IC Inbox: Crosscheck

[likethelight]

Name: Allen Walker Companion: The most adorable golden sassball of a golem (Inspector) Network ID: Pierrot Room: King 110 voice | video | action/gift/etc

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mail; sometime after the dungeon

[interchained]

[One day in the late afternoon, no matter where he is at the moment, Allen's unnamed Golem spits out a simple box containing a pair of black, leather boots and a short note a little while later:]

I'm sorry for what happened in the dungeon, Walker. Try them on and tell me if they're the right size. If not, I'll get you another pair.

Gilbert

[He had a good look at Allen's boots when he was casting a spell to burn one of them, so maybe he got it right? Who knows...]

[action kind of] JESUS CHRIST WHY DID I LOSE THIS....................

[likethelight]

[ Gil...

Allen's not really going to know what to say for a while after that, wordlessly trying the boots on instead and yes, they do fit. After all, as annoyed as he was that his boots were melted and a good chunk of his hair burnt off it's not like he was mad with Gil over the accident...

So he'll find him later, be it in the cafeteria or the training grounds or wherever he might happen upon the other, and take a seat next to him before giving him a light pat on the shoulder.

Which still feels a little weird sometimes, given who Gil looks like, but Allen doesn't really care about that at all and puts it from his mind.

"They fit fine", he'll say, smiling with a certain kind of lighthearted radiant cheer, and that'll be that of the matter. And then if we are in the cafeteria he'll become far more interested in what Gil has on his plate and ask what's on the menu.. ]

post-dungeon ( video, id: sakura )

[passtave]

[ Not too long after she'd completed the dungeon with her team, Sakura decides to check on Allen—that dungeon was pretty difficult, so she hopes he was able to get through it without getting hurt! He's strong, but... she worries... ]

U-Um... Allen? [ She's still getting used to this video thing, so she's holding her carrier a little too close, her entire face filling the screen. ] Are you there?

1/2

[likethelight]

[ wah! SUDDENLY FACE. ]

( video, id: Pierrot ) 2/2

[likethelight]

[ But oh!

Sakura actually has the honor of being the first person he's had to figure out how to use video for. Although he has a bit of an unfair advantage from being used to how Timcanpy could record and play back video to figure out how it works here.

Although he conversely has set his carrier a little too far back... The image also bobs a little, like it's flying. ]

Miss Sakura! [ Surprise, but—

—cheer, too. And relief. ] Mm, I can hear you.

Are you well?

mail; dated to early delphine

[sunderings]

[ A glimmering phoenix will happen upon Allen early on during the day, carrying with it a basket of edible flowers and other such summertime offerings. And no sooner than the little carrier is no longer silenced by the bundle clutched within its beak, it will...!

Sing, and rather beautifully at that, indulging Allen with a small song before it seems to remember s o m e t h i n g. An important something??? And after a moment's pause, it spits out a note written in immaculate script: ]

Allen,

Do take care not to eat it all in one sitting.


S.

return mail;

[likethelight]

[ !! It's like Christmas...

And completely unexpected, which is another reason why Allen will have absolutely warbled in joy over what's basically a giant bouquet of fruit candy. He only ever eats the cafeteria food and it's really not that good...

Before the phoenix leaves, he's going to implore it to take a note back to its master in return. In complete opposite to the elegance of Sion's letter, it's hastily scrawled and reads: ]

Thank you.

You didn't have to.

[ After all, much to Link's chagrin Allen's handwriting is terrible and grammar barely existent. What's an education.

But the punctuation has been added in hastily after the fact. Pretty poorly, in the apostrophe's case. ]

Mail.

[rememberher]

[ A few days after their impromptu sparring session, Allen will receive a small package, wrapped in black and red paper. There is a note attached. ]

Allen,

Hopefully this gift will keep any unexpected magic from leaking out.

Lux
PS. I don't intend to lose next time.

[ You can practically hear the teasing tone in her letter.

Inside the box, Allen will find a pair of sturdy white leather gloves. ]

[ video ]

[likethelight]

[ !!! Lux that's really—

...they're perfect, leather is so much better than the cotton ones he kept destroying... but leather is expensive too! Lux!

And he could send a letter back like he did with Sion!! But.

...

...His handwriting is terrible and he knows it. So she gets his very flummoxed expression popping up courtesy of her hamster-rat not long after she's sent the gift. ]

Lux! They're... You didn't have to. [ He seems quite conflicted. And very surprised.

But grateful. ]

Thank you..

mail;

[sunderings]

[ Midday finds a wood-carved necklace delivered to Allen in a rather unconventional jewelry box. The necklace itself feels uncannily familiar, not only because Sion's mana signature is attached to it, but because the materials used to create the piece hail from the Liefste Carnaval, that place where Allen had ensured the safety of their party of three; that place which... Allen regarded with reverence, an understanding the likes of which the King had never before seen.

Accompanying the necklace, a note: ]

Allen,

May this token be of use to you in the battles to come, and upon the road which I am thankful to say we walk together.

You will be happy to find it far more potent than even three boxes of juice.


S.

[ That is to say, so long as the necklace is upon Allen's person, it will lend its aid in restoring his mana—something which the exorcist is quite keen on expending, it seems. But that should be less of a problem now, right? ]

video; (id: Pierrot)

[likethelight]

[ Sion...

Allen would say you didn't have to--so many precious things you and Lux have given him and now this?--but he knows that'd be for naught and it's too thoughtful to even think about brushing aside like that.

The piano jewelry box.. did he know? ]

Sion... thank you. [ It's soft and touched with a bit of awe.

He gets video right away and not a poorly written note because that wouldn't convey his gratitude properly. ]

delivery; carrier ID: TEDDY

[whitepiece]

[ on the morning of the 23rd, you receive a package, wrapped neatly in glossy white paper and gold ribbon, with a photo attached to it. It’s a picture of Teddy, your resident Prime Minister, giving puppy dog eyes at the camera and holding up a sign that reads “I ♥ HEROES”. the message on the back of the photo says: ]

Dear Allen Walker,
I am happy to see that you made it back from Gammon, safe and sound. War is truly a terrible thing, and I can only imagine the horrors you had to go through. I thank you for your service, from the bottom of my heart, and on behalf of Blanc’s citizens. We are truly grateful.

Commander Pinta has informed me of your valiant efforts in the recent battle to protect the Kingdom of Gammon. Gammon is an important ally of the Republic of Blanc, and though a battle is never an enjoyable ordeal, I do hope you enjoyed the sights and celebrations our sister nation has to offer.

But not too much! Gammon is a great place, but Blanc missed you, Allen! I missed you. I thought it might be nice to send you a little gift, which I hope you’ll enjoy.

Warmest regards,
Thierry Toussant

[ Unwrap the box and you will find:

A large carton of milk, from Gresser’s finest dairy farm, along with a coupon for a tour.

If your eyes happen to wander over to your window, you notice you’re not alone. Wait a minute, is that… Teddy peeking in, watching eagerly as you unwrap your gift? Was it just your imagination? Whether it is or not, he’s already gone! ]

[likethelight]

[ PRIME MINISTER, PLS...










are you saying he's short ]

Mail; After returning to Caissa from That Battle. Cause I told you this was coming.

[rememberher]

[ A few days after they had all settled back home, Allen will receive a package wrapped in brown paper, and some sort of flower (a sprig of lavender from the looks of it) tied to it with a simple, gold ribbon. The words To Allen are clearly written on the paper.

Funny, it doesn't seem to be in a box. It's a bit flimsy, actually.

When he opens it, he'll find a bit of fabric there. Clothes. A pair of pants, a red shirt, and a white blazer jacket to be exact. A standard-issue Hero's uniform.

Sitting atop it is a small envelope, his name again written in very delicate, feminine handwriting. ]

To replace the ruined uniform. I hope that the size is right.

Lux

[ It even smelled a bit like lavender! ]

1/2

[likethelight]

[ But Lux....









Now he's going to smell like lavender. ]

Action.

[drawmecute]

*Lola's laying on her bed, reading. Okay, pretending to read, her little cotton candy brain is trying to piece things together. Figure out what's going on, and all her answers seem really weird. Clearly she needs to pester Allen for info when he gets home.*

*Cue Lola sitting up whenever Allen gets home.*

You had a ladyfriend visit while you were out, she left you a present.

It's on your bed.

*Hey Allen, you have a new uniform wrapped up and sitting on your bed.*

[likethelight]

[ This Allen pausing in curiosity (and surprise) at seeing a package on his bed.

This is Allen stopping mid-greeting to his roommate (reflexive manners) as well when she greets him first...!

But this is also Allen stopping a little cold at her choice of words. His first indication something was wrong should have been walking in to what seem a studious Lola. ]

O-oh...? [ He pulls a mild face in distaste at the word. 'Ladyfriend'.. No Lola, that has horrible connotations in the depths of his traumatized memories. ] Thank you.

Did she give a name...? [ He's picking it up and looking at it (and for the card) as well. how odd ]

actual mail, between September 6th - 15th

[hoasen]

[This package you will receive doesn't come by Carrier. Rather, Vietnam has given strict instructions that this will be treated like every large package, and will be delivered like so. After all, it is one! A letter, and a little box. Wonder what it is? And when do you receive it? Any time between the September 6th to the 15th. And in the case of the newer Heroes, it comes sometime on the 8th or after (hint hint).]

COMRADE,

No matter our opinions of our situation or this place, we are all the same, brought here from different places. Still, we all have each other. Whatever fate has in store, we will chose. I suppose what cane be important here now are the bonds we create.

To celebrate that let me share a custom. In my world, sometime in the Autumn, is the Mid-Autumn Festival, known to me as Tết Trung Thu. It is said that during this time, the moon will be so round and will shine its brightest. To appreciate the moon, one can ask for blessings from the gods. You can give thanks for the harvest or harmonious unions. You can pray for prosperity and good fortune. But also, it is a time to spend together.

Each year will it would be celebrated on a different day. In the year I left, 2016, it should fall on September 15th. I believe the equivalent date here is Sylvant 15th. So please take this chance to relax. I have included one free pass to a two night stay at the inn I manage, Dragon's Flight and Phoenix Dance, located on Gisela. On these islands, you will be able to see the sky, so very close. I have also included a mooncake of lotus filling. As per custom, you share your mooncake with family and friends to signify unity. I hope it is to your tastes.

May your year be filled with prosperity.

Vietnam

CODED BY TESSISAMESS

A letter.

[showsnopiety]

[Would you look at that! A letter! And it's written with purple ink, too. It's sealed with perfumed wax, which will crack and melt into vanilla scent all over Allen's hands, once he touches the wax. Within it contains the following:]

To Allen Walker, Rook, Exorcist, would be pianist and card shark:

Hope you like the scent. That will be on your fingers for awhile, even if you do wash your hands repeatedly. With luck, you'll be wearing your gloves.

I was very tempted to use garlic, ainse or cloves, but that seemed like a waste of perfectly usable garlic. I could use that for cooking. Likely I'm in the kitchen at the time, and sadly-whether you're hungry or not-I will be having it by myself.

I'm sure you're enjoying a meal with friends, or will be once you stop smelling like a bakery.

C.

PS I hope you didn't use hot water-that makes the scent far more intense.

delivery ➣ id: orihimetron3000

[lastcomfort]

Your carrier lovingly hacks up a small package that would fit in your hand, as well as a handwritten letter with some sort of armored animal drawn in the corner...

Dear Friend,

We may not know each other very well yet, or maybe at all! I've only seen one battle here, but the amount of bravery and care that people have shown for one another both on and off of the battlefield lets me know I'm part of something special. People have lost their homes and loved ones, and while we can't bring those back, I know that there are people here to believe in. And I'm very lucky to get to fight alongside them.

It's not much, but I hope you enjoy a few snacks that I've made! A full tummy always makes me feel better. Maybe we can share a snack together in person sometimes soon.

Sincerely,

Orihime Inoue & Kou-kun
井上織姫とコウくん

The package is wrapped in pink and blue paper. When unwrapped, your character will find three cute little animal-themed pastries! (You're welcome to decide which three.) They have a sweet bread outer layer and some curious fillings...

Pink Bunny is hopping and happy to see you! It is filled with a sweet carrot cream.
Purrfect Kitty is very pleased and ready to be eaten! It is filled with some sort of chopped meat, reminiscent of a BBQ Pork bun.
Sleeping Froggy knows it's delicious. It's filled with a MYSTERY FLAVOR...which is either a sour green apple or...seaweed?
Friendly Puppy isn't supposed to have chocolate, but it's filled with it anyway. Don't tell anyone!
Cute Chicky is filled with a egg-flavored cream. Yeah, that one actually isn't surprising, although maybe a little morbid when you think about it.

letter

[interchained]

[This time around, Allen's carrier doesn't spit out the letter...instead, he'll find it in his mailbox.]

	Allen, I've been wondering if you're still alive. No, this is not a joke. You really need to tone down...well, whatever pushes you forward and puts you in dangerous situations. I know you're a good person, but really...I'll repeat this as much as it takes. You need to value yourself more. I truly hope you're doing well, though. I'm sending you something I think you might like. If you'd like to receive them again sometime, just let me know.                                                                              Sincerely,                                                                              Gilbert Nightray

[Remember when Gilbert told you that he could cook for you, Allen? It's your lucky day! ♥ There are some pralines attached to the letter.]

letter (okay let's get this right this time orz)

[rememberher]

[ On the seventh, Allen will find a note attached to his door. ]

Allen,

Sometimes it is best to share a gift with those who are near and dear to us. For that reason, I am inviting you to a special gathering, on the 10th of this month, at Seven in the Evening, in the Hall of Glory Commons. I will be bringing a mooncake, as they are best shared with friends and family. I could think of no one better to share this treat with.

There is but one catch: You must invite someone else to attend as well. As said, these gifts are best shared with friends, new and old. Should you wish to bring anything, teas and other snacks are highly encouraged. I will leave that up to your judgment.

Sincerely,
Lux Crownguard

Action 09/16 or a few days before the dungeon.

[chronosynthesis]

[How go the classes at Pigeonsblood, Allen? Syrlya isn't swinging by his room in uniform--instead he's wearing a skirt and multiple layers of purple and black over some leggings. It's an attempt to be discreet, at least, even if his face is a dead giveaway.

He knocks against the doorway rapidly, but then quickly slows it to a gentle, steady rap.] Hello? Allen, are you in?

[action!]

[likethelight]

[ The skirt is also a dead giveaway of... something.

Enough that it causes Allen a small doubletake when he opens the door. Although he's quick-witted and polite enough to quickly catch himself and not say anything.

Instead, he just looks a little gently surprised at seeing Syrlya there. It was only a few days ago he just moved to the dormitories as well and he was hardly expecting visitors yet. He's already wearing the dark blue uniform of Achroite though, the tie knotted smartly at his throat. ] Syrlya?

[ A blink. ]

How are you?

Actual Mail

[youknowshesgone]

*A letter arrives, addressed to 'gentle hero,' the envelope and page is written in flawless script. As is the self-addressed envelope inside the letter. The address, wherever it is, is in Caissa. For those detail oriented enough to check. The letter also carries a slight scent of wildflowers, like someone made a point of marking the parchment with extracts before sending it.*

video; ID: Wings.

[impulsives]

Yo.

Let's go out.

[ ....!?!!? ]

video; ID: Pierrot

[likethelight]

[ Shinn.




What??? ]

Pardon? [ ?!

FLAMING CANONBALL MAN FROM THE PLATEAU, WHAT?? ]

letter + gift!

[sunderings]

Allen,

Again, it seems, that time has passed us by. Many days have come and gone since the battle for the plateau, and more still have slipped like sand between the fingers in the week I fell indisposed.

From the moment I woke from the slumber imposed upon me by the magic of this realm, I have made to seek you out. Day after day, I have found myself beside your quarters in the dormitories, only to have happenstance and my own inability continue to part us.

When I face you next, I know in my heart that I will still carry anger for the way you held yourself in both contempt and disregard upon the battlefield. Had I not been able to reach you, I know with certainty what fate would have befallen you, and it is too unforgivable a thing.

You do not remember it, but when I first met you, I saw in your eyes a boy terrified of himself. You were bewitched, held captive by some Noir enchantment, and were so desperately afraid of hurting someone, of losing anyone, that you called upon me to put an end to it by whatever means necessary.

What did not occur to you at that time, Allen, was the possibility of saving yourself.

But you did. I restrained you, and you cast the Noir magic out. By your will alone, you saved yourself, and so too prevented harm from falling upon both myself others.

Though I will say this: your right hook is something to contend with, I underestimated it myself.

But I digress, what I mean to confess is...

Allen, you remind me far too much of myself. Or rather, what I once was. You are a fool, an idiot, naive to the point of being a liability upon the battlefield, and you are in need of someone to look after you.

To show you that your life—the humanity which I felt the day we joined hands upon the beach—is worth saving, too.

I never wish to see you so grievously wounded again, Allen.

To cast a resurrection spell is as heartbreaking as it is inspiring, as despairing as it is full of hope; it is a magic which no one of King's rank wishes to cast, and yet I have called upon the magic twice during my time here, in this place.

If there is a third time, and if it is you—no. I will allow for no such future to come to pass.

Perhaps it is time that I echo your own words back to you: I will save you.


-S.

[ A single, florid white chrysanthemum accompanies the letter... How curious! ]

delivery; (id: Lux) — September 18

[rememberher]

Allen,

I realized well after the fact that I was never able to share a mooncake with you. I suppose that that is the consequence of hosting such affairs. Still, I am glad that I could spend even part of the evening with you, and that we could write a wish together.

I have never been good at saying how I feel. I believe I told you this, yes? So that is why I would like to use this letter to thank you, for I feel like it is something that so few have been able to do, both here as well as back home. It's easy to not see or recognize the impact that our words and actions can have on others, or how simply being there can mean the world to someone.

Your being there, whether it be fighting by my side, or simply sharing a moment of conversation, means the world to me, and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart.

It isn't much, but I hope that you enjoy this gift. I found them in my travels in Cochrane. Heaven knows that I should not give you these, in case you decide to turn Hartstocht on its head again. I trust that you will stay out of trouble, or, if not, you won't tell me that you haven't.

Lux

PS. Poro has informed me that he will not be taking any future, late night deposits, so do be careful.

[ How curious, the gift isn't wrapped this time, but instead it's simply... placed in a stained cherry wood box with a gold clasp? The box is rather small, maybe about the size of his hand, and the only thing that makes it look vaguely like a gift is the gold ribbon wrapped around it, holding the note there.

The inside of the box is plush, lined with red fabric, and sitting inside is a deck of playing cards. ]

[hand delivery] 1/2

[likethelight]

[ Lux, are you... actually endorsing his card sharking...? The thing it felt like once almost ended their friendship? ]

...

video; post-dungeon!!

[footfalls]

[she did slip into the bed they provided her after her stint in dungeon, all bedraggled and exhausted and more than willing to sleep the entire week away. but years of self-discipline has Lenalee waking up up the next morning, early as ever, with her first thoughts (as always) to her comrades.]

[Miranda had been with her in the dungeon, but had no idea how Allen or Lavi fared. and this seems to be as good a time as any to find out.]

[so, after making herself look more presentable and less like the LIVING DEAD, she'll call him!!!]

Allen -- ? [it's working, right? it's a bit like the golems back home,isn't it] It's me, Lenalee. Are you up?

[why is she introducing herself when it's video??? who knows]

video!!; 1/2

[likethelight]

[ What's bed? Allen passed out on one of the lounges in the hall. Old hobo habits die hard.

(He was waiting up for people, alright.)

Which is why he looks a little muzzy and disoriented when the video flickers on as Inspector most likely nudged him awake— ]

action; late night dec. 24/early morning dec. 25

[rememberher]

[ Sometime around the 21st, the house erupts with sudden, spontaneous Christmas cheer. Tinsel in gold and silver is hung, there's a tree (?!) with a small smattering of ornaments hung from its branches, and while it is subtle, there is quite a bit of care put into each little bit of decoration. Like it was done by someone who wanted it to be perfect, not for the sake of perfection, but because it was important to them.

And while she herself has never celebrated a formal Christmas, there were enough storefronts decked out in holiday fare that even someone inexperienced like Lux would do just fine.

(But how did she actually get the tree in there by herself? It wasn't exactly small.......)

Although the mastermind was hardly home to actually appreciate it, and when she was, she kept to herself. Even that night, Christmas Eve, she retires early, turning out the light. After all, there is much to do in Petrosian, even with the virus under control. ]

...

[ But as midnight draws close on that night, she leans her back gently against her door, opening it quietly from the inside, a few silver and white-wrapped gifts tucked under one arm. As snow silently whispers against the windows outside, larger flakes casting shadows against the lamppost light as they fall, the blond does her best to stay just as quiet.

Although he might hear the gentle whisper of a spell in the hallway, and the delicate light flickering just under his door. Moving further away as someone walks (stumbles for a step, ugh it's still dark) down the stairs.

Santa Claus? ]

[likethelight]

[ And sometime on the 21st, Allen would have stepped out of the room—the room, as it's the-room-that-isn't-his and is instead merely the guest room he's temporarily sleeping in indefinitely—and... wondered if he shouldn't step right back inside, close the door, and try again. Because transformed the house is! It would actually be beautiful and a little breathtaking to someone who's also so charmed by Christmas and everything it means.

It's also mildly sweat-inducing to wake up one morning to all of that and wonder if he shouldn't pinch himself. Or go back to sleep. (No, he wandered out and marveled at it, but wondered if Lux, you really hadn't heard of Christmas before...? Isn't this going overboard a little?)

But after that initial mild concern... it was nice.

Really nice.

In such a way where he might seem a little quieter than usual around her. Something distant and nostalgic in his expression, where it's hard to tell if it's sad or not (sad and fond both, most likely). And something instantly brushed aside the moment he thought she might catch him at it, replaced with such a smile as well-composed as it is still genuine and a polite inquiry if she was alright (caught her staring..?).

But then he's also had that kind of expression a lot since Lavi and Lenalee disappeared. (Returned.) After the panic and distraught kind of desperation gave way to realization. And maybe it's because he never tends to sleep... much at all, let alone well, on Christmas Eve or Christmas... that the awkward stumble and resulting squeak of a floorboard rouses him from his restless state. ]

? [ It wouldn't be Lux still, would it? Midnight snack?

He'll slip as quietly as he can from the bed—sneaky indeed on bare feet when he actually tries (and actually it makes you question just... where he learned that...)—and will sidle up to the door to crack it open and see if it's Lux or someone whose head he needs to likewise crack. Except that— ]

Lux...?