audience: shess

[cyclists]

Comments

[cyclists]

At the moment, yes.

[that said]

I would rather not leave such things as respect up for interpretation. It is best not taken for granted, though I appreciate the gesture.

It seems more pressing to earn your respect, than to assume it given.

[nonbelligerent]

[he just continues smiling.]

I believe in being careful around those of unknown strength.

[as a sura—a member of a race where power dominates.]

[cyclists]

[a thoughtful pause before a nod]

An understandable strategy. You must find us intimidating.

It may not mean much here with my new responsibilities... but my duty has always been to protect.

[nonbelligerent]

[...]

Everyone has something to protect. What makes people different is the matter of what it is.

[cyclists]

That is true. The difference between protecting pride or protecting family can determine whether a man becomes a dictator.

If I may - might you have something to protect?

[nonbelligerent]

Of course I do. My universe, and my clan.

[cyclists]

[a hum of approval]

Noble causes, of course.

[nonbelligerent]

I've never particularly thought of them as noble or not, merely what I am to do.

... Though I suppose I can do those things because I have the power to, and therefore it is my responsibility to.

[cyclists]

Even if you do not think of it is as such, that is also a very noble concept of power.

[lune will glance to the lanterns floating along the river thoughtfully]

Others will use power to steal away the livelihood of others, after all, to see the extent of what they can do with it.

[nonbelligerent]

[he smiles wryly.]

That is how we sura typically behave. That such a thing is the right of the strong, and the weak can only lament their fate.

[unsurprisingly, it's also why everyone hates them.]

[cyclists]

In that case - do you consider yourself atypical?

[nonbelligerent]

[...]

We of the Kinnara clan are neutral. We do not take sides. Our focus is on maintaining the balance of the universe.

[written as if a creed.]

Certainly, that means we lack the hostility of other clans. However, it is in part for our own protection, when we have no allies who would come to our aid. That sense of self-preservation is, perhaps, very typical.

[cyclists]

[a hum of understanding]

How familiar...

In that case - might I ask how you feel about the situation you've found yourself in?

[nonbelligerent]

... If it's harmony you seek, I suppose the universe could've done worse than choosing me.

Though to be blunt, this is not my world, so I struggle to be truly invested in its fate.

[cyclists]

[now comes a laugh]

The bluntness is fine. Thank you for being straightforward with me.

But you're aware of the nature of darkness, aren't you? If left unchecked, it might slip into your universe and leave it vulnerable as well.

[nonbelligerent]

Which is why I will give my assistance, besides the fact I'd like to be returned to my own world.

[cyclists]

Assuming the burden for the sake of the greater good, is it?

[nonbelligerent]

I wouldn't put it in such grand terms. It's my world and I'm living in it. Why would I not try to preserve it?

[cyclists]

Perhaps if that was your answer alone, it would be easier to believe that you are living only pragmatically.

But I believe it to be something slightly greater than that - perhaps kindness, intermingled with simple sensibility.

[nonbelligerent]

Well, I won't turn down a compliment, so thank you.

And what of you?

[cyclists]

Mmm, indeed. What of me?

[they sound amused as they parrot the question]

Is there something specific you would like to ask?

[nonbelligerent]

You've heard plenty about my motivations. I'm wondering about yours.

[cyclists]

At this time, we are not allowed to interfere with the decisions that each of you make - I believe that is the strictest guideline. We cannot come to your immediate aid with our abilities, and we cannot harm you.

Otherwise, we are merely meant to see what each of you decide as the events that the universe has set forth unfold.

As for my personal motivations....

I would like to protect as much as I can.

[nonbelligerent]

And how do you decide what to protect and what may be left behind?

[genuine question!]

[cyclists]

Before, that wasn't my decision to make. I was only meant to protect what I was told to protect. People, places, choices, strategies.

Even now, I am learning what it means to exercise my own will and truly find the right path to protecting as many as possible -

Taking the feelings of others into consideration, how many lives are at stake, how much harm could be done to the future generations with a specific choice....

I try to consider it all, to the best of my abilities.