WAR ♞ MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU

[boardmaster]

MARCH ON CENTRAL WEST PLATEAU
20 AUGUST (GLADIA) 2016

The quiet, seemingly unremarkable town of Friedgood doesn't seem like a prime target for a Noir attack. Ask any outsider what a Friedgood local's favorite activity might be, and they’ll likely respond "I don't know, digging?" They're not wrong: Friedgood's primary industry comes from the excavation of precious stones and minerals in the nearby mountain ranges and volcanoes. Those who don't make their living from mining most likely still enjoy digging, as the town is a hot destination for archeologists from the school of Pigeonsblood looking to uncover the ancient secrets of Gammon.

More important than shiny rocks, however, is Friedgood's strategic location within the country, specifically the checkpoint known as Platform 42 and 5/8ths. It forms a stark contrast to the sleepy town it resides in. This bustling travel hub is known as the "Gateway to Gammon", and boasts fast transport to almost anywhere in the kingdom. Security is tight here, with grim-faced Gammon soldiers working around the clock to ensure that criminal activity doesn't stand a chance. Keep your contraband at home — an infraction will cost you heavy jail time. Friedgood is also the only town with a road providing access to Grantebrycge, Gammon's illustrious University town.

By conquering Friedgood, Noir hopes for universal access to all of Gammon.

On the 20th of Gladia, amidst strong winds and persistent thunderstorms, Heroes will arrive to the Central West Plateau. Even surrounded by tall mountain ranges and ominous volcanoes, its ancient wall is truly a daunting sight. A marvel even by modern construction standards, it was built over 300 years ago to defend against hostile nomadic tribes, and remains as strong and sturdy as the day it was built. It also provides an important environmental buffer to the people of Friedgood — the wall is resistant to lava.

Basic info on the war can be found here. All OOC questions about the event may be directed to the thread below.

ONE ♙ The War of Three Armies
It’s time to head to the battle, Hero. You may be walking, riding a mount - your own, or a borrowed spider or boar - or hitching a ride from someone else. It’s a miserable trek to the plateau, but at least you’re not alone. Once you arrive, Verdoni is there to greet you, accompanied by another Gammonian, the commander of this battle.

Pinta [ so god damned salty about not being a naval tactician and assigned to ships ] Ah, yes, the vaunted Heroes I’ve heard so much about. The name is Pinta, ah... naval tactician to Gammon’s armed forces. Ask why and I’ll show you a bloody hell. Anyway, welcome to the Central West Plateau! During ancient times, the volcanoes were said to be a wall of flame that protected Gammon. But if that stopped the Othellians, I suppose I wouldn’t be here, ahaha! Now, with them dormant, we must instead rely upon our steel and our wall. It’s strong enough to protect Gammon even if every volcano in the area were to erupt all at once! At least that’s what the locals say. They didn’t sound too dodgy, but... moving on! If you have any questions, our men will be glad to explain; show you how the cannons work, where the traps are and whatnot. Again, this really isn’t my expertise—oh! Our wizards have been creative as of late. We’ve these wind platforms that will fling those Noirs up, up, up! Into the air! Try not to get caught in them, yeah? Our navy will take care of our seas. They’re an outstanding lot, they are. All we need to do is focus! Gammon shall not sink here!

You’ll then be handed a magical bracelet. The miners use it protect them from toxic air, so this is a precaution; should you need it, it should last for the duration of the battle. Now all you have to do is wait and prepare for the battle. Acquaint yourself with the battleground: explore the Defense Wall and see what traps there are. It may give you some ideas of your own. There are also war cannons aligned on the top wall and within its interior. Otherwise, check your supplies or rest and collect yourself for what will come. Your mount may also want attention.


TWO ♙ Fellowship of the Bling
Initially cloaked by thick fumes of sulfur, ozone and the dreary overcast of the storm, the Noir battalion finally arrives. Their general, Spicy Spice, steps, nay, struts forward.

	Why is it that every time I come around, that Cochrane Bridge wants to go down? [ ADJUSTS HER WORLD CUP BRA ] They can’t keep that wall up forever.
Let’s make this a quick one, so we can get out of this smelly rain! [ gets ready to fire her gun in the air when she remembers something ] And don’t forget, target their puny pathetic healers, first. [ raises gun high above her head, signaling for the attack with a BANG! ]

On her cue, the Noir Vanguard rushes forward with a fearsome war cry, followed soon after by the Rearguard.

ENEMY ♟ Mounted Noir Soldier
Weak against None	Strong against Fire	Immune to None
These soldiers gallop onto the battlefield with their imposing GOLDHORN GOAT mounts. These are bigger and stronger than the average goat, and their golden horns tend to ABSORB SPELLS directed at their riders. Some spells in a soldier’s arsenal: GRISTRELKI sets fire to the rain — literally. It converts the rain in the sky into a barrage of fireballs. Pray your umbrella’s fireproof! With the PLAMEVODA spell, they can turn hot water (i.e. those from geysers) into bubbling hot lava. When combined with a strong cooling spell, the spell can trap you in rock… That is, if the lava doesn’t kill you first! DVIZHE SMERTI is a dangerous spell that paralyzes its target, rendering them unable to even speak or blink. This can be cured with mana exchange. Hurry before Noir strikes with a rain of fire!Of course, the soldiers are capable of HEALING SPELLS to assist their injured allies and mounts. The VANGUARD is lead by an impressive wall of massive shield units, armed with various melee weapons: swords, maces, and daunting battle axes. Herd them into the traps around the battlefield to render them immobile! The REARGUARD, armed with bows and arrows, will try to overwhelm the HEROIC VANGUARD. HEROIC DEFENSE back them up with long-ranged attacks and the cannons! If they get close enough to the wall, the Rearguard will relentlessly attack the Defense! Both units are under strict orders to prioritize an attack on the HEROIC SUPPORT. If they see any Hero or Gammonian soldiers helping each other or performing rescues on the battlefield, they will give chase IMMEDIATELY. DROPS: Shield with Noir Emblem, Flame Staff, Assorted Non-Magical Weapons, Golden Goat Horns, Lava Lamp

In the heat of battle, you will feel the ground beneath you shake and tremble. In a turn of events neither side could have predicted, a dormant volcano in the distance erupts, raining down fire and scorched earth on the area. More alarming, however, is how the resulting earthquake sets off powerful, white-hot geysers on the battlefield. Stay alert! To make matters worse, the approaching lava makes Noir’s fire spells even more deadly, and Noir shows no signs of letting up on their assault.

Spicy Spice You think a little bad weather is going to stop us? Don't make me laugh. [ laughs anyway, then falls into a coughing fit ] Urghh, damn these fumes — Oh whatever, Send in the riders!

THREE ♙ The Desolation of Noir
Undeterred by the eruptions, the geysers, or the bad weather, they’ve called in their aerial units, fierce griffon riders who’re trying to fly over the wall and into Friedgood. Don’t let them pass! Make use of your resources and shoot them down: Heroes with long ranged weapons or magic will find their skills useful here. Learned how to fire a cannon? Now’s your chance! If not, protect your allies, Hero and Gammonian, as they line up their shots.

ENEMY ♟ Noir Griffon Rider
Weak against None	Strong against Fire, Lightning	Immune to Wind
For the first time, Heroes will witness firsthand how Noir’s legendary griffon riders—often called masters of the skies—live up to their name. A griffon’s powerful wings not only lets them soar at great heights; they can whip up terrifying BEAMS OF LIGHTNING. Griffon riders are armed with JAVELINS which they can also throw and cast the same spells as their counterparts on land. However, they share a closer bond with their griffon mounts. Upon losing their master, the griffons will go BERSERK and proceed to kill everything in sight. If a Hero gets caught in a griffon’s talons, the creature will drop them into their boiling demise at either a GEYSER or VOLCANO. DROPS: Mount Treats, Riding Gloves, Noir Lance, Harness, Griffon Feathers, Griffon Talon

The lava is fast approaching and Noir can no longer take the heat. The griffon riders are maintaining their assault, but the rest of their army is falling back to escape. Time for you to retreat too before Gammonian soldiers seal the wall and you’re trapped on the plateau side. Fried Heroes ain’t Fried Good.

• Defense, continue shooting at any enemy target in range! Be attentive and aid your allies as they retreat back to the wall. Do not fear, you have the advantage.
• Vanguard, fall back! Watch the skies for any griffon riders on the way to the wall. Once you arrive, take down enemies who try to breach. Letting even one enemy pass could spell disaster.
• Support, grab the wounded and check the wall’s condition! Any damages should be repaired immediately to prevent the lava from entering Friedgood.

FOUR ♙ There and Back Again
The wall closes, sealing the lava and ending the battle. Hopefully no one got left behind.

Spicy Spice Now I'm wishing that I didn't wear these shoes (I hate heels). Better get up out my face! [ trips on her way out ] Oh shit!

Catch your breath, Hero. You won. First, check up on everyone and heal your wounds. If you borrowed a mount you might want to take the time to say farewell, since the trip back to Friedgood means you’ll be parting soon.

The people of Friedgood are grateful. They know what would have happened if you lost. There’s no time for fancy parties. They’re pulling out whatever they can find for a makeshift street party right then and there.

You can find bowls of Splotched Richard - a dessert pudding - and Bangers and Mash. If you’re in the mood for something strong you can get pints of Guileless or Pale Noir, maybe a Lasker Train Bomb if you can find someone who’s willing to mix it. Or perhaps you fancy a CreamAle, the favored drink of Grantebrycge.

You’re welcome to stay out and party as long as you like - the party is for you, after all! In fact, the people will respect you more if you get drunk and pass out on the side of the street. But for Heroes who’re tired from the war, you’re always welcome to stagger into the Bollox Inn for a room, free of charge.

Comments

[rememberher]

[ Masamune, you had no idea what good you did to her heart. A heart that had felt lost in the chaos of war, one who had been so certain who she was and how the world worked when she arrived here, only to have that stripped away without warning. Someone who could feel so intensely, and often did about most things. Someone who wanted to fight the world, cursing it for reasons unknown.

So that little bit of comfort, a gift and a heart-wrenchingly note written by the hand of a child.

Oh. He would never know how much she needed this. Even she was unaware.

Looking up at him through her eyelashes as he placed his hand gently atop her head, her mana felt cool but not unpleasant. And while they were subdued, either by fatigue or other reasons, they were prismatic. Colorful. Like a faint rainbow after a summer storm, shimmering among the bleak backdrop of the infirmary.

Her light. It was a bit muddy now, but one might be able to guess, even from this, how bright it might shine, if she let it.

Strangely, she didn't shy away as she might have before, but there was some reluctance. She didn't know him well, this man, and affection—even as simple as a gentle pat on the head, like this—simply wasn't done where she was from. But it wasn't... unpleasant. She simply didn't know what to do with it, clear from how she averted her eyes, the normally exuberant young woman becoming shy.

(...He was glad?)

She blinked a few times, surprised. He always seemed... a bit rough. Those words... she didn't expect them from him.

A light sniffle. She really could be such a child sometimes. It was embarrassing. ]

No, I need to...

[ Need to what, exactly? Go back out there? She could, you know. Force herself up, back onto the battlefield.

...Die, and go back again. An eternal soldier. After all, it was the greatest honor to fight for crown and country. And while neither duty nor obligation existed here, she still felt bound to them.

(I fight... because I have nothing else.) ]

...I can still fight.

[ For her fellow heroes. For the people here whom she cared so deeply for. And for the girl whose note she held to so tightly. ]

[wardance]

[ He doesn't take offense— it's not done normally where he is from, either, but comrades in war are very different from the rest of the world to him. Even if he knew her origins he would say that it's a completely different type of fighting and emotional bonding rather than the grisly and rawer senselessness seen in wars. Sometimes, being around seemingly invincible people is intoxicating to a point of delusion on life and death; wars fought by commoners who have no say in whether a war should have initiated in the first place can be sickeningly sobering in contrast. There is always a difference between engaging in battle with those that fight willingly and then those that do so unwillingly.

(There's always a difference between those who fight to protect, those who fight to harm, and those that fight because they know nothing else.)

For Masamune's own mana it is also cool and bright but not in the same way something such as the sun would be. It's cooling and almost strangely tranquil, at peace like a still glass-surfaced lake seems to be with the rest of nature as it produces the beautiful and perfect reflection of its beauty and grandeur. For all that fronting 'appearance', though, one can't help but feel it is just that. It's as if there is something beneath this still and serene surface that is awe-inspiring and a greatness all its own behold in power. It is uplifting--energizing --and encouraging of desiring to hold one's head high, dare they accept feeling good about themselves. Potential. Potential in it itself but also in the witness to identify within themselves. That sensation is distinguished from the rest by a light tingling that is constant like an electric current and pulses of interruption are rare. Either way, it itself isn't peaceful like the rest; but it's intriguing and like able and offers the excitement of feeling alive—there is something sleeping here, a dragon asleep in its lake that need not be disturbed until
it is necessary.

Overall, it's an enigma that probably adds more uncertainty to what kind of person Masamune might be, suggesting something more than appearances but not negatively so. However, it stands to also drag someone in that is curious and undeniably beckon forth: why would such things be hidden to begin with? ]

Ha?

[ Masamune blinks at her response, letting his hand fall alway as he studies her. There's no reason for him to outburst; really, he is seeking to identify who has spoken to her prior to his own visit as if he can do so by critical visual study alone. What did they say, what messages did they have for her? The samurai doesn't want to offer words that directly conflict another, especially as he assumes they are all much closer to her than he. ... Or, at least conflict wth negativity. He is a general from a period and time that others will not have experienced, just as he. And he believes that they can fully benefit from each other as a whole due to this world being unlike anything else. ]

Of course you can.

So, maybe this is a bad place to have this conversation but: what makes you believe that taking care of yourself means you can't fight?

[ Does the dragon need to get a chair and sit for this? ]

[rememberher]

[ The dragon might want to take a seat, yes.

It was strange and unexpected how placid and calm his signature, washing over her in cool waves, easing a bit of that pain that hung over her like a shroud. It was something so unfamiliar to the both of them, and while she hardly knew the man, the bonds shared on the field of battle, where tensions were high and hearts laid bare, were perhaps some of the strongest of all. She did not know him well, but after this, she could say that she knew him better than she might have otherwise. All the colors that she was, muddy yet still shimmering at the edges, curled around his own signature, reaching out to him, as if to offer their light, dull though it may be. Not in comfort, but in search of comfort.

She did not know war like he had, and the fighting she did was more for sport than anything else. War had not threatened to stain the beautiful ivory towers of her (once, but no longer) beloved Demacia for many generations, not since King Jarvan I's blood had been spilt by the soldiers of Noxus. It hurt to fight, knowing that it would do little difference; people would still die, and she couldn't save anyone. Perhaps that was what caused her to act as she had, the desperate need to save someone who meant so terribly much at the risk (and exchange, whether she quite realized that yet or not) for her own life.

...But she wasn't done, Masamune. She had so many more she had to save, more lives lost that she would need to atone for. She was their light, the Lady of Luminosity, once the hope for the people of Demacia, and now Blanc, her new home. Whether they looked to her or not, she had to protect them with every fiber of her being.

Fighting, protecting, it was all she was good for. It was her only purpose. Take that away, call it into question, and...

(It was the greatest honor, to fight for crown and country. Give everything, until your body, your mind, your very soul breaks.)

Her eyes lowering, the look on her face growing complicated and distant, a thin, glass-like smile began to curl her lips. Holdng one of the toy elephant's ears between her thumb and index finger, she focused on it, the soft cotton under her fingertip. Like that sensation was the only thing anchoring her to the world. ]

Something like that... It doesn't matter.

[wardance]

No, it does.

[ The response he gives her is lightning quick, as if halfway through her words he must have finished the sentence in his head prematurely to make sense of it fast enough to declare an answer.

Or, maybe, he is simply that definite about his thoughts on the matter.

Masamune shifts his weight as he turns halfway to look around before grabbing a low seat chair as it's the first thing he sees. Spinning it around so the back of it is facing forwards her, he sits to be able to rest his elbows on the top of the chair's back. He lowers his head a little his chin resting lightly on his cross arms as looks very intently at her. It's still different, though. He isn't making assumptions because he offers no reasoning for why she she is wrong and he is right. He just knows because... that's not how he looks at it. Of course, attitude and point of view matter. However, he also doesn't intend to pressure her to talk about things with a practical stranger.

Instead, he sits for a few seconds, before speaking further to her. His voice is lower, but it is no less authoritative on the subject matter. It's not a superior talking to a subordinate, or a veteran even talking to a new recruit, it's merely this is how it is because it's how it is whether we like it or not. ]

I won't make you talk about it, and I don't know much about you—actually I don't know anything about you except you like bigheaded-elephants and push yourself past your limit on some things that, while noble and ideally the way to do things, don't always have the same effects our stories of honor and justice and do-good tell us they do. No one wants to hear or read about legends where the light wasn't enough to shine away the darkness or that Good's best and most desperate efforts and sacrifices still fails to defeat Evil. You're not a kid, so I know you know this intellectually, but...

...When you fight war, it is not the same as good versus evil, even when we hope it to be. And in war, we see a lot of injustice and unfairness and awful things that happen to the point we need to get our hope from somewhere that if we can just make the difference for one thing—one person, one town, one victory, or at least one avoidance of defeat, our lives are enough to give for that cause. It's true that sacrifices can cause these things to turn the tides of battles and wars, but the difference is those who make those sacrifices are not hoping for the best, they've merely accepted the worst and would rather stay true to their beliefs than die with nothing.

...Does this make sense so far? You dont have to agree with me or listen, but I think if you did, you'd understand me better and how I think versus you and even your friends. There's really nothing more valuable when fighting with someone to know how they view themselves and how to fight. It could save your life one day— it could save theirs and a lot of others, too.

[ He's not done, but if she isn't listening or isn't interpreting correctly, it's pointless to continue because his intended 'advice' can't be understood without this. ]

[rememberher]

[ She was startled at how quick he was to refute her, looking up at him with wide eyes. Masamune..?

Watching as he pulled up a chair, seating himself (backwards, why?), she let her eyes lower again, once again a captive to her own shadow. But that was not to say that she didn't listen. She couldn't not, his voice soft and low, but still somehow authoritative and matter-of-fact. Like he spoke somewhere from his own experiences. This man that she hardly knew, who was he really..?

"...When you fight war, it is not the same as good versus evil, even when we hope it to be."

That was... that was what Lavi said, when they met at the wall. That Good and Evil... that they didn't exist quite how she had been told they did. That it was more complicated than that. Her black and white world, a world that was blurred and muddied on the edges, had no place for Good and Evil. Of all the things that had been taken away from her when coming to Enprise, it was surprising that that was what she held on to the most.

Where most of her glittering ivory towers had crumbled and fallen, these two stayed, standing tall, the last bastions of a world she couldn't seem to discard.

Good and Evil.

"It's true that sacrifices can cause these things to turn the tides of battles and wars, but the difference is those who make those sacrifices are not hoping for the best, they've merely accepted the worst and would rather stay true to their beliefs than die with nothing."

...No, that's not... that's not why she...

(He was falling, held captive by that rider's paralysis spell. He was going to die, his light snuffed out, taken from the world—from her—in front of her. She threw herself in the way because... because...)

Because she believed that, more than anyone else, more than her, he had to live. Good or Evil, it didn't matter, she sacrificed herself because she believed with every fiber of her being, screaming in her head as she forced her body to move, despite the fear and uncertainty gripping her:

I have to protect him! No matter what happens to me, I have to protect him! ]

...

[ She nodded when he asked if she understood. Yes, Masamune, she was listening, even if she wasn't sure she wanted to.

"There's really nothing more valuable when fighting with someone to know how they view themselves and how to fight. It could save your life one day— it could save theirs and a lot of others, too."

She rose her head suddenly, something about that gripping her tightly. ]

How they... view themselves..?

[ Her enemies? Why did that...? Why was something like that important? ]

[wardance]

[ Masamune tilts his head, considering how to best phrase it for her. ]

Well, we can look at it two ways. [ He holds up a hand, lifting on finger for a visual representation. ] Let's start with our allies and friends. [ starting with the more negative can be rewarding in getting the harsh stuff out of the way, but he doesn't think Lux is in a good enough place mentally with her self-esteem to be able to take as well to it that way as she may this one. ]

I'll be blunt: I don't want to see you or anyone else I know die on the battlefield. I want people important to me to be able to come off the battlefield and celebrate and be there to see what is being fought for realized at the very end.

...But, if you think about it, is that really in my control just by telling you so? You didn't have time to consciously decide what to do—you just did it because that's the type of person you are. I don't think scolding or reprimands will "have you learn" or anything. We can't change other people, but we can change ourselves. The more I learn about you the more likely I can help you if something like that comes along again... this time everyone being able to come out of the situation alive, though. Instead of expecting others to take care of themselves in times like these, if it means enough to us... we need to step up and be there when we can, instead.

[rememberher]

I want that too...

[ It was small, almost meek, like a child being disciplined for doing something wrong. And really, that was how it felt in a way, that somehow feeling the way that she did, acting the way that she had... was wrong, even if she couldn't quite understand how. She lowered her gaze again, letting his words wash over her.

The more he knew about her..? That... She took a breath, reluctance washing over her. If they were to be comrades, then... ]

...What would you like to know, then?

[wardance]

[ Masamune laughs sheepishly at the question. It seems so uncomfortable when asked like that but even moreso is he nervous to say it doesn't work like that. He's not trying intentionally to make things harder and especially doesn't want to dampen her spirits. She looks like a kicked puppy with that expression. ] I guess it's not the type of thing you can just ask. You learn through making bonds with the other people—being around them and there for them on the battlefield and off.

It'll take some time, but... a little effort in this can go a long way. It might take you some time to trust me, but it's okay. I'll do my best to identify anything I can so you can use it with your friends if you end up finding it worthwhile.

...Just one thing more for now, though. [ He offers a hand out towards her now in friendly gesture to take her own if she will give it. ]

We all make mistakes. People will criticize us as soon as they will praise us for successes. Own your choices, though. Whether it is a mistake or not in retrospect, commit to your decision when it was made and don't regret that you didn't act differently no matter what anyone says. Just because something is a mistake doesn't mean it wasn't the right thing for you to do at the time. Don't second guess the past—it's pointless to try and debate or argue on what has already happened; instead, always aim to not need a second guess of your decisions in the futures to come.

[ It's not quite what it sounds like but that's intentional. He actually means never to second guess yourself, even in retrospect. It's entirely possible to learn from a mistake made without trampling on one's self-confidence. ]

[rememberher]

[ Making bonds with other people, huh? Her expression flagging, the blond nodded gently, her thumb once again running over the soft fabric of the gift elephant. It wasn't something that she was used to doing, really. Trusting someone else in battle came instinctually, for being unable to do so often spelled death for both parties. But outside of that? As a woman who kept most people at an arm's length, asking something like that... it seemed foreign, difficult.

Committing to one's mistakes, instead of languishing in them. Somehow that concept seemed so strange to her, the idea that making a mistake could be even remotely acceptable. Mistakes were not simply something that one could brush aside as if they were nothing, Masamune Date.

To never question, never second guess a decision, especially one that caused so much pain and suffering... She wasn't sure that she could agree with that sentiment. ]

But if we don't reflect on our mistakes... then how will we learn?

[ Ah, but she was accepting that it might be all right to make a misstep. Was this progress? ]

[wardance]

A good question. Let me ask you one first before trying to answer: Reflection on one's actions and Regret over them— are these synonymous to you?

[ Masamune's question is curious and light in nature. He avoids any heavy elements such as concern over such a belief being true hoping that he can slowly encourage her to keep going in the right direction rather than regressing over mistakes or otherwise. If it sounds like a criticism in being asked, she may shut down. He doesn't want her beating on herself, and he certainly doesn't want her stuck in a belief that self-sacrifice is always a right choice if it saves another.

Truthfully they come from completely different worlds. His army is his family. War is his life. His ability to function socially outside this perimeter is severely impaired. He can't trust easily himself, and while devoted, his devotion is hard to earn to begin with. To him, this is not the same type of thing as being friends—which is part of the reason he separates "her friends" as another group and speaking about them rather than trying to convince her he is part of that group.

Masamune probably wouldn't know a friend if it punched him in the face—Except if it's Yukimura doing said punching because it is part of the honor of a rival in his time and place. Your greatest rival is also your greatest friend.

That said, he's lived an isolated and lonely childhood, barely even having known Yukimura a year.

For better or for worse, they may be more alike in matters of trust and opening up to others than is currently let on. ]

I'm sorry this got buried in the disaster area that is my inbox rip me

[rememberher]

[ At first, the answer was simple: Of course they were different, and she nearly answered right away. But as the words began to blossom in her head, unfurling and revealing themselves in full, it became far more complicated. It was customary for one to reflect on past actions as a means to learn, to become a better soldier or a better person.

But what if things didn't go as planned? What then? One should learn from their mistakes, but in the same token, regret their actions. Like two sides of the same coin, tied to the same event, one could certainly reflect without regret... if they were successful.

But if they failed? ]

I... I don't know.