sieg catchall

[sageguidance]

"catchall" it's for one thread he's dying tomorrow



edit: nvm jae is all mine now :)

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[ercnerd]

Why are you apologizing?

I'm no stranger to death. Besides . . . while it's not guaranteed that I'll end up somewhere else, my soul won't rest until everyone's been saved. As far as I'm concerned, it's not the end.

[sageguidance]

... That is admirable of you—full glad am I to see your conviction has not wavered.

But I agree, it is not. We have made it to the end once afore, and brought those lost to us back. 'Tis my belief we can make it happen again.

[ercnerd]

[Perhaps for the first time tonight, he smiles broadly.]

That's the spirit. There's no way evil will win over us.

I'll keep going, so you can't stop either, okay?

[sageguidance]

[ with a shake of his head: ]

Much as I loathe that we must endure this a second time, I... I will not. I cannot. And I can trust when you say the same.

[ercnerd]

I'll entrust this side to you, then.

Do you have any more questions?

[sageguidance]

I suppose that depends on how much more you know, but... you must be as in the dark as the rest of us, yes? That shadow did not impart unto you aught else, besides hollow promises?

[ercnerd]

. . . It was ridiculous, but I can't confirm whether it was completely hollow. Other than wanting to assist me, the shadow didn't divulge another agenda. Also . . . I couldn't confess to taking Flayn's life, or it felt like I'd lose out on ensuring Mari's safety.

[sageguidance]

... I see. It would, shall we say, void the contract if you were to confess? Or you could not, even if you had wanted to?

[ercnerd]

I couldn't—not if I wanted to keep Mari safe.

[That was his understanding.]

[sageguidance]

[ a nod ]

So that's how it is. But now I am left to wonder what ulterior motive that shadowy thing would have... Does it want something from us, or is it simply another piece in this cruel game we are in?

[ercnerd]

Hmm . . . That's something we'll have to work on answering. As of now, it's difficult to say one way or another.

[sageguidance]

Unfortunately yes, 'tis far too early to say. We've only just begun, after all, and we have a ways to go ere we are to receive more answers.

[ercnerd]

It'd be nice if this could just be a two-week ordeal . . .

[Unfortunately, something tells him that's unlikely.]

[sageguidance]

[ Alphinaud exhales sharply, a wry sort of huff. ]

Oh, if only, but it seems that in the vast majority of our experiences, these go on for weeks. I... am loathe to say, I shall not be holding mine breath on that one.

[ercnerd]

Heh. If you did, you'd just pass out.

[sageguidance]

[ pfft. ]

Precisely so. I... do not wish to grow too pessimistic, but 'tis best to temper expectations, as well.

[ercnerd]

Hope for the best, but expect the worst.

[Truthfully, the worst worries the dickens out of him.]

. . . But it's as I once said in Wiwaldi: as long as there's hope, we'll find a way.

[sageguidance]

Aye, that there is.

Mine own experiences outside of Wiwaldi have taught me that well. That no matter how dark it may grow, there is always a light to find—for you, and all of those around you.

[ercnerd]

Light, huh . . . ? I like the sound of that.

You're right. So we shouldn't forget that we're all in this together, and not divide ourselves over those moments of darkness. As long as we remember that, we'll be fine.

[sageguidance]

[ a nod ]

I shall ensure that we do.