Tales of a Child Eternal [NSFW]

[NPCs]

"The one who was Dakesh was very proud, true. Some might even have called him arrogant without misestimation. But such a thing could be easily taught in less intrusive or permanent ways. Surely more could be learned from this?"

[Helene Dakesh]

"Perhaps this one was not meant to be a long life," they reason. "Perhaps just a brief punishment before a true next life is given."

[NPCs]

"Wasteful. Even for a samaran, a life would never be spent for such a short lesson." The words are almost faintly offended, but not angrily so. "And as mere punishment? Absolutely not."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Then-- then, there must be more to be learned from this suffering. Some lesson that a lifetime of being wrong, of never fitting in, can teach." 

[NPCs]

"Or..." Evidently that's not enough. "Do not stop after reaching a single answer. Always question, even one's fears."

[Helene Dakesh]

"Or," they say slowly. "Maybe... there are others out there who are wrong and... and I can help them?"

[NPCs]

"A good answer. Can that one think of another one? Perhaps one that does not have the same starting presumption?"

[Helene Dakesh]

The frown only deepens. Not the same starting presumption? "It could be a lesson for someone else. Someone who, upon meeting me, will learn something and go on to do something important."

[NPCs]

"Also plausible," is the soft reply. "Another."

[Helene Dakesh]

"It could be a mistake, or an accident. Meaningless."

[NPCs]

Another long, slow nod. "Nothing is truly an accident as each event flows from those before it, but that one's condition could be the result of what mortals would label an accident, yes. There are many, many explationations, reasons, for this. It is good to learn that one should not stop with a single possibility."

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene nods. "True. I should seek alternate explanations always."

[NPCs]

"Very good. Does this change that one's choice? The opening of new answers to that's one's worry?"

[Helene Dakesh]

Helene shakes their head. "This one must also seek answers. The reason is important, but the circumstances have not changed. This one will serve Alydra. This one seeks a place in this life."

[NPCs]

"Why does that one ask for Alydra's favor, Alydra's duties? There are many deities, many other purposes or causes that that one could seek."