hadriel | ✘ Round 2

I... I require assistance. [The feed comes on and the normally calm ice alien's voice is tinted with sadness. He takes a small breath, then continues:]

I have been keeping a small number of lightbugs that appeared in the caves about three... [there's a brief pause as he struggles to remember the proper terminology used by humans for this span of time--] ... months ago. But now it appears they are dying. I don't know what I did wrong. I made sure their enclosure had plenty of space, insulated it from the cold, and even provided them with things to eat. And yet still...

[Glacius trails off. Given that his homeworld is frozen over, there aren't any insects on it, so he has no idea how their general life cycle works--or in this case, how short it can be. He doesn't even realize that he was lucky to get three months with these heartwarming little critters! His voice is therefore regretful when he speaks again, but it sounds like he's trying to scrounge for some determination because he hasn't yet realized their time is simply coming to a close.] ... I don't want to lose them. Is there anyone who knows enough about these life forms to help them?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Oh, this voice! He remembers this person, they were very helpful and kind to him. Though this time he comes bearing bad news...] ... Ah. I see... that is a shame. How does such a species survive, if it is so short-lived?

They reproduce just as quickly. But it has to be the right environment for them, and I don't think those bugs were native to these caves.

Would you mind if I saw them again? I don't know anyone else who saved any.

I see. Your assessment seems accurate--I only saw them in the caves for a short time, and never since. It... is a shame that the gods would bring them here, then, to a place where they cannot thrive or belong... [That thought hits a little bit too close to home, and Glacius falls silent quickly--until something is asked of him, at least.]

Yes, you may. It only seems right to honor their passing somehow. Where would you like to meet?

...that sounds a bit like them bringing us here, doesn't it?

[ He sighs, then his voice lightens. ] I can come to you. Where are you staying?

[It's a good thing they are sticking to audio, because Glacius flinches and doesn't respond. When he responds his voice is a little tighter, sort of like a human's might be if they were gritting their teeth.]

I do not wish to broadcast the location of my living space so openly. [It's not you, Pell; it's just that he's a naturally reclusive being, and secrecy has been a part of his upbringing and training.] I still have them in their jar... I can bring them to wherever else you may like to meet. Perhaps if it is somewhere outdoors, we can release them together.

[ He isn't offended, he remembers Glacius' nature. Just thinks for a moment, and then: ]

Do you remember where we first met by the river? I've a garden not too far from there.

Oh, I remember... [It would be hard to forget, though he's tried to. That was not his shining moment in Hadriel. Still, a garden sounds like a perfect place to release the little bugs---it'll be full of flowers and other things t hey seem to gravitate towards naturally. Perhaps it will rejuvenate them.] Releasing them will be bittersweet, but if there's even the chance that it might help, I will take it.

[And if it doesn't, well... at least then he won't just have to sit around and watch them crumple up in the bottom of their makeshift home as they waste away. It's too morbid for the gentle-hearted ice alien, especially watching their lights go out...]

Then I'll meet you there, and take a look at them.

There's the off chance I might be able to help, as well, but I don't want to get your hopes up.

I understand. I am departing now. [He'll just have to silently hope that between everything that's been suggested or offered, something will work! Either way, the alien hoists the large jar--which has been wrapped in an abundance of insulating material to protect the insects within from his freezing body--and heads out of his apartment, down towards the river. The alien follows the gently trickling water, keeping an eye out for the garden that was mentioned; when he arrives, Pell will see him cradling the jar of fireflies like it's filled with precious treasure.]

[ Pell is sitting in his garden, stroking the petals of the few flowers he's managed to get to grow in Hadriel soil. He looks up at Glacius' approach with a hopeful smile, reaching for the jar. ]

Make yourself comfortable and let me see them?

I was thinking, a little boost of health might do them some good, but if they're not complex enough, we could always ask Hope.

✘ Round 2 | Audio

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audio > action

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