[Open]

[spellcollect]

[ Frieren's mind opens up; as before, on the surface it's a calm, smooth pond. She's not quite used to this, so the connection (at first) is a touch tentative and then as she feels her way forward it opens more until she thinks she's finally ready. ]

I have a question for all of you. And you may consider it a simple matter of curiosity; I won't take offense at being ignored.

[ There's a pause, as if she's collecting her thoughts. ]

How many of you are long-lived species? Or long-lived by virtue of who you are? My kind are rare, even in my world, so I can't assume others will be particularly more common here, at the end of the universe.

[ It's an open question. ]

Comments

[eightfoldfiend]

[A rippling, oily presence reaches across the Communion.]

Your kind? What are you, then?

[spellcollect]

[ Hmm. Interesting. ]

An elf. What are you?

[eightfoldfiend]

Me?

Well, I'm not so sure. I don't think anyone has invented the word for what I am.

I know the word "elf" though. They're a forest-dwelling people in the world I came here from.

[spellcollect]

But you're not human.

[ That's more a statement of fact or observation than anything else. ]

I'm not sure we have an affinity for forests, but I did grow up in a forest village.

[eightfoldfiend]

No, I am confident I am not human; I could never be such a shallow, vulgar creature.

I'm also sure I'm not an elf. I've seen humans and elves live and die countless times.

[spellcollect]

Then what would you call yourself?

[ There's a bit of a chill in her mental space now. ]

[eightfoldfiend]

I don't know. Does it matter?

Why should I have to call myself anything?

[spellcollect]

You needn't. But it would help me figure out where you fit.

[eightfoldfiend]

I can tell you what I represent.

And that is chaos, war, violence and bloodshot. I live for it. I love it!

[spellcollect]

Why?

[eightfoldfiend]

Why?

Why does your kind breathe?

What an absurd question!

[spellcollect]

You may consider it absurd, but I don't. Why pursue such things?

[eightfoldfiend]

Because I must.

[spellcollect]

You must? Or you wish to?

[eightfoldfiend]

Must.

Are all elves as curious as you?

[spellcollect]

I couldn't say.

[ Honestly enough. ]

Does it matter?

[eightfoldfiend]

No more so than my cravings do.

[spellcollect]

Desiring to inflict harm on people is different, isn't it?

[eightfoldfiend]

Inflicting harm is my nature.

But I prey on the Meri so what's the problem?

[spellcollect]

I see.

[ Which isn't quite an answer to his question. ]

I'm not in command, so I suppose I can't say anything.