Letter to Sephiroth | Backdated to mid-December

[thelittleprincess]

Sephiroth,

I regret to inform you that I really won't be put forth as an exam student this round. Sensei claims it is because my teammates are still fresh from the Academy, but I am uncertain I believe him. Both seem capable. One seems dangerously deranged as well, and I am led to believe that has a chance of bolstering his eligibility for promotion in Kiri. He is, however, somewhat stupid, in my assessment. So perhaps there is a grain of truth to Sensei's logic.

Perhaps.

A part of me, however, cannot help but feel he might have other factors influencing his decision. He hasn't outright said anything, but I have the distinct impression he doesn't like you very much. Did you say something to him, when we spoke during that ridiculous berry mission? I've already assured him that I am not seeking you out as a replacement for him, so I don't think that's at the root of the issue.

I am disappointed that I will not get to see what your village looks like, but will endeavor to enter the next Exam. Enclosed are some ribbons edged with seed pearls, left over from a commission the shop recently finished. They are too short to really be of much use in tying my hair, but I suppose you can use them for the Abomination.

There is also a sealed flask of scentless oil, for maintenance on the jacket I previously sent you. Instructions are attached.

Ami

Comments

[silverterror]

Ami,

He doesn't like me, this is fact. He believes I'm dangerous to you and is resentful that his opinion is not causing decisive action, I'm certain.

My village is beautiful, even I can attest to that, but you will have to wait for another day to see it if your sensei chooses not to allow your presence.

Please note that the lacquer sent is one meant to be used on wood surfaces to make them watertight. It seemed appropriate in light of the items you sent.

Sephiroth

[There was a tiny tub of the mentioned lacquer, and a picture of the doll with her new trinkets. It seemed she'd also acquired a new chair at some point made of dark wood.]

[thelittleprincess]

[She pulls a face at the picture of the doll, but this time she has no room to complain. She set him up for it perfectly, after all. Her reply comes with a small tin of home-made candy.]

Sephiroth,

Well, you are a dangerous man, but the real, powerful part of being dangerous is that you can switch it on and off. If you wished to harm me, you have already had ample opportunity. I am also not allowing our frie correspondence to interfere with or negatively impact my training.

Thank you for the lacquer. One of the aunties from the shopping district taught me how to make candies. These are sweet but you can melt them down to a syrup and use it sparingly, if you prefer.

Ami

[silverterror]

[He took a full day to make his reply this time, sending it back with a single picture of seemingly blood red mist filtering the sun into golds and reds over the rise of a wall which was almost like pearl.]

Ami,

If you allowed it to interfere in your day to day life I would cut you off as I have done my cousin. The girl doesn't grasp the danger she places herself in my being so unreservedly attached.

I disapprove.

Sweets are not my typical preference, but these are better than most. I will eat them in their intended form.

Sephiroth

[thelittleprincess]

Sephiroth,

Oh. I had wondered why she had been stiff lately. I have to agree with your decision; it was less a means of 'cutting the apron strings' and more like shoving a child away from a net of razor wire, correct?

Still, she at least seems to learn better than Bakanori.

I will keep that in mind for future reference.

Ami

[He gets a photo of Konoha in turn, but likely not one he had the chance to see. Shinobi could get... upset... about foreigners wandering around after dark. It's a night-view taken from the homage mountain, featuring a full moon, a rich tapestry of stars, and a gleaming, warm spray of light from the village splayed out below.]

[silverterror]

[The picture earned a place in a little frame set up like a window and put on the all behind the doll, who got her chair turned slightly so it looked like she was looking outside. He sent a picture of this, of course.]

Ami,

Exactly that. Adela is not one who learns things easily.

I'm to assume Bakanori is someone who does not respond well to distance being put between you?

Sephiroth

[thelittleprincess]

Sephiroth,

He is my teammate. The deranged one, as you undoubtedly have surmised. He is disrespectful in various ways; for instance, he rifled through my belongings and read the draft of the letter I sent along with the ribbons.

Speaking of which, your attention to detail need not be wasted so flagrantly on the Abomination.

Ami

[silverterror]

[The letter is accompanied by a small parcel with a set of metal hairpins with sharp tips.]

Ami,

If you had not intended me to give it attention, you should not have put it in my hands. It is not in my nature to ignore such an opportunity.

Please enjoy the enclosed.

Sephiroth

[thelittleprincess]

Sephiroth,

I believe I explicitly stated my expectations when I first sent you the Abomination.

Thank you for the pins. I will put them to good use.

Perhaps they can be used to impart some meager amount of understanding to Bakanori. I doubt it, but hope springs eternal.

Ami

[It's been a while since a gift given hasn't earned one back, but she needs time for the next one. Sorry, Sephiroth.]

[silverterror]

Ami,

They should stay adequately sharp without too many difficulties, given how they were made.

Your instructions were superfluous additions to the gift itself. I also had no intention of following them.

Sephiroth