(Heaven's BBS)

[stonebird]

From: Dali
Date: July 7th

What wishes do you desire the most? Are they simple? Complex? Have your aims grown in magnitude since you were made a god? Have they decreased since you were made a shinki?

I have noticed a certain hierarchy, you see, and I mean no offense. I should like to hear from a shinki who has seemingly impossible wishes - or a god who possesses a simple nature. There is nothing wrong with either and, in fact, I applaud both natures.

(Ambition is dangerous, but not bad - if it is held in check by a good heart and a strong mind.)

Comments

[antepone]

[ For several minutes, she doesn't respond. Mostly because she actually has to think about her answer. ]

I think it's being there for your god. Doing what you can to make sure they're able to defend themselves with you.

I also think... I haven't been here nearly long enough to really know what being a shinki truly entails.

[stonebird]

From what I have gathered, being a shinki entails forming a partnership with your assigned god or goddess. There are times you must fight beside one another and there are times you must simply exist in the same temple.

I do not think there is anything wrong or lacking in your impression thus far. Is your god kind to you?

[antepone]

I was under the impression there would be fighting more often than not... It's a relief that's really not the case.

Oh, yes, Sora has been wonderful. He's so kind--he took time to show me around and get to know me when I first arrived. I think I couldn't have asked for a better god.

[stonebird]

I thought the same and I am relieved that isn't so. I am not certain my shinki feels the same. He seems to have a liking for hunting and battle.

Sora is your deity? You are blessed indeed! He has been very kind to me too.

[antepone]

Have you spoken to him about it? Perhaps there's some sort of compromise you can make.

Yes! He seems the type to be kind to most people. So many people seem to know him... and have a high opinion of him.

[stonebird]

The compromise is simple enough; I must learn to hunt and well for he and Dali will not forgive me otherwise!

There are dangers to being so well-known. I hope you can protect him.

[antepone]

Is Dali a hunting god, then? I'm not very familiar with many of them at all. But I think it's impressive how determined you seem.

I think I understand. I'm not sure I can do much, but... I'll do what I can. I owe him that much, for his kindness. And... I think I could consider him a friend. I'd like to, anyway.

[stonebird]

Yes, she is a goddess of the hunt in Georgian mythology. It is also her duty to make sure the hunters do not over-hunt or slay mothers and their young. Any hunter that goes against her laws is punished severely.

I wish to perform my duties admirably.

(There is a slight pause before she types:)

We must all take risks when it comes to friendships. He is worth the risk, I think.

[antepone]

I think that's a good principle to have. I can't imagine hunting young, defenseless animals. It's... cruel.

I think you'll do well. It sounds like you're very devoted to the idea of honoring her.

I agree. He has a very good heart.

[stonebird]

Yes, it is, and it ensures that a species becomes sparse quickly. The loss of even one species is a tragedy.

She is kind and I understand what drives her better than I thought I would. I grew up in the North of Westeros and the climate there is harsh; it snows often and without help, many animals would perish unnecessarily.

He does.