Level 14

[whats_a_paladin]

[Strange sounds can be heard in parts of White Chalice. Following them reveals Raynor, sitting behind a (borrowed) electronic keyboard, and practicing music... If it can be called that. He's trying to play Amazing Grace, but is a complete amateur about it... Or rather, amateur would be a big step up. At best the music is awkward and stiffled, with half of the notes missing or wrong, at worst it's a horrible, ear-rending cacophony. And he seems to be completely aware of that.]

Damnit... Is it because of my robotic arm? No, I wasn't any good at it before either...

I must try to honor their memory! Again!

[Horrible sounds from the tortured instrument continue.]

Comments

[whats_a_paladin]

I want to get better at it, and that won't happen on its own. I need to practice.

[over_under_being]

Why do you want to get better? For fun?

[whats_a_paladin]

The ethical code I follow puts a lot of emphasis on self-improvement. But also...

This song is frequently played at funerals. I want to respect the memory of everyone who died in Madrid recently.

[over_under_being]

Respect the memory...? I do not know of any such rituals.

Death must be an everyday occurence on this planet, isn't it.

[whats_a_paladin]

Someone once said that every 3 seconds a new person is born, and every 3 seconds someone dies. And that was in much more peaceful times.

[over_under_being]

How can humans live with this sort of tension on their lives? To know that your own kin suffers and dies, all the time...

[whats_a_paladin]

Well... I'm not a psychologist, but most people are affected more by deaths of people they know. If you just hear someone died, but you never knew or even saw them, the emorional reaction is not that strong. But on the other hand, if someone you loved died...

[over_under_being]

Earth is full of people who are not even aware of each other's existence...

Anyway. How long will it take you to get better with this instrument?

[whats_a_paladin]

Not unless they consciously think about it, no.

I... have no idea. A lot of time, probably.

[over_under_being]

Hmm...

[Somehow Texotic does not look too happy with this answer.]

[whats_a_paladin]

You look disappointed.

[over_under_being]

Improvement takes too much time. Where do you find all this patience?

[whats_a_paladin]

Without patience you'll never get anywhere. Few people are talented enough that they can achieve something without practice.

[over_under_being]

Humanity is hard. Your race is earning my respect... well, some of its members.

[whats_a_paladin]

How does it look for the Over Being instead?

[over_under_being]

There are few members of my species, but we exist as energy and not physical beings. There's no need to work, and everyone is focused on Over Being Father's game.

At least, that's how it looks like from what I know.

[whats_a_paladin]

Hmm...

That kind of single-minded existence doesn't sound like it's very fulfilling.

[over_under_being]

I don't remember anything from that time, so it's hard to say.

[whats_a_paladin]

Hmm.

[Back to torturing the keyboard.]

Do you want to regain your memory?

[over_under_being]

[A frown crosses Texotic's face upon hearing the "music" playing again.]

Of course.

[whats_a_paladin]

Aren't you afraid that you might find some memories you won't be happy to have?

[over_under_being]

Maybe...

But that's who I am. I'm not a human, I'm an Over Being. I need to remember my past before I came here.

[whats_a_paladin]

I agree. The truth, even if it's painful, is more important than blissful ignorance.

I wish you luck in finding it.

[over_under_being]

[What is this strange yet familiar sensation?]

Thank... you...

[whats_a_paladin]

You're welcome.