Donna
With each sign of Pride's growing rage, Alcuin flinched, expecting for his now miserable life to be over. He didn't dare look up from the table he stared at; he was too scared, and honestly he'd rather it just all suddenly be over rather than see it coming. A distant, calm part of him spoke through the chaos in his mind, that maybe this was better. Maybe it was better to go out this way rather than cause trouble for others, rather than becoming an even bigger disappointment to his parents.

The healer had nearly found his terrified peace with it all, when he heard Pride speak falteringly. He looked up, chocolate eyes full of fear, to see the demigod coming closer. He heard the offer of help but still couldn't help flinching at his touch; it'd only been seconds ago he was threatening to erase him. 

Alcuin shuddered with the alleviation of his crowded mind. What was once drunkenness now just left him feeling...*So exhausted*. Though the peace washed over him, it felt different this time, now that he was aware it wouldn't last, wasn't real. 

Wanting nothing more than to bolt and run until his legs couldn't carry him anymore but lacking the courage or energy to do so, he brushed Pride's hand off his shoulder. He spoke calmly though his words were anything but, even stuttering a little over it as he thought out loud, **"If... If you, a** ***Demigod*** **Have** ***That*** **Kind of reaction to whatever this is..."** He shook his head, laughing in a way somewhat eery compared to his calm tone and soft smile, **"It must be truly terrible. What hope do I have? I've been such a fool..."** He stood, feeling heavy in his bones. **"Well, I thank you for your help. Sorry to have troubled you so."** He almost felt he should wait to be dismissed and didn't dare leave without being told he could.
Mike
"***There is always hope.***" Pride answered plainly, no room for questioning or denying his point, he spoke with the authority of the demigod of war.

"***What you have communed with is a... A dark force, ancient and from the time when droves of demigods led legions across these lands. I recognize because I have seen it at its zenith.***" Pride rose to his full height and looked down at Alcuin. His mind, his powerful mind of strategy and tactic began to work at such speeds he thought of it *All* In the time it took him to take a deep breath.

"***Do not be sorry, you did not do this with all the information required to know it's full scope- that much is clear, and it happens to us all.***"

His voice held a kindness and understanding that seemed so alien from the commanding and furious presence he embodied but a moment ago. Even as he reached into his powers and summed a small silver pendant and chain to his hand and held it out to Alcuin he harbored nothing but concern and conviction in his eyes and tone.

"***Take this and wear it at*** *All* ***Times. It carries a small portion of my essence and it will keep the voices quieter than usual. Take it or leave it, it is up to you, but you can go. There is nothing that can be done at this time.***"
Donna
Surprised at his words, Alcuin's attention snapped back to Pride. Between the aura and the demigod's authoritative tone, the young elf found the spark of hope in him that had nigh flickered out spark up once more. What followed wasn't promising, but at least it was an *Answer*. Part of him wanted desperately to believe that Pride was mistaken, but he knew better than that. And the information lined up with his experiences so far. **"Well, that's less than ideal... I'm surprised something dark would do something kind like save someone, but..."** But obviously whatever, whoever it was didn't do it for free; they seemed to be calling in their due.

Alcuin was truly touched at Pride's understanding, to the point of tears in his eyes. The rage and fury was what he had expected, from anyone really. It was nice to see that maybe that wasn't a point of no return. That maybe, supported by Pride's own thoughts, it wasn't entirely his fault.

The alchemist watched with awe as Pride summoned the necklace out of thin air, taking it delicately before putting it around his neck and tucking it in his shirt. It had been quite the ride, going from casual chat, to fearing for his life, to gratitude and awe. He saw and felt the immense power of the man in front of him. He tried not to think about how the power of whatever had hold of him must be similar.

Giving Pride his warmest smile through his exhaustion, Alcuin gently took the hand still extended in gifting with both of his squeezing tightly for a brief moment. It was a sign of how extraordinary his gratitude and peacefulness were at the moment. Normally such a touch would cause him great discomfort. He spoke in soft tones as he bowed, **"I can't thank you enough for all this. And..."** Brows furrowed a moment before returning to his usual cheer, **"I'll do my best to fight this, or... Make it work. I'll figure out something. I swear it. As much as in my power, anyway. It was great to meet you, I won't ever forget."

He chuckled, waving as he left to head home. What a strange thing... But then again, no stranger than his life had been lately. Fiddling with the chain of the necklace, he smiled. If nothing else, at least he could say he got a gift from a pretty boy.