Bay 12 Games Forum

As you speak, you try to strengthen your connection to Asha, to understand her more clearly.  It works, at first - the vauge sensation of sadness quickly grows more defined.  You can make out a swirl of complex emotions: a general miasma of guilt, darkening her mind except for a slight spark of altruism, directed towards you; a sharp regret, old but painful, like a scab that's been freshly ripped off; and a crushing sense of self-hatred, overpowering everything else.  You gasp as the emotions flow into your mind, confused and overwhelmed by the sudden rush.  You stare into Asha's eyes, not understanding, and then the connection almost entirely ends--you can still sense her mind, so very close, but there's suddenly a wall between the two of you.  She closes her eyse and turns her face away from you.

<That's.. not it.  You can stop worrying.  I can't die.  I wished not to die.>

You can't accept that, she shut you out, but what you already saw was terrible enough!  You ask what's wrong, if she's not worried about death.  She's initially silent, but you keep at it, growing more insistent and worried for your friend.  Eventually, she relents, leaning back against a wall and sliding down into a sitting position.

<That ribbon you have.  It's my sister's.  All my ribbons are.  Claire would always wear it, just like you've been doing, and I keep thinking that you look like her.  You're just a bit older, and your hair...>

She starts to cry now, tears running down her face silenetly as she speaks into your mind.

<Claire was sick, and my parents were sick, and I was sick, and I wished to not die, and I didn't!  But they did!  And I thought my wish was stupid, and I could have wished for them too, but I didn't, so I ran away!  But...  I didn't know then, but I didn't make a bad wish, they didn't have to die!  I didn't have to run away!>

She stops talking, pulling her knees up to her face and hiding it with her hands.  You're too stunned to respond, at first, and then it occurs to you why she's going through this now, just after saving your grandpa.  If her family was sick, and she can heal sick people, then she could have healed her family, instead of leaving them to die.  You watch as the gray-haired girl starts to sob quietly.  She's still blocking you off from her emotions, but you saw enough already to understand.

But... what can you do about it?

Encourage Kalagony to reconsider.

"Most Robust Moleman, I am surprised. I will honor your religious objections to participation, however, do not think this is a religious duty for any of us but the Religious. I am sure your own people have reason enough to want this monster dead. If not for the Chthonic God, then you are welcome to fight for your own purposes."