@hythlodaeus | text

[nomoresharks]

I've an odd question to ask, if you'll indulge me.

Let us say a world exists where all work toward the betterment of their world, where none go without, and no one need be separated from their loved ones before they could bid farewell. Each day is peaceful and productive, and you know your place within it. You need not leave until you are ready, and only when you feel fulfilled.

Would you choose to live in this world or the one you came from? Why?

And to those who know why I ask this question, I pray you answer as well, and do so honestly. I promise 'tis in the spirit of keeping an open mind.

Comments

[onlythans]

aye, even then
though if you take the costs out of it my reasons change

i would keep the one i have because it's the one someone important to me cared for
one she thought was worth fighting for
one she believed in

and mayhap the paradise is better and safer and happier and more perfect
but it's not the one she loved

so i choose the one she loved

[nomoresharks]

I can't fault you for that. 'Tis the same thought that troubles me, after all.

Though I imagine after all you and your friends have gone through, my saying such a thing must ring terribly hollow.

[onlythans]

well
if we're sharing remarks that will likely ring terribly hollow

for what little it's worth
of the lot of those blackguards, that friend of yours was the least objectionable one

[nomoresharks]

["Was."]

It's funny. That sounds almost like the sort of compliment I'd expect to hear from him.

[onlythans]

for gods sake don't compare me to that bastard

[Says area man who arguably shares the most traits in common of any of the Scions with said bastard and will absolutely not be admitting to it, no sir.]

[nomoresharks]

Oh dear. I'm afraid you're not helping your case in the slightest. The similarities grow by the bell.

[onlythans]

we are NOTHING ALIKE

[says area man just digging his own grave deeper all the while]

[nomoresharks]

Are you sure? Perhaps we should put it to the test.

Approximately how much sulking would you say your day consists of?

[onlythans]

absolutely none
i have more important things to do with my time

unlike some people evidently

[honestly he's just a parody of himself at this point]

[nomoresharks]

Yes, yes, of course.

And your favorite thing to complain about?

[And Hythlodaeus is not about to let this go.]

[onlythans]

oh come now

you're already well acquainted with my answer to THAT

[nomoresharks]

Colleagues!

Well.

His colleagues. Not so much your own.

Though I do suppose the difference is unique enough to allow at least one difference between the two of you.

[onlythans]

i'm also far better-looking
not that THAT was ever a question to begin with

[nomoresharks]

Hm...

Depends on the lighting I'd say.

Though I'll give you points on *any* of us when it comes to fashion.

[onlythans]

as befitting a gentleman of refinement such as i am

did it never get tedious, the conformity?
i recall our individuality being remarked upon once
"children wearing costumes", i think we were called

[nomoresharks]

I never gave it much thought before, but yes. I understand the reasons of course, but I've always treasured those moments I had the chance to go without cowl or mask. 'Tis always a breath of fresh air.

Or at least it was. Now it's almost normal.

I never asked if anyone else felt the same. Mayhap I've merely a soft spot for costume.

[onlythans]

what reasons?

i admit i hardly comprehend the reasons a society would be so adherent to stamping out all semblance of individuality

[nomoresharks]

To better focus on what one says and does, rather than on his appearance. Appearances are fleeting in the end, so 'tis better to focus on the mind rather than one's own vanity.

[So he sends, but his own actions make clear that he himself doesn't fully subscribe to the idea--not all the time, anyway.]

[onlythans]

the only distinguishing marks the masks

red for convocation members
black and white for others, aye?

[nomoresharks]

Almost! There are a few exceptions.

The vast majority of the Convocation wears red masks, but Azem's is black, to better mark them as traveler and counselor.

Elidibus's white robes are also a distinguishing characteristic, but not unique to the office. Any individual bearing white robes can be considered a trustworthy and impartial advisor in matters of their expertise. And considering Elidibus's role, such robes are something of a given.

[onlythans]

oh

was that one a friend of yours, too

[nomoresharks]

[...Well. Shit.

Best to bottle that up with everything else. And use "is." Focus on "is."]

Not exactly. More a friend of Azem's, really. From what I've heard, he's something like a little brother to the members of the Convocation. And quite dedicated besides.

[onlythans]

dedicated is the proper word for it aye

"elidibus is my name and my duty", something like that

[nomoresharks]

Oh, well, that statement isn't *quite* as extreme as you may think. 'Tis said that once they accept the seat, the office becomes their lives. For some, even their very purpose. I shouldn't be surprised if Elidibus considered the latter to be the case. Nor if it is his youth that contributes to his fervor.

private;

[onlythans]

all right
let me ask you something, all vague turns of phrase aside

just how much do you want my forthright responses to commentary like that, really

you know i'm hardly the greatest of fans of some of your colleagues
you also know i've information about them that you haven't

but their deeds are theirs
not yours by association
and if you'd rather be spared them i know how to keep my mouth shut and play along