Lore Chapter 02: A&R

R1: My dear brother. There was no barrier anywhere in sight. This little scamp proceeded unobstructed towards the goal.

R2: Oh gentle soul. In deed there was, your barriers are simply inferior. You see, they can stop one but not the other. Like a rock will move through the surface of the water, while a leaf will float on top. A faulty assumption confuses your mind and appears to obstruct your path towards self-reflection.

R1: My dear brother. I can assure you, my mind is intact and wide awake. You should not be ashamed of your shortcomings. Remember: "Concentration is key". Don't let your mind drift, but ensure its focus. The little rabbit's mind is very focused when the hunter sets out to take its skin. I am confident, that next time you will be able to direct your mind more skilfully towards the action on the ground.

R2: Oh gentle soul. Are you truly wide awake? Or did your perception deceive you once more, since you barely mentioned our visitor during this exchange.

R1: My dear brother. I felt it would be impolite to distract from our conversation simply based on the presence of a pawn. But continue, if you wish to engage with it to relieve yourself from the discomfort of this conversation.

A: First impressions can be deceiving.

R2: Or they can be spot on. (bowing down) Tell us little one: How did you lose your way? Did you get confused by those deep, dark woods out there?

A: Is that what he said to you before he brought you to this place?

R1: My dear brother. I sense this pawn is a grumpy one ... there's no reason to forget your manners little one. We are just here to help.

A: So am I.

R2: Such a sweet little creature. Oh gentle soul: Is there still space in the ranks tonight for a confused little vagabond? 

A: This being does not intend to participate in another circus. No matter the amount of invitations it receives from the director's clowns.

R1: ....

R2: .... apparently we will simply "make" room in the ranks tonight.

A: Do as you must. I came here to ask you one simple question. Are you content with your place in this world?

R1: My dear brother. This is the first time someone's cared about our well-being for a very long time. So sweet. This being should join the other team once the games begin.

R2: Oh gentle soul. For the first time tonight it appears we are in agreement.

A: Both of you failed to answer. The question seems to offend you. I wonder why?

R1: My dear brother. Are you offended? 

R2: Oh gentle soul. Me? Never. The little one seems to be confused by the rules of the game. But it will learn in time.

A: Why would two mighty giants hide from the questions of a pawn? 

R1: Yes we are content. Are you content my dear brother?

R2: Very content gentle soul. And will probably be even more content soon.

A: Good. I'm glad to hear that. But then ... you didn't seem content when I arrived. What were you arguing about?

R1: Little one, we are brothers. Brothers argue.

A: But why?

R2: Why brothers argue? Because it is the law of the world. Brothers share similarities beyond just their appearance. We observe our own shortcomings in each other, then we discuss them. This is uncomfortable, but it leads towards a stronger bond. 

A: But why is that work necessary to begin with?

R1: Little one, our minds are free. We are free to interact with each other or to refrain from it. We always have a choice in the matter. We choose to work together. Our collaboration has many benefits. But this collaboration inevitably leads to disagreement. We made our choice and that choice comes at a price. 

R2: Oh gentle soul. How right you are ...

A: And for how long will that choice carry you?

R1: Time is not really a concern of ours, little one.

A: But shouldn't it be? The choice to suffer your better half is made continuously. Once you choose differently, your existence changes as well. Your choices are made, because they serve you well. For now at least.

R2: They don't just serve "us", little one.

A: Right. Does that mean, that you bear each other's existence for his sake? You are altruists?

R1: We find quite a lot of joy in our mission, little one. I can assure you.

A: But that joy is transitory. Inevitably you will blame each other again. You are not collaborating to fulfil a purpose, you are suffering each other's presence because you were never taught an alternative way to exist. You have gotten used to your routine, that feeds you little treats of sadistic pleasures, but you're always hungry nonetheless. When you can't torture other creatures, you decide to torture each other. And the wheel turns and turns ...

R2: Oh gentle soul, I believe this being will make a proposition soon.

R1: That's right dear brother. Deep speeches like this are often followed up by a cunning ploy to convince us of an opposing point of view. Are you excited to hear it, my dear brother?

R2: Oh gentle soul, I am on pins and needles.

A: Leave him. 

R1: ...

R2: ...

A: That is all I have to say.

(as she slowly turns to leave, the rooks block her path)

R1: Please stay with us little one. You are wildly entertaining.

R2: This gentle soul is right. We would like to hear more.

(she moves through the barrier effortlessly)

R2: Oh gentle soul. When will you learn ...