7 - [Voice]

[winds_voice]

[Wherever Eley happens to be right now, it seems pretty windy. Whether it's because of his influence or just the natural way of the weather, you can't really be sure, but thankfully his voice carries loud enough not to be hindered by the wind.

Only... his tone might sound a little less curious than you're used to. Somewhat distant. Perhaps even a tiny bit sad?]

As I have recovered enough from my illness to venture out with no ill effects, and since the weather has improved, I have decided to take the opportunity to seek shelter in the mountains. While I would still prefer to refrain from keeping myself in confined spaces for too long, I am hoping I will be able to make use of any shelter I find in future to prevent myself from falling sick again.

I would like to take a moment to thank the people here for teaching me your ways and helping me to take better care of myself. It has been an... interesting experience.

However, I also must announce that I will be staying in these mountains for quite some time. I would... like to ask you not to seek me out.

Comments

[spohkh]

[Spock has his journal open... otherwise he would have missed this!]

Mister Eleytheria? Why are you relocating yourself to the mountains? That is illogical.

[winds_voice]

It is... more isolated. It allows for better clarity of thought. I have much to think about before I make a decision.

[spohkh]

[Spock raises an eyebrow...]

You are being cryptic with your answers. What is wrong?

[winds_voice]

...I have found myself reliving memories I would rather forget recently. I am not a being used to emotional pain, and I know I would rather not experience it again. So I felt that perhaps I should distance myself again, as a Spirit should.

I find myself wondering if the potential pain is worth the risk of my own curiosity.

[z_jay]

Maybe this might go without saying but... stay safe out there! The elements aren't something to take lightly.

[winds_voice]

Now that I am aware of the weaknesses of my new body, I am sure I will be able to stand against them. You need not be concerned.

[He would say thank you but... with something playing on his mind he finds it more difficult.]

[z_jay]

[New body? That got an eyebrow raise out of him but Luceti took all sorts...]

Is there anything in the mountains that... is appealing? Just out of curiosity.

[Halfway doesn't expect a reply, it is idle curiosity on his part.]

[winds_voice]

[Appealing? Maybe not to the average person but...]

I am a Wind Spirit and therefore I feel more comfortable at high altitudes. That is what appeals to me at least. That and not many seem to remain up here... it is a good place to isolate yourself.

[Voice]

[mountain_sage]

[Saleh can hear the sadness in Eley's voice, and it concerns him, especially since he had just recovered from his illness.]

Eleytheria? Is there something troubling you?

[Voice]

[winds_voice]

[He seems to falter slightly at the sound of Saleh's voice. But...]

It is nothing to be concerned about. Please continue without me.

[Voice]

[mountain_sage]

Hmm...

[This already isn't sounding good.]

You will come back, will you not? It's fine if you need solitude on occasion, but brooding for too long is not emotionally healthy.

[Voice]

[winds_voice]

[Even moreso for Eley, since it could directly impact on his very existence if he falls too far into a pit.

There's a long pause as he seems to debate how to answer this.]

I cannot guarantee that I will return.

[Voice]

[savedtheworld]

Why? Are you trying to find secret tunnels?

[Voice]

[winds_voice]

Secret tunnels...?

[That makes him more than a little curious for a second. Could he try and find something like that while he's out here?]

Ah... no. I... just wished for some time and space to myself. There is much I must think about.

[Voice]

[savedtheworld]

Oh. Like... to meditate and stuff. I think I understand what you mean by that. Lots of us need time to think and meditate by ourselves sometimes. Secret tunnels are better for when you're in love, but they could be a good place to hide if you want to. But... It can't be that hard to find an empty room or something to get privacy around the village, too.

[Voice]

[winds_voice]

Yes, meditation would be a good word for it.

[He pauses at the mention of love... It was still something he was having trouble grasping despite trying to look at it from many different angles. He almost comments on it but... seems to change his mind.]

I would prefer to avoid the village at this time. I... need to be away from others. Besides, I am not used to being confined to a room. It would make me uncomfortable to stay there for too long.

[voice]

[idealism]

I don't think that's a good idea.

[voice]

[winds_voice]

...

It is for the best. At least for now. I am... confused.

[voice]

[idealism]

Why?

[risingwinds]

Are you sure hanging all by yourself's a good idea? I know I'd get really lonely if I tried.

[Poor guy. Ven may not know all the details of what happened, but it sure doesn't sound good.]

[winds_voice]

Lonely? Hmm... what does it mean to feel lonely?

[The truth is, Eley's wondering if he's already feeling like that. However, he doesn't know much about the emotion. Not enough to make a solid link anyway.]

[risingwinds]

Well, it's like... Hmm.

[It's so strange having to explain it, but he remembers how Eley said he wasn't supposed to feel things once.]

Loneliness is kinda like being sad. You miss having people around you to keep you company, and the more time you spend by yourself, the worse it gets.

[Granted, Ven finds that thinking of his friends eases loneliness, but he knows not everyone thinks that way.]

[voice]

[ofwesternwinds]

[... What? Wasn't Eley sick just the other day? Rudy frowns, noting the different tone in Eley's voice. The difference is subtle, but something does seem a bit odd.]

Wait, you're staying out in the mountains? Are you sure that's a good idea?

[voice]

[winds_voice]

[Every time someone he knows and likes speaks to him, Eley feels a pang of something. Guilt? Longing? He's not really sure what it is, so he tries to ignore it as best as he can.]

...

I will be fine. I have recovered well from my previous illness. I prefer the air up here and if I spend more time in the mountains then... nobody will be hurt.

[voice]

[ofwesternwinds]

["Nobody will be hurt"? Hearing that doesn't help to reassure him at all--it's downright worrying, in fact. Something is clearly wrong here.]

The mountains up there still aren't anything to underestimate. It can be dangerous, especially in this weather.

[filtered; 35%]

Is everything okay?