"There is always time to grieve," she says, voice steady as always. The only indication that his anger has bothered Era is the way her tail curls around her waist. "Grief does not mean you need to stop."

The pain in his eyes is one she recognizes - she sees it in the mirror every time she looks in a mirror. "You have no control over the lives or actions of others, king or no. It was her choice to aid you despite the risks. Mourn for her loss, but do not put the blame on yourself. It was not you who killed her, Noctis."

It is tempting to tell him just how well she can empathize. That she was in a situation the ended up not so different from his. Though Era doesn't have the comfort of knowing it wasn't her fault, because it was The killing blow had been meant for her, not her beloved friend.

But she hasn't shared with him the true extent of her role in her own world. That she is the Warrior of Light; Hydaelyn's last bastion against the invading darkness. That her sole reason for existing is as the weapon to save her world from all threats.

"You did not kill her. It was her sacrifice to make, not yours. The best thing you can do is honour it. Grow stronger. Push forward. Save as many others as you can."