Getting Better

This past week has been a whirlwind. I feel as if an entire life's worth of activity has happened in that time. As this happens I worry again about burning out... I still feel as if my future is already marked out for me.
 
I managed to see Magden again. I don't know if it was from my own power, or something to do with the Ring. Perhaps it can cross dimensions? I'm starting to feel a little overwhelmed with these artefacts but then again maybe that's a good thing. My last fight with the Otherking wasn't even a struggle. I tried to turn him, to appeal to his animal side... but he appears to be too far gone and I won't let others die for the life of a tyrant and a murderer. He almost killed me. I think I have the ring to thank for escaping.
 
Magden... it was peaceful and exactly the goodbye I needed. He seems happier now. I hope that's true. And he told me it's loyalty that makes a King who he is. I suppose I understand but I don't know if I agree. I can't imagine it really matters at the end of the day but he told me he was proud of me. That he was wrong about me. I needed that. I wish I could have stayed with him forever. I feel like a failure all the time; I couldn't even save all the lizard-Others. But perhaps I need to not be so harsh on myself? I did everything I could. I broke a curse! I saved them and won their loyalty. That should be enough... maybe it is. Either way, I have a much larger challenge on my hands. I need to win the realm back from Arthur's poison and bind him to Rhioden so we're ready to fight. The skies are growing darker, always; the final war is approaching. But honestly, it's fine. I feel fine because I know all I can do is fight for what I believe and if I die perhaps I will see Magden again. Perhaps I will see my mother, and my father. I'm sure they would tell me they're proud of me and maybe when that happens I'll be able to accept it.
 
I feel stronger now as if I carry a small piece of Magden in my heart. That old robber, always carrying out his own plans whilst everyone was still trying to work out the situation.
 
I feel a fire in my breast, spurring me onwards. Rhioden has a life of its own; I can't imagine losing a fight with this sword in my hand and Caerbhall and Takuma have come, bearing the armour. It feels alive to touch, shifting beneath my fingers; a part of me is excited to take the fight back to Undying and make them pay. I'm sure Takuma and Caerbhall share the sentiment.
 
The nomads seem brusque but not altogether 'bad'... Moreover, Takuma's eyes have become strange... almost like Magden's, but maybe I'm imagining that. Surely.