-45

[fortunefail]

Less than two weeks left until I reach the full year. I never used to keep track of time that much, but in this place it actually matters. I've grown older. Am I going to be stuck here until my hair finally turns grey, or will the Malnosso send me home before that happens? There's no doubt about it that I still have unfinished work. First that Centurion, then Duke Bryant... Both told me the same thing. Guardian of the new World Tree...

I can't live in the past. The future needs my attention more. As nice as the Malnosso were to return her engagement ring to me, I'm going to stop clinging to a dream that will never be fulfilled. Having a family only creates more weak spots for others to target, anyway.

---


Still no sign of Noishe? He can't have been sent home this early.

Comments

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[lezareno_prez]

I worry that they might view Tenebrae or Emil the same way... or perhaps even you and Kratos. Have they tried to harm either of you?

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[fortunefail]

I was taken once, as was Kratos. Emil, I believe, was abducted a few months ago. If the Malnosso were predictable, the Centurion of Darkness would be next.

[Filter]

[lezareno_prez]

Then we should warn him to stay on his guard, though I doubt it will do him much good. They will likely try to kidnap him at some point due to his unique status.

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[fortunefail]

So far, I don't think the Malnosso have ever failed to kidnap their target.

[Filter]

[lezareno_prez]

Does anyone know exactly how they go about these kidnappings?

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[fortunefail]

No concrete theory has ever been made, as far as I know.

[Filter]

[lezareno_prez]

So no one else has seen a kidnapping occur? Somehow I'm not surprised.

[Filter]

[fortunefail]

One might say that resistance is futile.

[Filter]

[lezareno_prez]

That does not mean it is not worth making the effort, even if it is only symbolic.

[Filter]

[fortunefail]

Spoken like a true companion of Lloyd.

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[lezareno_prez]

And you don't consider yourself one of them? You did lend us your aid, after all.

[Filter]

[fortunefail]

No, because apparently, I don't know about the duties involved with friendship.

[he still hasn't forgotten about that one, Regal.]

[Filter]

[lezareno_prez]

You're still mad about that?

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[fortunefail]

Old men hold grudges the longest.

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[lezareno_prez]

Yes, I suppose you do surpass me in that area.

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[fortunefail]

It seems you have the upper hand in understatements, though.

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[lezareno_prez]

Do I? I'm afraid I never noticed.

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[fortunefail]

...

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[lezareno_prez]

All right, I'll stop. It wasn't meant as an insult, Yuan.

[Filter]

[fortunefail]

It sounded like one.

[Filter]

[lezareno_prez]

If you took it as one, I apologize.

[Filter]

[fortunefail]

Hm. Fine, apology accepted.

[Filter]

[lezareno_prez]

You really should give yourself more credit. Lloyd's success would not have been possible without your assistance.

[Filter]

[fortunefail]

I wasn't doing it for Lloyd, though.

[Filter]

[lezareno_prez]

But your goal was the same.