✨ you only get one chance...

[liltuna]

THE FIRST IMPRESSION MEME   You only get once chance to put your best foot forward. Screw that up, and you'll be forever seared in someone's mind as the person who had spinach in their teeth, or worse! ✨HOW TO PLAY 1. Drop a top-level! 2. If you have previous CR with someone, you'll have to let them know what your first-impression of them was. If this is your first time meeting, you'll be compelled to share what kind of vibe they give off. It's okay to be honest! Are they gross? Do they seem approachable? Do you find them incredibly hot?  3. Find out if your first impression was correct! Maybe that strange loner actually has a heart of gold? You'll never know unless you talk to them!

Comments

[veardant]

Mysterious?

[ that's a new one. ]

Well, thank you. As for my ears, they do help to dissipate warmth, but my fur is so dark that it absorbs plenty of heat in and of itself.. I don't tolerate hotter climes particularly well, I'm sorry to say.

[callouses]

Yes! You seem surprised? What are the words you usually hear?

[ his expression takes on a thoughtful shade. ]

Ah... I see. That would make it difficult. But I see you are from Sumeru, if I'm not mistaken! Do you live in the jungle part of the region?

[veardant]

I suppose most people have just called me nice.

[ though he supposes he can understand the 'mysterious' angle.. ]

And you'd be correct, I live in the Avidya Forest. It can get quite warm, but it's also very shady, so the sun doesn't bother me very much. You're from Inazuma, I take it?

[callouses]

Nice would also work, definitely.

[ so would cute, but Thoma won't risk potentially offending his new friend by saying it, just in case. ]

Yes, I am! [ with no small amount of pride, ] I'm Thoma, chief retainer for the Kamisato clan! Should you ever find yourself in Inazuma, I would be more than happy to be your guide.

[veardant]

[ wow just because he's fluffy doesn't mean he's cute!!

okay, he's totally cute, but please. ]

That sounds like quite an esteemed position indeed. The Kamisato Clan heads the Yashiro Commission, correct?

[callouses]

Ah, yes!

[ maybe he shouldn't be so surprised that the Kamisato clan is well-known, even beyond Inazuma's borders, but Thoma can't help the way he looks impressed. ]

You've... heard of us?

[veardant]

I have some small understanding of Inazuma's government. I took a current affairs elective at the Akademiya.

[ he arches a brow. ]

Is that so surprising?

[callouses]

Mm, not as surprising as it is flattering. We've been closed off from everyone for so long that it feels strange when other countries acknowledge we exist. Sort of unbalanced, you know?

But you must be very smart! What made you want to study at the Akademiya?

[veardant]

Well, with any hope that will change, now that the Sakoku Decree has been abolished. I have no idea when I'll have the time to spare for a vacation, but I'd love to see Inazuma someday.

[ his ears fold back briefly. ]

Ah, thank you, but my intelligence is nothing special. My parents are both researchers, so I was invested in my studies from a young age.

[callouses]

Oh, I hope you do! Let me know when you're coming and I'll gladly show you the best that Inazuma has to offer. Food, drinks, sights... even festivals, if your visit coincides at the right time? I definitely recommend visiting in the cooler months, unless you don't mind the humidity? That way, you can also take full advantage of our hot springs.

[ he notices the ear movement, and smiles apologetically. ]

I'm sorry, I hope I didn't offend? You don't have to answer anything that makes you uncomfortable! And if you'd prefer, we can talk about something else. Although I suppose I should start with asking for your name, heh. If you don't mind, of course!

[veardant]

I'm quite used to humidity, actually; Avidya Forest is a rainforest, so it's nothing new to me. Still, I do prefer the cooler months of the year.

[ he's quick to shake his head. ]

And no, of course not, you didn't offend me at all. I'm just no good at taking compliments.

[ and, with a light smile. ]

My name is Tighnari. I should've introduced myself sooner.

[callouses]

Oh!

[ his expression clears right up, followed by yet another smile. and maybe a little teasing! ]

In that case, I'll be sure to compliment you more gently next time so you can see it coming. It's very nice to meet you, Tighnari. What do you do in Avidya Forest?

[veardant]

[ wow!! teasing!! ]

I'm a Forest Watcher, which means protecting the forest's ecosystem and preserving its life forms.

.. as well as helping stupid adventurers who eat problematic fungi, or stumble into boggy quicksand.