un: absterge | video

[downswing]

( Behold the beautiful view of one [1] Lan Wangji, blood-drenched in one of the dusty, downtrodden streets of Hatthevar, while rains weep down — clear, for a change. In the hand that isn't holding his pendant, his sword's drawn, bloodied. )

Slave masters know little of the man Matthias. ( A pause, then almost sheepish: ) When they yet speak. Their victims recall with difficulty. Shall search the waters for signs of his whereabouts.

( Small chance of it, but carrying on ) Beware wish makers. They tempt with that which is not theirs to give.

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[matermali]

Freeing vulnerable souls from a slaver's shackles could be seen as virtuous enough.

And I have always admired those who never stray from duty.

[downswing]

Men oft admire their lackings. Is that so?

[matermali]

[ Vanessa would never have called herself honorable or duteous even in life. She's often the first to remind people of her lack of grace. ]

Women too, I suppose.

[downswing]

Then, you deny duty?

[matermali]

Duty is not what keeps me here.

[downswing]

That would be duress.

[matermali]

I simply have nowhere else to go.

[ Not so 'simply'. She also cares a lot about people and doesn't want to let them down, but saying that out loud is illegal. ]

But I am glad to help. Should this be my purpose in the end, then it is a better cause than anything that came before.

[downswing]

You have... no family?

[matermali]

[ That's sooo much luggage to unpack. ]

...For better or worse, this lot has become my family.

[downswing]

Deflection.

[matermali]

...

My mother and father have long passed. What family I found after that could not remain. They had their own pursuits and dreams. I hope they are well.

But I will not see them again.

[ And she's going to cry about it if she keeps talking about it. ]

[downswing]

You will make bonds new.

[matermali]

There will be nothing left for me once everyone has returned home. ...Perhaps I will finally be allowed sleep.

[ Don't daydream too big, now. ]

What would be your first act, on your return?

[downswing]

Fresh robes.

[matermali]

Will you be with family?

[downswing]

If they would have me. I return wedded without blessing.

Of no consequence.

[matermali]

I have hope that they will be only too glad to have you near. Blessings can still be given...and if not, you will yet have family beside you.

[downswing]

I have learned: family is as chosen.

[matermali]

...Yes. Something of a liberation for me, once realized. For me, it was where love would always wait.

Will you have another ceremony on your return?

[downswing]

You have no wife. ( Obv... iously. )

You learn upon wedding, the choice lies with the wife.

[matermali]

[ Not for lack of trying, but sapphic panic cursed that failure and subsequently the entire world. Take note! ]

Do you believe it could alter your path for the better, then? If you return, keeping to mind everything that you have seen and learned in Akhuras?

[downswing]

A life lived at all is well lived. Agreed?

[matermali]

Yes, for most.

[downswing]

Then, I wish it remembered. You?

[matermali]

I would wish to be remembered.

[ Is she going to have to say the thing? ]

I will be gone when this is over. I am...not as I was when first awakening in Akhuras, Wangji.

[ Maybe that much was obvious. ]