[Locked to people who responded to the previous post (including Birkin)]

[unknownrival]

Can we aim for a level between 'roughed up' and 'dead', not inclusive? I have a worldhop arranged already.

I assume Diarmuid will absolutely refuse to have me come along, so I won't bother making the argument.

Comments

[action]

[unknownrival]

If determination and loyalty was all that was needed to gain a victory, then you would be king among heroes. I shall never doubt that you will do your utmost to return to my side, my love. That has never been in question...

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[croibhristeoir]

And yet you still doubt that I will emerge victorious.

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[unknownrival]

I'm sorry. If you refuse to accept help then I can't send you.

[action]

[croibhristeoir]

Do not think me incapable of doing this alone.

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[unknownrival]

Why do you so desperately need to do it alone?

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[croibhristeoir]

That is not what this is about so much as it is your utter lack of faith.

I would allow others to accompany me if they so chose. But the fact that you seem to find it a necessity stings more than I can put into words. Truly, have you so little trust in my strength? Do you think me incompetent or that I've lost my edge, as the saying goes?

Do you have any idea the magnitude of that which I've faced before and come away unharmed? Or do you simply not realize the severity of the injury to my pride you inflict with every passing moment you assume the worst will transpire?

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[unknownrival]

No, I... I don't know. I'm sorry. I'm just terrified of you being hurt because of me. I can't order you properly as your Master like this.

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[croibhristeoir]

...All I ask is that you trust me. That is all I could ever ask, for you to believe in me and in my abilities.

I have never truly lost a fight. I have no intention of starting now.

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[unknownrival]

I trust you. Please, forgive me for what I've said.

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[croibhristeoir]

I forgive you.

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[unknownrival]

[Issei hugs him. He can't not.]