Video

[huntedby]

[Vanessa's face appears. It is clear from any that are familiar with her from times before, that she looks slightly older, a bit more tense. The careful mask is in place as usual, of course, but is pinched in certain places, cracked a bit. She's been through a great deal at home, before arriving back here.

But she is stronger for it. That is all that matters.

She will never be cowed by anyone ever again.

Still, she smiles softly looking all affable. It does't reach her eyes completely. Just along the edge of the picture, Neith can be seen, her large spider. Oh yes...her spiders are still here.]

Well well. Seems the more things change, they stay the same. We go back in time, and yet there is still the hart hunt. Constants, variables. Different facets of the same things. Truly, I suppose we can't be surprised, given the outcome of it all now, can we?

But if any of you were wondering, Arachne's Eye is still here. I'm not far from the La Llorona Ring, a day's ride or so. The town and the trade is still available, so if you are looking for a place to reside, we would be more than welcome to have you. My guards and soldiers came with me, so I can offer you safety, as well. For as usual, we have no idea what might happen.

While this is the past...the future is still unwritten. We have all the chance to shape it, now, do we not?

And those new of you to the Drabworld, that I have not yet spoken with, I am Vanessa Ives.

As someone who has been here a long time, a bit of advice: heed what you say on these devices. You may trust your fellow shardbearers, but allegiance does not always go both ways. And that goes in all things.

[A beat, then, she tilts her head, and a brighter smile hits her lips.]

On another note, Balem is no longer here. So it seems I am now a widow. A terrible shame, but, well.

We suffer on as we must.

Comments

[gordianknots]

S'something everyone seems to think is easily done. [If Waver's figured out anything, it's that he's cast a long shadow already, and filling it is going to be impossible. Vanessa's reaction is only a brutal reconfirmation of that simple fact.]

Sorry to make you find out this way, Miss Ives.

[huntedby]

It isn't easily done, no, but we can try. And I assure you, I can do it very easily.

[At least to your face, Waver.]

It's fine. Perhaps even better, this way. It would have been more of a shock in person, Mister Velvet.

[gordianknots]

If you say so.

[Waver's definitely got doubts on that topic.]

I'm only a little bigger than five foot, so yeah. Definitely more of a shock.

[huntedby]

It is decidedly strange, though, as I went to your home, and saw you...when you were in your older state.

I don't understand how you could have regressed.

[gordianknots]

There's this part of magecraft theory back home called the Second Magic. It talks about the operation of parallel worlds, some that may only be minutely different from others. It's likely that you spoke to me from one particular world in an older state, and now I'm me from from a timeline with really minor difference - meaning it isn't regression at all.

[huntedby]

You've regressed in age. In knowledge, in memory. So while it may be a parallel world, it is a regression, regardless how you frame it, Mister Waver.

[Perhaps not the kindest way to put it, but the truth.]

[gordianknots]

[True, and so much for the attempt to be a little reassuring on some level. Waver had hoped that framing everything with respect to parallel world theories would have helped.]

I only framed it as such because to me this isn't going back. This is all brand new for me, never mind intimidating.

[huntedby]

[Vanessa...is not one to be reassured. But he wouldn't know that.

Not any longer.]

It is new for you, and you must adapt quickly. And while there is no denying that it must be difficult...I am not one to coddle. Or frame it in any way but the truth, harsh as it is.

[gordianknots]

That rings true enough from home that I can't disagree with it. [If she isn't one, Waver notes, she's be a damn good mage.]

[huntedby]

My world is a harsh one, with harsh lessons. Ones that I have learned very well. This one can be quite the same. Hopefully you are up for the task, young Mister Velvet.

[gordianknots]

I don't get a choice of being up for anything here, do I? It's something I have to do, period.

[huntedby]

You do get to choose if you act like a petulant child or not.

[She is cruel if only to be kind, Waver. If only you truly knew...]

[gordianknots]

[That's hitting the nail too close on the head, and Waver flinches at it.]

I'll let you go then, you've given me a lot to think about.

[huntedby]

...of course, Mister Velvet.

Take care of yourself.

The doors to my Spire are open to you, if you wish to discuss anything.

[gordianknots]

Thank you, Vanessa. I'll make sure I give you a heads up that I'm visiting, okay?

[huntedby]

Miss Ives, Mister Velvet. We aren't acquainted enough for you to call me by first names, yet.

But yes, let me know.

[gordianknots]

--Ah, right, sorry.

[Ugh, formalities.]

Thanks though, I'll try and come by soon.