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“We should explore the Outer Oceans.”
The suggestion was dropped, interestingly neither by Elvis, ever the curious one, nor by Adelle, but by Gloria. The young sailor almost choked on his breakfast.
“That’s actually a good idea, Gloria.”
“Aye, that sounds lovely. Count me in!”
“What do you think?” The princess turned to him, still recovering from the shock. He looked at Adelle first, then Elvis, and then back to Gloria. It’s not like he wasn’t outnumbered already.
“Sure. Alright. That sounds like a plan.” He hoped he didn’t sound too weird. Unfortunately, the others picked up on it. The princess was naturally the one who spoke up. “Is something the matter?”
“Oh, no! Nothing at all. Just choked a bit.” It was a half-truth, but thankfully the others didn’t pry further. In effect, the three of them began chatting among themselves regarding plans for the trip, where to go, what to bring, and other things. The sailor remained silent throughout this discussion. He barely touched the rest of his food, daydreaming.
“I thought you would take an opportunity to go sailing in a heartbeat.” Gloria spoke up. The other two heroes were gone from the table.
“I…” He barely stuttered out.
“You needn't burden yourself so.” She continued, her frown deepening. Ironic, considering her resolve during their adventure. It was flawed, but admirable. It made him feel like he was falling in love again.
“I’m fine. Just thinking.” He tried to look away.
“About what, exactly?” She moved closer to him, concerned. Softly, Gloria placed a hand on his cheek, and he caught a glimpse of her copper-brown eyes, so much different from his past love’s. He couldn’t tell her, of course, that he used to be the Nexus’s companion.
“Just about what we’ll need.” He lied. Gloria didn’t seem awfully convinced, but she dropped the subject matter.
After preparing for a few days, that pit in his stomach didn’t subside. In fact, he couldn’t deny that he was in love again. What’s worse is that she was the spitting image of the one who hurt him so much, who he had to put down. The night after they set sail for the Outer Oceans, to gods know where, he was looking out into the distance. He wondered if anything could have been different, or if it was just bad luck. He couldn’t let go of her, it wasn’t fair to her, even if he was hurt by her actions.
“Seth.” Gloria’s voice shook him out of his trance.
“Yeah? How can I help you?” He said half-heartedly.
“You’re crying.” She pointed out. So he was. She continued. “You’ve been so quiet ever since our last battle.”
He nodded. Words failed him. Gloria sighed.
“Elvis found this note on the back of the book. Somehow it survived its destruction.”
His eyes widened. “The book had more?”
“Yes… But it’s addressed to you. I would dare not read your private affairs,” the princess looked to the sea, “however, I worry about you. I care about you.”
Gloria handed him the letter. It was made of old parchment, sealed with the same inky blackness that he saw her wield. “If you need me, you know where to find me.”
As soon as the princess took her leave, the sailor opened the letter, poring over its contents as best he could in the moonlight.
Dearest Seth,
If you have received this letter, it means that I am long dead. This is not a request for forgiveness, for I know that I do not deserve such kindness. The moment I am writing this I still have hold of my sanity, but I fear that I will lose myself soon. I have seen many paths ahead, and none of them will have us reconcile. You are a being of light, and I am the apex of darkness. It is inevitable that conflict will arise.
This note is merely a request, not for my sake, but for yours. I know that by the time you are reading this you will have found someone to love fully, more than you could have ever loved me. All I ask is to do so with all your heart. I would give you my blessing if I had any blessings to give, but alas, it is not in my nature. I wish for you to live your life happily and to its fullest, even if I grow to despise you after I sign this letter.
I would be lying if I said I love you more than the research I am conducting. That is precisely why I do not deserve you. That is also why I implore you to seek joy elsewhere, with someone who can love you back entirely. I am sorry for what my future holds, what your past held. However, I hope that you will be able to move on.
Sincerely,
Inanna
A few moments after Gloria entered her cabin, she heard a knock on her door. As soon as she answered it, a sobbing Seth held her as tightly as he could. The blonde, surprised, could only hug him back. After long moments of silence and the occasional soft weeping, they fell asleep in each other’s arms.