Grant's eyes opened and his head lifted at the constant whine of apology and sorrow that came from the fellow to his right. He didn't smile at her suffering, because there were more than 100 times as many names as he recognised extremely well than Hope did. He frowned slightly, and pushed Hope's head upwards with two fingers and a thumb, then angling her stressed face towards himself. Compared to most, there wasn't much difference in height than there was to others, but it was still quite a bit. He looked at her directly, a serious look within his expression. He slowly began to share his wisdom. [color=007236]"Hope..."[/color] He sighed slightly, his hand still under her chin to make sure she'd be focusing. [color=007236]"As far as I am concerned, people are destined to die. They die, you'll die....I'll die...everyone dies. But the cause of death isn't known. You may of been responsible for the deaths on here, but think for one minute. On that board is 421 Names...this Plaque is roughly 4 Metres in width and 2 in height...these are names I myself know of. You cannot blame yourself for other's fate, like I have. It will tear you apart...like...like Asartha's did. I've known a lot more people than you, Hope, and for someone as fragile as you might be, you are somewhat lucky to have gotten the least of it. I know it is hard to understand, and no man, woman nor child should have to deal with losing a close one...but forgive yourself and move on. If you can't forgive yourself....just move on anyway. There are names on here I'll never forgive myself for..."[/color] Grant started to point to names, naming their death. [color=007236]"Captain Tora Tulithia, Western Siege. She died because I couldn't save her from falling into a Titan's mouth. And here...Privates Greg Hasling, Stephan Burmuda and Cavan Mulin, all part of failed attempt to retrieve them from Yupian after it fell. And here, Murdoch Ludwig, he died during my shift, and was my mentor for the Eastern Conference Meetings when I became a spokesman and soldier for the Eastern Division. And here, Johanna Lawson, my own Brother-in-law, in the final battle of the western siege, where so little survived your training became mandatory. And...and....[/color] He stammered slightly, nearly losing his non-crying state. [color=007236]I thought about [i]him[/i]...How you miss him. You two were like friends, more than friends from what I could tell. His execution...You were there, three seats to my right. You looked mortified....You looked scared....all I can beg..."[/color] The grip loosened slightly, as his own eyes began to dribble moistly. [color=007236]"All I can beg of you is to forgive me...for framing Nira...please...it's my only favour...You didn't deserve it and I did it...I'm sorry...okay....okay? Please, Hope forgive me..."[/color]