[ The intensity of his gaze causes hers to widen slightly. Her heart skips a beat or two, and her tail straightens. Gods, he is so talented at distracting her, even when he most certainly means not to. The pull to encourage his hands surfaces once more, but she turns it down once more. It has been months since they enjoyed the sound of their voices. There has been so much to happen that she ought tell him of the places they have been. That insistent tug to be as close to that line as possible can surely wait.

Her hand raises to rest over his on her collarbone, gently trailing her fingers along the back of his hand. ]

Some part of the star will always be in conflict. Yet, at some point, they cannot rely on Thisru and I alone. We have lives to live.

[ A smile touches her face at his question. ] We fair well enough. Most of this mission has been a test of endurance and strength, as opposed to faith that Ishgard taxed us with. We have seen far more of what the Empire has done to those under its direct rule... the lives it has broken, and the broken lives they put in charge to oppress others.

[ Then, her eyes travel up to the ceiling. The thunder echoes beyond the room and the rain hits the windows harder. ]

Zenos... he's perhaps the strongest man I have ever encountered; by brute force alone. The Ascians wield magick beyond our abilities, and Nidhogg did as well. Everything about Zenos is made of his own training and gaining of power...