Ken's sudden and surprisingly deep question pulls Alphinaud from his reverie, and his eyes widen as he looks beside him at his new friend. So he has lost someone dear to him as well... It's all too common in Eorzea, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen regardless of one's origin.
His expression softens, and he considers the possibilities, recalling his own friends whose company he still misses dearly.
"It is difficult," he begins, "but not impossible. There have been tales of such deeds having been performed, and... certain otherworldly influences that have a capacity to make such a thing somewhat possible. Though, I cannot say with any certainty that the person in question ever truly returned. There is more that makes a man than his physical form, after all."
It would be so much simpler to say that it wasn't accessible, but Alphinaud does love his details. Now, all that remains is to consider the latter question. Were it possible, would he want it? To bring back all those they have lost...
"The child within me longs for it. The sacrifices we have lost thus far have been numerous," he explains, pain surfacing on his features. "And far too great. However, to do so would defy the natural order of the world. Furthermore, should such a magic be discovered, we could not hope to limit its uses— or its users. The death of their allies already means little to some... I should not wish to see their souls called back time and again for such an unfeeling purpose.
"I believe there is meaning in death because there is meaning in life. Should we revoke the penalty of death, so too do we revoke the reason for living. Nay, we must carry our pain with us, the memory of their lives and deaths emblazoned upon our hearts as we walk forward. They shall remain with us, though no longer in body, and when it is our turn, we will see them again."
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His expression softens, and he considers the possibilities, recalling his own friends whose company he still misses dearly.
"It is difficult," he begins, "but not impossible. There have been tales of such deeds having been performed, and... certain otherworldly influences that have a capacity to make such a thing somewhat possible. Though, I cannot say with any certainty that the person in question ever truly returned. There is more that makes a man than his physical form, after all."
It would be so much simpler to say that it wasn't accessible, but Alphinaud does love his details. Now, all that remains is to consider the latter question. Were it possible, would he want it? To bring back all those they have lost...
"The child within me longs for it. The sacrifices we have lost thus far have been numerous," he explains, pain surfacing on his features. "And far too great. However, to do so would defy the natural order of the world. Furthermore, should such a magic be discovered, we could not hope to limit its uses— or its users. The death of their allies already means little to some... I should not wish to see their souls called back time and again for such an unfeeling purpose.
"I believe there is meaning in death because there is meaning in life. Should we revoke the penalty of death, so too do we revoke the reason for living. Nay, we must carry our pain with us, the memory of their lives and deaths emblazoned upon our hearts as we walk forward. They shall remain with us, though no longer in body, and when it is our turn, we will see them again."