Vir is still astounded that Iris apparently has had a religious experience in a Centauri temple, but on the subject of Li, he does not press. Instead, he focuses on her first question, which, for him, is a matter of some concern.
"A Centauri's life is defined by duty - at least, it should be. We're all duty-bound to protect everything we've sworn oaths to - our houses, our friends and allies, and even the Republic itself. For many Centauri, those obligations often conflict, but... it seems to me that a man who murders members of his own house for the sake of control is violating one of the most important duties of all." Vir drums his fingers on the table. "I'm not sure I'm explaining this right. I-I suppose what I'm trying to say is that things like love and friendship and family ties should be honored and protected as much as possible. That... that in an ideal world, people wouldn't be forced to choose between political status and personal obligation." Vir thinks of recent events and a shadow of sadness falls over his gentle face. "That world, I'm sorry to say, isn't our world. Not right now."
Then he turns to Iris, his expression worried. "Why did you ask me about that situation in particular? Are you in trouble? Is someone else in trouble?"
When he hears Iris's admission, he is surprised again. "Oh," he says lamely, and he colors again. "May I ask...? I mean, who...?"
When Vir hears Kailin's name, he laughs, delighted. "Well, I-I suppose congratulations are in order!" Then, to explain his reaction: "You've chosen well. He's an honorable man."
"Don't... No... No one really knows. I...I just wanted help." She blushed at his comment, "I believe the fates were kind to make us meet. Had Adira not taken him there and Hera not sent me to deliver a message, we would never have met."
She laughed softly, her cheeks very red, "We've yet to start telling people...about getting married I mean."
"No..." She squeezed his hand softly. "Kailin is wonderful and treats me like a goddess..." She laughed, after all she was a goddess, but that wasn't the point. "And Cellena, she is beautiful."
Vir smiles and squeezes back. Then: "I-I'm honored that you would come to me... and also confused. I-I-I'm not sure I'm the best person to talk to about these things. I'm young, and I'm not married."
"And you were very kind to a woman I know." Iris tilted her head a little, "You were sick at the time and so was she. I believe she is going to marry Roger...Roger Smith. The woman was called Satine. She told me about him taking her to B5 and meeting a man called Vir with interesting hair...who else has hair like you do?"
"Besides," She smiled at him, "Sometimes it is nice to hear that people don't think us being together is wrong, and to meet someone new."
"Ah..." Vir hems for a moment, a little embarrassed. "I wasn't really sick, then. It was an allergy. But yes, I do remember that day. Roger seemed very happy."
"I think that was actually before they reallybecame a couple. She was with another man when she met Roger." Iris looked at him, "Vir, what would happen if Kailin and I married and people found out I was...well I am sure they would see me as human."
Vir sighs. "To be honest... I can't guarantee that you won't face some prejudice. For some Centauri, the superiority of our race is an unquestioned reality."
"My heart will always be for my people - and my duty is to them as well. But, you know, that's a different thing than saying my people are superior. I've seen temples on Minbar that rival the beauty of our own, heard Human music that almost matches that of our greatest composers, and read Narn poetry that is no less passionate than the works of Gordinio."
Vir shakes his head.
"No. I believe... I believe the religious Minbari may be right when they teach that we all come from the same light. That... that somewhere along the way, ego has made us forget who we are."
"I'm scared," she admited softly, "I love Kailin with all of my heart and yet I do not know that much about him." She laughed softly, her cheeks flushing, "And him senseing my emotions it's...it's a little annoying to tell you the truth, but when he looks at me, when his eyes meet mine I just."
"Is it true we need to get permission from someone to marry?"
"Kailin's father will never allow us to marry," there was anger and bitterness in her voice as she spoke, "Is ther eno way around this, can you not get permission from someone with a higher status?"
Vir is still astounded that Iris apparently has had a religious experience in a Centauri temple, but on the subject of Li, he does not press. Instead, he focuses on her first question, which, for him, is a matter of some concern.
"A Centauri's life is defined by duty - at least, it should be. We're all duty-bound to protect everything we've sworn oaths to - our houses, our friends and allies, and even the Republic itself. For many Centauri, those obligations often conflict, but... it seems to me that a man who murders members of his own house for the sake of control is violating one of the most important duties of all." Vir drums his fingers on the table. "I'm not sure I'm explaining this right. I-I suppose what I'm trying to say is that things like love and friendship and family ties should be honored and protected as much as possible. That... that in an ideal world, people wouldn't be forced to choose between political status and personal obligation." Vir thinks of recent events and a shadow of sadness falls over his gentle face. "That world, I'm sorry to say, isn't our world. Not right now."
Then he turns to Iris, his expression worried. "Why did you ask me about that situation in particular? Are you in trouble? Is someone else in trouble?"
When he hears Iris's admission, he is surprised again. "Oh," he says lamely, and he colors again. "May I ask...? I mean, who...?"
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She shook her head slowly, "I am not, but let me say if this man ever crosses me...he has hurt too many already and he needs to be stopped."
Iris looked down at the table and then up at him. Leaning forward she whispered two words into his ear. "Kailin Tyree."
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She laughed softly, her cheeks very red, "We've yet to start telling people...about getting married I mean."
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"Besides," She smiled at him, "Sometimes it is nice to hear that people don't think us being together is wrong, and to meet someone new."
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Vir shakes his head.
"No. I believe... I believe the religious Minbari may be right when they teach that we all come from the same light. That... that somewhere along the way, ego has made us forget who we are."
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"Is it true we need to get permission from someone to marry?"
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