"My life has rather been governed by the 'why'," Ariel agreed. "There are still mysteries for me, of course, but even if I know that things are, finding out why they are will please me for ages." He wondered, of course, whether it would please him for eternity, or if he'd wind up as tired as Raziel. But there was no answer to that question.
He had to be curious, though. "I know you hadn't beforehand, but at this point, have you told anyone else what you're planning? Mere curiosity." Being able to lean on people like Gabriel right at the beginning of his new life would be invaluable.