[ She keeps her gaze straight ahead as they walk. Reminiscing isn't looking back. ]
Humanity's fight and struggle against agony, against sadness, against ugliness—it is a sign of being alive. There is no doubt about that. I do not argue against that.
But within a war, the people who are fighting it make a choice. The people who are leading it make choices. Blood will always be shed for a country's ambition. That I can't deny. That, I won't stand against.
[ How could she? ]
My voice is only one and that of a foolish girl from the countryside. I can only speak my piece. Others need not listen, but I do not condone or acknowledge every act done for the sake of a wish.
Just because someone must struggle, does that mean they can't be lent a hand?
[there is so much to address here, and he will, because it's a conversation he finds interesting. this place is interesting. he can speak without regard for rank or without an additional unspoken context being placed on his words.
maybe it is a little manipulative of him to take advantage of it - but if all he is doing is ascertaining other perspectives, is it so wrong?]
It is those from the countryside, from the ground and earth of a country that feels its burdens more heavily than others, after all. I cannot speak for all... but to have perspective and love in equal measure, I do not think that foolhardy. I think it only admirable.
[a beat]
... though I suppose - who am I to share an opinion like that, when I'm a far cry from an adjudicator myself?
[there's a soft, wry smile even as he glances at her - before looking forward]
I am just another person making choices, and hoping they are the right ones.
[ Jeanne loves humanity as a whole. That is something as plain as the sun in the sky. As a Ruler, she goes out of her way to hear the views of others first before doing anything. Can she be fair if she doesn't listen?
So of course she listens to Soo-won. ]
Why is your opinion not valid if you're not an adjudicator? Your will has merit, as much as anyone else's.
[ And anyone who can recognize that those who work and tills the fields should be acknowledged can't be all bad. She watches him as he speaks. ]
Everyone deserves to have a choice. It's life that not everyone will agree, but isn't that why people fight? Isn't that why people stand firm for their beliefs?
Fufu, they might perhaps be a bit arrogant in the grand scale of things, but I think that part of me is very human, too.
[it's why he adjusts his language here - he is not a god, he is not an adjudicator. he is a human and he does not think himself lesser for it by any means, because he loves humans and people, but he is just as willing to learn from others as he is to make his own choices.]
My thoughts are that I agree with you.
I think that emotions and desires and choices rule people, and they are wonderful to be hold. I like them very much - everyone that I meet has something that they carry with them, and I feel very lucky when they share that with me. I suppose it's why I'd like to make as many of those people happy as possible.
But perfect choices don't exist, and someone will always be saddened by results that do not favor them. Sometimes innocents suffer in the name of upholding the lives of others - but at the same time it is cruel to regard decisions as purely matters of numbers.
I said already that I think how you said it is nice - to not let one dream extinguish many others.
Yet even finding myself agreeing with you - it is still impossible to erase that the person whose dream is being extinguished was probably loved, too. By someone, somewhere.
[ Jeanne closes her eyes for a brief moment. Even as they continue their walk deeper in the forest, it's something she has to do to gather her thoughts. It's something she's thought about over and over.
When she opens her eyes again, her expression and voice are resolute. ]
It is too easy to think of enemies as demons, as evil beings whose deaths are just, but I can't think like that. I have to acknowledge them as they are—human, someone with wishes that aren't wrong, someone who's loved, someone who also wants to protect.
It won't change the blood that is spilled. It won't hide the blood that is on my hands.
[ It does not erase that she is not a— ]
One choice may rob someone else of one. It may rob someone of something too precious.
But it is admirable to make as many as you can happy. To hear the voices of the people around you and to help them—there's no way I can say that's wrong. It's only the actions you do to bring that into reality that may be.
It would be easier if the stories we were told as children were so simple - when enemy soldiers vanquished in war were villains, rather than other people with families and dreams, no? But perhaps that's what it means to no longer be a child.
[though he thinks that perhaps he did not believe in those stories for very long, even young as he was - but that is what happens when you study tactics alongside your bedtime stories, perhaps.
even so he offers her a soft smile]
You'll have to forgive me - I neglected to introduce myself in turn. My name is Soo-won, but I'd like to ask that you'd call me Won.
[so similar to the introduction he'd given others - and yet it rings slightly different. for this person, he thinks that a little bit more truth can't hurt.
just a little bit.]
I hope that I will never have to face you as an adjudicator, then.
[if she ever had to intervene should he do something so terrible that it would endanger innocents - he's never intended to do so, not once, but.
even now, even after repairing the fire nation's crops and the water tribe's crisis and the earth tribe's morale, soo-won thinks - il never meant harm either.]
But if I do, I suppose that'll be an answer for my choices in and of themselves.
[ Her smile is a little sad. Has she ever believed in those stories?
It sits a little differently now, after becoming someone stories are told about, after becoming someone who meets heroes, after fighting with the people who became legends. ]
It is easy to justify things in story, easier still to write matters in a way that won't lead to heartbreak.
[ She understands, but she has never been one to lie to herself, at least knowingly. ]
I pray that you'll never need me as an adjudicator, Won. I hope you won't be put in such dire straits that I won't be able to stand still.
It's only one conversation, but I don't think our ideals conflict. I—
[ And she walks straight into the forest barrier. Oof. ]
Ah - he looks a little startled at that and pauses just half a step before. One hand moves to her between her shoulder blades to steady her in case she stumbles, while the other reaches out to press against the.
Air?
Solid air?]
Oh.
Were we really speaking for so long that our captors thought to bodily stop us?
Normally, that would be, hmm, quite large? But right now, it's...
[ Something a little more human. Anyway, she is halfway up the tree, and there's a CRACK as she breaks off quite a sizeable branch that's probably as hefty and as long as a sword. ]
Oh—
[ The branch is falling down. ]
Timber!
[ She's not cutting a tree down, but she's always wanted to say that?
well soo-won's going to swing his like a sword and match jeanne's peace, aiming to impact at the exact moment that she does so that it can be twice the amount of force--
that will repel them and shoot confetti in their faces. or bubbles. pick one.
whatever it is, one got in soo-won's mouth and he's coughing]
[wow what a terrible party! but soo-won is just going to turn his face away from her so he can cough out a piece of confetti and then look a bit sheepish]
Mm, I'm fine - I think their party favor almost did more damage than the recoil.
A higher vantage point might help - and we can see if what we throw upward hits a ceiling? Alternatively, if the barrier goes straight up then we can determine if it's possible to vault over.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
this is so funny
[ She keeps her gaze straight ahead as they walk. Reminiscing isn't looking back. ]
Humanity's fight and struggle against agony, against sadness, against ugliness—it is a sign of being alive. There is no doubt about that. I do not argue against that.
But within a war, the people who are fighting it make a choice. The people who are leading it make choices. Blood will always be shed for a country's ambition. That I can't deny. That, I won't stand against.
[ How could she? ]
My voice is only one and that of a foolish girl from the countryside. I can only speak my piece. Others need not listen, but I do not condone or acknowledge every act done for the sake of a wish.
Just because someone must struggle, does that mean they can't be lent a hand?
no subject
[there is so much to address here, and he will, because it's a conversation he finds interesting. this place is interesting. he can speak without regard for rank or without an additional unspoken context being placed on his words.
maybe it is a little manipulative of him to take advantage of it - but if all he is doing is ascertaining other perspectives, is it so wrong?]
It is those from the countryside, from the ground and earth of a country that feels its burdens more heavily than others, after all. I cannot speak for all... but to have perspective and love in equal measure, I do not think that foolhardy. I think it only admirable.
[a beat]
... though I suppose - who am I to share an opinion like that, when I'm a far cry from an adjudicator myself?
[there's a soft, wry smile even as he glances at her - before looking forward]
I am just another person making choices, and hoping they are the right ones.
no subject
So of course she listens to Soo-won. ]
Why is your opinion not valid if you're not an adjudicator? Your will has merit, as much as anyone else's.
[ And anyone who can recognize that those who work and tills the fields should be acknowledged can't be all bad. She watches him as he speaks. ]
Everyone deserves to have a choice. It's life that not everyone will agree, but isn't that why people fight? Isn't that why people stand firm for their beliefs?
I'd like to hear your thoughts.
no subject
Fufu, they might perhaps be a bit arrogant in the grand scale of things, but I think that part of me is very human, too.
[it's why he adjusts his language here - he is not a god, he is not an adjudicator. he is a human and he does not think himself lesser for it by any means, because he loves humans and people, but he is just as willing to learn from others as he is to make his own choices.]
My thoughts are that I agree with you.
I think that emotions and desires and choices rule people, and they are wonderful to be hold. I like them very much - everyone that I meet has something that they carry with them, and I feel very lucky when they share that with me. I suppose it's why I'd like to make as many of those people happy as possible.
But perfect choices don't exist, and someone will always be saddened by results that do not favor them. Sometimes innocents suffer in the name of upholding the lives of others - but at the same time it is cruel to regard decisions as purely matters of numbers.
I said already that I think how you said it is nice - to not let one dream extinguish many others.
Yet even finding myself agreeing with you - it is still impossible to erase that the person whose dream is being extinguished was probably loved, too. By someone, somewhere.
no subject
[ Jeanne closes her eyes for a brief moment. Even as they continue their walk deeper in the forest, it's something she has to do to gather her thoughts. It's something she's thought about over and over.
When she opens her eyes again, her expression and voice are resolute. ]
It is too easy to think of enemies as demons, as evil beings whose deaths are just, but I can't think like that. I have to acknowledge them as they are—human, someone with wishes that aren't wrong, someone who's loved, someone who also wants to protect.
It won't change the blood that is spilled. It won't hide the blood that is on my hands.
[ It does not erase that she is not a— ]
One choice may rob someone else of one. It may rob someone of something too precious.
But it is admirable to make as many as you can happy. To hear the voices of the people around you and to help them—there's no way I can say that's wrong. It's only the actions you do to bring that into reality that may be.
no subject
[though he thinks that perhaps he did not believe in those stories for very long, even young as he was - but that is what happens when you study tactics alongside your bedtime stories, perhaps.
even so he offers her a soft smile]
You'll have to forgive me - I neglected to introduce myself in turn. My name is Soo-won, but I'd like to ask that you'd call me Won.
[so similar to the introduction he'd given others - and yet it rings slightly different. for this person, he thinks that a little bit more truth can't hurt.
just a little bit.]
I hope that I will never have to face you as an adjudicator, then.
[if she ever had to intervene should he do something so terrible that it would endanger innocents - he's never intended to do so, not once, but.
even now, even after repairing the fire nation's crops and the water tribe's crisis and the earth tribe's morale, soo-won thinks - il never meant harm either.]
But if I do, I suppose that'll be an answer for my choices in and of themselves.
no subject
It sits a little differently now, after becoming someone stories are told about, after becoming someone who meets heroes, after fighting with the people who became legends. ]
It is easy to justify things in story, easier still to write matters in a way that won't lead to heartbreak.
[ She understands, but she has never been one to lie to herself, at least knowingly. ]
I pray that you'll never need me as an adjudicator, Won. I hope you won't be put in such dire straits that I won't be able to stand still.
It's only one conversation, but I don't think our ideals conflict. I—
[ And she walks straight into the forest barrier. Oof. ]
no subject
Ah - he looks a little startled at that and pauses just half a step before. One hand moves to her between her shoulder blades to steady her in case she stumbles, while the other reaches out to press against the.
Air?
Solid air?]
Oh.
Were we really speaking for so long that our captors thought to bodily stop us?
[no that was ara]
no subject
She stumbles a little but is quick to regain her balance. She also reaches out to touch the barrier. ]
I don't see why they'd have to cut off our conversation when all I wanted was to express my belief in you.
[ She frowns. ]
Shall I see if force can break through?
no subject
[that said he's not very interested in giving up so
he'll turn to her]
Mm. Would you like a hand?
[he doesn't have any weapons on him but he can still try to help]
no subject
I won't turn a hand away.
[ She faces a tree and
well
She starts climbing it. ]
How large of a branch do you think will be enough force?
no subject
Hmm.... the largest one you can find - that you can also swing at full momentum without impediment to yourself.
no subject
[ Something a little more human. Anyway, she is halfway up the tree, and there's a CRACK as she breaks off quite a sizeable branch that's probably as hefty and as long as a sword. ]
Oh—
[ The branch is falling down. ]
Timber!
[ She's not cutting a tree down, but she's always wanted to say that?
Look fast, Soo-Won! ]
no subject
ah
but he's going to catch the branch, because he thinks joo-doh would kill him if he couldn't manage that much]
Received! Ow.
[splinter]
no subject
Jeanne breaks off another branch and throws it far away from where she heard his voice, and she quickly makes her way down. ]
I'm very sorry! I thought you would dodge. Are you all right?
no subject
Ahaha, I'm fine, it's just a splinter. You don't need to apologize for that.
We can try to see if we make any progress with the barrier, and then I'll get it looked at.
no subject
I am sorry all the same, but as long as you truly will get it looked at if after, I won't push it more than that.
[ What's done is done, and they do have an objective.
She picks up the other branch she broke off, holding it a bit more like a polearm than a sword before she takes a swing at the barrier. ]
no subject
well soo-won's going to swing his like a sword and match jeanne's peace, aiming to impact at the exact moment that she does so that it can be twice the amount of force--
that will repel them and shoot confetti in their faces. or bubbles. pick one.
whatever it is, one got in soo-won's mouth and he's coughing]
no subject
It's a party. Jeanne gets hit full force in the face, and some confetti gets stuck in her long braid. It's fine.
She sputters. ]
A-Are you all right?
[ As she tries to sweep it all off her face and clothes and litter the ground. ]
no subject
Mm, I'm fine - I think their party favor almost did more damage than the recoil.
Are you?
no subject
[ She's never cared too much for dignity, but. ]
The... confetti took me aback more than anything else, but at least that answers one question.
[ She looks up. ]
Perhaps I should have stayed in the tree to test how high the barrier goes.
[ But she thinks the barrier is spherical. ]
no subject
A higher vantage point might help - and we can see if what we throw upward hits a ceiling? Alternatively, if the barrier goes straight up then we can determine if it's possible to vault over.
[so both hypotheses get a test]
no subject
back up the tree she goes again! ]
no subject
soo-won takes about 2 seconds to think about trying to remove his splinter
before shrugging because he might end up with more and goes to climb up after her.
it's a little nostalgic, it's been a while since he got to scale trees]