But more specifically, I suppose you could say that I am resolute in my mission. Although this is not my world, I see no difference. I will do what I can, what I must, to protect it, and those within it, from destruction, and help those who are not strong enough to assist.
[She looks at the cup, but does not move to pick it up.]
It is your role if you choose to accept the mantle for yourself. And as it would appear that you do, I commend you for that. It is not easy, but I feel more reassured knowing that there is someone such as yourself willing to act in such a way.
[and they do manage to sound genuine at that, voice a bit warmer compared to how downtrodden they'd seemed compared to the rest of the day]
But it remains simply that: a choice, and not something we assign to you.
... regardless, it is a choice I am glad that you make.
If you would like to be the one to carry out the duty, you may. If not, it likely would have been myself.
Truthfully, I would prefer that it was not necessary to do it at all. That we could find another way to rend the body and spirit.
[There's no falter in her voice—rather, her expression.]
But I won't shirk the responsibility, or pass it on to another. Life is precious. I won't sully Mary's by ignoring her own words, or pushing such a task on to another—even you. Did I not say that I would do my best for yourself and Sol, as well?
Is it that you do not mind? Or are you committed to it, and ready to bear the responsibility that comes with that choice?
I can't imagine either of us are particularly interested in ending an innocent child's life, but I am fully prepared for what it entails. While it isn't being pushed on to me, it certainly seems as though this task is being pushed actively on to you—or at least, one of you.
If you are fully prepared, and will have no regrets in connection to your action, or the consequences that will surely follow it, then I will not stand in your way.
I have committed far worse in order to protect the people, places, and ideals that were placed in my care.
[to lune, this could possibly be a drop in the bucket. even so they don't seem to be particularly excited for it.]
However, it was my choice to oversee and guide all of you. Getting to know each of you has been a pleasure, and something that I find precious. It would likely pain each of you to be the one to be the reason why someone's last breath is taken, and I whole-heartedly believe that each of you have suffered enough.
If it is to prevent that suffering, I will do anything - and can at the very least do this much.
Even an old man must be useful every now and again.
[there is a soft laugh at that and they'll proceed to drink their cup before answering]
With your faith placed in me, I can hardly falter now. I hope that your good friend is faring well, and the memories that come up for you are pleasant.
[though judging from their tone, it doesn't really seem like they planned on it either]
The coming week will be the start of your duties as Crescent after all...
Given that I chose you for that role, I wonder if I can feel a bit self-satisfied in my selection?
[ah - the clink manages to earn a small laugh from lune.]
... I have faith.
Even now, I have faith. As long as the strong-willed such as yourself and others here are able to continue forward without losing heart, then all will be well.
Understood. I will come to you if I have need of it—and I hope you will do the same for me, should you find yourself at a loss. I am happy to be of assistance.
but lune will raise a hand to their mouth, their shoulders shaking with mirth even though they're clearly trying to keep from laughing out loud in milla's face
even so, it's in their voice as they offer - ]
Might I escort you back to where you're sleeping for the night?
[it's not like she's wrong? there's a laugh from lune's end even as the hand at the small of her back automatically goes to place a more steadying hand at her waist, grip light and only enough to keep her from stumbling too violently]
Perhaps it might - if not, we may always just sit underneath the stars. I rather enjoy admiring nature.
[why is lune so old]
But I am also a fan of tea. Tsurumaru would prepare it for me if I wished, and keep me company following.
[There is zero objection from Milla. Conversely, she looks up at the stars as they pass outside. It is extremely lucky that Lune is already steadying her, because this only serve to make it worse.]
The stars. [hm] I enjoy them quite a bit. But it seems odd that a place like this would have them still. Aesthetic, perhaps...?
[She comes back to earth, so to speak, at the mention of tea.]
I am only acquainted with the drinking of tea. But I could accompany you regardless, if you would like. I rather enjoy your company.
[why is milla this way - regardless lune doesn't falter. they're able to hold onto her so that she doesn't trip or fall horribly, laughing gently at her antics]
I as well - there are people that I know who place great faith in the stars. Having them overhead allows me to feel as though they are nearer than they are.
I enjoy their company just as I enjoy yours - you are always welcome to join me for tea if you so wish.
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[It's not untrue.]
But more specifically, I suppose you could say that I am resolute in my mission. Although this is not my world, I see no difference. I will do what I can, what I must, to protect it, and those within it, from destruction, and help those who are not strong enough to assist.
[She looks at the cup, but does not move to pick it up.]
In a way, is that not also my role here?
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[and they do manage to sound genuine at that, voice a bit warmer compared to how downtrodden they'd seemed compared to the rest of the day]
But it remains simply that: a choice, and not something we assign to you.
... regardless, it is a choice I am glad that you make.
If you would like to be the one to carry out the duty, you may. If not, it likely would have been myself.
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[There's no falter in her voice—rather, her expression.]
But I won't shirk the responsibility, or pass it on to another. Life is precious. I won't sully Mary's by ignoring her own words, or pushing such a task on to another—even you. Did I not say that I would do my best for yourself and Sol, as well?
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I do not mind bearing the burden, and will readily take it if it means that you do not push yourself to do something you do not wish to complete.
Just as you intend to do your best for the two of us, I owe it to you to perform to the best of my abilities as well.
[there's a certainty in that, a warmth in the voice that shares these words]
So I will ask you -
Are you certain you wish to take this responsibility when it does not need to be yours to bear?
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Is it that you do not mind? Or are you committed to it, and ready to bear the responsibility that comes with that choice?
I can't imagine either of us are particularly interested in ending an innocent child's life, but I am fully prepared for what it entails. While it isn't being pushed on to me, it certainly seems as though this task is being pushed actively on to you—or at least, one of you.
If you are fully prepared, and will have no regrets in connection to your action, or the consequences that will surely follow it, then I will not stand in your way.
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[to lune, this could possibly be a drop in the bucket. even so they don't seem to be particularly excited for it.]
However, it was my choice to oversee and guide all of you. Getting to know each of you has been a pleasure, and something that I find precious. It would likely pain each of you to be the one to be the reason why someone's last breath is taken, and I whole-heartedly believe that each of you have suffered enough.
If it is to prevent that suffering, I will do anything - and can at the very least do this much.
Even an old man must be useful every now and again.
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Very well. I will be at hand, but I will leave it to you, Lune—and I will trust you to see this through to the end.
[She looks down at the cup of sake in front of her, and smiles.]
How strange. You remind me of a good friend. I wasn't aware of how much I missed him.
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With your faith placed in me, I can hardly falter now. I hope that your good friend is faring well, and the memories that come up for you are pleasant.
[though judging from their tone, it doesn't really seem like they planned on it either]
The coming week will be the start of your duties as Crescent after all...
Given that I chose you for that role, I wonder if I can feel a bit self-satisfied in my selection?
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[At the mention of her assigned position, she nods once, solemnly.]
Yes. I will do my best to uphold the trust you have placed in me in return.
[But at his satisfaction, she allows herself a twitch of a smile, lifting the cup to clink it against Lune's.]
I suppose we will have to wait and see.
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... I have faith.
Even now, I have faith. As long as the strong-willed such as yourself and others here are able to continue forward without losing heart, then all will be well.
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As long as I am still able, regardless of my state of being, I will keep moving forward. I will see to it that your faith is not misplaced.
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Even so... I hope that you will rely on me as well, when there is something you may need.
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[There's a beat, and her eyes narrow.]
Is the room... spinning?
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lune laughs gently at that, and makes a note to just. not refill milla's cup - ]
Is the drink affecting you already, Milla? Perhaps I oughtn't keep you any longer.
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[Her face goes through a series of emotions—frustration, fury, and finally, determination.]
I will be fine!
[And with that, she stands up!
And sits down again, heavily.]
Hmm.
This is nothing.
[IT IS SOMETHING]
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but lune will raise a hand to their mouth, their shoulders shaking with mirth even though they're clearly trying to keep from laughing out loud in milla's face
even so, it's in their voice as they offer - ]
Might I escort you back to where you're sleeping for the night?
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[As if that has anything to do with this.
She is struggling to get to her feet.
It is
magnificent.]
But... I suppose I would be remiss in declining the invitation of our hosts.
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[but regardless they will stand and place a steadying hand at her elbow first]
If I may?
[it's only polite before asking to touch a lady further]
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[She says, grasping at Lune's hand. Still, her smile is unshakeable.]
Next time, I will make sure that I am the one taking care of you!
[She continues, wobbling on her feet, an iron grip on her host.]
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I do rather enjoy being taken care of. Tsurumaru had volunteered previously, but I suppose now I must wait if another is feeling so generous.
[but he'll provide a steady hand for her to hold, the other resting at the small of her back]
Do you care to find a place to sleep? Or should we find another venture to occupy our time? The night sky is quite beautiful, if nothing else.
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[Head swimming, but doggedly following the new topic, she shakes her head.]
No, you're right. Let's take a walk. I'm sure this will wear off quite quickl--woah!
[She stumbles again, shaking her head and laughing in disbelief.]
I must look ridiculous.
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Perhaps it might - if not, we may always just sit underneath the stars. I rather enjoy admiring nature.
[why is lune so old]
But I am also a fan of tea. Tsurumaru would prepare it for me if I wished, and keep me company following.
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The stars. [hm] I enjoy them quite a bit. But it seems odd that a place like this would have them still. Aesthetic, perhaps...?
[She comes back to earth, so to speak, at the mention of tea.]
I am only acquainted with the drinking of tea. But I could accompany you regardless, if you would like. I rather enjoy your company.
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I as well - there are people that I know who place great faith in the stars. Having them overhead allows me to feel as though they are nearer than they are.
I enjoy their company just as I enjoy yours - you are always welcome to join me for tea if you so wish.
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Do you make your own tea? [It seems like a question with its own backstory.]
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