divus | GODLY AUDIENCES: RAY

I believe in the best in him...and in everyone.

[Piety's laced fingers lose a measure of tension.]

I can't deny that in some cases, it may be naive or foolish...but...that's just how I am. More logically, however, I saw the way that he looked at me when I proposed this. I think he understands that an alliance and compromise with me may be the best way he can get what he wants. If nothing else, I think he'll be reluctant to turn his back on a strategy that works so well in his favor.

[ray: believing the best in people? sounds fake]

... Well, that makes more sense, yes.

In a game like that, logic is going to speak louder than hope. I do try to be fluent in both areas.

[He's just so...gentle...]

We're both aware that our alliance my be concerning to the others, but we're hoping we can ultimately appeal to everyone this way. It'll take work, but so does everything worth fighting for.

Honestly, things would be so much simpler if you could just cooperate from the start...

[but he knows how difficult that is—or how difficult it is to believe that'll happen.]

That's how I feel, as well. If everyone had simply been able to listen...

[But that isn't what happened. And he takes full responsibility for his part in that: for his lack of assertiveness, for allowing things to spiral so far out of control. For not having been able to quell the conflict.]

Things will be different this time.

[...]

Talk to your remaining follower. If they're planning on leaving, tell me. You're too useful to let die just yet.

Otherwise...

[well, he'll think about it.]

[There's a smile in Piety's voice.]

Don't worry. I don't think I'll ever lose my last follower. The two of us are very close, and speak often.

Good. It better stay that way.

[THEY CAN'T LOSE THE ONE BRAINCELL]

In the meantime, I wish you luck in whichever course of action that you decide upon. As far as I'm concerned, any alignment you choose will benefit significantly from your support.

Haven't really helped Love much, but thanks.

[He's trying! To! Compliment! You!]

Maybe not in numbers...but I think for a lot of my peers...they need more than just that kind of support. You're more valuable than you think.

[what's a compliment]

You mean a lot of your peers are kind of morons?

[...]

They all have their quirks.

[He can't call someone a moron!]

[he snorts because he knows what that means!!]

That's one way of putting it. That reminds me—your specialty is seeing into people's natures, huh? No wonder you gave me such detailed opinions before.

Yes. I'd always been perceptive, or so I'd been told in my past life, but...now, when I see below the surface of people, it's much more than just a hunch or feeling.

[Piety sees A L L]

That's actually a little unsettling.

[Piety chuckles, sounding sheepish.]

I'm sorry. I try not to...take advantage.

If I were you, I'd be taking advantage of it all the time.

It helps me get to know people. When you understand a person's best qualities, even before they feel comfortable showing them, it's usually easier to find common ground. That's how I've met some of my closest friends.

[THAT'S PART OF WHY HE DOESN'T LIKE IT!!]

And here?

Here...I can keep believing. In all of you, and all of us...and in the future.

... You are putting way too much faith in us.

[Piety gives another gentle laugh.]

I don't think I am...but I understand how you might think that, with the way that things are going. Faith or not, people have a way of doing things you least expect.

I mean, I was under the impression that murder was kind of unexpected, so yes, I completely agree with that.

[...]

By the way, who was the white mask figure in my dream?

Edited 2019-03-11 13:36 (UTC)

Oh...that would be the competitor with the forced defection ability.

[Or some kind of symbolic version of them, at least.]

(no subject)

selfimmolates - 2019-03-13 13:12 (UTC) - Expand