[ Emerek chuckles at Kor's response, amused but still retaining a gentle and welcoming air. Of course, he follows it up with one of his usual warm smiles. He's still as gentle and cheerful as he appeared in those visions from Merisia's past, the only difference between then and now being that he's a bit battle-torn. ]

You know, they say that the people who are important to you eventually become a part of you, in some way. Wander around here long enough, and I wager you'd find yourself somewhere.

[ He gives Kor a knowing smile, on the verge of winking at him. Well, it's...not a very direct answer, let alone a very clear one, but there you go. ]

I'm afraid there wasn't much I could do about how you saw me back there. Fear can distort lots of things, and in lots of ways. But, well...I'm sure you're already well aware of that.

[ Emerek kneels down to inspect the tiny blue Carbuncle, reaching out to gently pat it on the head. Carbuncle purrs softly and curls up in Kor's arms a little. It seems pretty comfortable, a stark contrast from the hasty retreats and wary stares it held for Kor last time, but it's still largely unconscious...or just incredibly exhausted. Carbuncle is light and warm in Kor's arms, its fur much softer than its real-world counterparts. Emerek gives the creature a fond smile as he continues addressing Kor. ]

You really are something, though. The fact that you were able to quell her fear, let alone approach it, or even find your way to one of her most guarded secrets...Merisia must really trust you. [ Emerek gives Kor a meaningful, almost worried look. ] But tell me something. You say you want to help Merisia understand the Echo. You also said that you want her to accept that it's a gift, rather than the curse that she believes it to be. If you still intend to do that, then tell me...

Are you sure that's the right thing to do?