It is all too easy to doubt the righteousness of one’s actions when faced with an excess of suffering. Some moments leave no doubt at all – moments like witnessing the First’s final return to night come to mind. Yet still there are those times which grind one’s resolve down to dust, when the only way forward is to somehow find one’s way off the ground again, and when loneliness is the most precious and despicable friend one could ever know.

You are no stranger to pain. Life itself is a beatdown; surely, you ask, why go on? Everyone asks it eventually. It’s the next step you take that means the most. That’s bravery. Not what any of those once-upon-a-Temple-Knights thought courage was.

And you, oh, you. You are always taking that next step. To live is to fight, not the other way around, and aren’t you a glowing specimen of that very simple idea? I haven’t told you in far too long – since I played mentor, is that right? – but I am so proud of you. Blood and death and misery aside, you press forward. You know better than anybody that it never stops being difficult. It's entangled within all the rest.

Even now that the First has felt the cooling balm of darkness and your celebrations have finally come to a slow end, you sigh! Take a load off, why don’t you? Sidurgu and Rielle have discovered the beauty of relaxation, perhaps you should go visit with them to take note.

Yet, as ever, the world calls for you, and you answer. I can’t say the same for myself. Don’t forget what we’ve talked about. I’ve picked up too many of your messes to pick you up off the floor. Ah, but I’m well aware…you’re stubborn, but you're as stubborn as you are delightfully resilient. It’s why I’ve taken to you.

Well – that, among many other reasons.

Come now, chin up. Don’t tell me you’re tired. We’ve only just begun.

(Scarf of Wondrous Wit, please. <3)