\\ Get my pretty name out of your mouth \\
"You're right. It's probably because he's already given up on reasoning with you." The words were out before she had a chance to think better of them, knowing that they were true. Asta no longer saw any benefit in subjecting himself to Maea's scrutiny, especially when all she wanted to do was smooth over whatever part she'd played in his pain then go about ignoring him. And honestly, Thal couldn't blame him. After hearing everything Maea had to say about him, she didn't think they'd ever see eye to eye, and she'd rather they never spoke again than have to see them rip at each other.
As for what she wanted...
Thal sighed loudly, propping one hand on her hip as she ran the other over her face. "I'm not asking you to change who you are, Maea. I'm asking you to be tolerant of others. People are more than just one thing." Just like Asta was more than just a cannibal, and Thal was more than just a pirate. They may speak volumes about their morals or character, but they were made up by more than the darkest parts of themselves. She should know that more than anyone.
Finally looking to Maea again, the blue of her eyes was serious, although the anger had dipped back to a simmer. "If this is going to work, I need you to be honest, Maea. Be honest with me when you're hurt. Be honest with me when you're facing something. Be honest with me about your opinions - even if we don't agree. And be honest with yourself, because it doesn't always feel like you are." Like the fact that she still didn't see how her 'apology' was a selfish request rather than one of true willingness to reflect on her opinions and why it had caused her to lash out.
Her eyes narrowed, knowing that her next point may be the most difficult, but that it was something she was unwilling to negotiate. "And you're going to have to respect that I like Asta. Whether you agree with his lifestyle or not, he's someone I value, and if we're going to be friends, you're going to have to be okay with that." Thal waited, a single hand on her hip as she braced for whatever onslaught of arguments Maea might throw her way.
As for what she wanted...
Thal sighed loudly, propping one hand on her hip as she ran the other over her face. "I'm not asking you to change who you are, Maea. I'm asking you to be tolerant of others. People are more than just one thing." Just like Asta was more than just a cannibal, and Thal was more than just a pirate. They may speak volumes about their morals or character, but they were made up by more than the darkest parts of themselves. She should know that more than anyone.
Finally looking to Maea again, the blue of her eyes was serious, although the anger had dipped back to a simmer. "If this is going to work, I need you to be honest, Maea. Be honest with me when you're hurt. Be honest with me when you're facing something. Be honest with me about your opinions - even if we don't agree. And be honest with yourself, because it doesn't always feel like you are." Like the fact that she still didn't see how her 'apology' was a selfish request rather than one of true willingness to reflect on her opinions and why it had caused her to lash out.
Her eyes narrowed, knowing that her next point may be the most difficult, but that it was something she was unwilling to negotiate. "And you're going to have to respect that I like Asta. Whether you agree with his lifestyle or not, he's someone I value, and if we're going to be friends, you're going to have to be okay with that." Thal waited, a single hand on her hip as she braced for whatever onslaught of arguments Maea might throw her way.
Thalassa
