[Acacius's expression catches on startle, and then he closes his eyes and exhales shakily. When he opens his eyes again there's nothing but raw gratitude.]
Thank you. Thank you for -- understanding.
[Kratos doesn't answer that. He can't. Some part of him is still judging Acacius for the choice, even knowing why he chose naturalisation. (After his talk with Yuan, some part of him is aware of the fact that he never got that choice, not because Yuan didn't offer, but because his nation never asked. And yet.) So Kratos continues inspecting the plates, testing weight and size and texture.]
Are there people who haven't, around the markets? Anyone who's remained opposed to Tethe'allans, slave or naturalised, even after months?
[The shift in Acacius's bearing is palpable. He looks Kratos in the face, now, stands up a bit straighter, is more animated; as if a great burden's been lifted.]
There's a number. Some of them are more opposed to one or the other. Some are our own. I guess I don't need to ask whether you know what -- what people like me have been called, by ... Tethe'allans.
['Traitors.' Carefully Kratos sets down the plate, and looks up to meet Acacius's gaze.]
I call you a pragmatist.
[Acacius's mouth twists a bit, somewhere between resignation and ruefulness.]
no subject
[Acacius's expression catches on startle, and then he closes his eyes and exhales shakily. When he opens his eyes again there's nothing but raw gratitude.]
Thank you. Thank you for -- understanding.
[Kratos doesn't answer that. He can't. Some part of him is still judging Acacius for the choice, even knowing why he chose naturalisation. (After his talk with Yuan, some part of him is aware of the fact that he never got that choice, not because Yuan didn't offer, but because his nation never asked. And yet.) So Kratos continues inspecting the plates, testing weight and size and texture.]
Are there people who haven't, around the markets? Anyone who's remained opposed to Tethe'allans, slave or naturalised, even after months?
[The shift in Acacius's bearing is palpable. He looks Kratos in the face, now, stands up a bit straighter, is more animated; as if a great burden's been lifted.]
There's a number. Some of them are more opposed to one or the other. Some are our own. I guess I don't need to ask whether you know what -- what people like me have been called, by ... Tethe'allans.
['Traitors.' Carefully Kratos sets down the plate, and looks up to meet Acacius's gaze.]
I call you a pragmatist.
[Acacius's mouth twists a bit, somewhere between resignation and ruefulness.]
You're a fairer man than most, C-- Kratos.