[In their first conversation, Piety had asked Luke to count on him as a friend. It had seemed an odd request at the time, and one that had genuinely seemed more of a trap than an honest extension of goodwill. In a competition where people were potentially murdering each other, it didn't seem like a good idea to grab blindly on to anyone and trust in them as you would a friend, deity or not.
But as the weeks had passed, it was starting to dawn on Luke that trust was, in many cases, all they had. The only currency in trade that everyone possessed, and one which always had value. And wasn't that how it was in everyday life, too? The situation was different, but he'd certainly navigated similar waters on Auldrant—both positively and determentally.
In terms of trust, Piety had proven themselves each week, living up to their words, and standing by their beliefs—just as they'd said they would. Then, he'd helped Luke, counseled him, and trusted in him in turn.
Wasn't that what being a friend was all about?
There's a twitch of a smile on his lips at Piety's words, and he gives his head a single shake.]
That goes both ways, Piety. If we're going to be friends, we have to promise to protect each other.
We'll watch each other's backs, and make sure we're both trying to improve. And when we have problems, we can talk about them, like friends do. Anytime. [There's a moment as he thinks about that.] You can wake me up if you have something, too—and don't worry if I'm in the middle of something or anything like that.
I appreciate how much trust you've put in me so far. I know how much it is to ask, when I look the way that I do, now...but I also promise that it won't be like this for much longer. Just bear with me...for another week, and then I'll really be able to prove myself to you.
[Luke nods, mystified at the wording. There was some implication here that he was missing, and he can't help but feel a little stupider for it. Still, if Piety wanted his trust, they already had it in spades. He could wait.]
Are you saying that... next week you'll be able to take off your mask? [It's unclear what it had to do with anything. But being able to see a face would be easier to connect with...] ...I mean, you don't have to, if you don't want to. You don't need to prove anything.
Of course not--but it's not about proving. I just...want you to know who you can't see behind the mask. I wouldn't discredit the friendship and trust we've begun to build now, as we are, but...it'll just be nice to talk face to face.
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But as the weeks had passed, it was starting to dawn on Luke that trust was, in many cases, all they had. The only currency in trade that everyone possessed, and one which always had value. And wasn't that how it was in everyday life, too? The situation was different, but he'd certainly navigated similar waters on Auldrant—both positively and determentally.
In terms of trust, Piety had proven themselves each week, living up to their words, and standing by their beliefs—just as they'd said they would. Then, he'd helped Luke, counseled him, and trusted in him in turn.
Wasn't that what being a friend was all about?
There's a twitch of a smile on his lips at Piety's words, and he gives his head a single shake.]
That goes both ways, Piety. If we're going to be friends, we have to promise to protect each other.
We'll watch each other's backs, and make sure we're both trying to improve. And when we have problems, we can talk about them, like friends do. Anytime. [There's a moment as he thinks about that.] You can wake me up if you have something, too—and don't worry if I'm in the middle of something or anything like that.
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[Promises in all absolutely.]
I appreciate how much trust you've put in me so far. I know how much it is to ask, when I look the way that I do, now...but I also promise that it won't be like this for much longer. Just bear with me...for another week, and then I'll really be able to prove myself to you.
no subject
Are you saying that... next week you'll be able to take off your mask? [It's unclear what it had to do with anything. But being able to see a face would be easier to connect with...] ...I mean, you don't have to, if you don't want to. You don't need to prove anything.
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That's fair. I guess I'd be excited about it, too, if I had to wear a mask for as long as you have!
All right—I'm looking forward to it, Piety. Meeting face to face, and getting to know you even better!