I do not know that I would call such a thing cowardice. When one is firmly set in their perspective of the world as they know it, to have such a thing challenged by others or even the very world itself is...difficult. So many of you claim it possible the Astrals are less merciful than we thought, and I struggle to even approach the concept. I fear acknowledging a complete and total upheaval of my own beliefs, yes--but I should think that a mark of being sane rather than a coward. And even if it should all be true, even should I have been naught but another piece laid on a board...neither do I regret my own actions. Shortsighted and careless though I was, to regret what I've done would be a disservice to all those I was able to help, however few it may be in the larger scope.

[For someone so often softspoken and reticent, Ardyn had actually begun to talk for a change in more recent memory. It was strange, perhaps, and stranger to none more than the healer himself.]

...Is there nothing to be done for it? Or...rather, I should ask if you would even desire such aid were it to exist.