[Voice]

[vermified]

My lord? Your request is finished. I can bring it back to the house with me if you like, or you could come examine it yourself.

To those who requested that items be made, I apologize for the delays- my first order took much longer than I thought it would. I'll begin as soon as possible.

My offer to take commissions is of course still open.

....

Does anyone have answers in regards to the mass disappearance throughout the village? It seems like most people have returned, but that doesn't help us deal with the situation.

[There's another awkward pause, because he feels bad about being so useless since the whole mess happened, but...]

...Katie? Are you feeling any better?

Comments

[Action]

[chaincutter]

It is Capell's world now, to protect as he sees fit, not as I did. He doesn't need my guidance, he'll be fine without it. [Not that Capell had ever really wanted or needed his guidance. Unlike certain others within the group...] As will you.

[Action]

[vermified]

[And that's one thing he can't convince Edward of, something Edward has no intention of keeping a secret.] I have no intention of leaving this place without you.

[Action]

[chaincutter]

... I will consider it. [No. He won't. The dead should stay dead, it is the natural order of things.]

[Action]

[vermified]

[....Yeah, no he won't. And Edward knows it too, which is why he just... lowers his head and turns away, unable to respond.

Why did it have to be like this...?]

[Action]

[chaincutter]

[Because they're both incredibly stubborn and it's a difficult subject with a lot of difficult reasoning that Sigmund can't bring himself to explain.

He reaches for Edward's shoulder, in a way trying to test how upset he is - because he clearly is quite upset if he's arguing with Sigmund of all people.] That decision is still distant. I don't intend to waste what extra time I have been given.

[Action]

[vermified]

[They are, it's ridiculous.

Edward glances back at the touch, looking torn about... well, something. It's hard to decipher.]

...Then... for now, I'll wait. If I must.

[But he won't be happy about it.]

[Action]

[chaincutter]

[Even if Sigmund wasn't resistant to the idea, what Ed is asking of him may not even be possible. Still, a good leader supports and reassures his followers, not crushes them. What can he do for Edward...?

Hmmm. He gives Edward's shoulder a squeeze. That might work.]

In the meantime, what would you learn from me?

[Action]

[vermified]

[Well... that's a good start. Edward isn't sure of what Sigmund means, though, since it's such a different direction entirely.]

My lord?

[Action]

[chaincutter]

[This is tricky. He wants to give Edward something he desires, but he also doesn't want to promise him something that he can't deliver.]

I said that I don't intend to waste this time. If you desire my guidance, you have it for as long as you have me.

[Action]

[vermified]

[...His guidance? That's no easy question to answer. More than his guidance, Edward wanted his leadership. And more than his leadership...]

...My lord... I don't want to assume anything. But more than your knowledge, I... want to know you.

[Action]

[chaincutter]

[Know... him? No, that can't be right. He wants the Liberator, not Sigmund. Sigmund is a misfit who's only had two friends his entire life. And certainly not Volsung, no matter how heroic he may seem. Edward probably doesn't even know what he's asking.]

... I do not think that wise.

[Action]

[vermified]

[You'd be amazed at what he knows. And it's easy to guess what's making Sigmund so reluctant, considering what Edward thinks of him.]

Are you reluctant... because you think I won't like what I hear?

[Action]

[chaincutter]

[There... isn't a way he can respond to that without confirming that he's not an admirable person, is there? See, this is why he doesn't speak to people.

So instead, he just stares.]

[Action]

[vermified]

[That silence is half-reassuring, half-startling, so Edward gives himself a moment's pause before trying again.]

...I've learned the consequences of imagined perfection, my lord. I don't want to repeat the same mistakes of my past.

[Action]

[chaincutter]

[Somehow, Sigmund doubts that those words are entirely true where he's concerned. Besides that, he's not even sure how to respond to someone directly asking for his... friendship? Whatever Edward is asking for. But, well... he could try.]

We will see.

[Action]

[vermified]

[Friendship is pretty good, considering their current relationship. He can deal with that. Hell, he'd enjoy it, more than he's apt to say.

Still, he's not about to push things too quickly, so instead he offers a slight, brief smile, and bows with his usual salute.]

Is there anything else I can do for you, my lord?

[Action]

[chaincutter]

You've worked hard. Do as you wish.

[Action]

[vermified]

[Edward nods again.]

I've promised Katie a treat, so I must attend to that. Please, call for me if you need anything else.

[Action]

[chaincutter]

[The mention of Katie makes Sigmund smile fondly, just a little. Hopefully Edward won't come back and question him about that stuffed narbear.]

I always do.

[Action]

[vermified]

[...Well. Maybe not always, but knowing that Sigmund acknowledges his willingness to help, he bows and retreats from the room. Katie's been waiting for a while, after all.]