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[leitstern]

Travel is good for the soul, I hear.

But why?

When I was only twelve I was bestowed by the good grace of my sire an education in a delightful city thousands of miles from home. Dare I have a pleasant outing, you ask? The majesty of the finest library in the world seldom shielded me from the opposite of being in heaven; nursing frostbitten fingers and sleeping alone in the dark.

No, travel is the most dreadful punishment. For the fiercest soul is made to pine for the comforts of home. Where one is free to laugh and stroll amongst friends.

… I miss mine dearly.

Forgive me for occupying your valuable time with my musing but I must ask:

Do any of you pine for your world left behind? Is home something you miss?

[Do you feel homesick, Avalon?]

Comments

[forgeabettertomorrow]

No, I get your meaning but...

Let me ask you this.

Do you paint? Or know any others of high standing that do? Or have a great appreciation of the arts?

[leitstern]

Certainly not. I did not have the time for such frivolity.

[But now he is here and, well, it's easier to admire a painting when your friends are not destroying each and every one in sight.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Wait, really?

...That's...actually really sad.

It also kinda kneecaps my point but...still really sad.

[leitstern]

Oh, spare me your pity and just make your point.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

My point is that 'the arts' that nobles and those of higher standing hold so dear to their upbringing isn't any different than swinging a hammer and forging metal. I don't make weapons or armor or even tools. I make art that serves a physical purpose rather than adding to one's decor.

Don't you think there's a certain amount of hypocrisy there? I mean, swap out my hammer and tongs for a chisel and mallet and I'm no longer a laborer. I'm an artist. Someone of culture and refinement and vision or however else the highborn phrase it.

[leitstern]

I could more easily believe there was hypocrisy there if there were not ignorance. People believe themselves knowledgable on both disciplines whilst accomplished in neither. Indeed, they are proficent at nothing.

I designed my own attire. I rather despise those who follow trends like sheep.

[Where is the critical thought in that?]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Wait...you designed your own clothes?

That's...impressive. [But also kinda telling.]

You're not one to rely on other people for anything, are you.

[leitstern]

Not when I respect myself, no.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Ah, I think I get it.

You're one of those guys.

Pride above all, right?

[leitstern]

There is hardly anything wrong in dignity, surely? Unless you are convinced pride is a sin?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Pft, hardly. I'm just as prideful as they come. But I don't see any harm in reaching out for a hand though. I guess I just believe in community.

[leitstern]

And society, I assume?

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Hah! No way. 'Society' is just a bunch of people that follow a baseline social contract.

Barely.

The second anything becomes too much trouble for what it's worth, 'society' labels it in a way that makes sure no one would want to get near it. Society's biggest weakness is 'public perception' if you ask me.

[leitstern]

[A young man's opinion, freely given. How delightful.]

Yes. People are unquestionably afraid of appearing like fools. The truth can never take them by surprise because they simply refuse to see it. I've seen too many of the like.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

That's really the most frustrating part. If people could just admit when they were wrong, then maybe we wouldn't have so many troubles co-existing.

I mean, is seeing someone else's perspective really that bad?

[leitstern]

That depends whom you ask. I have an acquaitance who cannot fathom life from his own perspective, let alone another's.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

...Seriously?

You make it sound like he's been kicked in the head by a horse.

[leitstern]

It would not surprise me. His beast wears the proverbial trousers in their relationship, I must admit.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Oh man, I've met guys like that. It's any wonder how they manage to live as long as they do, right?

Maybe all of those horse kicks make you impervious to any real damage.

[leitstern]

I have known him since he was a boy. The damage was wrought years before he met his best friend.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Wow, you've known him that long?

Are you guys close?

[leitstern]

We have a small amount of familiarity.

And many a year's frustration, I suppose.

[That is... putting it mildly.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

...That sounds like a really complicated way of saying 'yes.'

[leitstern]

Perhaps.

I hardly believe our bond is as close as his relationship with his horse, anyway.

[forgeabettertomorrow]

Okay...

You know, you kinda sound jealous.