[ The Knight just -- nods, shoulders slumping again. That is an inevitability they already knew; the Storyteller had told them, and this just reinforces that.
They can't do much, if anything at all, to ease the Drifter's pain. It makes them feel helpless, but then - that is not their burden to carry. They had thought about it, more than once, attempting to carry sickness inside them, but they know now it would make the Drifter - upset. Would do more harm than good.
If they had known the thoughts going through their friend's head at that moment, they would have rebuked it instantly. Though people are often transient - the Knight has kept their own company for years, has grown used to passing by others - it just means they should hold on tightly, all the more. Treasure what little contact there is, preserve it, savor it.
None of this is something they can express, of course. Instead, they clear the sand again, writing more words. It feels quieter.
your friend
can you tell me?
They are asking about the Guardian, now. Someone who was important to the Drifter, who they never got to see. Whose existence was pivotal to that dream.
no subject
They can't do much, if anything at all, to ease the Drifter's pain. It makes them feel helpless, but then - that is not their burden to carry. They had thought about it, more than once, attempting to carry sickness inside them, but they know now it would make the Drifter - upset. Would do more harm than good.
If they had known the thoughts going through their friend's head at that moment, they would have rebuked it instantly. Though people are often transient - the Knight has kept their own company for years, has grown used to passing by others - it just means they should hold on tightly, all the more. Treasure what little contact there is, preserve it, savor it.
None of this is something they can express, of course. Instead, they clear the sand again, writing more words. It feels quieter.
your friend
can you tell me?
They are asking about the Guardian, now. Someone who was important to the Drifter, who they never got to see. Whose existence was pivotal to that dream.
can tell you
about mine too
in return
if it helps ]