video | un: whitestone

[gunsmithed]

Name: Percy de Rolo III
Date: Septeril 14
Format: Video

[ Percy is visibly in the forge, no surprise there, but it doesn't seem like much work is getting done. He looks more than a little manic, not quite able to sit still at the moment. And also like he may not have slept much recently, which might explain it. ]

Alright. I wasn't going to...[ he takes a breath and makes himself settle. A little. ] I've been hearing a lot about bonds recently. And obviously, I can only speak to the Witch side, but for that, I'm going to tell you a secret.

[ He leans forward a bit, mostly to make the point. ] You don't need one. If you want to bond, by all means enjoy yourself, but my gods don't let anyone convince you that you must have one. Going without may not be pleasant or comfortable or even particularly safe, but it is possible. I've managed without for well over a year, and I--

[ Whatever he is gets cut off by a deeply unimpressed woman's voice somewhere in the background easily overriding him: ] Percival, what the fuck?

[ And Percy's eyes shoot wide with maybe just a hint of panic before the video abruptly ends. ]

Comments

video; un: zewu-jun

[zewu_jun]

It is very kind of you to express your concern for others' rights to their decisions. Has this worried you recently?

[gunsmithed]

[ Percy just gives him a narrow-eyed look before answering in an impressive deadpan. ]

It's a thought that's crossed my mind once or twice.

[zewu_jun]

Are you worried that we might be too easily persuaded, Percival-gongzi?

[Just the sweetest smile.]

[gunsmithed]

[ If his eyes get any narrower they're going to be closed. ]

Are you?

[zewu_jun]

Worried? No, I haven't been. It's been very pleasant.

[:3]

[gunsmithed]

I'm sure. But to answer your question, I'm not worried. I just thought there might be someone else out there who doesn't like hearing they have no options.

[zewu_jun]

Mm. I believe you are right.

[gunsmithed]

[ That's apparently a first for this particular topic. ] Do you?

[zewu_jun]

Yes. I don't think we should tell people that they have no options. That would be a lie.

But it would be best to properly acknowledge the struggles that each choice will bring. Neither is a decision to take too lightly.

[gunsmithed]

I didn't say it would be easy.

[ Just a little grumbled. And defensive. ]

Just that it's possible.

[zewu_jun]

Often we are faced with difficult choices that are painful or uncomfortable. But I believe you are right, that we should not dismiss the choice entirely just because it is unpleasant. As long as we remain aware of the consequences and work hard, having the choice and choosing the more difficult path is not necessarily wrong. We should allow everyone to make that decision for themselves.

[ He smiles, sensing that defensiveness. ]

I trust you.

[gunsmithed]

[ Percy just. Blinks for a moment. ]

Thank you?

[zewu_jun]

[Lan Xichen raises his hand to cover his laughter at that reaction.]

You seem surprised. Is there something wrong with what I have said?

[gunsmithed]

Just not something I expect, I suppose.

[zewu_jun]

Why is that? I think you have sound reasoning and you are quite passionate.

Do you think that what you said was wrong?

[gunsmithed]

[ Have a look for that. ]

You know I don't.

[zewu_jun]

Then why is it so strange for someone to agree with you? If you believe in what you say, then surely others may also hold the same opinion.

[gunsmithed]

They haven't so far. [ So dry. ]

[zewu_jun]

Mm. Well, it is likely something not many feel inclined to try themselves.

[Poor Percy. Lan Xichen smiles.]

That is why I wanted to tell you that I understand what you are trying to say.

[gunsmithed]

Ah. Well. Thank you.

[zewu_jun]

Thank you. For being willing to offer the choice.

It is hard when you are the only one saying so, but I respect your bravery.