The air hung heavy and motionless, tinged with the scent of dust and burnt paper.
The pair continued their conversation for a little longer. However, in their talk, Ixion brought up quite an interesting proposal to Reina.
"The Artoris name is one to rally behind. But why not use Hope's as well?"
Reina, now quite relaxed in her chair, asked:
"What do you mean?"
Ixion's lips split into a grin. It was time to spread his 'friend's' Origin.
"There's a low chance Hope will actually return, but I thought we may use his name as a sort of beacon guiding our way. Well, not his name exactly, but a word from his name."
Reina's eyes were wide and unblinking.
"Let's create hope, the word. Have it meant a desperate wish even in the most disparaging of times. Or perhaps just a good wish in general — a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen. We can rally behind Artoris while charging forward with hope."
A flicker of excitement sparked in Reina's eyes.
