002; action

[hystaria.livejournal.com]

[Saleh stands at the top of the large hill not too far from the lab. It's a fine spot to be watching the city from, but the view isn't what he's interested in today. This is just a place he's taken a liking to.

Both hands raised to chest level, at first glance, his posture may seem odd when a small cube appears out of thin air. It rotates slowly before vanishing as Saleh drops his hands back to his sides. He lets out a mirthful breath.]

There are exceptions, after all.

[He brushes his fringe aside, only for the breeze to blow it right back in place. He smirks.]

The wind is especially good today.

Comments

[a-civil-service.livejournal.com]

It's too soon for many of us to say.

[For Yuri, it wasn't a matter of memory so much as emotion, but now his memories of how to control the fire have begun to return.]

It could be anything. Where I'm from, my role as a judge sets me apart, as it's a position held by few people. That makes me different. But then, we are all different in our own ways. Perhaps you refer to something that would be considered truly exceptional.

I'd say most people dream of being exceptional, at one time or another.

[hystaria.livejournal.com]

Most people dream of it, though that very act is what makes them alike. It's incredibly ironic.

[But Yuri always provides such sensible examples. Saleh throws out his own in response to what he considers "truly exceptional." Somewhat.]

Tell me, Yuri, have you ever heard of the King's Shield? Rather, does where you even come from have such a thing? If you remember, that is.

[a-civil-service.livejournal.com]

What I want is to do my job to the best of my ability.

[He doesn't feel that he necessarily wants to be exceptional in that way. There is something in him that is wary of the fire.]

I haven't heard of the King's Shield, no. What might that be? I know we have no king, but perhaps it doesn't involve a literal sovereign?

[hystaria.livejournal.com]

That's quite right. The King's Shield, as the name implies, shields the king and his relatives. It goes beyond a mere bodyguard job.

What do you think? Could these shields be considered exceptional, when all they're doing is serving one person -- or family -- at a time? It must certainly set them apart from the military, at the least.

[a-civil-service.livejournal.com]

I don't see why not. It does sound like an important position, based on your description of it.

I imagine it depends on the way society views the occupation. What amount of respect a role is accorded may vary from culture to culture. Was that the role you held?

[hystaria.livejournal.com]

I only mention it and you wonder if that was my job. How quick you are to assume, Yuri . . . Not that you'd be incorrect with your assumption.

[a-civil-service.livejournal.com]

That is why I asked instead of assuming, Saleh. It seemed suggested by the line of conversation, but I like to be sure of things before I arrive at a conclusion, or act on one.

[hystaria.livejournal.com]

How nice for you, then, that you assumed right. I was indeed a member of the King's Shield.

[a-civil-service.livejournal.com]

When one makes a guess, one looks for evidence to support one's theory. In this case, I will take your word for it.

Do you view your role as an exceptional one?

[hystaria.livejournal.com]

To think so would be impertinent arrogance, don't you think? I am but a loyal subject serving his ruler.

Or having had, at any rate, seeing as how the king is not here.

[a-civil-service.livejournal.com]

There's no great wrong in taking pride in one's work, I shouldn't think, though humility is a virtue, so I'd say that's an admirable mindset.

How do you think you will occupy your time, in the absence of your king?

[hystaria.livejournal.com]

. . . heh.

Go about my business, as always. Even without the king, I can have as much fun as I desire. And there's that to reconnect with . . .

Rest assured, I have more than enough things to be doing here.

[a-civil-service.livejournal.com]

...such as? Are you planning to fill a similar role in some way? Or do you mean to devote your time primarily to leisure?

I'm glad to hear you've found some pursuits to interest you.

[hystaria.livejournal.com]

This isn't Callegea. I have no interest in pursuing my old role here. Leisure is . . . one word for it, compared to what I'm used to.

Though you seem to be doing a fine job of filling a similar role, yourself.

[a-civil-service.livejournal.com]

Your duties took up most of your time at home? I see. [A pause.] What leisure activities do you enjoy taking part in? [Just a friendly question.]

As you say, this is not your Callegea. Neither is it my Sternbild City. Yet no matter the setting, justice is what I'm most concerned with. I prefer to use my knowledge and abilities for the public good.

[hystaria.livejournal.com]

That's a good question. I'll just have to remember them.

Knowledge . . . ? Oh, yes, what comes more naturally than something as personal as memories. You really are the ideal citizen, aren't you?

[So laughably dedicated to the public.]

[a-civil-service.livejournal.com]

I'm sure you will, soon enough.

It is true that I have remembered more about my academic and professional life than my personal life.

[That troubles him somewhat. He hasn't remembered families, friendships, anything of the kind.]

I do my part for the community, that is all.