Bitter Taste

Seiji has never considered it this way before: Someone must teach every bird how to fly. He blinks as he absorbs her explanation, surprise blooming in his dark eyes. He had always expected, maybe subconsciously, that birds came into the world knowing flight as he had come into the world knowing how to walk. Though perhaps this applies only to horses with wings... He studies her now in contemplation as she tells the rest of her story. A story of family, lost. Of being far from home. He understands. He steps nearer to her, hoping she will accept the gesture as he intends it: an act of solidarity. It is a terrible thing to be alone. He experienced this feeling once in his youth, when he arrived at the master's island. And now, again, having bid farewell to everything he loved. He wonders if Requiem, too wanders. Searching for something she may never find. If, in her, he comes at last to one who understands his situation. He hopes not, for her sake. She asks if he has family here, and Seiji shakes his head. His gaze turns outward, vaguely south. The Portal lies somewhere that way. He wonders how he can even begin to tell a fraction of his story — he can't even gift her his name! With a small shake of his head, he sighs. Blinks at her. Opens his mouth. Closes it again. And shakes his head again. He isn't sure the message gets across, though some have seemed to understand. He has come to this place in search of his voice. Though the longer he stays, the more hopeless his journey seems.

@Requiem