removeimpurity | Eighth Incision [Video; Backdated to the Afternoon of the 13th]

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Eighth Incision [Video; Backdated to the Afternoon of the 13th]

[The broadcast starts as any other one from Syre would: with the remnants of a meal just barely in frame and the alchemist sipping a glass of water. However, it seems she didn't mean to start the broadcast this early, as her expression slowly changes to one of surprise -- once she realizes the feed is on, anyway.]

Oh, I wasn't quite ready to talk yet. [She laughs, a bit embarrassed.] Well, I suppose I should get on with it.

[She clears her throat, takes another sip of water, then starts again.]

Good afternoon, Luceti. Bit of a grey day, don't you think? Reminds me almost of home, in a sense, with the sky looking as though it's about to snow any moment.

This will be my first winter here, so I'd like to ask: what manner of celebrations do we have here? What beliefs, what customs, generally prevail at this time of year? Are there feasts? Celebrations? Silent ceremonies?

I apologize for the barrage of questions -- I'm just a little curious.

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Christmas is approaching, as is the New Year. And many other holidays. Earth culture has many such festivals, to break up the winter and give a festive atmosphere to calm nerves and provide outlets for stress.

Though I should think Christmas is the most common, and there are so many ways to celebrate it. Some treat it as a religious holiday for the birth of Jesus Christ, a prophetic figure. Other treat it as a day for couples and romance. And others still just celebrate it as a commercial holiday and a feast.

Ah, yes, someone had mentioned Christmas to me. I didn't realize that it could hold so many meanings!

[...] A 'commercial' holiday? You mean there are those that simply treat it as an excuse to buy things?

That doesn't seem very... inspired.

Yes, that's right. They buy things for gifts, and accept them as well.

That...tends to be how it's treated in America, and other places in the Western hemisphere of Earth.

I... am not sure I like that idea. [She laughs airily.] Seems like it would spoil a lot of people!

Well that's what it's become.

It's more of a couples holiday in my country.

Now that's the sort of thing that makes sense to me.

Back at home, the solstice usually represents a time of peace and reflection before the new year begins, or a time in which one repents for their wrongdoings. It all depends on how traditional one's family is, however.

What of your family, then?

[Her voice holds a touch of sadness as she answers.]

We did a little of both. Mother was fairly traditional, Father was not; so when we were done reflecting upon our experiences, we set out to fix what we could around the village.

Is there a ritual significance to fixing things around the village, Syre?

[Not talking about her family, not yet. The memory of the funerary rite from the day before is still with her. And it's a hard one.]

It's a symbolic method of righting whatever wrongs one has committed. If anyone offended, say, the village baker, we would help clean and repair their shop, gather supplies for them. Small acts when seen from the outside, but very meaningful when taken in context.

Well that makes sense. Reparations, in a sense.

Yes, exactly.

Which reminds me... I'll need to see if there is anything I can do here.

[Some traditions never fade, even if she's not the little girl she used to be.]

Not for me. Have no fear of that.

[The faintest hint of relief tinges her voice.]

That certainly takes a weight off of my shoulders, Saori. ... Thank you.

Good! I'm...difficult to offend.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Eighth Incision [Video; Backdated to the Afternoon of the 13th]

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