(Heaven's BBS)

[stonebird]

From: Dali
Date: June 19th

I should think even soulless Shinki deserve a name? Since I cannot say they are a male or a female, are there names that are...neutral? I have sought out Georgian names - since their origin seems the most fitting - but only a few appeal to me.

Eteri, for example, has a nice sound; as does Imeda. Can you immediately determine gender based on them?

(The first means "ether, air" and the second means "hope", which is why they appeal to her so much (besides their sound).)

I welcome all suggestions.

Comments

From: Athena

[adventurology]

I've named my soulless partner based on a figure from mythology that she reminds me of. Though, mine happened to be female, and quite clearly so.

But for your question, I'd say that Georgian is a good choice given your new position. I'm not immediately familiar with the language so I couldn't tell if those were gendered names or no. They do sound like good names, though.

I'd be most partial to Eteri, as it does avoid geographic naming conventions for gender, as a name that ends with A is commonly associated with female in that region of the world.

[stonebird]

May I inquire as to her name?

The meanings drew me to them. Eteri is "air" or "ether" and Imeda is "hope". Both would be pleasing to say and hear. I will, ultimately, let them choose.

I am in agreement with you, however. My name ends in an "a", so that tradition must span worlds. If they choose Imeda, that might indeed tell me more of their gender.

[adventurology]

It's Ingrid. And mine is Lara, though I am "officially" Athena at the moment.

Your name ends with an "a" as well though, and you are not from Earth, then? May I ask your name in turn?

[stonebird]

That does not sound too dissimilar from Westerosi names.

Well met, Lara. My name is Sansa Stark and I am from Westeros.

[adventurology]

Westeros. I'll remember that, Sansa.

I'm from England, myself. On Earth. Have you had a chance to familiarize yourself with our geography?

[stonebird]

A bit. I have a map that I have been studying, but Earth is far more complicated than my home. (So many continents and countries!)

[adventurology]

It is a rather large place.

If you find yourself needing help getting around, or interested in mortal languages and folklore, feel free to ask. I've been working with a shinki friend of mine to put together a school.

[stonebird]

I think that is an understatement. There are only four continents on my world. Westeros, Essos, Sothoryos and Ulthos.

Are you accepting students?

[adventurology]

To be fair, there are seven here, and one of them is covered in ice. So really it's six.

And yes, we are.

[stonebird]

All of them are broad and they are composed of many, many kingdoms. On Westeros, there are only seven kingdoms.

I would be grateful to be taught. I am a capable student.

[adventurology]

That's a fair assessment. National tribalism at it's finest.

I have no objections. What was the highest level of education that you finished on Westeros?

[stonebird]

That is an interesting way to put it. Do you see kingdoms as tribes?

I had a Septa and I was taught Westerosi history, embroidery, music, language and etiquette.

[adventurology]

In a way. Nationalist culture certainly makes it seem that way at times.

I'm not familiar with the word Septa, but from context, I assume some sort of governess?

I can teach local languages, Earth history, science, survival skills, and perhaps combat if you were inclined.

[stonebird]

I do not know much about Nationalism.

Septas are religious leaders and guides for those who believe in the Seven. My family was torn between the Old Faith and the New - or the Seven. I adhered to my mother's beliefs, however, which is why I was educated by a Septa. I suppose she was a sort of governess.

I am interested in all of those subjects, though I do not know what science pertains?

[adventurology]

It's a stupid concept. Most places tend to believe in globalism anyway. I won't bore you with the details though. Not until you better understand politics on Earth. It's complicated, let's just say.

You don't know what science means?

At all?

[stonebird]

Perhaps politics is where we should begin, then. I am well-versed with court politics, but to imagine them on a global scale is a little overwhelming.

I cannot say the word is familiar to me. We might have another term for it in Westeros.