[She frowns ever-so-slightly at his assessment that there's no moral difference between the two species. That does seem to be the main point of contention between them now, assuming everything he said about the merpeople is true (and, despite her initial objections, that's what she's going to assume at this point in the debate).]
You speak of the risks, but you do not mention the price. Choosing to steal because one sees no chance of charity may ensure the person's survival, but also variously bring about guilt, fear of retribution, paranoia, or a sense or moral decline, much as the individual may try to justify it to themselves - and argue as you might, that is something detrimental to a human's wellbeing.
[While she was visibly agitated earlier, she's become gradually calmer, both in voice and posture, though she doesn't comfortably recline like Jade.]
It's the same for the one who kills the thief. Killing them may remove a threat, yes, but it will also bring about guilt and remorse for having taken a life. Many will attempt to push those feelings away by rationalising their actions in the same way as you have, but on some level, such an act will always burden a human heart.
[Perhaps Jade may want to get a word in, but she keeps going!]
You also have not mentioned the reward that may spring from - as you put it - taking a risk. Showing faith in others, as showing others mercy, can be a powerful catalyst to bring out the best in them. It is in those moments of mutual goodwill that humankind shines the brightest, and they are always worth pursuing.
[Once more, she puts her hand on her chest for emphasis.]
As a human trapped in the ocean, I would turn to the merfolk for help in good faith. According to what you told me, they might only agree in return for something else, and that would be acceptable to me, assuming I could provide what they ask for. And as a human, I will extend that goodwill to Azul if he does arrive here - and surely, you will too. Your friendship with him may have made you adopt the merpeople's view of the world, but knowing of his fears and the risk he'll be exposed to, will you not invite him into your seaside home, at least until he secures one of his own? Will you not support him?
no subject
You speak of the risks, but you do not mention the price. Choosing to steal because one sees no chance of charity may ensure the person's survival, but also variously bring about guilt, fear of retribution, paranoia, or a sense or moral decline, much as the individual may try to justify it to themselves - and argue as you might, that is something detrimental to a human's wellbeing.
[While she was visibly agitated earlier, she's become gradually calmer, both in voice and posture, though she doesn't comfortably recline like Jade.]
It's the same for the one who kills the thief. Killing them may remove a threat, yes, but it will also bring about guilt and remorse for having taken a life. Many will attempt to push those feelings away by rationalising their actions in the same way as you have, but on some level, such an act will always burden a human heart.
[Perhaps Jade may want to get a word in, but she keeps going!]
You also have not mentioned the reward that may spring from - as you put it - taking a risk. Showing faith in others, as showing others mercy, can be a powerful catalyst to bring out the best in them. It is in those moments of mutual goodwill that humankind shines the brightest, and they are always worth pursuing.
[Once more, she puts her hand on her chest for emphasis.]
As a human trapped in the ocean, I would turn to the merfolk for help in good faith. According to what you told me, they might only agree in return for something else, and that would be acceptable to me, assuming I could provide what they ask for. And as a human, I will extend that goodwill to Azul if he does arrive here - and surely, you will too. Your friendship with him may have made you adopt the merpeople's view of the world, but knowing of his fears and the risk he'll be exposed to, will you not invite him into your seaside home, at least until he secures one of his own? Will you not support him?