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[installing]

[Back dated to the 11th.

Four. Four birthdays in Luceti. Honestly none of them have ever been very exciting, but maybe it's better that way. Calling attention to age, especially now that she's 20, is a little of a scary thought. Instead she'll act like it's a normal day for most of it. Taking her dog for a walk in the late morning, spending time in the smithy, and even grocery shopping a bit. Eventually sometime in the afternoon, before dinner, she'll ask the village a question:]

A question for everyone: How do you feel about growing older here? Whether you already have or not. Is it scary to think about?
[Families? Relationships? Are they even a good idea? Despite the fact those are things she wants.]

Comments

[installing]

Well, I- !

...I can't deny that's the thing I want most as an adult.

[automailed]

...Mm. I get it.

[He's quiet for a long moment once more, puzzling over his response. This is such a big issue - for the both of them - but he can't just say he's okay with it, either.]

I'd be afraid to risk it. With the uncertainty of how long people are here? With the possibility of being taken away with no warning, with no guarantee of going together or coming back? Or leaving a kid with no parents, like Elicia?

I don't want to be that kind of dad. Not like my old man.

[installing]

That scares me too. That, and one of the messages on the tunnel wall.

[automailed]

Which message?

[installing]

Wasn't there one that said something like... "Don't have kids. If only we'd known before"?

[automailed]

[...Ugh, that's right.]

I wish it had been more specific. Sure leaves a lot to the imagination.

[installing]

I'm not sure what to expect... I mean I've met a child that has been born here. She didn't seem too bad off.

[automailed]

Sophie, right? I've seen her around. She's pretty normal. Has anyone tried asking the Malnosso what it meant?

[Not that he'd expect a straight answer from them, but...]

[installing]

If they had I don't know about it. Maybe I should ask sometime.

[She's not positive that the Malnosso would warm up to her, but she can at least ask. She doesn't particularly go to them for much anyway.]

[automailed]

Be careful about talking to them too much. You can't trust them- they might just tell you a bunch of bull to freak you out. They seem like the sadistic type, for sure.

[Is it pessimism or just being realistic? Sometimes there's a very fine line.]

[installing]

What, you think I can't handle a little conversation?

[automailed]

It's not you I'm worried about.

[Which... isn't exactly accurate, since he's worried about her getting into trouble, and he's worried she'll piss them off somehow by speaking her mind, but- it's just complicated, that's all.]

[installing]

What are they going to do that they haven't already?

[automailed]

What can't they do? In case you haven't noticed, they have a hell of a lot of control over our lives as long as we're stuck here.

[installing]

Well yeah, but why would they go so far just because I asked a question? I'm not dumb enough to hassle them until they get pissed enough to do something.

[automailed]

Look, I'm not saying you're gonna cause trouble! I'm just saying be careful. They're assholes, and I don't want to see you get hurt.

[omg woman will you just let him worry about you already]

[installing]

[Boi she's a gurl who can take care of herself dontchya know]

Okay, okay. I'll be careful just for you.

[automailed]

[She's supposed to be careful for herself, oi. But he'll take it for now.]

I hope they answer. Even... if the answer's bad.

It's better than not knowing.

[installing]

I wonder what the best way to contact them would be, though... they don't seem the type to enjoy being called out.

[automailed]

Maybe the guy in the tunnels? But he seems like just another asshole, too.

The woman's probably your best bet. Molly, I think was her name? She's alright.

[installing]

I wonder if it's rude to just ring them on the journals.

[automailed]

Depends on how you ask, I guess.

[Since his arrival he's heard plenty of pointless raving and fist-shaking at the sky with no responses. A simple question should be a welcome alternative.

Should be, is the keyword there...]

[installing]

Yeah, I'll do it politely... even if it's not what they deserve.

[automailed]

And if they try to give you any trouble, I'll kick their asses.

[FIRMLY. Even if he has no actual way of doing that.]

[installing]

Yeah... thanks, Ed. [The sentiment is appreciated, especially on her birthday.]