[ he's not stupid - he had an inkling that this is where Verso's question was leading. It's still faintly surprising to hear. A handful of weeks is a terribly short time to decide such a commitment. Messmer supposes people have followed him to hell for less compelling reasons. It doesn't keep his eye from briefly widening at the humble request, though his expression swiftly becomes more resigned. ]

... Mine intention is to return to the shadowed lands. My loyal knights yet remain; whatever answer doth await me, I will not abandon them to their fate. [ a beat. ] A fate that I will not have thee share. Thou wouldst trade one prison for another, O fool.

[ his tone softens towards the end, but there's a firmness to it, too. The lands beneath the Scadutree are as blighted as Messmer himself, after what he and Marika did - and, veiled beneath her powers, there's no way out, unless he manages to track down Miquella before his ascension and ask him, which is unlikely, at this point. It's no place to live: not fit for any but shadows and scavengers, and certainly not for a vibrant soul like Verso. ]

I would see thee to a happier beginning.