1. Constance, I think I am starting to have more [cdb]understanding of you.
  2. Both parts of you are the true you. The part that [cdb]cannot be accepting is existing alongside the part [cdb]that can.
  3. These two are always fighting inside you. It is very difficult.
  4. I would venture to say that you have described me [cdb]most aptly.
  5. There is still much about myself I have yet to [cdb]understand, but the idea that the two parts of [cdb]me exist in a state of conflict is most intriguing.
  6. Before, you were telling me there was no point [cdb]in having conflict over the past.
  7. You were letting go of the past to be living in the [cdb]present. Your words were touching my heart.
  8. Yes, I do suppose I may have said something to [cdb]that effect. How mortifying.
  9. But then you fled before I could be responding.
  10. That was showing me that you have difficult feelings [cdb]for me after all.
  11. This is also one part of you battling with the other, I think.
  12. It is entirely possible that such is the case. As I [cdb]could never hide the truth from you, I must admit I [cdb]found you somewhat intimidating.
  13. Despite my springing the topic on you without [cdb]warning, you stood strong and listened, and were [cdb]even gracious enough to discuss it afterward.
  14. You dazzled me, and I do not respond well to [cdb]dazzling. I am weak and pathetic as I am now.
  15. No. That is not weakness. It is balance.
  16. The weak part is existing so the other part can be [cdb]strong for you.
  17. Are you not agreeing?
  18. Why ever would you think that?
  19. Because I am the same. I am also having a weak part.
  20. Like you, I am always pretending that the past is not [cdb]bothering to me.
  21. But my father is dead, as are many of my people. This gives me great sorrow, and I am unable to be [cdb]accepting. The weak part of me is winning.
  22. Why is it that I am still living, when so many others [cdb]had to be dying?
  23. That is a thought that I ponder often, myself. For [cdb]what purpose am I even here?
  24. Why is it that I am the only one left to suffer? Is there [cdb]anything left for me to live for?
  25. All I feel is the pain of the people I have lost.
  26. But I know now that someone like you—a person [cdb]as dazzling as the other part of me—also shares that [cdb]same pain.
  27. Of course.
  28. May I be so bold as to ask what it is that gives you [cdb]solace?
  29. My brother and sister back home. They are still very [cdb]small, but thinking of them always provides me with [cdb]strength.
  30. If I am not able to be claiming the throne, they are [cdb]likely to be killed.
  31. Brigid expects me to be a strong queen. A warrior.
  32. Only I can be improving our relations with Fódlan. I must be rising to the challenge.
  33. Where are you finding your solace?
  34. I take peace in the dream the other part of me still [cdb]believes in.
  35. The dream that one day, House Nuvelle will be [cdb]restored to its former glory. As unlikely as this [cdb]seems, I find I am unable to discard it entirely.
  36. Then let us both be taking heart. We will be [cdb]living, and we will be fighting.
  37. We are sharing a past of sorrow. But together, we can [cdb]be overcoming it, and walking on towards tomorrow.
  38. You have my deepest thanks, Petra.
  39. Alone, I may never have found the courage I need. But with you beside me...there is hope.