[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

[wolfish]

Remarkable to other countries, but we're accustomed to it.

[spellcollect]

Being accustomed to hardship still seems like it must be unpleasant.

[wolfish]

It can be, there's really no denying that. But I like to think it makes us more resourceful, too.

[spellcollect]

Perhaps. Although I imagine you would prefer if you didn't have to be.

[wolfish]

Well, sure. No one should have to worry about how they'll get enough to survive.

[spellcollect]

Perhaps there will be a change for the better in the future.

[wolfish]

I've been doing research here just for that reason.

[spellcollect]

Have you found anything worthwhile?

[wolfish]

Some information we lack regarding crops that can overcome poor soil.

[spellcollect]

Hm. Admittedly I'm not a farmer.

[wolfish]

I did a stint as a gardener's assistant, then I picked up a bit more here and there, but I could hardly call myself a farmer either.

[spellcollect]

Fair enough. I suppose we'll both just have to be ignorant on that count.

[wolfish]

Looks that way, unless we camp out in Alenroux.

[spellcollect]

Well, I don't plan on it...

[wolfish]

Not your idea of a good time?

[spellcollect]

Mmm. I've done some gardening, but I'm not a farmer.

[wolfish]

Gardening's a fine way to pass the time.

But more farming for the farmers, in that case.

[spellcollect]

Of course. I'll just have to help them in my own way.

[wolfish]

Bet they'd appreciate a handy spell.

[spellcollect]

Most of my spells don't do much for farming, I'm afraid.

[wolfish]

Sometimes a little creative application takes care of that.

[spellcollect]

Sometimes. But spells can be very specific. Like a spell for keeping warm and cozy. Or a spell for cleaning statues.

[wolfish]

Does that cleaning spell know the difference between a stone statue and a building made of the same, in your world?

[spellcollect]

Yes, actually. It only works on specific things.

[wolfish]

So even if the substance is the same, form matters...