(Text; UN: motherofdragons)

[decisiveconquest]

I will not hide my identity nor pretend these words are not attached to me. There were men who thought I committed many wrongs before I came here. One man held me accountable and spared me nothing besides a lingering death, which leads me to my question: in your estimation, are there any crimes that are unforgivable?

What a common man or woman cannot - should not - do, a king or a queen can do for the good of their people, correct? Great sacrifices are expected in battle - in war - however do you think that a ruler's life should be forfeit for them? What good can they do if they are slain prematurely?

I can admit when I am wrong, but on this...

I don't understand.

Comments

[sleepinglotus]

The problem with war is that every side has an enemy, but that enemy still consists of human lives. Unless your foes are souless, mindless creatures with only the desire to cause suffering to drive them, you're dealing in lives. Someone's son, daughter, mother, father...

Sometimes being a leader also means being the more compassionate person, doesn't it?

I suppose, though, I'm only speculating from my limited knowledge of the Great War in Remnant. I wasn't alive for it, but I've studied the history as much as any student can.

[decisiveconquest]

There is a time and place for compassion. I didn't think it had any place on that battlefield. (For a variety of reasons which include lack of sleep, lack of food, grief, misery, loneliness and, yes, a touch of the family madness.)

You should be glad you didn't see it.

[sleepinglotus]

I am, but Remnant isn't as peaceful as people have been led to believe.

I'm sorry you had to go through that. I can't really judge your actions without having been there myself to see what caused it all.

[decisiveconquest]

My soldiers looked at me with pride; they were ready to march whenever I gave the word. But those on my council turned against me and I believe they convinced the man who killed me to do it.

Nothing mattered in Westeros. Nothing went as planned and I lost two sons and two dear friends. Yet I was supposed to be unaffected by it.

[sleepinglotus]

Who told you that you were supposed to be unaffected? That's ridiculous.

I'm not the most emotional person usually but even I would be affected by that much loss. I -have- been affected by loss. Whoever said that to you is out of their mind or completely lacking in empathy.

[decisiveconquest]

Everyone acted that way. No one seemed to care when they died and they expected me to move forward as usual.

There is no room for empathy on Westeros.

[sleepinglotus]

[Gods... that's horrible. Ren can't imagine not being allowed to grieve.]

I'm sorry that they treated you that way. For whatever it's worth, even though we're relative strangers, you do have my condolences for your losses.

[decisiveconquest]

I don't feel worthy of your condolences, however those who were lost deserve to be remembered. Without me present to speak for them, I fear their deeds will never be recorded.

[sleepinglotus]

I believe everyone deserves a chance to grieve their losses.

Have you ever considered writing about them?

[decisiveconquest]

Here? What use would that be?

[sleepinglotus]

Others could learn about them, and their stories wouldn't be completely lost.

It also might be cathartic for you.

[decisiveconquest]

Their tales are better than mine and far more heroic.

I suppose I could spend some time writing.

[sleepinglotus]

I would be interested in reading, if you wouldn't mind that.

[decisiveconquest]

No, that would be the point. Thank you in advance.

[sleepinglotus]

You're welcome.

If you want to look for me in the future, I'm Lie Ren, though my friends usually call me Ren.

[decisiveconquest]

And I am Daenerys Targaryen. Well met, Lie Ren. (She won't assume they are friends. That would be rude.)

[sleepinglotus]

[Works for him!]

It's nice to meet you as well. I hope the writing goes well.

[decisiveconquest]

The memories are fresh. This is the best time to put pen to paper.

[sleepinglotus]

I'll leave you to it then.

[decisiveconquest]

Before you go, where might I find ink? And a quill?

[sleepinglotus]

I believe there is a store that has stationary and pens in PrismaPlace. They may carry some older style writing utensils but you could always try the more modern ones, too. Probably cheaper than having to keep buying ink.

[decisiveconquest]

How do the modern pens differ? (THEY HAVE INK IN THEM? Magic.)

[sleepinglotus]

There's already ink inside them, and they'll often be sold in packs of multiple pens, so if it runs out you just replace it with a new one.

[decisiveconquest]

That is...useful. (If a bit wasteful.) Even the small improvements are surprising. Thank you for telling me.

[sleepinglotus]

[They actually used their scrolls for most homework back at Beacon, but that's tech that might be a bit too much.]

Glad I could help.