FF PSL | ❝ for those we can yet save. ❞

[hobbitholmes]

AFTERGLOW

— hear, feel think. —

❄️ HEAVENSWARD

★ Ever Heavensward (3.0)
    — Ishgard Meetings, Part 2

★ As Goes Light, So Goes Darkness (3.1)
    — Unfleeting Emotions

★ The Gears of Change (3.2)
    — Heavy Hearts, Part 2

★ Revenge of the Horde (3.3)
    — Starlight Festival (Alkaid)
    — Starlight Festival (KP)

🔥 STORMBLOOD

★ IC Permission
★ IC Permission
★ IC Permission
★ IC Permission
★ IC Permission

BEYOND

CODE BY TESSISAMESS

Comments

꧁༺ storm of blood (4.0) ༻꧂

[shepherdtostars]

Fire in your eyes and fire in your hearts steeled as you sound the horns of war
Yet know the cost for who shall mourn when light is quenched that another might burn brighter?
Let not the rays of justice blind e'er trust in grace and she shall guide

🦅 gyr abania — chapter one.

[shepherdtostars]

a time of quietness before the revolution.

[shepherdtostars]

[ Rhalgr's Reach is oddly quiet for a place named after the god of destruction.

Alkaid sits atop the Bloodstorm arch, eyes turned towards the sky. Gone are the heavy but lightly colored furs of the snows of Corethas. Instead, they have been replaced by light clothing that is far more breathable. Her dark colored hair has started to grow out, even if the pink in it remains. Her feet dangle off the edge and her hands between her legs as she simply stares up at the stars.

Gyr Abania. A region torn apart by war instilled by the Empire. Fear, hatred, people lacking the strength to continue on. It reminds her of the Isghardians even if their pain and will manifest so very differently. She will not say that one has suffered more, for the people have experienced it differently even if the cause might be the same. Loss of homes, loved ones, lives changed by a foe that seems unbeatable. Yet, she and her sister put the Black Wolf of the Empire to bed. Surely, whoever torments this region should be no different.

Even so... she finds herself staring up to the sky. Her gaze moves from one row of stars to the next. There is no seeking of answers or even thoughts that swirl in her mind. Simply a longing for what lies heavensward. ]

[elpides]

[ It is quiet here... Almost too quiet for K'thisru's liking. Ishgard wasn't loud, not exactly, but when she and her sister left to come to Gyr Abania, it was just beginning to come back to a bustling sort of life following the conclusion of the war that had stretched on for far too long.

There is life here in Rhalgr's Reach, but it is a different sort. There are similarities to Foundation and the Pillars, of course, and it is all too easy for her to see how both this place and the one she has recently left have been touched by war.

They helped in Ishgard, and she is confident that they will be able to help here as well, even though she can't help but feel a little tired after the journey and so soon after helping bring an end to Ishgard's war.

Nevertheless, her steps lead her high up off the ground, navigating steps and ledges until she reaches the place where her sister sits and watches the sky and the stars. Wondering if she should interrupt her, or rather stand back and silently watch, she stays where she is, her own gaze alternating between glancing at the sky and looking back at her sister.

Finally, after a few moments, she moves so that she is standing beside her sister, and she clears her throat to announce herself. ]

It's nice up here. [ And yet she still finds herself missing the soaring spires of Ishgard and the comfortable atmosphere of the Forgotten Knight. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ Alkaid glances up at her sister and gives a gentle smile. A hand lifts from her lap and pats the ground beside her. She'd prefer if K'thisru would sit with her than stand awkwardly. There is no expectation for her sister to ever stand around. In fact, it stands out to her that she does. Usually her sister is far more... direct. ]

It's away from everyone. [ She nods and turns her gaze back up to the sky. ] I think I became too accustomed with the quiet from Ishgard.

[ As well as many other things.

Alkaid sighs and closes her eyes. She does her best not to really say what -- who -- she misses. ]

We're both usually out and about with the camps and seeing how people are. What brings you up here?

[elpides]

[ Exactly why she stood back and waited, rather than just approach her sister without hesitation, she doesn't know. She has never worried overly much about bothering her, but something caused her hesitation. Still, she doesn't miss how Alkaid pats the ground in invitation, and so she moves to sit beside her. ]

It is. Away from everyone, and you can hear yourself think. [ Never mind that of the two of them, Alkaid is the more thoughtful one, more given over to moments of reflection.

But at the moment, K'thisru feels like doing a little reflecting of her own. ]

I wish that we could have stayed in Ishgard a little while longer. [ She doesn't mind admitting that; duty and responsibility brought them here, but Ishgard has begun to feel like a sort of home to her, even if she doesn't have the same sort of attachment to it that her sister does. ]

I did a little of that, but it was getting too loud for me. [ She idly toys with a corner of the tome she carries with her as she considers the rest of her answer. ]

And I wanted to see how you were doing. [ She's certain that Alkaid would have remained in Ishgard if she could have, because she also grew fond of the place and of a certain Lord Commander turned Speaker. ]

[abrightertomorrow]

[ Much has happened since the path they all have been on lead them to Rhalgr's Reach. As is customary when it comes to matters of fate, the wheels of time and battle and urgency have been turning for quite some time now and have yet to stop, if they ever will. Privately, Alphinaud doubts that they ever will, that all of them will have to continue marching on to the beat of fate's drum until such time as wars and hostilities have ceased.

The young man that he once was might have believed that with time, all fighting would end, but he has seen much and more in recent (and not-so-recent) months that has all but convinced him that so long as fear, mistrust, hatred, and a myriad of other things still exist in the hearts of men and beast alike, wars will never end.

All they can do is continue to press on, fighting on wherever and whenever they are needed and hope that one day, they finally gain that elusive brighter future.

Tonight, that future seems farther away than ever, and as Alphinaud looks around the battered people of Rhalgr's Reach, he finds himself wondering if these people will ever have their hope rekindled again. His thoughts stray to the sisters, the Warriors of Light, and of how the two of them bring hope with them wherever they go, but this time, will it be enough?

He has much to do, having been tasked with assisting with the cleanup effort and bringing any survivors that he finds in for healing. There are survivors, and he thanks the gods for that, but for every one that he finds, there is another who may not survive.

He cannot stop yet, as there is still considerable ground to cover, but progress is slowly but surely being made, and for just a moment, he pauses, wiping a hand against his forehead and trying to catch his breath. It seems unfair that so many have had their lives stolen from them before their time, but all they can do is continue to fight on and persevere in their memory. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ Ala Mhigo is certainly not Ishgard. While the more obvious signs are the people and the land? It's heart is different. Ishgardians were still willing to fight--especially if it meant ending the war. The poor people around them have had their fighting spirit broken. Hope remains illusive to them, where as Ishgard simply believed in no other way.

Alkaid has long since settled that being the topic of her letters to the Lord Speaker she wishes to write. How different the people here are. Her letters should be more than reports he will receive regardless of who it is that sends them. He wished to travel, and so she will paint a picture of what she sees the best she can with words. Maybe tonight she will write it after she tends to the others.

They would most certainly say she need not tend to them, despite being a healer. She took a blow from Prince Zenos herself. A long sword cut from her side arcing up to her back. The injury has been patched up enough so she might walk even if it is difficult. She goes slowly from group to group, inquiring of their woes and offering any comfort she can.

If they see a Warrior of Light moving forward even when her own injuries remain? It might yet give them hope and inspiration to at least improve their lives even if they cannot keep fighting.

She then spots Alphinaud working tirelessly. Alkaid smile, quietly but gingerly working her way to him. Her hand raises to rest on his shoulder to alert him of her presence before coming to stand beside him. While he is still dressed in his normal attire? She has been given loser clothes to wear due to her injury.

They always say healers make the worst patients. ]

You look as if you need a hand, Alphinaud. [ Her gaze raises as she looks around. ] Alisaie isn't helping you?

[abrightertomorrow]

[ Indeed, it is a far cry from Ishgard, and all one has to do is look at the people who live here and see that they do not wish to fight any longer. They are all little better than strangers to him, and yet he finds himself being strangely moved by their plight. If they cannot find the will to fight any longer, then it seems to him that they should fight for them. Never mind that at the present moment, they lack the needed forces to do the fighting, but there must be something that can be done.

That is why he continues to move about from person to person, offering what little solace that he can. It may not mean very much in the grand scheme, but he has to do something. As he pauses, taking this moment to rest, he feels someone's hand rest upon his shoulder, and he turns slightly to see none other than one of the Warriors herself.

She was also injured in the fight, and a concerned look quickly crosses his face. ]

Alkaid, should you be standing right now? I had thought you were with Krile, being looked after. I am surprised that she gave you leave to move about so soon. [ Truth be told, he feared the worst when he saw her fall, but to his immense relief, she managed to stand once more before too long. Still, she too required healing, which is why he marvels that she is able to stand and walk unassisted. He does not need to ask why she is here, because he imagines that her reasoning is similar to his: she wishes to help in whatever way she can. ]

Alisaie was with me for a brief moment, but I believe that she and Lyse were called elsewhere to assist with another group of survivors who required more assistance.

[ He straightens up once more, gaze shifting to rest on her. ] And who is helping you?

[ Meaning that if she will allow it, he will gladly offer what support he can, even further healing if she requires it. ]

[shepherdtostars]

I probably shouldn't be, but, what Krile doesn't know may well not hurt her. [ A small smirk and a wink implies that she saw herself out. ] Krile has others she needs attend to, and seeing one of the Warriors of Light down for too long certainly would not help moral.

[ She looks over the people around them. There is no sign of Lyse, K'thisru, or even Alisaie. The three of them must have gone ahead together. A wry smile takes her face then. What a troublesome team the three of them would be without any supervision. ]

Me? [ Her attention snaps back to the young Elezen. A hand raises and she pats her chest in answer to her question. ] I'll be fine enough on my own. The deepest parts of the injury are healed. But, if you are wanting company, I could certainly use it.

💮 kugane and the ruby sea — chapter two.

[shepherdtostars]

meanwhile, in ishgard.

[dragonssung]

[ While not long by the way and standard of calendar? A certain dragoon feels as if it has been some time since he has seen the man he might consider his closest friend. Or, perhaps it has been too long. Time underneath the consumption of the revenge driven wrym was skewed. Eternity had only been months and within those months lay a great deal of change for dragons, Ishgard, and it would seem those he once thought he knew.

Change, it would seem, is in the wind.

Estinien Wrymwood - nay, Varlineau - leans against the stone cold wall of a familiar location. It has long been a secret place where his friend would seek refuge from the world. The span between those times increased as they grew older from their days in the Temple Knights together, yet he knows that it is the one place where one might find the Lord Speaker. It is not his way to intrude bluntly or be so forthcoming of intentions as the Warriors of Light. Instead, he simply waits until Aymeric has passed him by a few steps with little notice. ]

I had thought they would require you shed the armor in your new position, Lord Speaker. Unless war has once again come to Ishgard and I was made unawares of it.

[thewayforpeace]

[ A certain Lord Commander turned Lord Speaker has also had similar thoughts concerning his old friend, but as he went about his days doing his best to adjust to a new daily routine, he found his attention pulled elsewhere by his new responsibilities. Of course, none of this really stopped him from wondering about the well-being of his friend and that of his betrothed and her sister as well.

It was not until later in the evening when the day's work was ended that he finally had the time to breathe and let his thoughts travel where they would. He let his steps lead him to his customary place where he would stand vigil for a moment or two, taking in the fresh but chilled air and doing his best to calm his thoughts before heading home for the evening.

Part of him felt a pang of loneliness when he thought about walking through the door and into the house that was once again empty save for his trusted steward and head maid. But there was nothing to be done about that, as he knew full well that there were other things far more important than his personal wishes.

His eyebrows lift in surprise when Estinien addresses him, but his surprised expression is quickly replaced by a fond smile. ] Ah, Estinien, I was not expecting to see you returned so soon, but I am glad of it.

[ He shakes his head in response and he adds: ] All is well here for the moment, and the recovery effort is continuing as well as might be expected.

[ War might have visited another part of their star, of course, but that is the unfortunate reality of the world they live in. ]

You know what they say about old habits, I assume.

[dragonssung]

[ The fond smile is met with a tight gesture. Oh, it is a smile - as gentle or kind as Estinien may ever look. A strange thing to hear that Ishgard is well. The state of being is one of many things the Warriors of Light and Scions brought to their city-state. Perhaps the most important of all.

He shrugs casually.] I thought I might yet stop here before my mission takes me elsewhere. Enough of a stop to make certain you do not nag mutual parties on my behalf.

[ Nag or inquiry as to the whereabouts of his friend. A kind gesture, yet, Estinien has always felt Aymeric worries more than he ought to.

Old habits. Aye, he knows a thing or two of them. He pushes himself from the wall only to cross the few steps between them. A glance is sent over the familiar armor before a shake of his head. ]

The man who pushed Ishgard into a new future and yet remains in his old armor. An ironic comedy you write yourself. Even I've found myself a new set of armor.

[ Gone is the black to blue armor. Instead he sports a blue one trimmed in lighter metal. The lance upon his back is red and twisted, quite obviously the visage of a particular wrym.

Estinien shrugs once more and begins to walk. He knows the way to Ser Borel's adopted home. Although, it was far more of a home than Estinien had himself. ]

💮 doma— chapter three.

[shepherdtostars]

[eveningmist]

[ The hour has grown late, and all others have surely taken to their provided beds by now. Yugiri has also retired, and yet sleep is not coming easily to her. For an hour, and then another, she tossed and turned, trying to find a comfortable position, and when that failed, trying to will herself to sleep. Much and more hinges upon the events to come in the morning, and while she has full confidence in Lord Hien and the Warriors of Light, fate has a funny way of twisting and turning when one least expects it, and there is very little that anyone can do to prevent that.

After another handful of minutes of restlessness, she decides to abandon her fruitless attempts at sleep, and she leaves the designated sleeping area, heading out to where she knows a fire was once kindled. She can see the embers still glowing dully beneath the kindling, and while she is no expert fire-starter, she manages to stoke them back up into smaller flames.

Once that task is accomplished, she sits beside the small fire, tucking her legs beneath her as she stares at the flames. Perhaps if she sits here for a moment and puzzles through her churning thoughts, some peace will finally come to her and then she might be able to take some rest. If not, then she will merely keep vigil out here until the morning. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ Yugiri is not the only one struggling to sleep. One particular Warrior of Light, perhaps two, has also found restlessness under the stars of the Azim Steppe. Perhaps it is homesickness, or an anxiousness of the trial that waits for her and her sister in the morning. The reason seems to be of no matter as the outcome is the same either way.

Alkaid approaches Yugiri with a smile, white light robes dressing her with a blue underskirt. A hand raises in casual greeting as the other holds paper and a quill. She stops beside Yugiri and waits to be offered a seat before moving further. ]

Having a hard time sleeping as well?

[eveningmist]

[ Truthfully, even when there are not such events looming on the horizon, Yugiri finds it difficult to sleep. She does not require very much as a rule, or perhaps as a habit, so in a way, this suits her just fine. But she knows full well that sleeplessness does not suit everyone, and so she is surprised when she sees Alkaid making her approach. As she turns her head to look at her, her sharp eyes spot another figure a short distance away, and she wonders if there might be two sitting beside her instead of just one.

But for the moment, she smiles at Alkaid and pats the spot next to her as an invitation to join her. ]

Yes. It seems as though my mind has decided to become restless like the sea. [ But rather than dwell too much on her churning thoughts, she inquires: ] Do you worry about the events to come?

🦅 gyr abania — chapter four.

[shepherdtostars]

(fuk timelines, the last part of sb is UGHHH)

[shepherdtostars]

[ They had arrived in the Lochs well after morning. What remained of the Resistance had gathered for one final push against the Empire--against Zenos. The remaining Scions had also assembled and met with Raubahn to talk of their next moves. The Scions would have their own role and part to play as the companies of the Eorzean Alliance pushed the front.

Her heart skips a beat as she sees the colors of the Alliance hanging beside Ala Mhigo. Not only because of the symbolism or the unison the flags together meant. It was reminiscent of the battle five years ago, and that alone make her heart swell. Regardless if she hadn't been there when the Scions originally formed and fought to save the star from the Calamity that Bahamut called for. No, what truly makes her heart skip is the realization of who will surely be there if the whole Alliance came together.

Of course, she is not the only one who missed someone. Alkaid had done her utmost to keep her heart to herself. Especially on the nights she could see when her sister would anxiously look out into the beyond. The mysterious stranger was apparently never far from K'thisru's mind and it troubled her. How can she openly lament missing the one she loves when her sister is so tormented?

The conversation had continued on with what the Scions might do, but her thoughts had long since taken her from the conversation. The thoughts swirl in her mind until they are interrupted by a soldier reporting the arrival of the Alliance Leaders. Her ears twitch. She stands there for a moment, then two, then three, as she argues with herself on what she wishes to do and what she ought to. However, the familiar sounds of Ishgardian horns announce the arrival of the representatives on Ishgard's behalf. Her heart wins and her mind can only try follow along with only but a glancing squeeze to her sister's arm. Then, she dashes off from the meeting table.

There is no explanation given for her actions, nor asking to be excused from the meeting. Alphinaud's and Lyse's voices calling out her name can be heard, but she does not stop to even entertain their questions. Her Doman styled armor and headpiece glimmer in the setting sun as she rushes off.

The sprint is longer than she expects, and already she is pushing through the small ocean if mixed soldiers. She finally comes to a stop as she slips through a soldier from the Flames and the Adder's. Finding the blue and black armor trimmed in gold and silver is hardly difficult. The armor stands out against the others, and, not to mention, its wearer is taller than almost all of the Alliance leaders.

Alkaid freezes for a moment as the reality of the moment begins to settle--he is there in Gry Abania. Only a handful of months has passed, but, the same feelings wash over her as they did when she first met him. Except, this time, awe is hardly going to hold her in place.

She pushes past the two soldiers she has snuck between and makes straight towards her husband-to-be. The armor on the robes is far from quiet, but she is far from caring. There is no warning as her arms raise and instantly wrap around his frame. Her face buries in what she can of his armor as the familiar textures and smells bombard her all at once.

He's here, with her, and it is no dream.

Four months of being away from the manor she called home; being so far away from her knight. Her face presses into the metal plates and hands curl into the fabric on his back. Oh, the handful of letters she wrote, detailing Kugane and the Steppe. They fail in comparison to hearing his breathing and the feel of his armor again.

Alkaid's shoulders begin to shake and she bites her lip to keep the sounds of relief, tears, and longing inside. She wants to shout his name and weep in joy in front of all of them. She has missed him so much more than she anticipated and very rarely shared it with words or tears. Now, she feels overwhelmed to the point all she can do is stand there and try not to cry. ]

[thewayforpeace]

[ To say that Aymeric's nerves are reaching their peak as he makes the journey to Ala Mhigo along with the other leaders of the Eorzean Alliance would be understating it greatly. Much is at stake here, with the liberation of Ala Mhigo on the line, and the prospect of putting the threat of Zenos and the Empire to rest for good. But that is not all that is causing Aymeric's state of nervousness, although he does his level best to keep none of his emotions from showing on his face.

If the path leads to Ala Mhigo and this last great push, then surely that means he will cross paths with the Scions and the Warriors of Light once more. And while he always welcomes an opportunity to speak with the Scions and the Warriors alike, there is one person who he wishes to see and speak with very much. And, if he can manage it, he would like to hold this person as well, but he has not lost sight of his duty or of the situation at hand. There may not be time for such things, and he knows that he will have to accept that.

As the representatives from the Alliance gather, Aymeric exchanges greetings and brief bits of conversations with those who cross his path, making inquiries into their well-being and the well-being of the places they hail from. But all the while, he has his eyes and ears watching and listening for any signs of the one he has come to see, hoping that she is here as well. And if not her, then at least her sister might be, although why they would travel apart, he cannot imagine.

As fate or fortune would have it, she spots him first and is heading his way even as he is still looking around, hoping to spot her. It is not until he registers the sound of footsteps falling on the ground, followed by the feel of someone all but barreling into him that he realizes his search has ended.

He does not need to do such things as inquire as to her identity, because although she looks slightly changed from the last time he saw her, there is no doubt in his mind that this is none other than his betrothed.

When she buries her face in the drapery of his armor and he notices the way she begins to shake, he is quick to pull her in for a hug, not particularly caring who might witness this exchange. With his free hand, he moves it to stroke her hair, moving aside stray strands that have fallen loose to frame her face.

He wishes to inquire as to her well-being, and if she has any needs that he should do his best to meet, but he says none of this for the moment, choosing instead to pull her closer to him and give her a comforting hug. It truly does not matter that they are not alone, and that some members of the Scions, if not all of them, are looking on. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ Her shoulders stiffen as he holds her out of the necessity to attempt and keep herself together. There are plenty of on lookers, and they need not see one of the Warriors of Light fall to pieces on the eve of battle. Yet, her hands curl into the fabric on his back more, and a small sound makes its way from her lips, low enough for only him to hear. The relief that he is here, alive and well, seems overwhelming and she is not sure how to calm that feeling. If only she was half as skilled as he at keeping her emotions in check.

Finally, her head tilts back enough so that he might see her mint eyes looking up at him. Her ears have tucked against her head as it is quite obvious she struggles to contain her emotions. The golden headpiece shifts with how he brushes down her now slightly longer black hair. Her customary braid is still present on the side, with a off-white bow hanging in her hair decorate it. She attempts to say his name--or anything--but only manages another small sound before pressing herself against him further.

The errant thought crosses her mind that perhaps she missed him more than he missed her. He no doubt had his days busy back in Ishgard with their newly formed government sliding everything into place. There may have been no time to think or worry of her, save for the letters to grace his presence. The postmoogles had assured her that both letters reached him in due course and safely...

Her ears press further against her head as her eyes drop. An unspoken apology is written in her eyes for her display. The insecurity that perhaps she may feel things deeper than he once again becomes obvious on her face. He surely was busy gathering information on the engagement at hand, who had arrived, and what places to meet at. Yet, here she was, interrupting his time as the representative of Ishgard. Not only that, but, quite publicly displaying that they are not simply allies...

The squared shoulders drop as her head tilts down to stare at where their clothes touched. ]

[thewayforpeace]

[ By the time Aymeric returns to the quarters that have been provided to him, as an Alliance leader, it is late in the evening and he wishes for nothing more but to retire and rest while he still can.

He pauses at the doorway to his designated room, as if wondering where the Warriors of Light presently are. He shakes his head at that thought, because they surely need their rest as well, and he would not dare bother them, not this night.

And so, armed with that thought, he opens the door and steps inside, but before he closes the door behind him, he turns back long enough to look outside at the clouds forming in the sky above him.

It seems as though rain is coming, and perhaps it might even turn into a storm. It seems fitting, on the eve of what will surely be a great and monumental battle. He lingers there for a few moments more before he finally closes the door, turning from it and stepping back inside the room. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ The meeting had run later than Alkaid had expected. Not simply the one with the Alliance leaders, but the ones the Scions held thereafter. It was the finalization of plans and what was expected of them to infiltrate the Royal Palace ahead of the rest of the Alliance. They would strike hard and fast at Zenos and bring a swift end while the Alliance fought with the Empire's forces. It would require traversing under the salt lakes... to which Alkaid could already hear her sister bemoan loudly.

She squeezes her sister's hand as the meeting adjourns. Alkaid is certain K'thisru and Alphinaud are quite aware of where she is headed. While an area has been assigned for the Scions so they might rest? Her eyes are elsewhere on the matter. Unfortunately, no matter where she goes in the camp dressed however she might, any and all would recognize her. Thus, she does not bother hiding her appearance.

What she does not pay any heed to is how an Temple Knight and a Twin Adder glance at one another as she heads to the Alliance leader quarters. The Adder holds their hand up, and the Temple Knight sighs in annoyance before handing a handful of gil over.

Alkaid shakes her head as she enters the building and eventually comes to stand at Aymeric's door. She's already drenched in water from the sudden rainfall, so she doubts he would wish her to linger. Her hand reaches up to knock on his door as the other moves her dark bangs from her face to move the water from it. ]

[thewayforpeace]

[ As is customary for him, Aymeric's mind is turning far too much for him to find sleep so easily. With the battle looming on the horizon as well as the tactical strategies still chasing themselves around in his mind, he decides he needs to find a way to settle his thoughts before he can find rest.

But what to do? He can hardly fall back upon his usual task when sleep escapes him, as there are no Ishgardian reports for him to see to, not while he is here. It is while he is mulling this over that a knock sounds upon the door, and without hesitation, he crosses to it and opens it, thinking that it must be a representative from the Alliance or perhaps the Scions with some unfinished business from the meeting.

Instead, he realizes that it is none other than Alkaid, and she is completely soaked in water. ]

Alkaid! [ He is so surprised that he does not use her usual title as he does when he thinks others might be present to overhear. ] What are you d- It is hardly important; you must come in and dry off.

[ He steps back from the doorway so that she might enter, all the while thanking Halone or whoever it was that led Alkaid to his doorstep tonight. ]