soulping | DAWON & TIAMAT

[when you insert the key and open the door, you'll find inside the room looks like the living room of a mansion - the space bends on the walls, but there is a single door that leads to another room; though the door is closed, you can see through it—as if it's somewhat transparent. the room is painted baby blue and a gold-plated cradle sits in the room.

inside, a baby cries - high pitched and noisy, though immediately a nurse comes in to rock the child back to sleep.]

-

[slowly, the scene changes, fading in and out with various silent scenes—the baby sits up, trying to climb out of her cradle; a little toddler dressed prettily with expensive clothes beams pleasantly; a tantrum, thrown by the little girl who's distressed; the little girl holding a puppy, pleased as punch; then the wall becomes opaque.]

[in the middle of the open doorway, a young girl the age of 10 sits on a chair, smiling at you. a golden retriever is curled up beside her.]

[this is your little girl. you couldn't help spoiling her, honestly - after all, she's a noble too, and she should like to become a princess as well. she deserves it. but you also know, with how your history's gone, she's going to have to work to get to the top. but you have faith in her - she's your girl, after all.]

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[Your daughter has decided to talk to her friend about her feelings! . . . however, there's a dilemma.

A classmate of hers overheard this conversation, and this particular classmate is a bully. After hearing the conversation, he yelled particular tidbits to the rest of the class in derogatory terms, condemning her for being wrong for even bringing such things up, and if she was talking about such things she must be a hellspawn—she and her friend both, who had been positively receptive of everything beforehand.

Now word is quickly getting around town, and your daughter isn't sure she wants to show her face to anyone ever again.

What do you do?]

First, they talk to the school. They notify the teacher of what has happened with the bully, and try to find support from other members of the nobility if there's anyone sympathetic to their daughter's plight.

Secondly, they talk to their daughter. They tell her that she should not rise to the bait of the person who bullied them, and refusing to go to school would be letting them win when the person taunting her is not even worth her time. They emphasize her personal strength, and remind that she is not the kind of person who bends to fear. They tell her they know she's braver than that, and she should believe it as well.

Third, they tell her to pass out those reassurances on to her friend, who may be going through similar worries. They'll speak to the girl's parents, and if they aren't supportive, they'll remind her parents that if they are supportive now, they could be remembered as tolerant and kind if society changes quickly in favor of these kinds of relationships. If they still appear to be unsupportive, they'll tell their daughter to offer a place to stay and support for her.

It seems there are a few nobles sympathetic to your daughters plight, but only in private - for everyone knows, they all say, that a woman who loves another woman can be nothing more than a witch - and anyone who supports a witch must also be a witch themselves.

Your daughter is more receptive to your words, and she tries to be strong; she wishes not to bend, and she wishes not to be hateful of herself, even though she's been ridiculed to this extent. . . . unfortunately, her friend has denounced their relationship - she is not as strong as your daughter, and to protect herself and her family, has rejected your daughter.

It isn't as if your daughter doesn't understand. After all, that must be why everyone else is doing the same.

. . . still, it's not as if it doesn't hurt. It's painful, really. But your daughter tries to stay strong, though she spends her night crying after learning the news.

Your daughter's moral compass is good.

We seriously need to remember these people when our kid becomes a celebrated knight.

Edited 2014-05-19 05:29 (UTC)

You certainly do.

Clearly we are going to comfort our daughter as best we can.

[ And threaten murder!!! MURDER!!!!!! ]

Also, rumors are just that: rumors. She is a charming and delicate young woman who is obviously not a witch.

Your daughter tries her best to be consolable. . . even though she's heartbroken. But she knows she's not a witch - and even if she was, there's nothing wrong with it.

Still, she's . . . well, she might need some time. . . .

We offer her a small consolation: we are going to hold an archery tournament for her benefit, so that she may better console herself by reminding herself and the town of her greatest skills. Even if it may not cure the broken heart, she will surely feel better knowing that she is confident, and that her bravery is rewarded.

So after we comfort her about those people being losers, we're going to remind her of her dream of becoming a knight and let her know that it's as much a possibility as ever. And to show her, we're going to host an archery competition for her skill level, where after she easily beats the pants off everyone, we're going to reward her for both her accomplished skills and her courage in not backing down due to fear. Once people realize how amazingly talented she is, maybe they'll have something else to talk about than stupid rumors.

The archery competition is the perfect way for her to cheer up: not only can she show off her skills, but she's also able to see so many other people show their skills off too! Being that she's ten, of course, she has to be in the junior division, but it's still a fantastic event. There are other things than the archery competition portion of the event - with other sponsors, it becomes a whole fair day.

Your daughter is cheered up; though the bully still exists in her life, she's willing to live without letting him bother her. Not only that - but your daughter has a big smile on her face after a few carnival rides. Apparently, her friend had come to her and apologized; she's not sure with the events now she'd want to spend much time with her, but that's because it'll be worse for the both of them, especially after these efforts to show your daughter off. Still, she recognizes she's done something wrong by hurting her feelings - and she hopes, someday, they can be friends again.

All in all, it might be a little sad, but your daughter has grown stronger from it. She is proud and strong, and after being basked in love and comfort and acceptance, she is stable - she won't ever run away from herself or reality.

DAWON & TIAMAT

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