"A story where you're the main actor, I imagine?" Maybe the timing wasn't ideal to push the discussion towards something more personal, but Nessa could tell that Forest's past was key to understand her as a person. Besides, she did bring it up all by herself. Of course, Nessa was curious by nature, so she was more than willing to hear her past.
Still, it was something admirable. Being able to dedicate yourself entirely for others... Isabella was the kind to act like that, but, even her, understood that there were priorities, like family. And Nessa, deep down, only really cared about her sister. The siblings would help people in need, of course, but never at the cost of betting their own lives. Well, perhaps Isa would go so far, but her older sister wouldn't allow it. Because, once you die, it's the end.
Being a hero. Saving people. Protecting the innocents. Something wonderful, but, at the same time, not very appealing. Pushed to the extreme such ideals could lead to the wrong decisions and eventually break you as an individual. A lonely path that only the ones with an unshakeable will could follow. It was the road of sacrifice. To give up your own future to reach for others. Nessa envied Forest though, because she could never push herself to do the same. She didn't have enough kindness in her heart for that. Even Shirou, as extreme as his path was, did it only for the sake of others.
The girl nodded simply at the mental touch. She couldn't help but laugh at the comment about the female Servant. Once calmed, she aimed her next question to the Landlady. "What about you, Fore? Got yourself some cool guy?"
----
"Well, she's right about both. The first one, you get accustomed to it. The other, on the other hand shouldn't affect a reborn hero like you, right?" It was only him assuming though.
The part about the wards didn't surprise him. He expected it to have some kind of protection, otherwise, the Landlady was, indeed, out of her mind. He wasn't sure exactly were Fae, but he wouldn't doubt them to mess up their work.
Then, Lancer went about how Forest was stubborn enough to keep on living like that. Shuya, himself, appreciated people with guts who got their shit together. However, something still bothered him. "Why does she go so far for others? I met my share of blood suckers in my world and around here. All differents, but they had one thing in common; all were self-centered sons of bitches. Isn't she going against her own nature? What good does she get from it?" It was like looking in a distorted mirror. She had lost her life and became a monster, but kept her humanity, while he, had closed his heart to embrace his violent nature.
He heard the last part with a stone face. The last sentence, in particular, hit a bit too close to home for him to ignore it. Lancer was obviously a decent guy, living with his own amount of regrets. Shuya had chosen to leave the past behind, but the Irish man was different. He still had a life ahead, maybe a good one even. When the half-demon spoke, his eyes were focused on his sheathed weapon.
"You sure about that?" His own voice seemed weak. "Think about it. You told me you were reborn in this world, right? Perhaps the reason is that simple." He let his fingers run on the scabbard, long forgotten memories taking the shape of a familiar, smiling face. "What if your encounter had less to do with coincidence and more with something akin to fate? Shouldn't you at least contemplate the possibility?" He shook his head slowly. "I don't know about your past, but you're alive right now. You should think about yourself. Otherwise, you would be wasting that second chance."
