šattu eššutu | [dictated]

[demonologist]

As of today, I will have been in Paradisa for an entire year. It hardly seems possible that much time has passed and yet, in other ways, it feels like I've been here for longer.

I've been looking back at my entries in my retired journal, going over the recorded interactions of the past and I can safely say that this place has definitely changed me. I'd like to claim that it's been for the better, although that may be debatable depending on whom you speak to.

[There's a trace of ironic amusement in his tone.]

Nevertheless, I choose to view this day - this milestone - as something to be celebrated. You'll get no bemoaning of my lot from me. In this particular moment, I'm perfectly content. I may not have everything I want, but I believe I have all that I need.

Comments

[courageous_wit]

It should absolutely be celebrated! And I hope it doesn't sound too horrible when I say I hope you stay for a while longer.

dictated;

[formersocialite]

In that case, happy anniversary!

[demonologist]

It doesn't sound horrible at all, Hermione. For me, at least, there's very little to go back to. I'm quite aware, however, that it's not the case for everyone stranded here.

dictated;

[demonologist]

Thank you! I'm still trying to decide how I'm going to celebrate it.

dictated;

[formersocialite]

You're welcome. Maybe you could have a gathering of sorts?

[courageous_wit]

...True. I need to get back to my friends, but I'm content to be here until I do. But I can understand that this place is better for some people.

[fredless]

[This is exactly why the journals are so important. From her bath, Fred can't help but glance at the binding of her new one with no small amount of doubt. But it flickers, and is then put aside]

You can claim it, you know.

[Settling her firmly on one side of 'who you speak to']

dictated;

[demonologist]

That's not a bad idea. It's been a while since the housewarming.

[demonologist]

Thank you for the vote of confidence.

[There's an undeniable smile in his tone.]

Shouldn't you be in the bath by now?

[Oops he forgot to filter that, but he will from now on]

[demonologist]

Because of this war? If it's any consolation, it's very likely that no time will have passed when you return.

[fredless]

You're welcome.

[Soaking. In deliciously hot water. Filters feel like too much effort]

...and who says that I'm not?

[courageous_wit]

Yes, that's what I've read.

dictated

[shinybaldhead]

Sappy as hell, bro.

Fred

[demonologist]

Hmmm, that sounds like a challenge for me to come upstairs and check.

Does this mean you've got your journal in the bath with you?

dictated;

[formersocialite]

Then all the more reason to do something again for yourself.

Wesley

[likethetragedy]

Does this mean you want you want a celebration party? [She's teasing. Mostly.]

Wesley

[fredless]

Yes, that means I've got my journal in the bath with me.

[She flicks some water at the pages of her journal, suddenly aware she doesn't know how that will translate]

[heloise]

How have you changed, if I may ask?

dictated

[demonologist]

A bit of sentiment isn't all that bad, surely. Have I lost all of my street cred now?

Elektra

[demonologist]

I'm not big on huge parties. But a small gathering...perhaps. Why, would you come?

dictated

[shinybaldhead]

Hate to be a debbie downer, but you gotta possess some street cred before you can lose it.

dictated

[demonologist]

I seem to recall you gave me some a while ago. Perhaps it was misplaced.

[His tone is light, though. Faintly teasing.]

Fred

[demonologist]

Did you just splash me?

[Private to this person]

[demonologist]

When I first came here, I isolated myself. But over time, I mended relationships with those whom I had been estranged from and also formed new friendships, became part of a community again. For a while, however, it was...difficult to trust and reach out to people.

[demonologist]

It makes sense. For example, several of my friends here are taken from much earlier in the timeline that I am. However, I don't recall them ever going missing for lengths of time or having memories of being abducted to a strange dimension where they are forced to live in a castle and so on.