✘ Round 2 | Audio

[glacius]

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?

Comments

audio

[unfollowing]

[Oh no oh no oh no he sounds so sad! Emily's voice is clear and soft as she replies.]

Hey, it's okay. You gave them a really good life. They lasted longer than normal fireflies. I bet they loved that you took such good care of them.

[Please don't be sad.]

audio

[glacius]

[Sorry, Emily, he isn't trying to cause you grief! It's just that the alien hates the thought that he might have somehow caused the insects harm, and moreover watching their lights shrink and go out is causing him a surprising amount of sorrow. At least her kind words help to smooth away that first batch of fears.] Do you really think so? I tried my best to take good care of them, but maybe keeping them in captivity was wrong of me. It's just that... their glow... it reminded me of my people, in a way. I wanted to keep that close...

perma audio

[unfollowing]

Of course! All the fireflies that didn't get caught died a long time ago. You totally did a great job with them and gave them a really long life.

[Hers died not a month after they appeared, even with Ashley's help.]

Oh! I don't have any fireflies to give you, but I can make you clothes that remind you of your people. I said I would, remember? I will. Come meet me at the shop whenever you want. [attachment: (map to the shop)] I'm pretty much always there.

[A garment won't die!]

[glacius]

[Well... that is true... Glacius has not seen any more of the insects in the caves ever since the month that they had arrived. The thought that he has given them a longer, more peaceful life is enough to get him to take a little bit of heart; he doesn't sound quite as depressed when he responds again.]

Ah, yes--I do remember you mentioning that. [It had actually slipped from his mind when he'd been attacked by his own personal demons, then plunged into a pit of regret and guilt thanks to Sorrow. Now, being reminded that he's going to be able to spend some nice down time with one of the people he cares about feels a little like the sun coming out after a long few days of nonstop storms. It's a moment to breathe after everything he's been through... so he plans on seizing the opportunity.] I can visit now, if you'd like? Or do you need more time to gather supplies and the like?

[unfollowing]

[Yes good he doesn't sound so sad anymore. Oh thank god. Sorrow's bullshit is over, none of them needs to be wallowing anymore.]

Nope, I have everything I need right here. Come over right now if you want.

[glacius]

Alright... [Offscreen, given that they're only using audio, Glacius casts one last glance at his remaining fireflies. Then he decides that for once he will bring his phone with him, just in case anyone comes up with a way to help them and contacts him. He probably should bring it with him more often, actually, but he doesn't like the thought that he's expected to be in constant communication with other people... again, it all comes back to him liking his space. This is an exception; he'll do whatever he can.]

I will be there shortly, then. [And, true to his word, before too long Emily will have an ice alien knocking on her door!