text / anonymous (before the last day of the party)

[heartstopping]

[Rolo's not generally bothered by what anyone thinks, but somehow this feels like an extremely embarrassing thing to have to ask, so he sticks with posting anonymously like he has been so far.]

How does one go about "forming bonds" with people on purpose?

[ don't laugh please he has literally only ever stumbled into this by accident ]

Comments

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[heartofsalvation]

You may have better luck at social events, or in populated places you might enjoy going to if you know how to strike up a conversation. Though since this is for a sentencing, and the result is likely needed sooner than another social event will come around... I suppose trying to befriend a Chosen you have things in common with might be the fastest way.

[heartstopping]

I'm not sure I'd want to befriend the sort of people that have things in common with me.

[ ...at least he's somewhat self-aware? ]

[heartofsalvation]

Not at all? Truly?

Then... what about people who might naturally complement you? Outgoing personalities are less common, I find, but I'm sure there are at least a few here who would welcome your efforts.

[heartstopping]

It's less about "who" and more about "how". Just talking to people hasn't ever earned me any friends before.

[heartofsalvation]

Not untrue. But then, if you have never spoken to people as people, rather than as problems to be dealt with or some such, that would stand to reason. Am I close enough to the truth on that?

These things tend to happen slowly, yet I do not know how much time you have been given. But even small efforts build up, so if you were to get the seeds planted now, I am sure your attempts would be noteworthy enough to the Council to count. 'Tis about the mindset you approach it with, I believe.

[heartstopping]

Close enough.

[Closer than he'd have liked, honestly.]

You have a surprising amount of faith in the Council.

[heartofsalvation]

I suppose I do. Faith is all I have right now, really. Of course, I'm under no illusions we could still be pawns in a larger game we're yet unaware of, but as one of those who has no life to return to, I would choose to try and make the most of it instead. 'Tis more than I've had in... a long, long time.

[heartstopping]

I'm also someone without a life to return to, but it doesn't mean I trust the people in charge here. They're just not really giving me a choice.

And cooperating isn't much better. Did you know the default reward for "rehabilitation" is being sent home, regardless of whether or not that means just dying again?

[heartofsalvation]

Have we managed to confirm that's what has happened to people who have completed their rehabilitation? In many cases, I've heard people have just gotten new crimes assigned to them even if they had supposedly cleared the first one. Plus, some of those who have left may not have completed theirs; it's yet unclear why they're gone.

Not that it's a reason to trust unquestioningly in them, but I don't think they mean us genuine harm, at any rate. I'll be happy to eat my words later if things turn out otherwise, but for now, what can we do but wait and make inquiries?

[heartstopping]

I managed to have a conversation with Jerry about it. He didn't seem malicious, but that doesn't mean their actions are harmless. He acted like they hadn't even considered that anyone might not want to go back home if it meant being dead.

[heartofsalvation]

I can trust that they don't act out of malice, yes, but that they haven't considered the feelings of those they deal with is unsurprising to me. Gaolers typically do not give a thought for those they keep locked up, do they? Whether they are sent for rehabilitation or sent for execution, as it were.

I don't know what punishments they have in store for ignoring one's task, but I cannot imagine earning their favor will hurt in the future. That's the way I've been thinking of it, not that I feel they're completely guiltless in this. After all, I doubt anyone thinks of the Council as pure enough to be hanging out judgments the way they do.

[heartstopping]

I've heard of two different kinds of punishments, including the one they threatened me with. That suggests it might be different for everyone.

[heartofsalvation]

That would make sense... If I may ask, what did they tell you of yours if you do not do as they ask?

[heartstopping]

The Council didn't say anything about it directly. But Jerry implied I could lose someone important because of the penalty.

[heartofsalvation]

Indeed... I see now why you would not want to chance it.

Well, if you are in great need, know that I am willing to try and help, even if in only the smallest of ways. And while I am sure it means little coming from a stranger's words alone, I would still be happy to offer an open hand to start with, even if you find yourself unable to reciprocate right away. It can be a difficult thing to learn... or re-learn, in some cases.