sariel; pc catchall

[spotsalone]

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[spotsalone]

Indeed, it would be—but then your life is not your own. Not truly.

[antline]

No, it wouldn't be.

[He's silent for a moment.]

Do you...follow others, Hickey?

[spotsalone]

[ Huh. What an interesting question. ]

I prefer not to, if I can help it. A man should make his own path. I do what suits me—as should others.

[antline]

How do you know what suits you? How did you...find that out?

[spotsalone]

[ Another interesting question. He actually isn't sure how to answer that. ]

I learned what doesn't suit me and worked backward from there. A man of my upbringing has little choice to do otherwise.

[antline]

Your upbringing? I've heard people talk about that. About money.

Is it about money with you?

[spotsalone]

In simple terms, yes. Money, which goes hand in hand with status. Without access to either, your avenues for advancement are all but nonexistent. All you can do is... get by.

[antline]

I've gotten by like that. Are you saying people don't like that?

[spotsalone]

[ He hums, head tipping from side to side indecisively. ]

That often depends on the circumstances. Acting in one's self interest at the expense of others tends to be universally frowned upon.

[ Not that that stops him, but it's a fair enough reason for ire, at least. ]

But there are those that would rub your nose in the dirt simply to stay on top of the pile themselves.

[antline]

To stay on top of the pile...

[Hm.]

What does it feel like? To be on top of this pile?

[spotsalone]

[ He snorts a bit incredulously. ]

Oh, hell if I know. The elite aren't exactly keen to share their status with the rabble. I expect most of us will never know what even a small scrap of power feels like.

[antline]

Mm.

If you had power, what would you do with it? The same as them?

[spotsalone]

...If that's what it took to keep it, sure. Why shouldn't I? I've suffered long enough without it.

Beyond that... I don't know. Why dream of something that is unlikely to ever become reality?

[ He pauses to study the riot of color flooding in from the stained glass windows. He's still adjusting to the vibrance of this place. ]

Why are you asking me these questions?

[antline]

I ask a lot of questions. I have limiters. It takes...a while for me to understand things.

[A sigh.]

I don't understand why...mortals are preoccupied with power. So I asked you. Since you want it.