buzen holds vin up high

[hasteful]

Comments

[allomantic]

Of course.

[she says that pretty easily.]

[hasteful]

Eh.... The only place that I can think of like that is -

[ . . . ]

The battlefield... sometimes. But even then...

[allomantic]

[...]

Are you a soldier, or a rebel?

[hasteful]

Depends on which side you're asking, right?

[anyone can be a soldier or a rebel, depending on the framing]

I guess that's why I mostly identify as a traveler, who occasionally has to fight or protect.

[allomantic]

[she shrugs.]

All rebels are soldiers, but not all soldiers are rebels.

[hasteful]

Is that so... [he hums thoughtfully, as though trying to understand] Can you tell me what the difference is?

[allomantic]

Rebel soldiers aren't on the side of the law. Normal soldiers are.

[whether the law is in line with justice or morality is a different question entirely, to her.]

[hasteful]

Ah, I see.

[he nods at that and then seems to really think on it]

If it's human laws, then I am likely sooner a rebel.

[allomantic]

...What side are you on, then?

[hasteful]

I'm on the side that protects humans.

[ . . . he laughs to himself]

Well, it gets a little more complicated than that sometimes. But ultimately, that's the mission.

[allomantic]

Even if you work against their laws?

[hasteful]

[he pauses a little at that and rests his chin in his hand]

... it's complicated... but I've seen the way that sometimes humans make laws that they think'll help, but it doesn't work out the way they want them to.

[allomantic]

[tilting her head.]

That's a little optimistic of you.

[hasteful]

Maybe.

It's not that I don't think people can be cruel - I just don't know if I believe cruelty is all there ever is.

[allomantic]

And what happens when that sentiment brings you pain?

[hasteful]

I get mad, same as anyone else.

Though... I don't expect to live such a fortunate existence where I get to avoid pain or difficulty. Luckily, I'm pretty sturdy.

[allomantic]

[she seems to mull that over for a moment, but in the end, all she says is:]

...I see.

[hasteful]

[the simplicity of her answer makes him laugh]

I hope my answer is up to your standards, Vin.

[it is unfortunately the only one he has]

[allomantic]

[she shrugs.]

That is not what matters.

[hasteful]

Oh? Then why did you ask me?

[allomantic]

[shrugs]

I wanted to see what you would say.