004 [video]

[reformedrake]

[This one being accidental, like most other people. He's on his knees, resting his hands on the floor, bowed, supplicant, smaller than he looks. Also not wearing his white plate, or the belt that goes along with it. Minor details. The plants have them. Curl around the wall he faces, which he doesn't seem to realize. Living is easy with eyes closed

Comments

[Video]

[leaporfall]

Sebastian. Whatever you're hearing, don't listen to it.

[Video]

[reformedrake]

Right. The... the plants.

[Can't you decide anything for yourself? And not be blown around as if by the wind?]

But. What if they're right. What if I'm...

[Video]

[leaporfall]

They're not right. They're just playing on your fears.

[Video]

[reformedrake]

How do you know? Why can't I...

[Decide things for yourself. Stop waffling, Sebastian. Make a choice.]

[video]

[spiritessence]

Would you really listen to plants if they told you to- [Wait, no. Don't give the poor guy any ideas.]

Just don't listen to them. I know it it's hard, but you have to resist.

[video]

[reformedrake]

They sound like... they sound like her. And they just keep getting louder. I don't...I don't want to listen to them.

[Don't talk to him. Dangerous. Abomination. Selfish. Just because he opens a clinic, Sebastian, really.]

[video]

[spiritessence]

Then don't. [That's the keyword there.] They're not who you think you are. The voices will drive you mad.

[video]

[reformedrake]

[He's one to talk. Isn't he? Why are you listening to him, when you know better?]

No, stop that. [Clearly not talking to you, Anders. He seems stunned at the sharpness. Adds, in a moment, a bit quieter.]

Do you not hear them? Is that why it's so easy...

[womanwhofights]

[Cocking an eyebrow. And here it comes - the patented brand of Cousland bluntness. EMPATHY? WHAT'S THAT? 8Da]

Maker's balls, man. Quit cowering like a kicked Mabari pup, will you? I think everyone's established the voices aren't real at this point.

[reformedrake]

[If she can see it, why can't you, Sebastian? Stand on your own two feet for once. How can you uphold your vows if you're so weak?]

Oh, yes. Because cowering is clearly what I'd like to be doing right now.

[womanwhofights]

[EYEROLL.]

Well that's what it looks like to me.
Ignore it. They may have a gift for finding your deepest, darkest secrets, but in the end they're just bits of talking salad.

[reformedrake]

[Why try reclaiming Starkhaven when you're so weak and spineless.]

What do they even whisper to you? How is this so difficult to grasp?

[Video]

[bufudynes]

Sebastian-san...

[Video]

[reformedrake]

Mitsuru?

Oh, Maker, this is such a mess.

[Video]

[bufudynes]

[She nods.] Correct...

[There's a short pause.] The voices are not real, Sebastian-san. I realize it is difficult to ignore them, but you must try.

[Video]

[reformedrake]

I know--[Less agitated] I know. I must seem so foolish...

| Video |

[doesnotbrood]

They are no more real then Danarius, Sebastian.

| Video |

[reformedrake]

Right. I understand. But they're still so loud.

| Video |

[doesnotbrood]

Trust me, I understand.

| Video |

[reformedrake]

I can't help but worry about where all this is heading.