vanessa ives (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
transgressings) wrote2019-01-19 07:40 am
transgressings) wrote2019-01-19 07:40 am
inbox for duplicity;
INBOX
text / audio / video / action
INBOX
text / audio / video / action
A white letter arrives, fine calligraphy on the front, red wax seal (a circle with the imprint of a rose) on its back. The paper itself is the invitation, no envelope to be seen.
To:
Miss Vanessa Ives
Mr. Grayson Frost
{ PARTY THREAD }
Miss Vanessa Ives
Mr. Grayson Frost
{ PARTY THREAD }
[ It's one thing after another this month, it seems. But Ororo makes sure to make time to check on dear friends. ]
Hello, Vanessa. How are you? I hope the new restrictions aren't giving you much trouble.
Hello, Vanessa. How are you? I hope the new restrictions aren't giving you much trouble.
They're a bit confining for what may be obvious reasons, I suppose. When your hours are already limited to a certain span, being ordered to remain inside during said hours is a less than ideal situation.
id intended to ask if you wanted another walk in the moonlight
but the city apparently cares fuck all for what I want
sooooo
keeping busy?
I feel like Im going to lose my bloody mind
love this house but
well
staying in with ghosts isnt my idea of fun
at least theyre not literal ghosts
this time
[He's rambling because he's bored and lonely. Sorry, Vanessa.]
but the city apparently cares fuck all for what I want
sooooo
keeping busy?
I feel like Im going to lose my bloody mind
love this house but
well
staying in with ghosts isnt my idea of fun
at least theyre not literal ghosts
this time
[He's rambling because he's bored and lonely. Sorry, Vanessa.]
The city usually doesn't concern itself with anything we might want unless those interests just so happen to overlap.
I don't believe I ever mentioned that my previous house holds various entities. The townhouse is a property I still own, which was gifted to me by the city in fact, but it does play host to a number of ghosts — who appear to be rather cordial, all things considered.
I don't believe I ever mentioned that my previous house holds various entities. The townhouse is a property I still own, which was gifted to me by the city in fact, but it does play host to a number of ghosts — who appear to be rather cordial, all things considered.
I did.
Is it something you have concerns about?
Is it something you have concerns about?
You know.
[ She can feel it, certainly. That sudden, aching loss. ]
[ She can feel it, certainly. That sudden, aching loss. ]
Yes.
[ this ache — keen, punctuating, is unlike anything she's ever felt before. if she'd had the need for air it would have left her gasping for breath; even so, she'd nearly doubled in on herself within the house, experiencing such an acute sensation deep within her breast that doesn't seem to abate no matter how hard she tries. ]
Where are you? [ she can't muster more than that, not in her desperation, but she doesn't know if she can bear to truly be alone right now. ]
[ this ache — keen, punctuating, is unlike anything she's ever felt before. if she'd had the need for air it would have left her gasping for breath; even so, she'd nearly doubled in on herself within the house, experiencing such an acute sensation deep within her breast that doesn't seem to abate no matter how hard she tries. ]
Where are you? [ she can't muster more than that, not in her desperation, but she doesn't know if she can bear to truly be alone right now. ]
I was. I am.
[ because she's still refusing to think of him in the past tense, even considering how new his disappearance is. ]
Was there something you needed?
[ because she's still refusing to think of him in the past tense, even considering how new his disappearance is. ]
Was there something you needed?
Miss Ives,
I regret how late you must receive this letter; however, I was incapable of holding a pen for longer than I care to admit, let alone conducting a thoughtful message. But I wish to wholeheartedly express my condolences.
My rapport with Mister Frost was short-lived, yet I will be forever grateful for what comfort and support he was for my own men during their time here, Lieutenant Jopson especially. And I believe that gratitude should extend to you as well. You and the employees of The Crucible were there for them when I could not be.
Perhaps my sincerity rings hollow by what little interaction you and I have enjoyed. Know that I am not a man who follows formality for its sake, but for its value when merited. I say this so that you can believe and trust that should you need any support, however you may deem its qualification, I, Francis Rawdon Moira Crozier, am at your service.
Sincerely yours,
F. Crozier
I regret how late you must receive this letter; however, I was incapable of holding a pen for longer than I care to admit, let alone conducting a thoughtful message. But I wish to wholeheartedly express my condolences.
My rapport with Mister Frost was short-lived, yet I will be forever grateful for what comfort and support he was for my own men during their time here, Lieutenant Jopson especially. And I believe that gratitude should extend to you as well. You and the employees of The Crucible were there for them when I could not be.
Perhaps my sincerity rings hollow by what little interaction you and I have enjoyed. Know that I am not a man who follows formality for its sake, but for its value when merited. I say this so that you can believe and trust that should you need any support, however you may deem its qualification, I, Francis Rawdon Moira Crozier, am at your service.
Sincerely yours,
F. Crozier
[ the response comes to him distinctly later in the evening, well after the sun has set, hand-delivered by messenger: ]
Captain Crozier —
Know that your letter, however belated you may have believed it to be, arrived at just the right time. While I will admit that the recent departure of someone I hold most dear to me has shadowed my days as of late, the kind words of those who knew Mr. Frost, even in passing, have uplifted me in ways I find myself incapable of adequately describing on paper.
I hope you have been well, in spite of any circumstances that may have delayed your ability to pen that letter in your own hand. Your insistence on writing me nevertheless is a testament to your generosity, and I shall not soon forget it.
I have had the pleasure and the privilege of becoming better acquainted with Lieutenant Jopson in recent months, and he has spoken quite highly of you. A man well-regarded by his subordinates, as well as his peers, seems to me a man worth knowing indeed. I hope we will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face in the very near future — perhaps at the Crucible, if you feel so led to grace the club with your presence soon. You are also more than welcome to call on me at the house on the evening that best suits.
Captain Crozier —
Know that your letter, however belated you may have believed it to be, arrived at just the right time. While I will admit that the recent departure of someone I hold most dear to me has shadowed my days as of late, the kind words of those who knew Mr. Frost, even in passing, have uplifted me in ways I find myself incapable of adequately describing on paper.
I hope you have been well, in spite of any circumstances that may have delayed your ability to pen that letter in your own hand. Your insistence on writing me nevertheless is a testament to your generosity, and I shall not soon forget it.
I have had the pleasure and the privilege of becoming better acquainted with Lieutenant Jopson in recent months, and he has spoken quite highly of you. A man well-regarded by his subordinates, as well as his peers, seems to me a man worth knowing indeed. I hope we will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face in the very near future — perhaps at the Crucible, if you feel so led to grace the club with your presence soon. You are also more than welcome to call on me at the house on the evening that best suits.
I remain your aspiring friend,
Vanessa Ives
Vanessa Ives
Kurt. It is good to hear from you, always.
Things have been better, I suppose, especially when taking recent losses into account. But I've learned to persist out of sheer necessity, with as long as I've been here.
Things have been better, I suppose, especially when taking recent losses into account. But I've learned to persist out of sheer necessity, with as long as I've been here.
It's been awhile since our last conversation. Would you be free to chat about our next playtime? I'm sure there are things you'd love to do to me we can discuss.
[Or things Rip would love to see if Vanessa was interested in doing to her...]
[Or things Rip would love to see if Vanessa was interested in doing to her...]
You're referencing that rather memorable encounter in the graveyard? If such a thing could be considered a conversation.
I'm flattered that you're already thinking of the next time.
I'm flattered that you're already thinking of the next time.
[ Ororo isn't actually sure if Vanessa celebrates Christmas. She feels the pull to gift her with something though, something important. There aren't many people left that she'd befriended from when she first arrived, so she'd like to let them know they're important to her in some way. Even if it isn't much, she has a gift-wrapped parcel delivered to Vanessa's residence by the 25th, a box with a set of hair clips. ]
My dear friend Vanessa,
I hope you have pleasant holiday this winter. The year has been long and full of challenges, please know you've helped make my time in the city better than worse, and for that I have been very grateful. If there is any way I can better express my gratitude, or better extend my support in return, please let me know that I may do so.
Hoping for a better year for all of us ahead,
Ororo
[At sometime in the Evening, Vanessa may find a nicely wrapped present. Inside of a box is something that Rip hopes she'll like. Along with it is a small little handwritten note]
Saw this and thought of you. Merry Christmas
- Rip
Saw this and thought of you. Merry Christmas
- Rip
Edited 2023-12-26 19:58 (UTC)
[ Christmas morning, afternoon, and evening, there are deliveries being made, and Elle has plenty to give.
Vanessa is quite special to Elle for numerous reasons and she hopes her gifts are enjoyed!
Her gifts include a dark plum leather journal along with a matching quill, a pair of black lace gloves, a very gothic-inspired brooch done in black filigree with a rich plum stone, and an ornate teacup candle that, when lit, will carry a scent that brings her calm and delightful thoughts at that moment.
The card reads: Merry Christmas, dear Vanessa! I hope the new year brings you great joy, delight, and perhaps a visit or two from me! Elle 💗 ]
Vanessa is quite special to Elle for numerous reasons and she hopes her gifts are enjoyed!
Her gifts include a dark plum leather journal along with a matching quill, a pair of black lace gloves, a very gothic-inspired brooch done in black filigree with a rich plum stone, and an ornate teacup candle that, when lit, will carry a scent that brings her calm and delightful thoughts at that moment.
The card reads: Merry Christmas, dear Vanessa! I hope the new year brings you great joy, delight, and perhaps a visit or two from me! Elle 💗 ]
Dear Miss Ives,
I hope the Christmas spirit has been keeping you well, and that you have received my gift. I was hoping that you could assist me with something that is not strictly of the intimate variety but is certainly related to it. I am looking to obtain some leather clothing much like what is often worn to the Crucible, and do not know where to begin with this sort of thing. Any advice that you might have will be greatly appreciated.
As always, your obedient servant
Thomas Jopson
I hope the Christmas spirit has been keeping you well, and that you have received my gift. I was hoping that you could assist me with something that is not strictly of the intimate variety but is certainly related to it. I am looking to obtain some leather clothing much like what is often worn to the Crucible, and do not know where to begin with this sort of thing. Any advice that you might have will be greatly appreciated.
As always, your obedient servant
Thomas Jopson
Lieutenant, I must say that your gift was unexpected but entirely welcome. I hope the holiday passed for you relatively uneventfully.
In terms of your request, while I do not always make use of leather in my own wardrobe, I do know of several shops that offer that type of clothing. If you'd like, I can either pass on their addresses to you or, with your approval, serve as an accompaniment to these establishments if you would prefer further guidance in this matter.
In terms of your request, while I do not always make use of leather in my own wardrobe, I do know of several shops that offer that type of clothing. If you'd like, I can either pass on their addresses to you or, with your approval, serve as an accompaniment to these establishments if you would prefer further guidance in this matter.
[Noah sneakily leaves a present outside Vanessa's front door sometime on Christmas day. It's a sparkly silver gift bag with a simple to/from tag indicating the sender and inside, under several layers of tissue paper, is a tea-scented candle and a sheer black robe with pretty embroidered and beaded accents.]
[ Delivered overnight on Christmas Eve: a little box, fastened with ribbon and containing a brooch in the shape of a zinnia. There is also a small card.
Dear Vanessa,
The Language of Flowers, to many, has fallen out of fashion. In truth, I am not completely sure when it was in fashion! But maybe it is something you are versed in. Me, I must look these things up...
Zinnia is for thoughts of absent friends and rememberance, but also for enduring friendship and lasting affection. I hope you find it suits as well as I do.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Yours Truly,
Kurt Wagner ]
Dear Vanessa,
The Language of Flowers, to many, has fallen out of fashion. In truth, I am not completely sure when it was in fashion! But maybe it is something you are versed in. Me, I must look these things up...
Zinnia is for thoughts of absent friends and rememberance, but also for enduring friendship and lasting affection. I hope you find it suits as well as I do.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Yours Truly,
Kurt Wagner ]
One of them, at present. Though Miss Royer part-owns the shop in name only.
Hello, Vanessa.
It's 'been a minute', as the kids say, but I'm back, and happy to say that I'm the same me that was here a year ago. [Something that's relevant around these parts, when she's known a few of him.
They didn't cross paths more than a few times his last stay in the city, but among those people he knew, Vanessa's one of the ones he meant to keep finding. With only wedding planning on his plate, there's no better time than the present to pick up where he left off.
He also can't think of another person left in the city who understands, better than even he does, what it's like to come back and find Grayson gone.]
I was wondering if I could interest you in a meetup? Anywhere's fine.
It's 'been a minute', as the kids say, but I'm back, and happy to say that I'm the same me that was here a year ago. [Something that's relevant around these parts, when she's known a few of him.
They didn't cross paths more than a few times his last stay in the city, but among those people he knew, Vanessa's one of the ones he meant to keep finding. With only wedding planning on his plate, there's no better time than the present to pick up where he left off.
He also can't think of another person left in the city who understands, better than even he does, what it's like to come back and find Grayson gone.]
I was wondering if I could interest you in a meetup? Anywhere's fine.
I had wondered, Mr. Gray, but given how recently scarce our Mr. Matthews has become, I imagined a certain return had something to do with informing his absence.
[ she offers the words lightly, almost teasingly — she knows, perhaps almost more than anyone here, how his disappearance had left toby. it's the same impact grayson's vanishing has left on her, although she does her best not to dwell on it most days for fear she'll simply never leave her house again.
but invitations like this are a balm in and of themselves, and she finds herself nodding even before the words inevitably follow. ]
Of course. You're more than welcome to call on me at home, or I can find my way to wherever you're staying. I assume you also recall the Crucible by now.
[ she offers the words lightly, almost teasingly — she knows, perhaps almost more than anyone here, how his disappearance had left toby. it's the same impact grayson's vanishing has left on her, although she does her best not to dwell on it most days for fear she'll simply never leave her house again.
but invitations like this are a balm in and of themselves, and she finds herself nodding even before the words inevitably follow. ]
Of course. You're more than welcome to call on me at home, or I can find my way to wherever you're staying. I assume you also recall the Crucible by now.
[ It took Thomas longer than he would like to send this message. He hasn't been handling Crozier's departure very well, and it simply wouldn't do to let anyone but Stephen see him emotional about it. A month seemed a suitable time to pull himself back up by his bootstraps and man up. And, of course, suitable time to warm Stephen up to the idea. ]
Dear Miss Ives,
I am sorry it has taken me this long to reach out to you after the loss of Captain Crozier. I have found myself tied up in managing his affairs and my own now that he has left us.
[ A very polite way to put having an existential crisis about his own heartbreak. ]
I hope you are keeping well, in spite of the difficulties of losing a contract partner. If you have not yet found someone to take his place, I was hoping to offer myself as a suitable substitute. I am more than happy to provide any permissions you require, and we have a spare room in the house that is yours if you have need of it.
Your obedient servant,
Lieutenant Thomas Jopson
Dear Miss Ives,
I am sorry it has taken me this long to reach out to you after the loss of Captain Crozier. I have found myself tied up in managing his affairs and my own now that he has left us.
[ A very polite way to put having an existential crisis about his own heartbreak. ]
I hope you are keeping well, in spite of the difficulties of losing a contract partner. If you have not yet found someone to take his place, I was hoping to offer myself as a suitable substitute. I am more than happy to provide any permissions you require, and we have a spare room in the house that is yours if you have need of it.
Your obedient servant,
Lieutenant Thomas Jopson
Edited 2024-04-03 16:53 (UTC)
[ she's grateful for his effort to reach out to her via text — she's incapable of showing up on any video, and words have always been where she more strongly resides. she's even improved when it comes to typing on her device! ]
My dear lieutenant, there is no need for an apology. While I only find myself without a dominant and a recent companion, you have lost a friend with whom you share a personal history, and therefore tending to any lingering affairs of his must have taken up a significant portion of your days.
It is true that I am in need of someone to sign a contract with. I do have potential prospects, but I would hate to impose myself on them as an additional responsibility to care for. However, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, I wouldn't require my own living quarters. The city awarded me a home after my permanent contract was dissolved due to my first dominant's disappearance.
I am grateful to you for your consideration, as well as the thoughtfulness of your gesture, and I would be happy to accept, contingent on any other terms you wish to establish in advance.
Your friend,
Vanessa Ives
My dear lieutenant, there is no need for an apology. While I only find myself without a dominant and a recent companion, you have lost a friend with whom you share a personal history, and therefore tending to any lingering affairs of his must have taken up a significant portion of your days.
It is true that I am in need of someone to sign a contract with. I do have potential prospects, but I would hate to impose myself on them as an additional responsibility to care for. However, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, I wouldn't require my own living quarters. The city awarded me a home after my permanent contract was dissolved due to my first dominant's disappearance.
I am grateful to you for your consideration, as well as the thoughtfulness of your gesture, and I would be happy to accept, contingent on any other terms you wish to establish in advance.
Your friend,
Vanessa Ives
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