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

I know I have, Lantaa! [ If she were standing up, her hands would be on her hips right now. ] That doesn't mean he is any less intimidating. And besides, when I've talked to him, it was always about the war or the next task. [ Except for the dinner that both of them were invited to, but that's most certainly the exception.

The idea of being his sister by marriage is not a bad one by any means; in fact, she's already thought that it might be nice to have someone somewhat like an older brother. Still, her tail practically stands up straight and a hint of color rises in her cheeks.

Why she is suddenly so nervous about speaking with Aymeric, she truly doesn't know. ]

Well... Well, now he does. [ She tries to inject as much confidence into her words as she can, because she does feel that it's high time that the Lord Speaker have family around him again.

As for her mysterious visitor, she sighs. ] He is. Of course, I couldn't actually touch him, or even see very much of him because he wouldn't lower his hood, but... You should have seen his arm, Lantaa. It looks as though all the flesh has been taken over by crystal. How long until it takes him over entirely?

[ Of course she knows that her sister won't have an answer for that, both because she hasn't met him, but also, to her knowledge, they haven't seen anything quite like this before. ]

[ Alkaid pauses for a moment, ears perking up at the sudden outburst from her sister. One would think she would be used to such things given the nature of their dynamic. Still, it does often take her surprise now and then. ]

Would it be better if I was there with you for the first few times? [ Her voice drops to a soft and hesitant tone. ] Just to help break the ice.

[ The description of the mysterious stranger does cause her to worry. The how and why he is looking for them is more of a concern than the fact his body is turning into crystal; yet that too is a worry within itself. What could cause that? ]

Did he give any explanation as to why such a thing is happening to him?

[ Honestly, she isn't entirely certain why she responded that way, but there is something about the notion of speaking with Aymeric about more personal things that gives her pause. Perhaps because he seems so well put together, and she knows full well that sometimes, she isn't. ]

Would you really? [ Part of her knows she is being ridiculous, because Aymeric has never been anything but kind to them both, but she can't help but feel a little bit intimidated by him. ]

I think he said that he needs to use older magick to accomplish his goals, whatever they are, but to compensate for using that magick, somehow, it takes from him too. He said the longer he uses it and the more he needs, it keeps taking more.

[ She frowns, not liking this any more than she did when she first learned about it. ]

He said that he's resigned to whatever happens, but- I thought there must be another way that doesn't end with him turning completely to crystal.

[ With the benefit of seeing both behind closed doors? Alkaid can certainly say that whenever Aymeric is not well put together? He is just as any else would be. However, he has crafted a perfect mask of a military and political leader. She understands why her sister might be intimidated, but she had merely thought that after their time in Ishgard and dealing with the Lord Speaker, her sister might feel more at ease.

Regardless, she nods. ] Of course. While we are to be part of his family? You are still my family by blood. How am I to wed someone that you are not comfortable with? We only have each other from our tribe.

[ Alkaid firmly still has no intentions of returning to their tribe. Even more so now that she is engaged. While she is certain Aymeric may wish to meet her parents? She would rather not have to deal with the scolding of breaking traditions and finding marriage outside of the tribe. ]

When one uses white magic, it must be seen to do well. The elementals are protective of who learns it for what purpose. It is why the soul crystals of white mages are so rare to be found. [ Her head tilts in thought. ] It may yet be similar for him. Except that instead of dealing with elements, what he uses requires a considerable amount of aether...

[ Even that still feels lacking and wrong. Perhaps they are missing more information to the problem this mysterious stranger faces. ]

The surest way would be to have him cease using the magicks all together. However, it sounds that is far from an option.

[ She knows that Aymeric loves his city and everyone who lives there, and that he would do just about anything to protect it, so it is crystal clear to her that he is a good man and will treat her sister right. She will just have to work through her nerves about approaching him. ]

I mean, you love him, and that is good enough for me. I just need to get to know him like you did. [ As friends, of course. But Aymeric seems to only have eyes for her sister, as it should be. ]

The way he talked, he made it sound as though he has to continue doing whatever it is that he does, because the future of Eorzea depends on it. He said he couldn't tell me more.

The best way to do that is to make time and speak with him. [ A gentle poke to the back of her sister's ear. One that is meant to encourage. ] I think we should aim to have another dinner with him. One where we can all shed our titles and enjoy one another's time.

[ A small hum of thought comes from her then. ]

He is willing to give his life for Eorzea, as so many others are. I wonder if they think more of what benefit their lives would bring if they simply did the opposite. Live.

[ Her ear wiggles when Alkaid pokes it, and a giggle escapes her before she can stop it. ] Another dinner with him would be nice, and I'm sure he'd love to pick up where the other one ended. [ And not to tempt fate, but maybe there won't be any interruptions this time. ]

I know he is, and I understand why he is so willing to do that, but- If there weren't any wars or fighting, then maybe everyone could get to just live.

[ Everyone dies at some point, but she can't help but feel as though she is tired of people she knows, and even those she doesn't, dying. ]

[ The wiggle makes a broad smile spread on her face. She is glad to see that despite it all, her sister can still smile. Her head can be lifted and laughs can come easily from her. While Alkaid may push forward? Her empathy can almost be a negative. She truly does not know what it would be like without her sister on this grand adventure. ]

I will be certain to ask for a dinner when I write to him. [ Oh, had she mentioned she would be writing Aymeric? ] We could even make up for the breakfast that was interrupted when we tried to plan the wedding...

[ Her eyes close. People would die of wounds or illness. Yet, she understands what her sister means. The wars ending would mean less dying. ]

Do you wish to save him so much? Even though he is a stranger?

[ Part of her still wishes for a world where there are no wars and everyone exists side by side, peacefully with each other. Even so, she's certain she might never see such a world, no matter how much she wishes for it. But if nothing else, at least she and her sister can try and bring hope with them wherever their paths take them. ]

You've been writing to him? [ She hadn't known that, but she supposes that she should have guessed. ] I'd like that, and I'm sure he would too.

I do want to save him, and his people. You should have heard the way he talks about us. He's counting on us, and... [ She lets out a quiet sigh then. ] To hear him talk about it, his people just push forward every day, but they just have what must seem like a far-off hope driving them.

Will that be enough? [ That last question is said quietly, more to herself than anything, but there are no answers for it. ]

Not yet, but, I plan to. [ A long sigh leaves her, fingers continuing to brush down her sister's hair. ] There has been little time to write what I would like... and, I imagine he will get reports of what the Scions are doing regardless. What I wish to send him is describing the places we see, the people we meet. Why put into words what I know the Scions will say before me?

[ She has had too many disappointments with that. While he may wish to hear her recounting of events? Alkaid would prefer to tell him what he would not hear. There is enough tension between her and the rest of the Scions at the moment. Or at least, there is from her end. Perhaps they care not about her feelings in regarding the latest events. ]

Hope can do amazing things. Look at what the hope of the war ending between man and dragon has done for Ishgard. [ Alkaid gives her sister a smile. ] Tell me how he sounded.

I'm sure that letters from you will be a nice surprise for him. [ She relaxes even further beneath her sister's comforting touch. ] He really doesn't get to travel very much, does he? [ It just seems that he has so many responsibilities that he has to remain in Ishgard, or at least close by. ] Anything you can tell him about the places we're seeing would be welcome. And you know how he feels about having to read so many... What did he call them? Arid reports?

[ Her expression shifts once again as she recalls her conversation with the Exarch and how she desperately wanted to do something right then and there to help. ] Hopeful, of course, but I think that he sounded a little desperate too. He has to lead his people, and he needs our help with something... [ She would shake her head if not for the fact that Alkaid is still brushing her hair. ] It seems like he has a lot that he's carrying.

I imagine whatever travel he does is close within Corethas. Wartime would open the way for travel, yet it seems they are unwilling to let him go just yet. Maybe one day ... [ Her ears droop ever so slightly. ] Arid is certainly the way he likes to describe them. Would you like to send him something as well?

Desperation ... I hope it does not lead him to do something rash. [ Given what they have already seen in the world. Ala Mhigo is a prime example. ] If he leads a settlement of people then he certainly does.

[ She can hear that tone in her sister's voice, and she reaches over to take hold of her free hand so she can give it a squeeze. ] Maybe one day, he'll finally have the chance to travel with you. [ She might not have said as much, but K'thisru's fairly certain that is what her sister wants more than anything. ] You know what, I think I would.

I hope it doesn't either. He insists that he will be there whenever we finally arrive, but I- Well, I still worry about him even though I don't know him all that well.

[ She sighs, knowing she really shouldn't worry so much about a veritable stranger, but she can't help it. ] I'm sure that he would do anything for his people, but I hope that anything doesn't include putting himself in harm's way.

Maybe.

[ She squeezes her sister's hand in return. Their situation is far from hopeless or without resolution. Outside forces will either need to be stopped or turned away from. Those forces neither of them can truly walk away from.

Regardless, she nods. When she writes her letter? She will be certain to wait for her sister to add to it. ]

We don't need to know someone very well to care for them. They are people who live on our star. [ She smiles. ] We will have to keep our eye out for him. I need to meet your mysterious stranger.

[ She moves to address the next statement when a familiar voice calls to them. Alkaid looks down over the edge to see Lyse waving to them. She sighs and gives a gentle nudge to K'thisru. ]

I'll follow your lead.

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

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