Auraugust 2026 - Day 13 - Lie
"So you never lie? Like ever??" Narrowing her eyes at the pale Xaela, Akani struggled to even comprehend how that was in any way possible. Scanning Isanii's freckled face the Seeker looked for any hint of deception, and instead was met with innocent opaline eyes and no sign that she was being deceived or teased. "That's... Kinda of insane you know...?"
Giving a small shrug, Isanii tightened her embrace on the pillow she was snuggled up with, tucked into the corner of the couch comfortably as she gave a small tilt of her head to the Miqo'te sitting across from her. "Not really... There is a different between honesty and bluntness, and I simply chose my words very carefully to ensure nothing I say is ever dishonest." That didn't mean she would go around telling everyone her thoughts unprompted, but due to the Xaela's high moral standings, she would always provide a truthful answer. "I have seen the cruelty such words and actions can have, and I will have no part in it. Even if my words are only a tiny drop of genuine honestly in this vast deceptive world... I would rather be a small spark of truth among the darkness." A quiet sigh accompanying her words. "Huh... I guess but like... A little lie here and there can get you ahead in life... I mean when I lived in Ul'Dah I don't think I spoke a truth ever... Everything was either false or fake." Granted that had been more an act of survival than deliberately causing harm, but it was still deceit. "But everyone else lies, some all the time. Doesn't your stance leave you open to being taken advantage of?" By always being truthful, Akani figured that it meant she had no secrets or defence against those with ill intent.
For a moment she simply pondered, squeezing the pillow again, a little tighter, before speaking. "Well... Perhaps at times, especially when I was younger, but I have also gotten very good at seeing through lies too. Most have tells when they are deceptive." Isanii paused to let it register to the Seeker, her gaze somewhat unnerving to Akani, as if the Xaela was looking right through her. "Unsettling... So basically, I can ask you any question and you would answer it truthfully?" A small nod confirmed the question and immediately Akani narrowed her eyes with a devious giggle. "So... Wanna play a game then?"
The look would give her pause, and Isanii seemed to be calculating it in her mind before finally giving a small nod, curiosity keeping her invested. "Just remember..."
"Choosing not to answer is still a valid option, it's not a lie if I don't disclose..."
The words gave Akani pause. It wasn't a lie to say nothing, it simply wasn't anything at all, no confirmation or denial of the question, therefor no judgement on if it was true or a false... A moral loophole. For the first time since they met, Akani understood that the bubbly airhead of a priestess was not as naive and dense as she had first assumed.
"Touché..."
