Despite the shroud of darkness obscuring much of Ultima Thule, G’raha Tia could see their way forward quite clearly. The creatures here, pining for oblivion, had no concerns with asserting their wills at the cost of their lives. Which, in this domain ruled by emotion, makes the clashing of wills an all-consuming endeavor. There would be no battle, no weapon or magick, to clear the way forward. Every breath was a testament to that, given the confirmation that Thancred’s gambit against Meteion provided it at the cost of his own... No, G’raha is sure. To push onwards, some of them would stay behind.

It did not take a large leap of logic to reach this conclusion, and so it doesn't take long for the realization to spread amongst the rest of the Scions. Though not all, he thinks, as he sees the regret written plainly on Alisae’s face— her usual flame suffocated under its weight. When Urianger’s notice comes, it serves as more of a confirmation than anything else to G’raha. She stands resolute next to him, projecting acceptance with her stern nod, though her true feelings seem enshrouded by the same darkness swirling about them.

How fortunate, he can’t help but think, a sardonic smile on his lips, that self-sacrifice comes so easily to G’raha Tia. How many times has he made the leap, accepting oblivion without regret, his heart unfaltering? How many decisions has he made with his heart blind to the pain of those around him? Urianger’s trust in them, the responsibility he carries towards his friends... That is more of a revelation than anything else that was said. This time, he cannot encase his heart in crystal, stubborn and unflinching, as it was before. As a scion, as a trusted confidant... As a friend, he must act in tandem, their relationship a conversation, wherein she and he exist as equals. Gods know, he would perish at the thought of her doing anything like this, even more so were she to do it in isolation.

Their walk back to the Ea is silent, heavy with the grim understanding of what’s to come. Would that he could offer her words of comfort in this time, but he cannot speak them aloud just yet, er his emotions get the better of him. Not yet, he thinks, but the time will come soon enough.

He will make sure to leave nothing unsaid, when it comes.