[The slightest bit of tension eases out of him at their words and that touch, the set of his shoulders minutely less stiff; he exhales heavily, and a bit more of it goes along with his breath.]
Truthfully, that makes me want to remain even more. Perhaps even though I have not often been wielded, it is not in my nature to be very disloyal.
[Ishi manages to look up there, though.]
But I cannot... I have to do something. We shared a house, I saw him just last night, and yet-- there was nothing I could have done. No way I could have acted.
[His fingertips dig into the cloth beneath them. It's not sadness behind all this; it's anger. At whoever did this, at himself.]
What good is a blade that can't protect anyone when they need it most?
[It's the most that he can think of to say. These rules were never ones that he agreed with, but still, doesn't he carry the burden of responsibility for not being able to stop it in the first place?]
The terms are stacked against you--against us all. It doesn't reflect on you, what happened.
I certainly didn't anticipate this level of enthusiasm, either.
[It's going to be a real problem if this continues.
He takes a moment to gather his thoughts, though, before continuing.]
I plan to speak with Merriment. If I had the ability to remain active at night, I might be able to prevent this happening in the future-- at the very least, I could protect anyone I may be with that night.
...I don't mean to hide my intentions, however. If they are displeased with my reasons for wanting to join them, I will respect that.
I don't think that you'll be turned away. Merriment and I are good friends...you could even call us allies, in a way.
[Piety's quiet for a moment, thoughtful.]
I hate the thought of any blood being shed, but knowing that someone targeted, someone innocent, may be saved due to your efforts...that's all that either of us could ask for. Tell Merriment that I agreed to your request, that I'm consenting to the loss of a follower for this purpose. I'm sure if there are any objections, that will solidify the change in alliance.
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[The response comes without hesitation, and Piety reaches forward to put a hand on Ishi's shoulder.]
Whatever you do to be true to yourself, you'll always have my complete faith.
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Truthfully, that makes me want to remain even more. Perhaps even though I have not often been wielded, it is not in my nature to be very disloyal.
[Ishi manages to look up there, though.]
But I cannot... I have to do something. We shared a house, I saw him just last night, and yet-- there was nothing I could have done. No way I could have acted.
[His fingertips dig into the cloth beneath them. It's not sadness behind all this; it's anger. At whoever did this, at himself.]
What good is a blade that can't protect anyone when they need it most?
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[It's the most that he can think of to say. These rules were never ones that he agreed with, but still, doesn't he carry the burden of responsibility for not being able to stop it in the first place?]
The terms are stacked against you--against us all. It doesn't reflect on you, what happened.
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[A sigh, and-]
Especially considering the extent of it all, this time.
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[Piety's hands retract, clasping before his chest.]
I feared that this would happen, but not like this, and not...so quickly.
[Sighing, he hangs his head.]
If I may, would you mind if I asked what you're planning on doing?
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[It's going to be a real problem if this continues.
He takes a moment to gather his thoughts, though, before continuing.]
I plan to speak with Merriment. If I had the ability to remain active at night, I might be able to prevent this happening in the future-- at the very least, I could protect anyone I may be with that night.
...I don't mean to hide my intentions, however. If they are displeased with my reasons for wanting to join them, I will respect that.
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[Piety's quiet for a moment, thoughtful.]
I hate the thought of any blood being shed, but knowing that someone targeted, someone innocent, may be saved due to your efforts...that's all that either of us could ask for. Tell Merriment that I agreed to your request, that I'm consenting to the loss of a follower for this purpose. I'm sure if there are any objections, that will solidify the change in alliance.
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[He still doesn't feel good about it, exactly, but-- better, certainly, and he finally pushes himself back to his feet.]
And despite this, please-- call on me if you should need me. I have no intention of abandoning you, regardless of who I may follow.
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