Video.

[king]

I've been wondering, Scorched.

[ Arthur has been training since before the sun rose: it's visible in the flush across the bridge of his nose, the way his blond bangs are sticking dark to his temples, the slouch of his usually straight-backed posture. But he needs a break, a distraction from his own mind, from the questions that have been plaguing it without concrete answer. ]

Say that the Door started — temporarily — working the way that all doors should, and we could all trip merrily back to our own worlds.

[ A breath, considering whether he's really going to ask. Despite his slightly laconic tone, he knows how depressing some of the answers he'll get will be. But he still wants to know: ]

Would you stay here in Anatole?

Or would you go home?

Comments

[Private // Voice]

[king]

I'd go.

[ If there's one thing Arthur's learned from the conversations he's had so far, it's that. ]

I have a duty to my people. If I didn't take the opportunity to go back to them, I'm not sure how I would live with myself.

[ A brief pause, and he adds another admission. ]

But I'd rather that opportunity take its time arising.

[Private // Voice]

[strategizing]

I understand.

[Lelouch pauses for a moment as well.]

Considering how long you have been here, there is a lot you would be leaving behind. I do not think anyone would blame you for not wanting to rush to do so. You could have a whole lifetime here and another in your own world, really.

Not that I expect the Door will ever be so accommodating as to give us a choice.

[Private // Voice]

[king]

You never know. There've been scorched here going back centuries. We always thought most of them were murdered, but perhaps some found a way home. It's not as though we don't have the longevity to have a good look.

[Private // Voice]

[strategizing]

Perhaps... but they might have had as little choice in it as either of us did.

It is possible, but I do not feel optimistic about it being likely anytime soon.