damnpire | (no subject)

[D doesn't show it, but: relief. It's not he believes he won't know the protocol for manners, as he is general respectful to anyone up until they aren't respectful to him. But still.]

You may sit, if you'd like. Were you at the station when the Vakdir came?

[ She takes the offered seat gracefully, tucking her skirts beneath her as she goes. ]

I was. However, I believe I have an unfair advantage over many of our number here, in that I appear to blend into the local population very well. [ At least until she opens her mouth, anyway. But she doesn't do much of that here, preferring to observe rather than talk. ]

On top of that, I am well trained in taking out enemy targets that stand in my way. So there is no need to be concerned.

[If he was apt at smiling more often (same hat!!!), he would probably smile about her brusque and obtuse nature. Very factual. It's different. He's use to both humans and vampires spilling with all kinds of emotions. He's the outlier instead, distant and sullen.] You do have impressive skill.

I won't worry then. [He will a little anyway.] There's a lot to do.

Do you plan to help those arrested or the ones looking into the Prime Minister?

[ Violet hesitates a moment, clearly uncertain. ]

I will be honest. I... am unused to participating in such a disorganised operation. Guild Ophelia is neither a business nor a military operation... yet we have missions and objectives that need to be carried out, but with no clear leader or organisation of said operations.

It is... difficult... for me to choose what to do. I am used to following clear and direct guidelines.

[It makes sense to D, both in relation to her experience and her former "career." This is one of the many reasons he works alone; it's more difficult to coordinate things between a lot of people.

So he nods in acknowledgment.] Do you believe we should appoint someone as a leader? If we decide wrong, the leader here shows what could happen.

The Guild is already divided into specializations. Do you believe we should appoint a "captain" for each one?

[ Violet looks up at him then, eyes betraying confusion that the rest of her body doesn't show. ]

... It isn't my place to decide such matters.

I think... [ she appears to struggle over her wording, as if unused to putting her own opinion into words ]

... I think it would be easier if we had such a hierarchy. But ... with the frequency at which Guild members come and go, and the number of civilians unused to taking orders within our ranks, enforcing it would be ... difficult.

I think you're right.

[The line of questioning had merely been an effort to see what she'd say, where she stood. To see if she would bolster in offering her opinion so boldly to someone else.]

On the Frontier, the humans who are again flourishing have made towns with mayors and sheriffs. For them, there's a need for order, however unreliable it may be.

It may not be the same here.

[ A small nod. ]

I also ... would like to practise choosing my own path ... a bit more.

[Not a bad start.]

Where do you plan to begin?

... I think I should like to help with the prison break.

My roommate was one of those arrested, and would like to see her safe return very much.

[Well, that at least makes two of them who are relatively concerned with their roommate's well-being. Except, like, Violet can actually admit to it.]

Do you know of anyone else trying to assist in getting them out?

Not personally.

I was thinking I could make enquiries...

There are others who would be willing. Even if you aren't prone to leadership, you could begin organizing others to open communication.

I don't think very many need to risk helping them escape. It would be dangerous.

Indeed. A large group would only provide more attention and targets.

... And I am not afraid of danger. If it comes to it, I can protect others.

What about those who try to protect you?

[ Violet only blinks, confused. ]

... That would not happen.

You underestimate the emotions of the other Guild members. Even with impressive skill, they will be concerned for you.

Just as you are concerned for them.

... There is no reason for such concern.

[Boy, how many times has he said the same thing.]

Are you sure?

[ Yes? No?? ]

... They do not know me. And I am a trained soldier. It would be illogical.

[As faintly as ever, one corner of his lips turns barely upward.]

I don't believe those here care much for being logical when it comes to their friends.

[ Violet seems at a loss for a moment, as if grappling with that statement and then finally conceding that he might be right. Then-- ]

... What should I do?

Why do you think you should do anything differently?

[ Her eyes look away, towards the ground. ]

Because I fear you might be right.

... Because I don't wish for other people to get hurt because of me.

There's nothing you can do to stop people from caring about you.