but what I want to say shouldn't be said over the phone

[rehashing]

[ The smallest of pauses after the beep ] "You've - reached Elena. Gilbert. [ Maybe there are multiple in this cave. ] I'm sorry I missed your call, but if you'd leave - [ And their names will already be attached, built in caller id. She hates this message already But she's going to damn well finish it. ] a message, I'll return the call as soon as I can. [ And that's about all she needs and all she can muster. Oh, she can't forget... ] Thank you." [ "But, why am I thanking them, they called me." "Because it's the polite thing to do. Did they have to call you?" "They wanted to." But, no argument wins. Miranda Gilbert has a way of always being right. ]

call .. text .. video

Comments

[rehashing]

[ Which might be where drinking comes in. ]

I - don't know what it's like to be here for more than a few weeks, but I know there's always something we can do. Whether it's living, despite what goes on, or, helping. Things were not great where we're from but, we persevered.

[ She says, looking to Caroline. Help her out. She's not trying to pep talk but it sounds like she is and you're better at this. ]

[overarching]

[ You never know how someone you're just meeting will really take to anything that sounds like a pep talk, but Caroline's more than happy to provide additional support! Especially with that look from Elena. She nods before starting in. ] We've been literally terrorized by overpowered control freaks, more times than I care to count, and that's really just the start of the story that makes up what life in Mystic Falls was like.

There's always ways to live through the hell, too. Parties, talking, then, partying again. [ A light laugh, but she totally means that. ] I know everyone's capable of really living their lives here, even with gods who keep putting the same hell on repeat. Elena and I are walking examples of that being possible. [ You are, Elena, even if you haven't lived through everything you will. ] People just...need to find ways to thrive. And I know there are ways to do that, even here. And we'll find them. [ A smile to Elena then back to Connor, implication there supporting Elena's words about helping people. It's a simple thing, but -- ] Sometimes people just need a nudge, ya know?

[iustitiae]

Well at least if there's weird shit back home it's easier to deal with, right?

[ he's not really sure - some people feel like it is while others don't. all he knows its really hard when everything was normal and nothing weird happened and now you live in a cave with gods.]

There's stuff you can get involved in though - like I think this is Rey's bar, and there's an orchard and a library. Stuff like that.

[rehashing]

[ Elena glances to Caroline, not feeling it is easier to deal with.

Certain concepts she understands, in her context, but no, Connor, it doesn't get easier. ]

We were at the library, for the open mic night. I want to go back. [ She's a reader. And she can't see herself picking apples. Unless necessary and needed. She'd do it. Just not -- over and over again. ]

[overarching]

[ Caroline gives a sympathetic nod, although sees the glance from Elena. She doesn't agree either, so no empathy rages through her, but she understands where Connor is coming from. It really isn't easier to bear because of their lives at home.

She gives a warm smile with Elena's reaction to the mention of the library. ] You should. We should. I'm sure there's something to learn there. [ As at any library. The idea of manual labor to pass the time, though? Not her cup of tea, either. It'd be monotonous. ] Are you involved in anything like that, Connor? [ Or, whatever else. ]

[iustitiae]

[ connor laughs about open mic because he may or may not have sang a katy perry song during the talent show because the gods wanted to celebrate. whoops?? ]

I'm in school back home, but there's not exactly a ton of incentive to keep studying here.

[rehashing]

For what? [ He does seem older than high school, and Elena never says she's in school. She says, in high school. ]

[overarching]

[ Everyone should bust out a bit of 'Firework' every now and then, Connor. Caroline's brows lift in interest with his answer, looking over to Elena when she asks.

She's completely out of school, went through her undergraduate program and everything. She's just aged well or...something. ] Right, and if they even have options to study here? [ Always a little cynical, when it fits the moment! She takes a sip. ]