idolpro | 531 Monstrosity & Morality: Dividing Lines of the Self and Other, Section 1

"Able to get along with others well, I suppose... there's a lot of Kindred who think that just because they live outside of mortal society and law, they can do whatever they like, so it's important to make sure they get proper education."

And what kind of education is that?

"Oh, the sorts of expectations there are—laws they're not used to, for one thing. How to control impulses they're not used to, what organizations they might join, how they can volunteer with the court, where the soup kitchens are if their hunting is sparse..."

Uh huh.

So, tell me. If I was anew kindred, what advice would you give me?

"Hm... well, what sorts of things do you see yourself doing with eternity?"

That depends, doesn't it?

What kind of organizations are we talking about here?

What does the court do?

"Oh, the Court is sort of... well, it's an antiquated term, like a king's court—Kindred like to call their local leader the 'Prince,' so it's really just a term for the whole social circle that encompasses all Kindred in a city. It's a bit feudal, but a lot of Kindred like old things, after all."

She shrugs. "And there's all kinds of organizations—Grace is a leader in the Ordo Dracul, which is sort of an occult-scientific organization; there's religious organizations like the Circle of the Crone and the Lancea Sanctum; there's political ones like the Carthian Movement and the Invictus—there's also plenty of smaller community organizations. There's an intramural basketball team, I believe."

And what about you?

What are you involved in?

[Don't mind him while he turns on Eristic Cultivation to see what she's feeling]

She's very calm! A little bemused, maybe; mildly interested in what might be driving this line of questioning.

"Well, I'm a member of the Circle of the Crone, but that's more on a personal level—I'm involved in politics and building social programs. That's how Grace and I met."

And what do you think of Grace?

[He doesn't turn off the power,]

Well, she's brilliant, for one thing. I'm honored to be considered her friend, even if she's a bit controversial; she's always really had vision.

[ it's genuine; there's respect and fondness there. ]

I know she's had bad experiences with Kindred in the past, but I'm glad she was able to find a way to be a good example to many of them in Los Angeles, rather than edging around the sidelines.

[ she laughs, gently. ]

Even if I still can't convince her that it's more politically-correct to use "Kindred" instead of "vampire."

Then what is it you're encouraging her to do?

"Well, you're one of her students, so you know that she's got her very strong opinions. I think she'd agree with me that we both think that Kindred can change, albeit with effort—and indeed, we exchanged a lot of ideas on how to make it easier."

She smiles. "I just think she could stand to be a little more open minded about the possibilities for Kindred. Even those that could truly be called 'monsters,' for what they've done rather than what they are—that they can and they will turn from their ways given the right encouragement."

[Considers her for a long couple of moments]

...huh.

You write any of the books in here?

"I did contribute. I'm curious which one you think I worked on."

I haven't had a chance to read all of them yet.

"You'll never finish your paper that way, you know."

Someone keeps dropping shit through the ceiling. I got distracted.

"Was that what that was? Great Mother."

I take it that's a problem.

"Well, isn't that obvious? Does the Professor know?"

She was pretty into grading her papers.

I can go let her know.

"Of course she is. She's very dedicated to the things she's chosen, after all. It's one of my favorite things about her, but really..."

She shakes her head. "Though, I suppose that also means that the due date might be coming up. She'll probably insist that you get to it."

Well, then she can troubleshoot falling metal and I can write my paper.

"Well, anything to further her students' education. Good luck."

Re: A WOMAN??

justfuckingtryit - 2021-09-01 15:32 (UTC) - Expand