» — ⌜ @ofnightfell ⌟ , cont.
It is such a simple question, and yet so difficult to answer. Why is he here? To see if the rumors were true? To witness his former friend, the man he loved, become a shell of his former self? The answer is simpler, but no easier: he has hope still. Hope somehow he could have Shen back. Hope he would learn the truth and forgive the blood that stains his hands.
The use of that name almost makes him recoil. There are those who would call him Govos, the peasant name given to him by a hateful father; an attempt at spite. Most do not question calling him Zed; the name he chose for himself, the Master of Shadows people all over Ionia had learned to fear. No one calls him Usan, not anymore. No one except for Shen.
❝ There is nothing to tell, ❞ A lie, of course, the same he had repeated countless times. There is so much to say, so much he wishes he could say... but honor compels him to remain quiet — honor and the unwillingness to invite more hurt into Shen's life when clearly he has enough. ❝ I told you before: I did what I had to do to fight back, and for the Kinkou to continue. We needed those willing to act, no matter how bloody our hands may get, and we needed those who would preserve balance. Ionia needs both. ❞
❝ So why did you leave it all behind, Shen? ❞ A question accompanied by piercing crimson gaze, uncovered without his mask. There is no need for masks between them; there is enough to conceal without them. The question may seem like the reason for his visit, and Zed makes no attempt to correct that possible assumption; at least then his friend — his enemy — would not press him for answers he could not give. At least then he might remain ignorant to what truly lies behind his gaze: care and concern for the one he never managed to fully let go.
