(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

[latebloomingeros]

It's thoughtful of you to try and find one that matches them well... I don't think either one sounds very gendered, personally? I don't know anything about the Georgian language, but...

[stonebird]

Neither do I; I only know what sounds pleasing to me.

Have you ever encountered or been in the company of a soulless Shinki?

[latebloomingeros]

They both sound beautiful, if that's the concern.

And no, I haven't. Two people I spoke with told me about ones that they knew, but I haven't really... met one in person, myself.

[The idea of them terrifies him, when he lets himself think of it. If they came about the same way as normal shinki, just with a little too much stripped away from them... could the same thing have happened to him, in that case?]

[stonebird]

I'm glad. The first means ether or air and the second means hope.

I did not know what to make of them at first, but they are kind and thoughtful. I have no intention of taking advantage of them, soul or not.

(Yes, the idea is disturbing and Sansa has wrestled with the concept too. But her Shinki is sweet and quiet. She only wishes to support them.)

[latebloomingeros]

Those are both nice meanings, too. You're kinder than my god -- the names he gave us aren't exactly flattering.

That's good. It doesn't seem right to, does it?

From: Kairi; Text

[pure_radiantics]

That's really nice of you, giving your Soulless shinki a name, Miss Dali. I know they may never say it, but I'm sure they're grateful.

[neitherdevilnordeath]

Why not ask them which they prefer?

[papas_bunnydoll]

Everyone deserves a name!

[stonebird]

Why did he not choose pleasing names? If my Shinki had a soul, I would let them decide. Imposing a name upon them seems cruel.

No, it does not appeal to me.

[stonebird]

I am more accustomed to being called Sansa. Dali is the goddess who has chosen me, I suppose.

I wish for them to be happy. I want my temple to be a haven.

[stonebird]

I have and they do not seem to have a preference.

[stonebird]

I agree. Names should be given with care and they should hold a positive meaning.

[latebloomingeros]

I'm not really sure. It took me a little while to even look up the kanji he put on me, it's a little bit obscure, but it's... something to do with drunkenness, I think? I don't think it really suits me much at all, but he does just use my human name most of the time anyway.

Even if I'm complaining about that, though, I don't think he's the type to take advantage of anyone, either. None of the gods I've talked with seem to be, thankfully.

[stonebird]

I'm sorry you are stuck with such a name. I suppose it helps that the kanji are obscure. Not many will know of it.

(Even so, to have that tattooed on your skin is depressing.)

We are blessed truly, then. When monsters acquire such power, many will suffer.

[latebloomingeros]

Ah, I looked it up again. "The bitter taste in wine; rich; full-flavored." That's a little less insulting than I'd remembered, but I'm still not very sure what his reasoning behind it could even have been...

It's somewhere my clothes cover, anyway, so maybe it doesn't matter too much.

I think you're right about that, though. I was really worried when I first arrived, about what kind of god I'd end up having to serve.

[stonebird]

You do not strike me as bitter, though many relish that flavor with their wine. Perhaps you are an acquired taste? (She's sorry; she is thinking aloud.)

Forgive me; I am merely thinking of possibilities. I do not know you well enough to come to any conclusion.

I'm glad for you. I would not want such a mark out in the open either - no matter what it said.

I can understand your fear. I will do all in my power to comfort any Shinki under my watch.

[neitherdevilnordeath]

Neither sounds obviously gendered, but the second feels a little smoother in speech. Perhaps flip a coin if you don't feel particularly partial to one over the other?

[stonebird]

I have a small preference for the second as it means "hope" in Georgian. I could use more of that in my life.

[neitherdevilnordeath]

I would suggest that one, then. Hope is something one can never have too much of.

[stonebird]

I cannot think of anyone who turn hope away. (And who would turn her Shinki away? They are a kind being.) Thank you for your opinion.

[nolittlesecret]

Why not name it after a family member? You gods remember people from home, so why not? Or pick a name from there that might sound like a dude or dudette.

[stonebird]

I...suppose. (Recalling her family is a sensitive subject.) I did think of naming my children after my brothers and sister. Should I consider my Shinki like my child?

[revolutionfalcon]

Soulless shinki need some kind of name whether you feel for them or not, but at least you're putting thought into it. I wouldn't assume anything based on either of those names, though Imeda looks more feminine to me.

text;

[oathkeeper]

i like both eteri and imeda. i can't really tell if they are boy or girl so those are nice. i think my name is neutral too! it's sora. lots of japanese names seem to be.

it's good that you give your soulless shinki a name, i think all things like to have names, right? it would be kinda sad not to have a name.

[latebloomingeros]

You're very kind. I haven't known myself for very long, either, so it's hard to come to much of a conclusion, myself. Your guess might be nearly as good as mine :)

It seems a little bit personal to go showing off even in the best of cases, doesn't it?

And that's nice to know. I'm glad to have met so many gods who seem to feel that way.