[ He sure remembers those days as a carefree prince. He can't say he misses them exactly, but he is certain the people he knows would not approve of any extensive dwelling on the matter. ]
Originally, yes. Though, I ended up coming upon my succession sooner than expected. One can consider surprises a mere fact of life as well, but it always is still so strange to see how things can change all in one day.
I'm sure you have had your own fair share of abrupt events too.
[ Well, Edward supposes that's fine. If he were just a few years younger, he'd perhaps cover his face and apologize for being presumptuous, but...well, times have changed. ]
Well, you have seen many things that some will not see in their lifetime or because they have not lived as long. Then there is the fact that perspectives change over time—for some, sometimes not by much, and for others, sometimes by quite a lot—but it changes nonetheless. That's at least my reasoning.
Though, I have met my fair share of those whose ages stretch beyond what most can imagine. They are just like anyone else, no matter their outlook upon the world—or worlds, as it may.
[ Which is what Fai expected, honestly. He’s glad Edward didn’t disappoint here. ]
You’re right. I am just like anyone else. There are some things I might view differently than others, but I know there are still people out there that are the same age as I appear to be that may have the same perspective, simply because of what they’ve been through.
[ It all depends on lived experience, in his opinion. Being older than the average human just means he might have more of it. ]
[ He cannot help but be happy to know that his words went over well, and admittedly some of the butterflies in his stomach have proceeded to take flight, leaving him feeling a bit at ease as well.
Mayhaps he wants to ensure that he doesn't accidentally cause someone's feelings to be hurt as well, because that was entirely a possibility. ]
...I am truly happy that we find ourselves in alignment on this, and that of course I had not said anything overly presumptuous or perhaps something that has seemed too thoughtless. Even though I may have come to know more people than I ever could've imagined years ago, such personal discussions can sometimes turn awry. But, I suppose I can't help but leap a bit forward into it regardless.
[ His lips due quirk back upwards in amusement as he adds: ]
Instead of perhaps talking about what our favorite colors are or something like that.
[ Different moods...Edward can't help but think of it as rather true even if that had not exactly been on his mind. Though he thinks of positive ones. The orange for happiness and green spring's warm embrace—wait, the second one isn't quite an emotion, he supposes...he will answer as he mulls on this. ]
I cannot help but thank you kindly for saying so. It is true that they are certainly rather different in comparison; orange makes me think of the setting sun as well, while green of the plants sprouting upwards from the fertile ground. The latter more common in the oasises than most places in Damcyan.
That's right. Damcyan is mostly a land full of desert.
I would not want to presume, but I suppose most people might not be from that type of area. Though, of course, there are the oasises, and my people live comfortably despite the climate.
[ It is a source of pride for him. That even after everything that has happened, his people can live happily and without much worry, even now. ]
With a good leader, anyone can live well in a harsh environment.
[ It was that way in Celes too—despite the cold and the mountains of snow, the people lived comfortably. The fact that it didn't remain as such is painful to think about. ]
[ Not quite his homeland, but it did feel like a real home after a while. ]
There was snow as far as the eye could see, and little towns and villages surrounded the king's castle. I suppose you could say it was quite different from where you're from.
[ Edward opens his eyes and takes note of the wistful appearance on Fai's face. He'll reach out, fingers gently resting upon Fai's hand, giving it a light pat, and a smile in his direction. ]
...I thank you for telling me of your homeland. On Earth, there are not very many settlements that are like yours, in retrospect. There's probably bound to be some here or there, but I know not of them.
Most of them are either in desert regions, like mine, or in more...I'd say 'balanced' climates.
[ A wonderful smile, caught briefly in this moment. He cannot help but cherish it. ]
Why people go where they do can be a mystery in of itself. I don't believe I'd ever learned the original reason for why my own people came to the land that is Damcyan today. But, that is fine. As you have said, what matters is that the people that live do so comfortably.
[ Edward shifts so that he is no longer sitting on the bench, but with Fai's hand still within his, he gives a gentle squeeze before letting go. ]
Once again, I appreciate you having come here with me. Though, before we do eventually part and then meet again, there is something else I would like to do. If you are willing, I would like to play a tune for you.
[ Edward has not brought the harp on his back, but had already arranged for the instrument to be laid next to the bench. ]
[ When Edward squeezes his hand, Fai can't help but think that he'll go far in this competition. People who are naturally romantic usually do, after all.
But the notion of a song catches him off guard, his eyes widening a bit before he smiles again. ]
[ In the moonlight of the night, Edward can only find himself smiling gratefully that Fai would accept...and perhaps that he surprised him, but in a pleasant manner, more or less. ]
Excellent. It will be worth your time, if I may be so bold in saying so.
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aspoonybard) wrote2022-10-23 10:16 pm
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Originally, yes. Though, I ended up coming upon my succession sooner than expected. One can consider surprises a mere fact of life as well, but it always is still so strange to see how things can change all in one day.
I'm sure you have had your own fair share of abrupt events too.
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[ An unexpected death occurred, he assumes. ]
I have. I've lived a long time, so I've become used to them by now.
[ He hasn't, at least not when it comes to any personal events. ]
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[ It has been awhile since then, so he likes to believe at the least the nonphysical wounds have begun to heal. ]
I suppose as you live past the livelihood of most, your perspective does happen to change compared to those who have a shorter time frame...
[ Beat. Because there is a bit of a 'but' in there. ]
...for the most part, I'd believe.
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[ Honestly, Fai doesn’t know. He’s jaded, but he isn’t as jaded as he’d like to be. ]
How do you think my perspective has changed? I’m curious to hear your thoughts.
[ He knows he’s putting Edward on the spot here, but he really is curious. Plus, it’s easier to agree to someone’s guesses than to admit it himself. ]
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Well, you have seen many things that some will not see in their lifetime or because they have not lived as long. Then there is the fact that perspectives change over time—for some, sometimes not by much, and for others, sometimes by quite a lot—but it changes nonetheless. That's at least my reasoning.
Though, I have met my fair share of those whose ages stretch beyond what most can imagine. They are just like anyone else, no matter their outlook upon the world—or worlds, as it may.
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[ Which is what Fai expected, honestly. He’s glad Edward didn’t disappoint here. ]
You’re right. I am just like anyone else. There are some things I might view differently than others, but I know there are still people out there that are the same age as I appear to be that may have the same perspective, simply because of what they’ve been through.
[ It all depends on lived experience, in his opinion. Being older than the average human just means he might have more of it. ]
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Mayhaps he wants to ensure that he doesn't accidentally cause someone's feelings to be hurt as well, because that was entirely a possibility. ]
...I am truly happy that we find ourselves in alignment on this, and that of course I had not said anything overly presumptuous or perhaps something that has seemed too thoughtless. Even though I may have come to know more people than I ever could've imagined years ago, such personal discussions can sometimes turn awry. But, I suppose I can't help but leap a bit forward into it regardless.
[ His lips due quirk back upwards in amusement as he adds: ]
Instead of perhaps talking about what our favorite colors are or something like that.
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These types of conversations are a little more fun. Don't worry about hurting my feelings, though. I'm pretty tough.
[ Fai might be sensitive, but any assumptions made about him can't compare to what he's heard in the past. ]
Of course... if you want to know what my favorite color is, I'd be happy to say that too.
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[ That said, Edward would square up and be ready to verbally battle anyone who had a bad thing to say about Fai. ]
...Well, I can't hide that I have been curious about that as well. What is your favorite color?
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Light blue. The kind of blue you see in the sky on a clear, cool day.
[ He glances at Edward. ]
What about you?
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[ As for him...he gives it some thought. But comes to a conclusion soon enough. ]
Orange, though green is a very strong contender, I assure you.
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[ Then again, everyone has different sides to them. ]
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I cannot help but thank you kindly for saying so. It is true that they are certainly rather different in comparison; orange makes me think of the setting sun as well, while green of the plants sprouting upwards from the fertile ground. The latter more common in the oasises than most places in Damcyan.
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[ In fact, he wishes he could see those things right now. ]
But plants sprouting isn't common where you're from? Are you from a desert area?
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I would not want to presume, but I suppose most people might not be from that type of area. Though, of course, there are the oasises, and my people live comfortably despite the climate.
[ It is a source of pride for him. That even after everything that has happened, his people can live happily and without much worry, even now. ]
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[ He smiles. ]
With a good leader, anyone can live well in a harsh environment.
[ It was that way in Celes too—despite the cold and the mountains of snow, the people lived comfortably. The fact that it didn't remain as such is painful to think about. ]
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[ He can't help but be unfailingly polite. ]
While we're on the topic of places and such, might I ask about your homeland? What is it like?
[ He does not yet know much about where the other man comes from, and Edward figures that it can't hurt to inquire a bit about it. ]
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[ Not quite his homeland, but it did feel like a real home after a while. ]
There was snow as far as the eye could see, and little towns and villages surrounded the king's castle. I suppose you could say it was quite different from where you're from.
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[ Edward closes his eyes, imagining it just a bit as Fai has described it. ]
I can picture it clearly in my mind, a land of snow and ice. Of wintery wind, air, and life with the many people who inhabited such a home.
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[ A wistful look passes over his face. ]
It was a beautiful place, especially with all the snow.
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...I thank you for telling me of your homeland. On Earth, there are not very many settlements that are like yours, in retrospect. There's probably bound to be some here or there, but I know not of them.
Most of them are either in desert regions, like mine, or in more...I'd say 'balanced' climates.
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That would make sense. I can't tell you why they chose to settle in Celes, but the people there loved it nevertheless.
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Why people go where they do can be a mystery in of itself. I don't believe I'd ever learned the original reason for why my own people came to the land that is Damcyan today. But, that is fine. As you have said, what matters is that the people that live do so comfortably.
[ Edward shifts so that he is no longer sitting on the bench, but with Fai's hand still within his, he gives a gentle squeeze before letting go. ]
Once again, I appreciate you having come here with me. Though, before we do eventually part and then meet again, there is something else I would like to do. If you are willing, I would like to play a tune for you.
[ Edward has not brought the harp on his back, but had already arranged for the instrument to be laid next to the bench. ]
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But the notion of a song catches him off guard, his eyes widening a bit before he smiles again. ]
Sure, I'd like that a lot.
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Excellent. It will be worth your time, if I may be so bold in saying so.
[ And just like that, Edward begins to play.
As he does so, a soft hum escapes him, but either way, an end to the tune comes soon enough. ]
Playing like this again always brings back memories...ah, though I am just happy you have also been my willing, private audience for tonight.
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