Neat one. I like the magical, mythic feel to it like an old fable. Didn’t like the tense change much, present to ‘would’, whatever that’s called. Not sure if I should pity, admire, or judge this guy a fool.

An exqusitely beautiful and tender piece zxvasdf. I especially loved that he died with “a smiling question shaping his lips.”

so he figured it out. was her different song for him to pass into the world of souls with trumpets and peace?? that’s what i thought, anyway.

A worthy sequel to a great original story.

An interesting interpretation of the original story. Personally, I would think that it still counts as asking her name if you make a guess and ask for confirmation.

To respond to Elsha’s comment, I don’t think he actually figured it out. I think that’s why he still had a question on his lips: he was still attempting to get it, right up to the end, and that’s why she honored him when he passed.

Again, that’s just my interpretation!