terabient

Varuna
Master Luther...?
(Hariette was adamant she had killed him. Could she have been mistaken? No...she would not make such a grave error.
Not when it concerns Luther.
Moreover, this appearance...he is a far cry from the man I knew.
I need to find out what's going on here.)

Varuna
Your presence here is unexpected, to say the least.
Even so, I am your loyal servant, dedicated to fulfilling any desire you may have, Master.

Luther
Me, specifically? Hm. Perhaps that is not the best way someone such as yourself should live their life.

The "me" in this world is no longer. "He" will be unable to see you. And neither am I, for I'm not the one you seek.

Varuna
I don't understand what you mean. You're no longer in this world?
(He's dead, then. But who am I speaking to now? Is this the Luther of Oracle?)

If our time in this world is coming to an end, I must let you know: I truly enjoyed the moments I spent with you.

Luther
*sigh* I can assure you did not spend your moments with me--hm? .....fine.... if it rests his mind...

You, Varuna, yes? Is..or rather, was our time together of significance to you?

Varuna
Of course. I know our trysts were little more than amusements to you, but even so...

The happiness I felt was genuine.

Luther
"Happiness..." It is not a feeling I have experienced, but have seen its effect on others.
If this... 'happiness' means something to you, then value it, cherish it. Fleeting moments of joy are just that, fleeting.
But recall that happiness if the world becomes too difficult for you. I will not be able to bring it to you.
It is something...you must do yourself. I've seen countless records, and this one...shares that same "happiness."
That is what I suspect that the "me" of this time was experiencing.

Varuna
I think I understand now. Master Luther as I knew him is gone.

And yet, you--whoever you are--have taken the time to offer such gentle words.
Thank you. I will not forget what you've said.

Luther
You do just that. As for me, it has appeared I have overstayed my welcome. There is somewhere I need to be.

It is the same for you, is it not?

Varuna
Yes. The end draws near, and I do not look forward to what comes after. But there is no avoiding it.

I won't keep you any longer. But thank you for thinking of me, one last time.

Luther
Look forward to what is after, never behind. There is a future for that well...

Perhaps it has piqued my interest to see how it plays out. So I shall watch your record.

Varuna, do not give up. I did not, and neither shall you.