[ they lift their hand, as the bird takes off. though in general, soo-won might notice that the woodland creatures--even the more skittish ones--seem accepting of goat's presence. ]
You may also simply think of me as nothing at all.
I do not expect anything from people. Whether they feel any semblance of loyalty towards me or if they hold me in contempt--it does not change what I should do.
soo-won seems thoughtful at that. he gathers loyalty for his goals only because he needs the strength of generals in order to protect the country - but it is ultimately means to an end]
Hm... Goat - everything we speak on will be held in confidence, yes?
I've already confessed my current place as a king to one person - but even regardless of that, I've been fascinated with how others choose to live their lives.
When you refer to what you 'should do' - is it your goal to protect others, regardless of their knowledge or opinion of how that's done? Or is it guided by some semblance of what it means to do 'the right thing'?
People will always disagree on what "the right thing" is. Even the gods themselves may not see eye to eye... Perhaps there is no absolute justice in this world, or any.
So, all I can do is follow my heart. If that means I might do what others disapprove of, then so be it. We each are free to act on our own will.
[soo-won nods, because he agrees with that sentiment. the 'right thing' is based on context, and he supposes that someone who has lived so long would have an even more expanded repertoire of references on that]
And your heart tells you that you'd like to protect others?
I would ask you if there's ever a situation you've encountered where that became difficult for you to accomplish...
But I suppose instead I can only pose it instead as - what would you sacrifice, if that became difficult to accomplish?
... Each life--from humans, to animals, to the plants around us--exists for a reason, and should not be taken without one.
However... [ and this is where they fall silent for a moment, frowning. ] ... I know there are times where it is too late to resolve things without violence. That, sometimes, there are people who can be stopped in only one way.
I would not have any more right to take the life of that child, but it is a matter of placing that sin on the scales against another. [ ... ] At the very least, if you're to sacrifice something that isn't yours to give, you must understand the weight of that life. Those who cannot are not qualified to carry their blade.
[an easy, if somewhat slow and languid agreement. it rolls off his tongue after goat's words, and he nods easily even as they continue to walk along]
There isn't truly any meaning in rampant bloodshed, even though such things can happen in war and conflict. To take simply because you have the power, and because you can... it's unnecessary cruelty.
Yet as you said, there are some things that kindness alone cannot accomplish, and the interests of innocent people cannot be protected if they are guided only by kindness and peacekeeping.
It would be nice, if kindness was enough to save everyone.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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and then
they fall silent.
...
they seem to be thinking very hard, though? ]
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in the meantime, as they and soo-won grow closer to where there's nature, they hold out a hand and a wild bird comes down to perch on it. ]
... I don't know if I have any particular talents... [ maybe they are just a useless goat. ): ] But if I can, I would like to protect others.
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that said, soo-won will glance over at that and offer up a smile]
I think that's a wonderful desire - even if it's not yet bloomed into a talent.
So you're more akin to my Guardian than my Leader?
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If you would like to think of it as that.
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[but it's somewhat simpler to grasp?]
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[ they lift their hand, as the bird takes off. though in general, soo-won might notice that the woodland creatures--even the more skittish ones--seem accepting of goat's presence. ]
You may also simply think of me as nothing at all.
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Is that what you'd prefer? To be regarded as nothing?
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It's not a matter of what I prefer.
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[he tilts his head, though his gaze goes upward]
I'd like to know more about your preferences as well, and about you in general.
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soo-won seems thoughtful at that. he gathers loyalty for his goals only because he needs the strength of generals in order to protect the country - but it is ultimately means to an end]
Hm... Goat - everything we speak on will be held in confidence, yes?
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When you refer to what you 'should do' - is it your goal to protect others, regardless of their knowledge or opinion of how that's done? Or is it guided by some semblance of what it means to do 'the right thing'?
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People will always disagree on what "the right thing" is. Even the gods themselves may not see eye to eye... Perhaps there is no absolute justice in this world, or any.
So, all I can do is follow my heart. If that means I might do what others disapprove of, then so be it. We each are free to act on our own will.
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And your heart tells you that you'd like to protect others?
I would ask you if there's ever a situation you've encountered where that became difficult for you to accomplish...
But I suppose instead I can only pose it instead as - what would you sacrifice, if that became difficult to accomplish?
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However... [ and this is where they fall silent for a moment, frowning. ] ... I know there are times where it is too late to resolve things without violence. That, sometimes, there are people who can be stopped in only one way.
I would not have any more right to take the life of that child, but it is a matter of placing that sin on the scales against another. [ ... ] At the very least, if you're to sacrifice something that isn't yours to give, you must understand the weight of that life. Those who cannot are not qualified to carry their blade.
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[an easy, if somewhat slow and languid agreement. it rolls off his tongue after goat's words, and he nods easily even as they continue to walk along]
There isn't truly any meaning in rampant bloodshed, even though such things can happen in war and conflict. To take simply because you have the power, and because you can... it's unnecessary cruelty.
Yet as you said, there are some things that kindness alone cannot accomplish, and the interests of innocent people cannot be protected if they are guided only by kindness and peacekeeping.
It would be nice, if kindness was enough to save everyone.
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[ ...
though they halt, looking deep in thought--if pained--before they hold a hand against their chest, where their heart is. ]
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his gaze suddenly turns concerned, worried, sincere about it.]
—had I said something wrong? Are you alright?
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My chest just hurts.
[ this is all said with full sincerity. ]
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actually what's the height difference jan i never asked]
Let's rest then - you shouldn't push yourself if you're pained.
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goat shakes their head. ]
I'm... I'm fine.
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... can you describe the symptom to me?
Archer has been instructing me on some medicinal remedies with basic herbs - you may not be human, but if there's anything I could do...
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JAN PLEASE SLEEP
i should never have confirmed my identity ):
i love you but sneepytime
:pensive:
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