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

In a way, yes. [That's the simplest way to describe it, anyways.] Even if it's not the real thing, and I know it, it makes them not feel... quite so far away, I suppose. At least at times. [Sometimes it does the exact opposite, makes him wish he didn't have to rely on a substitution at all... but he knows that isn't likely to change any time soon, so he doesn't see the point in vocally complaining about it.]

Edited 2016-07-24 21:29 (UTC)

Understood.

[And she means that.]

Well, as others have mentioned... fireflies don't tend to live much longer than a couple months, like many insects. Am actually surprised you managed to keep them alive for this long.

[That's one of the reasons Glacius appreciates talking with Rey so much; she's a woman of few words, but she says what she means, and she doesn't press beyond his boundaries when she's learned what she wanted. Now the alien simply heaves a sigh as she answers his earlier question.] Yes, that is... what I have heard. I have also heard that the gods may be able to keep them alive... but even that puts me at a dilemma. Saving their lives seems like it would be a noble thing to do... but... would it be selfish of me to extend their life beyond what is natural simply because they remind me of my people, especially if they were to live a life in captivity? Perhaps it would be better for me to release them, so that they can live out whatever time they have left as they naturally would.

Personally think it would be better to let them be free either way. Living or dying in a jar sounds like no place to be, whether you decide to extend their lifespan or not.

[Take it from someone who practically was in one for a long time.]

I... I think I agree with you. [Even though it still pains him to think of their passing, it just feels better to let things progress naturally. Maybe some people will think it callous of him to eventually let them die... but he doesn't like the idea of calling upon strange forces to keep them around long after they should have been allowed a final rest, especially not if it is just to live life in captivity.] Though some people have offered to see to them already. I suppose I will allow it, and keep them with me for a little bit longer... but after the next month or so I will release them so that they can have a peaceful, natural passing.

That sounds like the best thing you could do.

For what it's worth, you didn't do anything wrong.

Well, this is something that is going to be hard to feel good about regardless of what I do... so I appreciate you saying that. I do not wish to cause anyone undue suffering.

Loss of life very rarely ever is supposed to feel very good.

[And if it does, then it's still not technically a "good" feeling, but something else entirely. This much Rey is more familiar with than she would ever care to admit to most people.]

Perhaps they'll come back someday.

✘ Round 2 | Audio

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