nine ✤ text

[lingeringhope]

You may have noticed some abnormal behavior regarding the Door. Normally it doesn't bring in anything so large, and we did not expect it to do so this time. Delight and I have been attempting to alter the Door to send you home, as you have so often requested, but as I have said again and again, we have very little knowledge in this area. We will try again.

My appreciation for those who slew the dragons. We did not intend on their arrival, and I would be willing to grant you a favor in return for your efforts - if it's within my power, and not too foolish.

Comments

[text]

[lingeringhope]

They're disagreeable and unappreciative, but they've said the same thing over and over. Only a few of them would stay, given the choice.

Of course, now they seem angry that I'm doing as they've asked.

[text]

[thirdreturned]

Precisely. They'll never give you a straight answer. It's better to see to our needs and continue on with our responsibilities as we have been.

You'll drive yourself mad if you try to see to the whims of all humans.

[text]

[lingeringhope]

I don't think you're wrong. Still, I can't give up on them so easily. Some of them are not entirely awful.

[text]

[thirdreturned]

It's not about them being awful, it's about them being useful.

You're forgetting what's important.

[text]

[lingeringhope]

I haven't forgotten. I want to bring Love and Tranquility back, but I have spent the last year being blamed and hated for these creature's arrival here. I want to try, at least.

[text]

[thirdreturned]

...you care for them. Their thoughts, their feelings. You're doing this to please the angry ones, yes, but also because you feel the agreeable ones deserve it.

[There's a pause, and then-]

Do they matter more than us, to you?

[text]

[lingeringhope]

No. Never.

[text]

[thirdreturned]

I don't approve of what Fear did. Opening the Door was a rash gamble, but it resulted in a viable population. It is now advantageous for us to keep it open, and to intentionally return everyone who feels homesick would be letting our emotions get the better of us.

I imagine you feel pulled in two separate directions and I do not envy your or Delight's positions on the matter. However, I'd ask that you consider what happened the last time we lost a population.

[text]

[lingeringhope]

Some of them want to stay. Surely it should be possible to let some of them go, too.

My first priority is us. But I must try to look out for them as well.

[text]

[thirdreturned]

And you are doing a good job of that. You know I will support you in that regard.

But I will only do so while they remain here, where we need them.

[text]

[lingeringhope]

They'll only hate us more if we never try to send them home.

[text]

[thirdreturned]

Let them hate.

When the time comes, we can consider it. That time is not now.

[text]

[lingeringhope]

I want to try just a bit more. I won't ask for your help.

[text]

[thirdreturned]

You're too compassionate.

Be careful.

[text]

[lingeringhope]

I will be.