Hypothetical 3: Matchmaker (Ginny Di video)

Nepheri cautiously steps into the parlour.

Edith: Oh! Good morning, my dear! May Sune shine her light of love and beauty upon your days. I'm so thrilled to meet you! Now, please tell me the name of the ravaging creature standing before me!

Nepheri: Uuh... Do you mean me? I'm Nepheri.

Edith: Oh! Breathtaking!

Nepheri looks around for signs she's being pranked.

Edith: Well, I'm Edith Helmyna Fairthimble and I'm so happy you have decided to welcome love into your heart. You know, I work with people all across the world who are just like you. They're all looking for that special someone! Or a few special someones - we don't pass judgement like that here.

Today, I'm just going to ask you a few questions about yourself, about what you're looking for, about your past. I know that you don't know me, but I'm going to have to ask you to be honest with me. It's the only way this works! But don't worry! It's completely confidential. This stays between you, me, and Sune herself.

First things first. We have to get down the basics. So! How old are you?

Nepheri: I'm 22... Also, I'm actually looking for some specific advice. But I guess this is the territory of your goddess and if you think we should go through the generalities, I guess we should.

Edith: Ok. Do you have a preference in regards to gender?

Nepheri: Is gender important? The one I'm thinking of is a woman, but that's not really why I feel what I do.

Edith: Okay, noted. Any objections to fangs, horns, wings, or tails?

Nepheri: Since I have most of those myself, hardly. I might not have much experience, but I think any body part can be pleasant way to get close.

Edith: Okay. Have you had a relationship before? And how recent are we talking here?

Nepheri: Not sure if what I had with Magoria counts. That was some relaxation a couple of months ago. My relationships have never felt 'real' in a sense.

Edith: Mm-hm. And do you sleep in pyjamas or in the nude?

Nepheri: That... was a sudden shift of focus. Nude, or at least very little, when I can get away with it.

Edith: Okay, I may be wrong but I can't help but sense a little bit of trepidation coming off of you. But some part of you must be looking fr love, even if it's not a concious part. Otherwise, Sune would not have brought you to me. So! Do yourself a favour, or at least humour me, and give it a shot, alright? Okay.

Nepheri: I AM looking. Sort of. I'm hoping to have found someone. But I have no idea how to handle this when I'm not trying to use them! I mean, I don't even know what I should want from her in a healthy way!

Edith: So! Let's talk about what you are looking for in a partner. What would you say is your type?

Nepheri: That's what I'm saying - I don't know! I guess I'm looking for someone to help me stay strong and who will appreciate me caring for them. I don't even know what that means. Or if I'm just trying to come up with things that describes Lavia because that's who I dream of.

Edith: What do you find attractive about a person? And don't say redheads, because I'll think you're flirting with me! I'm just joking, you can say redheads. It's true.

Nepheri: Physically? I don't know... Someone who is a bit different? Different people can be attractive in so very different ways.

Edith: Oh, of course. I agree with you completely there! Describe to me the perfect date. What would you want to do? Where would you want to go?

Nepheri: I'm not used to thinking about what I would want, but I'll try. I think any activity that celebrates life, death, or both would make me happy but in different ways. And a chance to cuddle would be... nice.

Edith: Yeah, that sounds like a lot of fun.

Based on where you are in your life right now, are you ready to settle down and raise a family? Or are you looking for something a little more casual?

Nepheri: Wow. Yeah. I haven't even thought about that. My mother was the most important person in my life, I'm not sure I'm worthy to be that for a child. It's a nice thought, but right now I'm aiming for a relationship that has genuine love. Anything beyond that is a much later discussion.

Edith: Oh absolutely, yes, we can work with that.

Now, I know you're an adventurer, probably do a lot of travel. Are you okay with long-distance, or do you expect your partner to come along with you on the road?

Nepheri: Well, we're talking about one of my party-members. In general, I guess physical proximity is nice but it isn't a requirement. I can sent messages often. And as long as they're not seeking intimacy with others instead of me but more in addition to me, that is a solution. One they'd hopefully allow in return.

Edith: What about deal-breakers? Annoying habits? Religious affiliation? Pets? Anything you absolutely would not stand for?

Nepheri: I'm a priestess of the Raven Queen - anyone disrespecting her teachings is out. I can understand that not everyone considers a graveyard romantic, and that's ok. But if they consider it a useful source of undead, they will get my spiritual weapon to their heart - not my love.

Edith: Ok, got it.

You know, let's get a little bit uncomfortable here. It's time to talk about your dating history. Now, if you have not dated extensively before, just think about relationships in your life in general. So, friendships, family.. We can learn a lot from how you relate to people. Even outside of a romantic context!

Although - look at you! I find it hard to believe no one has tried to snap that up!

Nepheri: I really hope my relationship with family isn't indicative of anything.

Edith: So! Are you usually the pursuer or the pursued?

Nepheri: For previous so-called relationships? I wouldn't have pretended to be into them if I didn't already think that's how I could get what I wanted.

Edith: Are you the one who breaks up or the one who gets broken up with?

Nepheri: I broke up with them. Or just left.

Edith: That is interesting. Tell me, what went wrong in your last relationship? Do you take any responsibility there?

Nepheri: After finally being invited to his parents' nice home, I gathered all valuables I could carry, including some medicinal herbs, and left through a window. I've never seen him again and doubt he'd recognise me without my disguise. Yes, I do take full responsibility.

Edith: Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that, honey. That must have been really rough. You know, sometimes things just don't work out. But you can't spend life thinking about it, or you'll end up like me! Always the matchmaker, never the match.

Nepheri: I think you misunderstand. I wasn't getting revenge or anything like that. I robbed a family of what they needed.

Edith: Never mind! We're talking about you. Let's stay on task!

Do you have a one that got away? Somebody you still think about a lot?

Nepheri: No. For a moment I thought I would, but I think it's much better this way.

Edith: Thank you for sharing all this with me. I know it can be hard to open up.

We're just going to get a little bit deeper now. Let's talk about you. What kind of baggage are you carrying with you? What do you need to work on? Trust issues? Abandonment issues? Don't be shy - this is a safe space!

Nepheri: Not sure where to start. I spent my teens using people in their weakest hour for my own gain and I work every day on trying to make up for at least part of that. My faith is all I have to tell right from wrong and I might fail that balancing act at any time.

Edith: Nm. Oh, I hear you there.

Nepheri: You do?

Edith: You know, people say you don't date the person, you date the family. So, in your case, what does that mean? If someone dates you, what else are they also getting in the bargain? Your party? Your patron? Someone else?

Nepheri: My Goddess. My faith is what has saved me and what keeps me sane. And my party is my found family more than the temple was, I think.

Edith: Let's talk about a different kind of language proficiency. I'm not talking about Dwarvish or Celestial, I'm talking about love languages. You know, your love language? How do you show someone that you love them?And how do you want to be shown that someone loves you? Gifts? Physical touch? Romantic words?

Nepheri: It might sound weird, but I think I trust my touch to be honest more than I trust my words. I was never good at faking the small things - holding hands or just resting in someone's arms. I might give gifts now that I can, but mostly if I come up with something anyway.

Edith: Absolutely! I understand that.

I know this one might sound strange, but you only have to rescue one client from a hostage situation before you start to put this in the paperwork. So! Do you have any extremely powerful enemies with a grudge against you who might want to use your partner as a way of getting back at you?

Nepheri: Understandable question, but I don't think so. Well, not actively. I'm sure there are plenty who wouldn't mind my head as a trophy on their wall, but they probably won't actively seek me out. Probably. Besides, Lavia is tougher than I am. I'd be more worried for them.

Edith: Duly noted. Okey. Last but not least, sexual compatibility. It's important! Would you describe yourself as adventurous? I mean, aside from the literal adventuring.

Nepheri: Ok, wow, that's another hard turn. But, I think I'd say so? I mean, as long as everyone consents I can't think of anything I wouldn't at least try. I certainly know more goes on in my head than I've explored... And I've thought a lot about what Lavia might like. A lot.

Edith: Well, I guess that word means different things to different people. Tell me, have your previous partners described you as being good in bed? Don't look at me like that! It's on the form!

Nepheri: I didn't go very far with most of them. Magora is rally the only one I've, eh, explored anything with? Not just give them the least possible for me to get to my ulterior motive, I mean. And she seemed satisfied?

Edith: Well, should we believe them?

Nepheri: I have no idea. She might have been as dishonest with me as I've been towards others. But, I'm not sure what she'd be after.

Edith: Okay, okay! Any weird kinks I should know about? Shapeshifting? Necromancy? Don't be shy! Trust me, I've heard it all before.

Nepheri: An absolute no to any necromancy. I will show absolute respect to the dead, whatever that means to them. And I'm not sure about things that carry a strong enough bad smell. Other than that, I think I'd be very happy explore anything and everything. Shapeshifting, whips, interesting magic... I'm not sure what role I'd like, but I guess that's part of the exploration. Not sure she she might be into, though... I think I'll be happy as long as we can connect. Just someone who could love me for me instead of a mask I've created.

Edith: Alright. That is all I need for the initial interview. We will go ahead and start looking for compatible matches amongst our other candidates, including other temples as well as here. I already have a few people in mind. Actually, I interviewed the sweetest healer yesterday...

Anyway! If we find a match for you, we'll be in touch. And if you are happy with our services we do accept contributions to the temple in the form of clothing, cosmetics, scents, jewelry, artwork, furniture, and chocolate. And statuary! Did I say statuary? And remember, true love conquers all! As long as you follow your heart all will be well. May Sune shine the light of her beauty upon you, sweetheart. Farewell!

Nepheri: Farewell, and you too. Don't put too much effort into finding someone, though. I mostly wanted to sort out my head, I guess. There is enough going on - I don't need to also handle one of your potential matches. Thank you.