Part 843: Tiki A

... And that is how I became friends with the legendary King Marth.

So you were released from the ice?

Oh, yes. After what seemed an eternity in that frozen prison.

It was by Marth's hand alone that I was able to feel warmth once more. It was magic...

...Tiki?

Oh, listen to me! I sound like a sentimental old fool. It was such a long time ago...

Did you love him? King Marth, I mean.

He was human, I was manakete. The gulf between us was too great.

......

But you'll never have that problem, will you? With your mixed blood, you can love anyone you like, human or manakete.

Yes, I suppose that's right!

Hear me, Nah. Remember when I said I had to tell you something difficult? We manaketes are destined to suffer because of our love of humankind.

Destined to... suffer?

We live for millennia, while humans flicker out like candles. The greatest friendship I ever knew lasted just a few short decades... And when King Marth died, I was left to wander the centuries alone.

I see. I have to be prepared to lose everyone I love.

The dragon blood in your veins curses you to such a fate.

Wow. That's... depressing.

It can be very sad, yes. But it can make you strong as well. You will learn to cherish the memories of the wonderful people you meet. You will make them a part of you so they can give you courage always.

Like a family inside your mind?

Yes, exactly! You will be able to pass on the memories to your friends' children! And then to their children and to countless generations to come. In this way you can keep them alive through the long march of time.

......

Do you understand?

...I think so.

Never allow fate to dissuade you from living a full, rewarding life, Nah. You must go out into the world and seek out friends. ...Seek out love. And when their end comes, as it will, you must keep them alive forever. You have the gift of near immortality, and must find a way to share it. And what better time to start than now? Nah, let you and I be friends.

I like that. Thank you, Tiki.

Now no more brooding on destiny. Next time we shall talk of joyful things.

That would be a nice change of pace!