un: absterge

[downswing]

A child failed in Ke-Waihu. Again, in Serthica.

Here, young Princess Cle-Florens, convinced of duty as sacrifice. We cannot abandon.

Elsewise: beware the Wards, the Gut's Bind. Death wanders.

If you have come possessed or hell-tainted, speak.

Comments

[bravelyrunsaway]

Has family not failed her already? They don't seek to protect a child. They seek her use, now, and after, what use is she? Bargaining her against what? For which survivors?

[downswing]

You believe we should uproot her.

[bravelyrunsaway]

I don't. I think that you want more for her than her family does, love. I think either solve the reason they want her sacrificed before they try, or accept that whatever you're doing isn't protecting her in any way she'll understand matters.

[downswing]

Then, lie or deceive. Is that it?

[bravelyrunsaway]

She already knows the truth. And accepts it. What else is there?

[downswing]

I prayed, epiphany.

[bravelyrunsaway]

People of all ages don't always want saving. Or to protect those who should be protected. Outmaneuver them. You want this princess to remain alive, find a better answer than her death. Fix their broken hell on earth. Or participate in hers.

[downswing]

You speak as if this does not concern you.

[bravelyrunsaway]

It doesn't. I'm not her guardian. I'm not her father, brother, uncle, cousin, pack. I don't argue against it being storm-struck nonsense that any child be offered for sacrifice, but these aren't my people, and these aren't my stakes, love.

I don't tell you what to do for the sake of your conscience anymore than you can tell me it's my duty to care for people who have no care for me.

[downswing]

A child.

[bravelyrunsaway]

One of many. Have you argued so firmly for the common children here, who lay sick in the Wards? The orphans who fall through the cracks, and are sacrificed by circumstance.

[downswing]

We have not withheld our help from them.

[bravelyrunsaway]

And they are not yet "safe." They want to live. If you can help one more, then good. If not, then you do what you can.

[downswing]

Unambitious.

[bravelyrunsaway]

Practical.

[downswing]

A strange man.

[bravelyrunsaway]

As are we all.