Fódlan Alternative II

{Part Two: Paralogue} Symbols of Destruction (Ernst x Grey)

You enter Abyss and overhear a discussion between Ernst and Grey. You came down for a supply delivery, so You decide to finish that work before approaching them.

Ernst: Are you sure this is a good idea?

Grey: To be quite honest with you, I don't know of anything that's a good idea these days. I do know though that I'm not particularly in the mood to sit around twiddling my thumbs if there's something else I can do.

You approach the two and ask what is going on.

Ernst: Perfect timing, Professor. Could you talk some sense into Grey?

Grey: I don't need anyone to talk sense into me, Ernst. I'm feeling perfectly fine.

Ernst: He wants to go out on a random mission to try and fight off forces of Malice. He says he overheard a report about reinforcements heading our direction, and he wants to take care of them.

Grey: You don't have to come with me if you don't want to. I just know that I need to do something with myself so I don't feel like I'm going to start clawing at the walls.

Ernst: But you're being reckless and hasty. I understand that you want to help, but if you act without thinking, then you're just going to get yourself hurt.

Grey: I know that, but–

You step forward and offer to go with him.

Ernst: What?

Grey: You really mean that?

You nod, saying that it would be safer for You to go with him instead of leaving him to do this on his own. If he has help, then there will be others there to back him up should something go wrong.

Grey: I can't believe you offered that so freely... But I'm not about to look a gift horse in the mouth. If you want to come with me, then you've got a deal.

Ernst: But this... It's not a good idea. You have to know that, Grey.

Grey: And maybe I do. Still, I need to do something. I feel so restless, and I'm tired of just sitting around here letting that energy drag me down.

Ernst: I know why you're doing this, you know... And I think it would be a better idea to talk about it instead of letting it control you.

Grey: I don't know what you're talking about. I don't need to talk about anything right now. I just... I need to do something. I'm no good with words, and even if there was something to discuss, I would prefer to put it into action. If there's a fight we can resolve, then I'm going to take care of it in any way I can.

You ask Grey if he really is okay and request that he be honest.

Grey: You don't need to worry about me. I'm fine. Really.

Ernst: Asking him at this point won't get you much of anywhere. Trust me when I say that I've been trying to get him to open up, but he's just not taking the bait when I lay it out for him.

Grey: You make me sound like I'm a rat of some kind.

Ernst: I'm not trying to upset you. I just know that something else is bothering you, and I bet I can guess it too. I don't want you to make yourself miserable if there's something I can do.

Grey: I'm fine, Ernst. Really. Let's just go on and take care of this fight. Can we do that at least?

Ernst: Fine... Though you won't be able to escape this forever. You have to know that, right?