Not everyone can be cheerful all the time, so that's why people like me gotta step up to give you a rousing speech every once in a while.
[ Broody people like Dainsleif really need it, she's found. ]
But you're right. Places like this, they want you to feel hopeless... like there's no way we could ever get out of here in one piece. The moment we start believing it is when we've lost.
[ It ... did help. Dainsleif more or less had been in a state of sorts. Though, he thinks he always is, it's... ]
I suppose so. Thank you.
[ Dainsleif lets out a sigh.
It's a common tactic, it feels, to be used by the divine. To put such pressure, to make a person crushed in despair, so that they would act in a certain way. ]
Yes, we're in agreement. This place, which is headed by an all-powerful arrogant being trying to crush us under its weight...either way, I hope others can realize the same.
[ Though itβs certainly a lot harder than Aerith makes it sound. ]
I think even having little conversations like this can go a long way. Reminding each other that weβre not going to give up, and that weβll keep going. Even if it feels cheesy doing it.
[ Aerith stretches her arms over her head, trying to release some of the tension in her shoulders. Sure, she's been talking up the power of friendship, but that doesn't mean she isn't also a bit stressed. ]
You could say I'm a project too. I guess we all are.
[ Dainsleif watches her stretch, and he doesn't say anything against it. It's been a long day already, after all. ]
...
Maybe so.
[ But it would make sense, wouldn't it? ]
I wonder what that makes of us in the end. Especially for those who seem to progress slowly, or perhaps seem to remain the same, no matter how much time has passed.
[ Dainsleif gives a pause at this, seeming to sort of ruminate on something. ]
...True.
I once thought that there were some people who would never change, when I was younger. But, it was sometimes unclear to me when they did...which made it seem like it was sudden, when all along it was a gradual process.
[ Dainsleif's nature as a difficult person, but still... ]
...
[ ...well, he supposes she means to grab food, since she only has coffee right now. Does he go to grab some food too? He is kind of tempted, except unfortunately he doesn't have an appetite, so he'd be just looking silly, probably; he takes more than a moment to decide this, but he does. ]
...Alright. I will let you go.
I hope you enjoy your food. [ ... ] I also appreciated the talk, Aerith.
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hjadningavig) wrote2025-08-24 07:44 pm
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[ Broody people like Dainsleif really need it, she's found. ]
But you're right. Places like this, they want you to feel hopeless... like there's no way we could ever get out of here in one piece. The moment we start believing it is when we've lost.
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I suppose so. Thank you.
[ Dainsleif lets out a sigh.
It's a common tactic, it feels, to be used by the divine. To put such pressure, to make a person crushed in despair, so that they would act in a certain way. ]
Yes, we're in agreement. This place, which is headed by an all-powerful arrogant being trying to crush us under its weight...either way, I hope others can realize the same.
no subject
[ Though itβs certainly a lot harder than Aerith makes it sound. ]
I think even having little conversations like this can go a long way. Reminding each other that weβre not going to give up, and that weβll keep going. Even if it feels cheesy doing it.
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But, there is no sense in making the attempt. ]
Cheesy...but, fulfilling.
Silly, yet...
[ ... ]
...Still, I believe I'll mostly leave the 'cheesy' kind of wording up to yourself and others who are so inclined.
[ He can just be serious and goth about it, dwbi. ]
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Hmmm, so you'll be mysterious about it... creeping up out of the shadows to give unsuspecting victims words of encouragement!
[ It's a hilarious mental image. One that she admittedly likes. There's levity to be found even in the most serious of individuals. ]
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He hadn't expected to laugh at the imagery, but here he is. ]
...I might have to become concerned about whatever intimidating image I have evaporating into nothingness.
[ Or maybe in danger of evaporating in embarrassment if someone should happen to see him like that. ]
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[ She doesn't think so. Maybe it would even uplift a lot of the people here! ]
Unless you've been building up this intimidating image over the last few years.
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No, Dainsleif honestly just walked himself into it, so he just keeps talking. ]
I have. To my enemies, I am the last thing they ever want to see.
To my allies, I am a reliable individual who will not hesitate to remind them of their duty, and their loyalties.
[ Then, there is a pause. ]
And to my...newfound few friends? Or friend here...a work in progress, perhaps.
[ How this man has got as far as he has in five centuries may be a bit of a miracle. ]
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But that last part, that makes her laugh. ]
Aw, come on. Donβt make yourself sound like some kinda project.
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And, you don't seem to find it all that objectionable.
[ Dainsleif says with a slightly amused air.
Although, he's already thinking of some events in Khaenri'ah...it isn't actually far from the truth, in some respects, if he were being serious. ]
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Hmmm... nope, I don't!
[ Aerith stretches her arms over her head, trying to release some of the tension in her shoulders. Sure, she's been talking up the power of friendship, but that doesn't mean she isn't also a bit stressed. ]
You could say I'm a project too. I guess we all are.
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...
Maybe so.
[ But it would make sense, wouldn't it? ]
I wonder what that makes of us in the end. Especially for those who seem to progress slowly, or perhaps seem to remain the same, no matter how much time has passed.
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[ The way they think or process things could change, but maybe it doesn't show on the outside. That sort of thing. ]
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...True.
I once thought that there were some people who would never change, when I was younger. But, it was sometimes unclear to me when they did...which made it seem like it was sudden, when all along it was a gradual process.
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[ Changes as subtle as the shift from late spring to early summer. ]
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But, ultimately, it's better to be able to notice such things easier, than to live in complete ignorance all one's life.
[ There are still things that take him awhile to take note of, but he likes to think he's gotten better at that. ]
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[ She shrugs. ]
Even though sometimes that's unavoidable.
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[ And if so, it is what it is. ]
At such a time, though, we can only do what we can.
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[ Much easier said than done, but still. ]
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When he is a man who is extremely difficult not only when it comes to his enemies sometimes, but the type to lay judgment on himself too. ]
That would be ideal.
[ Which is him basically saying yes, while quietly acknowledging it may be awhile before he can get with the program personally, but it's fine. ]
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[ Close enough! She'll take a win wherever she can. ]
I don't know about you, but I'm hungry. I'll probably stop by the cafe pretty soon.
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...
[ ...well, he supposes she means to grab food, since she only has coffee right now. Does he go to grab some food too? He is kind of tempted, except unfortunately he doesn't have an appetite, so he'd be just looking silly, probably; he takes more than a moment to decide this, but he does. ]
...Alright. I will let you go.
I hope you enjoy your food. [ ... ] I also appreciated the talk, Aerith.
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Me too, you know. I hope I see you around more. Hopefully out of the shadows.
[ Heh. Sorry, she can't help it. But, she grins as she stands to go grab some food, giving him a wave. ]