VOICE.

[barebacking]

An odd question, I am sure, but I wonder...

I thought of the ghosts and the waters, and the idea that death could be just around the corner. That is that those of us that are just about to slip into that darkness may one day wake up to be choking on our own blood.

Forgive me for such a ... unfortunate image, but my point is ... how many of you have someone who you are close to? How many can say that you have met someone who makes your life worth it all, even if death may be so close? Even if this may all just be a dream?

This need not be romantic, I suppose, but friendship as well.

After all, sometimes it is friendship that can save a life, too, right?

Comments

[barebacking]

If? You do not believe that they will one day wake?

[ He blinks a few times. Oh well, that is a choice, but why would these people want to keep foreigners? His head tilts a little -- unless they are planning to use them as fodder and going to eat their bodies when it is over to ensure that they need not have to dip into their own supplies. His smile is a weak one, because he tries to hold bak his laughter.

And the moment passes. ]

So long as something is learned, there is power. And so long as something is taught, there is help given.

[ The elf nods just a little with him as he listens to the passionate speech. Though, he grows quiet as he has little to say. He thinks on what Enjolras says on that not one man can bring that to the world and his smile fades just a little. Sucking in his bottom lip, he chews on it absent-mindedly -- yet not so much that he would bite down to make it bleed, despite wanting to do so. The taste of blood in his mouth might calm him, but it would alarm the one that he speaks to ... that he can already tell.

So, he thinks on his words and how he must seem quite odd now. His eyes close as he continues to gather his thoughts, feeling how they rest upon his tongue, before both eyes and mouth open. ]

I was thinking on what you said, and it made me think of my past. An odd thing to say, would you not agree? You spoke of a friend of yours, and now I feel I must speak of one of mine... though, I cannot say that we were close. He was my previous general and died in battle. It was his wish that the world be made equal, that we all fight for what it is that we desire... that all you say now in what you wish ... it is what he wanted for us all.

He worked for it for eighteen years and everyone joined with him. That one man became a group, yes... but there must be a start to it all. There must be one to start the journey or nothing will get better. Even though he is gone, he started something and the world agrees that he did.

Though, he would deny being the first. He would deny being that light. He would deny it all... and say that it was all upon us that this has happened, but if he had not first started on the path of redemption for us all, I doubt we would be standing where we all are now.

[ Because such men do not understand their importance and when they fall, they take the light and hope with them. That is why everything is in shadows and why there is so much darkness inside of him now. There is his precious Urick who he loves -- who shines and lets some of that shine pass into him. Chases away the black so that it is not so thick and hateful. But if he were to have fallen, too... Yaha feels that there would be no sweet conversation now with Enjolras, but one where he would wish to find the man and cut his tongue out for saying such drivel to him.

But no, he likes this man's words. He feels no hate towards him. He feels no desire to harm him. And that is why light is important, because the dark needs something to help them. ]

[solo_patria]

I know that one of them, the man I died with, faced a good deal of hardship when he was here with us. He was so ill, and sick, and badly used by the world and seemed to have little peace here. I know that it was better that he vanish when he did. It was not long after I came here. I would have liked to speak to him of many things but I know for his sake it is better he does not wake again. Perhaps some of the others too. Though I miss them, I wonder if it is not selfish to want them here, instead of at peace. It is something I wonder for, truly.

[They could be an easily replenished army, Enjolras supposes. The idea that they immediately bound back from death, and that it could go on forever comes to mind here and he hates it.]

Knowledge has a power. You would like my Etienne. I think he would agree with you. Along with teaching. He has ever been our teacher, and our guide to the wonders of the world we might otherwise miss. I think that he knows everything and would impart it if he could, perhaps to gift that power onto others.

[And then Yaha is speaking of his friend, so Enjolras is falling respectfully silent, considering that story of the general who seems so much like les amis that he has to like the man, although they have not met.]

Ah yes, a start. The smallest thing can spark a revolution, or a riot, or any other call for change. Perhaps there is something to be said for taking the first steps there, and I would do it gladly, but it is nothing I alone can do I suppose is my meaning. Starting things before we leave our worlds. That is good. It is needed, I think. Perhaps even here, though I've had no signs that it is necessary yet.

[barebacking]

I am sorry. I did paint things with a broad brush there. And glad that your friend is finally at peace.

[ And really, for him, would it not be better if he was burning now rather than with those that he could harm? His precious Urick thought so. And he wonders how long it will take for those that he is making friends with to think the same. ]

Your Etienne sounds like a wise man, and if he is loved by you... I am certain that I would like him. There are few that I dislike, which may seem surprising, but my general would say that a man who is ruined is just one that feels lost. A hand must be extended first before a blade.

[ And yet, this is one lesson the elf never did learn. He does not really hate anyone, no, because the mad rarely do. It's rare that the offense he feels towards someone is real, and even he knows it. ]

Of course. I hope there will be nothing shown to make it seem necessary yet... if only because I think that it would be nice to allow those who wish to rest a few more moments of peace.

[solo_patria]

I only noticed that because I tend to do the same myself, if I am not careful to measure things. There are the moments I get too excited, try to push too much on others. It is a thing I notice often because I tend to make the same mistake myself, I think.

[He's not afraid to admit to that at all. And there have been many times an impatient Enjolras has done just what he's saying here, spoken too broadly. Les Amis regulated him in that regard, and do it still, those who are still left, of course.]

Indeed he is. One of the wisest that I know. If you come to our meeting ,when we have it, I shall introduce you personally.

A hand must be extended first before a blade.

[And Enjolras's expression clouds a little here, at the whole truth of THAT.]

Grantaire...

[He's muttering, and then shaking his head a bit.]

I treated the friend I mention in that way, dismissed him as ruined, until the ending of all things for us. I think his story, and what he did for me can prove your general's words right.

As do I. We are in no shape to make such a movement yet as it is. Those who need to heal must do so, and better that there can be justice another way than stirring up the hot headed and thrusting them into chaos that everyone must face. That infringes on them as well.

[barebacking]

Then we shall be occasional fools together.

[ His head tilts just a little as he smiles. ]

Not afraid that I might try to steal him away to be my wise and sweet man? [ Because he feels that he has to tease. This one is sweet, and he wishes to hear his laughter more than anything else. For the moment, anyway.

But pauses. ]

Grantaire? [ Ah. He sees. ] I understand. It's unfortunate that you had to learn the lesson that way, but so long as it has been learned... that is all that is important, yes?

Of course. I think that will make everyone happier, too.

[solo_patria]

Perhaps so then. There are far worse things, I think.

[Even here, and even now. And Enjolras is returning that smile, full on, for once. He has been doing more of that here than he ever has before.]

I think that I am safe. I know where he sleeps, you see, should he develop ideas of being stolen in the first place. More importantly, I know where he keeps his books.

[A greater threat, indeed, when it comes to Combeferre. Not that he has ever had to use it, but Enjolras's mind supplies it anyway, just in case.]

I think, given what has happened, it is all that I can do if I wish to do his sacrifice any justice. So that is what I aim for, yes.

And happiness is key here I should think.

[barebacking]

Indeed, far worse things.

[ And Yaha finds it infectious enough to smile back. ] Marvelous, then there shall be no worries upon anyone's head... save for your sweet one about his books.

Hm, to do a sacrifice justice... I think it is best to remember the man and learn from his mistakes.

It is, yes. And you seem most happy, so the key is already had by you.

[solo_patria]

I am, for the most part, despite all that I say. Some things here are not right, and I would always try to fight for them, but well.

[He's definitely smiling here.]

There are certainly the good as well. I owe Grantaire much. Perhaps his memory IS the best of ways to begin it.

[barebacking]

I am happy to give you advice on how to honor your friend... or well, someone you came to see as such.

[solo_patria]

That would be especially appreciated, thank you.

[barebacking]

You are most welcome.

And for this lovely conversation, I promise to always look after you.

[solo_patria]

I...thank you for that.

[And Enjolras is nodding at him, a little unsure, but pleased anyway.]

I will value your perspectives, certainly.

[barebacking]

You are most welcome.

Not as much as I welcome your clear eyes.

[solo_patria]

I...that is quite the compliment.

[Enjolras is flushing a little, ducking his head, flattered by those words.]

I would hope that I can prove myself worthy of it.

[barebacking]

Haven't you already?

[solo_patria]

To you? I do not quite think so, when all I've had are words. Perhaps if actions are called for, that may change.

[barebacking]

Sometimes... words are enough.

[solo_patria]

[Enjolras would have liked to have thought that once, but as it turned out, his were not and he had had to back them up with bloody action. He did not regret backing them up, but had hated the means he'd had to take for it all the same.]

Perhaps they may be, yet. I'd like that.

[barebacking]

Then, let us say that they are for argument's sake.

[solo_patria]

In that case, it certainly seems an ideal. If words will light the way, then I have truly found myself in the place I can still be of any use. I rather like the way you think.

[barebacking]

I am relieved that you do.

Most people do not. I suppose it is because of what I am.

[solo_patria]

Because of...

[Enjolras takes a moment to consider, and ah, the ears.]

Because you are...an elf, do you mean?

[barebacking]

Yes, that's right.

[solo_patria]

I...that may have been rude...I do not know any elves at home, however, and just a few here. It is not exactly the sort of conversation I have much experience in.

[barebacking]

Not to worry.

I was not insulted at all. Honestly, there are far worse ways which I have been spoken to in the past.