The Amell Legacy: Transgressions

[Marian Hawke]

Marian blinks. "Ye-es? Is that bad?"

[Haliel Lightsong]

''Yes! Lying is bad. I-'' Lightsong takes a step back and takes a deep breath. ''Thank you for wishing to help me. But please do not lie on my behalf.''

[Marian Hawke]

Marian's face falls, and she lowers her gaze. "I see," she says, then gives a small bow. "Forgive my impertinence. I'll leave you to your..." Studies isn't right, clearly. "day."

[Haliel Lightsong]

The look of realization, that one has trespassed and taken on more familiarity, more intimacy, than the other was willing to give... it cuts Lightsong deeply. ''Miss Marian, no, please, I didn't- I'm not angry with you. Just- just...'' She falters, unsure how to explain. ''I do not wish for you to hurt yourself for my sake. I..''She blushes. ''I like you. I do not want you hurt.''

[Marian Hawke]

"...hurt?" she asks, quietly.

[Haliel Lightsong]

Lightsong nods a little, eyes lowered. ''In any way. I know that such is silly, a naive wish but...''

[Marian Hawke]

"But, this didn't hurt me?"

[Haliel Lightsong]

''You lied. That's of Kato and thus a sin.'' She blushes a little, weight shifting awkwardly. ''I know not everyone... thinks that way but...''

[Marian Hawke]

"Uh. Well I'm of Alydra so we don't--"

Deliberately spreading misinformation is the height of irrationality.

She winces. "Look, I just couldn't leave you like that. That'd be sinful too. It's fine. I'll cope."

[Haliel Lightsong]

''Like... that?'' Lightsong asks carefully.

[Marian Hawke]

"You looked..."

She hesitates, then asks, looking away, "Are you... happy, here?"

[Haliel Lightsong]

''Happy? Of co..ur..se... I.. am.'' Her answer starts strongly but soon grows feeble. ''I mean... I have purpose and- and I am meant to be here. I have gifts and blessings beyond value, I have to learn how to use them.''

[Marian Hawke]

"I have it on good authority lying is a sin," says the scribe-apprentice, deadpan. "Purpose is good. Gifts and blessings are fine. But... You should be happy, too, if you can."

[Haliel Lightsong]

Lightsong flushes. ''I- I didn't lie! That was... true. I... I think,'' she finishes in a whisper.

[Marian Hawke]

"I don't know a lot about happiness," says Marian, shifting her weight. "But I know something about truth, and you don't sound like that's true."