Vingt † so as i pray

[expiatrice]

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[lunawolves10th]

[ The full-throated growl of an immense engine can be heard preceding Garviel's arrival at the church, as he shows up riding a massive motorcycle, built so large and robust that the white-plated vehicle looks more like a small car. He stops it just short of the church, and removes his helm, looking up at Ciel. Was he checking in on her? Perhaps... but another part of him is here remembering someone lost as well. Someone Ciel also helped protect. ]

Ciel [ He says her name quite gently this evening, despite his thunderous approach, he seems inclined towards a quieter conversation in person. ]

2/2

[expiatrice]

[Though she does sober back up with her eyes growing quiet again at the following mention.]

...

So you've mentioned previously. [...] If often comes back to that, with you. They've affected you deeply. [It's not a question but a statement. He really can't stand deceitfulness, can he?]

[lunawolves10th]

[ There is a brief flash of anger from him, but it fades. ]

I will not despair. And we... can always fight. Even beyond victory and defeat. I never stopped fighting on Istvaan. I shall not stop fighting here. [ His fists clench, eyes kindling with determination once more ] I will find the truth, for Sanguinius, for humanity, for the Emperor... and for every friend I've made here. [ His face softens, just slightly, as he looks at her. ]

Yes. Lies destroyed... everything, where I was. Lies intended to protect, lies intended to corrupt, lies intended to destroy. It didn't matter. The end result was the same. The galaxy burned, and I lost everything but my faith and honor. [ he waves his hand. ] But you know that story, Ciel. You've heard it before.

[ He fixes her with another look. Wondering to himself. He has hated every other liar he has faced. So... why does he still consider her a friend. Why do his thoughts linger on her, despite himself. Especially after... recent events that have struck him to his core. ]

[expiatrice]

Then don't think miss Aurica is lost forever, sheesh... There are many. many things that brute force cannot overcome, but if you keep thinking about it with that stubborn mindset, you'll just continue to torment yourself. You can't fight if your mind is clouded, I don't need to remind you of that, do I? [It turned out to be a stern scolding after all; maybe that's just how things are always fated to end up as, when she talks to him.

To that, she turns quiet, and when his eyes meet hers, she'll tilt her head sideways and look away.]

You've cited it before. I am sorry to hear all that your entire world has lost, but such meager words of consolation must hold no worth, and any muffled prayer, no meaning whatsoever. [She can feel the weight of his gaze despite having already broken eye contact. ...If he wants to say more, he's free to add.]

[lunawolves10th]

You're here now. For me, in this place, that is comfort enough.

[ He crosses to her, a bit closer, but makes no other motion, the quiet whir of his power armor the only sound, aside from his slow breathing. ]

[expiatrice]

[She doesn't move, but lowers her head a bit, her eyes closed.]

That doesn't affect your conundrum. [Referring to herself, of course. He can't fool anyone if the fate of his world depended on it. She's still too evasive and underhanded for him to form anything straightforward of her, and she's well aware.

...

She suppresses back a small sigh.] And what if I were to be droned permanently, too? [An edge of weariness is starting to sink into her tone.]

[lunawolves10th]

You know the answer to that. [ Probably grieve a great deal, then explode into righteous fury against the town, though in a possibly productive way. ]

[expiatrice]

[To which she'll shake her head, before looking back up straight at him with stern and quiet blue eyes.]

That won't achieve anything. Just as the passing of time and a human's natural lifespan, people arrive and leave this town, a fact that all of us are powerless to change. Even if I would request for you not to, were such a thing to happen in the near future, will you still let yourself loose? [Her expression is devoid of judgment; she's simply asked him a question to which she would like to know the answer. Honesty doesn't even need to be precised; it's the only sort of response he's capable of giving.]

[lunawolves10th]

If you asked me, I would stay my hand. I would restrain myself. But I would add it to the tally that must be balanced, when we do finally get our chance to save everyone. Another name that I would always remember. But I would not run wild. [ He looks back, just as stern, but very, very sincere. Though it would hurt his hearts, he would do this thing for her. Because it was Ciel asking him. ]

[expiatrice]

Please, I would like that. Your strength would be wasted, to rage or grieve for the sake of someone as I. [She's not looking away: she means it, and she's not worth anyone getting emotionally wrecked over. ...It wasn't her intent, but this is comparable to leaving a will behind, isn't it?...] Rather, I hope that you put it to far more constructive use. If I am to disappear, that leaves a bigger burden behind for those who fought alongside me, to protect the people who cannot fight for themselves. Assist them instead; put your energy to what's in your power to do, rather than burn it away on inevitability that you cannot affect. Can you understand and agree to that reasoning, Garviel?

[lunawolves10th]

[ After a moment, the lost Luna Wolf nods his head. ]

I can. And I will.

But what do you mean when you say someone such as yourself, Ciel? How do you view yourself?

[expiatrice]

Thank you. [She doesn't add more, but there does seem to be implication that she won't ask anything more of him again.]

...? I simply meant as I've said. You shouldn't react that strongly if I am to be droned permanently, something that will be easy to verify for I do have personal possessions here that will disappear with me. [Her scripture, namely.

And yes, she just quietly dodged the question. He'll either have to press harder or just leave it be.]

[lunawolves10th]

You still haven't told me how you view yourself, however.

[ He gives her a steady look, not annoyed. He's used to this dance with Ciel. After almost a year, it's something like second nature. He pushes, she parries or dodges, and occasionally, just occasionally, he gets a bit of insight. ]

[expiatrice]

[Ah.]

Why do you ask? [She doesn't show skepticism or hesitation, the parry is completely neutral. Is he just curious, or there's another/different purpose?]

[lunawolves10th]

Because I find myself caring about you, despite everything that tells me not to. [ She's a chink in his armor, and he knows it. ]

[expiatrice]

[She gives a soft hum, half-melted into a mirthless chuckle, as she turns her back on him and leans against a row of pews.]

Despite everything that tells you not to. You acknowledge that I'm not wholly what I seem, but that's based on my words alone, right? I don't think that I've acted in any ways to inspire suspicion. It just can't be helped sometimes, when you disagree with what I do out of my religion. Still, you just won't let it go, will you?