PARADISA LOST

[ The journal opens to... a gentle tapping. Fingers on the journal, tapping. Tap, tap. It should be familiar sound, as it happens often enough. Once Evangeline decides on what to say, however, she throws up a small filter. ]

[ Filtered from Riful, Arthas, and allies of theirs ]

[ No, that filter doesn't mean this post is important. At least, not in the larger sense. It's pretty important to Eva. ]

There are very few who have earned my respect, either home or here. For centuries, I've watched humanity and felt nothing but disappointment or resentment at what I saw. I can't say that's changed. Even now, I find a good many people here boring, stupid, or both.

Still, I've also found people who are worth having around. People who have intellects deserving respect, or motivation to follow their convictions to the end of the world, or maturity far beyond their years. I'm sure those of you who have earned this respect from me know who you are, and I'd like you to know that I don't give it lightly.

I'd like to take a moment to talk about somebody else who's earned that, if you'll bear with me.

Once, there was a girl here who was foolish enough to take on my training. My training is harsh, meant to break the body and mind of those who are unprepared. Still, she thrived. She threw herself into it with every fiber of her being. Despite being, by most definitions, a normal girl, she grew strong enough to protect her friends. And during that time, she never stopped smiling.

[ There's a long pause here. That's usually not the kind of thing Eva complimented, is it? Still, she continues after a few moments. ]

I respected her drive and determination, and the way her infectious attitude could even make me forget my past for a few moments.

And in a week, she will have been gone from this place for half of a year.

[ There's another pause here, but shorter. ]

Today is her birthday. I had planned on a celebration for her, although in all honesty I have no idea how to even go about that. It's a good thing she's gone, I suppose... at home, she can actually enjoy it, while this is hardly the time nor place for it.

But, for what it's worth, to a girl who is long gone. Happy birthday, Chie.

[ Another long pause here... it really sounds like she's stopped. Before anybody can hurry up and comment, though, she does speak up again. ]

Being in this place really makes me feel my age. Excuse my rambling, it's one of the few joys we older folks can enjoy.