[b]Direct Interactions:[/b][@Lady Athena][@Cherrywitch][@Rune_Alchemist]
[b]In Area of:[/b] Manor of De Draiochta (Vili's House)
[center][img]http://i.imgur.com/lXegtEE.jpg[/img][/center]
[color=fd6c9e]"Eep! It's so pretty!! Oh, I'd love to stay if you wouldn't mind having us!"[/color]

While Alba still seemed somewhat catatonic, Faera seemed to be settling herself in and would be happy to spend the night.  Vili tossed the girl an excited smile.  A sleepover!  Someone wasn't afraid of her powers as a succubus!  The kitsune seemed less than thrilled, but the black haired girl was sure she could win the pouty fox-spirit over with her natural charm, enthusiastic attitude, and smiles!  Vilivyn nodded, indicating her approval of Faera's choice!

Of course, the spirit-kin's cheerful attitude reversed as Lena opened her mouth.  [color=fff79a]"I-I apologize if this comes off as rude and...uncivil of me, but...are you just that complacent or are you just a coward?"[/color]  Vilivyn's stopped drinking, hand clenching tightly the glass in front of her as she was insulted.  Where was this coming from?!  [color=fff79a]"A-Ah I mean, I'm sorry! I just...w-well when the spirits were in trouble-you...just sort of stood there and it made me sad and I couldn't believe that someone as nice as you would do that...and uhm..."[/color]  Well at least she finally said why.  Of course, the pixie felt it necessary to elaborate.

[color=a187be]"Basically, Lena's saying you're a complacent apathetic coward who's fine with watching spirits get trampled over, ya batty slut."[/color]  Where Lena seemed at least somewhat apologetic - whether that was because she was afraid of the repercussions of insulting a succubus or simply acknowledging that there was some three thousand ways to word that better, the pixie simply stated what was on her mind.

Before Vilivyn could get too angry though, the elven girl responded.  [color=fff79a]"I...I want to know why you didn't help? I...I uhm, am not trying to tell you that you have to! But...you said he's not worth it...I understand if you don't want to stand out and cause trouble...heh, being bullied most of my life I understand....really. But...If no one does, then nothing will change. Help, I mean. Stand up to people like that...noble fellow."[/color]  The spirit kin really was curious about how an elf could relate at all to the bullying those spirits or their half relatives received - in society, elves were generally looked up to for various reasons.  A lot was expected of them, and most of them achieved that standard.

Through all of her attempts to collect her thoughts though, the demoness had to constantly remind herself not to be angry.

It took a few minutes.

On the bright side, at least the elf was willing to get the cat out of the bag.  This conversation made Vilivyn lean more towards ignorance on Lena's part rather than an attempt to treat her like some sort of lesser being to be observed and avoided.  A brief sigh passed before she started to explain.  The demoness would need practice at this.

[color=lightsalmon]"... A spirit-kin's life is a constant reminder about what you are.  At best, people stare at you in lines and are too nervous to speak to you.  Normally at worst, people get a little grabby ... and make assumptions about your character.  But you grin and bear it, and move on."[/color]  Vilivyn's eyes drifted over to Lena.  She was still upset at the girl about that earlier, but it was rather obvious the elf was ignorant of such matters.  It wouldn't help anyone to remain angry, but perhaps pointing out Lena's own flaws would make things a bit more relatable.

[color=lightsalmon]"But sometimes, things are worse.  Those attached to you are unable to find anything but the worst of jobs.  Apartments won't house you.  A loaf of bread becomes a luxury.  And sometimes, a seven year old gets kicked by a few drunk noblemen, and the guard turns an eye as a young girl's ribs are broken."[/color]  Vilivyn's eyes looked down, memories clearly running through her head.  She didn't really want to make the mood dry, but hopefully it would help drive the point she was trying to make home, and offer some validity to what she was saying.  [color=lightsalmon]"And perhaps a friend is going to step in, or a family member, or some random person, and say 'this is wrong' and act on it.  But the guard suddenly wakes up, and they end up in jail.  One or two noblemen bruised the next day, one spirit-kin in an alley coughing up blood, and one father in jail for three weeks.  In the end, a seven year old is left alone on the streets mostly broken and alone, all because of the valor of one of the few people who can no longer stand up for her."[/color]  After a long pause she gestured to the building around her.  [color=lightsalmon]"This?  It's new to me.  But it's taught me a lot."[/color]

[color=lightsalmon]"Offering spirit-kin and spirits protection for a day isn't helpful.  Offering us good jobs, giving us prestige, and recognizing us is what matters in the long run.  Those in power feed off of prestige."[/color]  Thinking back to the earlier events, she offered a scowl.  [color=lightsalmon]"And nothing feeds that more than a good demonstration.  Fighting them, paying attention to them?  That only feeds them.  Attack them?  Suddenly their competition is in prison.  The competition that is much more likely to make a difference in the long run removed from the game."[/color]

[color=lightsalmon]"So yes, I could have stood up for them.  I would have defended those spirits for a day.  They wouldn't have a guardian the next or the day afterwards.  It wouldn't have helped the general population of spirits and spirit kin."[/color]  A little anger ran through her eyes, but ambition followed.  [color=lightsalmon]"But I intend to make a real difference.  I'm going to lead a team to claim that tower, in the name of all spirits and spirit-kin.  I'm going to give us so much prestige and fame, that suddenly trampling on us would be considered a thing of the past, and even the most conservative noble can't socially afford to be cruel.  And in order to do that ... I can't afford to be thrown in jail.  I can't afford to have those who could help me in jail.  And I can't give him the satisfaction of winning, of removing his competition by having law enforcement fight them for his noble ass."[/color]

It took a moment for Vilivyn to realize that she was ranting loudly, and breathing heavily as she finished.  Based on the way she spoke about the subject, she had put a lot of thought into it.  Perhaps it could be condensed, but she thought it got the point across.  [color=lightsalmon]"... I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to ramble.  But ..."[/color]  A few thoughts went through her mind, but whatever she was thinking trailed off.