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[heartofthestar]

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[heartofthestar]

It is not that we lived forever. Rather, we lived as long as we wished. But you are indeed correct that such circumstances led to, or at least contributed greatly, to our civilization's downfall. For so long, we had so little suffering in our lives that as a people we lost the means to cope when it returned.

[purrsonality]

Yeah, like I said.

It's extreme. You have to have a little of everything. To live.

[heartofthestar]

Indeed so. If you cannot develop your strength, it will fail you when you need it most.

[purrsonality]

Yeah.

That's what the demon wanted to do. He wanted to give everyone the feeling of being happy. Forever. You would live forever and be happy. That's all.

[heartofthestar]

Small wonder the tale of my people resonates with you, then. Save that our civilization did not have such a state granted to it, but instead created by it -- making it possible to lose that happiness.

[purrsonality]

It doesn't matter how it happens.

As long as you recognize what it's doing.

[heartofthestar]

Ah, well. As to that, I did, and some others did as well. Which led to history falling out as it did.

[purrsonality]

[ izutsumi pauses, ears flicking. ]

I'm not trying to make you feel bad. It's not a mistake that's unique to you.

It happens a lot.

[heartofthestar]

[Venat's smile returns, bright and sincere.] You needn't worry. I am well aware you've no intention of bringing me any pain or grief. But I believe, mayhap, you have noticed the presence of more than one other Ancient here, some from a time before that terrible day came to pass. It is something I was not prepared for, and thus am still coming to terms with, as I may be for months or years to come.

[purrsonality]

That's fine.

It doesn't matter how long it is. As long as you do it, right?

[heartofthestar]

To never make the attempt would be to live in the past -- a poor place to live indeed.

[purrsonality]

Never stops anyone from doing it anyway.

[ like thistle. and many others here. ]

[heartofthestar]

True enough. I believe at times, most everyone must come to learn that lesson -- even if it seems that day will never come.

[purrsonality]

It's okay.

They can keep trying.

[heartofthestar]

[The obvious point, that they can only keep trying so long as they survive, is understood.]

It can be terribly difficult, though. I am grateful for the presence of someone else who so clearly recognizes the problem.

[purrsonality]

I just have some experience, that's all.

I don't get much of this stuff. The way people cling to the past. Or just pretend their problems aren't real.

[heartofthestar]

In saying so, we must acknowledge that your past is not particularly a place worth clinging to or living in. As for the pretense around problems, by the same token, how often do people make problems out of matters that are not truly problems? We advise them not to dwell overmuch on such, not to create undue grief for themselves. How often, then, do people dismiss their problems thinking themselves wise for not making much out of little?

[purrsonality]

I don't really know the answer to that.

[ and, she thinks, no one does. that's not the point. ]

Each day matters so you have to take each day as it comes. Too much of one is just bad. Past or just staring at the future.

[heartofthestar]

And yet if you dwell too much in the present, without a care for the future or a thought for the past, you will make many more grievous mistakes. [Venat fails to hide a smile behind the curl of her fingers.] Living can be very complicated. I daresay the lesson is, ultimately, that when you make a mistake, learn from it.

[purrsonality]

What are you talking about? How do you even dwell in the present?

[ with everyone busy with life and whatnot, how is that even possible? ]

People who can do that are too rich or too bored.

[heartofthestar]

Or perhaps afraid to consider the future, or trying desperately to forget their past. Or simply naive. Have you never met a person who lived only for the moment, not thinking of what tomorrow might bring?

[purrsonality]

That's different. That's being in denial. It's not really living.

Also I don't associate with stupid people.

[heartofthestar]

[The comment forestalls any response Venat might make, as she has to laugh at it instead.]

I must say, I truly admire and appreciate you. No doubt by now you've an impression of what we Ancients were like. We could well have done with someone of your mindset and attitude.

[purrsonality]

[ izutsumi mrrs. ]

You're not all that bad though.

[heartofthestar]

I certainly agree, but a voice that dissents with the so-called wisdom all accept without question is a needed addition to any society, particularly one such as ours was. You have much to say that would have benefited them to hear.