Ilsona: I'm sorry. I can't imagine... Fosimah: Family is very important to our culture. If you have no family, you have nothing. To be disowned is considered the worst thing that could ever happen to anyone. Ilsona: That's why we suppress our arguments. It's better to be together and disagree silently than argue and force ourselves apart. Fosimah: As far as the effects of me not marrying the one my parents chose, well, my mother wasn't exactly happy. As family is important, disobeying them is tantamount to breaking the law. Ilsona: You're lucky you weren't disowned. When you told mother, I thought she was going to throw you out right then and there. Fosimah: ...She did. I'm lucky she took me back. Ilsona: What? When did this happen? Fosimah: When she took me away to speak with me alone. She threw me out and I wandered around, then I met a nice boy who helped me convince her to take me back in. Ilsona: Nicer than Ihuzo? Fosimah: That's...not...I'm just not going to debate this anymore. Clearly, I can't change your mind. Fosimah: Well, our gods don't encourage us not to rely on them, but they're not that easily offended. Ilsona: Yes, they are. You have to be careful. Fosimah: I'll say what I believe, and you do the same. Let's not argue. Fosimah: Because there's not much taken down in writing, there are many different interpretations of those writings. As such, the details tend to vary from region to region. Ilsona: For example, our version is one of the stricter ones. Fosimah: Your. I don't follow that version anymore. Ilsona: Our version is stricter than most. The veil everyone wears isn't a product of modesty, as it is for other religions I've come across, but to protect the face. The face is considered holy, a gateway into the very soul of a person, and looking upon it is a privilege reserved only for that person's betrothed. Fosimah: Spouse. Ilsona: Just because you disagree with arranged marriages doesn't mean- Fosimah: Doesn't mean it's wrong? Forcing people into an unhappy marriage isn't wrong to you? You've never had to deal with it! Ilsona: Calm down. Fosimah: You're right. Either way, with most versions, family is allowed to see the face. With the loosest one, the iras isn't even worn, as we mentioned before. Fosimah: To be clear, they're not political resources. Personally, I don't understand why we do them at all, so Ilsona will have to- Ilsona: It's a very obvious reason. A person can't be trusted to choose their own partner. All the stories that have been written point toward the fact that if someone has a choice, they'll always choose wrong. Just look at Blusa's marriage to Navuth. It was a disaster. Fosimah: It was a disaster because Navuth was the goddess of endings and always trying to put an end to Blusa's beginnings. Not because they had a choice. Ilsona: Did they choose each other? Fosimah: Yes.... Ilsona: It's their fault. Fosimah: *sighs* That's not how it works. Ilsona: That's probably a good idea. Fosimah: I think she meant no good reason. Fosimah: What happens to them after death? Do they have souls? Where do they go? Ilsona: I'm still trying to get past the fact that gods can die.
Davian: I would not say I have nothing. I might not have the family I was born with anymore, but I still have the family I chose. I would gladly give my life for any member of my crew, and they would do the same for me. Kyris/Kayel: I would not say that suppressing arguments is a very good thing. Keep the small things bottled up and it might become a very huge explosion. Talking about things and working them out together is a much better solution to problems than keeping silent.
Ilsona: Normally, I would agree, but whenever we talk about it it becomes a huge argument. And in our current situation, if we argue and stay apart for even a small amount of time- Fosimah: And it wouldn't be small, because these are core beliefs- Ilsona: One of us could die at any moment, and if we weren't speaking to each other, whoever lived would never forgive themselves. I don't think Fosimah would agree with you either way, though. She's an expert at suppressing things. Fosimah: What?
Nithara: Cast out by your own family? But…who is left for you, then? If even they reject you, those who are meant to protect you…Kahras. Katsumi: Arranged marriages are commonplace amongst the nobility of our world. That is actually what brought me to Fraulia initially—with me approaching my eighteenth birthday, talk had begun of me wedding one of the Alaries. To secure the alliance, they said. (Shakes her head) What a joke.
Kyris/Kayel: Well, your situation is outside the norm and that indeed does change things. And to be honest, one of the reasons I'm... in the situation I'm in right now is because of an argument. But to be fair, I do not regret speaking my mind about the matter. I just... could have been smarter in handling what I did after that. We all sometimes do things we later regret, right? *Silence fills the room for a minute. Suddenly Kyris sighs.* Kyris/Kayel: Okay, this is getting way too troublesome... *He grabs both Jefrye and Davian* Come, we are leaving. Davian: Why? Kyris/Kayel: Don't ask... Tiny, come! Bye, everyone! It was really fun meeting all of you! *They all leave.* [Author's Note: Sorry, everyone. I would love to keep these guys around, but having restrictions on what Kyris can and can't say just because of who else is with him was more trouble than it is worth. There is a way to handle the issue, but that also means spoilers for the plot. I have done enough of that with my previous characters here and want to avoid doing so again. I will try to find a way to stay active here but don't know how long that might take. Bye, for now.]
*Light begin to shimmer and a transparent Gaean appears.* Gaius: Greetings, I am Gaius. I am the overseer of all technology in all of Gaea. His Imperial Highness, Kyris Anderz Béchalles Gaea, has sent me. Due to complications, he could not be here in person anymore. He did, however, come up with this solution. *Transparent versions of Kyris, Jefrye, and Davian appears.* Gaius: These virtual renditions possess all the memories, emotions, knowledge, skills, and possessions their model has, with some modifications to allow for maximum freedom of speech without secrets being exposed. They are fully capable of interacting with you just as if they were of flesh and blood. His Highness will be receiving video footage regularly in order to keep himself up to date in case he one day can once again come here in person. With that, I now bid you a good day. *Gaius fades away in a shimmer of light* Kyris: Am I glad I thought of this. Now I can keep talking to you guys and without the risk of my real identity being discovered in the process. Now… Where was I…? Right! Kyris: *to Katsumi* So your parents are not that much different than mine, then? I am thirty years old and my father still thinks he has to make all my decisions for me. I still can't believe he sent me to Ares with the purpose of marrying me off! I might not have gone off in that shuttle all alone if I had known what I would run into the Star Raider, though. By the way, did you run away and end up there, or is Fraulia where the Alaries live? [Author's Note: Problem fixed!! And a lot faster than I thought, too. Thanks for the idea, @Some Guy]
Raxa: Again, this is all so much simpler when the gods can personally correct you whenever you misinterpret their teachings. Valyan: Okay, I know that's not true. You must have met someone who chose their partner for themselves and ended up happy with them. Ellen: Not sure. Maybe their energy just disperses like all other magic? Maybe their remains drift upwards and they become spirits 0n a higher plane? They may even return to the place they came from, somehow, or reincarnate sometime in the far future? It's just so rare for any one them to die that it's not something we can investigate. Alvis: Plus, our author hasn't given much thought to how the afterlife works in general. Fion: You two should just fight each other! Alvis: Dammit, Fion! I thought you left. Fion: Nope, I'm still around. Around hasn't stopped being a thing I am. Alvis: Right. You guys, this is Fion Redhanded, my... rival, I guess? Fion: You love me and you know it. Alvis: Shut up. Ignore him if he says or does anything stupid, he's an idiot. Fion: Fair enough, but I still say those two should fight. Sounds like they have some issues to work out.
Katsumi: The Alarie dynasty rules Fraulia. I was there with my parents on a visit, to discuss the marriage issue. It borders Tsakato.
Adra: So many rival pairs together in one place. Maybe we should call Matra back in? I'm sure he won't cause any more trouble. Pel: That is a terrib- ?: *To everyone except Adra and Pel.* Excuse me! *She has on normal, 21st century clothes, aside from a beaten up cloak pulled over her head, and a solid white mask. The mask has been shattered to reveal her left eye. She has a sword sheathed on her back, and a pistol on her right hip.* ?: I'm looking for someone. Has a young woman come through here? A couple of inches shorter than me (She's 5'7), blonde hair in a bob cut, about my age (She looks around 22), probably followed by at least one floating doll? Adra: I'm sorry, is this very important? We were in the middle of a different conversation. I do know of a person who uses their magic to manipulate dolls, or rather, Pel knows someone like that. *She ignores him.* Pel: Well, that's as good an answer as any. Pel: I think we can both agree on this. Our gods are fairly prone to striking down the scum who try to follow them. Or, at least making sure those bad actors don't invoke their name for anything less than devout.
Adra: Do they have to fight? I have recently learned that even volatile conflicts can be resolved with more peaceful methods.
Fosimah: I imagine it would be. Fosimah: *whispers* She has, but she doesn't know. We're not at the point in our book yet where she finds out, so don't tell her, okay? Ilsona: What? Fosimah: Nothing. Ilsona: Oh. Well, I don't believe I have. Fosimah: I can see that. Ilsona: Well, I imagine it'll come eventually, but we'll try to postpone it as long as possible. And it won't be physical. Both of us have been through too much physical abuse at the hands of our tormentors to even dream of doing such a thing, no matter how angry we are. Fosimah: And neither of us are very physical people in general, anyway.
Kyris: So despite being against it, you are going along with it? But I shouldn't talk... Father did send me to Ares because he wants me to marry the Chieftain's daughter. Thing is, he never said a single word to me about it. I hope I can really convince him to stop doing things like that once this pirate mess is over. Kyris: Yeah, we also have arranged marriages and I could mention more than a few very happily married couples who chose their spouses by themselves. In fact, one of those couples is one of my sisters and her husband. Davian: Actually, I think you aren't the only one who could come up with examples of Gaean nobles marrying for love. Kyris: While I agree that they have things they need to work out eventually I also agree with Adra. Fighting doesn't solve problems. Jefrye: Really? Wasn't it fighting that got those guys to stop giving you a hard time in military training? Kyris: If you hadn't started hitting them, then it would have been resolved without it! I had it under control! Jefrye: Right... Sure you did... Davian: No, that description doesn't ring a bell. Jefrye: Who are you and why are you looking for this woman?
Kyris: I guess all I can do is wish you two the best of luck. But one piece of advice, if I may? Don't wait too long. There are a couple of things I never got to tell Mother before she passed away, and I have really regretted never talking to her while I still had the chance. And given the situation in your reality... It could happen to you too...
Six: *Shoots a glance at Adra and Pel.* My name is Six. That woman's very important, and she's alone and vulnerable right now, especially with Re-... Especially with certain people currently active. I didn't even know she was still alive until recently, and I have to find her before someone else does. Pel: What's with the looks? If you want to say something, say it! Adra: *In a calm and soothing voice.* I'm sorry about him. We can help you find your friend, if you want. We are members of the Platinum Hand, if you have heard of us. We want to help. Six: ... Six: Some problems can only be solved by fighting. Some just can't be reasoned with, and others don't deserve second chances. Six: I wouldn't put it off. Loss happens before you can react, and then, like he *Gestures to Kyris* said, you'll end up regretting what you didn't do.
Fion: All I'm saying is, resolving personal conflicts require honesty, and there's nothing more honest than a sincere punch to the face! When warriors face each other in battle, they form a connection that goes beyond words. Look at me and Alvis, we became friends after we fought. Alvis: After you beat the crap out of me, you mean? Fion: Because you were doubting yourself! And the fight fixed that, didn't it? Afterwards you wrecked an entire battle fleet on your own. You were amazing! Alvis: That had more to do with my new god powers. But fair enough, I'll admit you did knock some sense into me back there. Ellen: I can't deny that episode had a therapeutic effect on Alvis, and by extension me. No matter how much I want to. That said, you guys should keep in mind that these two are hardly normal people. Valyan: ...Your society must be very strange. Fion: That explains why you're having problems, I guess.
Kyris: Alone and vulnerable? I don't like the sound of that at all. I'm in a precarious situation at the moment myself, and-- Davian: I'd say. If the real me find out who you really are... Kyris: I know! You'll lock me up and ransom me. Why do you think I lied?! Anyway... *addresses Six again* Sadly I don't think we can help you much. But if she shows up here I'll definitely let her know you are looking for her. Jefrye: I agree, sometimes fighting is very necessary. The pirates in our world is a very good example of that. Kyris, however... He is a thinker, not a fighter. Therefore he turns to non-violent ways to solve problems, and is pretty good at it, too. And given the fact he has lived a rather sheltered life in the Imperial Court, I have to say that it isn't surprising that he has the outlook he has on life. Kyris: I think you can learn just as much about someone through a game of chess as by fighting. But as Jefrye pointed out, it is more about me as an individual than anything else. I'm not saying what all of you have been saying is wrong, just that I wouldn't handle situations that way myself. To each their own, right? *sighs* And I do know someone who is very unreasonable. But fighting Father... I don't see what that could accomplish other than causing even more problems. Kyris: We might not agree on how to solve problems, Six, but I'm glad there are things we do share the same opinion about.
Fosimah: I imagine it could, but...well, it's likely that we'll both be dead by the end of this, and we can make up with each other in the afterlife. Ilsona: Besides, we don't want one of us to die with their last memories of the other of a negative interaction. Fosimah: If we're to die, I hope it's both of us. Despite our differences and disagreements...we're twins. I couldn't imagine trying to get through life without her. Fosimah: Alone, vulnerable, and important? That doesn't sound good. Ilsona: It sounds like there's people hunting her as well, like us. I haven't seen anyone like you described. Fosimah: I haven't, either. I hope you find her first. Fosimah: Well, like we've said, I doubt it would be physical. Besides, a physical fight wouldn't solve anything. This is an argument about morals, the very basis of what we believe humanity is. We can't just suddenly agree on everything after punching each other in the face. Ilsona: An argument...well, at least this way, if we die, our last memories of each other will always be positive, even if we remember the tension. Fosimah: Yes, I imagine we'll regret speaking our minds if the other dies, and their last experience with us was of a massive unforgiveable argument. Ilsona: We've experienced too much grief already. Half of our entire family is already dead, with two more close to it, and likely more to come. The chances are, we'll both be dead by the end of all this, lumped in with everyone else who's been killed in this massive genocide, just another one of the nameless victims of the Gapag. I couldn't bear it if-if...well. *She turns away.* Fosimah: The worst circumstance would be if only one of us survives. If both of us died after the argument, we could reconcile on the next plane of existence. Fosimah: I suppose we would both define ourselves as thinkers, then. Neither of us turn to violence to solve issues. Ilsona: It's probably an effect of our religion, and just how we were raised. We Alhaza have always been a peaceful people - one the main tenets of our religion is to always prioritize peace, and never turn to violence unless it's absolutely necessary. Fosimah: It's stressed to the point that some people think that violence isn't warranted in our current situation - where outsiders are attempting to massacre our entire population. Ilsona: That's something we can agree on, at least. Violence is definitely necessary here. Fosimah: Yes, we just won't be the ones using it. Ilsona uses her knowledge of medicine to help as many as she can, while I...well, I tend to act as our group's moral compass. Ilsona: She has very strong morals. That may make her very stubborn, but it also means that they can't turn her into a monster, like they've done with some others. Fosimah: I'm forever grateful that I've managed to remain myself, through all this. Other members of our family haven't been so fortunate.
Kyris: And there is nothing wrong with that. You should use what you got to solve problems and if you aren't the athletic type then your mind is what is left... And medicine and morals are very important things to have, too. But given the situation I am in right now... I do wish I was a little more like Jefrye. Jefrye: You should have said yes when I asked to come with you to Ares. Kyris: Stop right there. That had nothing to do with you thinking I'd be safer if you came along. You just wanted to try and talk me into getting back together with you. Again. Anyway... *To Fosimah and Ilsona* Hang in there. I know things are very tough for you right now, but... One way or another, I'm sure it will work out alright. Davian: Wait... Did I hear that correctly? People turn into monsters in your reality?!
Fosimah: Literally? No. Figuratively? Yes. Ilsona: For example, our uncle used to be one of the kindest people I knew. Then, well, all this happened. He lost his wife and his children, and he doesn't just blame the Gapag, he blames everyone. Fosimah: I don't want to get into details, but he's turned violent. He won't talk to anyone. One day, it exploded. Ilsona: Before that, I'd never seen him lift a hand against anyone. Fosimah: I try to see it from his situation. He's lost his entire family. I believe he's gone mad from grief. He can't be blamed for anything he does. Ilsona: That doesn't give him the right to...well, you know. Remember our people's mantra? We are more than what they make of us. He's become exactly what they make us out to be - an animal, bent on revenge. Fosimah: ...I know. *A long pause ensues.* Ilsona: *To Kyris* I hope I can eventually be as sure as you are that we'll be alright at the end of all this. Fosimah: We will be. Whether in this existence, or the next.
Katsumi: It is not the marriage itself I was against, at the time. Now, I have issues with it, but then, my only issue was who they wanted me to marry.
Davian: Ah, that kind of monster, now I get it. Still, wanting revenge in that situation is quite reasonable. At least, I think it is. Kyris: *to Ilsona* Well, no matter how hard things might get, there is always hope, isn’t there? It is only when that is gone you have truly lost. Kyris: So what changed to make you be against it as a whole? If I may ask? To be honest, I probably would have agreed to marry Rieke if some things had been different. And Father not telling me about it was only because he knew that I would have talked him out of it of I had known earlier. Jefrye: Kyris... Kyris: No... I think I need to talk about this... It has been fifteen years. Perhaps it is time I start putting it behind me. *to everyone* So... I think all of you know I have a different view on love and marriage than others of my people? And the reason for it... is my mother. She truly loved Father with all her heart and when he chose her to be his concubine she was very happy. She thought he felt the same way she did. He didn’t. When I was born Mother was the Number One concubine, second only to the Empress. Shortly after that, her standing begun to dwindle. Yet Mother kept on hoping that Father would take her back. He never did. The more her status dropped, the more depressed she became. When I was fifteen she realized the truth. And she could not stand it. So she took her own life. It took me some time to fully understand what had happened, but once I did I promised on her grave that no one will have to suffer the way she did. At least, not because of me. So I will never have concubines and only marry someone I truly love. Unfortunately, marriage between members of the same sex is forbidden, so... Well, there you have it.*takes a deep breath* That actually did make it feel better. A little, anyway.
Fosimah: I'm very sorry. For you and your mother. Ilsona: Of all the evils in our world, concubines are not one of them. Fosimah: Well, not among us. The Gapag have concubines, while we tend to simultaneously stress love in marriage and yet look down on those whose marriages were not arranged. Ilsona: You should always find love in marriage. If your family chose well, it shouldn't be a problem. Fosimah: *To Kyris* ...Well, anyway, I am glad that you found comfort in telling us your issues. And I'm sorry the marriage you wish to have is forbidden. Among the Alhaza, the only ones forbidden to marry the same sex are clergy, and then only because they must have children. One of the only times divorce isn't frowned upon is when one partner finds that they are incapable of loving their spouse, and can only love those of the same gender. Ilsona: Even in our current situation, I'm glad people are able to marry who they love, regardless of gender. Fosimah: Not always. Ilsona: Pfft. Though admittedly, it is much more common for marriage between opposite sexes to take place. Fosimah: I hope that eventually, you will find a way to be happy with...*glances at Jefrye* the one you truly love.
Kyris: Evil?! *his eyes narrow and he closes his fists.* Mother wasn’t-- Jefrye: *wraps his arm around Kyris* I’m sure they didn’t mean it like that. The word propably just have a different meaning to them than it has for us.*to Fosimah and Ilsona* This is just my guessing, so if I am wrong, then I mean no offence. It is only Gaean nobility that practice harems and a concubine contract is not much different than a marriage contract. The differences are mostly about inheritance issues. In fact, should the wife pass away the most suitable concubine have her contract upgraded to a marriage one. And most importantly, while marriages are arranged, it isn’t like anyone is forced. Should either party be really against the match new arrangements can be made. Still, given the way we reproduce and the fact that you can always enter a concubine contract with the one you would have chosen to marry if you could, very few go against their families decisions. That is also why divorces are very uncommon in our society. Kyris: It is different for commoners, though. There were arranged marriages among them once, but they haven’t done it for a long time now. To them marriage is about love. And while marriage between same sex couples among them is as illegal for them as it is for us nobles they can sign concubine contracts and then live happily with one single partner. *sighs* I have to admit that sometimes I used to wish that Jefrye and I were just a couple of farmers, but you can’t change how or where you are born, so what use does thinking like that do? Davian: *chuckles to himself before turning to the twins.* I really don’t care much about this, since honestly it have not much to do with me, but... I have a little piece of information that you might find interesting. *gestures toward Jefrye* You know that he is married. What those two haven’t mentioned is that Jefrye’s wife is one of Kyris’ sisters. That’s right. The Attack Dog has the hots for his own brother-in-law. *starts laughing* Oh, what the real me could do with a gem like that!
Fosimah: We didn't mean that your mother was evil. I'm sorry you took it that way. Ilsona: I meant more that your father seems to be evil, from what you've said, for leading her on like that and being so cruel to her - and that thankfully, that can't happen where we are because the practice of keeping concubines is considered a great disloyalty to your own wife. I may be less tolerant, as Fosimah likes to say *rolls her eyes* but I still have a heart. Though your mother partook in those things, it seems likely that she had no choice. Fosimah: ...and it's not just a different society, it's a different world entirely, meaning it might not be wrong...being a concubine, I mean. Being cruel is wrong in all places. Ilsona: Whatever. Fosimah: Indeed, as much as you may wish to do so, reality cannot be changed. Ilsona: We should know. Ilsona: Well...that's... Fosimah: How exactly did that happen? *To Jefrye* I assume it wasn't an entirely willing marriage, or you went along with it to please your family. In that case- Ilsona: If you're about to say adultery is excusable- Fosimah: They are living in different circumstances, and as I said, a different world entirely. We have to take that into account. They are far from normal - at least, in our eyes. Seemingly the eyes of their own world, as well.
