[It isn't a question. It's what Kirei is assuming is the case—though he doesn't mean to slight Asami by it.]
Desiring to save the people of a land is not regretful, if one has the means, the money, and the space to comfortably relocate them. Desiring to save an entire portion of the world in defiance of the Void is direct treason against the Seelie way. For Gilgamesh, I can comfortably say it's the latter.
The Void comes for all of us. If the natural cycle is to continue and all worlds are to be born again, including those which have already been consumed, we must allow it to do so.
[ We must allow it to do so. That part has arguably been the most difficult for her. Korra had accepted and embraced the new cycle, and Asami thought she had too by proxy, but the more she heard of the Void, the more she grew uncomfortable with the notion. Was this really the way things had to be?
So...how can she spin this properly? ]
If the Void really is the end of this world, don't you think people should be able to choose how they meet it?
[Would the end of life be as vibrant and beautiful as life itself? That seems counter-intuitive, to Kirei.
If it was easy, the universe could not be recycled, no doubt. The Void is designed to make them uncomfortable by virtue of what it is, the unconscious desire of all living things to preserve themselves—Kirei knows this, frightened by it himself when he ventures close enough—but that does not guarantee their "survival instincts" are what's best for an entire universe.]
Of course I do. I believe it would be quite fortunate if all living things could greet the end as comfortably as they wish. I am also realistic with this world's impossibly stretched resources and time, and so I do not run away from the same demise everyone faces.
[ She realizes there is something to be said about willing to face death--funny, how in battle she realizes it's a possibility, but the all-encompassing nature of the Void terrifies her so much more than fighting ever has and will. She has yet to see it in person, but she knows she will soon. Maybe her opinions will change, then but... ]
That's why I wanted to ask you. [ Might as well get to the point. ] I'm embarking on a similar mission to Leana, but only to retrieve people. [ She's putting it lightly of course--she's helping evacuate the area. ] I've heard of people going out on boats to meet the Void, though, so...I don't want to offend their beliefs. I was hoping you might have some insight on how to talk to them.
[When she sees it for herself, she will be even more terrified. Indescribably terrified—that's what the fear of the Void is like.]
I see. [His voice actually lightens. He doesn't have much against simple evacuation; it's the same as he did with the orphans. The Seelie do not forsake life.] Your goal, then, would be to encourage them to follow you?
It will be difficult, but it's possible you may be able to do something.
[ She should have given him more credit--she's actually a little surprised, but pleased by his reaction. Asami nods before she remembers he can't see her. (How quickly she's grown used to moving images.) ]
Yes, if they'll follow. [ It's a more delicate situation than evacuating civilians from a war path, to be sure. ]
Well, it bears mentioning, of course, that even though you are a shardbearer you respect their views deeply and you do not intend to prevent them from acting as they would with their own lives. If you truly believe people should be able to choose how they meet their end, sailing out to the Void is an acceptable choice.
[His voice lightens, yes, but subtly... he isn't that easy on her.
He does have something against those who aren't Seelie.]
Regardless of the thoughts of who has given you your "mission", you must believe this is true. Otherwise, I cannot help you.
[ As much as she would like to simply remove everyone from the threat, Asami knows it's much more complicated than that. There may in fact be some credence to the death and rebirth of worlds that Asami can't affirm or deny, she won't force anyone into an uncertain reality.
There's some silence on her end. ]
I understand. [ Asami has always been an understanding person. ] It's their choice, not mine. I'm just giving them an option.
... Correct. Now, if it is a matter of showing their enthusiasm for the Void and celebration of the great cycle of life, there are ways of still doing that which can be conducted inland. In that case, granting themselves more time by relocating would be a benefit. This is only how you will be able to reach those who have not already been set in their ways.
[ Hm...she hadn't thought about approaching it that way. But that's exactly why she reached out to him in the first place. Time to spend with family and friends she hoped would be important enough in itself, but if their instinct for self-preservation was outweighed by the love of the Void, then it wouldn't be enough of a reason. ]
That makes sense. Are there any customs that you're aware of now that I should know about?
[That would be more accurate. The coming of the Void, the world's events, it is all part of that cycle, and that cycle is happening even as they speak.]
You're exactly right. I am aware of many customs. If they are amenable to it, bring people from the edges of the Drabwurld with the promise that I will instruct them in building altars to the Void.
[ Already in motion. It sends a chill down her spine even if she knows it's right. ]
You would do that?
[ Of course she realizes that it would be an asset to him in some ways, but he would also be taking in others, more than he might have been expecting when he decided to build his churches. ]
Naturally. The duty of a priest is to guide others in worship; I would have no reason to withhold my knowledge from like-minded supplicants, hence would I never do so.
Do not mention it, Asami. Have someone call me over the lockets, and if things are set up just so, I can deliver directions to the people in that manner—regardless of how much actual distance separates us.
What I am saying is that if they would like to speak with me directly, they may.
I'll definitely do that. Thank you again, I really appreciate it.
[ It's definitely a weight off her shoulders--at least some of it--and she's positive it will help some people out too. That's what's most important. ]
No thanks are needed. I am grateful enough simply for the opportunity to assist those whose worship is as misunderstood as my own. May the Gods of this world bless you, and may you find success traveling forward—while ensuring the natural cycle.
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Do you mind me asking what about it is regretful?
[ The saving or...the Gilgamesh. Which is a fair question. ]
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You do not realize, yourself.
[It isn't a question. It's what Kirei is assuming is the case—though he doesn't mean to slight Asami by it.]
Desiring to save the people of a land is not regretful, if one has the means, the money, and the space to comfortably relocate them. Desiring to save an entire portion of the world in defiance of the Void is direct treason against the Seelie way. For Gilgamesh, I can comfortably say it's the latter.
The Void comes for all of us. If the natural cycle is to continue and all worlds are to be born again, including those which have already been consumed, we must allow it to do so.
no subject
So...how can she spin this properly? ]
If the Void really is the end of this world, don't you think people should be able to choose how they meet it?
no subject
If it was easy, the universe could not be recycled, no doubt. The Void is designed to make them uncomfortable by virtue of what it is, the unconscious desire of all living things to preserve themselves—Kirei knows this, frightened by it himself when he ventures close enough—but that does not guarantee their "survival instincts" are what's best for an entire universe.]
Of course I do. I believe it would be quite fortunate if all living things could greet the end as comfortably as they wish. I am also realistic with this world's impossibly stretched resources and time, and so I do not run away from the same demise everyone faces.
no subject
That's why I wanted to ask you. [ Might as well get to the point. ] I'm embarking on a similar mission to Leana, but only to retrieve people. [ She's putting it lightly of course--she's helping evacuate the area. ] I've heard of people going out on boats to meet the Void, though, so...I don't want to offend their beliefs. I was hoping you might have some insight on how to talk to them.
no subject
I see. [His voice actually lightens. He doesn't have much against simple evacuation; it's the same as he did with the orphans. The Seelie do not forsake life.] Your goal, then, would be to encourage them to follow you?
It will be difficult, but it's possible you may be able to do something.
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Yes, if they'll follow. [ It's a more delicate situation than evacuating civilians from a war path, to be sure. ]
What would you say to them?
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[His voice lightens, yes, but subtly... he isn't that easy on her.
He does have something against those who aren't Seelie.]
Regardless of the thoughts of who has given you your "mission", you must believe this is true. Otherwise, I cannot help you.
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There's some silence on her end. ]
I understand. [ Asami has always been an understanding person. ] It's their choice, not mine. I'm just giving them an option.
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... Correct. Now, if it is a matter of showing their enthusiasm for the Void and celebration of the great cycle of life, there are ways of still doing that which can be conducted inland. In that case, granting themselves more time by relocating would be a benefit. This is only how you will be able to reach those who have not already been set in their ways.
no subject
[ Hm...she hadn't thought about approaching it that way. But that's exactly why she reached out to him in the first place. Time to spend with family and friends she hoped would be important enough in itself, but if their instinct for self-preservation was outweighed by the love of the Void, then it wouldn't be enough of a reason. ]
That makes sense. Are there any customs that you're aware of now that I should know about?
no subject
[That would be more accurate. The coming of the Void, the world's events, it is all part of that cycle, and that cycle is happening even as they speak.]
You're exactly right. I am aware of many customs. If they are amenable to it, bring people from the edges of the Drabwurld with the promise that I will instruct them in building altars to the Void.
no subject
You would do that?
[ Of course she realizes that it would be an asset to him in some ways, but he would also be taking in others, more than he might have been expecting when he decided to build his churches. ]
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Naturally. The duty of a priest is to guide others in worship; I would have no reason to withhold my knowledge from like-minded supplicants, hence would I never do so.
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Thank you. I'm sure that will be very comforting to a lot of people.
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Do not mention it, Asami. Have someone call me over the lockets, and if things are set up just so, I can deliver directions to the people in that manner—regardless of how much actual distance separates us.
What I am saying is that if they would like to speak with me directly, they may.
no subject
[ It's definitely a weight off her shoulders--at least some of it--and she's positive it will help some people out too. That's what's most important. ]
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[It is what's important. Isn't it?]