former_third | 23rd Proclamation: [Voice/Action]

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23rd Proclamation: [Voice/Action]

[It's a classic problem, really. You're trying not to think about a certain issue. Doing everything you can to put it out of your mind. And what happens?

You can't think of anything else.

This is the problem Neliel has been facing for a few days now, and she's gotten to the point where she just can't deal with it on her own anymore. It's worse since the issue is one that's so important to her, but one she can't think of too many people she can talk to about.

Memories.

Settled down in the lobby of the Battle Dome, she finally flips open her journal to ask for suggestions.]

I need a distraction, and the Dome isn't sufficing. Does anyone have suggestions? At this point I'm willing to consider any ideas.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

How about meditation! It's a nice, quiet way to spend time and get to know yourself a little better.

A friend suggested that too. It's not something I have much experience with, but it sounds like it could help.

... How do you do it?

It's as easy as doing nothing. I usually sit with my legs crossed, close my eyes, and I let my thoughts all float away. A clear mind is one that feels free and at peace.

And what if your thoughts... don't want to float away?

It could take time to clear your mind. But if you can keep up a calm, all your thoughts can slip away. They'll come to understand that they won't be gone for good and need to give your head a break. Some tea also could help to calm nerves.

Calm, hmmm? I think I can do that. But, you speak of thoughts like they're... living beings.

I don't mean it literally! That's just how we monks talk about things sometimes.

I see. Well, if it's just a matter of keeping oneself calm enough, it's probably something I can do.

Good! I hope it helps. [Suddenly sparks and idea] Or if you're really bored, there's nothing more fun than riding an animal!

Riding an animal...? [Well that came out of nowhere.] I don't think there are any creatures in Luceti that could work for that.

[Also, she's never done it before and she's kind of leery of it. Animals don't like her a lot of the time, due to the whole sort-of-ghost thing.]

Yeah, that's a real shame. But just in case you manage to come across one! My favorite has always been penguin sledding.

[And that just leads her mind to one question:]

What's a penguin?

You don't know about penguins? I guess they don't have them everywhere. They're these types of birds that waddle around, and they usually have black feathers with white bellies. They can't fly, but they can slide around and live in snowy places. The ones I knew were actually otter penguins!

I... see. I've never heard of a bird that can't fly before.

[Granted, most of her knowledge of animals in general comes secondhand, from hollows that were based on them.]

Well keep your eyes open! Maybe you'll get lucky. [pause] I'm Aang, by the way.

Neliel. It's a pleasure, Aang.

Nice to meet you too, Neliel.

I appreciate your help. Is this... I'm sorry if this is prying, but is this something you've had to deal with before?

I'm always glad to help. What part are you asking about?

Thoughts... that won't leave you alone. Thoughts you'd rather not have.

Oh.

Yeah, it is. I've been through... lot of crummy things. Both back home and during my short time here. Meditation does help me to calm down and liberate myself from these thoughts. And a lot of the time... us airbenders are supposed to be like leaves in the wind, changing direction to match the wind. So I try to keep my head in the present and keep myself distracted from any... bad thoughts. I focus on my friends, having fun and stuff that... doesn't remind me of those thoughts.

[The sudden shift in his mood would be obvious even to a blind person. Nel frowns, feeling a bit guilty that she brought it on.]

I see... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up anything unpleasant.

It's fine, really! If I can keep positive, maybe you can too.

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