"People are made in a void. A child is born with no past, thrust into a world that is bright and loud, and terrifying. They cry, they learn fear before they learn anything else. Then they learn all the rest. Guardians at least have emotional instinct, physical instinct. They know hot burns and cold freezes and they know the weak need to be defended and the strong need to ally themselves. They're the newborn wild animals, without pasts but ready to survive with just the gentle guidance of another more experienced creature. In this case, Ghosts."

"It isn't fair, not by any means, but between that and letting humanity die out? Ask any Guardian what they would prefer." Another shrug, Ghost helpless in any defense. He didn't like having to put Declan in danger any more than any Ghost liked threatening the lives of their Chosen. They, like the Risen, were bound to an inescapable destiny or sorts.

"Maybe someday the Traveler will reawaken and give them their memories...maybe not. Who can say? At least this way they aren't burdened by tragedy and can find lives for themselves. Most are content to know that whatever their pasts were like, they were good people. The Traveler did not reach out looking for darkness in men and women." He paused, glancing up as Declan's conversation with Saladin closed, the Titan opening his hand and accepting a medallion and Titan mark, a strip of colored and embroidered cloth similar in purpose to a tabard. Bowing his head in thanks, the pale man turned, looking to Ghost, Aoba, and Ren curiously, not approaching for the moment since they seemed embroiled in a deep conversation. Ghost spun his shell, gesturing the man over. No sense making him stand around when the conversation was technically about him, anyways.