"Losing isn't the end," Lark muttered from under his hands and scruffy hair. The old man rose his head slightly, chin still rested against the table, and looked up at Jenso quietly. There was a very subtle pain in his eyes, but he kept himself composed despite the painful memories that resurfaced. "Five years ago, before I had even shacked up in this dreadful little rock-grave, the same thing happened to me and my people on the island of Gaia. A strange woman in a black mask was somehow able to find our village despite the magic that hid it. She seemed peaceful at first, flirting her way through our men [i]and women[/i] to her hearts content, and not really [i]bothering[/i] anyone. That is, until one day, when several of our most powerful warriors were killed in their sleep," Lark paused and looked down at the table's intricate details and closed his eyes. "Nobody knew how she'd gotten so many married men and women into bed, nobody knew how she'd turned virtue into lust, and [i]nobody[/i] thought she was [i]that[/i] strong. Before I knew it, I was flat on my ass as I watched her chase my son off the island, and kill every last one of my family members before me. I fell asleep, and the next thing I knew, I was awake on the shore of your continent with Harold by my side. He says, 'eh, you washed up on shore' and I didn't question it. Just had to cope with the deaths of my people... And well, as you can see, I don't exactly cope in the healthiest ways." Lark sat up and stretched his back. "Haven't had to summon the ole' soul breaker in ages. Haven't really spoken to anyone other than Harold for ages either. It's been pretty lonely out here. But hey, Pij didn't leave me when I was tossed into the Ocean. She's been with me as long as I can remember, aint that right Pij?"

The little bird tweeted happily and flew over to comfort Lark. He chuckled as he feathers tickled his cheek, and cleared his throat right afterward. "You aint dead yet, Jenso. Don't throw away your future like I did. A loss is only the end if you let it consume you."