Is that it, then? You pity me because you assume I am alone? You are mistaken in that. I have those that I cherish as well.

What is more important than one's duty?

[He almost scoffs. Is this some sort of test? He almost considers it just to shut her up, but he thinks of Unukalhai's reaction and stays his hand.]

I will not. If you seek death so severely, you will have to beg one of your many other foes.

[He scowls darkly.] Spare me your pity. I've no use for it.
We have made our choices. We cannot go back.

....

[He doesn't quite know how to respond. A small part of him wants to reach out. His fingers twitch with the motion, but - but why? They were enemies. He balls his hands to prevent himself from looking ridiculous.]

Really now. There's no need for that.

[He considers them for a moment.]
You were doing your duty, as I mine. They put us at an impasse. You triumphed. There is no shame in it.

[He reels back regardless, stiffening at even the thought of being touched.]

'Alive' is a rather ill-fitting term, but yes. I am present in this time once more. I was...needed.

I do sometimes tire of the roles we play in this theatre of yours. You know the rules; why must you constantly bend them? You, the most faithful of our brethren...

his grief.]

What use would it be? Tis best to leave those memories - and the person they belonged to - in the past where they belong. I have needed no more than my duty.

[Again, he shakes his head. A part of him hopes to shake the fear creeping up again. It was the same as when Emet-Selch insisted on the memory crystal, desperate to get back the person he was before. But he had learned long ago that clutching onto those memories only hastens their loss, and deepens

[Beneath the mask, his eyes dart to the side in displeasure. He was the Emissary, not a mental patient. His 'recovery' should not be Pashtarot's concern.]

I am unaware of your meaning. I am quite capable of fulfilling my duties as the seat of Elidibus.

[He bows his head, lips pressed together, lashes lowered over his eyes. Then he shakes his head.]
I have some few memories. But...they may as well belong to someone else. It's as if I am watching a play enfold before my eyes. I cannot explain it, but I have the distinct sense they are not /mine./

[The corners of his lips turn up.] Well, you would enjoy my visits more if you did. [He pointedly doesn't answer the second question.]