[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

[spellcollect]

Death is a little more final. But even then, I'll hope there's a chance and there's still the depth of memory. After all, what comes after death?

[baltimores]

Not sure. I always figured death was it and that was that, but...

[ He trails off, uncertain, before there's the sense of him shrugging and moving on. ]

Memory's good. Doesn't bring anyone back, but I guess it's a way for you to keep in touch with them. Just might be one-sided is all.

[spellcollect]

Yes. One-sided but worth having.

[ There's the impression of a smile. ]

That's good way to put it, I think.

[baltimores]

Yeah? [ He sounds surprised, but then a hint of pleasure slips through. Like he's answered a question correctly on a test. ] I guess that's what you're supposed to do when you're around longer than everyone else.

[spellcollect]

I think so. You need to remember. Other humans forget over time; they die, their children don't remember... so someone who does remember it all becomes very important.

[baltimores]

Yeah.

[ He's quiet a moment longer, a sense of thoughtfulness to his communion presence. ]

I haven't been the best at doing that kind of thing. Been trying to be better about it lately though.

[spellcollect]

I think it's a constant process for all of us. I know I wasn't always the best at it.

[baltimores]

I mean, sure sounds like it.

[ His tone is teasing, though. More like a friendly ribbing than calling her out directly, since it's something they were just talking about. ]

It's good that it's a constant process, though. I think. [ The idea comes with a surge of hope, like he actually can get better at it one day. ] Helps keeps us all accountable, maybe.

[spellcollect]

Accountable is a word for it. Perhaps "grounded" might be a good one as well.

[ She's... mostly at peace with it by now. Adjusting to the way the world works and how she experiences it. But like him, she's hopeful. ]

We are impacted by everyone we meet, in all sorts of ways.

[baltimores]

... Are we?

[ He's good with her feeling at peace. Being hopeful. They're pleasant sensations both, but being impacted by everyone... ]

I mean, I've never thought of it that way before. Lots of people in my life who were there and gone. Probably couldn't name most of them.

... I should maybe be better about that.

[spellcollect]

Not everyone will impact you the same, but still... I've found taking the time to try and remember a little bit of each of them has helped.

[baltimores]

So in some way they'll always have someone who remembers them? Can keep them around that way, even after they're gone?

[spellcollect]

Something like that. But... also you do it for yourself.

sorry for the delay!

[baltimores]

For yourself?

[ ... ]

How?

no worries!

[spellcollect]

We're the ones who are left after they're gone. Losing people isn't always easy.

[ Hopefully that's enough of an explanation. ]

[baltimores]

[ A much longer pause this time. ]

It has been for me. Not like I'm happy about it, just that when people are gone... they're gone. That's it. It kinda all runs together.

[ Did that come out wrong? That probably came out wrong. ]

I mean, I'm trying to be less of that person. Just saw a lot of death early on is all.

[ Okay there surely that's better. ]

[spellcollect]

No, I understand that.

[ And the flicker of understanding is real and genuine. ]

That's probably how I thought about it for a long while. Especially since I was so much longer loved than everyone around me.

[baltimores]

[ ... It's nice, to be understood so easily. It isn't common for him. And a part of him can't help but wonder if he's at least been able to help her be understood, but. ]

So you were able to fix it? [ A beat. ] I mean, I ain't exactly that old.

[spellcollect]

I don't know if "fix" is the right word. I lost someone and I realized that I never got a chance to know them as I wished...

[ She pauses and considers before continuing. ]

I decided I was going to try and do my best after that. I suppose the principle works even if you aren't outliving someone because of age. It's a matter of perspective.

[baltimores]

Does it come naturally to try your best? Or is it something you've gotta consciously think about, every single day?

[ Based on his tone, it'd be reasonable to assume he falls under the latter category. Mostly because he does. ]

[spellcollect]

A little of both, I think.

[ She can't really say with total certainty. ]