[ Throughout all the trials that they have been through, some together but most apart, he has found himself beginning to wonder one thing: can he truly aid her in her battles and her long journey? That journey began long before they ever met, and in his mind, it seems that said journey is continuing to stretch on whether they like it or not. He would see her journey end, to see her finally resting and having the life that she desires, but what can he do to ensure she has the ending she wishes? Not an end to everything, just a conclusion of this chapter in her life.
As she continues keeping her gaze fixed upon the ceiling, his worries which are already so many, only begin to grow. He fears losing himself once more, fears being tempered again, but more than that, he fears her traveling so far away from him that even his words and what comfort he would give cannot call her back. And it is not even travel of a physical nature that he speaks of; he fears that everything that weighs on her will pull her away to the point that even he cannot recall her.
Or perhaps worst of all, he will drive her away with his own frailties and shortcomings. But naturally, he voices none of this, keeping all of his worries and fears inside, because she does not need yet another burden placed on her shoulders.
He waits at her side for an answer, hands moving to comfort and attempt to reassure. When her question comes, his hands still and he freezes in place as he feels his heart contract as if something has taken hold of it. His words catch in his throat, but he pushes past that, because he must give her an answer. ]
I- [ Snapshots of memories are filtering into his mind, and he is desperately trying to hold onto them in order to recall something that seems so very elusive and quick to slide away from him. ] I would. I know that I would.
[ But would she remain? Would she wish to stay with him, knowing that her beloved was in thrall to another? Perhaps she merely wonders if he would love her as much if he were simply a loyal citizen of Ishgard who loves the city and the church as well, but within the context of recent events, he believes she is speaking more of his enthrallment and what he said and did while he was not himself.
Her next question comes, and again, he freezes. This time, a wave of guilt washes over him, and against his will, he feels his hands begin to shake. ]
Nay. [ As before, his answer is immediate. But even so, he knows that he cannot guarantee that what he might feel for her would not be a lie. All he knows is the depth of his love for her, and with that in mind, how could what he feels be anything but the absolute truth? ] Even if my will was not wholly my own, how could what I feel for you be anything but true? Perhaps it is hopelessly foolish of me, but I cannot help but believe that I would love you with my entire person, regardless of the circumstances.
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As she continues keeping her gaze fixed upon the ceiling, his worries which are already so many, only begin to grow. He fears losing himself once more, fears being tempered again, but more than that, he fears her traveling so far away from him that even his words and what comfort he would give cannot call her back. And it is not even travel of a physical nature that he speaks of; he fears that everything that weighs on her will pull her away to the point that even he cannot recall her.
Or perhaps worst of all, he will drive her away with his own frailties and shortcomings. But naturally, he voices none of this, keeping all of his worries and fears inside, because she does not need yet another burden placed on her shoulders.
He waits at her side for an answer, hands moving to comfort and attempt to reassure. When her question comes, his hands still and he freezes in place as he feels his heart contract as if something has taken hold of it. His words catch in his throat, but he pushes past that, because he must give her an answer. ]
I- [ Snapshots of memories are filtering into his mind, and he is desperately trying to hold onto them in order to recall something that seems so very elusive and quick to slide away from him. ] I would. I know that I would.
[ But would she remain? Would she wish to stay with him, knowing that her beloved was in thrall to another? Perhaps she merely wonders if he would love her as much if he were simply a loyal citizen of Ishgard who loves the city and the church as well, but within the context of recent events, he believes she is speaking more of his enthrallment and what he said and did while he was not himself.
Her next question comes, and again, he freezes. This time, a wave of guilt washes over him, and against his will, he feels his hands begin to shake. ]
Nay. [ As before, his answer is immediate. But even so, he knows that he cannot guarantee that what he might feel for her would not be a lie. All he knows is the depth of his love for her, and with that in mind, how could what he feels be anything but the absolute truth? ] Even if my will was not wholly my own, how could what I feel for you be anything but true? Perhaps it is hopelessly foolish of me, but I cannot help but believe that I would love you with my entire person, regardless of the circumstances.