zichen | IC CONTACT

[Zichen has mixed emotions! Collins has a wonderful voice and he is drawn to the language he hears. But...]

Your music...? Has it returned?

Aye, it's been returned.

[A foolish Christmas gift from his current warden. He thinks the man daft, but he also can't complain about having his music back. He sounds genuinely happy even just talking casually about it.]

You seemed interested in tha last song we talked about. Thought ya might like one. It's fer tha new year's tradition.

[A gift that has made Collins happier than Zichen has ever heard him. Oh it's difficult to feel poorly about it!]

What language was that? [He sees no reason to darken the day with speeches about morality. They've had enough of that.] You have given me a gift. Thank you.

Ah, no need fer that. [It's a soft chide, his tone still light-hearted despite the words, simply being cheekily humble.] It's hardly a grand opera. Just a little song everyone knows back home.

That was Irish, lad.

You are hardly giving your voice credit! [Zichen knows a gift when he hears one (in this case).] It's a wonderful tune. There is a musical quality to your language. I like it.

Hmm. I'll take yer word fer it. [Said with a chuckle of acceptance to the former.] I shan't disagree with that assessment of tha song though. It can be a pretty little tune in solo and it's nice ta show it off in Irish. Usually ya get a whole group o' people singin' it all at once when tha end o' somethin' strikes.

Do many people onboard know Irish? [He thinks not, which is a pity.] What do the lyrics mean?

I doubt it. [He could only think of one other Irishman on board in the form of Sweeney. He didn't know, and highly doubted, anyone else knew the language.] Ah, it's about old times past.

The first stanza sums it up well enough. It goes:

Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne?

[He doesn't sing it this time but there's still a lilt to his voice as he recites it.]

That is a shame. [He would like to hear a group singing Irish together.] My culture has a way of honoring the past too when a new year dawns. Each town and village has their own traditions. It can be quite lively.

[Zichen listens to the lyrics and smiles sadly.]

They should never be forgotten.

Lively is what I like ta hear! Would be in a pub drinkin' and dancin' back home on a night like this, celebratin' tha new year's coming. Plenty of songs ta be had with a pint or two.

Perhaps. Tha song speaks of fond things and those are nice ta remember once in a while.

You would like the festivals. Many drink too much wine and sing in the streets.

[Then there are the plays and the honoring of various deities.]

I think we carry our pasts with us daily whether we choose to think about them or not.

Ah, it sounds like a universal constant then. A bit like home. Lovely.

That may or may not be so fer each individual, but no sense dwellin' on tha bad things. Not fer a celebration! Let's save tha philosophy debates fer another time. Don't have nearly enough drink in me fer that tonight.

Everyone probably marks significant moments somehow. [At least their cultures celebrate instead of mourn.]

Is it the drink that's made you so happy? I do like hearing you like this, my friend.

Oh, I haven't had that much ta drink yet. [He chuckles.] Just enjoyin' tha moment I suppose.

I'm glad. What is your drink of choice? [Not that he is a drinker himself.]

A good Irish whiskey if I'm bein' choosy. Anything will do in a pinch.

I have never tasted whiskey, but I have had wine.

And if there's some ta be found, would ya have a cup with me?

I would be honored. I take it the brew is strong?

It's certainly stronger than wine. A good one will kick ya in yer teeth if ya ain't prepared.

I wonder if it will have an effect on me?

[He chuckled.] There a reason ta think it won't, lad?

[He seemed to shrug off the question though and continue anyway.]

Only one sure-fire way ta find out.

I am under a curse. My body works on a basic level, but I am not as I was.

[He is only mostly dead!]

True.

Ah. I see.

[That explained a few things. Also left him with more questions.]

Well, let's find out.

Ask your Warden for assistance if you can't find any on your own.

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