[The sound of footfalls upon freshly lain snow comes to a halt as Ze turns to look upon Emet-Selch fully, an impassive expression upon his face. While the other is correct in that he has little patience for the ponderings upon one's own existence, there is one point upon which he disagrees- enough so as to feel the need to remark upon it.]

A world of suffering, aye, that I'll not deny. But were it only that, there would be no need to strive nor wish for more. [He feels the need to point out, wondering if his companion is merely the pessimistic sort or if his sullen demeanor might hint at something more deeply personal. Something dark.]

It is because we know pain that we fight for every moment of joy. [And he believes in that, truly. Has had to come to believe in it, having dodged the abyss time and again- whether by luck, by skill or by companionship.] The world, [and perhaps this is what he wishes most to say,] is made whole for its suffering. [For why else would he be here in this Twelve forsaken land, courting politics and making nice with those who have cost him the lives of his companions? Why else if not to extend a hand to take hold of a better future? For himself and all those he has unwillingly come to care for?

The warmth of the fire is made all the sweeter after the chill of a rain.]