voice | un: vsmith

[banworthy]

Hello.

How are you all doing? [ A beat. ] Actually, you all know I don't care so let's ignore that question, hm?

So, who would like to have their fortune, romantic future, or whatever told?

I know, I know... tarot is still a [ Longer pause. ] hobby of mine, but one you get to reap the rewards of today.

Fun, right?

Comments

[devota]

True enough, I suppose.

You've done this before here, I take it?

[banworthy]

Yes.

It's always good to sort out one's thoughts even if tarot never worked as it should for me. [ Because he views things in ones and zeros and numbers and investments, even though he hates being chased by such things, they suffocate him in his readings. ] Anyway... you have your Sight so you don't need it.

[devota]

It's unfortunate they don't work out for you.

[Despite her wording, she is sorry about that. Not enough that it's a show of pity, closer to a sort of sadness that a priest is truly so powerless.]

I don't, but I am curious about the sorts of readings you've been able to give others.

[banworthy]

For others? They're vague readings. The ritual is incomplete for someone like me who lacks power. I don't have a medium to call upon to get anything substantial.

But they're fine for what they are, I suppose. They can be easily dismissed since they're coming from someone who only doing this as a hobby.

[devota]

It does seem to be quite popular.

[This is probably a compliment.]

I must ask, do many people ask you for their romantic futures?

[Genuinely, she doesn't get it.]

[banworthy]

People like things to do.

[ It's his way of saying thanks. ]

A few do, yes. But I do tell them how much I hate it.

[ It's better to be honest than be bothered by things constantly, no? ]

[devota]

To be honest, I don't understand why that sort of thing appeals to people, but I suppose it's a way to pass the time.

[After all, if Vincent wasn't willing, he wouldn't bother to do it.]

[banworthy]

It is, for them and for me.

[ A longer pause. ]

I hope you have been passing the time reasonably.

[devota]

I have been.

[Said mildly, though the fact that she admits as much is proof that it's a true statement. Not that Claudia is the sort to lie.]

Have you seen the giant birds? They're quite cute.

[banworthy]

Giant birds?

[ Excuse you. Been isolating himself in a hole for a month and a half, like a normal person. ]

[devota]

Yes, they're called chocobos. Apparently they're native to some of the worlds people here are from. They're the size of horses, and eat plants that look like giant cabbages.

I found one with [noticeable hesitation] Heather... that was bigger than a draft horse.

[banworthy]

[ Whatever.

But more importantly -- ]

Are you two getting along?

[devota]

I have not spoken to her recently.

[Heather told her to leave her alone, and Claudia loves Alessa enough to respect that.]

[banworthy]

Same here.

And that's probably for the best. [ A small sigh. ] I won't tell you that she'll come around. I have no desire to lie to you, anyway. She will probably hate you until the end of her days, and I find that just fine, too.

So, be fine with it as well, okay?

[devota]

I'd find is stranger for her to not.

[It's not said with any amount of self-loathing, because it's true. On a very basic level, Claudia understands why Heather hates her. She wanted Heather to hate her.]

I suppose it doesn't matter too much; there's much to do, with the missions that happen here.

[banworthy]

I'm pleased you're not being delusional about this.

[ As pleased as he ever is about anything, anyway. ]

You're right. There's still far too much ahead of us.

[devota]

There is.

[So, so much to do. And they have even less avenues than they had the first time.]

It's difficult to know when there will be a more draining mission, after all.

[They have their work cut out for them, if they're going to start working on rebuilding the Order.]

[banworthy]

Well, I've acquired something...

... so it'll be a place of quiet meditation for us.

[devota]

Have you? I wouldn't mind seeing it.

[A place to practice their religion in peace sounds wonderful.]

[banworthy]

Then you can come see it.

[devota]

Where is it?

[She's eager to see what he's been able to accomplish.]

[banworthy]

I'll show it to you.

[devota]

Of course. If it's somewhere near where I've been, I can meet you.

[She can just. Teleport to him, in other words.]

[banworthy]

[ With mild irritation: ]

I have no idea where you've been.

[devota]

[Completely unbothered:]

Well, tell me the nearest landmark.