IC Inbox III

[ukan]

This is Lark, leave a message.

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[riseunparalleled]

"Currently, I consider it my duty to try to offer what protection and care I can to inmates, in whatever for that takes. Sometimes it's physical, sometimes it's speaking for them when others won't or can't, and sometimes it speaking with them in hope of helping them try to find and understanding of themselves."

[ukan]

It's the same for Lark. And they've spoken about this somewhat before.

"Is that a role you fill at home, too?"

[riseunparalleled]

"Yes. Often in different ways, because of the specific pressures and people, but my intent is the same."

There are things he hasn't spoken directly of to Lark before, but since he's told more people since then -

"I'm a Martial God, though I prefer to have a conversation instead of a fight, when I can."

[ukan]

"That's how I always envisioned a real martial god would be." Not full of wrath or blood lust. A different entity, really, from a god of war.

[riseunparalleled]

"Our duty is to protect. It's important to known when to not use violence." In generally, but especially when you're very, very good at it.

[ukan]

"My kind were created to wage wars." And he has complicated feelings about it. More complicated the longer he lives. "You say 'our'; there are other gods?"

[riseunparalleled]

"Yeah, it still seems a little strange to me how common it seems here to only believe there is one, instead of simply following one. It's a lot of work for just one god."

[ukan]

"There are no gods in my world. None that visibly interact with us, anyway, but I've always found the myths comforting. After being here, though, I'd be a fool not to acknowledge that there are many gods out there."

[riseunparalleled]

"I can't say what I'd think if I'd been born to a world without awareness of the truth of gods."

He's never been particularly religious, but he supposes it's impossible to know for sure who you'd be in a different life.

"There are many gods in the Heavenly Court. Perhaps that is why I'm able to take a more active role in protecting people."

[ukan]

The idea of so many gods out there gives him a spark of...something. Thoughtfulness, excitement. "What is it that made you decide people are worth protecting?"

[riseunparalleled]

He laughs, spreading his hands. "A question that's difficult to answer. From a very young age, my dream was always to protect people. I wanted to save the common people. Worth... that doesn't really come into it. I don't think 'moral character' should determine whether someone should be saved or not."

[ukan]

"Why not? Surely killing some people saves innocent lives of others."

[riseunparalleled]

"Who is innocent?"

[ukan]

"Dogs." A small smirk.

[riseunparalleled]

He shakes his head, smiling. "So the truly innocent do deserve defending. But look where we are, I don't think you'd be here if you honestly thought it was so simple." He grins. "My teacher warned me about people who try to draw you into an argument they don't believe in."

[ukan]

He favors him with a grin. You caught him. "So he was no fan of lawyers?"

[riseunparalleled]

"I'm not sure if he ever came into contact with one, so I couldn't presume." He takes a sip of tea. "I think you would take issue with a god who only offered to people who he deemed as... morally worthy."

[ukan]

"I would. I struggle with that myself... I'm here because I want to help protect the rights of the inmates, even those I don't personally like. But in practice it's harder," a soft chuckle. "Especially when, in a wolf pack, they'd just be torn apart by the group."

[riseunparalleled]

"I have the... advantage of protecting people for the sake of protecting them. Which makes things, possibly, differently personal for me here than it might be for some."

[ukan]

"It's refreshing. The ideal defense for people who others would toss away, is someone like you."

[riseunparalleled]

The god of that which is thrown away. "Still, that is how I'd describe my purpose on the barge at this moment. It might have to be modified, a little, when I'm paired with someone."

[ukan]

"You'll prioritize your inmate over the ship?"

[riseunparalleled]

"I would say that I would have a responsibility to advocate for them in a different way than just the fair hearing I believe everyone deserves."

[ukan]

"What would you do if your inmate murdered someone?"

[riseunparalleled]

He gives the question careful thought. "I would speak with the other person involved, to try to get an understanding of the consequences to them, if they're the sort who can find it difficult to state that themselves. I'd probably confine my inmate to my cabin for at least a few days, and try to work through the reasons and the reasonable consequences. I don't believe murder is a reasonable or helpful action here, and not being able to adapt to different circumstances won't help them back in their world."