Hypocrisy
I imagine, one day, there will come a time when people hear the words "certain death," and understand what that means. When you're told not to do something, that isn't code for "unless you think its very important."
I understand you can't precisely help yourselves, but for Havens' sake, think before you run headlong into danger?
I understand you can't precisely help yourselves, but for Havens' sake, think before you run headlong into danger?
[Her brows knit and she shakes her head, her voice unhappy when she continues.] But there's always a risk that such will not always be the case and someone won't return. It's .. it's inherently stupid. [Yep, she's unhappy.] It makes so little of those that have to put their lives at risk .. to wantonly take a life in a moment .. or to take ones' own.
[Her nose curls slightly at the note of a time limit on torture.] We should be grateful for the small allowances we get, although I will not say myself pleased of it.
[Another beat of silence as she genuinely gauges her answer before replying. He's rather hit the nail on the head with that ..] I .. am well enough in body .. lonely at times in spirit.. though there are those I hold close here, now. [If anyone would understand that, it was Vanyel. She wasn't at all belittling her friendships formed, but nothing could match Rolan .. even beyond her ache for Dirk.]
But .. I survive and I watch over those I can. There could certainly be worse..
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I understand. You'll forgive me if I'm less than...sociable.
...
[Van is aware that he's very poor at making friends. He used to think himself quite charming, indeed. It's these damn communicators. Obviously. We'll ignore that it's all vanity, anyways.]
There's not much we can do, for any of it, hobbled.
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She smiles lightly at his tone, lips curling slightly into a wry expression. Her own tone mirrors the wryness, a teasing note as she speaks.]
Vanyel .. we're all of us human, no matter the Gifts we've been granted. We, each of us, deal with things in our own way. I've only to ask that you remember that you are not alone on board this ship.
[Isolation was a way of escaping from everything and not simply social gatherings. There was much that one might wish to escape on board this vessel, without a doubt. She is silent at the last, before answering him simply and softly. She is not judging and her tone is not mean. It is gentle and to the point.]
We can do our best, Vanyel .. hard as it may be at times. We do that and retain hope that we will reach our destination and there is more to this than we know now. [Because if not, what was the point in any of this?]
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Have I truly been here so long as to need reminding, Herald?
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Why yes, Herald .. I think you have.
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[Usually it would be Yfandes that did such a thing, teasing him out of his depression like bribing a child with candy to get it out from some hidey-hole]
My thanks, at least, that you weren't so foolish as to drop yourself into the mess. We have enough of that, here, without adding to it.
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[Well, if not Yfandes, then Talia will be happy to take up that mantel. She can't allow Vanyel to sit around and mope any longer than he has. He needs a kick in the pants? Allllrighty then! A soft snort of laughter at the last.]
Was that not the one thing you stressed most amongst all? To not go into Carnival alone? Nay, I shall not wish it upon any, but you would be the first to know if I even considered something as blatantly suicidal.
[A smile then.]
Are you through moping, Vanyel?
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[Oh, you go too far! He is wounded! bleeding!]
Slander and lies. I never mope. I...honestly assess the situation. I ponder.
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Oh, well please beg my pardon for .. assessing the situation incorrectly, good Herald! I would not wish for passengers to get the wrong idea!
Clearly I misconstrued what holing up in one's private quarters and refusing to talk for any extended period means these days. I simply must brush up on my people skills .. Pray, let me make it up to you over lunch .. Should you ever be inclined to leave your quarters to meet me ..
[The last is said quite soft, but she's trying desperately not to laugh by this point.]
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[It's not like it's a secret, anyways.]
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Mmm .. Well, Herald .. I might say the same with the slight stretch of extending that to Remy's quarters as well. [That darned amusement is right there still, tyvm.] I believe the matter is very much still the same if you've only that to resort to as your witty retort.
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[And Sergei's because Remy goes there sometimes and he gives Vanyel fancy drinks to try.]
Lunch would be...good.
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All right, you beast .. Heaven forbid I should leave out the library!
Where would you like to meet?
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Unless you want an audience.
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The buffet would be fine, Milord Ashkevron .. unless you've become so indented into the bed by laying about that you cannot get out of it. Then it would be my duty to bring to you what you would like.
[Is she enjoying herself? Hell yes, she is! She much rather tease and have him in good spirits than not.]
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[Even ignoring the bed comment- oh. You are going down.]
Best eat lightly. I'll see you on the practice floor after.
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