You say that like they wouldn't have been glad to have you there for them without that. From what I've seen, I imagine a lot of people willingly followed you.
{ but what she says... }
Was... Was Havria like you? An 'illuminated beast'?
She was another immortal whose followers looked to her as a god.
[Her voice has softened a little. Havria has been gone for some time but Guizhong remembers her fondly.]
Kind, but weak. When the Archon War began she gave more and more ground, until only the centre of her territory remained. There, her once-faithful turned on her within her own chambers. We found every one of them within Sal Terrae turned to salt.
And yet it can also be someone's greatest strength.
[The bird disappears, leaving Guizhong stood in its place as Aventurine is accustomed to seeing her. She has his hand held in both of hers.]
One can be kind and weak, but kindness itself is not weakness. [She squeezes his hand.] And I have seen too much death and lost too much to let someone who has become dear to me slip through my fingers easily. So I am afraid you must suffer my kindness, my dear Aventurine.
{ his eyes dip to where her hands hold his. the smile on his face is wry, unsure of how and why he suddenly has all these people who want to help. want to share their kindness. }
I can already tell you'd be impossible to negotiate with on this. But I'll try. I'll try and remember.
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no subject
Date: 2025-12-25 10:40 pm (UTC){ but what she says... }
Was... Was Havria like you? An 'illuminated beast'?
no subject
Date: 2025-12-25 10:55 pm (UTC)[Her voice has softened a little. Havria has been gone for some time but Guizhong remembers her fondly.]
Kind, but weak. When the Archon War began she gave more and more ground, until only the centre of her territory remained. There, her once-faithful turned on her within her own chambers. We found every one of them within Sal Terrae turned to salt.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-26 01:28 am (UTC)People don't tend to be merciful in the midst of war.
{ and people, generally, tend to be flawed. incredibly so. }
Kindness... can often to lead to downfall.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-26 01:39 am (UTC)And yet it can also be someone's greatest strength.
[The bird disappears, leaving Guizhong stood in its place as Aventurine is accustomed to seeing her. She has his hand held in both of hers.]
One can be kind and weak, but kindness itself is not weakness. [She squeezes his hand.] And I have seen too much death and lost too much to let someone who has become dear to me slip through my fingers easily. So I am afraid you must suffer my kindness, my dear Aventurine.
no subject
Date: 2025-12-26 11:48 am (UTC)I can already tell you'd be impossible to negotiate with on this. But I'll try. I'll try and remember.