Perhaps. Though, I will warn you that I haven't had friends in a long time.
And, I can't promise I will be someone who can properly support others emotionally in their time of need.
If you don't mind me being this way, then...
[ Dainsleif knows it's not presenting himself in the best manner, but he has never claimed to anyone to be a good person. There had to be a reason so many people found it easy to leave him behind, after all...though, maybe he shouldn't be thinking like that, either.
But other than trust, maybe he's afraid of failing others too. ]
[ Once upon a time, Dainsleif is certain the motions of doing so was easier. But, when all is said and done, and someone is suffering before his very eyes, he can't bridge the gap. It was the same with the Traveler's sibling...when he couldn't even reach out properly. ]
...But, if you don't mind, then we can be friends.
[ He crosses his arms, feeling the heat of the threat in full (jokingly) ]
Metaphors and words can be quite the fierce weapon when used well against others. Even, dare I say it, positive ones.
[ Then, Dainsleif shakes his head, as if he can't believe what he's saying. It's almost like he's among a far more lighter setting, even if those days have left him centuries ago. ]
To be honest, I didn't expect to be talking like this...but, a little bit of levity can be like a balm to the soul.
[ She didn't expect it from Dainsleif either, but it seems like maybe it was something he needed. ]
It's really important. I know it can feel like it doesn't fit sometimes, but... without being able to smile from time to time along the way, all we can think about is the pain we feel.
[ There's a little more sincerity in her smile now, weighty in its gentleness. ]
If we don't have some good out there to remind us it exists, I think it's easy to lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel.
...I'd quip about not smiling in centuries, but then I would be forced to call myself a terrible liar, and that would not do.
[ Dainsleif is very self-aware about his broody personality, enough to make such remarks. But, even so, deep inside of him, he feels unfortunately he may be predispositioned to falling to despair than most. So, the words Aerith give hold weight with her own expression that seems to echo...the truth he can't avoid. ]
Still, despite myself acknowledging such matters, it is often harder for such things to truly sink in. Sometimes, the good - the light - that truly exists out there seems nonexistent as well, when you see only the dark.
It sure can. I canβt pretend that Iβve gone through as much as other people here might have, butβ¦ I know what itβs like, to feel like things canβt get better or that youβll ever find yourself happy again.
[ Because it can be almost impossible to find those little specks of light in an otherwise dark room. ]
But Iβm happy now. Back home, Iβm happier than Iβve ever been before. Itβs made all of the bad feel worth it. So, even if things feel uncertain now or if they feel hopelessβ¦ I just gotta keep reminding myself that we can get out of this.
[ She smiles, letting out a little laugh. ]
Sorry, that was super cheesy. I think Iβm right, though.
[ Dainsleif looks surprised to hear that from Aerith, before his expression settles. He should know better, having lived for five hundred years, but at the same time he supposes he never could have guessed. ]
...I admit, I hadn't expected you to say that.
[ He will grant that. Yet after seeing her reaction, he shakes his head, not really smiling, yet a reflecting, calm expression is seen on his face. ]
I'm also glad you escaped whatever terrible events that made you felt that way.
And, I don't know. I'm not really the type of person...to be cheerful, and I know it. But, I think it's good that you are - more importantly, I believe you are correct.
We'll need every reminder. Especially since I'm certain this place will try to make us believe we can't escape, at every turn.
Not everyone can be cheerful all the time, so that's why people like me gotta step up to give you a rousing speech every once in a while.
[ Broody people like Dainsleif really need it, she's found. ]
But you're right. Places like this, they want you to feel hopeless... like there's no way we could ever get out of here in one piece. The moment we start believing it is when we've lost.
[ It ... did help. Dainsleif more or less had been in a state of sorts. Though, he thinks he always is, it's... ]
I suppose so. Thank you.
[ Dainsleif lets out a sigh.
It's a common tactic, it feels, to be used by the divine. To put such pressure, to make a person crushed in despair, so that they would act in a certain way. ]
Yes, we're in agreement. This place, which is headed by an all-powerful arrogant being trying to crush us under its weight...either way, I hope others can realize the same.
[ Though itβs certainly a lot harder than Aerith makes it sound. ]
I think even having little conversations like this can go a long way. Reminding each other that weβre not going to give up, and that weβll keep going. Even if it feels cheesy doing it.
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hjadningavig) wrote2025-08-24 07:44 pm
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Perhaps. Though, I will warn you that I haven't had friends in a long time.
And, I can't promise I will be someone who can properly support others emotionally in their time of need.
If you don't mind me being this way, then...
[ Dainsleif knows it's not presenting himself in the best manner, but he has never claimed to anyone to be a good person. There had to be a reason so many people found it easy to leave him behind, after all...though, maybe he shouldn't be thinking like that, either.
But other than trust, maybe he's afraid of failing others too. ]
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[ And one of Aerith's best friends doesn't know how to either, and she doesn't mind at all. It makes him, well, him. ]
So, I don't mind.
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I suppose it would be more like "relearning".
[ Once upon a time, Dainsleif is certain the motions of doing so was easier. But, when all is said and done, and someone is suffering before his very eyes, he can't bridge the gap. It was the same with the Traveler's sibling...when he couldn't even reach out properly. ]
...But, if you don't mind, then we can be friends.
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[ A little smile! She's a pretty patient person, and she knows for certain that patience is often well worth it. ]
Besides, relearning is easier than learning from scratch. I bet it'll be like riding a bike for you.
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You have a lot of faith in me.
...Especially for someone who has never ridden a bike. I wonder if you have dealt with someone like this before.
[ Hah. Okay, maybe he shouldn't have made light of it. ]
Nevermind that. I suppose we'll just have to see.
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You wanna hear some good news? Riding a bike is pretty easy too. Maybe a little scary at first, but you get the hang of it eventually.
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...You're trying to really sell me on the ride a bike metaphor, aren't you?
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Got a problem with that?
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[ Dainsleif says, spoken with all the seriousness that is within his soul. Except it ringing hollow, because at this time it's not actually there. ]
But, no. [ ... ] Perhaps something tells me you would choose another one just the same; maybe even with a new set of wheels.
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I sure would! There's all kinds of things I could compare friendship to, you know. You're lucky I'm not gonna list 'em all out right now.
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...Should I consider myself fortunate for once, then?
The way you pose that threat, it is as if to indicate we would be here for hours on end.
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[ She doesn't, but it's a fun sort of threat, the kind that feels light in comparison to just about everything else going on. ]
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Metaphors and words can be quite the fierce weapon when used well against others. Even, dare I say it, positive ones.
[ Then, Dainsleif shakes his head, as if he can't believe what he's saying. It's almost like he's among a far more lighter setting, even if those days have left him centuries ago. ]
To be honest, I didn't expect to be talking like this...but, a little bit of levity can be like a balm to the soul.
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It's really important. I know it can feel like it doesn't fit sometimes, but... without being able to smile from time to time along the way, all we can think about is the pain we feel.
[ There's a little more sincerity in her smile now, weighty in its gentleness. ]
If we don't have some good out there to remind us it exists, I think it's easy to lose sight of the light at the end of the tunnel.
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...I'd quip about not smiling in centuries, but then I would be forced to call myself a terrible liar, and that would not do.
[ Dainsleif is very self-aware about his broody personality, enough to make such remarks. But, even so, deep inside of him, he feels unfortunately he may be predispositioned to falling to despair than most. So, the words Aerith give hold weight with her own expression that seems to echo...the truth he can't avoid. ]
Still, despite myself acknowledging such matters, it is often harder for such things to truly sink in. Sometimes, the good - the light - that truly exists out there seems nonexistent as well, when you see only the dark.
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[ Because it can be almost impossible to find those little specks of light in an otherwise dark room. ]
But Iβm happy now. Back home, Iβm happier than Iβve ever been before. Itβs made all of the bad feel worth it. So, even if things feel uncertain now or if they feel hopelessβ¦ I just gotta keep reminding myself that we can get out of this.
[ She smiles, letting out a little laugh. ]
Sorry, that was super cheesy. I think Iβm right, though.
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...I admit, I hadn't expected you to say that.
[ He will grant that. Yet after seeing her reaction, he shakes his head, not really smiling, yet a reflecting, calm expression is seen on his face. ]
I'm also glad you escaped whatever terrible events that made you felt that way.
And, I don't know. I'm not really the type of person...to be cheerful, and I know it. But, I think it's good that you are - more importantly, I believe you are correct.
We'll need every reminder. Especially since I'm certain this place will try to make us believe we can't escape, at every turn.
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[ Broody people like Dainsleif really need it, she's found. ]
But you're right. Places like this, they want you to feel hopeless... like there's no way we could ever get out of here in one piece. The moment we start believing it is when we've lost.
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I suppose so. Thank you.
[ Dainsleif lets out a sigh.
It's a common tactic, it feels, to be used by the divine. To put such pressure, to make a person crushed in despair, so that they would act in a certain way. ]
Yes, we're in agreement. This place, which is headed by an all-powerful arrogant being trying to crush us under its weight...either way, I hope others can realize the same.
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[ Though itβs certainly a lot harder than Aerith makes it sound. ]
I think even having little conversations like this can go a long way. Reminding each other that weβre not going to give up, and that weβll keep going. Even if it feels cheesy doing it.
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But, there is no sense in making the attempt. ]
Cheesy...but, fulfilling.
Silly, yet...
[ ... ]
...Still, I believe I'll mostly leave the 'cheesy' kind of wording up to yourself and others who are so inclined.
[ He can just be serious and goth about it, dwbi. ]
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Hmmm, so you'll be mysterious about it... creeping up out of the shadows to give unsuspecting victims words of encouragement!
[ It's a hilarious mental image. One that she admittedly likes. There's levity to be found even in the most serious of individuals. ]
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He hadn't expected to laugh at the imagery, but here he is. ]
...I might have to become concerned about whatever intimidating image I have evaporating into nothingness.
[ Or maybe in danger of evaporating in embarrassment if someone should happen to see him like that. ]
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[ She doesn't think so. Maybe it would even uplift a lot of the people here! ]
Unless you've been building up this intimidating image over the last few years.
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No, Dainsleif honestly just walked himself into it, so he just keeps talking. ]
I have. To my enemies, I am the last thing they ever want to see.
To my allies, I am a reliable individual who will not hesitate to remind them of their duty, and their loyalties.
[ Then, there is a pause. ]
And to my...newfound few friends? Or friend here...a work in progress, perhaps.
[ How this man has got as far as he has in five centuries may be a bit of a miracle. ]
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