(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

[stonebird]

I must agree and I see no reason to not be thoughtful towards them. They can move and communicate and aid me in my time of need. I do not wish to seem ungrateful to them.

[revolutionfalcon]

There is no reason, but obviously there are people who wouldn't respect anyone they consider "beneath" them, soulless or not. I didn't keep my soulless shinki after they bound me to one of the new people, but that was better for both of us as far as I'm concerned.

[stonebird]

They are not beneath me; that is not how I see them. (She is a noble; in the past, she would have been a princess, even, but she knows better than to look down at anyone. King's Landing taught her the horrors of being demeaned.)

Why do you think it was better?

[revolutionfalcon]

Most people who aren't egomaniacal idiots don't consider shinki beneath them, but there's always some.

I'm not a trusting person. The idea of something I could never fully know stopped me from putting that kind of trust in a soulless shinki, so I let mine go to find someone who could have that kind of trust with them.

[stonebird]

Is it common for some of the Shinki to think so poorly of themselves?

I think someone's actions speak louder than words. If they do not betray me; if they fight beside me, that is enough. I will still stay on my guard.

[revolutionfalcon]

It depends on the person, obviously. Some are just like that.

I know that's enough for most people. Like I said, I'm not a trusting person. But I can't complain if you're still planning to stay on your guard.

[stonebird]

It saddens me. (Because she knows how they feel and what likely brought them to that point.)

I'm not particularly trusting either.

[revolutionfalcon]

There's not much we can do about it except be decent gods ourselves. Not having a god is dangerous, so even if a god who doesn't care about their shinki releases them willingly, they'd need another place to go where they could be sure of safety.

There's a lot of people here who don't seem to appreciate that, but as far as I'm concerned it's a lot wiser than being too trusting.

[stonebird]

Is there no one who can oversee all the gods? Is there no one we could seek to end such cruelties? I do not mind being decent because it is right, but others obviously do not possess such morality.

My world taught me better.

[revolutionfalcon]

Some of the gods who are against it are trying to set up a kind of support network to guarantee shinki have somewhere to go if they find themselves in that situation. Worse transgressions go to the older gods.

My world taught me that if gods existed, they're lazy or needlessly cruel, so I can't say I relate.

[stonebird]

I would gladly be part of such a network. I have already decided to open my temple to Shinki who lose their god.

My world taught me that the gods do not exist. That is what I meant: my world taught me not to trust and that trust is always given misery in return.

[revolutionfalcon]

Most gods are willing to do that, at least. Even if it's in hopes the shinki will join them in some cases.

That's far more accurate. It sounds like we learnt similar lessons.

[stonebird]

I have no such hopes.

I am sorry you were taught such. It is never an easy lesson. But we are in a position to make the world better.

[revolutionfalcon]

Then you should probably keep an eye out for whenever the safety network idea is brought up again.

This isn't a position I really want to be in, but I've been doing what I can.

[stonebird]

I shall, thank you.

Why are you so against it? I admit the power is unsettling, but I like being able to do something.

[revolutionfalcon]

I have things to do in my own world. I might be able to help people here, but I would've liked the chance to finish what I started there first.

[stonebird]

I can understand that being frustrating, but it will surely be waiting for you when you return?

[revolutionfalcon]

I can't be sure of that. For all I know, it could already be over.

[stonebird]

Yes, that is possible. My home too could have been lost and my brother could have been slain in my absence. But I choose not to think that way for it only brings me grief.

[revolutionfalcon]

You can choose not to think that way all you like, but it doesn't mean the thoughts won't stay with you.

[stonebird]

There are plenty to distract me from them. I need to keep myself busy.

[revolutionfalcon]

Then I suppose it's lucky keeping busy works for you.

[stonebird]

It is better to not pretend otherwise.