[His expression grows tired - perhaps more than Day has really seen it on the man. But he knows what Day has seen, so he doesn't bother to hide his weariness at the subject matter:]
The master has to take responsibility for the apprentice. Even in death.
Part of me... deeply regretted it the moment I had that mana stone down my throat.
[ Like, even knowing that Solomon was willingly taking a risk to try to give them an advantage in battle. Because Solomon is a master with an apprentice himself. ]
Just because we feel empathy does not mean we can show mercy.
Were we in a dialogue, I would have wanted to speak to her more. But there was something more important to me than that, and that was making sure someone I cared about survived.
I gave her the option to leave. Many, many times. Had she done so, I would have handed her her spoils and left her to mourn however she felt was proper.
She refused.
So in the lack of a dialogue, I did what I set out to do. Even if it was a lesser of two evils in the end.
[He would play the villain, if he had to. Take the shots, if he had to. Bleed into the snow, if he had to. So long as his heart did not waver.]
Perhaps Eva and I would have not been so dissimilar, in another situation. But I don't think there was any getting through to her.
I figured it was somethin' like that. [ Because that is how things tend to boil down to in conflict: when compromise cannot be reached because some beliefs, some principles are not to be compromised on, for whatever reason. ] It's just...
I'm glad they're okay. There is just something else I worry about in their stead, something I don't know if anyone had the energy, or desire, to check.
The chimera was attacking the City of Ice. While we redirected it... as far as I've heard, we never made it back to the city.
I do not feel right, being here, when the people we should have been fighting for have not even seen us make sure they were alright.
I think that would be wise, though Tatara should probably be involved with that level of damages. My worries there are only because I've been unconscious and don't know what's been done.
[...
He hesitates visibly, before his expression grows firm.]
Day... I'd actually like you to check on something else for me, if you could. At a different village.
There's a village to the far north, right next to the mountains, flanked by a castle. They used to be under the care of Oz. Where they live is particularly inhospitable, but they have been lucky to have a wizard at their care who has not treated them like subjects or livestock or sport.
Ever since Oz departed, they have been struggling. Oz's magic is powerful, but it isn't going to last forever. And, for a while, some of it went out. The lights of Oz's castle have been like a scarecrow to the fields, scaring other wizards away and keeping that land safe, so that they might prosper in some level of peace. With him currently out of the way, the castle was dark for a great amount of time, and the people were panicking.
I've already been to Oz's castle myself. I was able to restore the lights, though I don't believe the castle will let anyone else in now that I tried that much. I have been working on restoring their barrier, their buildings and their borders, while taking responsibility for any wizards that might question Oz's return.
I would just like someone to check on them, in my absence. To make sure that they are still well, and that their repairs are holding.
And I'd like you to be wiser than me, and make sure you do not go alone... but you can at least let them know that Solomon the Wise sent you. Ask for Henry.
[ Day, hearing Solomon went into Oz's castle: Sir you are a lucky bastard to have still been standing to get yoinked away to a deathmatch with a chimera and two witches.
But, well, this answers the question he had meant to ask Solomon in the first place. Certainly explains why he hadn't been coming back to the manor.
(Suddenly, he feels a little guilty about how their trip to the forest turned out, too.)
He nods. ]
I can do that. You got anyone else in mind, or is it gonna be at my discretion? [ It's like Day just got handed a mission brief. ]
[And now you know why he was all scuffed up in the forest! And why he's been in the forest downing mana stones like his life depends on it!]
I do. But I want to talk to them myself.
You've all seen how the people of the North tend to act by now. Oz's village is no different.
I would like whoever goes to them to put the needs of these people first, without coddling them, or without treating their current customs as though they are abhorrent. People need time and patience. And we unfortunately cannot give them any more time than what we have.
That's why I'm asking you. Because I trust you to be compassionate, even if the world is not compassionate to you.
[ (Day, inwardly turning away from his and Comet's own visit to a village where Day had to be firm because he was getting fed up. Though, that was also because he could tell Comet was feeling bothered by the villagers' attitude and he chose to prioritise their comfort.)
But, he knows what Solomon's saying makes sense. As much as Solomon can be a cheeky bastard at times, he doesn't do things without reason.
...Still, when Solomon drops a line like that, Day can't help but feel that maybe there is still meaning in being the kind of person he is, despite the world testing this with him enough that he's had to wonder if he didn't just take a futile job for his life's purpose. ]
If you say somethin' like that, then it ain't like I can tell you "no" at this point, yeah?
Nah, I'm fine with it. The uh, Northern attitude is kinda... [ Trying to pick a word here... ] awkward for me to deal with, but I've been in more awkward and delicate situations. I'll be okay.
...I guess I'm just not used to hearin' someone say stuff like that 'bout me.
Just keep in mind why it is the people act that way. Groveling and worship does not happen without a reason.
They are fearful. They're surrounded by a land that is dangerous, unable to defend for themselves against larger threats, and completely at the mercy of the magical if it ever visits their doorstep. They want to survive, but fear for their lives. So they do exactly as many people have done before them - they prostrate themselves if it means they and their families will be able to live.
Normally, the wizards of the North are not against playing God in these situations. Oz is a strong exception.
[As for Day...]
...Perhaps it's just a comment from one drifting soul to another, then.
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[It's not a very forceful little chuckle, but at least it is one.]
I'm guessing Malice and Robin left out that part. I'm surprised.
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[His expression grows tired - perhaps more than Day has really seen it on the man. But he knows what Day has seen, so he doesn't bother to hide his weariness at the subject matter:]
The master has to take responsibility for the apprentice. Even in death.
Part of me... deeply regretted it the moment I had that mana stone down my throat.
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You shouldn't have done that.
[ Like, even knowing that Solomon was willingly taking a risk to try to give them an advantage in battle. Because Solomon is a master with an apprentice himself. ]
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Are you saying that because of what those stones are? Or are you concerned for a different reason?
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[ And today, it just seems cruel, both in a general sense and to Solomon himself. ]
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Just because we feel empathy does not mean we can show mercy.
Were we in a dialogue, I would have wanted to speak to her more. But there was something more important to me than that, and that was making sure someone I cared about survived.
I gave her the option to leave. Many, many times. Had she done so, I would have handed her her spoils and left her to mourn however she felt was proper.
She refused.
So in the lack of a dialogue, I did what I set out to do. Even if it was a lesser of two evils in the end.
[He would play the villain, if he had to. Take the shots, if he had to. Bleed into the snow, if he had to. So long as his heart did not waver.]
Perhaps Eva and I would have not been so dissimilar, in another situation. But I don't think there was any getting through to her.
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I figured it was somethin' like that. [ Because that is how things tend to boil down to in conflict: when compromise cannot be reached because some beliefs, some principles are not to be compromised on, for whatever reason. ] It's just...
[ Day sighs. ]
Nevermind.
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[With some effort, he'll lean himself up, just enough to pat an empty spot on the bed with his palm. Sit, kiddo, he doesn't want this to be awkward.]
Nothing you say will leave this room, Day.
Please. I'd rather you speak your mind.
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...
How many times do you gotta play the villain, Solomon?
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As many times as I must.
Do you see me as one in this string of fate?
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My question remains the same.
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[ Thanks, Malice. ]
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[Just not deserved.]
I'm glad they're okay. There is just something else I worry about in their stead, something I don't know if anyone had the energy, or desire, to check.
The chimera was attacking the City of Ice. While we redirected it... as far as I've heard, we never made it back to the city.
I do not feel right, being here, when the people we should have been fighting for have not even seen us make sure they were alright.
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[...
He hesitates visibly, before his expression grows firm.]
Day... I'd actually like you to check on something else for me, if you could. At a different village.
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What is it?
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Ever since Oz departed, they have been struggling. Oz's magic is powerful, but it isn't going to last forever. And, for a while, some of it went out. The lights of Oz's castle have been like a scarecrow to the fields, scaring other wizards away and keeping that land safe, so that they might prosper in some level of peace. With him currently out of the way, the castle was dark for a great amount of time, and the people were panicking.
I've already been to Oz's castle myself. I was able to restore the lights, though I don't believe the castle will let anyone else in now that I tried that much. I have been working on restoring their barrier, their buildings and their borders, while taking responsibility for any wizards that might question Oz's return.
I would just like someone to check on them, in my absence. To make sure that they are still well, and that their repairs are holding.
And I'd like you to be wiser than me, and make sure you do not go alone... but you can at least let them know that Solomon the Wise sent you. Ask for Henry.
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But, well, this answers the question he had meant to ask Solomon in the first place. Certainly explains why he hadn't been coming back to the manor.
(Suddenly, he feels a little guilty about how their trip to the forest turned out, too.)
He nods. ]
I can do that. You got anyone else in mind, or is it gonna be at my discretion? [ It's like Day just got handed a mission brief. ]
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I do. But I want to talk to them myself.
You've all seen how the people of the North tend to act by now. Oz's village is no different.
I would like whoever goes to them to put the needs of these people first, without coddling them, or without treating their current customs as though they are abhorrent. People need time and patience. And we unfortunately cannot give them any more time than what we have.
That's why I'm asking you. Because I trust you to be compassionate, even if the world is not compassionate to you.
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But, he knows what Solomon's saying makes sense. As much as Solomon can be a cheeky bastard at times, he doesn't do things without reason.
...Still, when Solomon drops a line like that, Day can't help but feel that maybe there is still meaning in being the kind of person he is, despite the world testing this with him enough that he's had to wonder if he didn't just take a futile job for his life's purpose. ]
If you say somethin' like that, then it ain't like I can tell you "no" at this point, yeah?
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...Tell me whatever you need to. I am too tired for argument.
If you would rather not, or if I've misjudged your comfort, I will find someone else. I just ask for your honesty.
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...I guess I'm just not used to hearin' someone say stuff like that 'bout me.
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They are fearful. They're surrounded by a land that is dangerous, unable to defend for themselves against larger threats, and completely at the mercy of the magical if it ever visits their doorstep. They want to survive, but fear for their lives. So they do exactly as many people have done before them - they prostrate themselves if it means they and their families will be able to live.
Normally, the wizards of the North are not against playing God in these situations. Oz is a strong exception.
[As for Day...]
...Perhaps it's just a comment from one drifting soul to another, then.
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