[ Barok speaks so softly, so sincerely, Susato finds herself leaning in closer to hear him. There's new dust and dirt all over her white fur as she tries to keep him upright, which is only proving harder under the weight of the guilt and anger spilling into her.

She'd gotten that chance, to love unconditionally. But only because she reached for it and twisted his arm. She struggled with what that might mean for her, that she could love a murderer. Maybe she still does... but on some level, knowing that someone like Barok could feel the same brings her comfort, even if this dream isn't about her. ]

No... it is not that. And... I do not believe it was about trust, either.

[ Her voice falls, and she speaks just as softly with a surprising amount of composure, considering she feels like she is on the verge of tears. ]

He was afraid. He feared his own depravity, and his own demons that bested him. He feared that you... someone with so much love and admiration for him, would not be able to look past it. Or perhaps... he simply did not want to put you in that position to begin with.

Either way, he died with regret for that decision. He asked for your forgiveness, even if he felt you would never understand.