A voice. One that, for half a moment, rings in him like that of the Goddess had. A warm voice, welcoming and purifying all in one. For a moment he thought he might turn and see her again, her brilliant white majesty, and the look of sorrow upon her face as she explained what the price of his health would be.

A price he had gladly taken, for all that he had been aggrieved over what had led to it.

But no, it was a young woman, with soft brown hair and eyes of a shade that made his heart skip a beat. Was she familiar? No. She could not be. But she was clearly curious. His heart stuttered another beat as he considered how to answer.

"They were... They were my most precious friends. And in my fear and pain, I betrayed them both. Drove both to their bitter ends, in differing forms of madness. Such suffering I caused..."