there's so much wrong with this situation that letting pike just be here feels so... incorrect. she shouldn't be in a place like this, and though he knows she's an adult who can make her own choices... still. it feels mean to do to her.

"i trust you," he finally says, stroking her hair out of her eyes and tucking a lock behind her ear. "you'll be alright, i know you will. i just worry for you, is all. i wouldn't be where i am if it weren't for you."

even now, he still feels as though he's let pike down by making the deal he made. he's wanted her to be proud of him, and instead he's... here. doing things that don't involve religion. ...oh! religion!

"pike-- pike, can you... feel the everlight? is she present here?"