whatever comes, let it come
what stays, let it stay
Sighing, Loren nodded in agreement. Then a huff of laughter escaped. ”Don’t sell yourself short. You’re stronger than you know.” Smiling gently at her, he took a sip of his wine. As Amalia grew angry, though, his eyes grew troubled and sad. ”I know that I have been blessed by the old gods, and that what The Voice has done is awful, truly awful. I’m not excusing her, or the Ascended.” He set his mug down and glanced away, voice sorrowful.”But we don’t know who struck the first blow in this war, do we? And...she was trapped here for hundreds of years. You were stuck here for...what? Twenty? Twenty-five? Yet I imagine you yearn for freedom.” Still unable to look at the baker, he smiled, the edges sad. ”I know a little bit about what it’s like to be a prisoner. If that notice, the anonymous one, is to be believed, the old gods have a lot to answer for as well, though if it was the truth I wish the author would’ve stood by it. Regardless, I know that many would say connecting the world is admirable.” Finally, he looked up, eyes narrowed. ”The ends don't justify the means. But, maybe I can understand why.” So much so that he had to take a sip of his wine.
He nodded, this time thoughtfully, as she continued. However, he laughed at her suggestion. ”Me? No I definitely don't want the job.” It was obvious how incredulous he thought the idea was. ”A council would be best. But at this point I doubt you could get enough individuals to join to make it worth it, and even with two rulers it didn’t seem to work.” The corners of his lips quirked up. ”As for me, I don’t think anyone’s ever accused me of being humble or being a good listener, at least not right away. Nor do I think they’d be comfortable with another Launceleyn on the throne. Even if they were, I have no wish to rule.”
He was silent for a long while and he took a long drink from his cup. Then he stared into its depths again. ”But I have always tried to act in the service of others, however misguided my attempts might have been.” It was a quiet admission, barely more than a whisper.
what goes, let go
LOREN
