HAWKS PALACE

[doublefried]

The process of entering the palace is... smooth. Painless.


You are falling, but it's not scary at the speed you're going. You drop through the pre-dawn sky like a feather, light and easy on a breeze, descending towards a bright and multicolored island in a sea of dark trees.

When you land, you are somewhere new.

Comments

[doublefried]

"I think this guy is pretty important for like, the cohesion of my soul, also."

[rootsforyou]

...Should we make you a second one, if he's that important?

[doublefried]

"Do you think that would make my soul more cohesive?"

[rootsforyou]

I don't think it will, if I'm honest, but if you like him that much then having more of him around can't hurt.

[doublefried]

He laughs sort of self-consciously.

"Well, it's kind of embarrassing as an adult..."

[rootsforyou]

What makes you think so? It's rather normal to want to be around friends and loved ones. Or even to just be closer to the people you admire. You've both been through life and death together. That's bound to have an impact.

[doublefried]

"He meant a lot more to me than I did to him, y'know? Not like, in a self-deprecating way. Objectively."

[rootsforyou]

Ah...that's a bit more complicated, perhaps. But I don't think it's anything to be embarrassed about. That's just how things are in life sometimes.

[doublefried]

"That's just how things are sometimes! Sometimes... the crush does not work out."

[rootsforyou]

...It feels sad to say it out loud like that. Might I ask...did he not reciprocate your feelings, or did you not express them?

[doublefried]

"He, uh. Was married."

[rootsforyou]

I see.

It's no consolation, but...I'm somewhat familiar with unrequited love. It gets easier with time.

[doublefried]

"Well, it wasn't just about that, but it factors in... either way, I probably shouldn't rely on that guy more than I did already."

[rootsforyou]

Mm. I understand your meaning. He can still be a source of strength, though. There is nothing that says he cannot be. Even if it is bittersweet.

[doublefried]

"Yeah. Well... I should also be strong on my own, because a lot of people are still relying on me..."

[rootsforyou]

That's not a bad attitude to have...hmm. Today probably isn't a day for hasty decisions, so how about you think it over? There's still plenty of time.

[doublefried]

"Clearly I'm going to have to do something so I don't end up with a bird taking over again..."

[rootsforyou]

Of course, of course. But he wasn't intentionally trying to take over from the sound of it, so you should be fine to gather your thoughts for a few days.

[doublefried]

"Right, a little bit of rest and recovery before I uh... gaze within...?"

[rootsforyou]

I feel as though there are some specific items to gaze within upon, but it would be too forward of me to say them aloud.

[doublefried]

"I feel like I get the general idea..."