winds_voice | 7

[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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I have shelter here. It will not be like the last time.

[filtered]

...I am feeling somewhat troubled. I have decided to take some time to reflect on my thoughts. On what it means for me to be a Spirit in human form. On whether or not I should be befriending others.

[The filter admittedly isn't perfect - until now, Rudy hasn't had much need to set up any during his stay here. But he's aware he may be treading on a personal topic to Eley, hence why he sets one up.

There's so much about Eley's words that's bothering him, so many things he wants to ask. But he stops himself. Rudy is concerned, yet he also doesn't want to make Eley uncomfortable by drawing answers out of him. So he'll ask Eley, just to make sure.]

Eley... I'm here, if you need someone to listen. Do you want to talk about this in here?

[He has to think about it for a long time. Filtered or not, no matter how secure it might be, Eley wasn't really in the mood for pouring his heart out to anyone. But then again Rudy wasn't just anyone. Hadn't he let the boy talk to him if he needed to? Given him that option?

Wasn't he supposed to be distancing himself from others?]

...I appreciate the offer. However, I believe it would be best if I was simply left alone.

[There's some hesitation as he says that though, as if he's not quite sure about what he's saying himself.]

Are you sure? ... Sometimes what we feel may be "best" for us might not be after all.

[Rudy doesn't feel okay just leaving it like this, but... he does understand the feeling of wanting space. That's exactly why he won't push this too far.]

Just don't forget what I said, okay? Anytime you need someone, I'm right here. [Brief pause.] It's the least I can do.

["... Since you've done the same for me." That was something the older spirit always seemed to pick up on, no matter how much Rudy tried to act otherwise. He always tried to help--perhaps in his own odd way, but it's the thought alone Rudy appreciated.]

...you make it sound as though I have done you a great service. You... do not really owe me anything, Rudy.

[Or so he thinks. Maybe he underestimates how important his actions have been. Or maybe he just doesn't want to admit that he would like his help in reality. That it did mean something that someone would say they were there for him when he needed it.]

Maybe not. But isn't that the point?

[He closes his eyes, his voice fading from a concerned tone into a more thoughtful, gentle one.]

The things we do for the people we consider important... it does affect others, more than we might think. It might not seem all that significant at times, but even little things can still mean something. It's not exactly something you put a price on.

[He has to think over those words for a while. There's a pause before he speaks.]

I am not used to calling others 'friend'. But... I think since coming here I am beginning to understand how important friendship can be. Why else would it hurt to lose it?

7 - [Voice]

[voice]

[voice ; filtered]

[voice ; filtered]

[voice ; filtered]

[voice ; filtered]

[voice ; filtered]

[voice ; filtered]