"I should like to save the Shire, if I could - though there have been times when I thought the inhabitants too stupid and dull for words, and have felt that an earthquake or an invasion of dragons might be good for them. But I don't feel like that now. I feel that as long as the Shire lies behind, safe and comfortable, I shall find wandering more bearable: I shall know that somewhere there is a firm foothold, even if my feet cannot stand there again."

carrying the world around his neck

"I see no hope of it now. But I've got to do the best I can."

“Oh.”

It’s a plaintive word, more bored and aware than anything else. That naive child again, traipsing about and filling her with a strange sense of guilt that is quite unnecessary. The dead should be dead after all.

— as if she were one to talk.

Lidded amber eyes rake over the young woman’s form, discerning dream from reality. No, this girl-child was quite alive, and seemingly offering her a flower. What sort of game was this, she doubted the girl capable of chess so why offer a flower?

“You’d offer me that? A bit foolish of you, don’t you think?” C.C. drawled, twisting the flower in her hands, the petals scattering against her intertwined legs. 

“I do have to wonder how he’s taking you being here. He was never very sound on his own. Still a boy.”

“And your knight to protect you as well? How noble of you, Zero. Ah, perhaps I can understand this sort of pathetic longing I see playing out. But those children made choices to never go back, you realize, Euphemia li Britannia? Or shall I be cruel and call you by another title?”

A yawn came forth from her lips, twisting on the couch until she leaned forward a bit, until her small breasts peeked beneath her under-tank and Cheese-kun dangled precariously in her arms.

"No, I am too sleepy now to be cruel. Rather, ” Something like shadows passed over her face. 

“My cruelty has cost you enough. It’s boring now. You cry too easily and it’s no fun. You don’t even know me, silly girl. Wander along and play in your fantasy land.”

It’s boring she said, boring, but really, her heart hurt. It was no different than slaughtering a child and to think feelings of regret had woken from that mess of a foolish girl….

“Well? Go away now. Your hair is giving me a headache.” She waved her hand, before turning her face into the pillow, where it could not be seen.

Geass caused suffering too others. Was it natural that I am to be hated by all? I who have killed children indirectly.

Soon, C.C., soon.

Ah, that’s right..Marianne.