Path

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Path>

You clearly have enough magical ability to defend yourself from attacks or escape. The root of the problem is that we didn’t make this contract with you so you’d rescue us. We made it with you so you wouldn’t kill us after we ran out of strength to fight. Am I in your debt because you chose not to take my life?

@Nimda

No. You are not in my debt. I would have healed you regardless if you accepted the deal or not, in which you trusted your companion to make that decision as well. If you are as cynical and cautious as you make yourself, you would not have let that happen.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Path>

I have other tricks. But I have a feeling they'll bring me to the same spot as all the last ones did. And I have the same feeling you won't let me get away with sleeping off our contract.

@Nimda

Yet you never tried them, so how do you know? You utilize tricks and cunning to get your way, but it is consuming. After a few, you absolved that nothing will work or change because what you have done didn’t and that is what the world is going to do.
*brushes my hand on the hedge as we continue walking*
Of course I don’t want you to do such a thing, especially after I saved your life and had hopes that you’d be trustworthy to hold your end with at least a little appreciation. And besides sleeping the timer away, there are many other ways to deceive me and hurt me. I am unable to defend myself from you in that way either. You could kill me! End my life! But as the contract states, I cannot harm you.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Path>

As cunning as a rat chewing away at the grates of the sewer it's become trapped in.

@Nimda

*smiles*
You see yourself as the rat, but instead you are the sewer that it’s trapped in. In fact, I am that rat. Just like this maze, you have been given the freedom to complete it or not. You fought the maze and attempted to burn it down, only to give up thinking that nothing else can be done. You have no time limit to complete it, nor is there any danger that awaits you. It’s just a simple labyrinth. And I know you haven’t exhausted all of your options as well. Not thinking in the right direction.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Path>

I didn't say they couldn't. But we can't.

@Nimda

You were though, you were utilizing a loophole to prevent what you see as a lack of freedom. Sleeping it away. It seems you are the cunning one as you are attempting to take advantage of the not so specific rules of our contract.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Path>

No matter how much they may enjoy it, or how good of a life they live, if they're not allowed to leave, they're nothing more than prisoners.

@Nimda

What makes you believe they don’t have the ability to leave?

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Path>

*Stands up and walks with my arms crossed*
Your fairy creatures like it here, right?

@Nimda

They are not mine, but yes they love it here.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Path>

At any time, my party could have a third person. And you're cunning, don't think I'm not going to ignore some kind of loophole you might find in the contract.

@Nimda

*tilts my head in confusion*
How about we walk and talk? I converse better when I am moving and not looking down, if you wish.
*fixes my glasses*
In response with your first point, I won’t be forcing myself into your party. I am going to ask if you are available to have an extra member as I understand that party sizes are important when completing quests and jobs. I would like to see both you and Lily in action as much as possible, but if you feel that I would be a hindrance in your active quest I will willingly await when you are more able. As for your opinion, you are mistaken. I am straightforward, a lot of these issues and concerns can easily be resolved if you just ask. No need for friction between both parties.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Path>

We have obligations. You could step away at any moment without violating the terms.

@Nimda

What are your obligations?

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Path>

What is life if not the pursuit of freedom? What else matters? In the end, we're not equals in this contract, and it wasn't designed to make us that.

@Nimda

No, it was not. Was that not obvious? You have more in this than I, especially in what you see as freedom.

Myriad Reality

<Snipped quote by Path>

I'm bound to you through this contract. But all living things want to be free. That pursuit is what makes us alive.

@Nimda

…You want to be free? What ever it is you feel you are stuck with, you are not. I am more bound to you than you are me in this contract, as my condition is merely observation based. I will not test on you or force you to complete tasks you do not wish to do. I will follow you. If there is anyone who would be considered shackled, it is I. And I chose to do such a thing willingly.