video | un: ouyang

[theatrics]

(( A perhaps familiar face is on the screen. Or perhaps not so familiar. Ouyang usually keeps to himself and his admittedly small social circle for reasons that are probably obvious to anyone who looks at him: the damned feminine face. The ancient armor he sports does nothing to take the softness from the shape of it or the lost look in his now golden cat eyes. ))

What is it like to have something that's yours and only yours?

Comments

[theatrics]

I see. The only pride I have is in achievements that mean nothing here.

[gentledawn]

What you gained from those achievements has not been lost.

[theatrics]

I betrayed my people to conquerors.

[gentledawn]

Why? You must have had a reason.

[theatrics]

It was expected. I was born and raised into the traditions of my conquerors.

[gentledawn]

Then you did as you were taught and trained. No matter the outcome, I'm sure you did your best.

[theatrics]

I did. I lost only one battle in my time as the Prince of Henan's general.

[gentledawn]

I see no reason why you shouldn't be proud.

[theatrics]

Achievements in battle are not mine alone.

[gentledawn]

No, but you led others and they relied on you.

[theatrics]

They were afraid of me.

[gentledawn]

Why? Is that a reaction you cultivated?

[theatrics]

One such as myself cannot command respect. So, I commanded fear.

[gentledawn]

I do not understand why you see yourself so poorly.

[theatrics]

How easily can one forget the stigmas and prejudices of their life?

[gentledawn]

Not easily. I find that making friends and speaking of past pain helps. But that can be daunting.

[theatrics]

(( Indeed it can be. Especially when one's past pain is of a very intimate and private matter. Or a matter that won't change even if discussed. ))

My thanks for your advice.