"Death is not the worst fate to befall someone on that jaunt." Quiet and grave, but sure, Armin softly strokes his hand over Alcuin's hair, fingers tangling gently. "And your feelings have nothing to do with rights. You feel this way - that's all. There is no shame and no pride in it, merely fact."

He's quiet for a long moment, just holding him and stroking him, and it seems for a time as if that's all he has to say.

"...Knowing what you face doesn't absolve you of the fear, nor does accepting the past. Do you think I was any less terrified when I faced the titans in my home world? I knew what I faced. I had accepted our situation. Yet I was still frozen with fear when it happened, watching helpless as my comrades were all devoured.

"Do you think I would be any less terrified if I faced them now?

"This doesn't make you weak, Alcuin. Nobody should have to face this."