i've dreamed of her face, before, but today i met her actually in person. she told me that she knew me from before i was in the pale garden. we didn't talk for long. the fact that i've forgotten all about this... sister, that i used to have, is... well, admittedly upsetting. but she's said she's going to come back and that she's going to find a way to get me to leave, so i think we have good news. on another note, she told me what my name is. my name is lethe. it's never felt so real before, and i know it must be true, because it feels so right. my name is lethe.
enough about that, though. i'll admit you've made me feel quite warm and fuzzy with that first paragraph. you're very important to me too, jimmy, and i do my best to reply as quickly as possible because i like updating you about this, i like talking to you. i love spending time with you or being with you in any way possible, even if that's just through a letter. thank you for always writing back.
unfortunately, i think i might find it more adorable when i actually see it on you. ♡
well, if you want to strike fear into the hearts of your enemies, establishing the fat that you will actually do something drastic to implement the idea of power into other people's hearts is definitely a classic way to go. i could talk more about this and how people respect raw power and an establishment of power through typically violent means more rather than passive, but i'm not sure if you want to hear me rant about how people respect systems & how to set up one. especially since they're so easily corruptible, especially if you're using violence as a way to subdue other people (which i don't always agree with, i think it should be a last resort if people really and truly do not listen). but, that aside, of course i would say that. if it's something from you, i think i would truly adore anything you made.
i'm not sure if i'd look good in 'just about anything', but i'll take your word for it... and.. every other compliment. ♡ ♡ [ the ink dries here, as if he had to think very hard before writing what he wrote next. ] you're also very handsome, in my opinion, jimmy. i'll wear that deputy badge and anything you give me without complaint at all. it's like almost an official statement that we're in cahoots, or with one another.. isn't that cute?
i also don't think that's weird. i think it's very sweet. when you come back to visit me or when i leave, i'll sing for you as much as you want.
love,
lethe ♡
lethe!!!!!!
that's such a pretty name, oh my gosh!!! i love it, it suits you so, so well. lethe... oh, you've got to tell me more right now. your sister? how'd she even find you if you didn't know about her? what else did she tell you? she's really going to find a way to get you out? how? when? soon, do you think? oh my gosh, this is insane.
you don't have to thank me for writing back, silly! i like talking to you. i'll always write back — and when your sister gets you out of that place, you better believe that i'm going to come bother you in person all the time, too. lovingly, of course.
...and. well. if you think i'm adorable, i guess i won't argue with you. ♡
that's really interesting, too, all that about the establishment of power and stuff. honestly, i never really did manage to get people to respect the system back in tumble town. where were you back then? hah, i could've used this information much better — you know, i probably could've done most things much better, if i'd had you by my side. i would really love to hear more, though, if you do want to "rant" about it. i'm always interested in what you have to say!
you're really sweet, you know that? thank you for the compliment. and, yeah, i think it'd be cute, too. like we're matching! "in cahoots" is an interesting way of putting it, though, haha. i think i prefer just with each other. i feel like that sounds right.
with love (and thinking about you lots),
jimmy ♡
dearest jimmy ♡,
well, it's a bit of a long story, and if i miss any details when talking about it here, you can always ask me about it when i'm there with you. but. thank you. i'm glad you think my name is pretty. i wonder how you'd pronounce it? i think it must be in a manner that would be pleasant to hear on the ears.
about my sister, though - she's very good with like... code. she told me all sorts of stories about her exploits from before. it's honestly baffling - she and i apparently got up to a multitude of insane things. what do you mean we jumped from server to server together, i had to stop her from trying to behead someone, and then we left when we felt like it was time? well. other than that, apparently she's the reason i'm stuck here. it was an accident, of course - she fucked around with some beings that were incredibly powerful by rigging a game of theirs in favour of the players, and i willingly took the repercussions, which is. i can't even say that i wouldn't, because i would. i'm a little upset with her, but i understand why things played out the way that they did. she doesn't have an exact quota for time for when she's going to get me out, and she told me she's going to start stealing people to take them to me if she can't get me out soon and try and connect with someone else who's good with the code in order to let me leave. so. progress! more than nothing!
if you came to bother me all the time, i think nothing else would make me happier, by the way. spending time with you always brings me this sort of warmth that just makes me feel. loved? cared about? consistently, and it's lovely. you're lovely. (and yes, i do think you're adorable, jimmy. ♡)
hehe, it's very unfortunate i wasn't there then to give you a few tips and tricks. i think systems of judgement and power are genuinely fascinating in how they work and how they come to be, as well as how they're managed. that's very sweet, though, the notion that you could do things better if i was with you - if i could help out in any way, i'd be honoured and very pleased. (apparently, i was a soldier. well, she didn't tell me this directly, but she calls me 'soldier boy' every once in awhile, so i can pick up the very obvious hint.) so, i'm very well-versed in how they work, at least subconsciously. besides, if i could be by your side, i think i'd do just about anything and weather anything with you. thank you for listening - or, well, reading, what i have to say.
i suppose you're right, though, too. 'with one another' does have this sort of ring to it, doesn't it? ♡
with love (and also thinking about you always),
lethe ♡
[ as he packages the letter and hands it to one of the crows, he feels like some sort of teenage girl with a crush for the first time, giggling and kicking her feet. he sends off the letter with a kiss to the seal and watches as the crow soars away with something like hope. ]
dear lethe ♡,
can i just say quickly, before anything else, it really is nice to know your name. of course, it must be much nicer for you, but i love knowing it too. now whenever i think about you, i get to use your name, and not your silly little stand-in of "guy," which is still great and all, but, well. lethe is much better. and as for how i pronounce it... i guess you'll just have to wait and see :P
speaking of waiting and seeing, though — oh, i'm so happy to hear that your sister really is working on a way to get you out of there. seriously, i've been thinking about it non-stop since your last letter. of course, i wouldn't have minded waiting for you for as long as it ended up taking, but hearing that it'll be soon is amazing. i really, really can't wait to see you again. i better be on that list of people she's going to bring to visit you! ♡
those stories are pretty cool, actually. she tried to behead someone? well — it sounds like you two had quite the time together! but yeah, messing around with powerful beings doesn't seem like it would have the best results... i'm sorry that you have to deal with the consequences. it is admirable of you to take the fall for her, though. "soldier boy" sure is an interesting nickname. i wonder whether you'll start to remember things about that once you get to leave the pale garden? we'll see, i guess.
i know your tips and tricks would've come in super handy during empires, because of course they would, you really do seem like you know a lot about this stuff — but i think that your company would've easily been the best part of you being there with me, haha.
and hey, before i forget — i love spending time with you too! it makes me really happy to hear that you feel loved & cared about when i'm with you ♡♡ you're very lovely too. and adorable! your dimples are really sweet especially. your eyes are very pretty, too, of course. i noticed them as soon as i saw you for the first time. and you know, you furrow your eyebrows in this super cute way when you're focused on something, and your singing voice is just so lovely, i keep thinking about it, and, obviously, i love your smile... you know, when i read over your letters, i like to think about you sitting at that place you showed me with your little ink and quill and that silly little smile on your face. it's a very endearing mental image, i'll have you know. it usually makes me miss you a lot more, though, which kind of sucks. but hey, at least you're gonna be here soon! and then i won't have to miss you anymore. ♡
lots of love,
jimmy ♡
[ sending off this letter... it does make jimmy a little nervous. it's extremely late at night, which probably contributes to why he's actually going to be sending it to lethe and hadn't just crumpled it up into the trash the second he started rambling on during that last paragraph. ]
[ despite his nerves, he lets the crow pluck the letter from his hands and watches as it flies off (a familiar routine by now). that's that. all he can do now is wait for lethe's response. ]
my dearest jimmy ♡,
don't tease me like that! now i'll think about it even more than i've already been thinking about it, which is, admittedly, a lot more than i should. and my stand in name was great. even if it was thought up in like five seconds when i realized i had to sign off with a name while writing letters. how unfortunate. still. it is nice. but it'd be nicer to hear it with your accent. it's a nice accent.
i told you about her, by the way, so i'm sure you'll be on the list of people who she'll drag to see me. if you see a lady with green hair and sort of intimidating red eyes, that's her! her name is illux, by the way, but she'll probably introduce herself anyways. don't feel too intimidated, and if she gives you a nickname, it's probably just meant to... acquaint you more with her. trusting my gut feeling with that. but, really, i'm excited by the prospect of seeing you again. ♡
i'm sure she can tell you some stories herself when she meets you. i honestly sort of both dread and hope that i'll remember more. an explanation for my night terrors would be lovely. but as soon as she did tell me something about the 'soldier' bit, all of a sudden the amount of bloodshed does just logically make sense, doesn't it? it is unfortunate i had to take the fall, but i still have this thought that it was better me than her. i suppose subconscious care extends through even memory wipes.
awww, thank you, by the way. it's always lovely to know you love my company as much as i love yours, jimmy. ♡ well, if we're complimenting one another, i think you should know that i also think that your eyes are beautiful. they're just this lovely shade of brown and they catch the sunlight just right when i stare at them, especially right after you've woken up. you're very cute when you're sleepy, you know? the timbre of your voice is also very nice to listen to and i like it when you get all excited about something you're interested or passionate about. your wings, of course, are also gorgeous and they have this wonderful texture and i like preening them for you. you've also got this handsome face that i adore. i like to think about you trying to figure out how to word something correctly when you're writing back to me. i wonder if you kick back your legs and think or if you frown like i do, and lean forwards? i'd like to see it for myself, one day. i miss you more than i think i say, and i say it quite often. ♡
this letter was sent quite late, by the way, so i hope you're sleeping early tonight, jimmy. don't make me break the laws of the strange creatures that imprisoned me here to force you to go to sleep!
with adoration,
lethe ♡
[ it takes him some time to gather up the nerves to write back. he'd spend the day pacing around, trying to think of an appropriate way to respond - the last paragraph is one he's read countless times, and he had stashed the letter into his drawer in the nightstand. it's precious to him, now, to take it out and read it every five minutes - and he has a feeling he'll be coming back to read it again whenever he misses jimmy. ]
[ writing that last part was like starting and being entirely unable to stop. he just hopes he isn't crossing some sort of line, but he think it's sort of due with how that letter from jimmy had left him giggling, squealing, kicking his legs, burying his face into his pillow, and then giggling some more. he rereads jimmy's letter one more time before sending his own back - is this real? is jimmy real? surely someone as lovely as him couldn't possibly be complimenting him like that. ]
[ but before he can contemplate even more, the crow steals the letters from his hands - and despite lethe's yelp of surprise and protest, it takes off into the night. lethe stares at it almost with regret. he had been thinking about rewriting it... but clearly fate had other plans. ]
[ my dearest jimmy, lethe had written. that's. oh, that's adorable. a very sappy smile rests on jimmy's face as he reads the letter, and then proceeds to read it over and over again until he could probably recite the whole thing off by heart. listen, it's sweet, okay? lethe's sweet. ]
dear lethe ♡,
that's very cute of you to say. i'm sorry to be the one to break it to you, though, your stand-in name was not great. i took ten psychic damage every time i had to think of you as guy. that's okay, though, because 'lethe' is pretty enough that it makes up for it ♡. and you'll hear me saying it eventually, don't worry, you won't be waiting for too long! patience is a virtue and all that.
awww, you told your sister about me? what'd you tell her? good things, i hope. besides, green hair and red eyes sounds pretty cool, i dunno. and nicknames and stories are always fun! if you two are anything alike, we'll get along just fine, i'm sure. hopefully she'll introduce herself to me soon! i'm pretty curious to meet her now, i gotta admit. (and pretty eager for her to bring me to see you too, obviously. ♡)
oh, and that last paragraph, you flatter me way too much. you're way too sweet for your own good, you know that? you're going to end up killing me one of these days — you can't just spring all that on a guy out of nowhere! not that i'm complaining, of course, but. well. [ a scribbled out sentence and the drying of ink shows that the next few words took a lot of thinking to properly phrase. ] okay, what i'm trying to say is thank you. and if i'm honest, i've reread that last bit so many times that i think i have it memorized by now. you're very lovely, and you think my eyes are beautiful and that i'm cute when i'm sleepy, and those days that we spent together were some of the best days i've had in months, and — okay, i don't know where i'm going with the rest of this. i don't want to ramble on too much, haha. the point is, thank you. i miss you so much more than i say, too. ♡
also, you do realize that your 'threat' to try and get me to go to sleep being that you'll come here and force me to only makes me want to stay up later, right? my sleep schedule can suffer if it means that you'll come here to make me fix it! easily worth it, i think.
with all my love,
jimmy ♡
[ the letter is carefully tucked away with the previous one in the same drawer, compliments kept close to his heart. he swears his heart fluttered when he read what jimmy had sent to him, his hands tracing carefully over each letter, as if to memorize the indents of the ink and to think of jimmy himself writing it. ]
to my dearest jimmy ♡,
it's nice that you think i'm cute. not sure how else to word it. ah, anyways, i never claimed i was good at naming things - it was a spontaneous decision that seemed to make sense at the time when i tried to name myself! :( please do not take 10 psychic damage. but, hehe, thank you - i'm glad you think my name is nice. (i look forwards to that, i'll hold you to that statement. ♡)
of course i told her good things about you - you've been nothing but wonderful to me ever since we've met. that time that we spent together was filled with nothing but happiness - i really did almost regret sending you back home. i miss you so much that sometimes i wonder what would have happened had you stayed - but of course, who am i to cage a bird who needs freedom? i could have never trapped you there with me forever. unfortunately, though, illux is... much more chaotic in nature than i am, but for my sake, i hope you two get along. (also, you're adorable. ♡)
i'm not flattering you, jimmy dear, i'm being honest, really. that truly is how i perceive you and a few of the thoughts that i have about you, and that barely scrapes the surface. please don't die, though, it's not very fun (even if you can respawn). i like it when you ramble, though. it's cute. you're cute. i think a lot of things about you are cute, though, and that's just one of them, you know? of course i think your eyes are beautiful, too. i think you're beautiful in general. everything about you is just downright gorgeous, jimmy. you're... ah, what do they call it? eye-candy. ♡
i take back my threat, then. although i want to see you so much it aches, i'd really prefer that you take care of yourself, okay? please? for me? :]
with even more love (:P),
lethe ♡
... continuation from here. @jimmys-mailbox
[ the next morning, the light shines through the curtains of the living room where jimmy is sleeping. it's accompanied by the sound of someone singing a slow yet hopeful tune. the words are a little out of reach, but most of it is simply open-mouthed singing, the sound filling the cabin with the feeling of 'home'. ]
[ it seems that jimmy's companion got up earlier than he did, and is making breakfast for the both of them. ]
[ he wakes up soon after. very briefly, he wonders where he is, why his back is aching so strongly, why his wing is hurting so much. and then, as he opens his eyes and takes account of his surroundings, he remembers — the fog, getting hurt, meeting guy. ]
[ he yawns, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his palms and propping himself up on his elbows to look over at the kitchen, where his friend was doing- something, back turned to him. ]
morning. [ he says, voice a little rough, scratchy. ]
[ the elf turns around with a small smile. ]
ah, you're up! i've almost finished making breakfast. how do you feel? is the wing alright?
[ he's quick to check in and make sure that jimmy is alright. in his hand is a spatula, which speaks to the fact that he'd just been trying to cook something. ]
please, feel free to let me know if you feel any discomfort, or anything - i have spare potions. did you sleep alright?
i slept alright, yeah!
[ the words are bright, even if they're not fully true. the couch was comfortable, but it was a little small, and now his back did ache a bit. but he could deal. he props himself up on his elbows, squints over at lethe. ]
whatcha making?
i'm attempting to make potatoes.
[ he sighs, looking down at the pan. ]
it's going semi-well. i don't have too many resources here, due to a lack of meat. i'm probably going to become anemic at this rate...
[ he shakes his head. ]
anyways! that aside, it should be done... soon... ish? most likely. i hope it won't taste too bad...
it'll be great, i'm sure! the soup last night was really good, so...
[ jimmy trails off. he sits up on the couch, runs his hands through his hair a couple times and hopes it's not as messy as it feels. he stretches out his wing a bit, the injured one, and winces in pain. it's not so bad, not like how it had been yesterday, but still. after a moment, he gets up and walks over to the kitchen, standing next to his friend and leaning against the counter. ]
did you sleep well, then?
[ he seems quite excited to hear that jimmy has liked his cooking. ]
i'm so glad that you liked it!
[ he beams. if he notices how messy jimmy's hair is and how he seems to be a little bit just messy in general, he doesn't comment on it, returning his focus to the food. ]
...ah, yes. sleep? yeah, i slept well enough.
[ it takes him a moment to answer the question, and decides not to mention the nightmares of memories? that he'd had during the night before. of being unable to save people. unable to help. witnessing carnage before his eyes over and over. ]
glad you slept well!
[ jimmy says it brightly, earnestly – not at all picking up on the hesitation behind the words. he runs his hands through his hair a few more times. nervous habit shining through, even if he's not really nervous right now. ]
hey, by the way, were you singing, earlier? [ he asks curiously. ]
...singing?
[ it takes him a moment to register what jimmy is implying, and he looks away. he hadn't realized that the other had been awake to listen to him sing - he hadn't thought jimmy was awake, period. ]
well - yes. i do like to sing, that's true. i have a guitar that i use sometimes with my singing. the crows like to crowd and listen when i do.
[ he chuckles at the thought. he then proceeds to realize that the food will start to burn if he keeps it on for much longer, so he takes it off of the stove, finding two plates for the both of them. ]
it's not much - i do apologize again, i wish i had something a little more to give to a guest of mine.
oh, don't apologize! it looks good, dude, really. besides, i'm not picky! what kinda guest would i be if i started criticizing the food you made me after i've just basically sprung an impromptu sleepover on you, huh?
[ it's a joke, but jimmy genuinely does feel a little guilty. it was supposed to be a fun, short visit. but then he'd gone and gotten his wing injured and now neither of them really have a choice – he's sort of stuck here. not that jimmy minds that – lethe's good company! but still. ]
also – you play guitar? you have got to show me some time, that's so cool! your singing is already really good on its own, honestly, but with the guitar and stuff, oh, i bet it's great!
oh, please don't apologize.
[ he sets down the plates on the table. ]
i love company. i take company wherever i can get it, really. whenever someone spends time with me - that's precious time spent. please don't feel like you're intruding on my household, i'm very, very happy to have you here.
[ he will not speak of the fact that he is incredibly lonely and even the sight of another person makes him giddy. ]
well, i - i suppose i can... i can do that for you, [ he smiles, tucking a piece of stray hair behind his ear, looking pleased with himself. ] after breakfast, i'll play a song for you, if you'd like?
[ jimmy lights up immediately at the offer. genuinely, he just beams at him. ] would you really? that would be – so nice. seriously, i would love that.
[ he has no idea why he's so excited by this, really. he's unreasonably happy considering the fact that it is literally just a song. but despite that, he sits down at the table and begins to eat maybe just a little faster than he needs to. ]
[ he chuckles to himself, taking a fork to his own meal and eating a little slower than jimmy. it's funny, seeing how excited his friend is to hear him sing - but it's not like he doesn't like an audience. the elf picks up the pace a little too. it's been a while since he's been able to perform for anyone that wasn't his grouping of crows. ]
[ he finds himself looking forwards to it, and before he knows it, his plate is empty, and so is jimmy's - and he sets them aside, near the sink. ]
i hope you enjoyed it - the food, i mean. [ he's not sure why he's so nervous about making sure that jimmy enjoyed his meal. ]
i did, i did! [ jimmy's quick to assure him, flashing a smile as he does. ] you're good at cooking, you shouldn't have even worried about it. genuinely, even better than i was expecting.
[ he pauses for a second, eyes darting around the room before settling on his friend again. is it too eager if he asks? ...whatever. he's asking anyways. ] sooo. where do you keep your guitar?
i suppose i'm better than i thought i was - living here for so long has taught me a few handy tricks on cooking, [ he says, sounding thoroughly amused. jimmy really wants to hear him sing, and it honestly brings a little spark of - something? - alive in his chest, and he's now really excited to perform. ]
i keep it in my room. give me literally five seconds, i'll be back.
[ he makes a mad dash for his room and then returns a few moments later, nearly tripping over himself, with his guitar in his hands. ]
tada! what are you in the mood for? do you want a sea shanty? something that's upbeat? a lullaby? i can do almost anything.
[ he says, eager to impress. ]
[ jimmy can't help but laugh at his little sprint to his room, and then giggle even more when he returns just as enthusiastically. ]
i'm sorry, did you just say sea shanty? i think i've gotta hear that now.
[ he looks at him with a very amused grin on his face, before he goes to sit back down on the couch that he'd just slept on. he pulls his legs up to sit criss-cross, and he leans forward eagerly, waiting. ]
well - [ he sighs. ] i suppose i did suggest it. alright. set yourself down, i'll play it for you.
[ he fiddles with the strings of his guitar for a few moments, still standing, before finding the right tune - he begins to strum. at first, he feels a little nervous about the few beginning choruses, but the further he gets into the song, the more confident he gets. it's not long before he's hitting his foot against the ground to imitate the chorus of clapping that one would get upon the beginning of a sea shanty on a ship - a smile wide on his face as he goes through the song with practiced ease. he's done this many times before - and it only takes him taking a leap of faith to get back into it. the song comes to a close after four minutes of enthusiastic singing, where he sways to the lyrics and belts them out, looking quite pleased with himself - and he turns to jimmy with a wide grin. ]
well? did i live up to your standards?
[ as soon as the song is over, jimmy is clapping very enthusiastically, a bright smile on his own face to match with lethe's. he's good at singing, just like he was in the morning, and somehow just as good with the guitar and the, like – what's it called? – the rhythm thing. yeah. whatever. that. he's talented, that's what jimmy's trying to say. ]
very much so!! [ he claps a couple times again, just for good measure. ] you're so good at that, i don't even know what i was expecting from a sea shanty, but it wasn't for you to be so – oh my gosh. yeah. definitely, definitely lived up to my standards. definitely.
[ the elf is quick to duck his head, bashful under such praise. ] you flatter me with your praise.
[ he takes a half-bow before realizing that's awkward and standing up straight, running his fingers through his hair with a large smile. ]
but... i'm glad that you enjoyed it. i'm sure it would be even better if i could gather a whole punch of people with ale upon a ship to make the atmosphere just as accurate.
[ he sounds almost a little... wistful. for a moment, he thinks he can almost remember it - almost hear the noise, feel the wood, smell the sea salt. and then it's gone. ]
your enjoyment means a lot to me, jimmy. thank you for listening.
'course! i should be thanking you, actually, for singing. you're so good at it! [ jimmy knows he's said that before, but he can't help but repeat it. ]
[ he pauses for a second, before rubbing the back of his neck. ] i mean. i wouldn't be opposed to hearing it again. doesn't have to be a sea shanty. [ he laughs, a little sheepish. what is he even saying right now? ] oh – i won't force you to do it now or anything. whenever! only if you want and stuff. just saying. i like listening.
[ the elf goes pink in the face, opting to stare at the ground, tapping a finger aimlessly against the side of his guitar. he hasn't gotten a compliment like this in ages. he hasn't been complimented in ages, period. jimmy's too nice to him... he honestly finds himself at a loss for words in a moment, smiling a little foolishly as he stares at the ground. however, upon hearing that jimmy would like to hear another song, he perks up. ]
you want - another? i can do another! whenever you'd like is alright. i haven't... performed in ages, and usually it's just my crows, but i told you that. i would be delighted to. i'll sing for you whenever you'd like! really, just say the word, and i'll sing something for you. it doesn't even have to be with the guitar, if it's not on me. i would be delighted.
[ perhaps... a little too eager. but it comes with two things that he likes - being praised, and being able to make someone smile. so maybe his over-the-top earnestness can be overlooked just this once...? ]
[ definitely can be overlooked, considering how jimmy is just as (if not more) eager, proven by the way that he immediately sits up straighter, looking at lethe with wide eyes. ]
really? no, yeah, i'd love to hear. like i've said. but. yeah. do you have a favourite song or anything? actually, hang on – do you wanna come sit?
[ he offers, moving over a little to make room for lethe on the couch, figuring that he's probably getting tired standing. or maybe not. maybe he likes standing. maybe that's why he's standing in the first place. right. well, jimmy's said it now, no taking it back. it's not a big deal anyways. it's literally just an offer. there is no reason for jimmy to be thinking about it this much. he needs to relax. ]
sure, i can sit down with you!
[ the elf is more than happy than to plop down next to him with a happy smile, still holding his guitar in his hands. jimmy is a lovely audience to have. possibly the best. not that he has much to go off of, considering his terrible memory, but it's still lovely to have someone so attentive by his side. ]
[ jimmy likes his songs, and is asking for an encore! that's one of the highest forms of praise that any kind of performer can ask for. he's honoured. he resists the urge to giggle to himself - he is grown, and just because he gets one compliment doesn't mean he'll allow himself to act like a fool in front of a guest. ]
a favourite song... mmm, i'm not sure, actually. ooh, there is this song that i like - i can't remember the name, but it's quite lovely. it's short, and it is in another language, but i think you'll enjoy it, nonetheless...
[ he begins to pluck at the strings. it's more like a lullaby, this song, and his voice catches on the accents in a soothing way. the language sounds refined, a little foreign on his tongue, as if it's been a while since he's spoken it - but lovely all the same. it's one of his favourites to sing to himself, even if he isn't sure of the language's name, even if he knows the meanings of all the words. having jimmy's eyes on him inspires him to do his best when he sings, wanting to put on a good performance for his guest. ]
[ jimmy listens carefully, quietly, watching how his fingers expertly dance across the strings, the way he gets this small smile on his face as he sings. jimmy can't help but think that it's a nice smile – objectively, of course. ]
[ if he's being honest, he's never been a super big fan of music. he likes it just as much as the next guy, don't get it wrong, and he definitely has his favourite songs and stuff, but he's not the kind of person that can just sit with headphones on and do nothing else. however, despite that, jimmy thinks he could probably sit here and listen to lethe play for ages without ever getting bored. ]
[ when the song ends, it takes jimmy a second before he starts clapping – he'd gotten lost in thought for a minute there. ]
you just keep getting better! [ he exclaims. ] we seriously need to get you out of this place soon, you'll give griande a run for her money for sure. what was that song about, can i ask?
[ the elf is sure that his face is bright pink, blushing down to the tips of his ears. ] you're too sweet - your flattery is greatly appreciated.
[ he says, nearly tripping over his words as he does so. receiving so many compliments... even if he doesn't know who griande is... it's enough to make him run even more warm than he had felt before. jimmy had watched attentively. does... does he like attention? ]
[ it's a fact that he stores about himself n his mind. knowing anything about who he is is important to him. to start to slowly recover who he is... that's important to him. ]
but i would... i would like to leave this place. there are so many things that i would like to see. a blue sky, like i... like i know it to be. rain in a place that isn't this forest. i want to see what you've built too, jimmy. what everyone has built. i want to taste freedom again.
[ the tone of his voice becomes sombre, but he looks up to meet jimmy's gaze again, and he finds himself smiling. ]
but i'm okay. i get to spend time with you. and that makes me very happy. so thank you.
[ oh, and now jimmy's blushing. great. he ducks his head a little, but his face still feels warm — because the words, they're just so... sweet. genuine. ]
...i'm glad that i can make you happy. by being here.
[ he's happy being here too, of course he is. lethe's sea-shanty-ing is not something he'd want to miss. but, seriously, on a real note, he's just... a good friend. good company. venturing through the fog had been dangerous and did not come without its faults (see: the still-aching wound in his wing), but it was most definitely worth it in the end. lethe's got a very sweet smile, and jimmy is very happy that he now gets to be on the receiving end of it. ]
[ he... wants to continue being on the receiving end of it. he doesn't like the thought of returning home alone while his friend remains trapped here. lethe deserves out of this place — to see the sky and the rain and absolutely anything else that he wants to see. jimmy wants to show him around hermitcraft. he wants to take him to his favourite places on the server. and it's not fair that he just can't — and of course it's not fair, none of this has ever been fair, but jimmy is just all of a sudden hit with a strong bitterness about the whole situation. ]
don't worry. [ he assures him, and he reaches over to take his hand, squeeze it a little. ] we're gonna get you out of here. soon.
[ maybe if he says it enough times he can make it true. ]
[ jimmy's faith in him makes him want to believe. it almost makes him believe. but something in the back of his mind says that it just won't happen. that it's impossible. that it could simply never be. his grip on jimmy's hand tightens a little as he considers his words - so kind, so assured. there is no way to be assured that this will happen, but he wants to believe, so badly so. he... ]
you've made me the most happy i've been in ages, jimmy.
[ he admits. because it's true. having people over is wonderful, and jimmy is a wonderful guest. it makes the elf want to just. ... he's not sure what he wants to do. so instead, he rubs his thumb over one of jimmy's knuckles. ]
life here is monotone. but when - when, [ he repeats. ] you get me out of here, i'm sure i'll find more joy in my everyday life. but with you here, there's no way i can find my life repetitive and boring. you're here.
[ he repeats it, as if he only just now knows that he's here. ]
you're here.
[ again. because jimmy is here. he can hardly believe it, even if he's just sang him a song and made him breakfast. a silly smile spreads across his face as he stares down at their hands, intertwined. ]
so. i won't worry. i trust you, after all.
[ oh, he trusts me. that's... that's wonderful, actually. a small smile blooms on jimmy's face, warmth flooding through his body at the words. ]
[ honestly? it's not too often that people trust him with important things (maybe for good reason), but after only meeting him once, lethe already trusts him. it's... a nice feeling. a really, really nice feeling. ]
[ it takes jimmy a second or two before he actually manages to speak, and when he does, he's pretty sure that the joy in his voice is actually audible. ]
i'm — oh, i'm so glad. that you trust me, i mean. and that you're happy with me here. i'm really, really happy to be here too! [ he laughs a little, almost nervously. ] to be with you.
[ he lets out a delighted little hum, excitedly tapping his fingers against his legs with a large smile as he catches jimmy's gaze. ]
you're a wonderful friend.
[ a friend who he had pledged to die for less than 24 hours ago. ]
i promise that i'll try to make the time you spend with me here - a good time.
[ and so he tries. he takes jimmy through his house, shows him the interior of his room, and the place that he uses to write his letters at. he shows him the quill and ink that he fashionably uses sometimes, sat right next to the pen - the kitchen, his cupboards, even the basement that has materials that he doesn't have access to in the overworld to use in it. ]
[ he shows him around the house, and then to the farm in the back of the house that he uses to grow his crops - and then, he takes jimmy for a walk down to the river. it's one of his favourite places to be. he spends hours staring at it, sometimes, waiting for his reflection to appear - waiting for something to happen. there are no fish in the water, after all, but he enjoys sometimes swimming in it as well. he leads jimmy by the hand to it, afraid to lose him, even though they are nowhere near the border of the fog. ]
"this is one of my favourite places to be," [ he informs jimmy with a bright smile, gesturing to the little clearing where the river runs through. ] "i swim in here sometimes, you know. the water's a little cold at first, but i get used to it fast. plus, there's no fish in here, so it's just a generally gorgeous place to be, don't you think?"
[ the clouds have let up today, and the sun shines against the water in a way that makes it glimmer golden in the light. ]
[ he's right, it is gorgeous. the sunlight shimmering, the water gently lapping at the riverbank, and both of their hands intertwined — yeah, this is really, really lovely. ]
"it's all very pretty," [ jimmy agrees with him, glancing over to look at lethe before turning his gaze back to the water. ] "i'd come here so often, if i lived out here. the fresh air and the water and everything... it's so nice."
[ the tours of the house and farm had been wonderful too, of course. it was especially nice to see the place where lethe writes his letters. it's all too easy to picture him sitting there with that little smile of his on his face as he writes out replies to people. it's a very endearing mental image, and probably something that will occupy jimmy's thoughts once he gets out of the pale garden and has to return to letters for communication. ]
[ it's only been a second before he remembers something else that lethe had mentioned offhandedly earlier. ] "you like swimming?" [ he asks, curiosity clear in his tone. ]
[ he laughs, and crouches down to undo the laces on his shoes. ] "i absolutely do."
[ he tosses one boot aside. then off comes the sock, carefully tucked into the shoe itself. he's preparing to get into the water and swim. then, comes off his shirt, unbuttoned and set to the side carefully. he takes the time to fold it, making a semi-conscious note about the scars along his arms once more. ]
"and, you're sort of right. i do come here a lot, and sometimes the crows like to get into the water with me, if they're feeling adventurous." [ as if summoned by his words, a few crows caw, fluttering down to the ground to join him and peck at his boot. it makes him laugh. ] "swimming is nice. especially when it gets warmer, it's a nice way to cool off. i once had a day so warm that i spent basically the entire day inside of here."
[ off comes the other boot and sock with ease. ]
[ he dips his toes into the water - and once satisfied with the temperature, he drops most of his legs inside, all the way up to his knees. and then, he turns to jimmy with a smile, and asks- ] "wanna go for a swim together?"
[ unfortunately, the majority of those first few sentences go in one ear and out the other, pretty much completely unheard. lethe had just taken his shirt off. okay. a little warning next time, dude? ]
[ and now of course jimmy has to take a moment to just admire, because how could he not? lethe has been pretty this entire time, yes, but jesus christ. he has muscles, and he looks so strong, and, yeah, he's got scars, but it's not like that makes him any less attractive (and jimmy has the completely unwelcome thought somewhere in the back of his mind that he would really like to kiss said scars at some point), and when lethe turns to actually look at jimmy with that sweet little smile of his, his heart actually skips a beat in his chest. ]
[ now. swimming is not something that jimmy does often, if ever. it's all too easy to get feathers wet and waterlogged wings are a pain. but with lethe offering so nicely, how's he meant to turn him down? ]
"sure. sure, yeah, let's go for a swim." [ a small smile is on his face as he says the words, and he sincerely hopes that it isn't obvious how distracted he was a moment ago. ]
[ "go for a swim" might be slightly inaccurate wording, considering he's not planning on going any deeper in the water than up to his waist, but still. he copies lethe's actions from earlier, setting his shoes, socks, and shirt off to the side, more neatly than he would've if he was just on his own. ]
[ finally, he goes to stand at the edge, eyeing the water. he looks over at lethe. ] "it's not cold, is it?" [ he asks warily. ]
[ jimmy shouldn't fault himself for staring, because lethe stares, too. seeing someone else shirtless for the first time can be his excuse, but it's a poor one, considering the truth is that jimmy is - jimmy. jimmy is solidly built and aesthetically pleasing and nice to look at. do not stare at his muscles do not stare at them do not stare at them is his internal monologue as he rips his eyes away. great. he's not staring! exactly what he wanted. ]
"n... no," [ he replies, wincing as he stutters. ] "yeah, no, it's okay. not that cold at all."
[ he slides off of where he'd been sitting next to it to fully sink down into it. he's chosen a part of the river where it's not that deep, it goes a little bit up further past his waist, and he does worry about jimmy's wings. ]
"are your wings going to be alright if you get in, actually?" [ he questions. his gaze wanders to them, instead. beautiful, gold, shining in the sunlight, catching it just right - they do look like the wings of an angel, he realizes. they are so beautiful. they had been so soft to preen. if they get wet, he wonders if he could have the honour of preening them again...? ]
"it'll be fine," [ jimmy assures him, glancing down at the river once more before sliding in too. he's pleased to see that the water really is a nice temperature, and it only goes up to about his waist. perfect, honestly. ] "i'm not planning on getting soaked or anything, and a little water never hurt anyone."
[ even as he says the words, though, he can feel that, somehow, as he'd been getting in, water had ended up on his wings. he can't quite resist the instinct to shake it out with a shiver or two. somewhat sheepishly, he smiles over at his friend. ]
"well, i'll try not to get too soaked," [ he amends. ] "it's not a big deal either way, though! the water's nice, and it'd only be a little bit of a hassle to dry my wings properly later. besides, you wanted to go swimming! how could i say no to you?"
"a little water never hurt anybody," [ he agrees with a small smile and a nod of his head. he watches jimmy get into the water, admiring his wings again. genuinely, what beautiful wings they are. the elf hopes that he won't accidentally get them too soaked. ]
[ however, the urge is quite strong, so he leans over and gives the sides of the wings a soft little pat. ] "i'll help you dry them off, i promise," [ he says, before the last words register in his brain. and then- ] "oh."
[ it's not his fault that he blushes easily, averting his gaze to stare at jimmy's wings instead (and not at his bare chest, hooray!), face pink. ] "that's very sweet of you, jimmy," [ he manages without stuttering over a singular word, but his voice is slightly strained. ] "you're very sweet, i mean." [ this man has apparently just gotten into the water just for him. what's the normal way to react to this? he does not know how to react normally, apparently. ]
"am i?" [ jimmy blinks. he'd admittedly been focusing on the fact that, a) lethe had just patted his wings, which was adorable, and, b) he had also offered to help dry them off after they're done swimming. of course, this means jimmy'd had the immediate thought of purposefully getting a little wet so that lethe would preen his wings again. hey, you can't blame him, it had been nice that first time — even if he had been in quite a lot of pain. he can still remember it feeling nice! very nice. ]
[ right. what had they been talking about again? he attempts to return his attention to the conversation at hand. the first thing he notices is that lethe is blushing, staring at his wings, which is quite possibly the cutest thing that jimmy's seen in his entire life. his heart pangs a little, actually. oh, he is so horribly fond of this man, and it's only been a few days. ]
[ at last, jimmy tears his thoughts away from how endearing lethe is and clears his throat. ] "uh... just being honest?" [ it comes out more like a question than an actual statement. ] "just being honest," [ he repeats. ] "...or maybe i'm just a sucker for a pretty face, who knows." [ the words are out before he can even think twice about them. ]
[ a sucker for a pretty face. he glances down into the river to try and glance a glimpse of his reflection, but once again, is greeted with nothing. he still doesn't know how he looks, but jimmy is looking at him with this look in his eyes that makes heat rush to his face, a fierce blush overtaking his skin. the tips of his ears feel red-hot, and he gapes openly at jimmy, before remembering to close his mouth (lest he look like a fish). him. his face. pretty. he stares into jimmy's eyes (gorgeous eyes), wordlessly, feeling like him in his entirety has been frozen in time. ]
[ jimmy is pretty. of course, this is a natural fact of life, but oh gods, jimmy is pretty. he sees it so clearly now, in the midday sun, shining down on jimmy's wings, golden and beautiful and his eyes, his eyes are this gorgeous shade of brown and his lips beautifully pink and he's looking, looking right at him with this expression he can't quite decipher but it is like his heart has been ripped out of his chest and is being inspected by those eyes. those soft, doe-like eyes full of kindness and his breath is just stolen because jimmy is pretty, but he is not just pretty he is handsome. ]
[ his hand raises out of the water, still dripping with droplets as he tucks a stray strand of hair behind his ear, even as he can't bear to rip his eyes away from eye-contact. it comes out in a singular breath. ]
"does this mean i'm weak to handsome men, then?"
[ it's an innocent enough question, but the layers are there and the tension is thick and jimmy is so much more than handsome. he is beautiful. gorgeous. ]
sheriff,
should i start addressing you as that? sheriff? consistently? the outfit is quite fitting on you, though, i must say. you're flattering. it flatters you, i mean. [ the next line is scribbled out in ink so thoroughly it's impossible to make out what he'd originally written. ] the outfit is good on you, is what i mean to say.
i've been away for quite some time, i feel. or maybe time has just passed differently. or perhaps, time is not real at all, and i have only been gone for moments, minutes. it's hard to tell. however, i write you this letter to tell you that i have missed you, and i sincerely hope you are doing well.
i promise that i am a law-abiding citizen, though. i have never done a crime (to my recollection, that is.) ah, imagine if the 'me' of before was a criminal! i wonder what kind? perhaps i'd be some sort of thief, stealing from the rich to give to the poor... what an excellent plotline, if i do say so myself. wouldn't that story be intriguing? however, if i was any sort of criminal... please have mercy on me, sheriff? :]
sincerely,
your friend.
@sincerely-some-guy
[ as soon as he gets the letter, jimmy's eyes are drawn to the blotted-out words. he tries hard to read what it says, but his efforts are fruitless. whatever it is, it's completely indecipherable. damn it. he's curious, especially considering what the earlier sentences had said. he stares at that spot on the paper for maybe a little too long. ]
[ unsolved mystery of the scribbled-out sentence aside, though, jimmy writes back pretty much immediately. it's been way too long since he's heard from his friend, after all. ]
evening!!
it's definitely been way too long, you're right. it feels like it's been ages since we last talked, at least. i've really missed you too. how's all the fogging and stuff going? or whatever you do all the way over there, haha. i've been doing well, don't you worry, you really aren't missed much. i do wish you were here, though!
and hey, you like the outfit? that's really sweet of you to say, honestly. haven't broken out the old sheriff clothes since empires, which was, like, ages ago. i'm glad you like it! you should come see it in person LOL
as for mercy, though... well, to be clear, i was a really good sheriff back in the day. catching bandits and stuff was my thing, you know! (please imagine me flexing my muscles at you right now.) none of those bad guys could ever escape me. and i definitely couldn't be bribed. ever. but, well, i think i would have to make an exception for you. privileges of being my friend! don't tell the others, though, because i absolutely would not let anyone else go free. you better feel special, haha.
love, jimmy!!
sheriff,
i've not done much, unfortunately. i think you know better than most that life in the pale garden isn't exactly exciting. don't think i didn't see you pacing before i had to force you to go back home. i occupy myself, though. do you remember that river i brought you to? i've been down there quite a few times. i tend to go there now when i miss you. i've been writing a bit, and tending to the crows - they're more hungry for seeds than usual. i think they miss you, too. i always wish i was there with you.
as soon as i figure out how to get out of here, i'm forcing you to get into those clothes if you've ditched them by then. you'll have to do it. i must see it happen. do you have a badge? i remember sheriffs are supposed to have badges. i don't remember ever meeting one other than you, though. i'm curious.
and now that you've written that, i'm incredibly curious. what escapades were you up to on empires that involved bribing? catching criminals? your stories intrigue me - all these things that have happened between you and your friends are always fascinating. it makes me want to have been there to experience it as well. if i had been in empires, i wonder how things would have gone. i would have gotten to see a lot more of you, at the very least, under a blue sky where i could do as i liked. wouldn't that be lovely?
(thank you for making an exception for me, though. i won't tell a soul! i feel very special and very honoured, sheriff.)
i'm so glad to have heard back from you.
love,
your friend. ♡
[ of course, jimmy's eyes catch on the love, your friend and the little heart (oh, the heart, that's cute) first. as he reads the rest of the letter, there's this pleasant warmth that lingers in his chest and a small smile that rests on his face. ]
hey, you got back to me quick!
you go down to that river when you miss me? oh, that's really, really sweet, i wish i could still be there with you. i miss you too. and the crows! tell them i say hi or something, haha!
and don't worry, once you finally get out of there and come over here, i'll let you do whatever you want. and if that includes digging up the sheriff clothes again, consider it done! (and yeah, i do have a badge! a hat and everything, too!)
there's definitely a few interesting stories i could tell you about... like, there was this one time where me and fwhip — he was my deputy for a while, back then, before i had to fire him (but that's a story for another time) — we busted a bunch of thieves that had been hiding away in the mines with a bunch of TNT. it was awesome. really badass and stuff! honestly, i think i would've really liked having you there with me during empires. i think you would've liked tumble town. i hope you would've, at least. it wasn't the most successful empire or anything, but, you know. it was mine.
well, maybe i'll show you around someday! you'll get friends-with-the-sheriff privileges! i'll give you a whole special tour and everything... we gotta actually do that sometime, okay? you'll have to dress the part, too — cowboy boots and everything. oh, i can see it in my mind already. it'll be perfect.
(and hey — jokes aside, it made me really happy to get your letter back. i really do miss you. a lot.)
love, jimmy. ♡
sheriff ♡,
of course i'll get back to you quickly. i'm always, admittedly, very excited when your messages come in and i almost always start immediately replying as soon as i catch a second. you mean a lot to me, after all. i'll make sure to tell the crows that you miss them. and of course i return. the time you spent with me i think is the happiest i have ever been.
aww, you do have a little badge and a hat! that's adorable, i love that. i will be looking forwards to seeing you in that outfit, by the way, i'll have you know.
i don't think i've ever messaged this 'fwhip' individual personally - he does not seem to have a mailbox, unfortunately, because what you two have done together sounds quite incredible and very interesting. thieves tormenting your empire? had you ever considered publicly executing them for disrespecting the law? (is that still a thing? for some reason, i feel like wherever i've come from originally must have had that as a thing, because it feels natural, but now that i think about it, i'm sure other places must have different ways of going about things.) that would have probably scared off the rest of them, but TNT is good as well. and, i think i would have liked the town. if it was yours, i would have loved it, actually.
when i get out of here, we'll go visit together. and if that's what you want from me, i'll absolutely dress up in the clothes. i wouldn't mind a change of my closet or of my fashion - i think i could probably pull it off, don't you? i wonder how i'd look in that sort of fashion (and i have no frame of reference, considering i don't know what i look like). do you think i'd look alright?
i miss you too, jimmy.
with lots of love,
your friend ♡
moooorning!!
aaawww, you get that excited to hear back from me? that's so sweet. it's the same for me, though — usually, it takes me ages to get back to people, if at all. hey, it's not my fault, i just forget and by the time i remember it's too late to reply anyways! maybe i'm just not made for the writing-letters lifestyle... but you're really important to me too, so i make sure to reply as soon as i can. ♡
also, hey, the sheriff hat and badge is meant to be intimidating, not adorable. a strike-fear-into-the-hearts-of-my-enemies kinda thing! well, you'll see it, and then you'll get what i mean. not adorable at all.
we never did public executions in tumble town, no. i'm not sure if anyone did that in all of empires, actually. but we did have a pretty decent jail, if i do say so myself! it was kinda small, though, now that i'm thinking about it... public executions might have been the way to go, especially since, well, not many people were actually scared off by the jail. i'm really, really happy to hear that you think you would've liked it, though. that means a lot, coming from you. :]
oh, and i know you'd definitely be able to pull the clothes off. i know you don't know what you look like and all, but take my word for it, you really are very handsome — easily one of the prettiest people i've ever seen. i mean it! if i'm being really honest, i think you would look good in just about anything. hey, you know what, i'll even let you wear an honorary deputy badge when you do come over, i'm sure i've got one around somewhere!
love, jimmy. ♡
p.s. i think i'm kind of losing it over here. is it weird to say i miss the sound of your voice? because i really, really do.
[ for some reason, as he picks up the pen to write the letter back, his heart does a little stutter in his chest as he looks at the placement of the heart. they'd been exchanging letters like these - a little bit of a border over the label of friendship for some time, and the little hearts are so lovely and after the day he's had, for some reason, it makes him feel warm. he begins to write. ]
dearest sheriff ♡,
i've had.. an eventful day, today. i've met this girl. i've dreamed of her face, before, but today i met her actually in person. she told me that she knew me from before i was in the pale garden. we didn't talk for long. the fact that i've forgotten all about this... sister, that i used to have, is... well, admittedly upsetting. but she's said she's going to come back and that she's going to find a way to get me to leave, so i think we have good news. on another note, she told me what my name is. my name is lethe. it's never felt so real before, and i know it must be true, because it feels so right. my name is lethe.
enough about that, though. i'll admit you've made me feel quite warm and fuzzy with that first paragraph. you're very important to me too, jimmy, and i do my best to reply as quickly as possible because i like updating you about this, i like talking to you. i love spending time with you or being with you in any way possible, even if that's just through a letter. thank you for always writing back.
unfortunately, i think i might find it more adorable when i actually see it on you. ♡
well, if you want to strike fear into the hearts of your enemies, establishing the fat that you will actually do something drastic to implement the idea of power into other people's hearts is definitely a classic way to go. i could talk more about this and how people respect raw power and an establishment of power through typically violent means more rather than passive, but i'm not sure if you want to hear me rant about how people respect systems & how to set up one. especially since they're so easily corruptible, especially if you're using violence as a way to subdue other people (which i don't always agree with, i think it should be a last resort if people really and truly do not listen). but, that aside, of course i would say that. if it's something from you, i think i would truly adore anything you made.
i'm not sure if i'd look good in 'just about anything', but i'll take your word for it... and.. every other compliment. ♡ ♡ [ the ink dries here, as if he had to think very hard before writing what he wrote next. ] you're also very handsome, in my opinion, jimmy. i'll wear that deputy badge and anything you give me without complaint at all. it's like almost an official statement that we're in cahoots, or with one another.. isn't that cute?
i also don't think that's weird. i think it's very sweet. when you come back to visit me or when i leave, i'll sing for you as much as you want.
love,
lethe ♡
lethe!!!!!!
that's such a pretty name, oh my gosh!!! i love it, it suits you so, so well. lethe... oh, you've got to tell me more right now. your sister? how'd she even find you if you didn't know about her? what else did she tell you? she's really going to find a way to get you out? how? when? soon, do you think? oh my gosh, this is insane.
you don't have to thank me for writing back, silly! i like talking to you. i'll always write back — and when your sister gets you out of that place, you better believe that i'm going to come bother you in person all the time, too. lovingly, of course.
...and. well. if you think i'm adorable, i guess i won't argue with you. ♡
that's really interesting, too, all that about the establishment of power and stuff. honestly, i never really did manage to get people to respect the system back in tumble town. where were you back then? hah, i could've used this information much better — you know, i probably could've done most things much better, if i'd had you by my side. i would really love to hear more, though, if you do want to "rant" about it. i'm always interested in what you have to say!
you're really sweet, you know that? thank you for the compliment. and, yeah, i think it'd be cute, too. like we're matching! "in cahoots" is an interesting way of putting it, though, haha. i think i prefer just with each other. i feel like that sounds right.
with love (and thinking about you lots),
jimmy ♡
dearest jimmy ♡,
well, it's a bit of a long story, and if i miss any details when talking about it here, you can always ask me about it when i'm there with you. but. thank you. i'm glad you think my name is pretty. i wonder how you'd pronounce it? i think it must be in a manner that would be pleasant to hear on the ears.
about my sister, though - she's very good with like... code. she told me all sorts of stories about her exploits from before. it's honestly baffling - she and i apparently got up to a multitude of insane things. what do you mean we jumped from server to server together, i had to stop her from trying to behead someone, and then we left when we felt like it was time? well. other than that, apparently she's the reason i'm stuck here. it was an accident, of course - she fucked around with some beings that were incredibly powerful by rigging a game of theirs in favour of the players, and i willingly took the repercussions, which is. i can't even say that i wouldn't, because i would. i'm a little upset with her, but i understand why things played out the way that they did. she doesn't have an exact quota for time for when she's going to get me out, and she told me she's going to start stealing people to take them to me if she can't get me out soon and try and connect with someone else who's good with the code in order to let me leave. so. progress! more than nothing!
if you came to bother me all the time, i think nothing else would make me happier, by the way. spending time with you always brings me this sort of warmth that just makes me feel. loved? cared about? consistently, and it's lovely. you're lovely. (and yes, i do think you're adorable, jimmy. ♡)
hehe, it's very unfortunate i wasn't there then to give you a few tips and tricks. i think systems of judgement and power are genuinely fascinating in how they work and how they come to be, as well as how they're managed. that's very sweet, though, the notion that you could do things better if i was with you - if i could help out in any way, i'd be honoured and very pleased. (apparently, i was a soldier. well, she didn't tell me this directly, but she calls me 'soldier boy' every once in awhile, so i can pick up the very obvious hint.) so, i'm very well-versed in how they work, at least subconsciously. besides, if i could be by your side, i think i'd do just about anything and weather anything with you. thank you for listening - or, well, reading, what i have to say.
i suppose you're right, though, too. 'with one another' does have this sort of ring to it, doesn't it? ♡
with love (and also thinking about you always),
lethe ♡
[ as he packages the letter and hands it to one of the crows, he feels like some sort of teenage girl with a crush for the first time, giggling and kicking her feet. he sends off the letter with a kiss to the seal and watches as the crow soars away with something like hope. ]
dear lethe ♡,
can i just say quickly, before anything else, it really is nice to know your name. of course, it must be much nicer for you, but i love knowing it too. now whenever i think about you, i get to use your name, and not your silly little stand-in of "guy," which is still great and all, but, well. lethe is much better. and as for how i pronounce it... i guess you'll just have to wait and see :P
speaking of waiting and seeing, though — oh, i'm so happy to hear that your sister really is working on a way to get you out of there. seriously, i've been thinking about it non-stop since your last letter. of course, i wouldn't have minded waiting for you for as long as it ended up taking, but hearing that it'll be soon is amazing. i really, really can't wait to see you again. i better be on that list of people she's going to bring to visit you! ♡
those stories are pretty cool, actually. she tried to behead someone? well — it sounds like you two had quite the time together! but yeah, messing around with powerful beings doesn't seem like it would have the best results... i'm sorry that you have to deal with the consequences. it is admirable of you to take the fall for her, though. "soldier boy" sure is an interesting nickname. i wonder whether you'll start to remember things about that once you get to leave the pale garden? we'll see, i guess.
i know your tips and tricks would've come in super handy during empires, because of course they would, you really do seem like you know a lot about this stuff — but i think that your company would've easily been the best part of you being there with me, haha.
and hey, before i forget — i love spending time with you too! it makes me really happy to hear that you feel loved & cared about when i'm with you ♡♡ you're very lovely too. and adorable! your dimples are really sweet especially. your eyes are very pretty, too, of course. i noticed them as soon as i saw you for the first time. and you know, you furrow your eyebrows in this super cute way when you're focused on something, and your singing voice is just so lovely, i keep thinking about it, and, obviously, i love your smile... you know, when i read over your letters, i like to think about you sitting at that place you showed me with your little ink and quill and that silly little smile on your face. it's a very endearing mental image, i'll have you know. it usually makes me miss you a lot more, though, which kind of sucks. but hey, at least you're gonna be here soon! and then i won't have to miss you anymore. ♡
lots of love,
jimmy ♡
[ sending off this letter... it does make jimmy a little nervous. it's extremely late at night, which probably contributes to why he's actually going to be sending it to lethe and hadn't just crumpled it up into the trash the second he started rambling on during that last paragraph. ]
[ despite his nerves, he lets the crow pluck the letter from his hands and watches as it flies off (a familiar routine by now). that's that. all he can do now is wait for lethe's response. ]
my dearest jimmy ♡,
don't tease me like that! now i'll think about it even more than i've already been thinking about it, which is, admittedly, a lot more than i should. and my stand in name was great. even if it was thought up in like five seconds when i realized i had to sign off with a name while writing letters. how unfortunate. still. it is nice. but it'd be nicer to hear it with your accent. it's a nice accent.
i told you about her, by the way, so i'm sure you'll be on the list of people who she'll drag to see me. if you see a lady with green hair and sort of intimidating red eyes, that's her! her name is illux, by the way, but she'll probably introduce herself anyways. don't feel too intimidated, and if she gives you a nickname, it's probably just meant to... acquaint you more with her. trusting my gut feeling with that. but, really, i'm excited by the prospect of seeing you again. ♡
i'm sure she can tell you some stories herself when she meets you. i honestly sort of both dread and hope that i'll remember more. an explanation for my night terrors would be lovely. but as soon as she did tell me something about the 'soldier' bit, all of a sudden the amount of bloodshed does just logically make sense, doesn't it? it is unfortunate i had to take the fall, but i still have this thought that it was better me than her. i suppose subconscious care extends through even memory wipes.
awww, thank you, by the way. it's always lovely to know you love my company as much as i love yours, jimmy. ♡ well, if we're complimenting one another, i think you should know that i also think that your eyes are beautiful. they're just this lovely shade of brown and they catch the sunlight just right when i stare at them, especially right after you've woken up. you're very cute when you're sleepy, you know? the timbre of your voice is also very nice to listen to and i like it when you get all excited about something you're interested or passionate about. your wings, of course, are also gorgeous and they have this wonderful texture and i like preening them for you. you've also got this handsome face that i adore. i like to think about you trying to figure out how to word something correctly when you're writing back to me. i wonder if you kick back your legs and think or if you frown like i do, and lean forwards? i'd like to see it for myself, one day. i miss you more than i think i say, and i say it quite often. ♡
this letter was sent quite late, by the way, so i hope you're sleeping early tonight, jimmy. don't make me break the laws of the strange creatures that imprisoned me here to force you to go to sleep!
with adoration,
lethe ♡
[ it takes him some time to gather up the nerves to write back. he'd spend the day pacing around, trying to think of an appropriate way to respond - the last paragraph is one he's read countless times, and he had stashed the letter into his drawer in the nightstand. it's precious to him, now, to take it out and read it every five minutes - and he has a feeling he'll be coming back to read it again whenever he misses jimmy. ]
[ writing that last part was like starting and being entirely unable to stop. he just hopes he isn't crossing some sort of line, but he think it's sort of due with how that letter from jimmy had left him giggling, squealing, kicking his legs, burying his face into his pillow, and then giggling some more. he rereads jimmy's letter one more time before sending his own back - is this real? is jimmy real? surely someone as lovely as him couldn't possibly be complimenting him like that. ]
[ but before he can contemplate even more, the crow steals the letters from his hands - and despite lethe's yelp of surprise and protest, it takes off into the night. lethe stares at it almost with regret. he had been thinking about rewriting it... but clearly fate had other plans. ]
... continuation from here. @jimmys-mailbox
[ the next morning, the light shines through the curtains of the living room where jimmy is sleeping. it's accompanied by the sound of someone singing a slow yet hopeful tune. the words are a little out of reach, but most of it is simply open-mouthed singing, the sound filling the cabin with the feeling of 'home'. ]
[ it seems that jimmy's companion got up earlier than he did, and is making breakfast for the both of them. ]
[ he wakes up soon after. very briefly, he wonders where he is, why his back is aching so strongly, why his wing is hurting so much. and then, as he opens his eyes and takes account of his surroundings, he remembers — the fog, getting hurt, meeting guy. ]
[ he yawns, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his palms and propping himself up on his elbows to look over at the kitchen, where his friend was doing- something, back turned to him. ]
morning. [ he says, voice a little rough, scratchy. ]
[ the elf turns around with a small smile. ]
ah, you're up! i've almost finished making breakfast. how do you feel? is the wing alright?
[ he's quick to check in and make sure that jimmy is alright. in his hand is a spatula, which speaks to the fact that he'd just been trying to cook something. ]
please, feel free to let me know if you feel any discomfort, or anything - i have spare potions. did you sleep alright?
i slept alright, yeah!
[ the words are bright, even if they're not fully true. the couch was comfortable, but it was a little small, and now his back did ache a bit. but he could deal. he props himself up on his elbows, squints over at lethe. ]
whatcha making?
i'm attempting to make potatoes.
[ he sighs, looking down at the pan. ]
it's going semi-well. i don't have too many resources here, due to a lack of meat. i'm probably going to become anemic at this rate...
[ he shakes his head. ]
anyways! that aside, it should be done... soon... ish? most likely. i hope it won't taste too bad...
it'll be great, i'm sure! the soup last night was really good, so...
[ jimmy trails off. he sits up on the couch, runs his hands through his hair a couple times and hopes it's not as messy as it feels. he stretches out his wing a bit, the injured one, and winces in pain. it's not so bad, not like how it had been yesterday, but still. after a moment, he gets up and walks over to the kitchen, standing next to his friend and leaning against the counter. ]
did you sleep well, then?
[ he seems quite excited to hear that jimmy has liked his cooking. ]
i'm so glad that you liked it!
[ he beams. if he notices how messy jimmy's hair is and how he seems to be a little bit just messy in general, he doesn't comment on it, returning his focus to the food. ]
...ah, yes. sleep? yeah, i slept well enough.
[ it takes him a moment to answer the question, and decides not to mention the nightmares of memories? that he'd had during the night before. of being unable to save people. unable to help. witnessing carnage before his eyes over and over. ]
glad you slept well!
[ jimmy says it brightly, earnestly – not at all picking up on the hesitation behind the words. he runs his hands through his hair a few more times. nervous habit shining through, even if he's not really nervous right now. ]
hey, by the way, were you singing, earlier? [ he asks curiously. ]
...singing?
[ it takes him a moment to register what jimmy is implying, and he looks away. he hadn't realized that the other had been awake to listen to him sing - he hadn't thought jimmy was awake, period. ]
well - yes. i do like to sing, that's true. i have a guitar that i use sometimes with my singing. the crows like to crowd and listen when i do.
[ he chuckles at the thought. he then proceeds to realize that the food will start to burn if he keeps it on for much longer, so he takes it off of the stove, finding two plates for the both of them. ]
it's not much - i do apologize again, i wish i had something a little more to give to a guest of mine.
oh, don't apologize! it looks good, dude, really. besides, i'm not picky! what kinda guest would i be if i started criticizing the food you made me after i've just basically sprung an impromptu sleepover on you, huh?
[ it's a joke, but jimmy genuinely does feel a little guilty. it was supposed to be a fun, short visit. but then he'd gone and gotten his wing injured and now neither of them really have a choice – he's sort of stuck here. not that jimmy minds that – lethe's good company! but still. ]
also – you play guitar? you have got to show me some time, that's so cool! your singing is already really good on its own, honestly, but with the guitar and stuff, oh, i bet it's great!
oh, please don't apologize.
[ he sets down the plates on the table. ]
i love company. i take company wherever i can get it, really. whenever someone spends time with me - that's precious time spent. please don't feel like you're intruding on my household, i'm very, very happy to have you here.
[ he will not speak of the fact that he is incredibly lonely and even the sight of another person makes him giddy. ]
well, i - i suppose i can... i can do that for you, [ he smiles, tucking a piece of stray hair behind his ear, looking pleased with himself. ] after breakfast, i'll play a song for you, if you'd like?
[ jimmy lights up immediately at the offer. genuinely, he just beams at him. ] would you really? that would be – so nice. seriously, i would love that.
[ he has no idea why he's so excited by this, really. he's unreasonably happy considering the fact that it is literally just a song. but despite that, he sits down at the table and begins to eat maybe just a little faster than he needs to. ]
[ he chuckles to himself, taking a fork to his own meal and eating a little slower than jimmy. it's funny, seeing how excited his friend is to hear him sing - but it's not like he doesn't like an audience. the elf picks up the pace a little too. it's been a while since he's been able to perform for anyone that wasn't his grouping of crows. ]
[ he finds himself looking forwards to it, and before he knows it, his plate is empty, and so is jimmy's - and he sets them aside, near the sink. ]
i hope you enjoyed it - the food, i mean. [ he's not sure why he's so nervous about making sure that jimmy enjoyed his meal. ]
i did, i did! [ jimmy's quick to assure him, flashing a smile as he does. ] you're good at cooking, you shouldn't have even worried about it. genuinely, even better than i was expecting.
[ he pauses for a second, eyes darting around the room before settling on his friend again. is it too eager if he asks? ...whatever. he's asking anyways. ] sooo. where do you keep your guitar?
i suppose i'm better than i thought i was - living here for so long has taught me a few handy tricks on cooking, [ he says, sounding thoroughly amused. jimmy really wants to hear him sing, and it honestly brings a little spark of - something? - alive in his chest, and he's now really excited to perform. ]
i keep it in my room. give me literally five seconds, i'll be back.
[ he makes a mad dash for his room and then returns a few moments later, nearly tripping over himself, with his guitar in his hands. ]
tada! what are you in the mood for? do you want a sea shanty? something that's upbeat? a lullaby? i can do almost anything.
[ he says, eager to impress. ]
[ jimmy can't help but laugh at his little sprint to his room, and then giggle even more when he returns just as enthusiastically. ]
i'm sorry, did you just say sea shanty? i think i've gotta hear that now.
[ he looks at him with a very amused grin on his face, before he goes to sit back down on the couch that he'd just slept on. he pulls his legs up to sit criss-cross, and he leans forward eagerly, waiting. ]
well - [ he sighs. ] i suppose i did suggest it. alright. set yourself down, i'll play it for you.
[ he fiddles with the strings of his guitar for a few moments, still standing, before finding the right tune - he begins to strum. at first, he feels a little nervous about the few beginning choruses, but the further he gets into the song, the more confident he gets. it's not long before he's hitting his foot against the ground to imitate the chorus of clapping that one would get upon the beginning of a sea shanty on a ship - a smile wide on his face as he goes through the song with practiced ease. he's done this many times before - and it only takes him taking a leap of faith to get back into it. the song comes to a close after four minutes of enthusiastic singing, where he sways to the lyrics and belts them out, looking quite pleased with himself - and he turns to jimmy with a wide grin. ]
well? did i live up to your standards?
[ as soon as the song is over, jimmy is clapping very enthusiastically, a bright smile on his own face to match with lethe's. he's good at singing, just like he was in the morning, and somehow just as good with the guitar and the, like – what's it called? – the rhythm thing. yeah. whatever. that. he's talented, that's what jimmy's trying to say. ]
very much so!! [ he claps a couple times again, just for good measure. ] you're so good at that, i don't even know what i was expecting from a sea shanty, but it wasn't for you to be so – oh my gosh. yeah. definitely, definitely lived up to my standards. definitely.
[ the elf is quick to duck his head, bashful under such praise. ] you flatter me with your praise.
[ he takes a half-bow before realizing that's awkward and standing up straight, running his fingers through his hair with a large smile. ]
but... i'm glad that you enjoyed it. i'm sure it would be even better if i could gather a whole punch of people with ale upon a ship to make the atmosphere just as accurate.
[ he sounds almost a little... wistful. for a moment, he thinks he can almost remember it - almost hear the noise, feel the wood, smell the sea salt. and then it's gone. ]
your enjoyment means a lot to me, jimmy. thank you for listening.
'course! i should be thanking you, actually, for singing. you're so good at it! [ jimmy knows he's said that before, but he can't help but repeat it. ]
[ he pauses for a second, before rubbing the back of his neck. ] i mean. i wouldn't be opposed to hearing it again. doesn't have to be a sea shanty. [ he laughs, a little sheepish. what is he even saying right now? ] oh – i won't force you to do it now or anything. whenever! only if you want and stuff. just saying. i like listening.
[ the elf goes pink in the face, opting to stare at the ground, tapping a finger aimlessly against the side of his guitar. he hasn't gotten a compliment like this in ages. he hasn't been complimented in ages, period. jimmy's too nice to him... he honestly finds himself at a loss for words in a moment, smiling a little foolishly as he stares at the ground. however, upon hearing that jimmy would like to hear another song, he perks up. ]
you want - another? i can do another! whenever you'd like is alright. i haven't... performed in ages, and usually it's just my crows, but i told you that. i would be delighted to. i'll sing for you whenever you'd like! really, just say the word, and i'll sing something for you. it doesn't even have to be with the guitar, if it's not on me. i would be delighted.
[ perhaps... a little too eager. but it comes with two things that he likes - being praised, and being able to make someone smile. so maybe his over-the-top earnestness can be overlooked just this once...? ]
[ definitely can be overlooked, considering how jimmy is just as (if not more) eager, proven by the way that he immediately sits up straighter, looking at lethe with wide eyes. ]
really? no, yeah, i'd love to hear. like i've said. but. yeah. do you have a favourite song or anything? actually, hang on – do you wanna come sit?
[ he offers, moving over a little to make room for lethe on the couch, figuring that he's probably getting tired standing. or maybe not. maybe he likes standing. maybe that's why he's standing in the first place. right. well, jimmy's said it now, no taking it back. it's not a big deal anyways. it's literally just an offer. there is no reason for jimmy to be thinking about it this much. he needs to relax. ]
sure, i can sit down with you!
[ the elf is more than happy than to plop down next to him with a happy smile, still holding his guitar in his hands. jimmy is a lovely audience to have. possibly the best. not that he has much to go off of, considering his terrible memory, but it's still lovely to have someone so attentive by his side. ]
[ jimmy likes his songs, and is asking for an encore! that's one of the highest forms of praise that any kind of performer can ask for. he's honoured. he resists the urge to giggle to himself - he is grown, and just because he gets one compliment doesn't mean he'll allow himself to act like a fool in front of a guest. ]
a favourite song... mmm, i'm not sure, actually. ooh, there is this song that i like - i can't remember the name, but it's quite lovely. it's short, and it is in another language, but i think you'll enjoy it, nonetheless...
[ he begins to pluck at the strings. it's more like a lullaby, this song, and his voice catches on the accents in a soothing way. the language sounds refined, a little foreign on his tongue, as if it's been a while since he's spoken it - but lovely all the same. it's one of his favourites to sing to himself, even if he isn't sure of the language's name, even if he knows the meanings of all the words. having jimmy's eyes on him inspires him to do his best when he sings, wanting to put on a good performance for his guest. ]
[ jimmy listens carefully, quietly, watching how his fingers expertly dance across the strings, the way he gets this small smile on his face as he sings. jimmy can't help but think that it's a nice smile – objectively, of course. ]
[ if he's being honest, he's never been a super big fan of music. he likes it just as much as the next guy, don't get it wrong, and he definitely has his favourite songs and stuff, but he's not the kind of person that can just sit with headphones on and do nothing else. however, despite that, jimmy thinks he could probably sit here and listen to lethe play for ages without ever getting bored. ]
[ when the song ends, it takes jimmy a second before he starts clapping – he'd gotten lost in thought for a minute there. ]
you just keep getting better! [ he exclaims. ] we seriously need to get you out of this place soon, you'll give griande a run for her money for sure. what was that song about, can i ask?
[ the elf is sure that his face is bright pink, blushing down to the tips of his ears. ] you're too sweet - your flattery is greatly appreciated.
[ he says, nearly tripping over his words as he does so. receiving so many compliments... even if he doesn't know who griande is... it's enough to make him run even more warm than he had felt before. jimmy had watched attentively. does... does he like attention? ]
[ it's a fact that he stores about himself n his mind. knowing anything about who he is is important to him. to start to slowly recover who he is... that's important to him. ]
but i would... i would like to leave this place. there are so many things that i would like to see. a blue sky, like i... like i know it to be. rain in a place that isn't this forest. i want to see what you've built too, jimmy. what everyone has built. i want to taste freedom again.
[ the tone of his voice becomes sombre, but he looks up to meet jimmy's gaze again, and he finds himself smiling. ]
but i'm okay. i get to spend time with you. and that makes me very happy. so thank you.
[ oh, and now jimmy's blushing. great. he ducks his head a little, but his face still feels warm — because the words, they're just so... sweet. genuine. ]
...i'm glad that i can make you happy. by being here.
[ he's happy being here too, of course he is. lethe's sea-shanty-ing is not something he'd want to miss. but, seriously, on a real note, he's just... a good friend. good company. venturing through the fog had been dangerous and did not come without its faults (see: the still-aching wound in his wing), but it was most definitely worth it in the end. lethe's got a very sweet smile, and jimmy is very happy that he now gets to be on the receiving end of it. ]
[ he... wants to continue being on the receiving end of it. he doesn't like the thought of returning home alone while his friend remains trapped here. lethe deserves out of this place — to see the sky and the rain and absolutely anything else that he wants to see. jimmy wants to show him around hermitcraft. he wants to take him to his favourite places on the server. and it's not fair that he just can't — and of course it's not fair, none of this has ever been fair, but jimmy is just all of a sudden hit with a strong bitterness about the whole situation. ]
don't worry. [ he assures him, and he reaches over to take his hand, squeeze it a little. ] we're gonna get you out of here. soon.
[ maybe if he says it enough times he can make it true. ]
[ jimmy's faith in him makes him want to believe. it almost makes him believe. but something in the back of his mind says that it just won't happen. that it's impossible. that it could simply never be. his grip on jimmy's hand tightens a little as he considers his words - so kind, so assured. there is no way to be assured that this will happen, but he wants to believe, so badly so. he... ]
you've made me the most happy i've been in ages, jimmy.
[ he admits. because it's true. having people over is wonderful, and jimmy is a wonderful guest. it makes the elf want to just. ... he's not sure what he wants to do. so instead, he rubs his thumb over one of jimmy's knuckles. ]
life here is monotone. but when - when, [ he repeats. ] you get me out of here, i'm sure i'll find more joy in my everyday life. but with you here, there's no way i can find my life repetitive and boring. you're here.
[ he repeats it, as if he only just now knows that he's here. ]
you're here.
[ again. because jimmy is here. he can hardly believe it, even if he's just sang him a song and made him breakfast. a silly smile spreads across his face as he stares down at their hands, intertwined. ]
so. i won't worry. i trust you, after all.
[ oh, he trusts me. that's... that's wonderful, actually. a small smile blooms on jimmy's face, warmth flooding through his body at the words. ]
[ honestly? it's not too often that people trust him with important things (maybe for good reason), but after only meeting him once, lethe already trusts him. it's... a nice feeling. a really, really nice feeling. ]
[ it takes jimmy a second or two before he actually manages to speak, and when he does, he's pretty sure that the joy in his voice is actually audible. ]
i'm — oh, i'm so glad. that you trust me, i mean. and that you're happy with me here. i'm really, really happy to be here too! [ he laughs a little, almost nervously. ] to be with you.
[ he lets out a delighted little hum, excitedly tapping his fingers against his legs with a large smile as he catches jimmy's gaze. ]
you're a wonderful friend.
[ a friend who he had pledged to die for less than 24 hours ago. ]
i promise that i'll try to make the time you spend with me here - a good time.
[ and so he tries. he takes jimmy through his house, shows him the interior of his room, and the place that he uses to write his letters at. he shows him the quill and ink that he fashionably uses sometimes, sat right next to the pen - the kitchen, his cupboards, even the basement that has materials that he doesn't have access to in the overworld to use in it. ]
[ he shows him around the house, and then to the farm in the back of the house that he uses to grow his crops - and then, he takes jimmy for a walk down to the river. it's one of his favourite places to be. he spends hours staring at it, sometimes, waiting for his reflection to appear - waiting for something to happen. there are no fish in the water, after all, but he enjoys sometimes swimming in it as well. he leads jimmy by the hand to it, afraid to lose him, even though they are nowhere near the border of the fog. ]
"this is one of my favourite places to be," [ he informs jimmy with a bright smile, gesturing to the little clearing where the river runs through. ] "i swim in here sometimes, you know. the water's a little cold at first, but i get used to it fast. plus, there's no fish in here, so it's just a generally gorgeous place to be, don't you think?"
[ the clouds have let up today, and the sun shines against the water in a way that makes it glimmer golden in the light. ]
[ he's right, it is gorgeous. the sunlight shimmering, the water gently lapping at the riverbank, and both of their hands intertwined — yeah, this is really, really lovely. ]
"it's all very pretty," [ jimmy agrees with him, glancing over to look at lethe before turning his gaze back to the water. ] "i'd come here so often, if i lived out here. the fresh air and the water and everything... it's so nice."
[ the tours of the house and farm had been wonderful too, of course. it was especially nice to see the place where lethe writes his letters. it's all too easy to picture him sitting there with that little smile of his on his face as he writes out replies to people. it's a very endearing mental image, and probably something that will occupy jimmy's thoughts once he gets out of the pale garden and has to return to letters for communication. ]
[ it's only been a second before he remembers something else that lethe had mentioned offhandedly earlier. ] "you like swimming?" [ he asks, curiosity clear in his tone. ]
[ he laughs, and crouches down to undo the laces on his shoes. ] "i absolutely do."
[ he tosses one boot aside. then off comes the sock, carefully tucked into the shoe itself. he's preparing to get into the water and swim. then, comes off his shirt, unbuttoned and set to the side carefully. he takes the time to fold it, making a semi-conscious note about the scars along his arms once more. ]
"and, you're sort of right. i do come here a lot, and sometimes the crows like to get into the water with me, if they're feeling adventurous." [ as if summoned by his words, a few crows caw, fluttering down to the ground to join him and peck at his boot. it makes him laugh. ] "swimming is nice. especially when it gets warmer, it's a nice way to cool off. i once had a day so warm that i spent basically the entire day inside of here."
[ off comes the other boot and sock with ease. ]
[ he dips his toes into the water - and once satisfied with the temperature, he drops most of his legs inside, all the way up to his knees. and then, he turns to jimmy with a smile, and asks- ] "wanna go for a swim together?"
[ unfortunately, the majority of those first few sentences go in one ear and out the other, pretty much completely unheard. lethe had just taken his shirt off. okay. a little warning next time, dude? ]
[ and now of course jimmy has to take a moment to just admire, because how could he not? lethe has been pretty this entire time, yes, but jesus christ. he has muscles, and he looks so strong, and, yeah, he's got scars, but it's not like that makes him any less attractive (and jimmy has the completely unwelcome thought somewhere in the back of his mind that he would really like to kiss said scars at some point), and when lethe turns to actually look at jimmy with that sweet little smile of his, his heart actually skips a beat in his chest. ]
[ now. swimming is not something that jimmy does often, if ever. it's all too easy to get feathers wet and waterlogged wings are a pain. but with lethe offering so nicely, how's he meant to turn him down? ]
"sure. sure, yeah, let's go for a swim." [ a small smile is on his face as he says the words, and he sincerely hopes that it isn't obvious how distracted he was a moment ago. ]
[ "go for a swim" might be slightly inaccurate wording, considering he's not planning on going any deeper in the water than up to his waist, but still. he copies lethe's actions from earlier, setting his shoes, socks, and shirt off to the side, more neatly than he would've if he was just on his own. ]
[ finally, he goes to stand at the edge, eyeing the water. he looks over at lethe. ] "it's not cold, is it?" [ he asks warily. ]
[ jimmy shouldn't fault himself for staring, because lethe stares, too. seeing someone else shirtless for the first time can be his excuse, but it's a poor one, considering the truth is that jimmy is - jimmy. jimmy is solidly built and aesthetically pleasing and nice to look at. do not stare at his muscles do not stare at them do not stare at them is his internal monologue as he rips his eyes away. great. he's not staring! exactly what he wanted. ]
"n... no," [ he replies, wincing as he stutters. ] "yeah, no, it's okay. not that cold at all."
[ he slides off of where he'd been sitting next to it to fully sink down into it. he's chosen a part of the river where it's not that deep, it goes a little bit up further past his waist, and he does worry about jimmy's wings. ]
"are your wings going to be alright if you get in, actually?" [ he questions. his gaze wanders to them, instead. beautiful, gold, shining in the sunlight, catching it just right - they do look like the wings of an angel, he realizes. they are so beautiful. they had been so soft to preen. if they get wet, he wonders if he could have the honour of preening them again...? ]
"it'll be fine," [ jimmy assures him, glancing down at the river once more before sliding in too. he's pleased to see that the water really is a nice temperature, and it only goes up to about his waist. perfect, honestly. ] "i'm not planning on getting soaked or anything, and a little water never hurt anyone."
[ even as he says the words, though, he can feel that, somehow, as he'd been getting in, water had ended up on his wings. he can't quite resist the instinct to shake it out with a shiver or two. somewhat sheepishly, he smiles over at his friend. ]
"well, i'll try not to get too soaked," [ he amends. ] "it's not a big deal either way, though! the water's nice, and it'd only be a little bit of a hassle to dry my wings properly later. besides, you wanted to go swimming! how could i say no to you?"
"a little water never hurt anybody," [ he agrees with a small smile and a nod of his head. he watches jimmy get into the water, admiring his wings again. genuinely, what beautiful wings they are. the elf hopes that he won't accidentally get them too soaked. ]
[ however, the urge is quite strong, so he leans over and gives the sides of the wings a soft little pat. ] "i'll help you dry them off, i promise," [ he says, before the last words register in his brain. and then- ] "oh."
[ it's not his fault that he blushes easily, averting his gaze to stare at jimmy's wings instead (and not at his bare chest, hooray!), face pink. ] "that's very sweet of you, jimmy," [ he manages without stuttering over a singular word, but his voice is slightly strained. ] "you're very sweet, i mean." [ this man has apparently just gotten into the water just for him. what's the normal way to react to this? he does not know how to react normally, apparently. ]
sheriff,
should i start addressing you as that? sheriff? consistently? the outfit is quite fitting on you, though, i must say. you're flattering. it flatters you, i mean. [ the next line is scribbled out in ink so thoroughly it's impossible to make out what he'd originally written. ] the outfit is good on you, is what i mean to say.
i've been away for quite some time, i feel. or maybe time has just passed differently. or perhaps, time is not real at all, and i have only been gone for moments, minutes. it's hard to tell. however, i write you this letter to tell you that i have missed you, and i sincerely hope you are doing well.
i promise that i am a law-abiding citizen, though. i have never done a crime (to my recollection, that is.) ah, imagine if the 'me' of before was a criminal! i wonder what kind? perhaps i'd be some sort of thief, stealing from the rich to give to the poor... what an excellent plotline, if i do say so myself. wouldn't that story be intriguing? however, if i was any sort of criminal... please have mercy on me, sheriff? :]
sincerely,
your friend.
@sincerely-some-guy
[ as soon as he gets the letter, jimmy's eyes are drawn to the blotted-out words. he tries hard to read what it says, but his efforts are fruitless. whatever it is, it's completely indecipherable. damn it. he's curious, especially considering what the earlier sentences had said. he stares at that spot on the paper for maybe a little too long. ]
[ unsolved mystery of the scribbled-out sentence aside, though, jimmy writes back pretty much immediately. it's been way too long since he's heard from his friend, after all. ]
evening!!
it's definitely been way too long, you're right. it feels like it's been ages since we last talked, at least. i've really missed you too. how's all the fogging and stuff going? or whatever you do all the way over there, haha. i've been doing well, don't you worry, you really aren't missed much. i do wish you were here, though!
and hey, you like the outfit? that's really sweet of you to say, honestly. haven't broken out the old sheriff clothes since empires, which was, like, ages ago. i'm glad you like it! you should come see it in person LOL
as for mercy, though... well, to be clear, i was a really good sheriff back in the day. catching bandits and stuff was my thing, you know! (please imagine me flexing my muscles at you right now.) none of those bad guys could ever escape me. and i definitely couldn't be bribed. ever. but, well, i think i would have to make an exception for you. privileges of being my friend! don't tell the others, though, because i absolutely would not let anyone else go free. you better feel special, haha.
love, jimmy!!
sheriff,
i've not done much, unfortunately. i think you know better than most that life in the pale garden isn't exactly exciting. don't think i didn't see you pacing before i had to force you to go back home. i occupy myself, though. do you remember that river i brought you to? i've been down there quite a few times. i tend to go there now when i miss you. i've been writing a bit, and tending to the crows - they're more hungry for seeds than usual. i think they miss you, too. i always wish i was there with you.
as soon as i figure out how to get out of here, i'm forcing you to get into those clothes if you've ditched them by then. you'll have to do it. i must see it happen. do you have a badge? i remember sheriffs are supposed to have badges. i don't remember ever meeting one other than you, though. i'm curious.
and now that you've written that, i'm incredibly curious. what escapades were you up to on empires that involved bribing? catching criminals? your stories intrigue me - all these things that have happened between you and your friends are always fascinating. it makes me want to have been there to experience it as well. if i had been in empires, i wonder how things would have gone. i would have gotten to see a lot more of you, at the very least, under a blue sky where i could do as i liked. wouldn't that be lovely?
(thank you for making an exception for me, though. i won't tell a soul! i feel very special and very honoured, sheriff.)
i'm so glad to have heard back from you.
love,
your friend. ♡
[ of course, jimmy's eyes catch on the love, your friend and the little heart (oh, the heart, that's cute) first. as he reads the rest of the letter, there's this pleasant warmth that lingers in his chest and a small smile that rests on his face. ]
hey, you got back to me quick!
you go down to that river when you miss me? oh, that's really, really sweet, i wish i could still be there with you. i miss you too. and the crows! tell them i say hi or something, haha!
and don't worry, once you finally get out of there and come over here, i'll let you do whatever you want. and if that includes digging up the sheriff clothes again, consider it done! (and yeah, i do have a badge! a hat and everything, too!)
there's definitely a few interesting stories i could tell you about... like, there was this one time where me and fwhip — he was my deputy for a while, back then, before i had to fire him (but that's a story for another time) — we busted a bunch of thieves that had been hiding away in the mines with a bunch of TNT. it was awesome. really badass and stuff! honestly, i think i would've really liked having you there with me during empires. i think you would've liked tumble town. i hope you would've, at least. it wasn't the most successful empire or anything, but, you know. it was mine.
well, maybe i'll show you around someday! you'll get friends-with-the-sheriff privileges! i'll give you a whole special tour and everything... we gotta actually do that sometime, okay? you'll have to dress the part, too — cowboy boots and everything. oh, i can see it in my mind already. it'll be perfect.
(and hey — jokes aside, it made me really happy to get your letter back. i really do miss you. a lot.)
love, jimmy. ♡
sheriff ♡,
of course i'll get back to you quickly. i'm always, admittedly, very excited when your messages come in and i almost always start immediately replying as soon as i catch a second. you mean a lot to me, after all. i'll make sure to tell the crows that you miss them. and of course i return. the time you spent with me i think is the happiest i have ever been.
aww, you do have a little badge and a hat! that's adorable, i love that. i will be looking forwards to seeing you in that outfit, by the way, i'll have you know.
i don't think i've ever messaged this 'fwhip' individual personally - he does not seem to have a mailbox, unfortunately, because what you two have done together sounds quite incredible and very interesting. thieves tormenting your empire? had you ever considered publicly executing them for disrespecting the law? (is that still a thing? for some reason, i feel like wherever i've come from originally must have had that as a thing, because it feels natural, but now that i think about it, i'm sure other places must have different ways of going about things.) that would have probably scared off the rest of them, but TNT is good as well. and, i think i would have liked the town. if it was yours, i would have loved it, actually.
when i get out of here, we'll go visit together. and if that's what you want from me, i'll absolutely dress up in the clothes. i wouldn't mind a change of my closet or of my fashion - i think i could probably pull it off, don't you? i wonder how i'd look in that sort of fashion (and i have no frame of reference, considering i don't know what i look like). do you think i'd look alright?
i miss you too, jimmy.
with lots of love,
your friend ♡
moooorning!!
aaawww, you get that excited to hear back from me? that's so sweet. it's the same for me, though — usually, it takes me ages to get back to people, if at all. hey, it's not my fault, i just forget and by the time i remember it's too late to reply anyways! maybe i'm just not made for the writing-letters lifestyle... but you're really important to me too, so i make sure to reply as soon as i can. ♡
also, hey, the sheriff hat and badge is meant to be intimidating, not adorable. a strike-fear-into-the-hearts-of-my-enemies kinda thing! well, you'll see it, and then you'll get what i mean. not adorable at all.
we never did public executions in tumble town, no. i'm not sure if anyone did that in all of empires, actually. but we did have a pretty decent jail, if i do say so myself! it was kinda small, though, now that i'm thinking about it... public executions might have been the way to go, especially since, well, not many people were actually scared off by the jail. i'm really, really happy to hear that you think you would've liked it, though. that means a lot, coming from you. :]
oh, and i know you'd definitely be able to pull the clothes off. i know you don't know what you look like and all, but take my word for it, you really are very handsome — easily one of the prettiest people i've ever seen. i mean it! if i'm being really honest, i think you would look good in just about anything. hey, you know what, i'll even let you wear an honorary deputy badge when you do come over, i'm sure i've got one around somewhere!
love, jimmy. ♡
p.s. i think i'm kind of losing it over here. is it weird to say i miss the sound of your voice? because i really, really do.
[ for some reason, as he picks up the pen to write the letter back, his heart does a little stutter in his chest as he looks at the placement of the heart. they'd been exchanging letters like these - a little bit of a border over the label of friendship for some time, and the little hearts are so lovely and after the day he's had, for some reason, it makes him feel warm. he begins to write. ]
dearest sheriff ♡,
i've had.. an eventful day, today. i've met this girl. i've dreamed of her face, before, but today i met her actually in person. she told me that she knew me from before i was in the pale garden. we didn't talk for long. the fact that i've forgotten all about this... sister, that i used to have, is... well, admittedly upsetting. but she's said she's going to come back and that she's going to find a way to get me to leave, so i think we have good news. on another note, she told me what my name is. my name is lethe. it's never felt so real before, and i know it must be true, because it feels so right. my name is lethe.
enough about that, though. i'll admit you've made me feel quite warm and fuzzy with that first paragraph. you're very important to me too, jimmy, and i do my best to reply as quickly as possible because i like updating you about this, i like talking to you. i love spending time with you or being with you in any way possible, even if that's just through a letter. thank you for always writing back.
unfortunately, i think i might find it more adorable when i actually see it on you. ♡
well, if you want to strike fear into the hearts of your enemies, establishing the fat that you will actually do something drastic to implement the idea of power into other people's hearts is definitely a classic way to go. i could talk more about this and how people respect raw power and an establishment of power through typically violent means more rather than passive, but i'm not sure if you want to hear me rant about how people respect systems & how to set up one. especially since they're so easily corruptible, especially if you're using violence as a way to subdue other people (which i don't always agree with, i think it should be a last resort if people really and truly do not listen). but, that aside, of course i would say that. if it's something from you, i think i would truly adore anything you made.
i'm not sure if i'd look good in 'just about anything', but i'll take your word for it... and.. every other compliment. ♡ ♡ [ the ink dries here, as if he had to think very hard before writing what he wrote next. ] you're also very handsome, in my opinion, jimmy. i'll wear that deputy badge and anything you give me without complaint at all. it's like almost an official statement that we're in cahoots, or with one another.. isn't that cute?
i also don't think that's weird. i think it's very sweet. when you come back to visit me or when i leave, i'll sing for you as much as you want.
love,
lethe ♡
lethe!!!!!!
that's such a pretty name, oh my gosh!!! i love it, it suits you so, so well. lethe... oh, you've got to tell me more right now. your sister? how'd she even find you if you didn't know about her? what else did she tell you? she's really going to find a way to get you out? how? when? soon, do you think? oh my gosh, this is insane.
you don't have to thank me for writing back, silly! i like talking to you. i'll always write back — and when your sister gets you out of that place, you better believe that i'm going to come bother you in person all the time, too. lovingly, of course.
...and. well. if you think i'm adorable, i guess i won't argue with you. ♡
that's really interesting, too, all that about the establishment of power and stuff. honestly, i never really did manage to get people to respect the system back in tumble town. where were you back then? hah, i could've used this information much better — you know, i probably could've done most things much better, if i'd had you by my side. i would really love to hear more, though, if you do want to "rant" about it. i'm always interested in what you have to say!
you're really sweet, you know that? thank you for the compliment. and, yeah, i think it'd be cute, too. like we're matching! "in cahoots" is an interesting way of putting it, though, haha. i think i prefer just with each other. i feel like that sounds right.
with love (and thinking about you lots),
jimmy ♡
dearest jimmy ♡,
well, it's a bit of a long story, and if i miss any details when talking about it here, you can always ask me about it when i'm there with you. but. thank you. i'm glad you think my name is pretty. i wonder how you'd pronounce it? i think it must be in a manner that would be pleasant to hear on the ears.
about my sister, though - she's very good with like... code. she told me all sorts of stories about her exploits from before. it's honestly baffling - she and i apparently got up to a multitude of insane things. what do you mean we jumped from server to server together, i had to stop her from trying to behead someone, and then we left when we felt like it was time? well. other than that, apparently she's the reason i'm stuck here. it was an accident, of course - she fucked around with some beings that were incredibly powerful by rigging a game of theirs in favour of the players, and i willingly took the repercussions, which is. i can't even say that i wouldn't, because i would. i'm a little upset with her, but i understand why things played out the way that they did. she doesn't have an exact quota for time for when she's going to get me out, and she told me she's going to start stealing people to take them to me if she can't get me out soon and try and connect with someone else who's good with the code in order to let me leave. so. progress! more than nothing!
if you came to bother me all the time, i think nothing else would make me happier, by the way. spending time with you always brings me this sort of warmth that just makes me feel. loved? cared about? consistently, and it's lovely. you're lovely. (and yes, i do think you're adorable, jimmy. ♡)
hehe, it's very unfortunate i wasn't there then to give you a few tips and tricks. i think systems of judgement and power are genuinely fascinating in how they work and how they come to be, as well as how they're managed. that's very sweet, though, the notion that you could do things better if i was with you - if i could help out in any way, i'd be honoured and very pleased. (apparently, i was a soldier. well, she didn't tell me this directly, but she calls me 'soldier boy' every once in awhile, so i can pick up the very obvious hint.) so, i'm very well-versed in how they work, at least subconsciously. besides, if i could be by your side, i think i'd do just about anything and weather anything with you. thank you for listening - or, well, reading, what i have to say.
i suppose you're right, though, too. 'with one another' does have this sort of ring to it, doesn't it? ♡
with love (and also thinking about you always),
lethe ♡
[ as he packages the letter and hands it to one of the crows, he feels like some sort of teenage girl with a crush for the first time, giggling and kicking her feet. he sends off the letter with a kiss to the seal and watches as the crow soars away with something like hope. ]
It takes her so, so long to track him down. Finding him is one of the hardest things she's ever done in her life. The Watchers are thorough with their work in the code, after all - isolating him as punishment and making sure that people don't get through so that they can revel in the solitary punishment and the sorrow, she can already imagine it. (It makes a part of her heart squeeze - leaving him behind, running away like that, how cowardly - she's Illux, she's unstoppable, unbeatable, she's more than that. And yet, in that moment, she had fled. How pathetic.)
It doesn't matter, though, because she's found him, after all this time of searching. Wandering through the fog and bashing through every single piece of code that tries to stop her, making a path through and forcing it aside through sheer force of will - that is what brought Illux to, finally, the other end. She knows she's near, heartbeat thrumming and fluttering like that of a hummingbird's in anticipation as she sees the first clearings of the fog up above. She's been checking the code every other second to make sure she's still moving forwards, still moving towards him. The anxiety makes her almost ready to puke - so many hours of work, all leading up to this moment where they will finally be reunited.
She pushes through the last remnants of the fog, and makes a break through it, the fog dispersing around her form as she steps through onto grass that is much less green than it should be. The Pale Garden eats away at the colour of things, turns them lifeless, saps the energy from them - Illux knows this well. She's been researching this place, after all. Her boots crush the grass as she approaches, pushing past brushes and trees.
It's a beautiful day outside. The sun shines through the branches, the sound of crows are chirping - and those must be his. Illux remembers that he always inexplicably seemed to have them gather around. She pushes through, step after step, hands shaking with the effort. And then, there it is - the sound of his voice. He is singing.
Illux chases.
(We will be reunited.)
The days go by slowly, sometimes, even more so after Jimmy is gone. He finds himself missing the presence of his friend more and more as time passes, the letters they exchange not enough to fill the gaping, vacant hole in his chest. Jimmy had brought with him this sort of warmth - and he was a man who had never known it before. He is left craving the last ebbing traces of sunshine. To fill in the gaps, he writes. He talks to his crows, and now, he is singing his song. He does not notice the approaching of another person until he hears the cracking of a branch, and his voice comes to a trembling halt. Nobody had told him that they were coming. Is someone here to hurt him? It could be a surprise visit, but he doesn't want to assume.
The guitar is set aside, and he pulls out his sword with practiced ease. Why is it so easy? Why is it natural? What life has he lived before? And then, he waits. Waits for someone to come.
And come she does.
She steps into the clearing, eerily familiar, and yet a stranger all the same. Her long green hair, the black streaks in them, the eyes that are red - they are things that hold this sense of deja vu, in dreams that he scrambles to remember. He remembers the rain, the billboards, the neon signs - who was she? The woman that had been haunting his dreams for the past few weeks? He could get his answers now it seemed, because inexplicably, she is standing in front of him. Right up in the path that leads up to his house, she stands, hands shaking, eyes wide.
They hold eye contact. He opens his mouth to speak, to say something, anything - what's going on, why have you been in my dreams? But she speaks first.
"Lethe," she breathes, and-
("Lethe, soldier boy, you're gonna do me a favour-"
"Lethe, my friend-"
"Lethe, my most valiant knight, I beseech this of you-"
"Protect him with your life, Lethe-"
"Lethe!"
"Lethe, what are you up to?")
It's his name. His name, she knows him, she's known him from this before, this before, this thing he thought he almost might have not had. The thing he - Lethe! - has been searching for, for so long, she has come and she brings questions but an answer and she brings his name and his face opens into the widest smile he's had in so long.
"Is that my name?" He breathes, out loud, staring at her with wide eyes.
She frowns back at him. "What do you mean?" She says, and that excitement that had been on her face has now twisted into this confusion that makes Lethe's mouth go dry.
"I..." He tries to form a word, a sentence.
"Lethe, what do you mean, is that my name?" Her voice comes out sharper, now.
"I'm sorry, it's just - who are you?"
Everything comes to a sickening halt, when Lethe asks her that question. It's like the world has fallen, shattered into pieces before her very eyes. Lethe doesn't look at her with that recognition that he usually has - he's staring at her with wide, confused eyes. He's so genuine, too - who are you? There's no way They could have taken his memories, too. And his eyes, dear Gods his eyes - purple, the same shade that They had. Is this his punishment? The punishment he had to take in place of her? To be wiped to almost a clean slate? How ironic - his eyes are purple, because they watch. A permanent reminder of her failure.
"Lethe," she breathes, shaky. She's started to tremble as she stumbles towards him. She expects for him to run away, to step backwards, but in a moment, he's in front of her, grasping her hands.
"Hey, it's okay, I'm here," he soothes her. He shouldn't be soothing her. She should be helping him. He's always been the one helping her, over and over and over again, being her anchor, the voice of reason. "It's okay."
"I'm Illux," Illux says, hands still shaking. "I'm your sister." She watches in real time as his eyes widen, watches how he realizes. She's from his before, before everything happened, before she had that stupid idea, before she fucked everything up. Before. Before, before, before she'd gotten him trapped here.
"My... my sister?" Lethe asks, voice also beginning to falter. "You're my sister, Illux?"
"Yeah," Illux says, and then takes in a deep breath. A deep, deep breath in. "We used to travel with one another to all sorts of servers, before that event happened. But - that's not the point. I'm here. I'm here and I'm going to get you out, okay? I've figured out a way to get me in and out, and I might have to ask someone else for help, but I'm going to get you out of here."
It's so strange. One moment, he is alone, and the next, he has a sister, tellig him she's going to get him out of here. His head spins with unanswered questions, with queries that haunt him. His nightmares, the before, who had he been, what had happened? What event had spurred this all to happen? But for now, there's so much going on. He invites her in. Makes her tea. Illux tells him he always used to make tea this way for her, too. They share stories. He tells her about all the mailboxes, and meeting his friends. She tells him about how she'd gotten involved in some scheme about beheading a guy. Lethe can't help but chuckle - for some reason, that feels right when associating that with Illux.
They talk. He asks questions. She hesitates before answering, sometimes, like she's considering lying. He asks about his past, and Illux shakes her head. "Let's not talk about that right now, with all that I've already dropped on you, I don't think you could handle it." The worst part is that she's right. She knows him well, if he had doubted her words before, he can't now. She reads his body language like it's second nature, catches onto what he really means to say - she knows him, knows who he is, knows what kind of person that he is. They talk. She tells him about the event.
Apparently, Illux had decided it was a great idea to hack into a game of these creatures called the Watchers, and he had wanted to go with her to protect her (and he knows he would do that kind of thing. It's just in his nature). They had caught him instead of her, and he had been sentenced to this entire thing in the pale garden. That is why he had been stuck in this limbo for ages.
At first, Lethe wants to blame her. He wants to blame her for everything he's gone through. He had breathed in deeply, hands tightening around his cup, and then he had left to go outside. Illux had watched him, and then when he had come inside, asked if he was angry.
He told her he was upset, but that he wasn't going to take it out on her. Illux's shoulders, which had been tensed, relaxed. He asked if he did that before. Illux shook her head, and told him that she was just anxious. He left it at that. So they turned to better topics.
Back to better stories. Better times. They didn't talk more about the past, or his unanswered questions. He made her laugh, she made him laugh, and through the course of that night, Lethe came to understand why they were siblings.
sheriff,
should i start addressing you as that? sheriff? consistently? the outfit is quite fitting on you, though, i must say. you're flattering. it flatters you, i mean. [ the next line is scribbled out in ink so thoroughly it's impossible to make out what he'd originally written. ] the outfit is good on you, is what i mean to say.
i've been away for quite some time, i feel. or maybe time has just passed differently. or perhaps, time is not real at all, and i have only been gone for moments, minutes. it's hard to tell. however, i write you this letter to tell you that i have missed you, and i sincerely hope you are doing well.
i promise that i am a law-abiding citizen, though. i have never done a crime (to my recollection, that is.) ah, imagine if the 'me' of before was a criminal! i wonder what kind? perhaps i'd be some sort of thief, stealing from the rich to give to the poor... what an excellent plotline, if i do say so myself. wouldn't that story be intriguing? however, if i was any sort of criminal... please have mercy on me, sheriff? :]
sincerely,
your friend.
@sincerely-some-guy
[ as soon as he gets the letter, jimmy's eyes are drawn to the blotted-out words. he tries hard to read what it says, but his efforts are fruitless. whatever it is, it's completely indecipherable. damn it. he's curious, especially considering what the earlier sentences had said. he stares at that spot on the paper for maybe a little too long. ]
[ unsolved mystery of the scribbled-out sentence aside, though, jimmy writes back pretty much immediately. it's been way too long since he's heard from his friend, after all. ]
evening!!
it's definitely been way too long, you're right. it feels like it's been ages since we last talked, at least. i've really missed you too. how's all the fogging and stuff going? or whatever you do all the way over there, haha. i've been doing well, don't you worry, you really aren't missed much. i do wish you were here, though!
and hey, you like the outfit? that's really sweet of you to say, honestly. haven't broken out the old sheriff clothes since empires, which was, like, ages ago. i'm glad you like it! you should come see it in person LOL
as for mercy, though... well, to be clear, i was a really good sheriff back in the day. catching bandits and stuff was my thing, you know! (please imagine me flexing my muscles at you right now.) none of those bad guys could ever escape me. and i definitely couldn't be bribed. ever. but, well, i think i would have to make an exception for you. privileges of being my friend! don't tell the others, though, because i absolutely would not let anyone else go free. you better feel special, haha.
love, jimmy!!
sheriff,
i've not done much, unfortunately. i think you know better than most that life in the pale garden isn't exactly exciting. don't think i didn't see you pacing before i had to force you to go back home. i occupy myself, though. do you remember that river i brought you to? i've been down there quite a few times. i tend to go there now when i miss you. i've been writing a bit, and tending to the crows - they're more hungry for seeds than usual. i think they miss you, too. i always wish i was there with you.
as soon as i figure out how to get out of here, i'm forcing you to get into those clothes if you've ditched them by then. you'll have to do it. i must see it happen. do you have a badge? i remember sheriffs are supposed to have badges. i don't remember ever meeting one other than you, though. i'm curious.
and now that you've written that, i'm incredibly curious. what escapades were you up to on empires that involved bribing? catching criminals? your stories intrigue me - all these things that have happened between you and your friends are always fascinating. it makes me want to have been there to experience it as well. if i had been in empires, i wonder how things would have gone. i would have gotten to see a lot more of you, at the very least, under a blue sky where i could do as i liked. wouldn't that be lovely?
(thank you for making an exception for me, though. i won't tell a soul! i feel very special and very honoured, sheriff.)
i'm so glad to have heard back from you.
love,
your friend. ♡
[ of course, jimmy's eyes catch on the love, your friend and the little heart (oh, the heart, that's cute) first. as he reads the rest of the letter, there's this pleasant warmth that lingers in his chest and a small smile that rests on his face. ]
hey, you got back to me quick!
you go down to that river when you miss me? oh, that's really, really sweet, i wish i could still be there with you. i miss you too. and the crows! tell them i say hi or something, haha!
and don't worry, once you finally get out of there and come over here, i'll let you do whatever you want. and if that includes digging up the sheriff clothes again, consider it done! (and yeah, i do have a badge! a hat and everything, too!)
there's definitely a few interesting stories i could tell you about... like, there was this one time where me and fwhip — he was my deputy for a while, back then, before i had to fire him (but that's a story for another time) — we busted a bunch of thieves that had been hiding away in the mines with a bunch of TNT. it was awesome. really badass and stuff! honestly, i think i would've really liked having you there with me during empires. i think you would've liked tumble town. i hope you would've, at least. it wasn't the most successful empire or anything, but, you know. it was mine.
well, maybe i'll show you around someday! you'll get friends-with-the-sheriff privileges! i'll give you a whole special tour and everything... we gotta actually do that sometime, okay? you'll have to dress the part, too — cowboy boots and everything. oh, i can see it in my mind already. it'll be perfect.
(and hey — jokes aside, it made me really happy to get your letter back. i really do miss you. a lot.)
love, jimmy. ♡
sheriff ♡,
of course i'll get back to you quickly. i'm always, admittedly, very excited when your messages come in and i almost always start immediately replying as soon as i catch a second. you mean a lot to me, after all. i'll make sure to tell the crows that you miss them. and of course i return. the time you spent with me i think is the happiest i have ever been.
aww, you do have a little badge and a hat! that's adorable, i love that. i will be looking forwards to seeing you in that outfit, by the way, i'll have you know.
i don't think i've ever messaged this 'fwhip' individual personally - he does not seem to have a mailbox, unfortunately, because what you two have done together sounds quite incredible and very interesting. thieves tormenting your empire? had you ever considered publicly executing them for disrespecting the law? (is that still a thing? for some reason, i feel like wherever i've come from originally must have had that as a thing, because it feels natural, but now that i think about it, i'm sure other places must have different ways of going about things.) that would have probably scared off the rest of them, but TNT is good as well. and, i think i would have liked the town. if it was yours, i would have loved it, actually.
when i get out of here, we'll go visit together. and if that's what you want from me, i'll absolutely dress up in the clothes. i wouldn't mind a change of my closet or of my fashion - i think i could probably pull it off, don't you? i wonder how i'd look in that sort of fashion (and i have no frame of reference, considering i don't know what i look like). do you think i'd look alright?
i miss you too, jimmy.
with lots of love,
your friend ♡
moooorning!!
aaawww, you get that excited to hear back from me? that's so sweet. it's the same for me, though — usually, it takes me ages to get back to people, if at all. hey, it's not my fault, i just forget and by the time i remember it's too late to reply anyways! maybe i'm just not made for the writing-letters lifestyle... but you're really important to me too, so i make sure to reply as soon as i can. ♡
also, hey, the sheriff hat and badge is meant to be intimidating, not adorable. a strike-fear-into-the-hearts-of-my-enemies kinda thing! well, you'll see it, and then you'll get what i mean. not adorable at all.
we never did public executions in tumble town, no. i'm not sure if anyone did that in all of empires, actually. but we did have a pretty decent jail, if i do say so myself! it was kinda small, though, now that i'm thinking about it... public executions might have been the way to go, especially since, well, not many people were actually scared off by the jail. i'm really, really happy to hear that you think you would've liked it, though. that means a lot, coming from you. :]
oh, and i know you'd definitely be able to pull the clothes off. i know you don't know what you look like and all, but take my word for it, you really are very handsome — easily one of the prettiest people i've ever seen. i mean it! if i'm being really honest, i think you would look good in just about anything. hey, you know what, i'll even let you wear an honorary deputy badge when you do come over, i'm sure i've got one around somewhere!
love, jimmy. ♡
p.s. i think i'm kind of losing it over here. is it weird to say i miss the sound of your voice? because i really, really do.
[ for some reason, as he picks up the pen to write the letter back, his heart does a little stutter in his chest as he looks at the placement of the heart. they'd been exchanging letters like these - a little bit of a border over the label of friendship for some time, and the little hearts are so lovely and after the day he's had, for some reason, it makes him feel warm. he begins to write. ]
dearest sheriff ♡,
i've had.. an eventful day, today. i've met this girl. i've dreamed of her face, before, but today i met her actually in person. she told me that she knew me from before i was in the pale garden. we didn't talk for long. the fact that i've forgotten all about this... sister, that i used to have, is... well, admittedly upsetting. but she's said she's going to come back and that she's going to find a way to get me to leave, so i think we have good news. on another note, she told me what my name is. my name is lethe. it's never felt so real before, and i know it must be true, because it feels so right. my name is lethe.
enough about that, though. i'll admit you've made me feel quite warm and fuzzy with that first paragraph. you're very important to me too, jimmy, and i do my best to reply as quickly as possible because i like updating you about this, i like talking to you. i love spending time with you or being with you in any way possible, even if that's just through a letter. thank you for always writing back.
unfortunately, i think i might find it more adorable when i actually see it on you. ♡
well, if you want to strike fear into the hearts of your enemies, establishing the fact that you will actually do something drastic to implement the idea of power into other people's hearts is definitely a classic way to go. i could talk more about this and how people respect raw power and an establishment of power through typically violent means more rather than passive, but i'm not sure if you want to hear me rant about how people respect systems & how to set up one. especially since they're so easily corruptible, especially if you're using violence as a way to subdue other people (which i don't always agree with, i think it should be a last resort if people really and truly do not listen). but, that aside, of course i would say that. if it's something from you, i think i would truly adore anything you made.
i'm not sure if i'd look good in 'just about anything', but i'll take your word for it... and.. every other compliment. ♡ ♡ [ the ink dries here, as if he had to think very hard before writing what he wrote next. ] you're also very handsome, in my opinion, jimmy. i'll wear that deputy badge and anything you give me without complaint at all. it's like almost an official statement that we're in cahoots, or with one another.. isn't that cute?
i also don't think that's weird. i think it's very sweet. when you come back to visit me or when i leave, i'll sing for you as much as you want.
love,
lethe ♡
... continuation from here. @jimmys-mailbox
[ the next morning, the light shines through the curtains of the living room where jimmy is sleeping. it's accompanied by the sound of someone singing a slow yet hopeful tune. the words are a little out of reach, but most of it is simply open-mouthed singing, the sound filling the cabin with the feeling of 'home'. ]
[ it seems that jimmy's companion got up earlier than he did, and is making breakfast for the both of them. ]
[ he wakes up soon after. very briefly, he wonders where he is, why his back is aching so strongly, why his wing is hurting so much. and then, as he opens his eyes and takes account of his surroundings, he remembers — the fog, getting hurt, meeting guy. ]
[ he yawns, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his palms and propping himself up on his elbows to look over at the kitchen, where his friend was doing- something, back turned to him. ]
morning. [ he says, voice a little rough, scratchy. ]
[ the elf turns around with a small smile. ]
ah, you're up! i've almost finished making breakfast. how do you feel? is the wing alright?
[ he's quick to check in and make sure that jimmy is alright. in his hand is a spatula, which speaks to the fact that he'd just been trying to cook something. ]
please, feel free to let me know if you feel any discomfort, or anything - i have spare potions. did you sleep alright?
i slept alright, yeah!
[ the words are bright, even if they're not fully true. the couch was comfortable, but it was a little small, and now his back did ache a bit. but he could deal. he props himself up on his elbows, squints over at lethe. ]
whatcha making?
i'm attempting to make potatoes.
[ he sighs, looking down at the pan. ]
it's going semi-well. i don't have too many resources here, due to a lack of meat. i'm probably going to become anemic at this rate...
[ he shakes his head. ]
anyways! that aside, it should be done... soon... ish? most likely. i hope it won't taste too bad...
it'll be great, i'm sure! the soup last night was really good, so...
[ jimmy trails off. he sits up on the couch, runs his hands through his hair a couple times and hopes it's not as messy as it feels. he stretches out his wing a bit, the injured one, and winces in pain. it's not so bad, not like how it had been yesterday, but still. after a moment, he gets up and walks over to the kitchen, standing next to his friend and leaning against the counter. ]
did you sleep well, then?
[ he seems quite excited to hear that jimmy has liked his cooking. ]
i'm so glad that you liked it!
[ he beams. if he notices how messy jimmy's hair is and how he seems to be a little bit just messy in general, he doesn't comment on it, returning his focus to the food. ]
...ah, yes. sleep? yeah, i slept well enough.
[ it takes him a moment to answer the question, and decides not to mention the nightmares of memories? that he'd had during the night before. of being unable to save people. unable to help. witnessing carnage before his eyes over and over. ]
glad you slept well!
[ jimmy says it brightly, earnestly – not at all picking up on the hesitation behind the words. he runs his hands through his hair a few more times. nervous habit shining through, even if he's not really nervous right now. ]
hey, by the way, were you singing, earlier? [ he asks curiously. ]
...singing?
[ it takes him a moment to register what jimmy is implying, and he looks away. he hadn't realized that the other had been awake to listen to him sing - he hadn't thought jimmy was awake, period. ]
well - yes. i do like to sing, that's true. i have a guitar that i use sometimes with my singing. the crows like to crowd and listen when i do.
[ he chuckles at the thought. he then proceeds to realize that the food will start to burn if he keeps it on for much longer, so he takes it off of the stove, finding two plates for the both of them. ]
it's not much - i do apologize again, i wish i had something a little more to give to a guest of mine.
oh, don't apologize! it looks good, dude, really. besides, i'm not picky! what kinda guest would i be if i started criticizing the food you made me after i've just basically sprung an impromptu sleepover on you, huh?
[ it's a joke, but jimmy genuinely does feel a little guilty. it was supposed to be a fun, short visit. but then he'd gone and gotten his wing injured and now neither of them really have a choice – he's sort of stuck here. not that jimmy minds that – lethe's good company! but still. ]
also – you play guitar? you have got to show me some time, that's so cool! your singing is already really good on its own, honestly, but with the guitar and stuff, oh, i bet it's great!
oh, please don't apologize.
[ he sets down the plates on the table. ]
i love company. i take company wherever i can get it, really. whenever someone spends time with me - that's precious time spent. please don't feel like you're intruding on my household, i'm very, very happy to have you here.
[ he will not speak of the fact that he is incredibly lonely and even the sight of another person makes him giddy. ]
well, i - i suppose i can... i can do that for you, [ he smiles, tucking a piece of stray hair behind his ear, looking pleased with himself. ] after breakfast, i'll play a song for you, if you'd like?
[ jimmy lights up immediately at the offer. genuinely, he just beams at him. ] would you really? that would be – so nice. seriously, i would love that.
[ he has no idea why he's so excited by this, really. he's unreasonably happy considering the fact that it is literally just a song. but despite that, he sits down at the table and begins to eat maybe just a little faster than he needs to. ]
[ he chuckles to himself, taking a fork to his own meal and eating a little slower than jimmy. it's funny, seeing how excited his friend is to hear him sing - but it's not like he doesn't like an audience. the elf picks up the pace a little too. it's been a while since he's been able to perform for anyone that wasn't his grouping of crows. ]
[ he finds himself looking forwards to it, and before he knows it, his plate is empty, and so is jimmy's - and he sets them aside, near the sink. ]
i hope you enjoyed it - the food, i mean. [ he's not sure why he's so nervous about making sure that jimmy enjoyed his meal. ]
i did, i did! [ jimmy's quick to assure him, flashing a smile as he does. ] you're good at cooking, you shouldn't have even worried about it. genuinely, even better than i was expecting.
[ he pauses for a second, eyes darting around the room before settling on his friend again. is it too eager if he asks? ...whatever. he's asking anyways. ] sooo. where do you keep your guitar?
i suppose i'm better than i thought i was - living here for so long has taught me a few handy tricks on cooking, [ he says, sounding thoroughly amused. jimmy really wants to hear him sing, and it honestly brings a little spark of - something? - alive in his chest, and he's now really excited to perform. ]
i keep it in my room. give me literally five seconds, i'll be back.
[ he makes a mad dash for his room and then returns a few moments later, nearly tripping over himself, with his guitar in his hands. ]
tada! what are you in the mood for? do you want a sea shanty? something that's upbeat? a lullaby? i can do almost anything.
[ he says, eager to impress. ]
[ jimmy can't help but laugh at his little sprint to his room, and then giggle even more when he returns just as enthusiastically. ]
i'm sorry, did you just say sea shanty? i think i've gotta hear that now.
[ he looks at him with a very amused grin on his face, before he goes to sit back down on the couch that he'd just slept on. he pulls his legs up to sit criss-cross, and he leans forward eagerly, waiting. ]
well - [ he sighs. ] i suppose i did suggest it. alright. set yourself down, i'll play it for you.
[ he fiddles with the strings of his guitar for a few moments, still standing, before finding the right tune - he begins to strum. at first, he feels a little nervous about the few beginning choruses, but the further he gets into the song, the more confident he gets. it's not long before he's hitting his foot against the ground to imitate the chorus of clapping that one would get upon the beginning of a sea shanty on a ship - a smile wide on his face as he goes through the song with practiced ease. he's done this many times before - and it only takes him taking a leap of faith to get back into it. the song comes to a close after four minutes of enthusiastic singing, where he sways to the lyrics and belts them out, looking quite pleased with himself - and he turns to jimmy with a wide grin. ]
well? did i live up to your standards?
[ as soon as the song is over, jimmy is clapping very enthusiastically, a bright smile on his own face to match with lethe's. he's good at singing, just like he was in the morning, and somehow just as good with the guitar and the, like – what's it called? – the rhythm thing. yeah. whatever. that. he's talented, that's what jimmy's trying to say. ]
very much so!! [ he claps a couple times again, just for good measure. ] you're so good at that, i don't even know what i was expecting from a sea shanty, but it wasn't for you to be so – oh my gosh. yeah. definitely, definitely lived up to my standards. definitely.
[ the elf is quick to duck his head, bashful under such praise. ] you flatter me with your praise.
[ he takes a half-bow before realizing that's awkward and standing up straight, running his fingers through his hair with a large smile. ]
but... i'm glad that you enjoyed it. i'm sure it would be even better if i could gather a whole punch of people with ale upon a ship to make the atmosphere just as accurate.
[ he sounds almost a little... wistful. for a moment, he thinks he can almost remember it - almost hear the noise, feel the wood, smell the sea salt. and then it's gone. ]
your enjoyment means a lot to me, jimmy. thank you for listening.
'course! i should be thanking you, actually, for singing. you're so good at it! [ jimmy knows he's said that before, but he can't help but repeat it. ]
[ he pauses for a second, before rubbing the back of his neck. ] i mean. i wouldn't be opposed to hearing it again. doesn't have to be a sea shanty. [ he laughs, a little sheepish. what is he even saying right now? ] oh – i won't force you to do it now or anything. whenever! only if you want and stuff. just saying. i like listening.
[ the elf goes pink in the face, opting to stare at the ground, tapping a finger aimlessly against the side of his guitar. he hasn't gotten a compliment like this in ages. he hasn't been complimented in ages, period. jimmy's too nice to him... he honestly finds himself at a loss for words in a moment, smiling a little foolishly as he stares at the ground. however, upon hearing that jimmy would like to hear another song, he perks up. ]
you want - another? i can do another! whenever you'd like is alright. i haven't... performed in ages, and usually it's just my crows, but i told you that. i would be delighted to. i'll sing for you whenever you'd like! really, just say the word, and i'll sing something for you. it doesn't even have to be with the guitar, if it's not on me. i would be delighted.
[ perhaps... a little too eager. but it comes with two things that he likes - being praised, and being able to make someone smile. so maybe his over-the-top earnestness can be overlooked just this once...? ]
[ definitely can be overlooked, considering how jimmy is just as (if not more) eager, proven by the way that he immediately sits up straighter, looking at lethe with wide eyes. ]
really? no, yeah, i'd love to hear. like i've said. but. yeah. do you have a favourite song or anything? actually, hang on – do you wanna come sit?
[ he offers, moving over a little to make room for lethe on the couch, figuring that he's probably getting tired standing. or maybe not. maybe he likes standing. maybe that's why he's standing in the first place. right. well, jimmy's said it now, no taking it back. it's not a big deal anyways. it's literally just an offer. there is no reason for jimmy to be thinking about it this much. he needs to relax. ]
sure, i can sit down with you!
[ the elf is more than happy than to plop down next to him with a happy smile, still holding his guitar in his hands. jimmy is a lovely audience to have. possibly the best. not that he has much to go off of, considering his terrible memory, but it's still lovely to have someone so attentive by his side. ]
[ jimmy likes his songs, and is asking for an encore! that's one of the highest forms of praise that any kind of performer can ask for. he's honoured. he resists the urge to giggle to himself - he is grown, and just because he gets one compliment doesn't mean he'll allow himself to act like a fool in front of a guest. ]
a favourite song... mmm, i'm not sure, actually. ooh, there is this song that i like - i can't remember the name, but it's quite lovely. it's short, and it is in another language, but i think you'll enjoy it, nonetheless...
[ he begins to pluck at the strings. it's more like a lullaby, this song, and his voice catches on the accents in a soothing way. the language sounds refined, a little foreign on his tongue, as if it's been a while since he's spoken it - but lovely all the same. it's one of his favourites to sing to himself, even if he isn't sure of the language's name, even if he knows the meanings of all the words. having jimmy's eyes on him inspires him to do his best when he sings, wanting to put on a good performance for his guest. ]
[ jimmy listens carefully, quietly, watching how his fingers expertly dance across the strings, the way he gets this small smile on his face as he sings. jimmy can't help but think that it's a nice smile – objectively, of course. ]
[ if he's being honest, he's never been a super big fan of music. he likes it just as much as the next guy, don't get it wrong, and he definitely has his favourite songs and stuff, but he's not the kind of person that can just sit with headphones on and do nothing else. however, despite that, jimmy thinks he could probably sit here and listen to lethe play for ages without ever getting bored. ]
[ when the song ends, it takes jimmy a second before he starts clapping – he'd gotten lost in thought for a minute there. ]
you just keep getting better! [ he exclaims. ] we seriously need to get you out of this place soon, you'll give griande a run for her money for sure. what was that song about, can i ask?
[ the elf is sure that his face is bright pink, blushing down to the tips of his ears. ] you're too sweet - your flattery is greatly appreciated.
[ he says, nearly tripping over his words as he does so. receiving so many compliments... even if he doesn't know who griande is... it's enough to make him run even more warm than he had felt before. jimmy had watched attentively. does... does he like attention? ]
[ it's a fact that he stores about himself n his mind. knowing anything about who he is is important to him. to start to slowly recover who he is... that's important to him. ]
but i would... i would like to leave this place. there are so many things that i would like to see. a blue sky, like i... like i know it to be. rain in a place that isn't this forest. i want to see what you've built too, jimmy. what everyone has built. i want to taste freedom again.
[ the tone of his voice becomes sombre, but he looks up to meet jimmy's gaze again, and he finds himself smiling. ]
but i'm okay. i get to spend time with you. and that makes me very happy. so thank you.
[ oh, and now jimmy's blushing. great. he ducks his head a little, but his face still feels warm — because the words, they're just so... sweet. genuine. ]
...i'm glad that i can make you happy. by being here.
[ he's happy being here too, of course he is. lethe's sea-shanty-ing is not something he'd want to miss. but, seriously, on a real note, he's just... a good friend. good company. venturing through the fog had been dangerous and did not come without its faults (see: the still-aching wound in his wing), but it was most definitely worth it in the end. lethe's got a very sweet smile, and jimmy is very happy that he now gets to be on the receiving end of it. ]
[ he... wants to continue being on the receiving end of it. he doesn't like the thought of returning home alone while his friend remains trapped here. lethe deserves out of this place — to see the sky and the rain and absolutely anything else that he wants to see. jimmy wants to show him around hermitcraft. he wants to take him to his favourite places on the server. and it's not fair that he just can't — and of course it's not fair, none of this has ever been fair, but jimmy is just all of a sudden hit with a strong bitterness about the whole situation. ]
don't worry. [ he assures him, and he reaches over to take his hand, squeeze it a little. ] we're gonna get you out of here. soon.
[ maybe if he says it enough times he can make it true. ]
[ jimmy's faith in him makes him want to believe. it almost makes him believe. but something in the back of his mind says that it just won't happen. that it's impossible. that it could simply never be. his grip on jimmy's hand tightens a little as he considers his words - so kind, so assured. there is no way to be assured that this will happen, but he wants to believe, so badly so. he... ]
you've made me the most happy i've been in ages, jimmy.
[ he admits. because it's true. having people over is wonderful, and jimmy is a wonderful guest. it makes the elf want to just. ... he's not sure what he wants to do. so instead, he rubs his thumb over one of jimmy's knuckles. ]
life here is monotone. but when - when, [ he repeats. ] you get me out of here, i'm sure i'll find more joy in my everyday life. but with you here, there's no way i can find my life repetitive and boring. you're here.
[ he repeats it, as if he only just now knows that he's here. ]
you're here.
[ again. because jimmy is here. he can hardly believe it, even if he's just sang him a song and made him breakfast. a silly smile spreads across his face as he stares down at their hands, intertwined. ]
so. i won't worry. i trust you, after all.
[ oh, he trusts me. that's... that's wonderful, actually. a small smile blooms on jimmy's face, warmth flooding through his body at the words. ]
[ honestly? it's not too often that people trust him with important things (maybe for good reason), but after only meeting him once, lethe already trusts him. it's... a nice feeling. a really, really nice feeling. ]
[ it takes jimmy a second or two before he actually manages to speak, and when he does, he's pretty sure that the joy in his voice is actually audible. ]
i'm — oh, i'm so glad. that you trust me, i mean. and that you're happy with me here. i'm really, really happy to be here too! [ he laughs a little, almost nervously. ] to be with you.
[ he lets out a delighted little hum, excitedly tapping his fingers against his legs with a large smile as he catches jimmy's gaze. ]
you're a wonderful friend.
[ a friend who he had pledged to die for less than 24 hours ago. ]
i promise that i'll try to make the time you spend with me here - a good time.
[ and so he tries. he takes jimmy through his house, shows him the interior of his room, and the place that he uses to write his letters at. he shows him the quill and ink that he fashionably uses sometimes, sat right next to the pen - the kitchen, his cupboards, even the basement that has materials that he doesn't have access to in the overworld to use in it. ]
[ he shows him around the house, and then to the farm in the back of the house that he uses to grow his crops - and then, he takes jimmy for a walk down to the river. it's one of his favourite places to be. he spends hours staring at it, sometimes, waiting for his reflection to appear - waiting for something to happen. there are no fish in the water, after all, but he enjoys sometimes swimming in it as well. he leads jimmy by the hand to it, afraid to lose him, even though they are nowhere near the border of the fog. ]
"this is one of my favourite places to be," [ he informs jimmy with a bright smile, gesturing to the little clearing where the river runs through. ] "i swim in here sometimes, you know. the water's a little cold at first, but i get used to it fast. plus, there's no fish in here, so it's just a generally gorgeous place to be, don't you think?"
[ the clouds have let up today, and the sun shines against the water in a way that makes it glimmer golden in the light. ]
[ he's right, it is gorgeous. the sunlight shimmering, the water gently lapping at the riverbank, and both of their hands intertwined — yeah, this is really, really lovely. ]
"it's all very pretty," [ jimmy agrees with him, glancing over to look at lethe before turning his gaze back to the water. ] "i'd come here so often, if i lived out here. the fresh air and the water and everything... it's so nice."
[ the tours of the house and farm had been wonderful too, of course. it was especially nice to see the place where lethe writes his letters. it's all too easy to picture him sitting there with that little smile of his on his face as he writes out replies to people. it's a very endearing mental image, and probably something that will occupy jimmy's thoughts once he gets out of the pale garden and has to return to letters for communication. ]
[ it's only been a second before he remembers something else that lethe had mentioned offhandedly earlier. ] "you like swimming?" [ he asks, curiosity clear in his tone. ]
[ he laughs, and crouches down to undo the laces on his shoes. ] "i absolutely do."
[ he tosses one boot aside. then off comes the sock, carefully tucked into the shoe itself. he's preparing to get into the water and swim. then, comes off his shirt, unbuttoned and set to the side carefully. he takes the time to fold it, making a semi-conscious note about the scars along his arms once more. ]
"and, you're sort of right. i do come here a lot, and sometimes the crows like to get into the water with me, if they're feeling adventurous." [ as if summoned by his words, a few crows caw, fluttering down to the ground to join him and peck at his boot. it makes him laugh. ] "swimming is nice. especially when it gets warmer, it's a nice way to cool off. i once had a day so warm that i spent basically the entire day inside of here."
[ off comes the other boot and sock with ease. ]
[ he dips his toes into the water - and once satisfied with the temperature, he drops most of his legs inside, all the way up to his knees. and then, he turns to jimmy with a smile, and asks- ] "wanna go for a swim together?"
[ unfortunately, the majority of those first few sentences go in one ear and out the other, pretty much completely unheard. lethe had just taken his shirt off. okay. a little warning next time, dude? ]
[ and now of course jimmy has to take a moment to just admire, because how could he not? lethe has been pretty this entire time, yes, but jesus christ. he has muscles, and he looks so strong, and, yeah, he's got scars, but it's not like that makes him any less attractive (and jimmy has the completely unwelcome thought somewhere in the back of his mind that he would really like to kiss said scars at some point), and when lethe turns to actually look at jimmy with that sweet little smile of his, his heart actually skips a beat in his chest. ]
[ now. swimming is not something that jimmy does often, if ever. it's all too easy to get feathers wet and waterlogged wings are a pain. but with lethe offering so nicely, how's he meant to turn him down? ]
"sure. sure, yeah, let's go for a swim." [ a small smile is on his face as he says the words, and he sincerely hopes that it isn't obvious how distracted he was a moment ago. ]
[ "go for a swim" might be slightly inaccurate wording, considering he's not planning on going any deeper in the water than up to his waist, but still. he copies lethe's actions from earlier, setting his shoes, socks, and shirt off to the side, more neatly than he would've if he was just on his own. ]
[ finally, he goes to stand at the edge, eyeing the water. he looks over at lethe. ] "it's not cold, is it?" [ he asks warily. ]
[ jimmy shouldn't fault himself for staring, because lethe stares, too. seeing someone else shirtless for the first time can be his excuse, but it's a poor one, considering the truth is that jimmy is - jimmy. jimmy is solidly built and aesthetically pleasing and nice to look at. do not stare at his muscles do not stare at them do not stare at them is his internal monologue as he rips his eyes away. great. he's not staring! exactly what he wanted. ]
"n... no," [ he replies, wincing as he stutters. ] "yeah, no, it's okay. not that cold at all."
[ he slides off of where he'd been sitting next to it to fully sink down into it. he's chosen a part of the river where it's not that deep, it goes a little bit up further past his waist, and he does worry about jimmy's wings. ]
"are your wings going to be alright if you get in, actually?" [ he questions. his gaze wanders to them, instead. beautiful, gold, shining in the sunlight, catching it just right - they do look like the wings of an angel, he realizes. they are so beautiful. they had been so soft to preen. if they get wet, he wonders if he could have the honour of preening them again...? ]
It takes her so, so long to track him down. Finding him is one of the hardest things she's ever done in her life. The Watchers are thorough with their work in the code, after all - isolating him as punishment and making sure that people don't get through so that they can revel in the solitary punishment and the sorrow, she can already imagine it. (It makes a part of her heart squeeze - leaving him behind, running away like that, how cowardly - she's Illux, she's unstoppable, unbeatable, she's more than that. And yet, in that moment, she had fled. How pathetic.)
It doesn't matter, though, because she's found him, after all this time of searching. Wandering through the fog and bashing through every single piece of code that tries to stop her, making a path through and forcing it aside through sheer force of will - that is what brought Illux to, finally, the other end. She knows she's near, heartbeat thrumming and fluttering like that of a hummingbird's in anticipation as she sees the first clearings of the fog up above. She's been checking the code every other second to make sure she's still moving forwards, still moving towards him. The anxiety makes her almost ready to puke - so many hours of work, all leading up to this moment where they will finally be reunited.
She pushes through the last remnants of the fog, and makes a break through it, the fog dispersing around her form as she steps through onto grass that is much less green than it should be. The Pale Garden eats away at the colour of things, turns them lifeless, saps the energy from them - Illux knows this well. She's been researching this place, after all. Her boots crush the grass as she approaches, pushing past brushes and trees.
It's a beautiful day outside. The sun shines through the branches, the sound of crows are chirping - and those must be his. Illux remembers that he always inexplicably seemed to have them gather around. She pushes through, step after step, hands shaking with the effort. And then, there it is - the sound of his voice. He is singing.
Illux chases.
(We will be reunited.)
The days go by slowly, sometimes, even more so after Jimmy is gone. He finds himself missing the presence of his friend more and more as time passes, the letters they exchange not enough to fill the gaping, vacant hole in his chest. Jimmy had brought with him this sort of warmth - and he was a man who had never known it before. He is left craving the last ebbing traces of sunshine. To fill in the gaps, he writes. He talks to his crows, and now, he is singing his song. He does not notice the approaching of another person until he hears the cracking of a branch, and his voice comes to a trembling halt. Nobody had told him that they were coming. Is someone here to hurt him? It could be a surprise visit, but he doesn't want to assume.
The guitar is set aside, and he pulls out his sword with practiced ease. Why is it so easy? Why is it natural? What life has he lived before? And then, he waits. Waits for someone to come.
And come she does.
She steps into the clearing, eerily familiar, and yet a stranger all the same. Her long green hair, the black streaks in them, the eyes that are red - they are things that hold this sense of deja vu, in dreams that he scrambles to remember. He remembers the rain, the billboards, the neon signs - who was she? The woman that had been haunting his dreams for the past few weeks? He could get his answers now it seemed, because inexplicably, she is standing in front of him. Right up in the path that leads up to his house, she stands, hands shaking, eyes wide.
They hold eye contact. He opens his mouth to speak, to say something, anything - what's going on, why have you been in my dreams? But she speaks first.
"Lethe," she breathes, and-
("Lethe, soldier boy, you're gonna do me a favour-"
"Lethe, my friend-"
"Lethe, my most valiant knight, I beseech this of you-"
"Protect him with your life, Lethe-"
"Lethe!"
"Lethe, what are you up to?")
It's his name. His name, she knows him, she's known him from this before, this before, this thing he thought he almost might have not had. The thing he - Lethe! - has been searching for, for so long, she has come and she brings questions but an answer and she brings his name and his face opens into the widest smile he's had in so long.
"Is that my name?" He breathes, out loud, staring at her with wide eyes.
She frowns back at him. "What do you mean?" She says, and that excitement that had been on her face has now twisted into this confusion that makes Lethe's mouth go dry.
"I..." He tries to form a word, a sentence.
"Lethe, what do you mean, is that my name?" Her voice comes out sharper, now.
"I'm sorry, it's just - who are you?"
... continuation from here. @jimmys-mailbox
[ the next morning, the light shines through the curtains of the living room where jimmy is sleeping. it's accompanied by the sound of someone singing a slow yet hopeful tune. the words are a little out of reach, but most of it is simply open-mouthed singing, the sound filling the cabin with the feeling of 'home'. ]
[ it seems that jimmy's companion got up earlier than he did, and is making breakfast for the both of them. ]
[ he wakes up soon after. very briefly, he wonders where he is, why his back is aching so strongly, why his wing is hurting so much. and then, as he opens his eyes and takes account of his surroundings, he remembers — the fog, getting hurt, meeting guy. ]
[ he yawns, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his palms and propping himself up on his elbows to look over at the kitchen, where his friend was doing- something, back turned to him. ]
morning. [ he says, voice a little rough, scratchy. ]
[ the elf turns around with a small smile. ]
ah, you're up! i've almost finished making breakfast. how do you feel? is the wing alright?
[ he's quick to check in and make sure that jimmy is alright. in his hand is a spatula, which speaks to the fact that he'd just been trying to cook something. ]
please, feel free to let me know if you feel any discomfort, or anything - i have spare potions. did you sleep alright?
i slept alright, yeah!
[ the words are bright, even if they're not fully true. the couch was comfortable, but it was a little small, and now his back did ache a bit. but he could deal. he props himself up on his elbows, squints over at lethe. ]
whatcha making?
i'm attempting to make potatoes.
[ he sighs, looking down at the pan. ]
it's going semi-well. i don't have too many resources here, due to a lack of meat. i'm probably going to become anemic at this rate...
[ he shakes his head. ]
anyways! that aside, it should be done... soon... ish? most likely. i hope it won't taste too bad...
it'll be great, i'm sure! the soup last night was really good, so...
[ jimmy trails off. he sits up on the couch, runs his hands through his hair a couple times and hopes it's not as messy as it feels. he stretches out his wing a bit, the injured one, and winces in pain. it's not so bad, not like how it had been yesterday, but still. after a moment, he gets up and walks over to the kitchen, standing next to his friend and leaning against the counter. ]
did you sleep well, then?
[ he seems quite excited to hear that jimmy has liked his cooking. ]
i'm so glad that you liked it!
[ he beams. if he notices how messy jimmy's hair is and how he seems to be a little bit just messy in general, he doesn't comment on it, returning his focus to the food. ]
...ah, yes. sleep? yeah, i slept well enough.
[ it takes him a moment to answer the question, and decides not to mention the nightmares of memories? that he'd had during the night before. of being unable to save people. unable to help. witnessing carnage before his eyes over and over. ]
glad you slept well!
[ jimmy says it brightly, earnestly – not at all picking up on the hesitation behind the words. he runs his hands through his hair a few more times. nervous habit shining through, even if he's not really nervous right now. ]
hey, by the way, were you singing, earlier? [ he asks curiously. ]
...singing?
[ it takes him a moment to register what jimmy is implying, and he looks away. he hadn't realized that the other had been awake to listen to him sing - he hadn't thought jimmy was awake, period. ]
well - yes. i do like to sing, that's true. i have a guitar that i use sometimes with my singing. the crows like to crowd and listen when i do.
[ he chuckles at the thought. he then proceeds to realize that the food will start to burn if he keeps it on for much longer, so he takes it off of the stove, finding two plates for the both of them. ]
it's not much - i do apologize again, i wish i had something a little more to give to a guest of mine.
oh, don't apologize! it looks good, dude, really. besides, i'm not picky! what kinda guest would i be if i started criticizing the food you made me after i've just basically sprung an impromptu sleepover on you, huh?
[ it's a joke, but jimmy genuinely does feel a little guilty. it was supposed to be a fun, short visit. but then he'd gone and gotten his wing injured and now neither of them really have a choice – he's sort of stuck here. not that jimmy minds that – lethe's good company! but still. ]
also – you play guitar? you have got to show me some time, that's so cool! your singing is already really good on its own, honestly, but with the guitar and stuff, oh, i bet it's great!
oh, please don't apologize.
[ he sets down the plates on the table. ]
i love company. i take company wherever i can get it, really. whenever someone spends time with me - that's precious time spent. please don't feel like you're intruding on my household, i'm very, very happy to have you here.
[ he will not speak of the fact that he is incredibly lonely and even the sight of another person makes him giddy. ]
well, i - i suppose i can... i can do that for you, [ he smiles, tucking a piece of stray hair behind his ear, looking pleased with himself. ] after breakfast, i'll play a song for you, if you'd like?
[ jimmy lights up immediately at the offer. genuinely, he just beams at him. ] would you really? that would be – so nice. seriously, i would love that.
[ he has no idea why he's so excited by this, really. he's unreasonably happy considering the fact that it is literally just a song. but despite that, he sits down at the table and begins to eat maybe just a little faster than he needs to. ]
[ he chuckles to himself, taking a fork to his own meal and eating a little slower than jimmy. it's funny, seeing how excited his friend is to hear him sing - but it's not like he doesn't like an audience. the elf picks up the pace a little too. it's been a while since he's been able to perform for anyone that wasn't his grouping of crows. ]
[ he finds himself looking forwards to it, and before he knows it, his plate is empty, and so is jimmy's - and he sets them aside, near the sink. ]
i hope you enjoyed it - the food, i mean. [ he's not sure why he's so nervous about making sure that jimmy enjoyed his meal. ]
i did, i did! [ jimmy's quick to assure him, flashing a smile as he does. ] you're good at cooking, you shouldn't have even worried about it. genuinely, even better than i was expecting.
[ he pauses for a second, eyes darting around the room before settling on his friend again. is it too eager if he asks? ...whatever. he's asking anyways. ] sooo. where do you keep your guitar?
i suppose i'm better than i thought i was - living here for so long has taught me a few handy tricks on cooking, [ he says, sounding thoroughly amused. jimmy really wants to hear him sing, and it honestly brings a little spark of - something? - alive in his chest, and he's now really excited to perform. ]
i keep it in my room. give me literally five seconds, i'll be back.
[ he makes a mad dash for his room and then returns a few moments later, nearly tripping over himself, with his guitar in his hands. ]
tada! what are you in the mood for? do you want a sea shanty? something that's upbeat? a lullaby? i can do almost anything.
[ he says, eager to impress. ]
[ jimmy can't help but laugh at his little sprint to his room, and then giggle even more when he returns just as enthusiastically. ]
i'm sorry, did you just say sea shanty? i think i've gotta hear that now.
[ he looks at him with a very amused grin on his face, before he goes to sit back down on the couch that he'd just slept on. he pulls his legs up to sit criss-cross, and he leans forward eagerly, waiting. ]
well - [ he sighs. ] i suppose i did suggest it. alright. set yourself down, i'll play it for you.
[ he fiddles with the strings of his guitar for a few moments, still standing, before finding the right tune - he begins to strum. at first, he feels a little nervous about the few beginning choruses, but the further he gets into the song, the more confident he gets. it's not long before he's hitting his foot against the ground to imitate the chorus of clapping that one would get upon the beginning of a sea shanty on a ship - a smile wide on his face as he goes through the song with practiced ease. he's done this many times before - and it only takes him taking a leap of faith to get back into it. the song comes to a close after four minutes of enthusiastic singing, where he sways to the lyrics and belts them out, looking quite pleased with himself - and he turns to jimmy with a wide grin. ]
well? did i live up to your standards?
[ as soon as the song is over, jimmy is clapping very enthusiastically, a bright smile on his own face to match with lethe's. he's good at singing, just like he was in the morning, and somehow just as good with the guitar and the, like – what's it called? – the rhythm thing. yeah. whatever. that. he's talented, that's what jimmy's trying to say. ]
very much so!! [ he claps a couple times again, just for good measure. ] you're so good at that, i don't even know what i was expecting from a sea shanty, but it wasn't for you to be so – oh my gosh. yeah. definitely, definitely lived up to my standards. definitely.
[ the elf is quick to duck his head, bashful under such praise. ] you flatter me with your praise.
[ he takes a half-bow before realizing that's awkward and standing up straight, running his fingers through his hair with a large smile. ]
but... i'm glad that you enjoyed it. i'm sure it would be even better if i could gather a whole punch of people with ale upon a ship to make the atmosphere just as accurate.
[ he sounds almost a little... wistful. for a moment, he thinks he can almost remember it - almost hear the noise, feel the wood, smell the sea salt. and then it's gone. ]
your enjoyment means a lot to me, jimmy. thank you for listening.
'course! i should be thanking you, actually, for singing. you're so good at it! [ jimmy knows he's said that before, but he can't help but repeat it. ]
[ he pauses for a second, before rubbing the back of his neck. ] i mean. i wouldn't be opposed to hearing it again. doesn't have to be a sea shanty. [ he laughs, a little sheepish. what is he even saying right now? ] oh – i won't force you to do it now or anything. whenever! only if you want and stuff. just saying. i like listening.
[ the elf goes pink in the face, opting to stare at the ground, tapping a finger aimlessly against the side of his guitar. he hasn't gotten a compliment like this in ages. he hasn't been complimented in ages, period. jimmy's too nice to him... he honestly finds himself at a loss for words in a moment, smiling a little foolishly as he stares at the ground. however, upon hearing that jimmy would like to hear another song, he perks up. ]
you want - another? i can do another! whenever you'd like is alright. i haven't... performed in ages, and usually it's just my crows, but i told you that. i would be delighted to. i'll sing for you whenever you'd like! really, just say the word, and i'll sing something for you. it doesn't even have to be with the guitar, if it's not on me. i would be delighted.
[ perhaps... a little too eager. but it comes with two things that he likes - being praised, and being able to make someone smile. so maybe his over-the-top earnestness can be overlooked just this once...? ]
[ definitely can be overlooked, considering how jimmy is just as (if not more) eager, proven by the way that he immediately sits up straighter, looking at lethe with wide eyes. ]
really? no, yeah, i'd love to hear. like i've said. but. yeah. do you have a favourite song or anything? actually, hang on – do you wanna come sit?
[ he offers, moving over a little to make room for lethe on the couch, figuring that he's probably getting tired standing. or maybe not. maybe he likes standing. maybe that's why he's standing in the first place. right. well, jimmy's said it now, no taking it back. it's not a big deal anyways. it's literally just an offer. there is no reason for jimmy to be thinking about it this much. he needs to relax. ]
sure, i can sit down with you!
[ the elf is more than happy than to plop down next to him with a happy smile, still holding his guitar in his hands. jimmy is a lovely audience to have. possibly the best. not that he has much to go off of, considering his terrible memory, but it's still lovely to have someone so attentive by his side. ]
[ jimmy likes his songs, and is asking for an encore! that's one of the highest forms of praise that any kind of performer can ask for. he's honoured. he resists the urge to giggle to himself - he is grown, and just because he gets one compliment doesn't mean he'll allow himself to act like a fool in front of a guest. ]
a favourite song... mmm, i'm not sure, actually. ooh, there is this song that i like - i can't remember the name, but it's quite lovely. it's short, and it is in another language, but i think you'll enjoy it, nonetheless...
[ he begins to pluck at the strings. it's more like a lullaby, this song, and his voice catches on the accents in a soothing way. the language sounds refined, a little foreign on his tongue, as if it's been a while since he's spoken it - but lovely all the same. it's one of his favourites to sing to himself, even if he isn't sure of the language's name, even if he knows the meanings of all the words. having jimmy's eyes on him inspires him to do his best when he sings, wanting to put on a good performance for his guest. ]
[ jimmy listens carefully, quietly, watching how his fingers expertly dance across the strings, the way he gets this small smile on his face as he sings. jimmy can't help but think that it's a nice smile – objectively, of course. ]
[ if he's being honest, he's never been a super big fan of music. he likes it just as much as the next guy, don't get it wrong, and he definitely has his favourite songs and stuff, but he's not the kind of person that can just sit with headphones on and do nothing else. however, despite that, jimmy thinks he could probably sit here and listen to lethe play for ages without ever getting bored. ]
[ when the song ends, it takes jimmy a second before he starts clapping – he'd gotten lost in thought for a minute there. ]
you just keep getting better! [ he exclaims. ] we seriously need to get you out of this place soon, you'll give griande a run for her money for sure. what was that song about, can i ask?
[ the elf is sure that his face is bright pink, blushing down to the tips of his ears. ] you're too sweet - your flattery is greatly appreciated.
[ he says, nearly tripping over his words as he does so. receiving so many compliments... even if he doesn't know who griande is... it's enough to make him run even more warm than he had felt before. jimmy had watched attentively. does... does he like attention? ]
[ it's a fact that he stores about himself n his mind. knowing anything about who he is is important to him. to start to slowly recover who he is... that's important to him. ]
but i would... i would like to leave this place. there are so many things that i would like to see. a blue sky, like i... like i know it to be. rain in a place that isn't this forest. i want to see what you've built too, jimmy. what everyone has built. i want to taste freedom again.
[ the tone of his voice becomes sombre, but he looks up to meet jimmy's gaze again, and he finds himself smiling. ]
but i'm okay. i get to spend time with you. and that makes me very happy. so thank you.
[ oh, and now jimmy's blushing. great. he ducks his head a little, but his face still feels warm — because the words, they're just so... sweet. genuine. ]
...i'm glad that i can make you happy. by being here.
[ he's happy being here too, of course he is. lethe's sea-shanty-ing is not something he'd want to miss. but, seriously, on a real note, he's just... a good friend. good company. venturing through the fog had been dangerous and did not come without its faults (see: the still-aching wound in his wing), but it was most definitely worth it in the end. lethe's got a very sweet smile, and jimmy is very happy that he now gets to be on the receiving end of it. ]
[ he... wants to continue being on the receiving end of it. he doesn't like the thought of returning home alone while his friend remains trapped here. lethe deserves out of this place — to see the sky and the rain and absolutely anything else that he wants to see. jimmy wants to show him around hermitcraft. he wants to take him to his favourite places on the server. and it's not fair that he just can't — and of course it's not fair, none of this has ever been fair, but jimmy is just all of a sudden hit with a strong bitterness about the whole situation. ]
don't worry. [ he assures him, and he reaches over to take his hand, squeeze it a little. ] we're gonna get you out of here. soon.
[ maybe if he says it enough times he can make it true. ]
[ jimmy's faith in him makes him want to believe. it almost makes him believe. but something in the back of his mind says that it just won't happen. that it's impossible. that it could simply never be. his grip on jimmy's hand tightens a little as he considers his words - so kind, so assured. there is no way to be assured that this will happen, but he wants to believe, so badly so. he... ]
you've made me the most happy i've been in ages, jimmy.
[ he admits. because it's true. having people over is wonderful, and jimmy is a wonderful guest. it makes the elf want to just. ... he's not sure what he wants to do. so instead, he rubs his thumb over one of jimmy's knuckles. ]
life here is monotone. but when - when, [ he repeats. ] you get me out of here, i'm sure i'll find more joy in my everyday life. but with you here, there's no way i can find my life repetitive and boring. you're here.
[ he repeats it, as if he only just now knows that he's here. ]
you're here.
[ again. because jimmy is here. he can hardly believe it, even if he's just sang him a song and made him breakfast. a silly smile spreads across his face as he stares down at their hands, intertwined. ]
so. i won't worry. i trust you, after all.
[ oh, he trusts me. that's... that's wonderful, actually. a small smile blooms on jimmy's face, warmth flooding through his body at the words. ]
[ honestly? it's not too often that people trust him with important things (maybe for good reason), but after only meeting him once, lethe already trusts him. it's... a nice feeling. a really, really nice feeling. ]
[ it takes jimmy a second or two before he actually manages to speak, and when he does, he's pretty sure that the joy in his voice is actually audible. ]
i'm — oh, i'm so glad. that you trust me, i mean. and that you're happy with me here. i'm really, really happy to be here too! [ he laughs a little, almost nervously. ] to be with you.
[ he lets out a delighted little hum, excitedly tapping his fingers against his legs with a large smile as he catches jimmy's gaze. ]
you're a wonderful friend.
[ a friend who he had pledged to die for less than 24 hours ago. ]
i promise that i'll try to make the time you spend with me here - a good time.
[ and so he tries. he takes jimmy through his house, shows him the interior of his room, and the place that he uses to write his letters at. he shows him the quill and ink that he fashionably uses sometimes, sat right next to the pen - the kitchen, his cupboards, even the basement that has materials that he doesn't have access to in the overworld to use in it. ]
[ he shows him around the house, and then to the farm in the back of the house that he uses to grow his crops - and then, he takes jimmy for a walk down to the river. it's one of his favourite places to be. he spends hours staring at it, sometimes, waiting for his reflection to appear - waiting for something to happen. there are no fish in the water, after all, but he enjoys sometimes swimming in it as well. he leads jimmy by the hand to it, afraid to lose him, even though they are nowhere near the border of the fog. ]
"this is one of my favourite places to be," [ he informs jimmy with a bright smile, gesturing to the little clearing where the river runs through. ] "i swim in here sometimes, you know. the water's a little cold at first, but i get used to it fast. plus, there's no fish in here, so it's just a generally gorgeous place to be, don't you think?"
[ the clouds have let up today, and the sun shines against the water in a way that makes it glimmer golden in the light. ]
[ he's right, it is gorgeous. the sunlight shimmering, the water gently lapping at the riverbank, and both of their hands intertwined — yeah, this is really, really lovely. ]
"it's all very pretty," [ jimmy agrees with him, glancing over to look at lethe before turning his gaze back to the water. ] "i'd come here so often, if i lived out here. the fresh air and the water and everything... it's so nice."
[ the tours of the house and farm had been wonderful too, of course. it was especially nice to see the place where lethe writes his letters. it's all too easy to picture him sitting there with that little smile of his on his face as he writes out replies to people. it's a very endearing mental image, and probably something that will occupy jimmy's thoughts once he gets out of the pale garden and has to return to letters for communication. ]
[ it's only been a second before he remembers something else that lethe had mentioned offhandedly earlier. ] "you like swimming?" [ he asks, curiosity clear in his tone. ]
[ he laughs, and crouches down to undo the laces on his shoes. ] "i absolutely do."
[ he tosses one boot aside. then off comes the sock, carefully tucked into the shoe itself. he's preparing to get into the water and swim. then, comes off his shirt, unbuttoned and set to the side carefully. he takes the time to fold it, making a semi-conscious note about the scars along his arms once more. ]
"and, you're sort of right. i do come here a lot, and sometimes the crows like to get into the water with me, if they're feeling adventurous." [ as if summoned by his words, a few crows caw, fluttering down to the ground to join him and peck at his boot. it makes him laugh. ] "swimming is nice. especially when it gets warmer, it's a nice way to cool off. i once had a day so warm that i spent basically the entire day inside of here."
[ off comes the other boot and sock with ease. ]
[ he dips his toes into the water - and once satisfied with the temperature, he drops most of his legs inside, all the way up to his knees. and then, he turns to jimmy with a smile, and asks- ] "wanna go for a swim together?"
sheriff,
should i start addressing you as that? sheriff? consistently? the outfit is quite fitting on you, though, i must say. you're flattering. it flatters you, i mean. [ the next line is scribbled out in ink so thoroughly it's impossible to make out what he'd originally written. ] the outfit is good on you, is what i mean to say.
i've been away for quite some time, i feel. or maybe time has just passed differently. or perhaps, time is not real at all, and i have only been gone for moments, minutes. it's hard to tell. however, i write you this letter to tell you that i have missed you, and i sincerely hope you are doing well.
i promise that i am a law-abiding citizen, though. i have never done a crime (to my recollection, that is.) ah, imagine if the 'me' of before was a criminal! i wonder what kind? perhaps i'd be some sort of thief, stealing from the rich to give to the poor... what an excellent plotline, if i do say so myself. wouldn't that story be intriguing? however, if i was any sort of criminal... please have mercy on me, sheriff? :]
sincerely,
your friend.
@sincerely-some-guy
[ as soon as he gets the letter, jimmy's eyes are drawn to the blotted-out words. he tries hard to read what it says, but his efforts are fruitless. whatever it is, it's completely indecipherable. damn it. he's curious, especially considering what the earlier sentences had said. he stares at that spot on the paper for maybe a little too long. ]
[ unsolved mystery of the scribbled-out sentence aside, though, jimmy writes back pretty much immediately. it's been way too long since he's heard from his friend, after all. ]
evening!!
it's definitely been way too long, you're right. it feels like it's been ages since we last talked, at least. i've really missed you too. how's all the fogging and stuff going? or whatever you do all the way over there, haha. i've been doing well, don't you worry, you really aren't missed much. i do wish you were here, though!
and hey, you like the outfit? that's really sweet of you to say, honestly. haven't broken out the old sheriff clothes since empires, which was, like, ages ago. i'm glad you like it! you should come see it in person LOL
as for mercy, though... well, to be clear, i was a really good sheriff back in the day. catching bandits and stuff was my thing, you know! (please imagine me flexing my muscles at you right now.) none of those bad guys could ever escape me. and i definitely couldn't be bribed. ever. but, well, i think i would have to make an exception for you. privileges of being my friend! don't tell the others, though, because i absolutely would not let anyone else go free. you better feel special, haha.
love, jimmy!!
sheriff,
i've not done much, unfortunately. i think you know better than most that life in the pale garden isn't exactly exciting. don't think i didn't see you pacing before i had to force you to go back home. i occupy myself, though. do you remember that river i brought you to? i've been down there quite a few times. i tend to go there now when i miss you. i've been writing a bit, and tending to the crows - they're more hungry for seeds than usual. i think they miss you, too. i always wish i was there with you.
as soon as i figure out how to get out of here, i'm forcing you to get into those clothes if you've ditched them by then. you'll have to do it. i must see it happen. do you have a badge? i remember sheriffs are supposed to have badges. i don't remember ever meeting one other than you, though. i'm curious.
and now that you've written that, i'm incredibly curious. what escapades were you up to on empires that involved bribing? catching criminals? your stories intrigue me - all these things that have happened between you and your friends are always fascinating. it makes me want to have been there to experience it as well. if i had been in empires, i wonder how things would have gone. i would have gotten to see a lot more of you, at the very least, under a blue sky where i could do as i liked. wouldn't that be lovely?
(thank you for making an exception for me, though. i won't tell a soul! i feel very special and very honoured, sheriff.)
i'm so glad to have heard back from you.
love,
your friend. ♡
[ of course, jimmy's eyes catch on the love, your friend and the little heart (oh, the heart, that's cute) first. as he reads the rest of the letter, there's this pleasant warmth that lingers in his chest and a small smile that rests on his face. ]
hey, you got back to me quick!
you go down to that river when you miss me? oh, that's really, really sweet, i wish i could still be there with you. i miss you too. and the crows! tell them i say hi or something, haha!
and don't worry, once you finally get out of there and come over here, i'll let you do whatever you want. and if that includes digging up the sheriff clothes again, consider it done! (and yeah, i do have a badge! a hat and everything, too!)
there's definitely a few interesting stories i could tell you about... like, there was this one time where me and fwhip — he was my deputy for a while, back then, before i had to fire him (but that's a story for another time) — we busted a bunch of thieves that had been hiding away in the mines with a bunch of TNT. it was awesome. really badass and stuff! honestly, i think i would've really liked having you there with me during empires. i think you would've liked tumble town. i hope you would've, at least. it wasn't the most successful empire or anything, but, you know. it was mine.
well, maybe i'll show you around someday! you'll get friends-with-the-sheriff privileges! i'll give you a whole special tour and everything... we gotta actually do that sometime, okay? you'll have to dress the part, too — cowboy boots and everything. oh, i can see it in my mind already. it'll be perfect.
(and hey — jokes aside, it made me really happy to get your letter back. i really do miss you. a lot.)
love, jimmy. ♡
sheriff ♡,
of course i'll get back to you quickly. i'm always, admittedly, very excited when your messages come in and i almost always start immediately replying as soon as i catch a second. you mean a lot to me, after all. i'll make sure to tell the crows that you miss them. and of course i return. the time you spent with me i think is the happiest i have ever been.
aww, you do have a little badge and a hat! that's adorable, i love that. i will be looking forwards to seeing you in that outfit, by the way, i'll have you know.
i don't think i've ever messaged this 'fwhip' individual personally - he does not seem to have a mailbox, unfortunately, because what you two have done together sounds quite incredible and very interesting. thieves tormenting your empire? had you ever considered publicly executing them for disrespecting the law? (is that still a thing? for some reason, i feel like wherever i've come from originally must have had that as a thing, because it feels natural, but now that i think about it, i'm sure other places must have different ways of going about things.) that would have probably scared off the rest of them, but TNT is good as well. and, i think i would have liked the town. if it was yours, i would have loved it, actually.
when i get out of here, we'll go visit together. and if that's what you want from me, i'll absolutely dress up in the clothes. i wouldn't mind a change of my closet or of my fashion - i think i could probably pull it off, don't you? i wonder how i'd look in that sort of fashion (and i have no frame of reference, considering i don't know what i look like). do you think i'd look alright?
i miss you too, jimmy.
with lots of love,
your friend ♡
How to
graveyeards near me
am i gay quiz
sheriff,
should i start addressing you as that? sheriff? consistently? the outfit is quite fitting on you, though, i must say. you're flattering. it flatters you, i mean. [ the next line is scribbled out in ink so thoroughly it's impossible to make out what he'd originally written. ] the outfit is good on you, is what i mean to say.
i've been away for quite some time, i feel. or maybe time has just passed differently. or perhaps, time is not real at all, and i have only been gone for moments, minutes. it's hard to tell. however, i write you this letter to tell you that i have missed you, and i sincerely hope you are doing well.
i promise that i am a law-abiding citizen, though. i have never done a crime (to my recollection, that is.) ah, imagine if the 'me' of before was a criminal! i wonder what kind? perhaps i'd be some sort of thief, stealing from the rich to give to the poor... what an excellent plotline, if i do say so myself. wouldn't that story be intriguing? however, if i was any sort of criminal... please have mercy on me, sheriff? :]
sincerely,
your friend.
@sincerely-some-guy
[ as soon as he gets the letter, jimmy's eyes are drawn to the blotted-out words. he tries hard to read what it says, but his efforts are fruitless. whatever it is, it's completely indecipherable. damn it. he's curious, especially considering what the earlier sentences had said. he stares at that spot on the paper for maybe a little too long. ]
[ unsolved mystery of the scribbled-out sentence aside, though, jimmy writes back pretty much immediately. it's been way too long since he's heard from his friend, after all. ]
evening!!
it's definitely been way too long, you're right. it feels like it's been ages since we last talked, at least. i've really missed you too. how's all the fogging and stuff going? or whatever you do all the way over there, haha. i've been doing well, don't you worry, you really aren't missed much. i do wish you were here, though!
and hey, you like the outfit? that's really sweet of you to say, honestly. haven't broken out the old sheriff clothes since empires, which was, like, ages ago. i'm glad you like it! you should come see it in person LOL
as for mercy, though... well, to be clear, i was a really good sheriff back in the day. catching bandits and stuff was my thing, you know! (please imagine me flexing my muscles at you right now.) none of those bad guys could ever escape me. and i definitely couldn't be bribed. ever. but, well, i think i would have to make an exception for you. privileges of being my friend! don't tell the others, though, because i absolutely would not let anyone else go free. you better feel special, haha.
love, jimmy!!
sheriff,
i've not done much, unfortunately. i think you know better than most that life in the pale garden isn't exactly exciting. don't think i didn't see you pacing before i had to force you to go back home. i occupy myself, though. do you remember that river i brought you to? i've been down there quite a few times. i tend to go there now when i miss you. i've been writing a bit, and tending to the crows - they're more hungry for seeds than usual. i think they miss you, too. i always wish i was there with you.
as soon as i figure out how to get out of here, i'm forcing you to get into those clothes if you've ditched them by then. you'll have to do it. i must see it happen. do you have a badge? i remember sheriffs are supposed to have badges. i don't remember ever meeting one other than you, though. i'm curious.
and now that you've written that, i'm incredibly curious. what escapades were you up to on empires that involved bribing? catching criminals? your stories intrigue me - all these things that have happened between you and your friends are always fascinating. it makes me want to have been there to experience it as well. if i had been in empires, i wonder how things would have gone. i would have gotten to see a lot more of you, at the very least, under a blue sky where i could do as i liked. wouldn't that be lovely?
(thank you for making an exception for me, though. i won't tell a soul! i feel very special and very honoured, sheriff.)
i'm so glad to have heard back from you.
love,
your friend. ♡
... continuation from here. @jimmys-mailbox
[ the next morning, the light shines through the curtains of the living room where jimmy is sleeping. it's accompanied by the sound of someone singing a slow yet hopeful tune. the words are a little out of reach, but most of it is simply open-mouthed singing, the sound filling the cabin with the feeling of 'home'. ]
[ it seems that jimmy's companion got up earlier than he did, and is making breakfast for the both of them. ]
[ he wakes up soon after. very briefly, he wonders where he is, why his back is aching so strongly, why his wing is hurting so much. and then, as he opens his eyes and takes account of his surroundings, he remembers — the fog, getting hurt, meeting guy. ]
[ he yawns, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his palms and propping himself up on his elbows to look over at the kitchen, where his friend was doing- something, back turned to him. ]
morning. [ he says, voice a little rough, scratchy. ]
[ the elf turns around with a small smile. ]
ah, you're up! i've almost finished making breakfast. how do you feel? is the wing alright?
[ he's quick to check in and make sure that jimmy is alright. in his hand is a spatula, which speaks to the fact that he'd just been trying to cook something. ]
please, feel free to let me know if you feel any discomfort, or anything - i have spare potions. did you sleep alright?
i slept alright, yeah!
[ the words are bright, even if they're not fully true. the couch was comfortable, but it was a little small, and now his back did ache a bit. but he could deal. he props himself up on his elbows, squints over at lethe. ]
whatcha making?
i'm attempting to make potatoes.
[ he sighs, looking down at the pan. ]
it's going semi-well. i don't have too many resources here, due to a lack of meat. i'm probably going to become anemic at this rate...
[ he shakes his head. ]
anyways! that aside, it should be done... soon... ish? most likely. i hope it won't taste too bad...
it'll be great, i'm sure! the soup last night was really good, so...
[ jimmy trails off. he sits up on the couch, runs his hands through his hair a couple times and hopes it's not as messy as it feels. he stretches out his wing a bit, the injured one, and winces in pain. it's not so bad, not like how it had been yesterday, but still. after a moment, he gets up and walks over to the kitchen, standing next to his friend and leaning against the counter. ]
did you sleep well, then?
[ he seems quite excited to hear that jimmy has liked his cooking. ]
i'm so glad that you liked it!
[ he beams. if he notices how messy jimmy's hair is and how he seems to be a little bit just messy in general, he doesn't comment on it, returning his focus to the food. ]
...ah, yes. sleep? yeah, i slept well enough.
[ it takes him a moment to answer the question, and decides not to mention the nightmares of memories? that he'd had during the night before. of being unable to save people. unable to help. witnessing carnage before his eyes over and over. ]
glad you slept well!
[ jimmy says it brightly, earnestly – not at all picking up on the hesitation behind the words. he runs his hands through his hair a few more times. nervous habit shining through, even if he's not really nervous right now. ]
hey, by the way, were you singing, earlier? [ he asks curiously. ]
...singing?
[ it takes him a moment to register what jimmy is implying, and he looks away. he hadn't realized that the other had been awake to listen to him sing - he hadn't thought jimmy was awake, period. ]
well - yes. i do like to sing, that's true. i have a guitar that i use sometimes with my singing. the crows like to crowd and listen when i do.
[ he chuckles at the thought. he then proceeds to realize that the food will start to burn if he keeps it on for much longer, so he takes it off of the stove, finding two plates for the both of them. ]
it's not much - i do apologize again, i wish i had something a little more to give to a guest of mine.
oh, don't apologize! it looks good, dude, really. besides, i'm not picky! what kinda guest would i be if i started criticizing the food you made me after i've just basically sprung an impromptu sleepover on you, huh?
[ it's a joke, but jimmy genuinely does feel a little guilty. it was supposed to be a fun, short visit. but then he'd gone and gotten his wing injured and now neither of them really have a choice – he's sort of stuck here. not that jimmy minds that – lethe's good company! but still. ]
also – you play guitar? you have got to show me some time, that's so cool! your singing is already really good on its own, honestly, but with the guitar and stuff, oh, i bet it's great!
oh, please don't apologize.
[ he sets down the plates on the table. ]
i love company. i take company wherever i can get it, really. whenever someone spends time with me - that's precious time spent. please don't feel like you're intruding on my household, i'm very, very happy to have you here.
[ he will not speak of the fact that he is incredibly lonely and even the sight of another person makes him giddy. ]
well, i - i suppose i can... i can do that for you, [ he smiles, tucking a piece of stray hair behind his ear, looking pleased with himself. ] after breakfast, i'll play a song for you, if you'd like?
[ jimmy lights up immediately at the offer. genuinely, he just beams at him. ] would you really? that would be – so nice. seriously, i would love that.
[ he has no idea why he's so excited by this, really. he's unreasonably happy considering the fact that it is literally just a song. but despite that, he sits down at the table and begins to eat maybe just a little faster than he needs to. ]
[ he chuckles to himself, taking a fork to his own meal and eating a little slower than jimmy. it's funny, seeing how excited his friend is to hear him sing - but it's not like he doesn't like an audience. the elf picks up the pace a little too. it's been a while since he's been able to perform for anyone that wasn't his grouping of crows. ]
[ he finds himself looking forwards to it, and before he knows it, his plate is empty, and so is jimmy's - and he sets them aside, near the sink. ]
i hope you enjoyed it - the food, i mean. [ he's not sure why he's so nervous about making sure that jimmy enjoyed his meal. ]
i did, i did! [ jimmy's quick to assure him, flashing a smile as he does. ] you're good at cooking, you shouldn't have even worried about it. genuinely, even better than i was expecting.
[ he pauses for a second, eyes darting around the room before settling on his friend again. is it too eager if he asks? ...whatever. he's asking anyways. ] sooo. where do you keep your guitar?
i suppose i'm better than i thought i was - living here for so long has taught me a few handy tricks on cooking, [ he says, sounding thoroughly amused. jimmy really wants to hear him sing, and it honestly brings a little spark of - something? - alive in his chest, and he's now really excited to perform. ]
i keep it in my room. give me literally five seconds, i'll be back.
[ he makes a mad dash for his room and then returns a few moments later, nearly tripping over himself, with his guitar in his hands. ]
tada! what are you in the mood for? do you want a sea shanty? something that's upbeat? a lullaby? i can do almost anything.
[ he says, eager to impress. ]
[ jimmy can't help but laugh at his little sprint to his room, and then giggle even more when he returns just as enthusiastically. ]
i'm sorry, did you just say sea shanty? i think i've gotta hear that now.
[ he looks at him with a very amused grin on his face, before he goes to sit back down on the couch that he'd just slept on. he pulls his legs up to sit criss-cross, and he leans forward eagerly, waiting. ]
well - [ he sighs. ] i suppose i did suggest it. alright. set yourself down, i'll play it for you.
[ he fiddles with the strings of his guitar for a few moments, still standing, before finding the right tune - he begins to strum. at first, he feels a little nervous about the few beginning choruses, but the further he gets into the song, the more confident he gets. it's not long before he's hitting his foot against the ground to imitate the chorus of clapping that one would get upon the beginning of a sea shanty on a ship - a smile wide on his face as he goes through the song with practiced ease. he's done this many times before - and it only takes him taking a leap of faith to get back into it. the song comes to a close after four minutes of enthusiastic singing, where he sways to the lyrics and belts them out, looking quite pleased with himself - and he turns to jimmy with a wide grin. ]
well? did i live up to your standards?
[ as soon as the song is over, jimmy is clapping very enthusiastically, a bright smile on his own face to match with lethe's. he's good at singing, just like he was in the morning, and somehow just as good with the guitar and the, like – what's it called? – the rhythm thing. yeah. whatever. that. he's talented, that's what jimmy's trying to say. ]
very much so!! [ he claps a couple times again, just for good measure. ] you're so good at that, i don't even know what i was expecting from a sea shanty, but it wasn't for you to be so – oh my gosh. yeah. definitely, definitely lived up to my standards. definitely.
[ the elf is quick to duck his head, bashful under such praise. ] you flatter me with your praise.
[ he takes a half-bow before realizing that's awkward and standing up straight, running his fingers through his hair with a large smile. ]
but... i'm glad that you enjoyed it. i'm sure it would be even better if i could gather a whole punch of people with ale upon a ship to make the atmosphere just as accurate.
[ he sounds almost a little... wistful. for a moment, he thinks he can almost remember it - almost hear the noise, feel the wood, smell the sea salt. and then it's gone. ]
your enjoyment means a lot to me, jimmy. thank you for listening.
'course! i should be thanking you, actually, for singing. you're so good at it! [ jimmy knows he's said that before, but he can't help but repeat it. ]
[ he pauses for a second, before rubbing the back of his neck. ] i mean. i wouldn't be opposed to hearing it again. doesn't have to be a sea shanty. [ he laughs, a little sheepish. what is he even saying right now? ] oh – i won't force you to do it now or anything. whenever! only if you want and stuff. just saying. i like listening.
[ the elf goes pink in the face, opting to stare at the ground, tapping a finger aimlessly against the side of his guitar. he hasn't gotten a compliment like this in ages. he hasn't been complimented in ages, period. jimmy's too nice to him... he honestly finds himself at a loss for words in a moment, smiling a little foolishly as he stares at the ground. however, upon hearing that jimmy would like to hear another song, he perks up. ]
you want - another? i can do another! whenever you'd like is alright. i haven't... performed in ages, and usually it's just my crows, but i told you that. i would be delighted to. i'll sing for you whenever you'd like! really, just say the word, and i'll sing something for you. it doesn't even have to be with the guitar, if it's not on me. i would be delighted.
[ perhaps... a little too eager. but it comes with two things that he likes - being praised, and being able to make someone smile. so maybe his over-the-top earnestness can be overlooked just this once...? ]
[ definitely can be overlooked, considering how jimmy is just as (if not more) eager, proven by the way that he immediately sits up straighter, looking at lethe with wide eyes. ]
really? no, yeah, i'd love to hear. like i've said. but. yeah. do you have a favourite song or anything? actually, hang on – do you wanna come sit?
[ he offers, moving over a little to make room for lethe on the couch, figuring that he's probably getting tired standing. or maybe not. maybe he likes standing. maybe that's why he's standing in the first place. right. well, jimmy's said it now, no taking it back. it's not a big deal anyways. it's literally just an offer. there is no reason for jimmy to be thinking about it this much. he needs to relax. ]
sure, i can sit down with you!
[ the elf is more than happy than to plop down next to him with a happy smile, still holding his guitar in his hands. jimmy is a lovely audience to have. possibly the best. not that he has much to go off of, considering his terrible memory, but it's still lovely to have someone so attentive by his side. ]
[ jimmy likes his songs, and is asking for an encore! that's one of the highest forms of praise that any kind of performer can ask for. he's honoured. he resists the urge to giggle to himself - he is grown, and just because he gets one compliment doesn't mean he'll allow himself to act like a fool in front of a guest. ]
a favourite song... mmm, i'm not sure, actually. ooh, there is this song that i like - i can't remember the name, but it's quite lovely. it's short, and it is in another language, but i think you'll enjoy it, nonetheless...
[ he begins to pluck at the strings. it's more like a lullaby, this song, and his voice catches on the accents in a soothing way. the language sounds refined, a little foreign on his tongue, as if it's been a while since he's spoken it - but lovely all the same. it's one of his favourites to sing to himself, even if he isn't sure of the language's name, even if he knows the meanings of all the words. having jimmy's eyes on him inspires him to do his best when he sings, wanting to put on a good performance for his guest. ]
[ jimmy listens carefully, quietly, watching how his fingers expertly dance across the strings, the way he gets this small smile on his face as he sings. jimmy can't help but think that it's a nice smile – objectively, of course. ]
[ if he's being honest, he's never been a super big fan of music. he likes it just as much as the next guy, don't get it wrong, and he definitely has his favourite songs and stuff, but he's not the kind of person that can just sit with headphones on and do nothing else. however, despite that, jimmy thinks he could probably sit here and listen to lethe play for ages without ever getting bored. ]
[ when the song ends, it takes jimmy a second before he starts clapping – he'd gotten lost in thought for a minute there. ]
you just keep getting better! [ he exclaims. ] we seriously need to get you out of this place soon, you'll give griande a run for her money for sure. what was that song about, can i ask?
[ the elf is sure that his face is bright pink, blushing down to the tips of his ears. ] you're too sweet - your flattery is greatly appreciated.
[ he says, nearly tripping over his words as he does so. receiving so many compliments... even if he doesn't know who griande is... it's enough to make him run even more warm than he had felt before. jimmy had watched attentively. does... does he like attention? ]
[ it's a fact that he stores about himself n his mind. knowing anything about who he is is important to him. to start to slowly recover who he is... that's important to him. ]
but i would... i would like to leave this place. there are so many things that i would like to see. a blue sky, like i... like i know it to be. rain in a place that isn't this forest. i want to see what you've built too, jimmy. what everyone has built. i want to taste freedom again.
[ the tone of his voice becomes sombre, but he looks up to meet jimmy's gaze again, and he finds himself smiling. ]
but i'm okay. i get to spend time with you. and that makes me very happy. so thank you.
[ oh, and now jimmy's blushing. great. he ducks his head a little, but his face still feels warm — because the words, they're just so... sweet. genuine. ]
...i'm glad that i can make you happy. by being here.
[ he's happy being here too, of course he is. lethe's sea-shanty-ing is not something he'd want to miss. but, seriously, on a real note, he's just... a good friend. good company. venturing through the fog had been dangerous and did not come without its faults (see: the still-aching wound in his wing), but it was most definitely worth it in the end. lethe's got a very sweet smile, and jimmy is very happy that he now gets to be on the receiving end of it. ]
[ he... wants to continue being on the receiving end of it. he doesn't like the thought of returning home alone while his friend remains trapped here. lethe deserves out of this place — to see the sky and the rain and absolutely anything else that he wants to see. jimmy wants to show him around hermitcraft. he wants to take him to his favourite places on the server. and it's not fair that he just can't — and of course it's not fair, none of this has ever been fair, but jimmy is just all of a sudden hit with a strong bitterness about the whole situation. ]
don't worry. [ he assures him, and he reaches over to take his hand, squeeze it a little. ] we're gonna get you out of here. soon.
[ maybe if he says it enough times he can make it true. ]
[ jimmy's faith in him makes him want to believe. it almost makes him believe. but something in the back of his mind says that it just won't happen. that it's impossible. that it could simply never be. his grip on jimmy's hand tightens a little as he considers his words - so kind, so assured. there is no way to be assured that this will happen, but he wants to believe, so badly so. he... ]
you've made me the most happy i've been in ages, jimmy.
[ he admits. because it's true. having people over is wonderful, and jimmy is a wonderful guest. it makes the elf want to just. ... he's not sure what he wants to do. so instead, he rubs his thumb over one of jimmy's knuckles. ]
life here is monotone. but when - when, [ he repeats. ] you get me out of here, i'm sure i'll find more joy in my everyday life. but with you here, there's no way i can find my life repetitive and boring. you're here.
[ he repeats it, as if he only just now knows that he's here. ]
you're here.
[ again. because jimmy is here. he can hardly believe it, even if he's just sang him a song and made him breakfast. a silly smile spreads across his face as he stares down at their hands, intertwined. ]
so. i won't worry. i trust you, after all.
[ oh, he trusts me. that's... that's wonderful, actually. a small smile blooms on jimmy's face, warmth flooding through his body at the words. ]
[ honestly? it's not too often that people trust him with important things (maybe for good reason), but after only meeting him once, lethe already trusts him. it's... a nice feeling. a really, really nice feeling. ]
[ it takes jimmy a second or two before he actually manages to speak, and when he does, he's pretty sure that the joy in his voice is actually audible. ]
i'm — oh, i'm so glad. that you trust me, i mean. and that you're happy with me here. i'm really, really happy to be here too! [ he laughs a little, almost nervously. ] to be with you.
[ he lets out a delighted little hum, excitedly tapping his fingers against his legs with a large smile as he catches jimmy's gaze. ]
you're a wonderful friend.
[ a friend who he had pledged to die for less than 24 hours ago. ]
i promise that i'll try to make the time you spend with me here - a good time.
[ and so he tries. he takes jimmy through his house, shows him the interior of his room, and the place that he uses to write his letters at. he shows him the quill and ink that he fashionably uses sometimes, sat right next to the pen - the kitchen, his cupboards, even the basement that has materials that he doesn't have access to in the overworld to use in it. ]
[ he shows him around the house, and then to the farm in the back of the house that he uses to grow his crops - and then, he takes jimmy for a walk down to the river. it's one of his favourite places to be. he spends hours staring at it, sometimes, waiting for his reflection to appear - waiting for something to happen. there are no fish in the water, after all, but he enjoys sometimes swimming in it as well. he leads jimmy by the hand to it, afraid to lose him, even though they are nowhere near the border of the fog. ]
"this is one of my favourite places to be," [ he informs jimmy with a bright smile, gesturing to the little clearing where the river runs through. ] "i swim in here sometimes, you know. the water's a little cold at first, but i get used to it fast. plus, there's no fish in here, so it's just a generally gorgeous place to be, don't you think?"
[ the clouds have let up today, and the sun shines against the water in a way that makes it glimmer golden in the light. ]
... continuation from here. @jimmys-mailbox
[ the next morning, the light shines through the curtains of the living room where jimmy is sleeping. it's accompanied by the sound of someone singing a slow yet hopeful tune. the words are a little out of reach, but most of it is simply open-mouthed singing, the sound filling the cabin with the feeling of 'home'. ]
[ it seems that jimmy's companion got up earlier than he did, and is making breakfast for the both of them. ]
[ he wakes up soon after. very briefly, he wonders where he is, why his back is aching so strongly, why his wing is hurting so much. and then, as he opens his eyes and takes account of his surroundings, he remembers — the fog, getting hurt, meeting guy. ]
[ he yawns, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his palms and propping himself up on his elbows to look over at the kitchen, where his friend was doing- something, back turned to him. ]
morning. [ he says, voice a little rough, scratchy. ]
[ the elf turns around with a small smile. ]
ah, you're up! i've almost finished making breakfast. how do you feel? is the wing alright?
[ he's quick to check in and make sure that jimmy is alright. in his hand is a spatula, which speaks to the fact that he'd just been trying to cook something. ]
please, feel free to let me know if you feel any discomfort, or anything - i have spare potions. did you sleep alright?
i slept alright, yeah!
[ the words are bright, even if they're not fully true. the couch was comfortable, but it was a little small, and now his back did ache a bit. but he could deal. he props himself up on his elbows, squints over at lethe. ]
whatcha making?
i'm attempting to make potatoes.
[ he sighs, looking down at the pan. ]
it's going semi-well. i don't have too many resources here, due to a lack of meat. i'm probably going to become anemic at this rate...
[ he shakes his head. ]
anyways! that aside, it should be done... soon... ish? most likely. i hope it won't taste too bad...
it'll be great, i'm sure! the soup last night was really good, so...
[ jimmy trails off. he sits up on the couch, runs his hands through his hair a couple times and hopes it's not as messy as it feels. he stretches out his wing a bit, the injured one, and winces in pain. it's not so bad, not like how it had been yesterday, but still. after a moment, he gets up and walks over to the kitchen, standing next to his friend and leaning against the counter. ]
did you sleep well, then?
[ he seems quite excited to hear that jimmy has liked his cooking. ]
i'm so glad that you liked it!
[ he beams. if he notices how messy jimmy's hair is and how he seems to be a little bit just messy in general, he doesn't comment on it, returning his focus to the food. ]
...ah, yes. sleep? yeah, i slept well enough.
[ it takes him a moment to answer the question, and decides not to mention the nightmares of memories? that he'd had during the night before. of being unable to save people. unable to help. witnessing carnage before his eyes over and over. ]
glad you slept well!
[ jimmy says it brightly, earnestly – not at all picking up on the hesitation behind the words. he runs his hands through his hair a few more times. nervous habit shining through, even if he's not really nervous right now. ]
hey, by the way, were you singing, earlier? [ he asks curiously. ]
...singing?
[ it takes him a moment to register what jimmy is implying, and he looks away. he hadn't realized that the other had been awake to listen to him sing - he hadn't thought jimmy was awake, period. ]
well - yes. i do like to sing, that's true. i have a guitar that i use sometimes with my singing. the crows like to crowd and listen when i do.
[ he chuckles at the thought. he then proceeds to realize that the food will start to burn if he keeps it on for much longer, so he takes it off of the stove, finding two plates for the both of them. ]
it's not much - i do apologize again, i wish i had something a little more to give to a guest of mine.
oh, don't apologize! it looks good, dude, really. besides, i'm not picky! what kinda guest would i be if i started criticizing the food you made me after i've just basically sprung an impromptu sleepover on you, huh?
[ it's a joke, but jimmy genuinely does feel a little guilty. it was supposed to be a fun, short visit. but then he'd gone and gotten his wing injured and now neither of them really have a choice – he's sort of stuck here. not that jimmy minds that – lethe's good company! but still. ]
also – you play guitar? you have got to show me some time, that's so cool! your singing is already really good on its own, honestly, but with the guitar and stuff, oh, i bet it's great!
oh, please don't apologize.
[ he sets down the plates on the table. ]
i love company. i take company wherever i can get it, really. whenever someone spends time with me - that's precious time spent. please don't feel like you're intruding on my household, i'm very, very happy to have you here.
[ he will not speak of the fact that he is incredibly lonely and even the sight of another person makes him giddy. ]
well, i - i suppose i can... i can do that for you, [ he smiles, tucking a piece of stray hair behind his ear, looking pleased with himself. ] after breakfast, i'll play a song for you, if you'd like?
[ jimmy lights up immediately at the offer. genuinely, he just beams at him. ] would you really? that would be – so nice. seriously, i would love that.
[ he has no idea why he's so excited by this, really. he's unreasonably happy considering the fact that it is literally just a song. but despite that, he sits down at the table and begins to eat maybe just a little faster than he needs to. ]
[ he chuckles to himself, taking a fork to his own meal and eating a little slower than jimmy. it's funny, seeing how excited his friend is to hear him sing - but it's not like he doesn't like an audience. the elf picks up the pace a little too. it's been a while since he's been able to perform for anyone that wasn't his grouping of crows. ]
[ he finds himself looking forwards to it, and before he knows it, his plate is empty, and so is jimmy's - and he sets them aside, near the sink. ]
i hope you enjoyed it - the food, i mean. [ he's not sure why he's so nervous about making sure that jimmy enjoyed his meal. ]
i did, i did! [ jimmy's quick to assure him, flashing a smile as he does. ] you're good at cooking, you shouldn't have even worried about it. genuinely, even better than i was expecting.
[ he pauses for a second, eyes darting around the room before settling on his friend again. is it too eager if he asks? ...whatever. he's asking anyways. ] sooo. where do you keep your guitar?
i suppose i'm better than i thought i was - living here for so long has taught me a few handy tricks on cooking, [ he says, sounding thoroughly amused. jimmy really wants to hear him sing, and it honestly brings a little spark of - something? - alive in his chest, and he's now really excited to perform. ]
i keep it in my room. give me literally five seconds, i'll be back.
[ he makes a mad dash for his room and then returns a few moments later, nearly tripping over himself, with his guitar in his hands. ]
tada! what are you in the mood for? do you want a sea shanty? something that's upbeat? a lullaby? i can do almost anything.
[ he says, eager to impress. ]
[ jimmy can't help but laugh at his little sprint to his room, and then giggle even more when he returns just as enthusiastically. ]
i'm sorry, did you just say sea shanty? i think i've gotta hear that now.
[ he looks at him with a very amused grin on his face, before he goes to sit back down on the couch that he'd just slept on. he pulls his legs up to sit criss-cross, and he leans forward eagerly, waiting. ]
well - [ he sighs. ] i suppose i did suggest it. alright. set yourself down, i'll play it for you.
[ he fiddles with the strings of his guitar for a few moments, still standing, before finding the right tune - he begins to strum. at first, he feels a little nervous about the few beginning choruses, but the further he gets into the song, the more confident he gets. it's not long before he's hitting his foot against the ground to imitate the chorus of clapping that one would get upon the beginning of a sea shanty on a ship - a smile wide on his face as he goes through the song with practiced ease. he's done this many times before - and it only takes him taking a leap of faith to get back into it. the song comes to a close after four minutes of enthusiastic singing, where he sways to the lyrics and belts them out, looking quite pleased with himself - and he turns to jimmy with a wide grin. ]
well? did i live up to your standards?
[ as soon as the song is over, jimmy is clapping very enthusiastically, a bright smile on his own face to match with lethe's. he's good at singing, just like he was in the morning, and somehow just as good with the guitar and the, like – what's it called? – the rhythm thing. yeah. whatever. that. he's talented, that's what jimmy's trying to say. ]
very much so!! [ he claps a couple times again, just for good measure. ] you're so good at that, i don't even know what i was expecting from a sea shanty, but it wasn't for you to be so – oh my gosh. yeah. definitely, definitely lived up to my standards. definitely.
[ the elf is quick to duck his head, bashful under such praise. ] you flatter me with your praise.
[ he takes a half-bow before realizing that's awkward and standing up straight, running his fingers through his hair with a large smile. ]
but... i'm glad that you enjoyed it. i'm sure it would be even better if i could gather a whole punch of people with ale upon a ship to make the atmosphere just as accurate.
[ he sounds almost a little... wistful. for a moment, he thinks he can almost remember it - almost hear the noise, feel the wood, smell the sea salt. and then it's gone. ]
your enjoyment means a lot to me, jimmy. thank you for listening.
'course! i should be thanking you, actually, for singing. you're so good at it! [ jimmy knows he's said that before, but he can't help but repeat it. ]
[ he pauses for a second, before rubbing the back of his neck. ] i mean. i wouldn't be opposed to hearing it again. doesn't have to be a sea shanty. [ he laughs, a little sheepish. what is he even saying right now? ] oh – i won't force you to do it now or anything. whenever! only if you want and stuff. just saying. i like listening.
[ the elf goes pink in the face, opting to stare at the ground, tapping a finger aimlessly against the side of his guitar. he hasn't gotten a compliment like this in ages. he hasn't been complimented in ages, period. jimmy's too nice to him... he honestly finds himself at a loss for words in a moment, smiling a little foolishly as he stares at the ground. however, upon hearing that jimmy would like to hear another song, he perks up. ]
you want - another? i can do another! whenever you'd like is alright. i haven't... performed in ages, and usually it's just my crows, but i told you that. i would be delighted to. i'll sing for you whenever you'd like! really, just say the word, and i'll sing something for you. it doesn't even have to be with the guitar, if it's not on me. i would be delighted.
[ perhaps... a little too eager. but it comes with two things that he likes - being praised, and being able to make someone smile. so maybe his over-the-top earnestness can be overlooked just this once...? ]
[ definitely can be overlooked, considering how jimmy is just as (if not more) eager, proven by the way that he immediately sits up straighter, looking at lethe with wide eyes. ]
really? no, yeah, i'd love to hear. like i've said. but. yeah. do you have a favourite song or anything? actually, hang on – do you wanna come sit?
[ he offers, moving over a little to make room for lethe on the couch, figuring that he's probably getting tired standing. or maybe not. maybe he likes standing. maybe that's why he's standing in the first place. right. well, jimmy's said it now, no taking it back. it's not a big deal anyways. it's literally just an offer. there is no reason for jimmy to be thinking about it this much. he needs to relax. ]
sure, i can sit down with you!
[ the elf is more than happy than to plop down next to him with a happy smile, still holding his guitar in his hands. jimmy is a lovely audience to have. possibly the best. not that he has much to go off of, considering his terrible memory, but it's still lovely to have someone so attentive by his side. ]
[ jimmy likes his songs, and is asking for an encore! that's one of the highest forms of praise that any kind of performer can ask for. he's honoured. he resists the urge to giggle to himself - he is grown, and just because he gets one compliment doesn't mean he'll allow himself to act like a fool in front of a guest. ]
a favourite song... mmm, i'm not sure, actually. ooh, there is this song that i like - i can't remember the name, but it's quite lovely. it's short, and it is in another language, but i think you'll enjoy it, nonetheless...
[ he begins to pluck at the strings. it's more like a lullaby, this song, and his voice catches on the accents in a soothing way. the language sounds refined, a little foreign on his tongue, as if it's been a while since he's spoken it - but lovely all the same. it's one of his favourites to sing to himself, even if he isn't sure of the language's name, even if he knows the meanings of all the words. having jimmy's eyes on him inspires him to do his best when he sings, wanting to put on a good performance for his guest. ]
[ jimmy listens carefully, quietly, watching how his fingers expertly dance across the strings, the way he gets this small smile on his face as he sings. jimmy can't help but think that it's a nice smile – objectively, of course. ]
[ if he's being honest, he's never been a super big fan of music. he likes it just as much as the next guy, don't get it wrong, and he definitely has his favourite songs and stuff, but he's not the kind of person that can just sit with headphones on and do nothing else. however, despite that, jimmy thinks he could probably sit here and listen to lethe play for ages without ever getting bored. ]
[ when the song ends, it takes jimmy a second before he starts clapping – he'd gotten lost in thought for a minute there. ]
you just keep getting better! [ he exclaims. ] we seriously need to get you out of this place soon, you'll give griande a run for her money for sure. what was that song about, can i ask?
[ the elf is sure that his face is bright pink, blushing down to the tips of his ears. ] you're too sweet - your flattery is greatly appreciated.
[ he says, nearly tripping over his words as he does so. receiving so many compliments... even if he doesn't know who griande is... it's enough to make him run even more warm than he had felt before. jimmy had watched attentively. does... does he like attention? ]
[ it's a fact that he stores about himself n his mind. knowing anything about who he is is important to him. to start to slowly recover who he is... that's important to him. ]
but i would... i would like to leave this place. there are so many things that i would like to see. a blue sky, like i... like i know it to be. rain in a place that isn't this forest. i want to see what you've built too, jimmy. what everyone has built. i want to taste freedom again.
[ the tone of his voice becomes sombre, but he looks up to meet jimmy's gaze again, and he finds himself smiling. ]
but i'm okay. i get to spend time with you. and that makes me very happy. so thank you.
[ oh, and now jimmy's blushing. great. he ducks his head a little, but his face still feels warm — because the words, they're just so... sweet. genuine. ]
...i'm glad that i can make you happy. by being here.
[ he's happy being here too, of course he is. lethe's sea-shanty-ing is not something he'd want to miss. but, seriously, on a real note, he's just... a good friend. good company. venturing through the fog had been dangerous and did not come without its faults (see: the still-aching wound in his wing), but it was most definitely worth it in the end. lethe's got a very sweet smile, and jimmy is very happy that he now gets to be on the receiving end of it. ]
[ he... wants to continue being on the receiving end of it. he doesn't like the thought of returning home alone while his friend remains trapped here. lethe deserves out of this place — to see the sky and the rain and absolutely anything else that he wants to see. jimmy wants to show him around hermitcraft. he wants to take him to his favourite places on the server. and it's not fair that he just can't — and of course it's not fair, none of this has ever been fair, but jimmy is just all of a sudden hit with a strong bitterness about the whole situation. ]
don't worry. [ he assures him, and he reaches over to take his hand, squeeze it a little. ] we're gonna get you out of here. soon.
[ maybe if he says it enough times he can make it true. ]
[ jimmy's faith in him makes him want to believe. it almost makes him believe. but something in the back of his mind says that it just won't happen. that it's impossible. that it could simply never be. his grip on jimmy's hand tightens a little as he considers his words - so kind, so assured. there is no way to be assured that this will happen, but he wants to believe, so badly so. he... ]
you've made me the most happy i've been in ages, jimmy.
[ he admits. because it's true. having people over is wonderful, and jimmy is a wonderful guest. it makes the elf want to just. ... he's not sure what he wants to do. so instead, he rubs his thumb over one of jimmy's knuckles. ]
life here is monotone. but when - when, [ he repeats. ] you get me out of here, i'm sure i'll find more joy in my everyday life. but with you here, there's no way i can find my life repetitive and boring. you're here.
[ he repeats it, as if he only just now knows that he's here. ]
you're here.
[ again. because jimmy is here. he can hardly believe it, even if he's just sang him a song and made him breakfast. a silly smile spreads across his face as he stares down at their hands, intertwined. ]
so. i won't worry. i trust you, after all.
[ he dreams of green. not the green of grass, or the green the trees, but rather a neon-green, billboards, flashing lights. he dreams of green and blue, dark skies, rain dripping down like a leaking faucet, hitting what feels like stone but more smooth, more well-built, less rudimentary. he dreams of neon green and blinking lights and a girl who stands with her back faced to him in the middle of empty streets. ]
[ he dreams of green. he dreams of reaching out to her, asking her what her name is, why she is here, why he is not dreaming of screaming and crying and mountains of blood. he asks her who she is, what he is, where he is, what's happening, what's going on- ]
[ she turns around, and he dreams of red. ]