winds_voice | 9

[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.

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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?

Edited 2013-02-23 17:37 (UTC)

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.

That seems like quite an extreme reaction. Though I suppose some humans will fear death to the point where they refuse to accept how old they are... or how sick.

[He might be speaking from experience here, though he knows that when people grow old they're more likely to fall ill regardless of who meddles with their lives. It's still a rather sobering thought for one who doesn't usually even think of death.]

Why do you care so little for it when others have described it as such an... enjoyable occasion? Why try to avoid it when you can surely celebrate it in your own way, without the frivolities?

It also can be a fear of losing the ability to do things for themselves. As one grows older, they often lose their health, their looks, and their ability to do the same things done when young. At best one may have to limit themselves, at worst another may have to care for them. It can be that the person doesn't want to admit they are getting closer to that, or for others to think they may need to be treated differently.

As for why I dislike celebrations? It is more the day than the counting of years. Coming to this place just added even more reason to dislike the day.

[Mostly because for Leonhardt, his birthday now ends up being very close to an anniversary of living a year on borrowed time he didn't want. Birthdays definitely are far more awkward for those who are dead in their worlds.]

[Those words seem to hit the Spirit rather harder than he was expecting... He can see someone from his own world sitting there and feeling exactly like that. Though he would still never turn down a celebration and live every moment like his last.]

Yes... that is definitely something I have come across myself. Though in this case they have not given up on such celebrations. In fact they seem to demand more of them and refuse to allow themselves to waste away.

I see. This day... did something happen to you then?

No, they often do not fully give it up even if they prefer not to acknowledge the age. Very few also would give up the chance to receive gifts and it is rude in most places to turn one down.

I prefer not to speak on the events that caused me to dislike the day. My reason now is more than it is rather awkward to celebrate reaching an age that I will not live to see in my own world.

I will be sure to remember that then, as one who is not accustomed to receiving many gifts of late.

[Perhaps in the past yes, but people were giving up on the Spirits lately. Why present them with offerings then?

It takes Eley a moment to realise just what he means by that - that he is living beyond his years in his home world.]

I had never considered that a possibility in Luceti. It... must make the prospect of returning home rather uncomfortable for you. Would you stay, given the choice?

My choices means very little because this place seems to want me here whether I want it or not.

[Leonhardt happens to be the one dead person who does still want to go back though. But he already saw a hint of the afterlife that awaits and it is a good place to be in and better than his life was.]

Yes... that is true. I must admit that since involving myself more with people in Luceti I have not been dwelling as much about returning home. Still, I hope that we will be able to leave one day. I have left much behind... I am sure I am not the only one.

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