[action - Matoya's cave.]

[leavesparties]

[After the rag-tag gang of heroes had been and gone, Minwu had decided to abandon his half-interest in reading what was left of Matoya's library, and then finally speak to the old woman. It made complete sense to him to always be placed here, and it made absolute sense to have a task as a result. Yes, there was Aki. But from what he'd seen of the

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[tidesnpcs]

[For the longest time, Matoya sits stock still. So still that if it weren't for the sound of her breathing, one might think she finally gave up the ghost and passed on. Eventually though, she does speak, and when she does it's weary, not angry.]

I don't want to do this. I was exiled for less.

[leavesparties]

[He doesn't show much of a reaction. It's got to be hard, unbelievably hard, to carry on the way that Matoya has. It's impossible to even ascertain her age exactly, and even harder to imagine her any older than what she currently is. She's close to death; he knows it. As a white mage, he's seen when someone has their end coming. So he lowers his eyes, silently putting out his hand, palm open, over the table. Words can't do anything. It doesn't mean he can't attempt to comfort her.

She knows what she must do. It isn't a matter of want. And he knows that she knows that. But, if anything -- his eyes are sad. Unbelievably so. She's deteriorating at a rate faster than he expected, as if the herald of an end is speeding the inevitable.]

[tidesnpcs]

I can't do this by myself. Not anymore. I'm quite certain I'll botch the whole thing. You'll have to get me those Sorceresses. They're clumsy but they'll do. Oh and that girl that can manipulate time. Bring her to me too.

[Don't mind that she's crabby. They both know her end is coming and she's determined to meet it in the same way she's lived her life. Bigger issue will be if he'll keep his word to make the fools let her rest at last instead of demanding she stay for this, that, and the other.]

[leavesparties]

[Sorceresses. Yes, the one that assassinated Garnet. Part of him wonders if she's still incarcerated at the giant, floating thing that others from that world call Garden. Then his mind wanders to Marlene. Great, children kidnapping wasn't exactly something he'd envision--

He raises his eyes, and he merely nods. And it's almost as if he knows what she is thinking.]

... Do not give in to worry. A promise is a promise. Do not think this sadness is feigned. I would not waste it if I was merely pretending; and planned to go against your wishes and allow them to force you up once more, Matoya.

[It's truth. He wouldn't feel anything if she'd live through this.]