meritocracy | ♔third decree {video}

[Natalia is in House 1, looking like she's placing what appears to be arrows into a quiver and dressed not as formally. To be honest she looks a bit distressed, her brows furrow. With a little 'mph' she stops what she's doing and stares into the screen, both frustrated and concerned all at once.]

I suppose this is a moot thing to ask but is there anyone who has not entirely lost their wits about them? Anyone at all? People from Auldrant--those of you I've seen--[she looks pretty disturbed] --or wherever you claim to be from, if I am still someone you recognize, please respond. ~~So I can know how to keep you away from people if need be..~~

To those that are still..'normal', can we not discuss the situation? I demand to know what has been done to those I care for. I find it very..--disturbing. And concerning, obviously. ~~Mostly..very disturbing.~~

[she puts the quiver on her back and huffs, grabbing the fancy-looking bow on the table of the kitchen area, all but stomping out with her device in her other hand.]

Honestly, Luceti! I've no idea what to do with you in times like this!

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

No better than a tyrannical rule. As someone in such a position at home, it sickens me.

Worse. They do not consider us their subjects, but their laboratory specimens. And they have little to no ethical restraints on what they are willing to put us through.

I assure you if I had half as much power as I did at home, that none of you would be in this situation to begin with.

It's unforgivable!

Sadly, that is only an "if". You are... forgive me, but you are as helpless to change our situation as any of the rest of us.

No matter how repulsive, how counter to any given code of morals it is, this is how we find ourselves. And until we gather the knowledge and ability to counteract it, we must endure.

You have no need to ask for my forgiveness. The only ones who should be wary of me are the Malnosso and what I will do to them once I find a means to. [she scowls, sitting on the steps of the porch.]

I cannot simply 'endure' when people are suffering. There must be more that I can do.

Then what will you do?

Be there for them. That's the first step.

[He pauses for a few moments, unsure if he should really be asking his next question.]

And if they do not come to you?

Then I shall go to them.

They may attempt to drive you away. It is, in fact, likely that they will do so.

No one likes having their memories questioned.

..Then I'll keep an eye on them.

... Your determination is admirable.

If you'd have the advice of one who's been through these experiments as long as I have, allow me to suggest a course of action. Don't argue with them. No matter how much their memories conflict with what you know to be true, let them believe as they will for the length of the experiment. You cannot prove that what they remember is false, nor can you return their proper memories before it is undone, so all that would accomplish is driving a wedge between you and them.

What you can do is stay close enough to be available, look out for them in their current state, and be ready for the reactions when the experiment is over. That is when they will be most vulnerable and hurt. That is when they will need you most.

I am of royalty. It is my duty to aid those in need, in whatever way I can.

[she glances over her shoulder, at the screen, allowing a smile]
I see. Those were my plans exactly. Thank you, Golbez.

[He sighs.] Don't thank me until we've all gotten through this.

... And if you need assistance of any sort, I believe I will be available at least until the experiment's end.

Any time to spare would be most welcome. I certainly won't deny assistance.

Is there something forthcoming after the experiments?

♔third decree {video}

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