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]

[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.]