⚔ 004; [video]

[croibhristeoir]

[Why did he feel like talking? Up until recently he'd been concerned with secrecy--he'd finally let himself be honest with Issei, but he wasn't eager to let anything about himself or the Holy Grail War become common knowledge

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[skaldssong]

...Sometimes, that's about all someone can do.

[In contrast to her usual tone, the woman's words come out quiet, her intonation almost bitter or resigned. Judging from the slight raising of her eyebrows in surprise, this was unintended.]

I guess I should say that it's not a bad thing at all. Just, I think it's hard to truly find satisfaction or your own happiness that way. That if you can do so you're a very noble person - the term, "too good for this sinful earth" comes to mind.

[croibhristeoir]

I certainly do not claim to be perfect. But I would have been content had I only been able to fulfill my purpose.

[skaldssong]

What purpose would that have been? No, don't answer that. It's just... rare for someone to be able to know why they're here. Could you really say you didn't complete it?

[croibhristeoir]

...yes. Yes, I can clearly state that I wasn't able to do so.

[skaldssong]

[A slight sigh.] I see... Well, my condolences. I don't suppose it's something you can wrap up here, either.

[croibhristeoir]

No, it isn't. But I'm alive--as long as that's the case, then surely there is some way to repair past mistakes.

[skaldssong]

Mm... isn't it more the nature of humanity to keep moving forwards? Learn from the past, yeah, but to obsess over it seems... I dunno. Like it'd keep you from moving, I guess.

Er. Not that I'm saying to forget, or to leave things alone if you think you can change them, mind you.

[croibhristeoir]

I wouldn't call it obsession. I have made mistakes, and I wish to clear my own conscience by overwriting them somehow.

[skaldssong]

I admit I was using strong wording for emphasis. Didn't mean to offend.

Sounds like you've got the right idea though. If at first you don't succeed, keep going 'till ya do.

[croibhristeoir]

I wasn't offended, merely clarifying.

..At what point and after how many failures does persistence turn to futility?

[skaldssong]

[Devola is quiet for a bit. Mulling the question over in her head.]

When you say it does. You're the only one who can decide that.

[croibhristeoir]

I...understand. That is a good way to look at it, I think.

[skaldssong]

[A chuckle.] Just remember that the idea of "fate is unchangeable" is bunk: in the end we're the ones who make what happens, happen. Might be a bit of a bumpy ride, sure, but...

Well, I've seen you in action during the full moon, and from the few times we've talked I think I've gotten a bead on your character. I've got a feeling you'll be able to pull off what you're looking to pull off.

[croibhristeoir]

I don't know whether or not to believe in fate. But I know that the saying people have about history repeating itself is apparently true.

That's kind of you to say, I appreciate it.

[skaldssong]

I dunno, every time I've heard someone say that it's almost like they're looking at the events so they can't help but find this so-called repetition. I dunno what you're talking about, per se, but it could well just be coincidental similarities.

And hey, I'm just calling 'em like I see 'em.

[croibhristeoir]

It could be a coincidence, certainly. Not that it matters much now.