There really isn't much else for him to do but patiently wait for her to decide what she wants to say. He isn't the type to wander off like an edgy boy anyway.
But likewise, it takes him a bit to respond.]
We think they do. [Which does not explain anything, so he adds:] We are... a race of people from China long ago.
We could commune with animals. We gave the humans their prophecies, and we protected the humans from the destructive ones. We became priest and priestesses.
...But an emperor's advances were rejected by one of the priestesses, and he became so offended he had all of our people killed. Only one managed to escape and ever since, we have vowed to watch every one perish.
[the way count d has like, the same backstory as the swords but also rang. knives-ass motherfucker]
... It surprises me, sometimes, how awful humans can be. [it feels like there are so few that are good people, in her experience.] I can't say I wouldn't have done the same.
I have no other answer to give you, Miss Shenhe. It does not matter what I want. My father left me with a reminder as he died: that hope is useless. And I will give the same reminder to my son later.
It's our duty... to not forget until the last human is gone.
[He smiles slightly, not the usual one which doesn’t reach his eyes. A genuine one.]
I don’t think it’s wrong if you need to leave or hide for a while, if it’s too much. But… it’s good of you to know it’s alright to show how you feel. Whether it’s happy, or angry, or sad.
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There really isn't much else for him to do but patiently wait for her to decide what she wants to say. He isn't the type to wander off like an edgy boy anyway.
But likewise, it takes him a bit to respond.]
We think they do. [Which does not explain anything, so he adds:] We are... a race of people from China long ago.
We could commune with animals. We gave the humans their prophecies, and we protected the humans from the destructive ones. We became priest and priestesses.
...But an emperor's advances were rejected by one of the priestesses, and he became so offended he had all of our people killed. Only one managed to escape and ever since, we have vowed to watch every one perish.
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... It surprises me, sometimes, how awful humans can be. [it feels like there are so few that are good people, in her experience.] I can't say I wouldn't have done the same.
[but.]
Do you want to do this?
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...
[He frowns gently and glances away.]
It is something... I cannot run from. It is a duty always to be mine. While I live, when I die, and when I'm once more reborn. It will always be mine.
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That is not what I asked, Count D. [she is unfortunately just like this.]
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I have no other answer to give you, Miss Shenhe. It does not matter what I want. My father left me with a reminder as he died: that hope is useless. And I will give the same reminder to my son later.
It's our duty... to not forget until the last human is gone.
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Hope is not useless. [she says, firmly.] I don't understand this reasoning. You do not want to be like him? So don't.
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It is... not quite so easy as that. But I... understand what you're trying to say, and I thank you.
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Hmph. [she peers at him.] You are the one not making it easy.
... Nahri is just as stubborn. The world is full of minds I can't change.
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And what about you, Miss Shenhe...? What if we wanted something different for you?
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Like what? [she seems surprised. like, what else is there.]
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To be happy.
[He will just say it.]
To know you can show your happiness.
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Oh. [...] Do you want that?
[she knows that her team did, but.]
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Yes, I would like that.
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I - I see. [she looks a little surprised, but also pleased?] ... I will continue to try, then.
I have left my ropes off for a day, now. I think it hasn't been terrible, so far.
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I don’t think it’s wrong if you need to leave or hide for a while, if it’s too much. But… it’s good of you to know it’s alright to show how you feel. Whether it’s happy, or angry, or sad.
That is a part of being human after all.
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shenhe smiles in return? it's also real, and soft.]
Thank you, D. [...] I think that it is good for you to be able to do that, too, you know.