22- [Written]

[sonotahunter]

I remember someone recently asked how people personally defined loyalty. My question, I suppose, is a bit different--what's the point to it

Comments

...Way to hit all her soft spots at once, Bela.

[notarrowette]

That's a pretty cynical way to look at things. I can't speak for anyone but me, but when I'm loyal to someone it's not for leverage.

;-; I'm sorry, Cissie. Bela is... Bela. ...Also I'm so going to bed now. Srsly.

[sonotahunter]

And you can say in perfect confidence that your loyalty has never been used as leverage against you?

I don't believe you! ...And those keywords. Oh girls. Off to a great start.

[notarrowette]

...No. But that's not the point.

...As well you shouldn't. Sob. ...And Pffff such a good start.

[sonotahunter]

Then the point is...?

[rayney_day]

People who think your way are exactly why I hardly trust anyone.

God, can you even read yourself? You know how much of a parasite that makes you sound?

[sonotahunter]

Good for you.

Better to be a parasite than a fool.

[rayney_day]

I'm not saying you should put blind faith in everyone you meet. Just that some people aren't totally dicks.

And we need more of 'em.

[sonotahunter]

And the ones who aren't are the ones who will be taken advantage of at the first or most damaging opportunity. Either they learn, or they stay a tool.

[veni_vidi_valui]

Oh, I like you...

[sonotahunter]

Even as non-Roman fodder for the slave pens? Miss--actually, I don't believe I caught your name.

[veni_vidi_valui]

Atia.

Those who can see necessity are those who survive.

Private

[sonotahunter]

Very true, madame. How have you found this place thus far?

[fanged_aleera]

Not so, lady... Such thoughts were once mine. That no bond was stronger than that of blood. That it was the weakness of fools which made them sacrifice for those they did not, could not, truly know.

But this place showed me otherwise.

Trust... Love... These things can be true.

[sonotahunter]

Blood means no more to me than any other connection.

And how did it show you that? By giving you no choice but to believe it?

[fanged_aleera]

By giving examples, lady. Examples I did not expect. Examples which demonstrated strength, nobility... Not weakness.

[sonotahunter]

Nothing is incorruptible. Those examples of nobility can easily be twisted into manipulators, liars, villains. Weakness has nothing to do with it.

[inhumandog]

Beautifully said.

[sonotahunter]

Thank you. It's something of a relief that not everyone has leapt into the breach to proclaim the injustice of my conclusion.

[inhumandog]

You will find many different opinions here. You simply have to...search for them.

[Private]

[sonotahunter]

You were the one that asked to begin with, yeah?