Network - 02

[graveyounglady]

Who: Mercy Graves
Username: mercyme
Warnings: Discussion of the Lullaby event. All cw's from that apply here.

To the Gentlefolk of Other Worlds,

Martin has told me this sort of thing does not require a formal letter, but I think for this, at least, it is important. I would extend my deepest apologies to any and all who encountered me during our shared nightmare Halloween festival. I became a monstrous thing and hurt far too many people. It was not a lasting death, but it was still something I caused.

My people, the Sradans, are known as death-bringers. We worship Brother Earth, the One Below Who Feeds Above, and that is feared by so many. The natural cycles of life and death. It is a part of our heritage because it is simply a part of life. Ours and others. But there are times when a death is unnatural, when lives are stolen without sense or care. What I did was unnatural. I am so sorry.

With the harvest passed and nothing to harvest in this place, I find myself wondering how to offer my services to those who were hurt, whether by me or by others who were transformed. I have acquired a sewing machine, and can make clothes. The people here tell me the winters will be harsh, and while we may make purchases, we may need to save that money for food in leaner times. If you would like something made, only let me know and I can meet you to take your measurements.

I would also offer my presence, for whatever that may be worth. I think I will go to the Counseling Center provided by ADI. Have no clerics to turn to, no mother or father or grandmother for wisdom. I do not know to whom others turn when friends are burdened beyond belief with their own loads. Join me, if you would, and we can see if the people there would help, perhaps?

May the Spring Bring Life to You and Yours

And Peace Unto the Long Sleep,
Mercy Graves

Comments

[abrightboy]

If you need someone to talk to, I can help you.

[graveyounglady]

That is most kind. Are you a member of the counseling department?

[abrightboy]

No. But I’m trained in psychology and I’ve spent most of my life in therapy. I have particular experience with trauma centering around violent death.

un: strange

[sorser]

I don’t think anything I write here will absolve you from feeling guilty, but I do think I should make one thing clear: no one is (or should be) placing blame on the people transformed in the dream for what happened.

[Maybe he shouldn’t be making this claim on others’ behalf, but he’s doing it anyway. Anyone with any sense would agree, as far as he’s concerned.]

[graveyounglady]

No, you have a point. But I so deeply regret that hurt.

Why would Miss Ava do this? I received a message from her. She seemed to think it was a game. I suppose no one was physically hurt, but not all wounds are in the body.

un: Aberration

[aelwyn_aberration]

I can acompany you to Counseling. I'm not sure if it's for me, personally, but if you need a friend, I hope you know I'm always here for you.

Yours always, Aelwyn Abernant.

[Unfortunately, she's too smart for therapy.]

[graveyounglady]

I would dearly appreciate that. I think it would help to have someone I trust there. Not that I do not trust someone like Mr. Caduceus, but if he is helping someone else?

I hope you are as well as can be. My dream must not have been the only one you awoke in.

[un: nightroad]

[inutilis]

[ this whole 'letter,' is simply... ]

Miss Graves,

I don't believe we've had the pleasure of becoming acquainted, and I'm afraid I'm not terribly familiar with some of the things you spoke of when it comes to matters of faith - but for whatever it's worth, I'm sure there are those here who would be more than happy to lend you an ear. I'd like you to count me among them. We might not be of the same beliefs, but I am a Catholic priest in the service of my God back where I'm from... and listening is part of my job description! I really mean it. And beyond me, I'm sure someone with as kind a heart as you seem to have has made friends here; regardless of our own burdens, sometimes we find comfort in giving reassurance and support to those we care for. I have a feeling you already know that to be true, so I hope you'll reach out and talk to someone.

And if you'd like to sit down for tea and talk as one to-be friend to another, consider me happy to oblige you. Anytime, day or night. Just say the word.

Until then, please take care. You'll be in my prayers.

-Father Abel

[graveyounglady]

Father Abel,

I thank you for your kind words and offer. I have attended one Catholic service that another who was here held. I do not know that he is still present, though. The services have stopped, from what I have seen.

I would be most humbly grateful to make tea for you and simply talk. It brings some comfort to know there are other people of faith here, even if it is not one from my world. We place our faith and hope in greater beings when the world seems so horribly out of our own control.

- Mercy Graves

un: ravens

[chrisisofaith]

Sweet Mistress Mercy,
While you're certainly not to blame for the thing that was done to you and then turned onto others, I know saying such things and putting them in your own head are two separate issues.

Yet, they say talking to people helps. It's never been much of a go-to for me.

Distraction and a steady, calm, presence while you're working through it have often helped. Or your option of penance through service isn't so bad, so long as it's to put your mind at ease rather than another's.

Yours, Lord Sonom of the Guardians, humble servant to the Mistress of Ravens

[graveyounglady]

[Oh... Mercy reads the name and some part of her curls with shame and guilt. But he's the one reaching out. There has to be some forgiveness in his heart, then.]

Kindest Lord Sonom, Servant to the Mistress of Ravens,

I fear you speak with great wisdom. I would not blame anyone for what they did to me, were the circumstances reversed, but I remember so vividly that change and rage. I have never had such a hate inside of me for all things living and warm. It terrifies me.

Which I worry is only feeding our enemies. How can we not fear? One may overcome such a thing, but I am always so very frightened for the friends I am making here. Even what I may end up doing to them.

I wish for penance as distraction and because it is a custom, I suppose. Helping with the harvest and sewing the fields with the rich soil we have collected over the year has been a part of my life since before I could walk. It is strange to have the seasons turn without comment in this place. There should be many hours of hard labor and a feast to follow.

Yours,
Mercy Graves, Sister of the Spring Tide, Lost Daughter of the Sacred Ground

username: akechi

[simulatio]

You and Ren are so very alike.

[He starts and stops typing several times, trying to figure out how much he wants to put into words on a network he can't guarantee the security of.]

Counseling can be a valuable service, if the one offering it is doing so for the right reasons. Using it as a tool to better yourself and your perspective is something that can be quite useful, indeed. My mother availed herself of such services when she could.

I lack the objectivity a good therapist should be able to provide, but I am willing to lend an ear if it would be useful to you. Or, if you'd prefer simply to keep busy, I'd be quite happy to accept a scarf should you find yourself with extra time you need filled.

[graveyounglady]

It would please me beyond belief to sew and embroider a scarf for you, Akechi. You are a kind and brave man that I so deeply admire. You should be warm this winter. Are there any colors you like best? Birds or patterns or flowers?

@ren

[forethinking]

I'm going with you.

[graveyounglady]

Thank you, Ren. Having you by my side always makes things a little easier. I feel no fear in speaking, but it what may come after or in... over-burdening those I care about when they have their own cares in spades.

Text, Private - un: a.jaeger

[bloodalwaystells]

[There's a lot of little details here that Jaeger will want to talk about, eventually. Things that he's filing away in his mind for future reference, for future connection with this young woman.

But he has things he needs to say first, to get out of the way before they can discuss anything else.]

Miss Graves. I know we haven't met formally, but the staff at the medical unit informed me that you brought me in a few days ago, after I fell asleep and started sleepwalking.

I wanted to apologize for anything I might have done or said while I was in your company. Most of it is very foggy for me, but I have a few memories and wanted to make sure that I didn't cause you any distress. And to thank you for seeing that I didn't come to any harm while I was out of it.

[graveyounglady]

[Oh... the man who thought she was his daughter.]

Kind Sir,

There is nothing you said to apologize for. You were only a concerned father to me, one I felt the pang of distance for where my own father is concerned. I am sorry you are parted from your daughter.

I hope that you can meet her soon. I was glad to be of some help, though. You seemed very tired, indeed.

un: GasStationJack

[stations]

I've been to a lot of therapy back home, and I've been to the counseling center here

I seriously recommend talking to the pink haired guy that sort of looks like a cow. He's great.

[graveyounglady]

That is Caduceus! He is a dear friend who reminds me of all the best parts of my big brother. He is a most excellent man to speak to. I thought he might be a goat of some sort when we first met, though. A cow? Perhaps I can see that, as well.

I am glad to hear that someone has gone to the counseling center first. Not that I do not trust a place where Caduceus works, but it is pleasing to have the confirmation. Was there any reason you were in therapy before? Or was it simply a way to talk to someone?

un: goodlookingguy

[mistersquirrels]

Hey as a fellow member of the club of I-was-a-monster-thing-and-everything-sucks, I get that.

Anyway i think it's real great you're offering to help people

if you ever need to talk, I'm here for it too

[graveyounglady]

Kind Sir,

I am so very sorry you experienced such a thing, as well. It is a truly terrible fate. I would talk to you whenever you'd like. Are you working in one of the departments at ADI? Perhaps we could meet for a meal. I find talk can happen more easily over food sometimes.

With Deepest Empathy,
Mercy Graves

text UN Soldier

[worthallthis]

i am sorry i shot you

[Yes, it took him this long to get up the nerve to 1) say something and 2) say it on a network space.]

[graveyounglady]

[Oh... oh, she remembers that.]

Dearest Soldier,

I thank you for what you did. It was heroic beyond measure to fight that beast I had become. And I am glad you stopped me from hurting more than I already had.

With Gratitude,
Mercy Graves

@k

[chainreactions]

Mercy,

How good are you with sewing? I am currently looking for a specific pattern, but I cannot find it anywhere. If possible, I'd like to request a specific type of clothing if it's within your capabilities, and I'd owe you a favor in return.

Thank you for your time,
K.

[graveyounglady]

Dear K,

I cannot claim the skill my mother and grandmother have, nor those of a master seamstress, but if you have an example, I can likely make a pattern. What is it you are looking for?

Kindly,
Mercy