03: † audio

[salvagedsoul]

[An audio post begins, and for a few seconds it's just the sound of the rain. Then, a piano begins to play. Those familiar with classical music would recognize it as French Suite No. 4, a well-known work by German composer J.S. Bach.

The music goes on for about fifteen minutes. It's a piece with a sense of introversion to it - even as the music turns complicated and speedy in some areas, it maintains a restrained elegance. Emotional, without being passionate.

When it finally ends, there are another few seconds of rainfall before Kaworu speaks.]

The demands of human relationships are overwhelming when you consider just how much love a heart needs to survive.

But, conversely, a heart can give an infinite amount of love in turn. The world is less scary if you simply remember this.

Comments

[moralperil]

What does it mean, then? And why do you call them that?

[salvagedsoul]

The progeny of Lilith; born from Lilith. It is the most accurate descriptor.

[moralperil]

Born from Lilith?

--Wait, that's like-- um-- gosh my human religions and spirituality course was so long ago--!

What is Lilith? Or is Lilith a who?

[Muttering:] ...who? whom?...

[salvagedsoul]

[he chuckles.] You needn't worry about it. Like historical knowledge, it doesn't have much practical use in daily life. The point is that Lilim are gifted, especially in music. I really admire them.

[moralperil]

[cheerfully] It might have practical daily use in my life, actually. It's part of my job to understand everything I can about humans - [a pause] at least I think it is. And it sounds like you know a lot about them, too, so any perspective would be helpful.

I'm Mahdi, by the way. It's nice to talk to you.

[salvagedsoul]

A pleasure to meet you, Mahdi. I suppose you're not human either, then?

[moralperil]

Nope! My kind call themselves greater mortals. I don't know that we're really all that much greater than humans, though. We just happened to have been around first.

[salvagedsoul]

There must be more that sets you apart than just that? If you have things to learn about them...

[moralperil]

Humans don't live as long as us, but they have souls - a part of them that remains after they die, and keeps record of all their deeds. Even though we've been watching them since they were created, I don't think we understand them nearly enough. [pause] Not a popular opinion, though.

[salvagedsoul]

I see. Do you lack a soul, then?

[moralperil]

Hmmm. [Mahdi murmurs, obviously giving them matter some thought. His conclusion is surprisingly cheerful.] Can't tell!

I feel like saying 'no' would be a lie, but that's what they teach us. We don't have souls, there's no point.

But a human being without a soul is basically a monster. If we have feelings, if we believe in things or care or even hate and desire, that seems like evidence of a soul to me.