A Temporary Farewell

With a rush of air bursting from the conduits, a clear, melodious whistle sounded from the upper levels of the Academy Ark. The Lost Homeland once again docked beside the steam-powered mechanical pier at the end of the ark's coastline. Knowledge Guardians and scholars in dark blue hooded robes appeared on the gangway, ready to welcome their pope home.

Duncan saw Rune on the stern deck, having just emerged from the Captain's Cabin.

The short, plump Elf old man had remained in the Captain's Cabin for a very long conversation with his race's "creator." Duncan had no idea what he had discussed with Goat Head. He only knew that when Rune emerged, he looked somewhat dazed.

There was also a kind of empty-minded calm about him.

Duncan approached the "Pope of Truth" and greeted him several times before the latter finally snapped out of that daze and blankness.

"Your church ark is waiting beside us," Duncan said, raising a hand to point at the colossal ark beyond the rail, like a miniature city-state. "The scholars and Guardians are here to take you home."

Rune looked up at it, then nodded as though only just realizing it. "Oh... yes. It's time to go back."

Seeing the Elf old man's reaction, Duncan could not help feeling puzzled. "What did you talk about with Sasloca? You weren't even this out of sorts when you first came aboard..."

"We talked about... many things," Rune said hesitantly, as if he did not know where to begin. "Many, many things."

Duncan frowned, vaguely realizing something. "Looks like you saw what the first mate is normally like."

Rune visibly jolted, as though he had only now truly come back to himself. He looked up at Duncan, hesitated for a long while, and finally said, "...Why does He