dear_mun | apped @ heroesparadise

I know, Hardin.

You-- [ Ah. He is not from that time. ] There is much that we shall talk on when I arrive. What must be said cannot be said in this place for it holds no meaning where we go.

[The little hopeful smile Hardin had managed to put on his mug?

Yeah, that's just gone. That isn't good at all, and he more than knows it.]

...I would like that. Even though I doubt I will enjoy what you have to say, if it would ease your mind to discuss it then I would gladly hear. And I'll hold you to this, Sydney.

But for now, it is simply enough to see you.

[And, because he's been drilled into having some form of feelings thanks to his little vacation, it doesn't feel so out of place to put his hand on the younger man's shoulder.
At long last, the familiar feel of metal under his hands. This is home.]

It is not my mind that concerns me. To hold onto the knowledge before my arrival, if I arrive, I know what it will wrought. That much I will say.

My absence has caused you pain, my friend.

[He does not move, and why would he? Also, he cannot ask forgiveness without the other knowing why. Through the years, he has shared much with Hardin, but at the last leg of his journey, of their journey, he kept silent that which was most important. But then, what he spoke now was the reason why.]

It never has, though; that is why it's my concern.

But...
You have not led me astray so far. [Wow, Hardin's even stopping himself from protesting, even if he's insanely curious now.]

It has, but I am used to such things. And I cannot help but feel like my coming to this place was partially my fault; I could not blame you, at any rate.
...Unless this is one hell of a prank, in which case I think I have every right to be irate at you. [It wouldn't be so bad if he hadn't died already; all the more reason for his grip to tighten as the seconds fly by, holding back from doing what he wants to most.

And that's to wrap his arms around Sydney. But there's always a time and a place for that, and he's long learnt that feelings have barely any place in their friendship; keep that for the faerie tales, as a wise man once said.]

It matters not, now. I've got us a room for when you arrive; real beds and hot water, can you believe? The food's left much to be desired, but real pillows are enough to make it grand for me!

I am a leader, but you are no sheep. None of you are. Yet... [ And he shakes his head once. ]

To think such things... why are they in your mind, at all? Do you truly feel such guilt?

[And he sees but says nothing. Cling to a dead man may not be the best future for his friend, even if his death need not be now. The Dark will be tended to, eventually, and the tyrant shall not shatter the world. That holds far more import.]

A rarity that much is sure. I shall partake if I am chosen.

Give me some credit, Sydney; do I really act like any sheep, to you? I should be disgusted in myself if I did! No, I follow you because it is my desire to do so. And I would blame myself over you because--

[He's not entirely sure, actually. Something about it feels like it happened on his end, though he had been healed from his leg wound after the confrontation with Callo. ...Maybe it had been funny dark business.]

I do, I suppose. Leaving the boy, the Inquisitor to their fates? It's been weighing on my mind since my feet left Lea Monde's stone floors. I see the undead feast on them every night, and it wears thin.
[Never mind that he's been also stewing in guilt for up and leaving against his will; admittedly they're about in equal amounts.
...Sorry, Sydney; there's probably an overload of feelings ~~which Hardin's forgotten he's even in any danger of revealing~~ heading your way oh nooooo!!!]

You have been chosen in so many other things in life; if you do not turn up on my doorstep by the end of the week, I'll be disappointed! I'll even buy some tipple for the occasion, what do you say?

You do not. The "yet" had nothing to do with such status. [ His way of apology. The yet dealt more with what Hardin did not know and followed for his own reasons, yes, but he knew how betrayed the other felt -- will most likely feel -- when the truth is once more spilt upon the floor like red from one's cut throat. ]

They are safe. Do you doubt me? I shall reassure you of such once more when we are in the same city. No dead or Dark shall undo their life from the mortal coil.

[ Ah, all these feels. ]

Peace, Hardin. Find truth and solace in my words. [ A beat. ] I have been chosen by many things, it is true. But I cannot see what fate lies for me by the end of this week. Still, we should not lose hope. So buy what you will, but do not spend too much upon me.

apped @ heroesparadise

SERIOUSLY! WHAT IS SLEEP? IS IT SOMETHING TASTY?

I think I saw it on special once but i dunno I was looking at cake instead

cake is better than sleep, always

sleep goes off faster too, i find. STOCK UP ON CAKE NOT SLEEP sdkfhadj idk what im typing

typing glorious things

sflahksjg if it involves cake and sleep I GUESS IT'S PLENTY GLORIOUS U3U]

INDEED!!!