[ Methods are everything to Howl. It's precisely because the Regent encouraged him to dissipate opposing Aions, instead of destroying their Shards, that he is able to rationalize his continued participation in his conflict. The Kenoma has seeped into his soul, staining it, bringing out the worst in his self-loathing and self-destructive tendencies... but its influence is not so strong as to override his respect for others' right to live or his abhorrence for senseless violence. (Or, at least, violence he deems "senseless.") ]
If it were up to me, I'd let these new arrivals decide for themselves. But we have been given certain instructions, and I must put on a show of following them.
[ Howl has no interest in relaying his precarious situation with the Regent, and by extension the Kenoma, further than that. Whether he will be able to adhere to his own way of doing things and meet the Regent's expectations at the same time, he has no idea. He doubts it. And his anxiety would come through clearer to Estinien, had he not spent the better part of a month worrying over it already. Choosing to seek Estinien out and risk his death has afforded him some small degree of apathy and acceptance. If the dragoon kills him, well... the Regent's evaluation will no longer be a problem for him, will it.
Enough talking. Howl scans the horizon around him, taking in each distinguishing feature, and projects it to Estinien's mind. Showing him exactly where he is, the direction he is going in, and how long it will take for him to get to the Firebrand shrine. There are truly no tricks here. ]
Similarly, I will allow you to choose, Estinien. I am on my way to the Firebrand shrine. I will find whoever may be there, and I will make them drink the same potion we were given, as I have been commanded to do. If you choose to stop me, that will be your choice to make.
no subject
If it were up to me, I'd let these new arrivals decide for themselves. But we have been given certain instructions, and I must put on a show of following them.
[ Howl has no interest in relaying his precarious situation with the Regent, and by extension the Kenoma, further than that. Whether he will be able to adhere to his own way of doing things and meet the Regent's expectations at the same time, he has no idea. He doubts it. And his anxiety would come through clearer to Estinien, had he not spent the better part of a month worrying over it already. Choosing to seek Estinien out and risk his death has afforded him some small degree of apathy and acceptance. If the dragoon kills him, well... the Regent's evaluation will no longer be a problem for him, will it.
Enough talking. Howl scans the horizon around him, taking in each distinguishing feature, and projects it to Estinien's mind. Showing him exactly where he is, the direction he is going in, and how long it will take for him to get to the Firebrand shrine. There are truly no tricks here. ]
Similarly, I will allow you to choose, Estinien. I am on my way to the Firebrand shrine. I will find whoever may be there, and I will make them drink the same potion we were given, as I have been commanded to do. If you choose to stop me, that will be your choice to make.