...That's happened to others too. [Being manipulated into killing each other, he means, though he won't provide further details, since it isn't his story to tell. Still, he says it gently--trying for a reassurance that it was no personal failing on Sidon's part, even though he knows that words can't really fix this. Sidon killed Owner and Guy: That is a fact that can't be erased, even if he was out of control. Like Sidon says, it's essentially the same struggle they've been grappling with here all along.
And normally, Luke is one for the facts. He can be sympathetic, even understanding, but very rarely will he let those emotions hinder justice, or coax him into turning a blind eye to harm done. That holds true here, too--but Sidon's kindness makes it so difficult to be unrelenting.
So instead, firm and, again, reassuring:] You're back now. It's over.
[ said on a sigh. he is not a bitter person by nature, but this has happened to so many of them that it's hard not to be frustrated. how many people have managed to escape without killing... someone or other, at some point?
but he listens, squaring himself in the present, in luke's voice and the warmth of the drink in his hands. ]
It's difficult to feel like... I'm free of that place. As though it's watching me still. But you're right—I need to put it behind me. This place wants so badly to break out spirits. [ if he mopes around and wallows it's just playing into the whole thing. ]
[It certainly is frustrating--especially when their returnees are so injured that temporary death is the only reprieve. More than once, Luke's wondered what they'll do if their healing abilities fail them--worse, if they notice themselves starting to fade, until they're nothing but remnants, just like the ghosts they continue to encounter.
And though Luke tends to be a realistic person for these sorts of things, he is also very good at adapting his roles, and right now, Sidon needs reassurances and support.]
Mm... but I don't think you need to rush. [To feel better, he means] You went through terrible things. We'll all be here for you for as long as you need.
[Sidon's brought a type of brightness and cheer that so many of these dumb little nerds don't have; forcing him to get over himself, instead of allowing him time to process the horrors, would be a terrible way to repay him.]
[ the way i'm doing backtags shaking as half of you come back from your own cyoa
even if maybe luke is just shifting from one role to another, the reassurance feels genuine. he blinks out of the grim stare he's been holding at nothing in particular, warming up into a smile. he'll bounce back. ]
Thank you, Luke.
[ it's not really in his nature to make people worry, so he rallies some positivity, sighing out. ]
...You're a good friend, you know? You'd barely known me and Margaret any amount of time before we got here, and you're still so ready to protect us.
It's my job to protect people, and to help get justice for those who've suffered. [So he was willing to do whatever it took for everyone from day 1] I'm glad we're friends now, though, even if I wish you guys didn't have to end up down here for it.
[At the end of the day, what he wants has always been very simple: minimal loss of life, and a safe return home for those on the ship. All the rest was secondary--it was only after people with strong futures started to joint hem that he added resurrection to his goals, and even then, it took a while to warm up to the idea.]
Besides, I think I'm a pretty good judge of character. I could tell you were good people, and I was right. [He would've wanted to save them anyway, but it's different now, in a good way.]
That's a talent of mine as well! A necessary one. [ for a prince, who is supposed to be good at delegating. ] I can spot good character right away—and you've always struck me as a good man, Luke.
[ he did help him pretty much right away, despite thinking he was a guy in a fish costume for a minute there. luke has his secrets, his facets that he'd rather play off, but even if he can only guess at luke's whole character—to sidon, he's still clearly a good person who means what he's saying now. ]
Whatever this place insists on doing—I'm grateful to know that you'll... protect us. [ which is weird for him to say, as someone who prefers to do the protecting as well, but still. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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And normally, Luke is one for the facts. He can be sympathetic, even understanding, but very rarely will he let those emotions hinder justice, or coax him into turning a blind eye to harm done. That holds true here, too--but Sidon's kindness makes it so difficult to be unrelenting.
So instead, firm and, again, reassuring:] You're back now. It's over.
no subject
[ said on a sigh. he is not a bitter person by nature, but this has happened to so many of them that it's hard not to be frustrated. how many people have managed to escape without killing... someone or other, at some point?
but he listens, squaring himself in the present, in luke's voice and the warmth of the drink in his hands. ]
It's difficult to feel like... I'm free of that place. As though it's watching me still. But you're right—I need to put it behind me. This place wants so badly to break out spirits. [ if he mopes around and wallows it's just playing into the whole thing. ]
no subject
And though Luke tends to be a realistic person for these sorts of things, he is also very good at adapting his roles, and right now, Sidon needs reassurances and support.]
Mm... but I don't think you need to rush. [To feel better, he means] You went through terrible things. We'll all be here for you for as long as you need.
[Sidon's brought a type of brightness and cheer that so many of these dumb little nerds don't have; forcing him to get over himself, instead of allowing him time to process the horrors, would be a terrible way to repay him.]
no subject
even if maybe luke is just shifting from one role to another, the reassurance feels genuine. he blinks out of the grim stare he's been holding at nothing in particular, warming up into a smile. he'll bounce back. ]
Thank you, Luke.
[ it's not really in his nature to make people worry, so he rallies some positivity, sighing out. ]
...You're a good friend, you know? You'd barely known me and Margaret any amount of time before we got here, and you're still so ready to protect us.
no subject
He smiles, then, shaking his head slightly.]
It's my job to protect people, and to help get justice for those who've suffered. [So he was willing to do whatever it took for everyone from day 1] I'm glad we're friends now, though, even if I wish you guys didn't have to end up down here for it.
[At the end of the day, what he wants has always been very simple: minimal loss of life, and a safe return home for those on the ship. All the rest was secondary--it was only after people with strong futures started to joint hem that he added resurrection to his goals, and even then, it took a while to warm up to the idea.]
Besides, I think I'm a pretty good judge of character. I could tell you were good people, and I was right. [He would've wanted to save them anyway, but it's different now, in a good way.]
no subject
That's a talent of mine as well! A necessary one. [ for a prince, who is supposed to be good at delegating. ] I can spot good character right away—and you've always struck me as a good man, Luke.
[ he did help him pretty much right away, despite thinking he was a guy in a fish costume for a minute there. luke has his secrets, his facets that he'd rather play off, but even if he can only guess at luke's whole character—to sidon, he's still clearly a good person who means what he's saying now. ]
Whatever this place insists on doing—I'm grateful to know that you'll... protect us. [ which is weird for him to say, as someone who prefers to do the protecting as well, but still. ]