솔웨이

♊ Conquest 🌟 — Such a complicated sight, watching so many souls march onward answering the clarion's call. In one hand, they rise together, united under the same banner, ready to fight and give their all for a common cause. In the other... so much pain and suffering, and rivers of crimson flooding the land amidst flames. There is love and hatred entwined in the selfsame breath. Is there beauty in it? ... In a sense. Bittersweet. I can appreciate it as much as I loathe the cost of conquest. Tell me... What do you think of, when the concept of conquest is brought up? Do you envision an all-devouring empire whose ambitions would crush the hopes and dreams of those it tramples on, and subject them to cruel oppression? Or do you imagine the glory and pride of the victorious warrior who returns home after having affirmed their might, the cause they upheld triumphant and undisputed? Truth is, that it will depend on which side of the fence you find yourself in. As for what do I think? ... It makes me reflect on the price of brighter futures. You fight in the name of a cause you believe in. You uphold that ideal. And you cut down those who would oppose it. I wonder if you have ever paused to consider that you are the same as that which you have sworn to fight. You are the monster in someone else's tale. Such is the fate of conquerors. Yes, you are one of them... same as I have been. But you must not be ashamed of it—merely mindful. Men flock under your standard. They answer your call to arms and march under your lead, crushing whom you oppose and, once defeated, you impose onto them your vision. Do not fool yourself, nor try to justify your actions—this is who you are. It is in your nature. In every soul's nature. Conquest lies at the heart of mankind. It is inescapable. We strive to overcome our limits, to reach further and higher, in a constant struggle... and in the process, we try to bring others into our fold, be it by force or by words. But in the end, the true conquest is to conquer oneself, time and again. Instead of fighting your nature, you must ask yourself a different question—what dream, which future, is worth the price? The sacrifices you will force others to make for it? This is an answer that you must find yourself. One you can live with. I know well how steep is the price of freedom. A path of tears, blood and sorrow. Yet walk it I must, to the very end—and bear the weight of the souls that paid for it. It is my duty, and my eternal atonement. Let History judge whether your conquest was fair or foul. Hold fast to your conviction. Only you know your truth. Embrace it as it is. Remember this well, my love— Peace is the nature of a conquest. For both parts must be nobly subdued, and bridges woven between them. And then, with time and patience... From their union, a greater whole shall bloom. #emetselch #エメトセルク