[ A worldwide sports contest. Well then. He has so many questions about the geopolitical status of this world, but something like that seems to point to stability and some effort at competition in places other than war. He can support that. And he thinks Peter has the right of it to some extent; he certainly knows people whose suffering is skin deep in the face of countless others. But he’ll agree past a certain point it isn’t a competition, and the two of them have certainly had a rough go of it.
Though wait, Peter died? And he remembers what it felt like? He remembers Peter mentioning it before, and honestly David said something of the sort. This situation must be significantly different from a raise spell, and it’s clearly left them both with mental wounds. Balthier feels darkly relieved that such magic is not an option as home. His father needs to stay dead.
Peter’s social difficulty makes more sense though. And Balthier knows what it is to lose loved ones to a war. But he also knows that staying alone doesn’t work. Even if that’s a lesson most people have to learn for themselves. Still he can’t help offering the advice he wishes he had had. Who knows if he would have listened, but he knows he needed it. ]
I had that logic once. I don’t know if I’m wiser or more foolish for having eased on it; I seem to always end up loving someone, and if it’s going to hurt either way, I’d rather have them with me. But what do I know? I’m a selfish pirate.
[ He’s really not. He knows that in a way that is uncomfortable, that doesn’t fit with the persona he’s so carefully constructed. It frightens him, because Peter is also right. As he cares about people, they can be hurt. He can lose them. He can be the reason he loses them. There’s a hole where Fran should be. Honestly the others too. But he knows he wouldn’t trade having had them. He does regret they are likely grieving him. And too upset by the idea that they aren’t to spend any time on it. Worse, Fran may be dead. Because of him. No, because of their choice. He can’t take her autonomy like that.
Peter’s tone changes as he keeps talking. A frown appears on Balthier’s face. This is…fresh. And raw. Even before Peter says anything Balthier’s mind is putting observations together. He thought that spell had faded with David but that must be what this is. That needs to be addressed. But first… ]
no subject
Though wait, Peter died? And he remembers what it felt like? He remembers Peter mentioning it before, and honestly David said something of the sort. This situation must be significantly different from a raise spell, and it’s clearly left them both with mental wounds. Balthier feels darkly relieved that such magic is not an option as home. His father needs to stay dead.
Peter’s social difficulty makes more sense though. And Balthier knows what it is to lose loved ones to a war. But he also knows that staying alone doesn’t work. Even if that’s a lesson most people have to learn for themselves. Still he can’t help offering the advice he wishes he had had. Who knows if he would have listened, but he knows he needed it. ]
I had that logic once. I don’t know if I’m wiser or more foolish for having eased on it; I seem to always end up loving someone, and if it’s going to hurt either way, I’d rather have them with me. But what do I know? I’m a selfish pirate.
[ He’s really not. He knows that in a way that is uncomfortable, that doesn’t fit with the persona he’s so carefully constructed. It frightens him, because Peter is also right. As he cares about people, they can be hurt. He can lose them. He can be the reason he loses them. There’s a hole where Fran should be. Honestly the others too. But he knows he wouldn’t trade having had them. He does regret they are likely grieving him. And too upset by the idea that they aren’t to spend any time on it. Worse, Fran may be dead. Because of him. No, because of their choice. He can’t take her autonomy like that.
Peter’s tone changes as he keeps talking. A frown appears on Balthier’s face. This is…fresh. And raw. Even before Peter says anything Balthier’s mind is putting observations together. He thought that spell had faded with David but that must be what this is. That needs to be addressed. But first… ]
Peter, would you like a hug?