Awakening Supports/Avatar(F) Say'ri
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Contents
C Support
Robin:
Say'ri? Hello? ...Er, I had a question for you.
Say'ri:
I am in the tent, my lady. Enter and be welcome.
Robin:
Finally! It feels like I've been looking for... Oh! I'm so sorry! I had no idea you were changing! I'll, er, just step outside.
Say'ri:
Fie, Robin! We are both women, yes? And I've no shame in my body. ...But if it makes you uncomfortable, I shall dress. Give me but a moment.
Say'ri:
Sorry to keep you waiting, my lady. Now, you had a question?
Robin:
Well, I did, yes. ...But now I'm actually more interested in your smallclothes. At least, I assume that's what they were? Those bolts of white cloth?
Say'ri:
Aye, you have the right of it. My culture has many unique customs—most-like our smallclothes differ as well.
Robin:
But they're just strips of cotton wrapped around your chest and hips. It looks like they could fall off at any moment.
Say'ri:
I'm honored that you are interested in the customs and culture of Chon'sin. Mayhap next time we have a moment, I could tell you more.
Robin:
Well, certainly, thank you. I'm most interested...and it may even prove useful. Who knows to what mysterious lands this campaign will end up taking us? A crash course on different cultures might be excellent preparation.
Say'ri:
I shall be honored to serve as your guide to Chon'sin, Robin.
B Support
Robin:
Hello, Say'ri.
Say'ri:
Ah, Robin.
Robin:
You have a moment? I was wondering if you might tell me more of Chon'sin.
Say'ri:
Aye, gladly! What shall we speak on today? Perhaps you'd care to sample a cup of Chon'sin-style tea?
Robin:
That doesn't look like any tea I've ever seen...
Say'ri:
Aye, we use different leaves and different utensils, and even drink unlike you. Chon'sin takes tea very seriously. There are entire schools devoted to the art.
Robin:
Goodness! That seems a bit excessive, doesn't it?
Say'ri:
Perhaps, but to the devotees of Teaism, even a lifetime of study is not enough. Not to worry, though—I'm not one of them. Now permit me boil the water...
Robin:
......
Say'ri:
Take this with care. The cup is fearsome hot.
Robin:
Ooh, thank you! This is exciting... Right, here goes... *slurp* PFFFFFFT! Bitter! Gods, but it's bitter! Is it supposed to taste like that?
Say'ri:
Aye and aye again. Once you grow used to it, anything else seems as water. It goes especially well with sweets and small cakes.
Robin:
Can't you put sugar in it like we do with our tea?
Say'ri:
You may do as you will, but in Chon'sin we drink it plain.
Robin:
Your people have a truly hardy palate. Though I suppose if you grow up with it...
Say'ri:
Am I to take it that you are not fond of our tea?
Robin:
I just wasn't expecting it, is all. I've never tasted anything so bitter in my life! But it does have a pleasant aftertaste. Who knows? With a bit of practice...
Say'ri:
I'm pleased you found the experience interesting, if not wholly pleasant. You must let me teach you more about my culture when time permits.
Robin:
I'd like that very much.
A Support
Robin:
Hello, Say'ri. Thank you again for that tea the other day. I was wondering if you'd care to share more about your country's customs?
Say'ri:
Aye, my lady! Now, what could I talk about today? Something esoteric, perhaps? Oh, I know. I could tell you of our art... For Chon'sin artists, the most beautiful objects are the old and broken.
Robin:
Truly?
Say'ri:
Aye and aye again. Something in our eye prefers the patina of age. 'Tis but a different aesthetic.
Robin:
I've only ever thought of aesthetics to mean bright, beautiful things.
Say'ri:
Then I shall attempt to explain my people's point of view. Something that's old and worn is infused with a certain beauty. A beauty of hard use, if it please you. Of decay and poverty.
Robin:
Poverty? ...That's a bit difficult to wrap my head around.
Say'ri:
It does require a new way of looking at things, but it can be done. In time, you'll appreciate the beauty of brown, the allure of rust, the smell of mold.
Robin:
I think I prefer my art to be colorful and clean.
Say'ri:
Aye, and to me, such things seem garish and dull, both at once. I much prefer the honest poverty of simple, understated pieces.
Robin:
That's the second time you've used that word, "poverty."
Say'ri:
The appreciation of poverty is an essential part of our culture. We often say that poverty teaches us what is truly important in life. Not status, or standing, or possessions, but a loving heart and positive spirit.
Robin:
Mmm, a lesson we should all appreciate. People who become rich are so often spoiled by their wealth and luxury. They end up wanting more and more but can never be satisfied.
Say'ri:
Aye! The Chon'sin interest in age and decay is a reminder of that very point. 'Tis a way to remonstrate with ourselves and appreciate what we already have.
Robin:
What a wonderful way of looking at things... I suppose it explains a lot. I've always admired how poised and graceful you look when you fight. You seem...centered. As if the little things don't affect you. And now I understand why.
Say'ri:
You honor me, my lady.
Robin:
Heh, it's true though. I think we can all learn a lot from your country.
Say'ri:
I'm pleased you've come to think so. Truly. I hope one day you'll come visit.
Robin:
I'd like that very much.
Say'ri:
Then we've one more reason to finish this war and restore peace to the world!
Robin:
Yes we do.