"If you ever wanted to live a life without a Crest, or without people treating you differently for having one- Ah, so always. Sylvain does visibly tense for a moment, brows upturned in an expression that isn't quite readable. Not for a lack of emotion, but for too many all once that he's parsing through. A cynical thought strikes him hard with 'too little, too late.' The damage is extensive, a crackling network of shards that embed into his everyday thoughts. Usually with malevolence or self-loathing. Thoughts of how even to his dying breath, Miklan still cursed and spat his name with hatred. All for that damned crest Sylvain never wanted-
But there's always that stronger part of him that wants better for everyone around him. So hearing that Dimitri has taken well to it pulls him from that downward spiral. After a moment, he even smiles fondly. A laugh catches itself in his throat.
"Heh, the big guy must be thrilled. He always looked so sullen every time he'd shatter a teacup or snap a lance in two." Sylvain nods, and takes the news in proper stride. No crests. No expectations. No two-faced pandering from people he'd rather never speak to. That's nice.
"I can't say I'm complaining either. You won't hear any arguments from me on that one." His smile broadens, and he relaxes his shoulders. It's a pretty big comfort amidst the chaos.
"I don't consider Derdiu a debt or a favor. We did what any decent person should do; we helped someone in need. Besides that even, we're knights, it's pretty much our job description to help. Regardless, even if for some reason that wasn't enough, yeah, you're my friend. I'd have done everything to convince Dimitri in the unlikely scenario we hadn't immediately decided to march back to the Alliance. Abandoning you wasn't an option in my book."
Sylvain mirrors the handwave gesture, a more sure smile taking over his expression.
"So I guess what I'm saying is neither of us have a debt of anything. I'm just glad you're back to being my news source again. I did kinda miss that from our Academy days."
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But there's always that stronger part of him that wants better for everyone around him. So hearing that Dimitri has taken well to it pulls him from that downward spiral. After a moment, he even smiles fondly. A laugh catches itself in his throat.
"Heh, the big guy must be thrilled. He always looked so sullen every time he'd shatter a teacup or snap a lance in two." Sylvain nods, and takes the news in proper stride. No crests. No expectations. No two-faced pandering from people he'd rather never speak to. That's nice.
"I can't say I'm complaining either. You won't hear any arguments from me on that one." His smile broadens, and he relaxes his shoulders. It's a pretty big comfort amidst the chaos.
"I don't consider Derdiu a debt or a favor. We did what any decent person should do; we helped someone in need. Besides that even, we're knights, it's pretty much our job description to help. Regardless, even if for some reason that wasn't enough, yeah, you're my friend. I'd have done everything to convince Dimitri in the unlikely scenario we hadn't immediately decided to march back to the Alliance. Abandoning you wasn't an option in my book."
Sylvain mirrors the handwave gesture, a more sure smile taking over his expression.
"So I guess what I'm saying is neither of us have a debt of anything. I'm just glad you're back to being my news source again. I did kinda miss that from our Academy days."