and every broken heart will mend

[scourgingstars]

[Not too long after the trial, a note found its way under everyone's doors, all of them written in the same neat handwriting that had been asking after a ring not that long ago.]

If any of you would prefer not to be left alone after all of that, I propose we meet in the dining hall. Nari has taken up cooking at the moment, and should anyone wish to talk I will be present regardless of whether or not the group at large should choose to join us.

-Ardyn

[True to his word, Ardyn was at a smaller table in the dining hall with an untouched cup of coffee in front of him; lost in thought leaning his head on one hand as the other turned a silver coin over between his fingers.]

[King in an empty hall, and savior of nothing. All that effort to prevent bloodshed, and it had come down to a situation designed to force their hand from the beginning.]

Comments

[desperateprayer]

No, no, it was simply unexpected...!

[ SHE IS NOT USED TO BEING WANTED. Being offered somewhere is... Kind of huge. ]

[scourgingstars]

It simply seems the obvious conclusion; if we were all brought here, there must be a way back that may yet allow for a few crossed threads somewhere.

[Ardyn paused briefly--that dulled sensation was back again, distant compassion without the full sentiment behind it. It was right to worry for Clarith and her mother, and it was right to save those he was capable of saving.]

[So why didn't he feel like he was doing any more than going through the motions of obligation and habit?]

...The Citadel may ill-suit you for how large Insomnia has become in the past generation, but you'll be welcome to it. Your mother as well, if I should be able to help her. There are smaller cities and outposts a bit further out, if that sounds something more familiar to you.

[desperateprayer]

...I... Won't be able to give you an answer immediately. I need time to mourn and... Clear my head.

[ ...But it's tempting. Very tempting. ]

[scourgingstars]

Take whatever time you deem necessary. I will be here all the same, whenever you should need my company.

[desperateprayer]

...Thank you. I mean it. You're very kind.