don't wait for a knight in shinin' armor, your savior's reflected in the mirror

[perpend]

[That sure was a fucking thing. That execution was a fucking thing. Those secrets are a fucking thing.

Cabanela retreats to his room, but not for all that long. Everyone will get a note eventually, written in very neat handwriting

I do not plan on bowing down to threats and intimidation. If you did not act, it means you were, like me, aware of the risk, but decided against it. Your reasons are entirely your own.

Join me in the dining room if you agree enough is enough, and that you won't acquiesce to threats. I don't plan to let this stop me, and neither should you.

-C

In the dining room itself, Cabanela has set up coffee and tea for those who want it-- there's no food, because to be honest, he doesn't know how to cook. Two more candles have been lit-- he wasn't really sure what to do about the whole... parasite thing... so Fern's candle will have to make due.]

Comments

[perpend]

I meant what I said, in my note.

[He doesn't care that Kirei didn't show up, it was well within his right.]

I thought I would offer you coffee or tea, but with the current situation... I won't blame you for turning me down.

[blackmass]

I'm not interested. And I think the illusion of unity in this group has been very soundly shattered by now no matter what you might hope for.

[perpend]

....Has it?

I had a conversation with Susan not so long ago about how spite can be a powerful motivator.

[blackmass]

A common enemy can unite any number of people, but it takes only a small amount of distrust and suspicion to drive them apart.

[perpend]

And are you willing to appear like the one who gave up?

[I mean, if he really does only derive pleasure from the misery of others, his own misery might not matter too much in the long run, but]

[blackmass]

You're making a mistake in assuming I care how I appear to the rest of you.

[perpend]

You're willing to die to prove a point, then?

[blackmass]

I am willing to die for a number of things.

But if you think I've any intention of dying here, you are very mistaken yet again.

[perpend]

So you claim.

[Cabanela doesn't look too impressed.]

And yet by being alone, you paint yourself as an easy target for them. [He points upwards for emphasis.] We both know more people will die, it's just a matter of time. Strength in numbers, as the saying goes. Those who band together are far more likely to preserve than those who do not.

[blackmass]

My safety is not something you need worry about. Concern yourself instead with anyone that would be foolish enough to consider me a target.

[perpend]

I never said I thought you'd be a target.

[Nah, brah, he's more worried you're going to end up in the pit.]

[blackmass]

...I don't easily play along with games such as this, Cabanela. I'd prefer to remain on the sidelines and watch events unfold.

[perpend]

Then I'll settle for saying I hope it stays that way.

[And for what it's worth, he doesn't look or sound particularly bothered by the idea of Kirei not wanting to play nice.]

[blackmass]

I doubt I'll have reason to risk such a thing. Being executed here would be highly inconvenient for me.

[perpend]

That could be said for all of us, you know.

[But his smile is more natural than not, so. Good on you, evil priest man.]