Beyond Blood/Ced: Hero on the Wind

Ced: Hero on the Wind - C

Alfonse	The tale of your valor is well-known here in Askr, Ced. Unable to turn from those in need, you stood against a powerful foe. They call you the Hero on the Wind.
A lofty moniker that does not suit me. I am no hero.		Ced
Alfonse	From what I've heard of your deeds, you more than earned it.
I have earned no more than any of those who suffered in that tragedy. And if I had, I would discard it. A title like that is too heavy a burden.		Ced
Alfonse	...
It pains me to see the defenseless in anguish, but the truth is I am as helpless as anyone.		Ced

Ced: Hero on the Wind - B

Ced	It is true that I once fought for the people of Munster. But that was more a matter of circumstance than anything else. Their plight was not what brought me there. I had only been searching for my missing father.
Are you suggesting that your heroic story was merely the result of a coincidence?		Alfonse
Ced	A true hero would have set out to end the Empire's oppression from the very beginning. If I had done that, then many children would have been saved from anguish and imprisonment. I failed them.
...		Alfonse
Ced	Heroes like Lord Seliph possess an unshakeable resolve to defend those who cannot defend themselves. Someone like that would have done right by those people from the start. Someone like you, Prince Alfonse. You have a far greater right to the title of hero than I ever will.
Nonsense. I have a long way to go. That is made clear to me each and every time I join the Heroes in battle. And that is also why I make it a point to study the examples of heroic individuals such as yourself.		Alfonse
Ced	...

Ced: Hero on the Wind - A

Ced	Your command of the battlefield is as strong as I have seen, Prince Alfonse. The way you took up the charge on the vanguard was inspiring. With your charisma and unshakable will, it is no wonder that so many follow you so devotedly.
It is more to their credit than mine. Any of the Heroes, including you, would have made the same choices in my position. My being in that position is largely a product of circumstances, just as it was with you. But it is the choices we make within our circumstances that matter most.		Alfonse
Ced	...
You could have fled, couldn't you? Taken the easy way out?		Alfonse
Ced	That is a fair point. Yes, I could have.
Yet you chose the difficult path, because you could not stand to see others suffer. That makes you a hero, Ced. At least as much as me.		Alfonse
Ced	On the contrary, it is you who ever works to lift up those around you. That is what heroes do. Within you, I see the same strength of character and leadership that I have seen in Lords Seliph and Leif. You shine hope, like a beacon, on all those around you.
As I've said, I have a long way to go. With each step along my path, I can only hope that I stumble occasionally into doing the right thing.		Alfonse
Ced	Even a stumble is a step forward. So long as you continue to press on... The wind will always find your back.

Ced: Hero on the Wind - S

Ced	I cannot say that you have changed my mind about calling myself a hero, Prince Alfonse. However, I have come to believe that I may in fact have a use here. There are many threats facing Askr and its people. I would do what I can to help. If that means joining the Heroes, then I would be foolish not to do that.
I am happy to hear you say so.		Alfonse
Ced	I may be as helpless as anyone else, but I believe even the most ordinary person can find a path forward. I will walk my path carefully, without pride, as though treading on thin ice.
Once you set your mind to it, I have no doubt you will follow through. I am glad you have decided to lend Askr your strength.		Alfonse
Ced	I hope to make my presence in this world meaningful. We are not helpless to work together, and together I believe we will see a future that is free of war.

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