PC CATCHALL WITH ALPHINAUD

[greatdeduction]

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[arcsplainist]

[ Alphinaud easily falls into a step behind him, and Esmerie trots with. ]

‘Tis as been said before, I believe—they make an attempt to offer you a deal. And if that is refused, then…

[ He trails off briefly, then: ]

They had threatened something dear to me, and it hadn’t mattered if I knew these were hollow words. I was overcome with the need to comply—that I must follow through. I had to. There was no other choice.

[greatdeduction]

I see. Was it like...being forced into a corner?

[arcsplainist]

Yes. There was only one out, and one I had been convinced I was willing to take.

[greatdeduction]

...It reminds me of something I know of at home. A grand member of society was forced to kill others, used as a man's personal bloodhound.

[He sighs.]

I cannot agree with what you did. Taking a life is still taking a life. But it wasn't fair, for you to be made into a tool. It wasn't of your own volition.

[arcsplainist]

It wasn't, but you are right—I could never expect you to agree that my actions were correct in any way. 'Tis blood on my hands that I cannot ever ignore.

... I expected worse from the others when I revealed myself, truth be told. That any one is willing to have a conversation with me is more generous than I would have imagined.

[greatdeduction]

You are not some cold-blooded killer, Mr. Alphinaud.

[A nod.]

I think most understand that well. I hardly see you as such, anyways.

[arcsplainist]

[ … ]

No, I suppose not. Forgive me—though I realize I should not want nor expect harsh punishment from those here, ‘tis been a difficult feeling to rid myself of.

[greatdeduction]

Of course. That's the nobility in you, Mr. Alphinaud. The fact you express such regrets shows that quite well, I think.

[arcsplainist]

... Thank you, Mr. Sholmes. If naught else, your kindness gives me some relief.

[greatdeduction]

[A light smile.]

I don't want you losing hope before the end, you know. Your sister and many others rely on you. There will be a time to repent. But it will come after we have sorted out this whole deal.

[arcsplainist]

[ He shakes his head. ]

You've naught to worry of. As I've told others before, I wish to see this through to the end, and desire nothing more than to rid our worlds of the menace that are these angels. And I'll do what ever it takes.