98th moon [video]

[paladinlost]

I know it is considered uncouth to make requests before one's birthday, but I am in need of information.

[Cecil takes a small sip from the glass of juice he's holding before continuing. He's been putting this off for far too long, and his own procrastination bothers him, but that's no reason to look anything less than composed.]

Firstly, I wish to know where I could catch - not buy - any species with the ability Damp. Species recommendations and tales of personal experience with the ability would also be appreciated.

[He sets the glass down, taps it absentmindedly with his right hand. He should have done this months ago, truly.]

Secondly, I am also interested in catching species such as Goldeen, Finneon and Roselia. For those, purchasing or trading for an egg is also an option, if you can offer particularly interesting egg moves. The price is no issue, and neither is acquiring an egg from any of my own Pokémon in return.

[He'll use Gogo, if he has to. Not that he'll publicly admit that.]

Lastly, I would be most thankful if someone was willing to share a recipe for coffee cake... or willing to taste my first few attempt.s I intend to do some baking this week, and I'd rather not see it go to waste. Thank you.

[Asking about Damp species: done. Inquiring about potential future team members: done. Covertly inviting people to visit him for his birthday: done. With any luck, this'll be a productive evening.]

Comments

[paladinlost]

It's... difficult, I know.

[Oh boy, does he know.]

But I like to think that it's easier for people who have been here once to come back. That our presence and memories call them, somehow.

[friendyousohard]

You think so?

[She pauses a bit, thinking that over, before venturing a question she's not sure she wants to know the answer to.]

And... when was the last time someone you know came here?

[paladinlost]

Too long ago.

[That is not an answer. That is the truest answer.]

...Bartz left two and a half years ago. The last arrival was Zidane... perhaps six months before that? If you only count people from my home world, everyone had disappeared not long after my first anniversary.

[None of that matches his belief, he knows. However...]

But I've seen two or three faces familiar from this world since the beginning of the year. One even remembered this land.

[friendyousohard]

[She grimaces. Most of that is really not convincing.]

I want to believe your theory, but that's iffy evidence at best.

[paladinlost]

...I know. But a dear friend has told me long ago that our hearts are connected, and... I truly want to believe that. That they can help us meet again here, if we wait long enough.

[That belief is the last remnant he has of Aerith, along with sweet beloved Lydia. He refuses to abandon it so easily.]

[friendyousohard]

[After a bit of consideration, she decides that even if it's unlikely, she can't argue with that kind of faith. Especially not when it's exactly what she wants to believe too.]

Our friends and us are tied together... if nothing else, I believe that, too. One way or another, we should see them again.

[paladinlost]

Of course we will. This land has allowed me to meet friends from other worlds I'd not seen in nearly twenty years; surely that is not a unique story. Compared to that, meeting again after a year or two is easy.

[friendyousohard]

And on that optimistic note, I suppose I'll let you be. Happy Birthday, Cecil.

[paladinlost]

Thank you very much! And please have a wonderful week!