❀ Video

[festal]

Date: 16 October
From: Konohanasakuyahime

(The video starts with Sakura looking at the screen and then immediately looking away. Her face begins to turn a shade of pink and she whispers something to herself before taking a breath and looking back up, as determined as she can bring herself to look. She's absolutely nervous and everything about her demeanor shouts it but she tries to push through it,)

Pardon me, b-but I was wondering if someone would help me...

But first... ( She gives a small and quick bow, ) My name is Sakura, Princess of Hoshido and a g-goddess of life here in heaven but please, just Sakura will be fine. It's nice to meet you!

( How was that? Too formal? She doesn't know how to introduce herself any other way, though, ugh. At least that's over and done with. )

You see, I'm really shy so I was hoping to overcome this by t-talking to as many people as I could! Back home, I practiced by talking to the m-most intimidating person I could think of but... I think I'm a little out of practice now!

(At some point, she remembers to breathe. Finished with what she has to say, she wonders how she should end this. It feels so sudden and almost rude to just cut off the video but the more time she takes, the more awkward this becomes. Nervously, she bows her head quickly,)

Th-thank you for your time!

( And the feed cuts so she can shriek and stress and feel regret about her decision off camera. )

Comments

Video, Aditi.

[bussounoshima]

[Oh, no. What a cutie.]

I've found a good way to overcome shyness is to just spontaneously approach strangers and initiate a conversation. You won't have any time to worry then.

[Has Sharak ever experienced shyness in her life? Possibly not.]

video,

[festal]

( She really thought about replying with a text message instead but that seems counter productive to what she's trying to accomplish so.... )

Just... approaching completely random strangers? Won't th-that be a bother?

Voice

[appealingdame]

Ugh! [This is disgusting. What a disgusting post. Sakura is so ridiculously adorable. It frustrates Charlotte how easily it comes to her goddess, when other girls have to work ten times as hard to seem that cute for just ten minutes.] Lady Sakura, you're so pretty and sweet! It's such a waste for you to be this shy.

[Well, she supposes that's part of her charm. Guys seem to dig that sort of thing.]

... You know what we should do? We should go out tonight and find a bunch of guys- you're so cute they'll be falling over themselves to win you over. It's such a great confidence boost. [Guess what Charlotte's been doing on her evenings off.] You'll totally feel better about talking to people then!

Voice,

[festal]

Oh, Miss Charlotte! Th-thank you, it's really uhm... flattering?

( Charlotte is too good to Sakura with all of this praise, really Ah, but what's Charlotte's great plan? Even if it isn't a video post, Charlotte can probably easily imagine how bright Sakura's face is at the mere suggestion of... flirting??? with a bunch of random guys.. )

I... oh... Oh! That really isn't necessary. I'm fine, really! I think we might, uhm, be thinking of different types of confidence.

video; |=0|2357 90|)|)355 4_|4

[projectsilvergaze]

[There's a young woman tilting her head at the camera, not showing any emotion at all but it's clear she's interested in this message.]

Sakura... I am Nona1 Silvergaze. I am known as Aja, but you can just call me Nona.

[Sakura can work on her shyness, Nona can work on her... emoting.]

video,

[festal]

( Oh, this is just... a little unnerving, to put it lightly but Sakura will persevere! )

It's nice to m-meet you, Miss Nona. Uhm... ( A conversation topic! What's a good topic?! ) I've never heard of Aja before. C-could you tell me a bit about her? Yourself? Both?

video

[futhark]

[ Oh no. Oh no. That's too cute and too pretty-- so much royalty is here wow, but that kind of fits with them filling all those god roles and so on ]

You're very honest, princess. Admirable, really. [ Adorable, really ] I'm always up for a chat, so if I can help, I will.

[ He should probably make it a bit easier for her to respond, but before he gets to that one of the Temple dogs gets into the view as it pounces him. Because attention: I need attention! ]

Ack, get-off me!

video,

[festal]

( This isn't going the way she'd expected it would go. She's not really looking for praise and she's wondering if she's done something wrong to solicit that-- but ah! What's that suddenly jumping in the screen? Is he being attacked?! Does he need help!? Wait, no, it's just... a rather affectionate dog. When she replies, there's the end of some light laughter and she smiles, )

--hehe! Oh... ( Had he caught her laughing? She hadn't expected the video to start so soon! ) Forgive me, I d-didn't mean to laugh...

I was just thinking how cute he is.

( The dog. )

Video

[yoshinocherry]

you know, that's a really smart idea for helping overcome something like shyness. I think it's really admirable to work at bettering yourself like this, too!

[So, here, have a friendly looking face who has been siren called by the plea for help.]

Sakura-san, my name is Yuna Yuki! If you want someone to practice talking with for a while, I'd be more than happy to chat with you.

video,

[festal]

Ah... thank you very much, uhm... Yuna-san?

(Yuki-san? Hmm, she'll test the waters a bit.)

Are you used to t-talking to others?

[Text]

[unlucky7]

[What an admirable thing to do. And all too relatable.]

I'm not great at talking to people either. Maybe we can practice together?

text

[festal]

Yes! I'd appreciate it very much. I'm sure we can help each other.

voice.

[brynwieldr]

Who did you try talking to back home?

[Was it Xander? It was totally Xander wasn't it.]

voice,

[festal]

Oh, uhm... (That is... ah, how embarrassing.) Prince Xander. I learned a lot f-from him.

video | "Kanade Amou"

[usedperishsong]

How long'd you hype yourself up to make this?

[ It's....not meant poorly. Kanade's impressed at the guts on display here. Please-Just-Sakura's out of her league but going for it anyway. That speaks better of her than people skills would. ]

I'd say you're about half there already, kiddo.

video,

[festal]

A-a while if I'm honest... ( She sounds as tired as much as she looks embarrassed. Oh, but she should try to say more than just a single sentence if she really wants to practice, ) I... I actually wrote everything at first but I thought if I wanted to be s-serious then... this was better.

( So it took twice as long as what ever you're thinking for her to just do this. )

(Video; From: Dali)

[stonebird]

(Her heart aches too much to not respond to this message. This is the sort of girl that deserves to have someone take her under their wing.)

You are braver than you think. (And incredibly charming.) If you need someone to listen so that you may practice, I am available.

video,

[festal]

( She's already under multiple wings but she's trying to get out and find her own......... )

I had a lot of p-practice to get to where I am now. ( She wouldn't be nearly as brave if not for everyone's support, ) So any courage I have is all thanks t-to my friends.

B-but I can't keep relying on them forever...!

( She has to take steps to better herself, )

Thank you.

( She bobs her head just a bit out of habit, giving her a small bow, )

video; from: Archer

[boneofsword]

[Archer tries to not look too intimidating, but the fact his usual outfit is mostly black doesn't help.]

Greetings, princess Sakura. I suppose I may be intimidating enough if you wish to practice.

[Whatever he wanted to add is postponed when a huge white dog - identical to one from Caster's video - shows to demand some headpats. Archer complies with a lopsided smirk.]

You're determined to suceed, that's good.

video,

[festal]

( Intimidating but it helps that she recognizes him some! )

Oh, perhaps I should have chosen my words more wisely. I-I didn't mean to call anyone here scary.... Sorry.

( Really. She gives a small, apologetic bow of the head and when she looks up? There's a dog? )

That's... the same dog from earlier? ( She's putting one and two together. Ah, ) Is that your dog?

Video;

[roundtablerebel]

[ This girl is a princess and a goddess? That so unfair! Why does it seem like everyone in the Heavens has a better title than she does? ]

If you're a princess, shouldn't you be a little more composed when speaking publicly?

[ Not that Mordred knows anything about being a princess. ]

video,

[festal]

( She bows her head, clearly embarrassed. )

Yes. ( She could say more but in the end, she decides those are words that don't mean anything. They're all just excuses in the end. She's shy, she's anxious, she's terrified of making a fool of herself, she's afraid of doing something wrong and having people spread rumors about her again, she's always had her siblings and mother to rely on.... ) There's no excuse w-which is why I really want to get better.

video;

[wingedprincess]

Being shy has a big disadvantage, Princess Sakura.

(While her tone is somewhat composed, her words are too informal. Have they met before? Most likely not, but she's just headstrong with her friendliness.)

It means you could end up being lonely and without as many friends as you deserve. (Is that incentive enough to help her overcome it? Tana hopes so.) How about I give you a freebie? I'll be your friend while you work on this and who knows, maybe we'll be even better friends when you're less shy.

[festal]

( Friends aren't really an issue for her. She's always had a few dear friends to rely on and despite all of her anxieties which created doubt, she's always felt the love of the people around her. But she can still relate to the loneliness. She was always the one left behind at the castle and left to wait for others because she was too weak to go. If she could just become stronger--! )

Oh! ( She's genuinely touched and can't help but gasp at the offer, ) Truly? You would be my friend?

Video

[thirdbeauty]

[Oh no. This is adorable, and it's a struggle Natsuru knows very well herself! Even still, she doesn't think she was ever quite... this nervous. Sakura reminds her more of Jennifer. Either way, the empathy she feels towards the other girl is strong.

She clearly has no choice but to respond with a video of her own. With her friendliest, most charming smile, she addresses the camera.]

Sakura-san, it's nice to meet you! My name's Natsuru... I've met your shinki at your temple before.

[She blushes at the memory of the awkwardness of that meeting. Yet it doesn't seem to make her pause for very long.]

I was really nervous when I first came here, too. I think, maybe I was like that a lot before. But most people have been really nice, and Maria-sama especially has been helping me learn to be more confident! There's a lot I never would have done if it weren't for her and Hibiki-sama...

[She looks thoughtful for a moment. But before long, she perks up, her smile brightening even more. She chuckles softly at the thought she's about to voice.]

I don't think I can be very intimidating, but you can talk to me if it'll help! We'd kind of be helping each other...

[She's actually overcoming some of her own nerves just replying like this. It's so much harder to put herself out there like this instead of just reacting to whatever comes her way in person! But then, that's the point.]

video,

[festal]

I-it's nice to meet you too! ( And she flinches. Was that too strong? She definitely said that too boldy, hadn't she? ) I mean... you have?

( She imagines Tsuzuki and Charlotte are much more social than her and even Yamanbagiri seems so much cooler than her in comparison... )

Oh... I'm sorry, perhaps I should have been more thoughtful with my words. I'm truly grateful for any opportunity a-and any intimidation comes from m-my own... ( What word is she looking for? ) weakness because the people here are t-truly kind.

Video

[onedrinkwithme]

[Sometimes checking the BBS is a good thing because of pure gems such as this.]

You are taking the first steps to improve by speaking on it, my lady. But if you ever wish to practice more, I do not mind lending an ear to your cause.

Video,

[festal]

( When she responds, she tries to not look too pleased by Aymeric's response. While she's become accustomed to him thanks to their few meetings, he definitely fits the bill. At least, in appearance in some ways. A giant compared to her and just so cool and articulate...! But she won't admit it out loud, at least, not directly. "I was hoping you'd respond!" sounds an awful lot like, "I was hoping you'd respond because you're one of the most intimidating people I know here!" And... that doesn't sound very kind.

But she can't help but smile because even his response was similar to Xander's... )

Thank you! ( She's really grateful, truly! ) I was hoping to, uhm, get to know you better.

[mylanceisbiggerthanyours]

[...Wow, it's kind of like looking in a mirror a few years back. She very distinctly remembers being like this.]

...If it makes ya feel better, Ah used to be as shy as ya?

[She...got a bit of confidence? Not too much, but a little.]

Uh, not sure Ah recommend talkin' to the scariest fella right off the bat, though...maybe...start slow like you're doin' now. An' remember to breathe...can't practice if ya pass out.

[festal]

It isn't the e-easiest way but... I've found it to be one of the most effective ways s-so I need to keep challenging myself.

( Or else she'll never get better. )

[steelguarded]

[Why hello Sakura have a scruffy 6'7" man who looks like he could be from Nohr except for the fact that he's smiling]

That's a great idea! Best way to get over fear is to face it I think I always say!

[festal]

( Just the kind of person she was both hoping to get but also not get if you know what I mean. She can't help but sit up a little straighter. Is it possible to both frightened and pleased? Because as nervous as she is, she can't help but give him the smallest smile. It's hard not to smile when greeted with one like his, )

Thank you. ( She bows her head, ) I think so too b-but I'm afraid I don't have much experience w-when it comes to facing my fears.... Others have always protected me and k-kept me back...

( It's a little embarrassing how inexperienced she can't help but regard her protectors fondly-- her family and dear friends were only trying to help her and she's grateful. )

[Text]

[light_of_willpower]

[No Anon here, and text might be easier which is what Trunks is hoping.]



It's nice to meet you Sakura. My name is Trunks, I'm shinki to Caireen (although she goes by Mai). For being out of practice, this seemed really brave of you. I know I've felt shy and out of place at some events here.


[Like a reception--fortunately he had friends to help.]


Talking with your friends will probably also help you, and make it easier to handle groups. I know friends have helped me through some of my uncomfortable situations.

[festal]

( Text is, indeed, much easier! She's much more eloquent in her writing than she is in person, )

Thank you, Trunks. I actually wrote everything out at first but considering the request, I thought it was best to use my voice instead.

I'm afraid I've never really been good with groups either. It's true that they're easier to deal with when I'm with my friends but I can't keep relying on them all of the time.

Video

[purr_ince]

[Oh gosh. She's precious and he knows what it's like to be nervous as well as a touch anxious. There's something.. familiar there. He feels like he should reach out to her. So - Have Adrien smiling warm and kind; giving a little wave of his hand.]

Pleased to meet you, Sakura. My name is Adrien.

[His hand settles on his lap and there's a gentle meow from just off camera. Adrien gives a little laugh and scoops up a small kitten.]

And this is Luna. We would be more than happy to talk with you either here on the network, in person or in text. Which ever makes you most comfortable.

[He tilts his head settling the kitten on his lap.]

I don't think it would be wise to just dive in with the most intimidating person. Wouldn't that just make you more nervous? [He laughs softly.] But most of the people I've met here have been nothing but kind and pleasant.

[festal]

It's nice to meet you, Adrien. ( She bows her head some in greeting and... exchanging pleasantries is always easy but what should she say next? Oh, lucky for her, she doesn't have to say anything and he's holding up the cutest kitten she's ever seen, ) --And you too, Luna!

( She gives them both a shy smile, )

Oh... there are so many choices. ( A nervous laugh, ) W-why don't we see how we get along this way first? ( Through the network. ) And if it's okay with you... we could meet in person?

( Huuuh, that wasn't nearly as confident as she'd hoped it would sound but she means it! His next question is a good one though and that actually gets her to laugh a little more genuinely, )

Maybe it isn't the easiest way a-and it is really scary... but if I can talk to someone scary then I can talk to anyone!