The world is all one! Unity mind!

[brandnewday]

[Another week, another set of disasters. Hibiki’s head is still reeling from the lengthy ordeal that was Solf J. Kimblee. But it’s because of that exasperation that she’s able to turn her restlessness into something useful. It’s too late to set about making curry for everyone, so it’s time to make some easier dishes. A replication of Fern’s mac-and-cheese, somehow she’s whipped up some kind of donut to go with her animal-shaped rice balls. There’s coffee, tea...hopefully it’s enough? And if it’s not, Rin has provided some delicious Chinese food. And that always tastes better late at night, doesn’t it?

And for the adults (or the exasperated teenagers), Susan is carting down booze from the bar. Joy. Hibiki’s never written to the group en masse before, but she delivers a piece of paper to everyone while Rin and Susan finish up the preparations. Each paper has a drawing of an animal on it, too.]

Too much has happened today. Whether you want to get angry, cry, smile, laugh, or just be out of your room, you don’t have to do it alone. Rin and I have prepared food for everyone, and Susan’s brought the drinks downstairs so none of us have to go into the bar tonight.

Even if it’s just for a little while, won’t you think about joining us in the dining room tonight? Being together is just as important as working hard. And remember, nankurunaisa!

-Hibiki Ganaha

[Three more candles are lit today. Tabitha Smith. Sigrun Eide. Solf Kimblee. They’re all Cabanela’s doing. There aren't any decorations, but the food is spaced out so everyone should be able to grab something and munch if they need it. It’s not clear how many people will come, but a serious attempt was made this time.]

Comments

[bloodbiter]

I may not know much about medicine, but...

[A pause.]

I have been injured before. Cut, burned, scarred... It has never made me feel as though I will live for a shorter amount of time.

[More importantly, perhaps—]

Where did you retrieve it before the infirmary was discovered?

[matchbreaker]

I didn't.

[ She should have. She really ... no, that would have put a target on her back. ]

[bloodbiter]

...You must realize that is why I'm sure you would not harm me.

[matchbreaker]

It's foolish to think that. Whatever attack I did then would expose me, paint a target on me.

Now, the truth of me [ and not just her species. ] Is burned into that wall.

[bloodbiter]

That has not changed, even now.

[A pause.]

I have not read it.

[matchbreaker]

That's even more foolish.

[ Why would you deny yourself information? ]

[bloodbiter]

[A wry smile, despite herself.]

You will have to specify what exactly about my behavior you think is foolish. It seems there are numerous things.

[matchbreaker]

Denying information, in this situation. To not read those secrets is to blind yourself in one eye going forward. You are often not that active at those trials, but you will one day need to step forward, the more you survive. Those secrets are common knowledge.

[ She digs her nails, the one not pointed at adelina, into the chair again ]

I hate humans. I despise them. I will never forgive them.

[bloodbiter]

...There are things that are more valuable than knowing those secrets. The trust we have as a group - the cooperation we will need to show to leave this place safely. I feel as though admitting knowledge of those secrets jeopardizes both goals. If you want to tell me what yours is, I would listen.

[A breath in.]

You say that, but you continue to associate with us regardless.

[matchbreaker]

That's sophistry. How is there trust involved if you can't read it and cooperate despite that? Ignorance isn't the same thing.

[bloodbiter]

I would not want anyone to read mine without my consent, so... I will not do the same to the others.

[That's the easiest way she can explain it.]

If I hope for that outcome, it is truly the least I can do to adhere to it myself.

[matchbreaker]

[ She... She hisses, leaps to her feet, and then makes t grab adelina's hand. ]

We're going to them now, girl.

[bloodbiter]

[This certainly isn't what she expected, but she doesn't resist as her hand is grabbed.]

I - are you certain?

[matchbreaker]

Of course I am! You making yourself purposefully ignorant isn't helping anyone.

[ time to drag her... ]

We're going to go read them all.

[bloodbiter]

It isn't ignorance.

[She's definitely not as strong as Elda, but she's trying to pull away regardless.]

Why are you so committed to me seeing all of this?

[matchbreaker]

It is ignorance, in the purest of senses.

[ PULL STRUGGLE ]

You have denied yourself common knowledge, knowledge which might well be relevant to your survival eventually for some silly pride.

[bloodbiter]

It isn’t pride. Even if these facts become relevant in a trial... I will not vote for someone based on anything but physical evidence or a confession.

[Elda is definitely winning the pull battle, though.]

[matchbreaker]

Did you deny yourself the profiles, too? Do you deny any knowledge of people but what you see yourself? Come of it, no one is so pure.

[ She snarls that out.

... Even if she approves of that, about voting and such. ]

[bloodbiter]

...It is not based on purity of any kind. I did not mean to give you such an impression.

[matchbreaker]

Then let's be done with it.

[ at least the dining room isn't far??? ]

[bloodbiter]

I said no.

[Her voice gets a little firmer, tilting her chin up.]

Regardless of whether you agree with my reasoning, it is my decision, not yours. I won't allow you to make it for me.

[matchbreaker]

[ she can't be- ]

Listen to your damn elders! [ She snarls that but then...

No, no, what right does she have. Reason, either. She lets go of the other and marches back to her goblet. ]

[bloodbiter]

[She watches her as she goes, placing a hand on her arm where Elda's had been a moment ago. She debates on saying something for a long moment, but... In the end, she just gives a few parting words as she walks away. They could both use time to regain their composure, she thinks.]

...I will see you later.