SWITCHBOARD

[wordsmithery]

If you're deciding to actually use that phone in your room, go right ahead; the Wordsmith is a busy man but he's often around, and he has no real reason not to talk to you, assuming that you do it correctly.

Comments are screened for privacy; it's rude to eavesdrop.

Comments

[oyashiromama]

Of course. [...] I...wanted to ask, first, about your interests. Specifically, the second one.

[wordsmithery]

Yes? What about it?

[oyashiromama]

What...is it you like about humanity?

[wordsmithery]

Could one not ask you much the same?

I find fulfillment in observing them. The human capacity for emotions and sentiment is something I think to be truly fascinating, as well as their capability for both kindness and cruelty.

[oyashiromama]

Oh, of course. I expected the question to be turned back on me, given my own listed information.

[But, that's...hm. That's...]

That's...a very interesting way to say that, Wordsmith. ...you say observing, though... Could you not interact with humanity?

[wordsmithery]

I could, but preferred not to.

[oyashiromama]

...May I ask why? That sounds- ...I know that's incredibly lonely.

[wordsmithery]

...Because humans and I are not the same in that respect. If I ever felt loneliness, it was worse when I allowed myself to interact with them.

[oyashiromama]

Hm... That is...aah, that is not what I would have expected...but since you said yourself you believe you're still human, not sure... I can understand that. ...That does sound very sad, though.

[wordsmithery]

...I suppose that it does.

[oyashiromama]

Do you think it is as well...or do you not find it so?

[wordsmithery]

I am no longer one to feel sadness.

Or perhaps...that is what I feel most keenly of all.

...I apologize, Cynical. I am not able to clearly answer your questions.

[oyashiromama]

[He...apologized? She's quiet for a moment, considering this.]

You've no obligation. You've made that clear. I'm just... I'm very curious about you, Wordsmith. I... Perhaps there's a better question. What...do you think of us here?

[wordsmithery]

I am less indifferent towards some than I am to others. I did not like Indomitable at first, but she has been civil enough. Rebellious and Mischievous have delighted in aggravating me, and I would pity Noble and Harmonious if I were able.

You may be one of the few I would like, if liking anyone is something I had the capacity for.

...Why do you like humanity, Cynical? Do you know?

[oyashiromama]

[He keeps surprising her. It's not the question she takes a moment to think about, but...] M-me...?

Aah... Because...I didn't start to really live...until I really interacted with them. [It's a more truthful answer than the one she gave Kyrie. Less poetic.] Before, I spent sixty years doing my duty and nothing more. I long to see the best of them, as much as I can.

[wordsmithery]

Admirable.

I don't always see what you seem to. I doubt I even want to, most of the time.

[oyashiromama]

It's very difficult. [That sounds like an admission, more than anything.] I can understand not wanting to see the good, since, well...while longing to see the best, countless times I've seen the worst instead.

[wordsmithery]

I see the latter more often myself.

[oyashiromama]

The world of men... How chaotic it is. [She sighs.] It has...been an interesting chat, Wordsmith, but I feel like I should get some rest.