Octavius
It seems that Grond has made many assumptions about Octavius before even bothering to get his name. At his unfriendliness and downright disrespect, Octavius is first taken aback and insulted. He opens his mouth to reply indignantly, defending his name and honor, because it isn't as if he agrees with the way Dragoons used to treat prisoners. Before the words leave his mouth, however, he notices the rest of the crew gathering behind Grond, looking just as bitter and expecting of a fight. More than anything, he notices the pain and suffering beneath the anger of the crew, and he decides then that there is no need to give in to his base urges, especially with a superior officer around. He takes a deep breath through his nose before he speaks.
"I'm extremely sorry for what happened to your father, Grond. He didn't deserve it, truly. And I would like you all to know that the reason I chose to work on the prison cells was to ensure they are comfortable and humane for those unfortunate enough to stay there in the future." He raises his voice to address Grond and all his subordinates behind him, meeting their eyes in an effort to show them his humanity. "I never liked the lashings, and if I ever were to become an officer of rank in the Dragoons, I would see them ended. No one deserves such a cruel punishment."
Even the thought of lashings brings up a sourness in his stomach, a revulsion. His oldest brother used to take him to the public floggings as a child, but Octavius never enjoyed them. He had seen people nearly killed by it, and always thought it a gruesome and inhumane way to treat another person. If death was necessary, a quick, clean, merciful one was best, in Octavius' opinion.
"I understand if you do not wish to work with me for whatever reason. But know that I would like to improve the standard of living in the cells however much we can. Things like proper beds and furniture, privacy, access to a lavatory and medical care. Even books and pens and paper, perhaps. We may not be able to create a lavish place, but we can ensure that people's basic needs are met." He doesn't want to say all this so openly, but he feels forced now that the possibility of serious conflict is imminent. Octavius gives a handsome smile before saying, at last,
"And call me Octavius, please."
Octavius tries his best to make peace with the workers! He doesn't want to fight!
"I'm extremely sorry for what happened to your father, Grond. He didn't deserve it, truly. And I would like you all to know that the reason I chose to work on the prison cells was to ensure they are comfortable and humane for those unfortunate enough to stay there in the future." He raises his voice to address Grond and all his subordinates behind him, meeting their eyes in an effort to show them his humanity. "I never liked the lashings, and if I ever were to become an officer of rank in the Dragoons, I would see them ended. No one deserves such a cruel punishment."
Even the thought of lashings brings up a sourness in his stomach, a revulsion. His oldest brother used to take him to the public floggings as a child, but Octavius never enjoyed them. He had seen people nearly killed by it, and always thought it a gruesome and inhumane way to treat another person. If death was necessary, a quick, clean, merciful one was best, in Octavius' opinion.
"I understand if you do not wish to work with me for whatever reason. But know that I would like to improve the standard of living in the cells however much we can. Things like proper beds and furniture, privacy, access to a lavatory and medical care. Even books and pens and paper, perhaps. We may not be able to create a lavish place, but we can ensure that people's basic needs are met." He doesn't want to say all this so openly, but he feels forced now that the possibility of serious conflict is imminent. Octavius gives a handsome smile before saying, at last,
"And call me Octavius, please."
Octavius tries his best to make peace with the workers! He doesn't want to fight!
i could stop dreaming and start believing in forever and ever and ever again
