pc: uruha

[sacredpath]

Comments

[kumeyuri]

[sometimes people do........ unfortunately (?) this is not one of those]

... Specific reason. I was contracted to an Enchanted Blade, which fell in the Hishaku's hands. But because of my Eternal Contract, I was the only person in the world who could use its power—and the contract ends only in death.

[sacredpath]

Your eternal contract? That doesn't sound particularly pleasant. At least, I haven't known many eternal contracts to go well.

[kumeyuri]

[he shakes his head.]

It's not as serious as it sounds—it just means that I'm technically the sole owner of the blade for as long as I live, even if it's not in my possession.

The only real price is that I gave up my ability to use sorcery, since I don't have the spirit energy capacity for both that and the blade's powers.

[sacredpath]

I hope it at least gets you something worthwhile?

[kumeyuri]

The power of an Enchanted Blade is equal to an army of sorcerers. They're what singlehandedly ended the war and protected the nation years ago.

... Hence why there are people determined to see us, the Sword Bearers, dead to obtain that power.

[sacredpath]

I don't imagine they want to use it to end wars and protect nations.

[kumeyuri]

We don't know what their end goal is.

[there's a pause, where his mouth presses into a line and grief flickers across his face.]

But they had no qualms about killing the swords' blacksmith to steal the blades, working with criminal organizations, or murdering innocents on their way to us, so I'd rather not find out, either.

[sacredpath]

[hmm.]

Including people you cared about.

[kumeyuri]

[...

honestly he kind of assumed shadowheart had just skimmed over that part since he'd acted calm about it in the memory, but.]

Rokuhira-san and then my guards, yes.

[sacredpath]

I'm sorry.

[he did act calm about it in the memory, just less calm about it now.]

[kumeyuri]

[sometimes you are an open book but also very good about killing your feelings in a crisis and it's just that there is not a crisis happening now.]

... Losing people is a part of conflict. And I'm the one who ran when they told me to.

[doesn't regret it, knows that staying behind wouldn't have helped, but.]

[sacredpath]

It is. And living to fight another day is important, particularly when the stakes are so high.

[but it still hurts, to lose someone who mattered.]

[kumeyuri]

Would've been nice if I had made it a full day.

[unfortunately,]

But you're right.

[sacredpath]

[she can't help but laugh at that.]

Yes, that is the frustrating thing, isn't it? Some moments feel as though they will change your life forever, but then your life simply stops all the same.

[kumeyuri]

If only the strength of our convictions was enough.

[for a fulfilling life, or to avoid death.]

[sacredpath]

I wish I could relate, but I'm not sure I have even that.

[strength in convictions...]

Though lack of conviction has done more good for me than one might think.

[kumeyuri]

...

Yeah, being not 100% set in your beliefs might've been a good thing in your case...

[sacredpath]

Yes, I very much think so.

[which is kind of funny to think about.]

Very good to have convictions, unless they are wrong. A simple enough lesson.

[kumeyuri]

[a snort]

Yeah, who wouldn't be able to follow that?

[though after the initial wryness, his expression and tone softens.]

... Though seriously—I know you probably don't want people asking you this, but... are you going to be okay?

[sacredpath]

I don't mind you asking.

[a sigh, and a small smile.]

I'm not exactly in a good situation. Lady Shar won't forgive me, but... there are some troubles you must take as you come.

[kumeyuri]

... True. [a pause] It feels a little blase to say in your situation, but nothing ventured, nothing gained? Although the venturing isn't entirely optional in this case.