"Stubbornness or bravery," he notes with an amused smile, allowing her to compare and contrast them in her mind while he sips at his tea once more. "I believe the two to be part of the same coin. The word used to describe it tends to vary depending on where one's allegiance lies, and often, whether it proves to be advantageous or disadvantageous to their cause."

He sets the cup down once more, watching the subtle ripple in the tea come and go as it makes contact with the saucer. "It takes an immense amount of courage to speak one's mind, particularly against the crowd. It takes stubbornness— or conviction— to pursue it after it echoes into the darkness, ignored or shunned by the masses. 'Tis no easy task, but it is worthy of the utmost respect."