Text;

[onerous]

What is it that keeps you living? Why? What makes it worth it to you?

[That’s, uh. That’s it. That’s the message. There’s no follow-up explanation or anything.

She’s just curious and doesn’t seem to see how alarming a question like that out of the blue might be]

Comments

[levampere]

There are always new things to learn and discover.

So long as that is true, I certainly don't mind living.

Text

[onerous]

Hmm, I suppose that’s true. If the rest of your life was terrible, would it be enough to keep you here, though? If tomorrow your entire world fell apart, would the thought you might learn something new get you out of bed?

[levampere]

Like others here, I do not have a choice in the matter.

But I prefer to see that as a positive thing rather than a negative. I must simply ensure that my life isn't terrible. If the world falls apart, then I shall have to see it fixed.

[onerous]

It's interesting how many people say they don't have a choice in it. I think making the opposite choice would be the ultimate form of taking control. But I suppose you can't enjoy having that control if you're dead.

I'm a little envious of that motivation. I'm not sure where you get the energy.

[levampere]

You misunderstand. I am immortal. Death will never come for me. This is something I have come to accept, but not something I fear or have any intention of changing.

I have little interest in the alternative, which would be to wallow in my sadness and let the earth claim me. All sorrows pass and life is born anew. If I must bear witness to it, why not do what I can to enjoy the view?

[onerous]

It doesn't get boring, or lonely?

[levampere]

Not if you don't allow it.

I endeavor to surround myself with people I find exciting. It hasn't gotten boring just yet.

[onerous]

I see. That's an impressive amount of fortitude. I'm not sure I would have the same amount of energy required to keep that up.

How did you become immortal? [She assumes he somehow became it rather than just. Always being one, like an elf or something.

Or maybe he is an elf.

Look she doesn't know!!]

[levampere]

[ He could be an elf, that's not..... too weird an assumption, given all this nonsense. Are Ikevamp vampires just blood-drinking elves? ]

It was not something I became. My immortality was already a given on the day I was born.

I grew up knowing what awaited me. Perhaps the years have allowed me to gain a certain perspective that many do not share, but it's one I greatly prefer. Being sad for hundreds of years would be exhausting.

[ When St. Germain is sad he just stops being sad and just smiles instead, true story. ]

[onerous]

["Depression? Isn't that just another word for feeling bummed out?"
"St. Germain you ignorant slut."]

That seems like it'd be a hard lesson on a child, knowing what awaits them like that. But maybe it's different when it's all they know.

Do you ever wish you weren't immortal?

[levampere]

[ He really is, I'm so sorry ]

It's the nature of our kind. And indeed, it's all I know.

As for me? No. But I know others of my kind who do—it can be painful to be left behind by those whose lives are so much shorter than ours.

[ Citation needed, St. Germain. If this was in person maybe Yuri could call him out on looking pained while writing "I've definitely never regretted living forever" ]

[onerous]

So you know that pain, but still wouldn't change it. Because you keep finding new reasons to live on? [Or something like that, she's assuming?]

I guess it's not possible--or at least not easy?--to make them immortal with you? And then, there are those who wouldn't want to make that choice to begin with...

Sorry, I don't mean to ramble on or anything. I just find it interesting. I've met people who've lived for hundreds of years, but it's not the same. And all of them wanted to die properly and move on, just waiting for the right moment.

The differences are interesting, I suppose. [Those people were also already dead and ghosts unable to move on so that probably didn't help matters there.]

[levampere]

Yes, something like that. The world keeps providing new discoveries, and I am always happy to greet them.

Unfortunately, no. Even when I share my abilities with others, it only prolongs their time. Not that I mind, personally. I'll take 300 years over 30.

But like you said, to some, death is death, regardless of how long it takes to arrive. I know many who disagree with my somewhat carefree opinion. I believe any time spent alive is worth enjoying.

[onerous]

I don't think it's a wrong way to look at things. But I'm not sure what the "right" ways are to people either. But talking about it like this has been interesting. I've been getting a lot of insight into what things people seem to value most here.

[levampere]

Everyone has their own way, it perhaps does not make them right or wrong. Unless they hurt others.

I'm glad to hear that. I know my perspective is somewhat unique, so I wanted to offer it. I've been alive for a very long time, so this isn't a subject I am unfamiliar with.