[He draws a deep, experimental breath. You never really realize how much pain hobbles you until it's lifted from your shoulders.]
Thank you.
[He drops his hands down against his thighs, stands after a moment and sets about making tea. He's got a little left over, might as well.]
As for what's normal-- I don't know. Normal means something different for everyone. But I do know it's not about coming back right. That implies that what you're feeling or how you are is wrong. It's not.
[He sets the teapot down on the stove, and turns back to face her properly.]
You can't come out of war or conflict the same person you started. I don't care who you are, you just can't. Hurting other people, killing them-- being injured, living with that pain or in fear. Making choices that hurt other people or get them killed. That costs.
If you move forward long enough, and aren't afraid to lean on your friends, or talk to folks when you need the support... sometimes the bad stuff fades. You've been through a lot, and I don't know the half of it or presume to. [He gives her a slight, warm smile.] But I do know you're strong. And not-- in the sense you never falter. Strength doesn't mean never being weak. It means getting back up when you fall.
[He turns his attention back to the tea, drops a couple of bags into a cup that's chipped and worn, and one made of tin and brings the both of them to the table, setting the ceramic one down in front of her.]
One thing to remember-- strength isn't an infinite resource of the soul, Korra. Everyone has a breaking point. There's no shame in meeting yours, or needing time to come back from it. No one looks at you twice if you get injured - break a bone, get shot or stabbed - and need time to recover. But no one ever tells you it's okay to need time when you've been through your own private Hell. And they should.
no subject
Thank you.
[He drops his hands down against his thighs, stands after a moment and sets about making tea. He's got a little left over, might as well.]
As for what's normal-- I don't know. Normal means something different for everyone. But I do know it's not about coming back right. That implies that what you're feeling or how you are is wrong. It's not.
[He sets the teapot down on the stove, and turns back to face her properly.]
You can't come out of war or conflict the same person you started. I don't care who you are, you just can't. Hurting other people, killing them-- being injured, living with that pain or in fear. Making choices that hurt other people or get them killed. That costs.
If you move forward long enough, and aren't afraid to lean on your friends, or talk to folks when you need the support... sometimes the bad stuff fades. You've been through a lot, and I don't know the half of it or presume to. [He gives her a slight, warm smile.] But I do know you're strong. And not-- in the sense you never falter. Strength doesn't mean never being weak. It means getting back up when you fall.
[He turns his attention back to the tea, drops a couple of bags into a cup that's chipped and worn, and one made of tin and brings the both of them to the table, setting the ceramic one down in front of her.]
One thing to remember-- strength isn't an infinite resource of the soul, Korra. Everyone has a breaking point. There's no shame in meeting yours, or needing time to come back from it. No one looks at you twice if you get injured - break a bone, get shot or stabbed - and need time to recover. But no one ever tells you it's okay to need time when you've been through your own private Hell. And they should.