(Awash & Hugtopia) IC contact

[meridio]

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Somnus is slow to respond to text messages and accept calls.

Comments

[scourgingstars]

[A longer pause that time, Ardyn pressing a hand to his eyes--yes, he knew that, but it wasn't what he meant. But that was the reason they were doing this, wasn't it--so they could take the time to clearly express themselves instead of snapping into kneejerk reactions and arguments.]

It is not my sense of self which concerns me, but my sanity entirely. I would seek to prevent myself from becoming the murderous thing Regis and Cor are more familiar with, and in this endeavor I wish to start here, on the most important point in need of repair for your sake as well.

I'm sorry, too. Nothing should ever have gotten as far as it did, and neither one of us should shoulder blame for it alone.

[meridio]

You wanted only to save the people.

[The burden of duty had a way of narrowing one's field of vision. After long deliberation, he added:]

How much were you told?

[scourgingstars]

I did. So did you, and it was foolish for both of us to bicker and argue as we did despite having the same goal.

I wish 'enough' were an answer that would sufficiently explain things, but between Regis, Cor, and unfortunately Verstael, I was told a fair bit. I know what happened in Insomnia, that Niflheim eventually collapses and that it seems the entire planet is swiftly following.

[meridio]

[Yes, he thought. They had both been so foolish, understanding nothing of each other's position, and had paid the price in blood.]

For me, the world has been on the brink of collapse for years.

[scourgingstars]

Cor suggested as much himself.

It shouldn't have to be like this. If we hadn't been such idiots, we could have spared the entire world such trouble. Is there no recovering from it?

[meridio]

The Scourge has always been greater than us, far more than we ever realized.

But our world will recover. The darkness will be dispelled, and dawn will break again.

[scourgingstars]

Would that I could have such confidence in that.

[meridio]

The souls of our line have remained in the realm for this very purpose. Our house will not rest until Light is restored.

[scourgingstars]

What if it didn't have to be like this? If there were a way to change things, somehow, before it all grew so dire as to threaten the entire world?

[meridio]

The Scourge has always been too strong. This is the way it must be.

[scourgingstars]

That's a narrow way of thinking, one of which I have been guilty of as well. Think of where we are right now, and of how the world extends so far past our own star and the limitations thereof.

I know well--perhaps better than anyone, at the moment--of the power the scourge possesses. But it is not so far removed from the realm of possibility that stronger things exist even in this very city.

[meridio]

Even if you did find something stronger, there is no guarantee of success. All of us hail from different periods, and our memories of this world could well be forgotten upon our return. You would require a power not only capable of purging the Scourge, but transcending the boundaries of time and space: you mean to search for another god.

[scourgingstars]

Perhaps, or something close to equivalent.

Just because success is not guaranteed, is that reason enough to not consider exploring potential options? Does this not take into consideration the larger picture of things--of saving the world and all those who live upon it, rather than my prior ill-conceived methods?

What if we could stop all of this before things fall to such a dire state? Would you not even entertain the concept of seeking other solutions?