Duck Lake we sang silent night in three parts, which was fun

It won't be better without you, Lily said, her voice slightly choked. She looked away, feeling tears sting the corners of her eyes. You were my first friend here, Alarian. I would have done anything to make sure you were happy. Despite everything: their fights, their differences, their trauma. None of that mattered when she stared him in the face. All she wanted was for him to come home.

She knew she would not return to Elysium with him by her side. But she had to try, damn it.

You know you're welcome to stay with us, whenever you feel like you can come back, the blackbird continued, sniffling slightly. We live in a willow forest at the base of a mountain. It's beautiful. I think--I think you could find peace there. Maybe, though, the peace he sought didn't exist. Maybe it was better this way.

But she had to try.