Confusion Abounds [Open]

[Roksana Sheirn]

At the Rhiness in Menethe...

After “fighting” (a very loose definition for what it was she had done) with that red-headed boy, and learning more about her own thoughts about things, Roksana had flown along… Just being the wind. Just going with the flow and allowing her horrible thoughts to dissipate along with her body, letting the true winds, the ones not as fraudulent as she found herself to be with every growing year (month, day, hour… minute?) carry her where they may. Her sighs of disillusion seemed to chill the wind as she went along. The air she was mimicking seemed to, in at least a fraction of its being, roborant her. Then she finally stopped to turn herself back into a form less true, but also less false for her.

Her white skin would have found no contrast in the giant tower or pillar she now found herself atop of. The only thing that forced her to be noticeable was the dark colour of her hair that went against her light coloured face and attire.

She simply lay atop the building, staring up… Up at the stars, that she could not see properly due to the time of day. The weariness of her mind at the change of air pressure was enough for her to realize it even before she could see the clouds holding up the framework of an entire country. She wondered if clouds had a taste, and if that taste would be sweet or bitter. Sour or spicy… She wondered if one could sit on the clouds on not fall through… Then she decided that clouds were inedible, and if you ate them they tasted sour and bitter and killed you when you swallowed. That if she sat on a cloud she would fall through and plummet to a well deserved death. That kind of thought was for someone she used to be. That puerile thinking was not something for one who was developing as she was. Not in her body, as was also the case, but in her mind. She had just had the brash realization that although someone may seem to have good intentions… A person of light; and another may have seemingly malicious intentions… A person of darkness; the roles were easily reversed, easily shared. She would have to stop being judgemental based on sight. Based on what she was simply told.

Adelaida had seemed like such a nice person. She seemed genuinely concerned but… After the display of violence in the Woods of New Dawn, and the realization that Delice was fighting for the same things someone like Tristan Cowell or Pelagia Xista was fighting for… That the wolf-girl was fighting for… Well Roksana could now see that she had been manipulated, her emotions played with like a cat would play with a bag full of catnip. Torn to shreds after the first strain of wonderment wore off.

Her eyes were already closed at the thoughts, but they seemed to be pushed together as if a pain had radiated in her head, and that light made it worse. It wasn’t though, she just wished for the thoughts to disappear. She shook her head vigorously as if such an action would help, but of course it didn't. Instead, she decided to take herself out and away from the light. She pulled herself up from her position on the roof of the tower, only now realizing how the heat was causing her skin to bake in the sun. Using the wind to ride upon, she slipped from the top of the tower and straight into the area that seemed as though it should have a bell. It did not of course, instead the area was being used up by a fountain and a door in the ground that would lead to a set of stairs.

"Why has everything gotten so horribly complicated?" She asked no one but herself, moving up to the pillars and running her hand over the engravings that provided warnings for anyone foolish enough to drink from a dirty old fountain.

Timestamp: (Choose whatever you want, Roksana has all times available)

[Ein Lansfeld]

Timestamp: Emonea 5th, 8:45AM-??

Ah! Aurcaele! Such a breathtaking locale! Ein could spend days upon days here, in this cloudy paradise, drawing whatever he saw that intrigued him, studying the amazing intricacies of theology, basking in the warmth, writing about every little detail! Oh, how the place made Ein's soul soar with delight! It was as though Holy Ayneia herself was constantly walking alongside, keeping up with his jaunty steps as though she were dancing along! Miynie may have been his mother Goddess, but Ayneia was fine in Ein's book if she could dance the way he imagined she could.

Ahhh, what a glorious day it was! Now, mind you, Ein was not entirely sure what about this day made it so special, but some feeling deep within his heart told him he should be celebrating something, and so, celebrate he would! He would find as many people as he could and just have a fantastic party! But unfortunately, there didn't seem to be very many people around here... well, he WAS in a field of cloud! He could just go to one of the cities! Well, technically, he was already In a city, but it one of the more cloud-strewn areas...

"Ah, the fantastic, gentle flow of the clouds! Were it not for the fact that I have made several entries as it were, I would jot down every detail this very moment!" he announced to himself, admiring the way the clouds bounced under his feet as he stepped along, without fear of slipping through a crack. "But alas, my readers may tire of reading the same entry two or three times. I cannot expect them all to be quite so enthused as I am!" he responded, again to himself, laughing loudly as he did.

In the distance, a particular tower caught his eye. Well, to be accurate, it would be rather hard to miss! "Well now, be I not mistaken, that would be the place that one of those fabled Twin Fountains of Aurcaele makes its residence! Oh, no visit to this place would be complete without stopping to visit, now would it? No! Absolutely not! It simply won't do! I shall have to pay it a personal visit at once!" he almost shouted, laughing again as he broke into a smart job, elation still filling his heart.

He hardly noticed the unique threads that could be seen dangling near the top of the tower - threads that didn't appear to fit in with the threads that were commonly seen around this area of Aurcaele. And he hardly noticed at all the time it took to enter the tower and happily skip up the spiraling steps, arriving at a wooden door above his head in a matter of minutes that seemed like seconds.

"Now let me see here...Ah yes, here's the latch." he mumbled, his fingers swiftly undoing a latch that held the little door closed, and then proceeded to push up on it as he climbed the last steps, into the chamber of the Tower where the Fabled Fountain of Eternal Life could be found. "Ah! As breathtaking as ever!" he exclaimed, admiring the many intricate designs carved into the stone work. "I MUST say, I would very much love to meet the fine individual who carved these designs! They are simply breathtaking, and there is such detail! I could only dream of mimicking such a thing! Oh, and I see the fountain is just as bare as ever," he added with a chuckle, glancing inside to find not a trace of magic anywhere. "Not once in this lifetime has water ever appeared here. How very mysterious!"

He was chuckling again as he turned around, only for the first time noticing the other individual present in the chamber with him. He stared in surprise for a moment, his face completely blank. Then, a grin split across his face as he ran forward, sweeping the girl up into his arms and spinning her around a bit, placing her down just as quickly, and just beaming at her. "Why Roksana! Ohh, how marvelous to see you again! I had been hoping you and I would meet again!" he announced with absolute cheer, cheer that could possibly convince the darkest demon in Setsuwa to just laugh loudly and dance.

"How have you been?" he asked earnestly, sincerely. "I know we may have traded some harsh words in our little altercation in those horribly depressing woods, but I must say, I've been awfully concerned for your well-being! After that ghastly transformation overtook me, why, I nearly feared I might attack you!" he told her, eyes going wide in shock and revulsion. "But alas, I knew better than to do such a thing, and forced myself away! And now that that nonsense is all over and done with, might I implore your forgiveness, dear Roksana?" And in an instant, he was on his knees before her, hanging his head with an uncharacteristically sad expression decorating his lovely face. "I never meant to say such awful things to you, you realize, I was just so deeply hurt by what you seemed to believe of me! But I have completely forgiven all, worry you not, my dear! And I certainly hope you could do the same for me?"

he rose his head then, smiling winningly at her. Even if she wasn't ready to forgive him yet, he could feel happy knowing he had apologized. And of course! He would simply have to keep following her about until she forgave him! She was a wonderful person, of that he knew to be absolute truth! It would not do for such a wonderful person as herself to be in such poor spirits, as she sourly looked to be that way (as well as somewhat surprised, likely due to his magnanimous and sudden appearance!).

"And before you answer! I must tell you something, my dear! I awoke this morning with a thrilling sense of purpose and joy, and all throughout this morn have felt the need to celebrate the arrival of another beautiful sunrise! Would you care to sojourn into the city with me, precious Roksana, and partake in a cup of tea and slice of cake? Let me tell you, you'll find no finer location for tea and cake than Matilda's Cafe, here in this breathtaking city!"

He was already so confident that she would be willing to forgive everything, because why wouldn't she? She was a good girl, and he was certain she could recognize a good man like himself!

[Roksana Sheirn]

When she heard the trouncing of feet on stairs and the fingering of a latch, she pulled her hand away from the pillar as if it were burning her hand. For all she knew, she wasn't allowed to touch things up here. Perhaps she wasn't allowed to be up here. She slid behind the pillar she had been touching with that single thought and held her breath the best she could. She heard the wood against the stone and then heard a voice that seemed slightly familiar.

At first she thought there was two people. There was so much talking going on that it seemed unlikely to be one. Yes, she talked to herself. Most people seemed to. But not this much. Not this... energetically at least. Her idea changed however when she stole a peek and who might have joined her up in the tower.

She recognized him instantly. Ein Lamont Lansfeld. The self-righteous, self-serving, ignorant... I used to be his biggest fan, She reminded herself with a small frown. She let herself fall out of hiding and brought herself into a position that would allow her to escape quickly, Before I actually knew who he was, at least. Before she could step off and fly away as a gust, she was interrupted by the sound she associated with anger and annoyance. Ein was excited, and likely falsely so, and went on and on about things that didn't really matter. Nothing really mattered anymore, after all. Not a thing. That was what she had finally decided. Everything she did, everyone she knew, everything that was to happen - all of it lead to one nasty conclusion that would end up either with her dying, or her seeing friends die.

Then, of course, she clued back in to what he was saying. He was going on and on about them going out for tea or cake or something of the sort. Did he expect her to say yes? Did he honestly expect her to say yes? Was that an apology? Did he apologize before, when she wasn't paying any attention? All of it was possible, but Roksana still felt put out by him. He just seemed so false and slimy. It seemed like he had this beautiful mask on his face that was so deceiving when on the back of his books, but so clearly contrived when seen in person.

"If I say no," She began, unsure as she looked down at him kneeling (she didn't have to look far, he still wasn't much shorter than her on his knees), "You won't let me alone, will you?"

[Ein Lansfeld]

Ein would not be dispirited! Clearly, Roksana had yet to fully come to terms with what had happened. And Ein understood. After all, he had said some terrible things, things she couldn't properly retort against at the time thanks to her limited linguistic capabilities in comparison with his own. But she DID say "if"! That meant she might still be willing to say yes. But Ein was more concerned with her question.

He nodded his head vigorously. "My dear, nothing would please me more at this very moment than to make you happy, and so, if you truly wish me away, I will gladly take my leave of you, knowing that I have done just that! But I beg you consider further before making your decision. I truly wish to make proper amends to you, and really, you MUST have some of this cake I speak of! It is positively divine!"

As he looked at her with hope in his eyes, he could see something in hers. Not admiration, or like, or even hate. He simply saw a look of common disdain, or even disinterest. As though her hatred of him, so fiery in her heart, at their last meeting had completely dissipated, and now she had no feelings whatsoever. She nothing'd him. Or at least, that is how he saw it.

He looked at her with a sad smile, his eyes softening as he pulled up a bit, still one knee planted on the floor, but now with his eyes making contact with hers. He was reminded of the last time he did this, when he was speaking solemnly to her in those destroyed woods, trying to explain to her how his power was no such malfunction, but a gift. This time, though, he had a different message to purvey.

"Anything, Roksana. Anything at all. Any wish within my power, any favor you ask, and task you need done. I am yours to command, and shall do what I must if it is for the sake of making you understand just how much remorse I hold in my heart over my past transgressions. Can we not put it all behind us? Oh, Roksana, sweet Roksana, I have faith in your ability to make good decisions. And so I implore you search the deepest reaches of your heart and find the answer you truly wish to give to me. Only the purest answer you can muster - weather in pure love or in pure hatred - nothing less. Give to me your answer, and I promise to you that I shall fulfill it as best as I am able. Won't you do this?"

He stared earnestly into her eyes, his soft gray trying to break down her disinterested shell and see the girl inside for who she was. He meant every word - if she truly wished for him to disappear from her life forever, and it was the pure, honest answer of her heart, he would obey and leave her, never to return, and would avoid any further meetings wherever he could.

If she wanted him to do some great, amazing feat to prove the sincerity of his apology, he would do so if he was able. All he wanted was her honesty.

[Roksana Sheirn]

He was so eloquent. Incredibly so. Every word he spoke reminded her of the books she had once read as though she were a priest and they were her religious texts. They had meant so much to her, because they seemed so perfect. Then she saw what they came out of and her stomach turned a bit... But now they seemed almost as good as they had before. Especially as she let her eyes drift closed.

Then, as he spoke of doing whatever it is she wanted, she realized something. Something that her clouded mind had been unable to conclude before now. There were two solutions to the problem of such a horrible world. One, was to change the world - something that was absolutely impossible for one little girl, one little gust of wind... The other, well - he could probably help her with that. It could be faster. It would be faster.

"I'm not much of a cake fan... But there is something that you could..." She second-guessed herself. If she said it, and he accepted, it was as though there wouldn't be any turning back. If she said those words and he would do it for her - it could be that easy. It would be that easy. And what if he said no? Would she be relieved? Angry? "There's something you could do... That would make your apology... uhm... viable."

[Ein Lansfeld]

A ray of light! Hope! The girl was considering accepting his apology! Oh, happy day!

She stumbled of course, just the way he remembered, apparently unsure of what she could say in response, unsure if she should. Ein was at full attention, and only gave her encouraging smiles, waiting eagerly. "Yes, Roksana? You have something, anything in mind? Please, do tell, do tell!" he urged, ready to accept whatever proposal she had in mind if that would prove to her how he felt. It was a bit of a shame that she was not a cake fan, but that detail was inconsequential if it meant she would be willing to forgive him.

His eyes sparkled a bit as he looked at her, his grin widening just slightly.

[Roksana Sheirn]

He seemed up to the task, that was certain. But then again, he didn't know what the task was. She was almost sure that the moment she uttered it, he would be repulsed or offended and walk away. That might be just as well, Roksana thought mildly as she considered not even telling him what the task was and just leaving before it was too late, Then I wouldn't have to accept his apology for saying such horrible things.

"The one thing that will have me accept your apology is..." She took a deep breath before she went on, still unsure of her course of action and at the same time more sure than she had ever been in her short lifetime, "Is if you kill me." She mumbled the words, trying to be heard but not heard. Her head was downcast, wishing to be seen but not to see. Her emotions were in some strange catapult that was hurling her to something she didn't recognize and wanted to avoid at all costs... Now she just needed someone's help for such a disaster to be avoided. If Ein said yes, this could be all over in a matter of moments. She wouldn't have to see where this dastardly war would go, she would not have to see the world fall farther and farther away from what they should be... She would not have to see the end of anything and everything she cared for even minutely. This was the right path to the wrong conclusion.

[Ein Lansfeld]

Ein wasn't entirely sure he had heard her correctly. He couldn't have, could he? Because it was impossible that that girl would have truly asked him to do such a thing to her, right? There was no way, it was beyond what Ein could fathom, it was beyond what anyone should fathom. Why would a bright-eyed girl like Roksana, with her entire life ahead of her, want him to kill her? How would that merit a sincere apology?

His eyes were filled with despair as he looked at her with disbelief, feeling as though he could shed tears at any moment, his mood changing so incredibly swiftly. "Roksana... you can't mean that. You couldn't possibly... my dear, why would you ask such a thing of me? Of anyone? You're still so young! There is so much opportunity yet undiscovered in this world, waiting for you to happen along and find it! Roksana," he acted without thinking, reaching out to snatch her hands in his own, caressing them in what he hoped was a soothing manner. "Are you facing some hardship? Are you gripped in some otherworldly despair? Oh, sweet child, you must know that death is not the answer to this, not at all! You mustn't even think of..."

But he was looking at her again, trying to catch her eyes, trying to see how much she meant what she had said. He caught them and he stared, trying to find the sincerity, the pureness, the total honesty he had been looking for when he asked for her answer. And he dreaded to see that he could find it. She had been quite serious. Her one request to him, to make her forgive him... would be if he took her life.

Tears began to roll down his cheeks and he stood up, removing his hands from hers and instead placing them on her shoulders.

"Roksana, I know that this is a terribly selfish action but... I do not ask your forgiveness. Instead, in exchange for your request, I ask one of you. I promise to you, Roksana, that if it is truly what you wish... then I... then I shall..." for the first time, Ein was choking on his words. He couldn't get them out of his throat. So he closed his eyes, trying not to gaze upon her youthful face, hoping to make it easier. "If that is what you wish, I promise that I shall be the one to take your life and send you off from this world. But rather than forgive me Roksana, I ask this of you instead.

Please, dear child, please allow me time to change your mind." he begged, opening his eyes again to stare into hers with desperation. "Afford me the time to be with you, to try and convince you of just how much life is worth living, especially for a girl of your age! A week, a week is all I ask for. If I am unable to find it within my ability to make you see, to make you understand how much you have left in this world... then I promise you, I will honor your request. But if I can make you understand, won't you please reconsider?

I know that what I ask is selfish, and callous. It is not my place to question your decision, after all I have said. And I will not expect any forgiveness from you. Just please, allow me this, won't you?"

He wanted to look into her eyes and somehow convey all the wonders of life through them. He wanted to show her everything he had seen throughout his life, everything that made him appreciate every single breath he took, everything that made this world just so incredibly wonderful. If only, if only he could make her see all of it in that instant. But such a thing was impossible.

All he could do is hope that she would honor his request in exchange for her own.

[Roksana Sheirn]

As much as she wanted it to end, and as much as she was angered and offended by his refusal... At the same time she was vaguely relieved. Only a tiny portion of her was, but it was still there. That quarter percent made her heart leap, whereas the rest made her eyebrows draw together in anger. Made her frown deeply enough that lines creased a face too young to have them. She did want this... But that quarter percent would keep her from doing it herself.

So she needed him. So if the only way he would do it was to give him a week to try to 'convince' her, she'd have to do it. "Fine," She shrugged, her lips pursing together after the sound had escaped. Then she walked to the ledge and hopped up, ready to fall off in a way she wished could do the job. "I guess we could talk while you have some of that cake." And with that she let herself drift down, slower than if she purposefully moved herself. Instead, her light weight had her floating. Her airy veins joined the wind around her and she found herself only touched ground several minutes after she had jumped.

If I could have jumped, and died... Would I have been able to? She asked herself, floating above the 'ground' on her back. Uncertain and yet still so incredibly sure.

[Ein Lansfeld]

Ein's heart fluttered in his chest just slightly as he watched the girl leap from the high tower to plummet to the clouded floor beneath. Immediately he ran to the edge to snatch her back, but realized as he arrived (with quite a bit of relief and embarrassment) that the girl was a Wind Embodiment. She floated gracefully down to the ground without even trying to, and Ein thanked the heavens that she was still alright.

More importantly! She had agreed to his terms! While the act of taking her life would certainly be a grievous one, he was absolutely positive now that he would not need to do so! In one week, he would make her understand how much life she still had to live! ...But the question was, where exactly would they start?

This is what Ein contemplated as he swiftly made his way down the steps of the Tower, exiting through the door with charismatic flare as his grin was firmly back in place. And why shouldn't he be smiling? Roksana would live, and it would be thanks to him! Of course, he had also promised to be the one who would deal her the hand of death if he failed in his self-given mission... but that would not be a concern! He would not fail. And why, you ask? Why, because he was Ein Lamont Lansfeld! He could fail at nothing when he truly put his mind to it!

He stepped up to the girl, who was laying on her back in the air, hovering above the clouds beneath her, and fixed her with a potent smile. "Roksana, I have decided on our first destination!" he announced. "There will be time for Matilda's Cake later, I promise you that. Right now, we have a far more important place to visit. The first place we will go to is Niseca!" he told her excitedly, one finger pointing in the air, sure she just must be intrigued by this point.

"Look here, look here," he added, tugging out his journal that he wrote everything in, flipping to a few of the pages he'd done up on Niseca. "Just look at this scenery, this description? My words cannot even fully do it justice! Just the thought of the place should be enough to send a shiver of anticipation through ones spine, but the scenery is not why we are going! No, no, there's a very important lesson to be learned in Niseca." he assured her, giving her a good wink and he gently took hold of her wrist and tugged her up into a standing position. "As for what that lesson is, you'll just have to wait and find out. Now then! The land of effervescent glades and greenery is due exactly West of where I am standing!" he announced, pointing a finger in the Westward direction. "If we were to travel West the length of a mile and then drop from the Clouds, we would be right above the continent! I say, wouldn't it be a fantastic thrill to drop from so high? But we've nothing to fear! I may not be known to possess any considerable magic power, but I know one or two spells - such as those used for a cushioned landing! Oh, my dear, I have leaped from these Clouds before, and the experience never gets dull! ...Well, I suppose you may find less thrill in it, being able to fly so freely," he remarked as he walked along, pulling Roksana with him as they began to walk the promised mile at a very easy pace, in no hurry.

"Oh, you simply must tell me, what is that LIKE? What does it feel like to be able to soar so freely through the air, to take flight as soon as you so choose to do so?" his eyes were on her now, suddenly so eager to learn the answer. "In fact..." he added, an afterthought, and he plucked his journal and Quill out once more. "Allow me to scribe it. I will put your words onto my pages, and let the world know they came from your mouth! Describe to Setsuwa how you feel as you soar, my dear, in as great detail as you are possibly able! Allow your words to ring within the foundations of our souls, announce the answer from the depths of your own! Now is your chance to share your voice with the world, Roksana! That is the power of the pen!"

Ein would be lying if he told anyone he wasn't already trying to convince the girl. Which is why, if asked, he would admit that he was! But he was on a mission, you see, and would do whatever it took to change Roksana's mind. And he knew personally that the power of writing, alone, was enough to always convince Ein of life's value. Perhaps it could do the same for Roksana?

[Roksana Sheirn]

He talked to much, it was true. in his books it didn't seem as incredibly annoying, but standing here - being pulled along - Roksana felt as though her ear would be talked right off. He just went on and on and on - never giving her a chance to speak. She would open her mouth to say something, and off he would go. So instead of trying, she just let him drag her - something she was sure to get used to over the next week. But it ought to be worth it. When the endgame came... Sure she'd have to deal with him for a whole seven days, but then she'd never have to deal with him again.

Her thoughts were interrupted as she realized he was asking her a question. She frowned in thought, her brow furrowed as she thought back to what he might have said. The words were all jumbled together in her mind due to how dull he was, how much he had said. After several moments of consideration, she finally called back what he'd said and nearly laughed. He really thought that flying was so amazing? Really? Perhaps it was because she had always done it, but flying was more a curse than a gift. And she would certainly tell him so. "Flying... Makes you feel lost. Confused. Out of place. Up there, there isn't much to go by. You just see clouds and they all look the same. The wind pushes you where it wants you to go so you lose your free will. You're just... There. You're not you. You're the air. You've lost who you are and you know there's no way to get it back. It's the worst feeling in the world."

[Ein Lansfeld]

Well, for goodness sake! Roksana was certainly taking it upon herself to be little miss Raincloud, now wasn't she? Wasn't she supposed to be a Wind Embodiment? Ein could swear she was trying to be a Rain Embodiment instead. It was really quite disconcerting. However, Ein wasn't about to pull back his offer - if he wanted Roksana to see the beauty of life and love, then he would have to make sure she understood that people could be trusted! So it simply would not do for him to back out of what he had just offered, as far as scribing her description went.

So, despite frowning noticeably, he kept to his word and began to write down her words in his journal, word for word, not altering a single sentence. "There we are!" he exclaimed, feeling satisfied at having made an entry, even if just a depressing one. He then turned the book to show it to Roksana, her own words visible on the pages. "There now, you have just made your first entry into my book! Isn't that marvelous? Your voice will be heard all across Setsuwa in due course. In fact, if you so wish, you could help even help me write the rest of it." he offered thoughtfully.

And why not? Ein had always written everything himself, but he had aways thought it would be a fantastic treat to work on a publication with another individual. To be honest, he had e=never had the pleasure of meeting another individual of his story-telling caliber, though he had read a few articles from a certain Tabloid Writer that he found rather delightful, but that was beside the point! Roksana may not have had a specific... caliber, but she was a unique, troubled girl who needed a voice. A voice Ein felt that she probably did not have. It was very easily understandable how she could become so frustrated with everything when you thought about it.

Most children didn't have a public voice, but they at least had parents to talk to. Revisiting their last, most unpleasant conversation, Ein remembered that Roksana did not even have those to comfort her. She needed a voice. And Ein's book would be her voice. "After all, my dear, this isn't a novel like my other works. This is a guide! A guide to all of Setsuwa, as well as an account to the war, that all may know of what transpired here and never forget the injustice and indecency that took place in such a casual manner. I hope that this Journal will be my voice to the world and help to prevent anything like this from ever happening again... but Roksana, what of your voice? Perhaps it is yet another selfish thing to ask, but how would you feel if this account could also be your voice as well?" he asked hopefully. He then held the book out to her, its pretty green cover glinting in the sunlight.

"If you so wish, take it. And you may feel free to write in it about anything and everything you desire." And he grinned at her. Part of him was averse to the idea - this book was like his life. He had been working on it, adding entry after entry for over a year now. His fans were getting impatient, his editor was getting impatient. Why, if Roksana was careless, or even malicious, and did something to it, destroyed it, ruined it, lost it, he didn't know what he;d do with himself.

But in a rare show of empathy and consideration, Ein was able to really think this through, and he realized that in the end, a life was still more important. No matter how much work he had put into the book, saving Roksana's life was certainly more important. And if giving her the means to make her voice heard would help to save her life, then he would gladly trust her with the book. Because part of him, despite everything, really wanted to trust her.

[Roksana Sheirn]

"I don't see the point in my taking it," Roksana said simply, looking down at the book as if it would garner her death. In fact if such a thing were possible, she would have taken it quickly, happy to die from holding the green thing. Instead she knew that it would just increase the time within her prison. She would live longer than just a week. A week already was enough to make her heart ache, was enough to make tears prick her eyes, enough to make her feel useless and tired and absent.

"After all, I wouldn't have enough time to come up with anything to write. After all, there's only a week left. It seems like the week would be better spent... living. Writing isn't a life, it's lies and fiction and a mask of the truth. It misrepresents things with pretty words and long descriptions. It's life for those who don't... see life." She had once been an avid reader, and she had in fact aspired to be a writer. That was before she was shown the truth behind the writer, behind the words. That was before she learned that the world was such a horrible place outside of the comforting leather bindings of books.

[Ein Lansfeld]

Unbelievable! Absurd! Ridiculous! This girl was shooting down every single attempt Ein made at giving her purpose! Well, then again, this quest had only just begun moments ago, so it wasn't as though Ein could expect instant success. Even someone of his remarkable presence would have to try a little harder than that!

In spite of his internal frustration at her words (frustration that he would not allow to turn into anger like it had before), he just kept smiling at her. "As you wish, Roksana!" he replied with gusto, tucking the book away (much to his secret relief) as he stood tall once more and offered his hand to the girl. "If you would like to spend this week living, then by the Deities, we shall live to the fullest! Come along!" he urged, as his thoughts jumped onto a new train.

His book was almost completed anyhow. He had made notes on just about every notable location in the world in his year of traveling, and even quite of the few of the less notable ones. He had watched the events of the war, witnessed the plight of the Attonians, and even had the opportunity to meet their leader on a couple of occasions, a privilege he held in the highest esteem. He had to face the facts and realize that he had more than enough material to finally organize and publish his masterpiece.

So he arrived at a decision then! While he spent the week living with Roksana, showing her all the wonders of life, he would work on organizing all his information, probably in the night while the poor girl slept. And before the final day, he would make sure his editor received the draft to publish. That way, all loose ends would be tied up! And so he could leave this world knowing he had fulfilled something great.

For if Ein Lamont Lansfeld, Mynie forbid, failed in his mission, and had to make good on his promise to end Roksana's life, than he would simply have to go alongside her! After all, Roksana was a child, and a child had no business wandering into Ephilroa all on her lonesome. Yes, Ein came to this grim decision with a smile on his face.

Because, when he thought about it, would it really be so bad? He would leave behind a treasure to the world, and would then have the chance to explore a new world that no mortal could ever fully comprehend! It was actually a splendid idea! These thoughts ran through the man's head instantly, and he added onto his previous statement without missing a noticeable beat. "Niseca awaits us!"

Note: Shall we take this to Niseca?

[Roksana Sheirn]

(ooc: Would you like to start it, or should I? Where would you like it be?)

[Ein Lansfeld]

(oooc: I'll start it. This Thread = The End. Yay~)