9 - [Voice]

[winds_voice]

[There's an awkward silence at first as if the speaker is finding this rather difficult to say... or doesn't know quite what to say in the first place. But though hesitant, his voice soon comes.]

I... would like to apologise for any embarrassment caused during the recent holiday. This was my first experience with such an event and... I was not prepared for what might happen.

[Another pause.]

That is not the only reason I have chosen to speak today however. There are two other matters I would like to address.

Firstly, I have learned more about what humans call 'birthdays' over the past few weeks. Is this celebrated by all humans? Perhaps even non-humans? Why celebrate another year passing when it only means you are being brought closer to death? Why is this such a... joyous occasion?

Secondly, I have found myself growing idle in Luceti and have realised that the time has come for me to offer some assistance to those living within the enclosure. I may not be able to fulfill my original purpose here, but... I need to make myself useful. If I do not then I may not stay here for much longer. Unless of course, this body will keep me trapped. It would be an empty and meaningless existence.

I cannot offer much in the way of strength but I would be willing to learn new skills, within reason. If my power to manipulate wind would be of any use to you then that is something I can do as well. If anyone has any suggestions... I would like to hear from you.

Comments

[video]

[idealism]

Oh.

Well.

It's not that we're celebrating getting closer to death. We're just celebrating that we've survived.

[voice]

[winds_voice]

I see... then the gifts are something of a reward for succeeding in your survival for another year?

[voice]

[idealism]

Kind of. It's also a way to celebrate that we're all still together. And it makes people happy, so why not?

[voice]

[winds_voice]

Hmm, would it be correct to say that these events help to strengthen bonds between people then?

[Because if so... well maybe there were some people he wouldn't mind seeing happy from his own deeds.]

Do gifts have more meaning on a day such as this?

[voice]

[imatreenow]

[Here is a familiar face, but he looks and sounds younger than Eleytheria will remember from their previous encounter. After a moment of consideration, he'll approach the first question.]

My sister and I celebrate our birthdays as a way to show how grateful we are for each other. It's a celebration of life, and the time we've spent together.

[voice]

[winds_voice]

[Something which puzzles the Spirit... he does seem oddly familiar.]

It is more of a celebration of sharing your life with others then? Then if you do not have a close bond with anyone... the celebration is pointless.

[He pauses, debating asking that nagging question. His curiosity gets the better of him in the end.]

Have we... spoken before?

[voice]

[imatreenow]

[He'll return to the subject at hand in a moment - the question stops him. Has...this person met the other version of him? The one who has been around for much longer, who has given up on the world and fallen into despair? He doesn't want to be that person. He doesn't want anything to do with that person. He's afraid of him. So he hesitates, and then he hides the truth.]

No...I don't think we have. [It's not wrong to want a clean slate, is it? He doesn't want to be weighed by mistakes he hasn't made. Or...mistakes he hasn't made yet... He isn't lying - he has never met this man before.]

[Voice]

[abjurer]

Most humans celebrate, I think and it's more a thing of... hey, it's another year when you haven't died. And any excuse for a party is pretty cool I think.

Non humans... depends how long lived they are. A lot of the Sidhe celebrate centennials instead, or quarters, uh, twenty five years.

[Voice]

[winds_voice]

...humans like to make excuses for parties? I suppose when you put it that way, a celebration sounds more viable.

[He didn't mind them so much himself, though he tended to stay on the sidelines and just observe the others.]

Hmm, who are the Sidhe? How long do they live exactly?

[Voice]

[abjurer]

We usually like to have a reason for them, I guess.

The Sidhe are... faeries. There's a Light Court, the Seelie, and the Dark Court, the Unseelie, although really, calling them a court is kind of a stretch.

Some of them live for thousands of years, might actually be immortal. Others... just a few years. There's all kinds.

voice.

[halflived]

It's not just a Human thing, as far as I know. Celebrations of being born is a common occurrence and even coveted, when you reach some milestones.

It's showing gratitude, really.

voice.

[winds_voice]

Gratitude for being alive? You mention milestones, what exactly are they? Are these celebrations any difference when they are achieved?

voice.

[halflived]

Yes, gratitude for another year of memories with people you love. As for milestones, one of the most important ones is when it's finally okay for you to start a family, I haven't seen for myself how that one is celebrated differently, but I know it is.

[voice]

[seleniahymn]

It would be better to know what abilities you carry, controlling wind is a rather broad topic. [Though she could sympathize with the idleness of living in Luceti well enough. Though she wanted to answer his first question, she felt it more important to address this first.]

[voice]

[winds_voice]

I can change the direction and intensity of the wind... or I suppose the air around me to be more precise, tough naturally this is easier outside. While I do not have as much power as I would in my world, I am sure I could still sustain a strong enough gust to lift objects as long as they are not too heavy. Or... to move obstacles. Perhaps to generate power for something as well.

Small tornadoes would likely be feasible and though I have not practiced it, I am sure I could draw in clouds to produce rain if I tried.

...my powers are perhaps not best suited for the everyday work of humans, but anything I can be useful for will help. I do not mind mundane tasks either.

[voice]

[seleniahymn]

Perhaps not, but I'm sure there can be a place for them if you wish to find them. [She can't think of any right now that didn't count for combat and defense purposes, but there had to be something.]

These are all abilities limited to yourself, or could you actually teach them to others?

[Written]

[eyesofstrength]

The young are the ones who tend to find more joy in growing older. Each birthday brings them closer to adulthood and independence, which is much desired by them. After that, many choose to not remark on it or celebrate in any way.

Since this village has many who have not yet reached adulthood, it is no surprise that birthdays are celebrated by many.

[Voice]

[winds_voice]

Hmm... but is it not considered a good thing to continue being alive even after adulthood has been achieved? Or is it that the pull of death makes people tired of such things? The older you become, the less time you must know you have after all.

I suppose the young ones also enjoy the parties... and gift giving that come with it. There is cake involved as well, yes? Do these become less interesting in adult life?

[Written]

[eyesofstrength]

That all depends on the person. Some prefer not to consider the fact that they are growing older, and therefore getting closer to death. Some will even go so far as to lie about their age or avoid telling what it is.

I admit, I also never cared much for cake, but when I was younger I was more willing to humor those who cared enough to make it. Now I just make sure none know what the day is so I can avoid celebrations of a day I care little for.

[Video]

[spohkh]

How often must I remind you that apologies are unnecessary.

[Spock gave Eley a wry smile.]

[Voice]

[winds_voice]

[If this was a video, Eley would look a little chastised now.]

It seems inappropriate not to apologise when I may have caused some people... friends, discomfort through my own actions. Even if this was the doing of the Malnosso.

Re: [Voice]

[spohkh]

If they are truly your friends, they will not have been discomforted.

You were manipulated beyond your will Eleytheria.. I understand what transpired. I too am rather... distressed by my actions during Valentines.

[weaponry]

[ Something that can manipulate wind? Deep and solemn? Not understanding people? Sounds familiar!

Instead of answering the questions first, Tenten is just going to cruise in and tactlessly ask a question. ]

Are you the dragon I talked to in the forest? The one that I summoned weapons for? [ ...The one she asked a rude question about personal rainclouds. ]

[winds_voice]

[Summoned weapons? He thinks for a moment before realising who it must be.]

Ah, yes I believe I am. You are the one who grew rather... excited about seeing my dragon form, yes?

[weaponry]

[ Tenten's voice is bright and ringing. Also, loud. Very very loud. ]

Yes! Yes! That's me! [ And now she clears her throat and moves onto a formal tone. ] Anyways, a birthday is a celebration about how you've triumphed through the trials and difficult times in your life and how you're still there to celebrate with loved ones. It's a reason to party, not an excuse.