Voice Testing

[nottheproblem]

It begins.
The path will be difficult, but the victory at the end worth it.

Even for a man I won't care to see.

Comments

[nottheproblem]

Ratonhnhaké:ton.

[That's softer than she means it to be.] Worry little. You've become a fine man, but you concern much. I am safe and well.

[lifescratched]

[But for how long? he wants to ask. He doesn't, but the worry dulls the flush of pride he feels at her compliment.]

Please, do not throw that safety away for the sake of retribution.

[nottheproblem]

I will not. I had not intended to.

[She cannot promise that she will always be beside him and she knows that. To say such would be cruel.]

Neither of us are to be reckless.

[lifescratched]

That is all I ask of you.

[It's all he can ask for. He's in no position to tell his mother what to do -- and no doubt she'll choose to do as she wishes anyway. Still, he'll worry, no matter what.]

[nottheproblem]

[He's right. She'll do as she pleases, but even she knows she must be careful. For his sake.]

Ratonhnhaké:ton, what is justice to you?

[lifescratched]

[The sudden question surprises him, but this is a topic he's pondered often. So it only takes a brief pause for him to ready an answer.]

Justice is putting a stop to those who would seek to wrong others. It is ensuring all are treated fairly and equally. It is ensuring the rights and freedoms of the people -- our people, or any other peoples -- are not violated.

[nottheproblem]

[She listens without judgment and only when he's finished does she nod.]

Good.

[Perhaps she's looking for Haytham in him. That isn't something she wants to admit. She doesn't want him knowing of that lurking insecurity.]

I feel the same. A hero to our people. A hero to those who suffer. I'd not imagined you to grow so much.

[lifescratched]

[If that was what she was looking for, he has no such suspicions. In fact, he's simply relieved she agrees with him instead of arguing -- any such discussions with his father would turn into ideological headbutting, neither side ever able to agree with the other.]

I do what I can. But I fear it is not enough.

[nottheproblem]

What do you feel is?

[She pauses to think before she speaks next, because she knows the words are harsh. And he likely already knows.]

You cannot do everything.

[lifescratched]

I made a vow to protect our people, Mother. So long as they are not safe, it will never be enough. And even if I should succeed, others still must struggle for their freedoms as well.

[He wishes he could do everything, even if he knows he can't. That won't stop him from trying.]

[nottheproblem]

Yet you are not alone. [Does she really need to remind him that she can help?]

You must not do so much for others that you forget yourself. But we will do all we can.

[lifescratched]

You speak as Oiá:ner does. She is always telling me to think more of my own needs.

[That gets a slight smile out of him. Of course, he never actually listens to the Clan Mother either, but it's the thought that counts.]

[nottheproblem]

She is a wise woman, my son, and her words ring many truths. [Not just for him, but for their entire village.]

Do not be hasty to put them aside for later reflection. I am filled with pride to see the boy I loved become this man, but it would bring me even greater joy to see him think of himself as well.

[lifescratched]

I will try to do so, then, if it will make you happy.

[He reaches and clasps one of her hands in both of his. Of course, his duties to their people will always take precedence, but he'd do anything for his mother if he could. Total momma's boy.]