[video] His people would have at least nine historically known words for the stuff, after all

[warriorscribe]

*Yes, this was totally worth bringing his dinner up to the library to share. Enoch is seated in the terminal chair, a plate of glazed chicken in his lap and a glass of rosewater wine in his hand. While his words and manner are formal, there's a real, if exhausted, gratitude in his voice.*

I must give gratitude where it's due. *Enoch raises the glass.* It's much appreciated. Thank you, Riki.

((backdated to the dinner hours of the first, of course.))

Comments

[Video]

[alephbet]

Even so, most places don't want young children to have access to alcohol. So they set an age limit for purchasing it, and they decide that arbitrarily.

[Video]

[warriorscribe]

It makes no sense... Certainly, the very young shouldn't be given such drinks straight, but...

*He's totally stuck on this...*

[Video]

[alephbet]

Well, I guess I'm just used to a place with lots of arbitrary laws, anyway.

[The Millennium Center did that.]

[Video]

[warriorscribe]

Your world...it had several such rules? Laws exist to protect and guide...that means they must suit the people and the environment they live in...if outmoded laws are not let go and become "arbitrary"...how will the society grow?

[Video]

[alephbet]

Laws can be used to stifle as well, and to suit the desires of those in power.

[Video]

[warriorscribe]

I know...so the men where you lived were tyrants as well?

*It sounds as if tyranny marked this world...it was a frightening idea. Enoch doesn't even point out that the drinking age law doesn't benefit anyone, ruler or citizen...*

[Video]

[alephbet]

They were. It was a very strictly ruled place. Of the settlements I knew of, there was one that was slightly less tightly controlled, and the main rulers had it destroyed for that reason. I - wasn't there, I couldn't stop what happened then.

[Aleph's voice is filled with regret...]

[Video]

[warriorscribe]

What... *Enoch shakes his head.* The thirst for power has been the downfall of many men. I doubt the citizens are happy.

[Video]

[alephbet]

Things have gotten a lot better, but... well, you know why.

[Video]

[warriorscribe]

*Enoch makes a noise of acknowledgment, setting his wine glass down on his plate and staring into it for a moment. He speaks without looking up.*

...There was no revolt for that, as well?

[Video]

[alephbet]

Not for that. It was a bit chaotic - people being freed from unjust imprisonment underground, people leaving the places they'd been restricted to and building new lives of their own choosing. But mostly, I think... that there's a hope that wasn't there before.

[Video]

[warriorscribe]

*No revolt at all? What of His followers?

...It must have been a rule of fear.

Enoch still doesn't look up.*

...Hope is a good thing to have.

[Video]

[alephbet]

It is.

[At least they were slowly being able to talk about... this.]

...I'm sorry to ruin your meal.

[Video]

[warriorscribe]

*For a given value of "able"...

Enoch just shakes his head. It wasn't his fault the conversation went that way. Conversations tend to go wherever.

After a moment's pause, he takes a slow sip of wine.*

[Video]

[alephbet]

I'll see you later, Enoch.