cursedwords | Escordvi IC Contact

[ Xenk has sent Toge a letter. An honest to god, folded up, ribbon-tied, carrier-pigeon delivered paper letter. Enjoy. ]

Young Toge,

I hope this letter finds you well and that you have been acclimating to life in Eltrut. I regret I have not had the opportunity to inquire as to your health sooner, so please accept my heartfelt apology as I correct this error.

How are you faring? Have you decided to reinstate your curse? If this line of questioning is too personal, please feel free to disregard it. I merely wish to ensure that you are well, and found your circumstances quite curious and similar to my own.

As I have not seen you aboard the Royal Fortune, I must assume you have been drafted as part of the Corsair Armada. I am familiar with several of their rank, thus I am certain you will be safe and well taken care of in their number. Alas, this also means we will likely not meet face to face for some time.

I hope you are well in the meantime.

Warm regards,
Xenk Yendar

[ Oh god he sent a letter. It's a good thing Toge is alone because he can't help but giggle, and being alone means he can't influence others while he has a big laugh. Warm regards and everything! Geeze! The only people who would be this formal in his life are his family and god knows he doesn't want to talk to them. This is the funniest thing. When he's done giggling, he'll appreciate the sentiment and check his shellphone...yep he remembered to grab Xenk's info. Great. ]

Hey Xenk, I got your letter. You know this thing can send instant messages right?

I'm doing fine and yeah, I got a tattoo. It also came with ice powers which are pretty cool, but I mean, I didn't think it was safe to be defenseless. I don't know where I am and just, seemed like a bad idea.

[ Chat dots ... chat dots ... chat dots... To those in the know he's typing and erasing his thoughts over and over. ]

Thanks for asking about me, and I was recruited by Corsair. Exploring for treasure sounded really fun.

[ He's done. People don't sign texts Xenk. ]

[ Xenk is wildly surprised to find his Shellphone displaying new words, and that the words actually come in multiple messages! Words that are from Toge, no less? (They aren't signed, but he assumes "cursedwords" must indeed be Toge.) What do the dots mean? Xenk probably had no idea what he was doing when they swapped info, but he's never one to back down from a challenge!

Thus, he "pens" his own response. Very slowly. ]

Toge,
I was unaware of the capabilities of these devices. I heard some explanation as to their uses, but the words used largely perplexed me. What use is there for instant communication via text, when one could speak face-to-face? I see now that there is some value to it, though I hope you'll forgive the delay in my response.
You are wise to have opted to regain your abilities. I agree that we must not take whatever strengths we have for granted. A known danger makes a finer friend than an unknown one.
I am glad to hear you have settled in well among them. A desire for the unknown is a healthy pursuit. Though I am not your guardian and should therefore hold no sway over you, please kindly make sure you take care if ever you are asked to take any unscrupulous actions. The ways of dishonesty are a dark path, and I would much hate to see you stray thus.
My thanks for your response,
Xenk Yendar

[ Yeah, he sent that all as ONE MASSIVE text. ]

Edited (typo) 2023-09-07 23:47 (UTC)

[ Okay well a giant text is much better than getting a paper letter. Still makes Toge smile, but all the same. Easier to talk to him that way. ]

Okay, well this is texting, it's like the phones I had at home. I talked to my classmates a lot this way. Much easier than carrying pen and paper around.

Mine also does text to voice? I can make my shell phone talk for me if I need to.

I get it too. I hate texting people when I'm talking to them face to face.

Not having it doesn't mean I can speak, obviously, so there's nothing to be gained by giving it up. At least this way I can protect myself, if I need to. And my friends.

What do you consider to be unscrupulous actions?

Mm, hard for me to lie and hard for me to tell the truth, obviously.

[ Nope, he's a text spammer. Quick. Short texts. ]

[ Another twenty minutes later, his response reads: ]

Toge,
The Shellphone speaks? How curious. I can understand how this would be a boon for you given your condition. The written word is at times far better suited for conversation, but this must be especially so when your voice carries the ability to compel others.
As for unscrupulous actions, these include, but are not limited to, actions that go against the law, as well as selfish acts that may cause harm to others. Dishonesty and theft come to mind as the most likely offenders.
Of course I understand that you must fulfill your duties, but I hope the Corsair leaders would at the very least provide someone so young with alternatives that do not lead down this path.
With care,
Xenk Yendar

It's an AI voice, but I'm guessing you don't know what that is. It doesn't sound quite human, but it will make the words I type audible.

At home I text my best friend because he's overseas and far away from me, but for the most part I don't actually text that much between me and my classmates. They all know what I mean when I talk. It takes time to figure it out but I guess they had nothing better to do.

I've never been interested in stealing at least, and I'm not planning on going on a murder spree, but I won't hesitate to do what I have to to protect my friends. Is that moral enough?

So far the only job I've worked on for them is delivering a box. So nothing too shady.

[ It was probably very shady. ]

[ Ok, he's getting that he doesn't need to address him in every one of these. That's progress! ]

Indeed, I do not know what this "AI" means. Is it a manner of spell that reads your messages? I am glad to hear your curse does not transfer in this manner.
I see. An ocean of distance would indeed make instant messages that much more enviable. Even a sending stone has its limits. But I am relieved that communication is not a problem between you and your friends. I should think your code of speech is not so difficult that it should pose a problem to anyone with an interest.
Good. See that it remains this way. Protecting one's companions is a worthy goal, you have nothing to fear of morals so long as you act selflessly.

[ He's not gonna ask what was in the box because he worries he'll regret it, so that sounds good enough for him!! ]

Not a spell, but rather a machine, kind of like the idea of a shell phone. It's a called a program really.

Yes, a lot of ocean separated us, but fortunately aside from timezone issues, we could still talk. Sometimes we did video calls too, where we could see each other and just speak. Technology is cool like that.

There's no worry there. I would always protect my friends. It's the least I can do since they're friends with me.

[ Oops I forgot to sign the last text, please know that he definitely signed it, Xenk is gonna sign ALL his texts. ]

You use yet more words I have no context for. Machines are not nearly as advanced in Faerun, we use magic for many of life's conveniences. One can use a scrying spell to connect with friends from afar, but it is a high level spell that not many are skilled enough to practice.

That is heartening to hear, my young friend. One should always seek to guard those close to oneself. In this life there is no greater sorrow than being alone.

Sincerely,
Xenk Yendar

Guess you've got me there, since I don't know much about magic. Cursed energy, yes, but magic is different, I think. Then again I have this ice thing working, that's more magic like.

I know all about that. My friends are all I have.

Exactly what do you mean when you say "cursed energy"? We have a great deal of curses in our world, but I have never heard the term.

And I am glad you have them. I am sorry that you must be separated from them, while here. Would you describe them to me, if you wish to share their stories with me?

--
Xenk Yendar

Edited (html whoops) 2023-09-09 22:29 (UTC)

Someone like me is born with a different brain construction, that allows for me to have a reserve of energy. It's called curse energy, but it's more like spirits and ghosts, that kind of energy. It's primarily used by curses when they attack people so people like me have access to some to defend against them.

On top of the ability to have cursed energy and use it, I have my specific technique. I'm the only one in the world with it. The last cursed speech user has long since died.

I don't mind. My best friend is Yuta, and actually he showed up here which is great because he was overseas a long time. He got really tall, which is totally not fair. He's really kind, but very overprotective.

I'm also good friends with Panda, who is a stuffed panda. He's more like a construct, body-wise, but he has his own will. He's fun to hang out with and he and I train together sometimes.

And our last classmate is Maki. She and I mostly tease each other and bicker, but we're close too. Kind of comes with the whole dangerous situations thing. The underclassmen are pretty cool too, but I don't know them as well.

How curious, to be born with cursed energy. It sounds akin to magic in my world, yet clearly not.

Your friend arrived with you? How fortuitous that you should meet after much time apart. I am happy for you, Toge. The days are surely brighter with a friend by your side.

[ Xenk has no idea what a panda is, so he's picturing like... a construct? But those are things that exist in DND so it's chill. ]

It gladdens me to hear of your friends, certainly considering your otherwise strange circumstances. Friendship comes in may forms, but it sounds as though you are blessed with several good ones. I hope you are not kept from them for long and both you and your friend Yuta are able to return ere long.

Xenk Yendar

Yeah, kind of weirds me out too, but I just have to live with it or whatever.

Yuta showed up, that's pretty cool. I'm glad he's here because it's been way too long and yeah I like my friends but I'll manage with just Yuta.

This place might be really fun, so it's okay if it takes time to get back.

Understandably. A curse quickly becomes a part of who one is, after long.

Godsspeed then, my young friend. I wish you the best of luck in your journey with the Corsairs. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me should you require any aid. I would extend this offer towards your friend Yuta as well.

Warmly,
Xenk Yendar

[Depending on if the door is locked or not, Dongfang Qingcang is either going to walk right inside, or teleport inside during the middle of a day when he can feel Toge's spiritual presence inside his room.

He does, however, show up with an almost smile on his lips and a box that could be described as 'shoebox-sized' by someone like Toge in one hand.]

Toge Inumaki, this venerable one has brought your reward.

[Isn't he magnanimous? Praise him for ~~being a jerk and not understanding that a closed door means he should knock~~ bringing a gift!]

[ Well that's nice, fortunately Toge is not doing anything particularly incriminating or too private. Nothing embarrassing. He's dangling a string over the side of his bunk and his new cat Thornprick is playing with it.

He tilts his head a little bit upward to look at him and he smiles just a little bit.

He wonders just how strange this person is. ]

Tuna mayo. [ Toge does thank him, rather than complaining about his presence uninvited. He needs to sit upright, despite Thornprick's mildly annoyed flick of the tail. ]

[When Toge sits up and Dongfang notices the cat, he inclines his head respectfully towards what he recognized as a warrior cat fellow to Deathstar.

Then he moves to stand in front of Toge. He waited until Toge was sitting up properly before he began a very formal (if impromptu) award ceremony.]

Toge Inumaki, for your service in aiding this venerable one, the Moon Supreme of the Moon Tribe, Dongfang Qingcang, upon his arrival to this world that lays beyond the River of Stars and in the vastness of the Destruction of Ten Thousand Heavens, which saw this venerable one's power sealed and his understanding of mortals tested, this venerable one presents you with this reward.

[He extended the hand with the box to display it, and with the other lifted the lid off to reveal a fall themed cornucopia filled with various small bags of tea blends.]

This venerable one was asked to provide tea as Toge Inumaki's reward. As such, this venerable one has acquired for Toge Inumaki, an ever-full 'cornucopia' of seasonal tea blends.

[Because Daqiang had promised to get the 'best box of tea possible' and what was better than a box of tea that never ran out?

He looked very proud of himself.]

[ Toge is beyond impressed - he's familiar with the cornucopia idea, he's gotten himself one for those fruits and vegetables and now he's getting one with tea. His eyebrows shoot up, but the formality, while a bit off putting to him personally for many reasons - is not something he's unfamiliar with.

Despite the fact that Toge has given no indication of this, he does in fact know how to stand on ceremony.

He rises to his feet and accepts the gift, before gracefully lowering himself into seiza, setting the gift in front of him and offering him a probably far more appropriate and familiar formal bow. ]

Tuna mayo. [ Thank you Daqiang, he appreciates his thoughtful reward. ]

[ Although really don't get used to this, if he wanted to be formal he'd still be with his clan. ]

[He had not been expecting Toge to prostrate himself, much less recognize the appropriate protocol to even accept the reward in a proper manner. So many of the people in this world - Toge included - were very casual in their manner and speech. And Daqiang had no true objection to most of it. Much of the pomp and circumstance of formal affairs were pointless to worry about in day to day life.

Still, it left Dongfang Qingcang impressed anew by Toge's actions.]

You may rise.

[He offered relatively quickly so that Toge did not feel he had to continue. Since, well... Daqiang really hadn't been expecting anything like that out of him.]

Edited 2023-11-27 21:22 (UTC)

Salmon. [ He agrees, and thanks him all the same and then shifts to a far more relaxed position, stretching out his legs, like the formality is something he just does not like.

Because he doesn't. It reminds him of home, but he does know when to use it and Daqiang probably appreciated it. ]

There's no way in hell that Todoroki is going to leave out Toge in his gifting. He may not know many people here. They may not know every nook and cranny about each other's life but it feels like he knows a lot. Toge is on his mind all day randomly, things remind him all the time.

It's why he tries to wrap Toge's gift, too, and it's... it's not good. It's not good at all. It's got at least two layers to it, a couple patches because he's definitely held it too hard and his finger went through. The first year he went about this there were people to help him and he thought he had the understanding, turns out it's the jist that he understood. With no videos to watch while he does this here, he's SOL. Kind of. He made it.

Once the ship mail comes in, Toge will find himself the owner of a temperature conductive metal plating. Very similar to the one that he wore during that goose fight. There's a small A5 style book in there, all the pages aren't used, but a lot of them in the front are. They're hand drawn schematics of the regulator. Aside the very concise very to the point writing, at the first page resides his letter:

Good morning, or evening, Inumaki. I'm not sure which this will reach you in.
It is Christmas and so Merry Christmas. This support gear will help you regulate your body's temperature safely to a very, very low temperature so you can test some of your ice abilities safely. It mainly centers on your core body for hot or cold, but isn't perfect without something to balance it out. Please don't go too far, too fast with your ice powers, you could do damage very easily.

I included schematics, but can help you at any time with repairs or questions. I hope this helps you as much as it used to help me. I'm eager to see you use it one day, if you'd let me.

From,
Shoto Todoroki

It's a thoughtful gift, it really is and Toge is very pleased to see it, even if he doesn't celebrate holidays. He's never giving Christmas much thought, although he's appreciated the aesthetic of the season - they're always working. His family never gave him the time of day, and now that they're not he hadn't even thought about gift giving. So he's baffled when he gets a gift. Baffled and charmed, but in exchange it means he should bring Shoto something in return. That, and ask him how to use his very nice gift.

He's much less polite, he doesn't ask, he just sneaks onto the Paladin ship one afternoon like he's some kind of ruffian and knocks on Shoto's door.

If he's not home, he will leave his two gifts behind with a note, but if he is that's even better so he can ask questions.

To be fair, Shoto would've welcomed him into his home if he wasn't playing Mission Impossible to get over to his living quarters. Shoto doesn't really go out that often, he's delivered his gifts and he's wondering who it is at his door until he opens said door. The usual resting bitch face that he has lights up, even if only a little, it's very visible and very much a lot for him.

"Inumaki..." He's happy to see him. It breaks through the fog if being happy to see him enough that he should probably move out of his doorway. "Do you want to come in?"

Toge smiles brightly and waves as he steps inside as he's invited. Toge waits for the door to close before he holds out his gifts.

They're not wrapped, unfortunately, he's really not a holiday kind of guy, but one is a plain looking purple mug and the other is a bento with cold soba inside as well as some egg rolls and sausage octopi.

He's a little sorry it's not much, but it was short notice for him.

Edited 2023-12-28 03:35 (UTC)

Escordvi IC Contact

a physical letter

A Text

texting in return, but like. twenty minutes later

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November | End of the Month | Toge's Room on Stormbringer

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Christmas 2023

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