[As before, so many years ago, Dimitri follows. His strides are longer now - one makes up for two of hers - but their roles have not changed. El stands proud, as if she could move the world to suit her whim while Dimitri watches in awe of her conviction.

He listens carefully, unaware of how his breath quickens.

First, an unknown but powerful enemy. Capable of conspiracies that could topple nations. A foe he's dreamed of tearing to shreds for four years... even now he cannot put a face to them, but he knows they exist. He's found whispers of them, and she had expunged the rest.

At the cost of Fhirdiad...

Where was he?

Dead.

He must have been dead, a king cannot live while his city burns.] I...

[Where is his voice? He needs to speak-] As in Remire, you acted in my stead. For that, I thank you. I am sure that justice was brought to those villains.

And that my city - my people - did not burn in vain. [It's a satisfying enough end to some distant reality. When he wakes into his own, this will serve as a warning-

He wants to feel their bones shatter in his own hands - he needs to act.]