[God Quest] Absolute Midnight

Ludo shook its head softly to Jigano, as if to say it did not know, in truth. "Perhaps. This place is not like any other. Such monsters are not ordinary, at Longnight or at any other time," it explained, before glancing to Amalia. The bard had the right of it, and Ludo nodded as if in response to Jigano's thoughts. "Some died before they were ready. Some died afraid, lost, alone... and they cannot move past it. Every year I attempt to corral them again, but I am not Mort. I am not a keeper of souls - only a guide." That wasn't exactly true - Ludo had been forced into the role of keeper over a period of centuries, and the frustration had made it cruel and prone to trickery and deceit. Still, that did not seem to be the case here, at least. "She is," it confirmed to the girl. "She is with me, as are all the others I guide. Until such a time as they can be with Mort, and know their peace." It nodded, hearing her out as she spoke of her grandmother, absently plucking at a bit of its rags that were frayed. "I do not need to tell her - she can hear you, sweetling," it explained. Silence, at Amalia's final question, Ludo's head tilting, as if cocking an ear to listen. "She says she could not be more proud," it murmured. "That your path is yours alone to follow, but she is with you even if you cannot see her." LUDO Braved the forests, braved the stone Braved the icy winds and fire Braved and beat them on my own