Audience: Harrowhark Nonagesimus

[probe]

Comments

[probe]

Understand, then, that I say this in a general sense and am not necessarily instructing you one way or another-- but I often find inaction to be paralyzing. There is a marked difference between it and biding one's time, awaiting the proper opportunity and situation, and it is often born of a fear to do as one believes they should.

Each course has its risks and its downsides. I believe that it comes down to this: would you prefer to lose your own life through action or through inaction, given that it is a risk in either case? Would you prefer to risk it over seeing others die thanks to your inaction? And would it make a difference to you, after the fact, if you should learn whether you were right or wrong? In which situation are you best able to live with your decisions and their potential consequences?

[bonetiddies]

[She nods, listening.]

Agreed. I cannot await certainty.

[She'll consider the rest of his questions.]

I must admit that I have a strong dislike for this individual, and I do not feel that I would feel guilty for their death, even if I were in fact wrong. What I fear is rather the vote - that some other person will be killed in my stead, and it will be an outcome much harder to bear.

I also fear that I will die if I try this thing - whether by taking on a target too dangerous for me in my current state, or because I will be selected during the vote. If I am caught, even if I evade death during that trial, I will become the new 'back up.' I think - the likelihood of my own death is higher, if I commit the to this course of action, than if I simply remain on my guard.

But. . . [Hmm. Her voice is a little less confident at this part.] What is unacceptable to me is the possibility that someone dear to me will be taken from me, and that this could have been prevented if I had only been more decisive.

[probe]

I do not think you are wrong. The risks associated are certainly high, but if you truly find the alternative so unacceptable... well. As I said, it is your decision.

[the feathers of his wings chime as they shift.]

Do as you feel you need to. Mitigate the risks as you are able, if you fear them yet choose to move forward.

[bonetiddies]

[She nods. This answer is perfectly acceptable, perfectly sensible, but she still feels conflicted and afraid in a way she never had before, when she has contemplated a dangerous course of action. It's only that this time she has things she cares to lose.]

. . . One other question, on the precise nature of the Oliver Twist gift.

If I borrow someone else's boon, do I need to know what theirs is? And will they still be able to use it, or no?

[probe]

You need not know what it is, no, though in that case you also will be unaware of what you may receive. I believe it should not render them unable to use it themselves, either.

[bonetiddies]

If they have already used theirs, will I still be able to borrow it?

[probe]

You will not. But you should also be able to borrow it before you have need of it-- their gift will simply replace yours, albeit in a reduced state, and you may use it at a later time.

[bonetiddies]

[She seems pleased by that, at least.]

That is good to know. If I try to borrow a boon that has been used, how will I know? It simply won't work?

[probe]

That should be the case. I do not believe it will be wasted if you choose incorrectly, however.

[bonetiddies]

Theoretically, I should be able to use it to see who has used theirs, then.

[probe]

Only theoretically. Attempt to use it in this fashion, and the very first person you use it upon who does have a gift will quickly stop you in your tracks. Personally, I would not recommend it.

[bonetiddies]

Of course it's more optimal as a weapon. It's just helpful to consider the possibilities.

. . . I'll let you know when I've decided on a course of action.