tenebraecious | continuations

[going to put together her coffee and take a sip, considering]

We are. Ladies first, then?

If you'd like.

I'll try to be a gentleman about it.

You have done well thus far.

[and setting coffee down, doing a few taps of her phone for this number which actually hits in a special way. she's definitely a little remorseful but also pleased by the memory]

What a blessed day . . .

[this is the first time it really hits what kind of figure she was back home. and the surprise is apparent in his face.]

I feel like I should have picked up on that sooner.

[trying to be polite and hid her slight grin behind the mug before straightening her expression out after a sip]

I am not certain how you would. I cannot fulfill my duties nor calling here, and even Thorn and Cobalt did not know very much of me beyond the fact my role existed.

I'd assumed 'princess' or something to that nature. But... religious leader? Makes a lot more sense.

And you take it seriously.

[he leans forward, considering her for a moment.]

... Now I can't believe I didn't even consider it.

You do not seem like the faithful type. So then, why should it have been a thought?

[tilting her head, not hiding the grin now]

And I am a former princess, yes. My family only held a decorative sovereignty over the manor, though. Our lands were taken centuries past.

Concept of religion's always been fascinating, even if I don't put any stock in it. Not like I can't recognize the trappings.

[he does become a catholic priest in literally the only au where he's happy]

Anyway, that probably woulda helped with all the communication issues if I'd put two and two together.

Some of the blame falls with me, then. I am curious how it would have helped, though.

Different vantage point, speakin' for the gods. Versus me, with my ears on the streets. Woulda changed the lens.

Or maybe it mighta made no difference, but I find it hard to believe. You don't talk to the pope the same way you talk to a beat cop.

Who can say. Still, having lived my life in service to my world and its people, I have enjoyed the freedom being here affords me, even if it may not seem so much.

You can't learn to climb a building while giving blessings.

[his turn to pull out his phone, though]

Not without drawing some attention.

[and waiting for it...]

[he hits the button, and this dramatic fight with his father and mentor is what he gets. he seems perfectly calm watching it.]

[keeping her hands cupped around her cup of coffee, weighing her words before—]

You are very attached to him . . .

I'm pissed at him.

[he knows she knows, and he knows what she's getting at but-- he sighs, running a hand through his hair]

Which... makes sense. I couldn't figure out why the asshole who killed me was still alive? I wondered if I'd ever called him out on it.

Now I know I did.

You are right. Many are at risk due to his inaction, yet still he holds onto that ideal.

Not the take I expected from you.

[he hums pensively and then,]

It's hypocritical. He is.

[turning the coffee cup around in her hands, thumb running over the surface]

The daemons in our world are humans and animals turned to beasts. Since we cannot help them, the best we can do is protect those who have not been afflicted. It is lamentable, but I cannot pretend that there are not moments when ones' hands are not bound by duty.

But you also know why he does not, don't you?

It's something I'd like to know.

My second memory of the Joker was him taunting me with the fact that he manipulated my entire life.

My third memory was him tricking us into thinking he'd peeled our faces off.

Kind of gave context to the first memory of me beating his face in with a crowbar.

[slight frown at that, does not approve but not going to object either]

In the case of Joker, it is an easy decision. In others, it is not. There are a multitude of ways people can hurt one another, and I do not know if any one person ought to decide what those people deserve and even when they ought to receive punishment. Where should a line or, rather, the infinite amount of lines be drawn?

[he inclines his head.]

If you don't take an action because you're worried about a slippery slope, are you any better than the villains you let get away?

Why not call a spade a spade, why not do something, and take the rest on a case by case basis?

I did not disagree with you. If all that you have said has not changed his position, then I do not think much will and everyone is the worse for it.

Yeah. You're probably right about that much.

[he sighs]

It is a difficult path, but do not lose faith in yourself and those you choose to have around you.

Edited 2020-06-30 06:29 (UTC)

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