#<- it is what i'm calling him to differentiate him from the one in threequel. leonid doesn't really exist to me because i refuse to

[yakny]

My Wonderful Companion, You Were Made to Fall with Me.

❝ I continue to sink. The cold seawater rushes into my mouth, relentlessly squeezing my lungs. But what truly pains me are the chaotic sounds that flow through my body with the incoming waves. I tried sending out invitations to different universes — all futile gestures, but it was all better than nothing. If no one could give me an answer, then at least someone would accompany me in my fall into the abyss of self-loss. Give similar powers to those chosen, those who have also pursued beauty. As they gained strength, they would see a world that their former, insignificant selves could not have been able to perceive before. People who stand in high places take in more scenery, but they also face more temptations and are confronted more with making choices that no longer feel like their own. Thus, I was witness of how Verner, born in the city of Oren, brought an end to war, driven by his pursuit of pure beauty. Then, over the long years, he became increasingly cautious. Day by day, more afraid of the unknown and wars that might follow it. His doubts had led him towards an extreme form of peace. ❞

—Lierlide, Prologue: A Question for All Civilizations