>>6262674

“If you watched one of those shows, Argia, and you knew the puppet would die during the story, would you like it for it to live? Would you enjoy seeing it as it ripped off its strings, and jumped down off the stage, and ran away to embrace life, for the time that was allotted to it?” She murmurs.

Your heart beats so fast.
A chance…
A chance… to save everyone.
To see your family again.

You always thought that when the time came, you would have just closed your eyes and accepted the final strike. Be it in battle, be it on your bed.

That was before the heavens turned out to be cold and empty.
And try as you might, you don’t see lies in those eyes.You don’t hear Astoria’s gleeful triumph in that voice.

It’s almost as if, for the first time since you have had to deal with people so much more powerful than you are, she would be treating you — treating you as her own equal.
No worshipping.
No begging.
No bowing.

Your head hurts.

“This… philosophical discussion…” what a stupid thing to say. “I’m not smart enough for it.”
“That is a wise thing to say. Wisdom is far important than smarts,” she chuckles. “I was quite fond of my own wits, and look where that got me. Ansàrra is in love with her own ideas. Far too much.”

You blink. What were you saying?

Thinking…

Ah, yes.

“Someone… someone once told me to think with my own head.”

The Stilladìa, Bragia Lacresta, nods, a proud glint going off in her crimson eyes.

“Then, Argia Candente, this might be the very best time to start.”


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And as always, thanks for playing.