Two - Video

[secondborn]

[Despite the snow and cold, Alastair is outside. He's more used to being out and about in the cold anyway, and it's really not that bad, especially with a good coat.]

I know not everyone will care about this, so feel free to ignore it if you're not interested in... other people's worlds.

[He sighs, running a hand through his hair.]

With that out of the way, I was just wondering... I realize we're all from different places, and many of them are vastly different from each other, but I keep being surprised, mostly because something that is so completely fundamental where I come from seems to just... not exist anywhere else.

It's... well it's the Balance. [He rubs his forehead a moment before continuing.] I've explained this to a few people already, but where I come from, the Balance between life and death, creation and destruction, and time... it's all essential to how the world works. If the Balance is upset, things... go badly. [He frowns.] That's a bit of an understatement. But that's not important.

The Balance is guarded by the Keepers, one for each aspect of the Balance. Each Keeper rules a land that is associated with that aspect of the Balance, and in the land there are a few gifted on one side of the Balance or the other. So in the land associated with life and death, there are some gifted with life, and others with death. Only the Keeper has the power of both.

[He sighs. Is he saying too much? It feels like he's talking too much.]

I'm sorry, really the point of all of this is... I'm wondering if anyone comes from a place with a Balance. Or anything like it, really. It just... it seems impossible to me that it exists nowhere else.

Comments

[sworntovalor]

[He frowns as he attempts to understand.]

So it will not necessarily show? It can simply be leaning towards certain personality attributes and chosen professions?

[secondborn]

Not exactly... some gifts are more subtle, yes, but they can all be used for the Balance.

I mean, of course everyone can affect the Balance, but the gifted are more aware of it than those who aren't.

I'm sorry, I'm not being clear enough, am I.

[sworntovalor]

No, not at all. It is simply that nothing of the sort exists in my own world so I find it difficult to comprehend - I misunderstand the very basis I'm afraid.

[He pauses, scratching at the stubble on his chin]

Perhaps I am asking too difficult questions. Forgive me, I have not even introduced myself, while you are being so kind and patient. I am Sir Lancelot, how may I call you?

[secondborn]

It's not that, really, it's just it's hard for the opposite reason it's hard for you. It's... very strange to have to describe something that is just so fundamental that everyone knows about it.

Ah. I... it's good to meet you, Sir Lancelot. I'm Alastair. Alastair Stara.

[sworntovalor]

I understand. [He nods] I imagine it cannot be easy at all.

[He inclines his head in a show of respect.] It is an honor, Alastair.

[secondborn]

[He shifts slightly, a tad uneasy. But he nods in response.]

Do you... have any other questions I can try to answer?

[sworntovalor]

[He notices the other's uneasiness and frowns; bridging the gaps between cultures is somewhat of a near obsession of his, he wants to know how to behave before any citizen of Asgard without causing them distress.]

I'm sorry - have I said something to disturb you? My world is vastly different from those of most, I am attempting to learn the more widely accepted behavior -

[secondborn]

[He blinks and runs a hand through his hair.]

No, it's nothing, you haven't done anything wrong. I'm just... it's nothing, really.

[sworntovalor]

Please -- I wish to learn, I have no desire to make anyone uncomfortable with my behavior.

[secondborn]

[He hesitates.]

I... my family... used to have a... high position where I come from. People are still inclined to give me respect I... haven't earned.

[He scratches his head.]

As I said, you didn't do anything wrong, you just reminded me of home a little, that's all.

[sworntovalor]

[He softens at that]

In claiming that, you've earned my respect already.

[He knows that feeling well, shares it.]

[secondborn]

[He is still uncertain.]

If you say so.

[sworntovalor]

[Wow, so this is what everyone else feels when they talk to him. Incredible, to be on the other side of that.]

I do. It's easy to expect people to respect you when you are born to stature. It's much more impressive when one knows respect needs to be earned no matter who you are.

[secondborn]

[He nods slowly.]

There's... enough people born to power who abuse it.

[He doesn't even rightfully have that power anymore and people are still willing to grant it to him without even knowing him. It upsets him.]

[sworntovalor]

That is true.

[He nods seriously] And many people born to nothing, who have the skill to serve as well as any noble.

[secondborn]

It's true.

[He sighs.]

Though not many can see it.

[sworntovalor]

Which is why you have earned my respect.

[Triumphant smile!]

[secondborn]

[...all right, he looks resigned to the fact.]

All right.

[What's he even supposed to say to that? Thank you?]

[sworntovalor]

Now you must earn yours, which I know, can be the most difficult task of all.

[He hasn't quite achieved it yet himself]

[secondborn]

[...ah.

That hits closer to home than Alastair was expecting.

He nods, but can't seem to bring himself to formulate a reply.]

[sworntovalor]

[He smiles fondly at the silence from the other side.]

I would say we have much in common. Thank you for speaking with me, I greatly enjoyed it. I hope to meet you again.

[He inclines his head, deciding the young man could probably use time on his own now.]

[secondborn]

[Alastair nods again, managing to find words.]

It was good to speak with you. Until next time.

[That's about all he can do, though. He'll be signing off now.]