un: xx_heartoffire_xx

[stavros]

These eggs must be about to hatch some time soon. The assignment period is nearly over and mine has yet to crack, even though I've been following the directions! I think. I do hope I haven't gotten any of them wrong. At least we haven't had much to fight while taking them about with us.

Though, speaking of which... is it wrong to feel almost empty without the constant threat of something from which to save the world? I know many of you must only be relieved that it's over, Nightfall and everything that preceded it, and yet for me, it seems as if the thing that consumed my life, all our lives, is just gone, and naught but a void remains in its place. Certainly I do not wish for further misfortune or a new evil to grow, but I'm still at a loss as far as... well, life in general.

I would seek assistance. Or at least not being made fun of.

Comments

UN: AzureStriker

[shockingblue]

I hear that much, Kokoro. I don't have the same "long time family tradition" thing that you do, but... I look back and half my life was preparing for Nightfall and fighting daemons and monsters.

What'd they call it in myth? The Sword of Damocles? It feels weird that it's not hanging over our heads by a hair anymore.

Looking at building a life now... that's daunting. I never thought I'd really have one. Or at least one that wasn't constant fighting and training with the risk of death around every corner.

...I'm more grateful than ever to Nana for pulling me out of that self-destructive loop early. I think it's thanks to her that I'm not totally lost in this new world.

[stavros]

For you it was survival, was it not? It must be a shock indeed to be able to live as others do. I know it is for myself. Prior to this, I couldn't allow myself to dream of such a life, only to protect others' right to the same. Or that's how it felt.

[shockingblue]

...I don't know what I would call it anymore. Just that it was all I really knew. The life of an orphan, then a Candle against encroaching darkness. ...Never had a family. Never had much prospect for a future. Now... I've found a family, and things actually look... bright, for once.

[Though there's some part of him that wonders, wonders if there's something out there that will try to take that away...]

You've always been tough and steadfast, Kokoro. Believe it or not, I've always respected that. And your cause was definitely one of the noblest I'd ever heard. But... I think now, it's a beautiful thing that you actually can not only dream of that, but have a chance to live it.

And that life and duty can coexist in balance.

[stavros]

I will attempt it, at the least. It's been something I've admittedly resisted for some time, perhaps out of fear that if I wanted too badly to be normal, I would falter in my duties.

I don't think I was that noble, despite how I try. In truth, I fought because I had to. I believe they who fight because they do not have to, yet they go anyway, are far better than I.