Taking in the Sights (Val/Open)

[Valerian Blackburn]

"Hopefully, I'd be able to protect the people around me, if I have to."

Val sighs through his nose.

[Cecelia Riddel]

"That's very admirable of you," she mused softly, giving his arm a soft squeeze. It was hard not to miss the quiet sigh, so different from the normally blithe demeanor.

"Why the distress?"

[Valerian Blackburn]

"I just... worry."

He has to admit.

"I don't want that sort of situation to become commonplace."

[Cecelia Riddel]

"A situation where you are relied on, or where someone needs to be defended n the first place?"

[Valerian Blackburn]

"Ah ha ha..."

That was really close to home.

"Maybe a little of both..."

[Cecelia Riddel]

Celia lets that hang in silence for a moment before nodding and giving him a considerate look.

"I believe I understand. It's a life more than your own that you become responsible for. Not to mention, we have managed to hae relatively peaceful lives of our own back home. But it's different here, so perhaps it is the best place to learn, after all." She meant it in a very generic, survivalist way.

"I think it's safe to say many feel that way."

[Valerian Blackburn]

"I'm sure they do."

Valerian nods.

"Don't get me wrong. I love my people. And I have no ill will towards anyone from the other territories either. But this is more responsibility than I'm comfortable with."

In fact, the level of responsibility he is comfortable with is pretty low.

[Cecelia Riddel]

She was surprised at the open honesty, wondering if it was an act. He was meant to rule as the son of a leading family; it was surely bred into him.

"I can see where it can be worrisome," she admitted after a moment, though it came slowly. "But that is also part of our duty as nobility. It is what is expected, and part of how our safety remains." Her lips quirked for a moment.

"Though, I do admit, I find myself also wanting something other than what is expected of me."

[Valerian Blackburn]

"It is... expected."

He lets out another breath, but he smiles at her other comment.

"Oh? And what is it you find yourself wanting?"

[Cecelia Riddel]

"There are expectations of women of station back home, of course," she mused as the subject turned towards her own discomfort. "But there are disagreements, too. Remember how I told you I play the piano? Some would argue that's too passionate for a lady.Too unseemly. Others may be threatened by my upbringing or education."

[Valerian Blackburn]

"I can't imagine people disliking smart, passionate women."

Val shakes his head.

"It seems even within the same superpower, the territories are still quite different."

[Cecelia Riddel]

"Naturally." She shook her head. "We are bound by a desire for peace and a strong ruling hand. The rest is a variety that makes us who we are, for good or ill." Qi or no qi, but she doesn't say that out loud. She accepted her duty.

"Tell me, what's one of your favorite parts about your homeland?"

[Valerian Blackburn]

"That's easy, because it's the same as here."

He smirks.

"The people. I love hearing about their lives."

[Cecelia Riddel]

"You must do quite well here, then." There had to be plenty of tales to hear here.

[Valerian Blackburn]

"I do alright."

He winks.

"But, I'm sure you do well, too."