Something in Lif's chest sinks upon hearing that--he may not have a physical heart, but as they sit together and he listens to Aela tell such a story--well, it's a familiar pain. Lif's felt it more than his fair share of times, but to hear it from Aela, of all people...
No wonder she reacted like she did. No wonder she wanted to ensure that he was okay, why she got so cross with him--why wouldn't she, after one false move lost her a shield-brother? The dead simply can't come back to life, after all. It's something that's clearly affected Aela deeply, and that's...]
...I understand. That is why you were so cross.
[The words are simple, but...]
...I imagine that the words mean little, after so long, but I am sorry for your loss. Such things...they stick with you, forever. Always wondering what you could have done better, to save them.
[In truth, Lif isn't sure what to do. What to say, really. Lif can't change the past, and he's spent a long time learning that sometimes it is better that way. But...
Lif's hand comes up, gentle and tentative, and grips Aela's shoulder in an attempt to bring her back into herself. To get her to look at him, perhaps, but--]
I have no intention of dying on you, Aela. I would kill anyone who tried--no matter who they may be, or how strong they are, I refuse to allow myself to die. And I know that you will not, either. I know you will always have my back--just as I shall have yours.
You will never have to worry about such a thing ever again.
[Lif's words aren't entirely confident, but they're intense--an oath, perhaps. A promise, even. But more than anything, Lif needs her to know that he has no intention of leaving her behind.]
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Something in Lif's chest sinks upon hearing that--he may not have a physical heart, but as they sit together and he listens to Aela tell such a story--well, it's a familiar pain. Lif's felt it more than his fair share of times, but to hear it from Aela, of all people...
No wonder she reacted like she did. No wonder she wanted to ensure that he was okay, why she got so cross with him--why wouldn't she, after one false move lost her a shield-brother? The dead simply can't come back to life, after all. It's something that's clearly affected Aela deeply, and that's...]
...I understand. That is why you were so cross.
[The words are simple, but...]
...I imagine that the words mean little, after so long, but I am sorry for your loss. Such things...they stick with you, forever. Always wondering what you could have done better, to save them.
[In truth, Lif isn't sure what to do. What to say, really. Lif can't change the past, and he's spent a long time learning that sometimes it is better that way. But...
Lif's hand comes up, gentle and tentative, and grips Aela's shoulder in an attempt to bring her back into herself. To get her to look at him, perhaps, but--]
I have no intention of dying on you, Aela. I would kill anyone who tried--no matter who they may be, or how strong they are, I refuse to allow myself to die. And I know that you will not, either. I know you will always have my back--just as I shall have yours.
You will never have to worry about such a thing ever again.
[Lif's words aren't entirely confident, but they're intense--an oath, perhaps. A promise, even. But more than anything, Lif needs her to know that he has no intention of leaving her behind.]