[it's some time after cinnabar sends the offering, some time after execution, that they'll finally get the inclination that they ought to head toward the sakura tree. lune sits beneath it, sipping tea and seeming to just gaze out onto the horizon
though when cinnabar approaches, they'll hold their open palm out to them - where they're holding onto the flower petal]
[ Did he like the flowers specifically, or was he just feeling validated that Cinnabar gave him something? He'd probably be happy if they gave him a piece of lint. That's the feeling they got, anyway. They'll never know now.
As ever, Cinnabar doesn't sit with him. They stay standing some distance away. ]
Give me advice. Your game's put one of my friends in mourning. How do I help him?
Shess will normally pay a visit at least once per weekend, if not more. No matter how difficult the trial or the loss, he was quite reliable company.
However as he's ignored even my invitation to speak, he must be feeling very unwilling to socialize with others.
While I understand that he is dear to you - observing his behavior with others can also provide key insight on how he might be feeling. There is a world that exists beyond your immediate view and attachment.
[at least as far as lune can tell - cinnabar seems to have a bit of a tunnel vision problem]
And do you not think that that may very well be advice, even if it may not be what you wish to hear?
[just wondering]
It is difficult to process one's own grief when you feel in the same beat that you might be responsible for another's feelings.
You have expressed to him that you wish to help him - have you not? I am sure that hearing that does bring comfort to his heart, though the response you receive may not be so obvious.
If you truly wish to help others feel more at ease, your own feelings must be cast aside even if only temporarily. To think 'I did not do enough because you are still downtrodden' and 'I am not good enough for not being able to help you' still reflects more on your well-being than theirs.
Learn to exercise patience and understanding - and prioritize his suffering above your own.
He cannot take care of himself when he also feels as though he ought to take care of you.
[ . . . ]
It likely will not feel perfect - but few things in life are. However even a mountain built of pebbles may be able to one day stand tall.
[ does he really think that way? They've never considered their relationship like that - they're supposed to just be friends. Cinnabar frowns. They've taken care of themself for the past millenium... ]
If I were to make a guess... it is how he feels toward most who reside in this village. As if they are in a way under his care - such a thing normally comes with old age, for those of us fortuitous enough to have a chance to watch over others.
[cinnabar is old too - but lune assumes that they don't quite feel the same way as shess]
Each of you are still learning in your own ways, and growing. It is a marvel to watch.
But it is not easy to feel as though we may burden you with our troubles in the same way.
[ he is right - since they see themself as a burden and a danger (or did before, at least, to the point that it's ingrained), they're not exactly keen on trying to pass any wisdom to the younger gems. Certainly not to humans, who they don't understand well in the first place. ]
That fool. I'm not as young as the others by a long shot.
[ they understand being concerned for the little ones that aren't even two decades old, but not someone like Cinnabar. ]
... Your troubles? Don't you think you've given us enough troubles as is?
Do you think age is always equal to experience? Perhaps you ought to reconsider your position before you consider Shess to be a fool.
[just, gently - but all the same]
You are correct that I have burdened you a great deal - it is not as though I possess any troubles worth mentioning in these times. However in the manner that I meant is that Shess and I likely share the same thoughts on showing exhaustion in front of others.
[ they shouldn't have asked Lune for help; he's annoying... ]
You're nothing like him... But you're probably right. That's exactly why I'm worried. It's not easy to be alone like that with your thoughts... I should know.
[there is a soft laugh there - lune has been trying to gently say 'don't make it about you' for the entire conversation but he's not sure if it's
quite making it]
Then I am sure that your feelings will reach him, but while it is helpful to use your own feelings as reference...
He is different from you, is he not?
So if I were to give you the most direct on advice on how you would be able to help him... Pay attention to him, and how he interacts with others, and do not be disheartened if the words you offer do not provide an immediate benefit.
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week 5, post-execution
though when cinnabar approaches, they'll hold their open palm out to them - where they're holding onto the flower petal]
Did he like them?
no subject
[ Did he like the flowers specifically, or was he just feeling validated that Cinnabar gave him something? He'd probably be happy if they gave him a piece of lint. That's the feeling they got, anyway. They'll never know now.
As ever, Cinnabar doesn't sit with him. They stay standing some distance away. ]
Give me advice. Your game's put one of my friends in mourning. How do I help him?
no subject
If your question is regarding Shess -
He has yet to come see me either.
[which is something, apparently, since lune sounds gently surprised over it]
Or is it another?
no subject
Like I care if he's seen you or not... That's got nothing to do with me.
no subject
[gently, but quite certain of themselves]
Shess will normally pay a visit at least once per weekend, if not more. No matter how difficult the trial or the loss, he was quite reliable company.
However as he's ignored even my invitation to speak, he must be feeling very unwilling to socialize with others.
While I understand that he is dear to you - observing his behavior with others can also provide key insight on how he might be feeling. There is a world that exists beyond your immediate view and attachment.
[at least as far as lune can tell - cinnabar seems to have a bit of a tunnel vision problem]
no subject
[ inwardly, they are feeling a bit happy that he still talked to them even though he wouldn't talk to Lune, though... ]
no subject
... I wonder -
Why is it that you seek my advice if you rebuff all that I say?
no subject
You haven't actually given me any advice yet. Other than telling me he probably doesn't want to talk to me.
[ what else is new tbqh ]
no subject
[just wondering]
It is difficult to process one's own grief when you feel in the same beat that you might be responsible for another's feelings.
You have expressed to him that you wish to help him - have you not? I am sure that hearing that does bring comfort to his heart, though the response you receive may not be so obvious.
no subject
[ cinnabar is stubborn... ]
... I did. But it didn't feel like enough.
no subject
If you truly wish to help others feel more at ease, your own feelings must be cast aside even if only temporarily. To think 'I did not do enough because you are still downtrodden' and 'I am not good enough for not being able to help you' still reflects more on your well-being than theirs.
Learn to exercise patience and understanding - and prioritize his suffering above your own.
He cannot take care of himself when he also feels as though he ought to take care of you.
[ . . . ]
It likely will not feel perfect - but few things in life are. However even a mountain built of pebbles may be able to one day stand tall.
no subject
[ does he really think that way? They've never considered their relationship like that - they're supposed to just be friends. Cinnabar frowns. They've taken care of themself for the past millenium... ]
no subject
[cinnabar is old too - but lune assumes that they don't quite feel the same way as shess]
Each of you are still learning in your own ways, and growing. It is a marvel to watch.
But it is not easy to feel as though we may burden you with our troubles in the same way.
no subject
That fool. I'm not as young as the others by a long shot.
[ they understand being concerned for the little ones that aren't even two decades old, but not someone like Cinnabar. ]
... Your troubles? Don't you think you've given us enough troubles as is?
no subject
[just, gently - but all the same]
You are correct that I have burdened you a great deal - it is not as though I possess any troubles worth mentioning in these times. However in the manner that I meant is that Shess and I likely share the same thoughts on showing exhaustion in front of others.
[in the sense that they both
just don't do it\]
no subject
[ they shouldn't have asked Lune for help; he's annoying... ]
You're nothing like him... But you're probably right. That's exactly why I'm worried. It's not easy to be alone like that with your thoughts... I should know.
no subject
quite making it]
Then I am sure that your feelings will reach him, but while it is helpful to use your own feelings as reference...
He is different from you, is he not?
So if I were to give you the most direct on advice on how you would be able to help him... Pay attention to him, and how he interacts with others, and do not be disheartened if the words you offer do not provide an immediate benefit.