AUDIENCE: SOO-WON

[retellers]

Comments

[recrowns]

.... well, I'm a bit used to it.

[and at this, his smile seems to settle - the sadness that was in his eyes tapers off. if this has ever been an injury, it seems like it's one that's scarred over.]

People have expected great things of me ever since I was young.

It's just that... the people who didn't ever want anything more from me - they're now out of my reach.

[retellers]

... I cannot say I know what that's like, but... Is it because of you killing the previous king?

[recrowns]

.... yes.

[a beat and then - ]

He was Yona's father. And my best friend - he adored both the king and Yona. So when I killed him, I knew I would end up losing them both.

[though.

he can't help but feel.]

... Goat.

Why am I sharing so much about myself today?

[retellers]

[ he stares blankly. ] Are you? [ he just thought soo-won was opening up to him... ]

[recrowns]

I am. And it's not just with you - it's with a few others. I find myself saying more about myself... even though I hesitate.

And normally I don't hesitate.

[normally he's very aware of every piece of information that he shares.

so.]

Does one of the Leaders have the power to compel people to do something out of character? Like how you have the power to enter people's dreams? Or is this another odd manipulation of this place?

[he just

has to ask because he's noticing this about himself]

[retellers]

[ he thinks for a bit. ] Not that I know of... though it's not as if there's any rule stating that we must be open and honest about our abilities.

[recrowns]

Of course not.

Is there any chance that my fellow participants might have any abilities that they're keeping close to the chest?

[retellers]

It's possible, I suppose...

[recrowns]

Is that so...

[ . . . ]

Mm, alright. I understand. I'll investigate more into it. I can't say I'm particularly fond of being made to feel strangely this week but -

This is.... at least somewhat innocuous.

[retellers]

If it is some sort of power, then I do not know their reasoning, but perhaps they thought it would help you...?

[recrowns]

It makes me wonder if it's Dorothy. She was especially cross with me after the weekend and how I chose not to disclose my injury.

[it's a little bit more complicated than that and he knows but

he sighs gently]

... I'll look into it. People are free to want to help me... but I can't help but feel as though tampering with my own willingness to disclose matters about myself is less than ideal.

[he's not mad, but there's a sense that he dislikes it being taken out of his own power]

[retellers]

... Mm. Yes, if it's not of your own will, then...

[recrowns]

.... right.

[he sighs a bit - before finishing up his tea and then going to wash the dish]

It's fine. I'll deal with this too. Just one more item to endure.

[retellers]

... It doesn't seem as though there's much I can do, but if I can help alleviate the burdens you endure, let me know.

[recrowns]

[soo-won just manages a soft laugh at that even as he dries the cup and sets it aside - ]

You're with me, and you're my friend.

That's enough.

[retellers]

... I suppose I cannot argue against that, can I.

[recrowns]

You can't.

[and he looks pleased with himself even as he laughs and returns to goat's side, seeking his hand]

Come, let's continue our walk before we get caught.

[retellers]

[ goat will let soo-won take his hand again! ] Where to, though...?

[recrowns]

I don't know.

[hate this man]

We can just walk and see where we end up?

[retellers]

[ he nods. ] Okay. We can do that.

[recrowns]

[yay!! off they go to wander around then, and soo-won will idly swing their hands as they go]

Do you know anything about pirates, Goat? The new Northern area actually looks more familiar to me than last week's.

[retellers]

No... I am not familiar with them.

[recrowns]

Hm... Do you know the concept of bandits? Thieves?

They're like that - but on the sea!

[don't sound so excited about crime]

[retellers]

I am familiar with thieves, yes... but what is there to steal on the sea?

[recrowns]

Mostly from other ships.

[ah.]

Depending on the cargo that they carry... it can be goods, drugs, jewels - sometimes even passengers.

Of course, there are pirates who seek to do harm - and then those who might even help others.