[anon]

[elloran]

Suppose...suppose there was someone who was kind on the community, but in the real world was cruel and hurtful. Which version of them would you - should you - trust?

Comments

[originaldragoon]

I would trust neither.

[ninjamanager]

I suppose that would depend on if you're from the same world.... If not, then your only common world is the community. That's what would matter, from a logistical point of view.

[anon]

[elloran]

They share a..."world" with me. And I know them quite well in it.

They are in a position of power over me there, and I fear that this place gives me foolish hope for their true motives.

[anon]

[elloran]

Perhaps that would be best. Trusting them in any form is foolish. Yet...they would be a useful ally, and knowledge of an inner weakness such as kindness would give me power over them.

[masked_god]

You've improved your skills considerably since the last time you tried this. This 'friend' must not that horrible.

[ninjamanager]

Hm. Sounds like quite a moral dilemma.

[he says it as though morals aren't necessarily his biggest concern in the entire world]

[thekidsare0kay]

ii2n't the communiity real?
ii'd 2ay they may be a two-faced lo2er.

[anon]

[elloran]

I suppose. To me it is a dilemma of power, which is more important in my world.

[anon]

[elloran]

...I do not know who you assume I am, but you are mistaken.

[anon]

[elloran]

Its real, but gives us opportunities we never could have in our home universes. That makes it rather unreal to me.

And if I can show more of my true self here, perhaps they could do the same?

But yes, they certainly have at least two faces.

[masked_god]

Mhmm. That would be much more effective if you had replied to me anonymously.

[elloran]

I did!

[elloran]

Wait...

[locked]

[elloran]

Damnit Kaaree!

[ninjamanager]

[now there is a language he speaks, and relatively well] That's a Thunderhorse of an entirely different color. Does it afford you more of a chance for power if you remain in his company?

[elloran]

Yes. If I can stand his company, and his casual cruelty, then I could gain fear and admiration just from association - enough to begin my own rise to the top.

[locked]

[masked_god]

Don't worry, I have no intention of swaying you one way or another on this issue. You'll have to figure out the other me all on your own.

[harbingersoul]

Accept whichever was shown toward you.

[anon]

[elloran]

But I've met both of them.

[harbingersoul]

Trust neither. Prepare for both.

[elloran]

...that sounds like something he would say. But you are right.

[harbingersoul]

It is only practical.

[elloran]

True. But...haven't you ever wished for something more than mere practicality?

[harbingersoul]

...no.

[Practicality is straightforward and does not require much consideration. The abstract, the disorganized, needs too much.]

[elloran]

I am envious of your ability to push sentimentality aside.

[harbingersoul]

Have you reached a conclusive course of action?