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[noasark]

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Another reply at snail's speed -sorry my health is a mess these past few months )

[fishfairy]

[ Runyu's eyes flicker with something unnameable at using such a word for the Fog God. ]

How so? ( He asks, voice catching a little in his throat. ) I suppose as her children those that arrive are no longer mortals but we are not gods like her.

[ This is another difficult perspective to understand from his experiences. ]

[noasark]

Fair enough. [It's a complicated emotion.]

The best way to put it is she generalizes- all humans here are as responsible for her pain as those in the past, as far as she's concerned.

Now, from there, we represent the method of torment. Whether we want to or not, we have to feed on those humans. Nothing we can do changes it, nothing we say changes it.

[He sips his drink, and after a moment, tilts his head.] Have you ever had a horse, or a pet of some kind? Some working animal that you kept close?

[It goes unsaid from there. The care is 'genuine', but in the end, 'pets' are replaceable to a point.]

[fishfairy]

One, perhaps, but I'm not sure you could call the Beast of Dreams a pet. He is a magical creature who came to me because we shared immortal duties. ( He turns his gaze to the cats around them, and one mews at him. He laughs shortly. Even their antics can't distract him. Why make that comparison? Don't mortals adore their animal companions? They're not... using them...

[ Runyu falls silent again, wondering if he should apologize for saying such, but Noa seems willing to listen to other views. Perhaps he doesn't have to be as cautious. He waits instead. ]

[noasark]

Hmm. Probably not, no. But you're right.

We do- but how easy is it to push that? How easy is it to brush them off, even? Your cat scratches your arm, and it's just playing. In the end it's inconsequential. You have the cat there for your company, and you love them, but a cat is still a cat. A cat will act a certain way, do things a certain way.

A monster here, is made with one purpose; in her eyes, we're her children, her pets, and nothing we say or complain over will amount to anything more than a cat's grumbles about not getting treats. She 'loves' us, but she doesn't love our opinions.

Not unless they line with hers.

[He's long accepted that.]

Sorry for hiatus again - almost done now - you're wonderful:) (CW: child abuse)

[fishfairy]

[ Runyu turns his head aside at that explanation, a phantom tang of blood filling his mouth. It brings the Empress and her 'caring' for his brother Xufeng to mind. Her utter disregard for others, especially himself. She pretended to care for Runyu even after punishing him for appearing better than Xufeng for an instant. She feigned being his mother for centuries. But she wouldn't grant him one thing, one small favor that would rid her of him forever, when he stood up to her. When it all came crashing down.

He pinches the bridge of his nose, a small burst of pain returning him to the present.

The Fog owes no familial bond with him. She owes him nothing. She is a god but he is no longer of the same ilk. Or linked in the same way. This is not the purpose of this engagement with Noa.

He sips his drink once more, gathering his thoughts.

Is that enough for you? The fact that she is the 'balance' to this world and she acknowledges your general existence but nothing more? Does that give you enough reason to follow her at this point?

[ His voice remains hoarse. There's nothing to be done for that. This is too personal. It always was going to be. ]

[noasark]

[Initially, Noa doesn't answer any questions. He sips his coffee, eyes closed half a moment before he looks back.]

...Do you need a moment? [he asks, staring perhaps knowingly.] ...You seem to be having a headache.

[But it passes. All things pass ultimately, and once he has the go-ahead he does just that.]

...At this point it's primarily the proof that she's doing her job. I know she doesn't expect me to do anything in her favor; as well, whether she took part in the problem to begin with or not, she's now the only thing keeping this area from ruin. Beyond these mountains? There's nothing.

It's a barren, lifeless wasteland.

For that matter, [Noa adds,] I would not be alive if I wasn't here. It might not be her specific choice...but it was something allowed by her hand all the same.

[fishfairy]

[ As Noa describes the results of the confrontation, Runyu barely stays another reaction, clenching his hand in lieu of flinching. For a moment, he is back in his realm, in the cold, colorless, lifeless abode of his atonement. What remains of the heavenly realm after his attempt to end the hypocrisy and failing due to the golden pride in his blood. At least, he didn't destroy all of creation. Life moved on without him. Here, it seems the Fog wasn't so lucky.

A twinge of sympathy passes as Noa turns to a personal note, that of not being alive without her.

It reminds him of his friend, Xingchen's position. ]

Yes, I know that some are saved from death by coming here. A second chance is a gift, even if that chance comes with chaos and inevitable pain.

[noasark]

If you're worried about what I think that means for others, it's no obligation, [Noa points out.] For me, it feels like something I should personally be on call to fight for. To a point, [he adds with narrowing eyes.]

If she ever asked something far beyond my morals- more than what we're already forced into- it would be another story.

[fishfairy]

[ Those words calmed some of the turmoil choking his throat and he managed a shaky smile. ]

I'm glad that your service to her hasn't come to that. ( He takes another bite of his salad, nearly finishing it. ) And I was right to ask these questions of you. There's much for me to ponder next time I am alone with the stars. Before we finish this meal, is there anything you wish to ask me?

[noasark]

Hmmmm...

[Noa mostly nods in agreement with the other's words, and ultimately shakes his head at the very end.] ...No, I don't think so...well. I suppose my only question will be if this helped as much as you hoped...but that's all.

Thank you for bearing with all my health delays on this one :)

[fishfairy]

( Runyu smiles at the question. ) Yes, I believe so. I came here for the truth, and even if I have been surprised and created more questions for myself during our talk, I think it is still for the better. ( He bows his head to Noa. ) Thank you for your time, your company, and for the pleasant scenery.

np thank u for putting up with -my- speed as well (tho i guess in my defense i had to take a hiatus)

[noasark]

[A nod- and an honest smile from Noa, as well.]

Thank you for the talk, [he says truthfully.] And feel free to enjoy the scenery in the future- the town being as safe as it is, it's extremely friendly toward 'monsters'.