ETERNAL QUESTIONING

[shinsengumi]

Who are you? What do you believe in? What do you stand for?

Or, this.

Comments

[royaux]

Which is worse, failing or never trying?

To never try is a failing in and of itself. It just becomes a private failing no one else is able to see rather than a public one open to judgement.

[enforcehiswill]

[If you could see Larsen's headache over this question, you might now see it visibly lessen. Oh, to be capable of articulation. Or thought.]

[royalwarden]

That's true. Sometimes I'm not sure which of those is worse...

[royaux]

I'm... not sure either.

[boy that direction over there sure looks appealing. that's an excellent direction to look in, yes.]

I suppose it would depend on how accountable you hold yourself to be.

[royalwarden]

You could say that to try and fail only invites both forms of judgement. The witnesses scorn you, and you scorn yourself for falling short.

[royalwarden]

But you don't believe in settling for things as they are, do you?

[royaux]

No. And you know I don't.

[royaux]

... It makes me wonder what level of judgement is acceptable.

[royalwarden]

The only limit on that is where you decide to draw the line, Oberin.

[royaux]

...

[royaux]

I have too much.

[royalwarden]

Too much?

[royaux]

Too much power, too much pride, I don't know. If I'm responsible for drawing the line where I'm to be judged, then what's to stop me from drawing one which prevents others from judging me to my benefit and also drawing one which shields myself from my own recognition of my shortcomings? It can't be my decision. There has to be some other way.

[royalwarden]

If there's another way it's for you to make. That's within your power, just like the rest of it.

[royalwarden]

You don't have to figure it all out at once, you know. And you're not alone.

[royaux]

[HUFF.]

[royaux]

But I need to know. It's my responsibility.

[royalwarden]

[oh u.]

When you draw your line, make sure you've got people you trust standing on the same side as you. Lay down your law, Oberin - we'll listen. Tell us how you'd have it be.

[royalwarden]

If it means telling you you're thinking yourself in circles and need a good shake, then I promise to be first in line.

[royaux]

... Good. Thank you, Odette.