Adam’s General Thoughts
After what happened at that restaurant, I never expected the day to end with all of us sharing a room. Gods, we even helped two people fall in love. In all my years, I don’t think I’ve ever had fun like that.
Father never would have understood it. He would have been ashamed to know his blood lingered in places like that. Even Mother, gentle as she was, would never have allowed me to risk being seen there.
But there was something alive in it. A kind of richness you can’t purchase, can’t inherit. And for once, I felt full.
Adam’s Thoughts on the group
Florien
You seem angry with me for hearing everything. It was meant to be private between brothers. I understand that. I’m sorry.
I still don’t fully understand why you risk everything for me, Adam. Or was it for Tarvo? I don’t think it matters in the end. You still put all of yourself on the line for me, and that isn’t something I take lightly.
I have to say this, though. Seeing you and Rona together… spending time with Kerrick again… it felt right. I never had what people call “normal” family moments, but I imagine this is what a happy one looks like. I know you wouldn’t know either which somehow made sharing it with you feel more real.
I am selfish. I always have been. I told myself I was doing this for the right reasons — that my goals justified everything. I never questioned it. I am right, I said. I had no idea how wrong I was. Of all people, it was you who made me see that. Once, I would have laughed and called you a fool for saying so. It turns out I was the fool all along.
Florien, it may not mean much, but I’m grateful Tarvo accepted that quest. Truly. It was the best thing that ever happened to us.
And one more thing, you beautiful man! Thank you for trusting me with the truth about Kerrick. That weight must have been crushing to carry alone. You don’t have to hold it by yourself anymore. It’s safe now.
P.S.
Would you teach me some spells? I can cast a little, but I struggle more than I care to admit. If what your brother said is true, you’re gifted in the arcane. Where have you been hiding that?
Adam.
Kerrick
You scolded me and you were right to do so. But I need to ask this. Why did you hide the contract with the dragon? All this time you carried a beast within you, something powerful enough to level cities, and you chose silence. I know you had your reasons, Kerrick. I only wish I had heard them from you first not through a careless slip from someone we both trust.
Faust has called for me. I will not hide that from you. I wouldn’t. And I can’t help but wonder why the same honesty wasn’t afforded in return.
And then there’s your body the strange changes. I worry for you more than I let on. Will you live long enough to have the life you deserve with Mother? I don’t know. All I can offer is my hope earnest and quiet that you find health, and peace..
You were once alone, driven by a mission only you could see. But that isn’t who you are now. You have a family something worth living for. This party, this strange, fragile group we’ve become. We may have met because you were searching for Gwen, but I think you’ve found something just as valuable along the way.
Tell me Kerrick have you ever felt it? Peace. You don’t need power to earn it. You only need to set down what you’ve been carrying whether it’s that dragon, or the emotions you’ve been fighting alone for far too long.
I want to find her. I pray to every god that she’s still out there. I’ve already come too close to becoming a shadow of my father. Please, don’t lose yourself too, Kerrick.
We need you.
Gwen needs you.
I need you.
Adam.
Rona
Seeing you again, I can tell you’ve changed. Not just in how you look, but in how you move, how you speak even in the way your eyes rest on me now. Whether that change is for better or worse, only time will answer.
Do not doubt me. I want you and Florien together, I really do. I would never stand in the way of both of your love. I just can not help but think about the task I’ve been given a by a man I do not wish to count as an enemy. Your enemy. Faust. I want to help you, truly, but you and I both know I can’t. Not without tearing something else apart.
This night may be the last time we see each other for a long while. I keep telling myself that’s only fear speaking, but fear has been right before. I hope I’m wrong.
And Rona… I pity you, though I know you’d hate the word. You stand so strong for everyone else but who stands for you? I tell myself you’ll stay, that you won’t turn away like the others did, yet doubt keeps creeping in where hope tries to live.
Your family matters. Your values matter. And I know what I’m asking for sounds childish — irrational, even. I know that. Truly.
It’s just… when we’re all together, like today, I feel safe. Being with you all feels like standing in the one place I was always meant to be. And that frightens me, because I don’t know where you are meant to be, Rona.
I’m sorry for trying to hold you here, for wanting you to be the thing that keeps us all together. That wasn’t fair. You have your own wants, your own needs, and they matter just as much as mine.
Just know this. If you ever want me or need me Tarvo and I will be there. All you have to do is call for either of us, and we will come.
Adam.
Adam’s Thoughts on specific NPCs
Romeo Shade
I have never seen anything so cute. You would hate me saying that but you have the most cute ears. It is my mission to pet your head. One day. Even if it kills me. Tarvo and I will pet that bunny.
Adam.