[ Gray, who's only just begun to accept that she needs to change her circumstances, does not quite understand. It sounds like Ciel has something much more urgent in mind — and she may very well be right that if there's any chance of taking action, it will be when the action elsewhere is thickest. ]
... Even if it's at odds with the Regent's wishes?
[She 'asks' without asking, keeping her gaze trailed into the distance without looking back at Gray.]
You haven't disobeyed any direct orders. You simply bore witness to a callous display of what passes as the norm in Achamoth, and it's what made you realize you can't stay here without compromising your sense of self. The Regent prefers willing followers anyway, so it's simply logical and best practice, for you to go before you can really get yourself in trouble.
[Her chest heaves as she exhales.]
We'll be okay here. Focus on yourself. Remember: you have to protect yourself before you can protect others.
[ That snaps things into clarity. Before she can help others, she has to help herself. That rings true to her, especially in this frustrating situation she's built for herself in which she's become little more than a child on the sidelines watching the adults rushing into disaster time and time again. If they feel they can't rely on her, then it must be because she doesn't seem reliable. She has to start with herself, and figure out how to help the people who matter to her in her own way. ]
I simply spoke my mind, no different from you. [Or how Gray is learning to, forming her own stance and putting her wishes into action.] Achamoth will be fine. The Kenoma will be fine. ["Without you."] You must evaluate and prioritize, on what's the most important part at the greatest risk of being lost forever.
[It doesn't need any elaborating, surely. And she does mean more than Gray's sense of self, in this case.]
Hold onto this feeling. When the time comes, don't look back.
[A stronger breeze blows by, lifting Ciel's bangs and threatening to push back Gray's hood. The view of the waters here from this shore... It's probably the last time they'll be here together like this, isn't it.
That's fine, so be it. As long as Gray follows her heart, her soul, they will certainly lead her away from here. Which is for the best, and affirming her wishes is all Ciel can do for her.]
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no subject
... Even if it's at odds with the Regent's wishes?
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[She 'asks' without asking, keeping her gaze trailed into the distance without looking back at Gray.]
You haven't disobeyed any direct orders. You simply bore witness to a callous display of what passes as the norm in Achamoth, and it's what made you realize you can't stay here without compromising your sense of self. The Regent prefers willing followers anyway, so it's simply logical and best practice, for you to go before you can really get yourself in trouble.
[Her chest heaves as she exhales.]
We'll be okay here. Focus on yourself. Remember: you have to protect yourself before you can protect others.
no subject
[ That snaps things into clarity. Before she can help others, she has to help herself. That rings true to her, especially in this frustrating situation she's built for herself in which she's become little more than a child on the sidelines watching the adults rushing into disaster time and time again. If they feel they can't rely on her, then it must be because she doesn't seem reliable. She has to start with herself, and figure out how to help the people who matter to her in her own way. ]
Thank you, Miss Ciel. For speaking with me.
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[It doesn't need any elaborating, surely. And she does mean more than Gray's sense of self, in this case.]
Hold onto this feeling. When the time comes, don't look back.
[A stronger breeze blows by, lifting Ciel's bangs and threatening to push back Gray's hood. The view of the waters here from this shore... It's probably the last time they'll be here together like this, isn't it.
That's fine, so be it. As long as Gray follows her heart, her soul, they will certainly lead her away from here. Which is for the best, and affirming her wishes is all Ciel can do for her.]