The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[Haliel Lightsong]

I don't know much about happiness. ''Miss Marian...'' She says softly, eyes filling with tears at the careless confession. 

[Marian Hawke]

"Hmm?" She turn to smile at Lightsong. "I'm sorry, what did I say, I didn't mean to--"

[Haliel Lightsong]

Lightsong, unable to stop herself, does the same as she would for her little brother or any of the children she sometimes gets put in charge of for an afternoon. She steps closer and pulls Marian into a hug.

[Marian Hawke]

Marian stiffens, but only a little, mostly in surprise. "L-lightsong?"

[Haliel Lightsong]

Drops of water splash on the curve of Marian's neck and shoulder, tears falling from the taller woman. ''Miss Marian... hearing you say that- that you don't know of happiness- I- oh Miss Marian...''

[Marian Hawke]

"I-- I mean-- I know what, uh, what happiness is--" Please stop crying! "I mean, I have plenty of books and that's the next best thing right?"

[Haliel Lightsong]

The aasimar sniffles. ''No,'' she says stubbornly. ''Happiness is... is...'' A little boy that looks up to you, that sits in your lap as you struggle to read him a bedtime story like you've seen while traveling (and always wanted someone to do for you). The relief in the eyes of a widow after telling her that her daughter will be just fine now. The taste of a soft rosehip and lavender tea at the end of a day filled with service, song and laughter. The feeling of connection on those blessed days when it feels like HE-THAT-IS-BASTION has favored you with just a hint of His regard during daily prayers. Taking a hit, feeling the bite and pain, the blood trickling down skin, and knowing the person behind you is safe. ''It's more than just books. I'm not sure entirely either. But... It needs people to be true.''

[Marian Hawke]

"I don't... I don't have people," says Marian quietly. "I thought I could help you out, but.. we're very different," she admits. "I'm not sure... I'm not a very good person, you know. I mean, I'm not..." She waves her hand, indicating the building behind her. "All this."

[Haliel Lightsong]

''...is different bad?'' Lightsong asks in a tiny voice, still not breaking the hug, afraid she might not get another for years.

[Marian Hawke]

"I don't know," she whispers. "Can you be happy being friends with a liar?"

[Haliel Lightsong]

''I... suppose that depends on the lies. I would... prefer you cut back on them, but...'' She laughs softly. ''Truth be told, I would be less likely to walk away from you. If I stay, if you were willing to be my friend, then I could try and convert you. You jumping in to help me at cost to yourself is very Bastionite after all.''

[Marian Hawke]

It's very Astean, too, she thinks but doesn't say. "What if... Alydra isn't a Good deity," she mumbles, not letting go of Lightsong. 

[Haliel Lightsong]

''That's fine. You are a good person, so that's not a problem at all.''

[Marian Hawke]

"Ye-ah, but what if I'm not?"

[Haliel Lightsong]

''Well... you're not a bad person and... maybe I can help you. Be better. And you can help me be... smarter?''