axeofoath | 01; voice/action

A-ah...That's...Y-Young Master, what should we do about it?

[It still seems an odd way to word it, but Gremio doesn't really linger on it. Maybe he's worrying too much.] That's a relief to know. We still have a long way to go before the war's end, as I remember it, so I'm glad it will bring peace.

Like I said, my friends have an idea for how to get out of here... That's our best bet.

[ That sounds... really strange. No matter how Tyr looks at it, there's no way Gremio could really think the war had a long way to go. ] What are you talking about? Don't you remember we were about to take Gregminster?

Oh, y-yes, you did.

[Confused once again. Hadn't Tyr said the war was over for him?] ...Young Master. As I'm sure you know...the last mission I'll always remember was our rescue of Liukan in order to defeat General Oppenheimer.

Or do you mean something else?

... [ Why do you have to bring that up, Gremio? Even if Tyr was sure it must be the one most clear in his memory. His face falls a bit and he looks away. ... But he'll take hold of Gremio's hand. ] We'll make better memories in the future...

N-no, that was my concern!

[His heart feels heavy when he sees that expression. Bringing up painful memories can't be any easier on Tyr, no matter how much time has passed. He'll squeeze that hand tightly to offer what support he can.] I know you will. I believe in you.

We will. [ His voice is firm when he looks over at him again. He doesn't like how Gremio is excluding himself from Tyr's future. ] Gremio, I...

[Tyr's insistence is curious to say the least. Gremio stays silent while he gives his master his full attention, encouraging him to continue and speak his mind without interruption.]

--We're going to stay together for as long as possible. [ Which isn't entirely what he was going to say, but he can't get sappy now. ] In the future, you will come back, and... when that happens, that's what I want. [ For you to travel with me forever. ]

[Now he can't help but feel that this is a bad idea. He is truly grateful for even this short time they've already had together, but going along with this won't help Tyr in any way--or so Gremio thinks.]

Nothing would make me happier than to serve you, always. However, Young Master...That is exactly why I made the choice I did. We both know the dead can't return.

But you will! [ Gripping Gremio's hand here. He understands this, but hearing it from Gremio tears at him just a bit more than it should. ] No one else will, but... You'll come back, Gremio. Just believe me.

[ ...Briefly, Tyr thinks he must sound like he's cracking. ]

[Taken aback, Gremio simply stares in surprise for a few moments while he collects his thoughts. Tyr's reaction tugs at his heartstrings, just as much as it did at his time of death. He can't deny that Tyr seems to believe it, but...]

...Y-Young Master...Is this true? [-But what sort of servant would he be if he didn't trust his master?]

I can't lie about something like this. [ He speaks rather quickly, partially in desperation. It would figure the City wouldn't be kind enough to bring Gremio here alive. ...The coldness of Gremio's hand, even if dulled by their gloves, is a bit uncomfortable now that he's realised this, though. Not that he lets go.

Tyr continues to explain. Screw not spoiling the future. ] Lady Leknaat's Rune brings you back with the help of the 108 Stars... It's something she could only do once...

[Saying he's stunned would be an understatement. When Gremio made that choice to lay down his life, he had accepted his death, as painful as it was to leave Tyr behind. Now, to hear that he'll be given the opportunity to come back, as impossible as it seems...He believes Tyr, of course, though so many thoughts run through his mind--how he's happier than he could possibly express that he really can continue to be by the young master's side, how he isn't deserving of such a miracle and is honoured all the same...

Yet in his continuing shock, there seems to be only one thing he can manage to say.] ...I-I'll be able to sweep the kitchen after all...

... [ As good a reaction as any. Tyr stares at him for a few moments in disbelief before smiling. He can stop freaking out and clinging himself now. ]

That's right. So stop saying such depressing things.

I-I didn't mean to bring down your spirits, Y-Young Master. I... [He just didn't think his death could only be temporary.]

It's fine, Gremio... Come on, let's hurry up so we don't have to stay out in the cold like this.

Y-y-yes, of course! [He's still dazed from the whole thing, but it's starting to be replaced with giddiness. It won't be their last time shopping together, or the last stew he'll cook, or- There are so many things he can still help with.]

[ The giddiness is mutual. Maybe it's contagious, even though Tyr's thoughts are just reassuring him that everything will be fine in the end. Walking walking to the market. At this rate, they might have passed it... ]

[At the moment, Gremio feels like he'd be happy if they just walked forever! Oh, but the young master will have to eat eventually...] Young Master, let's pick up some special ingredients! I'll bake a pie as well!

[ At this moment, Tyr could even like the City. But yes, eating would help. Tyr is always going to be a growing boy! ] All right. Let's see what they have in stock. What type of pie will we have tonight?

[ The market! Hopefully it's indoors for the winter... ]

[Yes, Tyr always will be! Thankfully, Gremio loves to feed him.] I suppose it would depend on what's available right now...Apple would be a good choice, if they're in season here.

[ And he's so good at it! It's a match made in heaven. ] They might be; we'll see.

[ Thinking about it... ] Apple with cinnamon... It's been a while since I've had that.

[They're only the perfect family~]

Has it, Young Master? Then I shall fix that for you as soon as possible!

[ This is why Pahn joined them! ]

I can't wait. [ Childish excitement all over this. ] Ah, when you make it, I want to help.

[He couldn't get this kind of cooking with the Imperial Army!]

[Gremio's just as excited, too! He gets his little kitchen helper~!] Oh, Y-Young Master! It would be wonderful to have your help!

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