｢ ARCHIVE. ｣

    “ If that’s the case, then I have seen plenty, ” they reply, taking another whiff of their smoking device as they lean against a nearby tree. “ I’ve come to realize many of them don’t take a spiritual form or anything of that sort. In fact, they can be quite… material. ”

    “ You can tell from their eyes, that they are no more than corpses who don’t — or maybe don’t want to — acknowledge they are dead. Ghosts of their former selves, people who by all intents and purposes shouldn’t be around anymore, yet they keep clinging onto the living world for reasons only they know… ” A bit like me. “ There is an overabundance of them. ”

went for 4A :3c

    Despite him uttering nothing but words of praise, words that would make any soldier swell with pride, Kovir freezes like a statue once his proposal starts sinking in. A trepidation of indiscernible origin hits them like an avalanche, physically manifesting in the form of a chill running down their spine. So cold, as if their very surroundings have abruptly dropped to a temperature not even they are accustomed to.

    There is a lot going on in their head right now; over and over again they weigh each of his words, understanding that this is simply not a matter that should be answered frivolously. They can guess what a ‘new position’ would entail… it is without a doubt an immensely appealing offer. And yet, as years passed, they have grown to be comfortable with their current rank — attached to, even — despite originally loathing it with every fiber of their being.

    This is so unlike you, Kovir. Where does all this indecisiveness come from? Thoughts keep spinning in circles, stuck in a seemingly endless loop.     What will I say? What will I say? What will I say?There seems to be no end to it… until something rises to the surface.A fragment of the past.

    “ You see,       to be recognized by the Emperor in person, and to be granted the honor to serve our               people as a member of the High Command… that is my biggest dream.       I cannot think of anything that could bring me greater happiness than that.       It has been a torturous, ungrateful road so far. But, with our teamwork… with you at my           side… there is nothing we cannot achieve. I am willing to put all my faith in this.       Thus… allow me to ask you officially.       Will you help me pursue this goal… Kovir? ”

    Ah… of course. It all makes sense now.    I almost forgot… that this was never about what I want.    This is about what She wishes.

    “ I—— ” The unanticipated stutter feels so aggravating, it brings the Galra to bite into the inside of their own cheek in an effort to snap themselves out of it, uncaring of the pain and the taste of blood filling their mouth. Her words keep echoing in their head; She would want them to accept. Is She not the reason they have come so far? How could they falter like this, when they knew the rightful answer from the beginning?

    They may not get an opportunity like this ever again. 

    Yes. If they were to decline, they would come to regret it for the rest of their life. There is no more room for hesitation or doubt; if fate has declared they are the one to carry out Her dream until the last breath, then so be it. Kovir has made their decision, and it reflects in their adamant tone and the fiery resolve in their eyes.

     “ I would be honored, my Lord. ”

    “ What a pleasure to see you again, darling. Much obliged. ” Their reply carries an affectionate tone as they take the delivery off her hands. At this point, a simple ‘thank you and goodbye’ would suffice, but…

    “ Oh, would you mind staying right there? I’ll be right back! ” Without actually waiting for an answer, Kovir sprints inside their quarters; fortunately, they return after no more than a dobosh. When they come back, a small, elegant-looking bag tied with a ribbon is in their hands — a pleasant aroma emanating from it. “ These treats are a wonderful complement to tea. Give them a try on your next break, yes? ♪ ”

    Kovir’s gaze was focused on the variety of plants before them. The blossoms of certain species still felt so delicate, so frail under their touch; way different from what they were used to. Fortunately, their familiarity with them has only been growing by the day, and as a result their handling has now gotten considerably better.

    Indeed, having sensed her presence in advance, they are hardly surprised to find the Undine standing right behind them. Once she closes the distance, the Galra greets her with a fond smile, and with a hum they reach a hand to stroke her cheek — wordlessly telling her she is welcome to stay for as long as she wants.

    “ They are growing finely, ” they say, delightfully admiring the flora they have been taking care of before letting their eyes dwell on a few ones in particular. “ Take a look at these. The bythrium have started to bloom. ”

    From a simple glance, one would think they have long dozen off. Not quite, though. It was only after maybe a full varga that Kovir started to feel themselves drifting off to sleep, their mind finally deciding to call it a day and stop thinking about everything and nothing at once.

    When they feel Nakul’s hand they can’t help but take a peek with half-lidded eyes, scrutinizing her face a little. At first they assume she’s merely in the mood to play with their fur… a moment later, they figure that might not be the case. Then comes the idle scratching; whatever her intent is, it’s pleasant, and it brings them to angle their head in a way that would give her better access, should she want to keep going. They close their eyes again.

    Ahh… falling asleep is going to be a lot easier now.