2.002'nd FRAGMENT [voice+action]

[shred_the_sky]

It has been the third time by now, was it not? Of this draft, that is.

[ Aether sounds too thoughtful and distant for someone leaving a message on the network during the morning. For those anywhere near the 7th community building, he can be found in the kitchen of the 4th floor. He peacefully sits on the windowsill, his head leaning on the glass

Comments

[Voice]

[13th_captain]

Death is an inevitability in combat. On the battlefield, it's kill or be killed-- that's one of the tenets of war.

[Voice]

[shred_the_sky]

I do not believe that.

[ His voice suddenly grows deeper and harsher. ]

The idea of war is to keep fighting until one side is victorious. When it comes to victory, death is not a necessity... 'tis merely an unfortunate possibility.

[Voice]

[13th_captain]

Have you ever seen a victory without a single death?

[Because he sure hasn't.]

[Voice]

[shred_the_sky]

I...

[ Aether's response is a soft sound of pain and a soft shifting of clothes, his hand rising up to rest on his temple. This is strange. There is something missing from his memories, isn't there..? ]

I don't... [ A wince. ] I may not have the memory anymore, but I know it's possible. One day, somehow, I have seen it done.

[witchofwishes]

Everyone seems to be going through the motions of "send me instead" when it was obvious from the beginning why they couldn't. I've yet to see any kind of preparations for their return.

[shred_the_sky]

Mm...

They were supposed to be done by midnight, no? 'Tis strangely quiet for that.

[witchofwishes]

Is it?

How often are these drafts, usually?

[shred_the_sky]

This is the third one I have witnessed since arriving here. That would make...

About one per two months, no?

[seiriald]

No matter what happens, people are never fully prepared for war. When you have that many individual minds working at once, it's nearly impossible to come up with the most desirable outcome.

[shred_the_sky]

Nearly impossible.

Unless one has done everything to make the impossible possible, I don't think there's a place to worry about such things.

[seiriald]

I suppose that's true... What brought this up anyway?

[shred_the_sky]

. . .

[ That's a good question. Aether himself isn't sure why the thought popped up in his mind, except that it felt right at the time. ]

I was worried, I guess.

[hazelrink]

The sea...? [Wait what. you sound like her masked friend from back in October]

[shred_the_sky]

The sea.

[ Hey, this is a familiar voice... ]

I believe the wind is coming from the east.

[hazelrink]

[East. That's...]

Is that the way the mountains are?

[shred_the_sky]

Yes, it's from somewhere around there...

[ A thoughtful pause. ]

Is there a path through the mountains somewhere?