#because no matter which way obyron exists in a permanent ocean of sadness. i legit think this man might've been born grieving

[magistralucis]

On multiple reads + depending on how one interprets Zahndrekh's condition this opener is low-key devastating 😭 It's a case of YMMV of course, but if you believe Zahndrekh knows, like... that he chose to play Don Quixote to cope, even though he's always understood the reality he's in, and that Obyron resents their situation and is burdened by his behaviour... it's sad as hell that that he has to ask at all, you know? 'Glad you stayed?' isn't a sad question but the implication could be, if you take it as Zahndrekh's gentle reminder of what they were to each other - and the hope Obyron will find that worthwhile, even through their slow degradation and sadness. This is what made us glorious, Obyron, do you remember? Don't you think it splendid that despite everything, we are still here, and together to claim that glory? I'd like to think so. I think what we have is beautiful. It'll never be exactly as how it used to be, and I'm sorry about that, about me. About everything. But I still believe in hope because you are with me, and it means the whole world to me that you stay. Doesn't that mean anything to you? Tell me, Obyron, won't you stay a little while?