∞ 92: Warming weather [action]

[chikaidestroyer]

[He didn't send out an announcement of any kind when they returned home. Others had already announced their dead and offered any words of encouragement or frustration.

Instead, Albert spent the days following the draft ... working on his flower beds. March had brought with it a warm spell, meaning that his seeds would be germinating and eventually sprouting. This is also the time for pulling down the dried vines from his trellises.

It's a lot of work (and a lot of garden), so he'll be out and around the house until late in the day. It's as dusk approaches that he can be found sitting on the porch, watching three tiny owls perched on the porch fencing.]

...Welcome back.

Comments

[chikaidestroyer]

Perhaps a little. But not enough so to change my thoughts on the matter. What may happen in a day can very well change friendships and factions in Luceti.

[wise_maiden]

In the years you've spent here, have you observed it?

[chikaidestroyer]

I have seen opinions change quite distinctly, yes. You have not?

[wise_maiden]

Such changes are to be expected. Particularly with the number of people here.

I have also witnessed your relationship with your brother change quite dramatically.

[chikaidestroyer]

[...And he will put down his fork at that last comment.]

Your point?

[wise_maiden]

It was just an observation.

[chikaidestroyer]

[He shakes his head faintly.] Allow me to clarify. If you expected those changes, why did you ask if I have observed what you have seen yourself?

[wise_maiden]

Maybe I wanted to know your opinion on those changes. How they affect you, personally.

[chikaidestroyer]

Maybe. [He raises a brow, taking a roll to eat.]

[wise_maiden]

Why else would I ask, Albert?

[chikaidestroyer]

How would I know, Raine? You added the modifier, making vague your own explanation.

[wise_maiden]

So instead of answering, you choose to focus on modifiers.

[chikaidestroyer]

[dryly] I focus on it because it was inane and unlike you.

But to answer your question, perhaps you were going to make an argument that my logic was unfounded because those changes were "expected," thus making an argument that there was no need to not use a term such as "friendship."

[wise_maiden]

[She keeps her eyes lowered in contemplation.] And what if others chose to refer to you as such, even if you could not grant them the term in return? Would you deny or correct them, in that case?

[chikaidestroyer]

Of course not. They make their own choices, and their definitions may vary entirely. By my standards, I simply would not reciprocate.

[And to tie it back to what was said earlier...] If I did not need or want it, I would deny it outright. I appreciate the gesture, whether or not I call them "friend" in return.

[wise_maiden]

... I see.

And ... does reciprocation ever enter the realm of possibility?

[chikaidestroyer]

[He finishes part of the roll before speaking.] As things are now? No.

[wise_maiden]

[She lifts her head back up at that.] "As they are now". Meaning what?

[chikaidestroyer]

Things in Luceti would have to change, whether that be the world, our situation, or myself. [wryly] Unlikely, but Shifting makes many things possible.

[wise_maiden]

It does.

But you would not like that.

[chikaidestroyer]

Would you like your thoughts changed under such duress? [He shakes his head.] "Friendship" in an altered state of mind would be meaningless.

[wise_maiden]

I meant a change to that way of thinking in general. Obviously it would be meaningless if a shift forced you to act in a way that made you into something you did not want to be.

[chikaidestroyer]

It is my way of thinking. It serves me very well.

[wise_maiden]

You've thought that way for a long time. It's understandable you'd be attached to it.

[chikaidestroyer]

[And he finishes eating.]

Of course.