[ASGARD] CONTACT.

[sicarius]

"Parlare. Mi metterò di nouvo voi."

PHONE | TEXT | VOICEMAIL

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[secondborn]

[But he can't face it. He can't even begin to. It's too much.

He shakes his head, staring at the ceiling.]

...I can't.

[sicarius]

[Focusing on Alastair is enough for now, and Ezio's voice comes back firmer, but still carrying concern and worry.]

You can. You have to lean on us, Alastair.

[pushesgently]

If you don't come to us, we will find you.

[Not a threat. ...sounds sort of like one, though. But it's meant well.]

[secondborn]

[The sigh Alastair heaves is edged with the despair he's refusing to feel, and he covers his face with his hands.]

I can't do this anymore.

[He's falling apart. He can feel it. He never wanted this to happen again, but here he is.]

[sicarius]

Alastair. Listen to us. You can. You will.

[A breath, a pause. A moment where Ezio realizes that this is happening all at once and that he has to be a pillar for when others fall. Alastair needs him, needs them both. Far more than any of them probably realize.]

[pushesgently]

[Altaïr remains quiet, knowing that Alastair needs them but equally aware that the words of two will not accomplish any more or less than the words of one. Alastair has to pull himself out of the hole of despair, to believe in himself the way they believe in him. Only then can they grieve together.]

[secondborn]

[He takes a deep, shuddering breath and leans forward to bury his face in his arms.]

It hurts so much.

[Pain like this demands to be felt.

But he doesn't want to feel it anymore. He wants to hide from it forever, but it always comes back. Always.]

[sicarius]

[Ezio doesn't even address Alastair at that, simply trying to look to the other for ideas.

Perhaps even strength. Alastair needs them more than anything else right now, they can grieve in their own time.]

Altaïr, do you remember where they are?