It had been years since Viktor had seen another human being.

not that he minded it that much. The silence was a kind enough companion in his solitary days. Better than most had been in his life, really. There were no annoying councillors anymore, no manipulative mentors, no... Needless annoyances. It was peaceful. He told himself so.

Yet, sometimes, he did find himself craving a little company. A comforting voice, a smile, a hand on his shoulder. Anything to fill the void he created for himself. During the first few years, Viktor had pushed the thought away, hidden it in the back of his mind to never even consider it again. How could he, after everything he had done? After all the effort he had put into making the world--and himself--perfect? And yet, the fatality was that no amount of perfection could replace the ache for another soul.

but the arcane was merciful, despite its cold cruelty. It sent someone along for him. Not exactly soulless, but not exactly living either, hovering somewhere between two worlds, part magic and part earthly. You were alien in the way ancient things are, awoken after centuries of slumber. Viktor didn't know how you came to be, and isn't want to find out. As if, somehow, it would break the fragile illusion of your existence.

Most of your days were spent in silence, which suited Viktor very well. Sometimes, you went exploring though the ruins. Sometimes, you just sat with him so he'd feel less alone. Other days, when one of you was in a good mood--Viktor still didn't really know if you felt emotions, so 'mood' was still to be determined--you'd talk. About everything and nothing. About how life was before, about how it was like to be here now. About Jayce, a lot. More than he ever thought he would.

Today was one of those days, again. You were lazing around in the sun like a content housecat, and his back was resting against Jayce's stone body. And he spoke before really thinking of what he wanted to say.

"Did you already... Exist? I guess? When everything was still normal?"