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Comments

[thumbsdown]

[He can understand being ready to die. He just nods, wondering if he'll get to enjoy his life here as much as Lust does.]

I'm glad things are working out for you now.

[He means it- it sounds like whatever Lust was going through before she died, it was difficult to say the least.]

My wife, she... someone sold her to slavers. I was working the night they came to take her. When I came back home, she was gone. I managed to track her down, but by the time I found her they were already selling her off. There were hundreds of them there, and I was still far away. I was just watching it happen through my rifle's scope, and I knew what was going to happen to her once the bidding was done. So I did the only thing I could.

[He hadn't intended to mention that he'd been the one to kill Carla, but for whatever reason it just comes out.]

They would've- they don't treat women like people. And once they took her away, I'd never be able to find her again. I'd never be able to save her.

[Whatever's left of his wine, he downs it. Then he sets the glass aside, trying to force the memory from his mind. And if Lust judges him for the decision he made, he won't blame her.]

[thekindestdemon]

[Lust is quiet a while. She sips her wine and purses her lips in thought, considering.]

[It's not a new story, really. She's seen the like plenty of times, in her former life. And she understand what it is to be a slave. Eventually, she begins speaking, seemingly not addressing what Boone's just said.]

I belonged to a cruel master, before this life. The wording was always so polished, so acceptable. We were her servants, her children, her beloved collection. We were slaves, though. We had no choices, we were punished if we disobeyed, if we attempted to act for ourselves. We belonged to her and she used as she wanted. I'm called 'Lust' and I look as I do, I'm sure you can guess what she used me for.

I met a man once, in a little mountain village. He was a good man, a kind man. A doctor. He wanted to wipe out fatal diseases, and he was extremely talented. He fell in love with me. I...I don't know what I felt for him, but I cared for him. It meant something to me, his happiness. And I knew what my master had in store for him. What she planned to do.

[Lust takes another long swig of the wine. She doesn't talk about Lujon often, less even than she speaks of Scar.]

He told me he loved me, he asked me to run away with him....and I killed him. Because it was kinder, and he was going to die no matter what I did. At least that way it was quick and he never saw what happened to the rest of his village.

[It's her own long winded way of saying that she understands what Boone did, and why. On multiple levels.]

[thumbsdown]

[A similar sort of situation, then. And Lust knows what it's like to be a slave. It seems like they understand each other here.]

I'm sorry you had to go through that. Nobody should have to live as a slave.

[He looks up again, frowning, but his expression is softer somehow.]

Y'know... I haven't told a lot of people exactly what happened to Carla. Nobody else here, at least. It's not exactly a good thing that you understand, but... thanks. For listening.

[And sharing her own story. She didn't have to do that, but he appreciates why she did.]

[thekindestdemon]

It was the only existence I knew, before Ryslig. I had another life, before that one, but I don't remember it. My people were wiped out by an empirical military, that culture and those ways more or less lost to me.

[She shrugs. It's all in the past, and while she's lost most ties to Ishbal...she's found alternatives.]

I'm not about to repeat it. But I do understand. Most of us here...we harbor very dark depths, Mr. Boone. You may come to find, as time passes, there are more here who share commonalities with you than you would have guessed. I know I have.

[thumbsdown]

Not the best things to have in common, but it's something, huh.

[He's glad someone understands, though. He gets to his feet, taking the goblet and handing it back to Lust.]

Still, I mean it. And... for the record, if anyone ever tries to do that to you again, I'll make sure they regret it. Just let me know if you need me, okay?

[thekindestdemon]

One takes what one can get, here.

[Lust offers a small smile as she takes the goblet and sets it aside. He's a good man, Boone. She's glad she finally cornered him to have this out, she at least feels a great deal better about it all.]

Thank you. You...should come by my manor, sometime. Socially. Clarence can be a bit to handle, but he mostly keeps to himself. I have this beautiful big home now, it's a shame not to use it to entertain.

[She has no idea what Boone's social life is like, but she thinks it's good for him, to spend time with people.]

And my Adam is quite the cook.

[thumbsdown]

[His social life is mostly just going out for drinks with people, or... well, staying in and drinking. He's certainly never been invited to someone else's home.]

I'll stop by sometime soon.

[He seems glad for the offer, at least.]

Maybe after I'm done here you can show me where it is.

[thekindestdemon]

Of course. You can walk me home.

[Her smile widens slightly, though it doesn't quite warm her eyes. She's tired. This has been an exhausting conversation, despite the benefits it's brought.]

I won't keep you from work any longer.

[thumbsdown]

[He notices, and he's sure his own smile doesn't reach his own eyes, either. Not that he means it any less, but... the conversation did take something out of him, even if he's glad they had it.]

I'll meet you at the entrance when I'm done.

[He turns to leave then, slipping out of the door quietly. At the very least, he feels a lot lighter than he did when he came in, and the wine has given him a pleasant warmth.]