“Hah. I wish. I’d take you all with me, if I could.”
Evermore could always use more friendly faces, after all. And though Roland chuckles in response, nothing about his actions or his words points to saying something just because. He very quickly shifts his tone, quiet but certain, eyes fixed on parts of the room where he feels like he can see the phantoms of past missions; of ghosts that have come and gone, or memories that have been cemented through time in the void.
Oh, yes. The purpose of this was quite clear, but bears repeating nevertheless. At least, it seemed he and Tidus continued to stay on the same page when it came down to the wire.
“…We’re at a disadvantage, whichever way we spin it. And the only surefire contingency I can ever really plan for is myself.” He inhales deeply. “The ministry is slowly showing us that it can do a lot more than it’s letting on. We don’t know what’ll surprise us next. Maybe it’ll be my turn to get a special interview with them. Maybe I won’t come back the same. I don’t know.”
Roland shakes his head. There is no fear or apprehension to be had, despite what passes his lips. Instead, there is peace. Serenity. Or, perhaps it’s plainer than that; acceptance, one he is accustomed to by now.
“When I was in the other world, helping Evan build his new kingdom, I was confident I could help him through his struggles. They were mine, once upon a time, too. But here? It’s different. This isn’t a budding nation looking for a foothold. This isn’t a country that needs a king, or a president. But it needs talented, dedicated folks nonetheless. As for me, I’m best when I play to my strengths. This is one big part of it-“ Roland’s hand makes for a gesture to the space before them, to his bed, to his notes and journals and things.
“-I’ve always lived life transparent. It was part of the job to be an open book, and to stand by the truth. So here I am, some…million void miles away from home, still trying to make a difference so I can save as many of you as I can. In what little way, I can.”
Finally, his eyes are able to meet Tidus’s gaze staunchly and sure.
“Everything I’ve shown you is free for the taking. It’s communal property now. If something happens to the guy behind the books, take what’s been written and share it with the rest. They’re no ramblings of a mad genius, but they’re a start.” They could help. In the end, that’s all I really want to do.
And as if he isn’t already preaching to the choir, he has to add, like a plea from one honest guy to the next; from one friend to another.
no subject
Evermore could always use more friendly faces, after all. And though Roland chuckles in response, nothing about his actions or his words points to saying something just because. He very quickly shifts his tone, quiet but certain, eyes fixed on parts of the room where he feels like he can see the phantoms of past missions; of ghosts that have come and gone, or memories that have been cemented through time in the void.
Oh, yes. The purpose of this was quite clear, but bears repeating nevertheless. At least, it seemed he and Tidus continued to stay on the same page when it came down to the wire.
“…We’re at a disadvantage, whichever way we spin it. And the only surefire contingency I can ever really plan for is myself.” He inhales deeply. “The ministry is slowly showing us that it can do a lot more than it’s letting on. We don’t know what’ll surprise us next. Maybe it’ll be my turn to get a special interview with them. Maybe I won’t come back the same. I don’t know.”
Roland shakes his head. There is no fear or apprehension to be had, despite what passes his lips. Instead, there is peace. Serenity. Or, perhaps it’s plainer than that; acceptance, one he is accustomed to by now.
“When I was in the other world, helping Evan build his new kingdom, I was confident I could help him through his struggles. They were mine, once upon a time, too. But here? It’s different. This isn’t a budding nation looking for a foothold. This isn’t a country that needs a king, or a president. But it needs talented, dedicated folks nonetheless. As for me, I’m best when I play to my strengths. This is one big part of it-“ Roland’s hand makes for a gesture to the space before them, to his bed, to his notes and journals and things.
“-I’ve always lived life transparent. It was part of the job to be an open book, and to stand by the truth. So here I am, some…million void miles away from home, still trying to make a difference so I can save as many of you as I can. In what little way, I can.”
Finally, his eyes are able to meet Tidus’s gaze staunchly and sure.
“Everything I’ve shown you is free for the taking. It’s communal property now. If something happens to the guy behind the books, take what’s been written and share it with the rest. They’re no ramblings of a mad genius, but they’re a start.” They could help. In the end, that’s all I really want to do.
And as if he isn’t already preaching to the choir, he has to add, like a plea from one honest guy to the next; from one friend to another.
“Please.”