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

[ He has never dared broach the subject with her out of fear that she might say she has come to loathe, even despise the Scions for one reason or another. The secret involving Lyse was one thing, although he too was also unaware of it until it came to light.

And one does not have to be a genius or brilliant thinker to know that they sent the two sisters here and there, scarcely giving them a moment to rest. Oh, it is out of necessity, or so they all say, but he still wonders if the two have begun resenting them for it. ]

Ah... Yes, I suppose I do. [ He twines his fingers together then, some of his apprehension showing itself in how he twists them around each other. ] Do you ever wish that fate had led you down a different path? Perhaps that you never joined with the Scions or any company at all.

[ He can't stop the blush that forms at the base of his neck at her words, and he offers her a shy but still somehow pleased smile. ] Well, we have been through quite a bit, have we not? [ The sundering of the Scions, Thancred and Y'shtola in the lifestream, what happened with Minfilia... And he still has lingering effects from what transpired with the Crystal Braves. It would have been enough to shake his confidence, and it did, for a time. ]

Everyone I have encountered, Ser Estinien included, have all helped me. And I have learned many lessons from you and your sister as well.

[ At the mention of Ishgard, Alphinaud briefly pauses, glancing around them at their surroundings. ] Truthfully, I had grown used to Ishgard, and had it not been necessary for us to leave, I could have remained there for a little while longer.

[ He would visit again, when this is all over, in hopes of seeing old friends once more. ]

Then I imagine you would also like to return as soon as you are able.

That... is certainly a question. [ Her eyes close as she considers her answer. ] Had I not joined the Scions, I may still yet be in Gridania. Several battles may have not turned out the way they had needed. After all, Hydaelyn chose my sister and I, did She not? I think there was no avoiding becoming a Scion in the end.

[ A shake of her head even if her eyes remained closed. ] However, I do wish the Scions would feel more as kin than mere bedfellows of convenience. Then, perhaps, I might feel it possible to share things of my own. I see little to no reason to share with them if they so see fit to keep secrets from me and my sister. Especially after all that they have asked us to do.

[ An eye opens to look at Alphinaud and smile at the blush that takes his neck. He certainly looks up towards the dragoon even if he will not say it. ]

We have been. And yet, here we are, going through quite a bit more for the sake of Eorzea. I imagine we have much more to push forward to. [ A hand raises to gently rest on the top of Alphinaud's head for but a moment. She would not want to seem overbearing or offending some sort of custom from his homeland. ] I believe we all grew rather fond of Ishgard. Some, maybe, more than others in ways.

[ Alkaid glances to the side and forces a shrug. ] I would. However, the position myself and K'thisru are in hardly allows it.

Of course, you're right. She did choose you both, and Eorzea is much better for it, but I- [ He decides then that perhaps it is best if he refrains from being too forthcoming with his inner thoughts. The last thing he wishes is to offend her or cause her trouble. ]

I believe that I know something of how you feel. It seems as though we accomplish much together, and that has led to a certain sort of kinship, but it could be more. Or perhaps I am merely thinking too much and should focus on other things. [ Still, he feels as though her sentiments may as well be his own, and he does not carry half the responsibility that she and her sister do. ]

Yes, I believe that our path will be long, winding here and there before it finally reaches an end. [ He smiles in response to her hand resting on his head. He is certainly not offended by the gesture, but rather, he draws comfort from it. ] It became something of a home, or at least, that is how I came to think of it. A refuge when we had nowhere else to turn, and a place where we were welcomed to with open arms.

[ Not by all who lived there, of course, but the ones who did became quite important to Alphinaud, and evidently to Alkaid as well. ]

For now, yes, but there might be a time when you will be able to return, and linger there for a longer period of time. [ He hopes that is the case, at least. ]

But...?

[ Her tail sways side to side in an attempt to edge him to speak of what is on his mind. ]

Thinking as you do is hardly a negative, Alphinaud. I mean no disrespect, but it seems the Scions attempt to operate so closely as they did underneath your grandfather. That was how Minfillia wished the organization to be and that is how they act. They wish to be comrades who are there at the aid of one another with no true bond between us other than academics and shared goals. That is not entirely how I would see a group of fellows act.

When I feel as if I am closer to those in Ishgard and have spent less time with them? Perhaps something is amiss.

[ She shakes her head. Perhaps it is a pointless to share her frustrations. The Scions will, after all, act as they will. ]

I see it as a home myself. More than the home I came from or Mor Dhona, to Tataru's dismay I am sure. [ A shrug then because she feels as she does. ] Maybe. Someday.

I certainly mean no disrespect either, and Hydaelyn herself surely must be frowning at me for even thinking along these lines, but I cannot help but think that you would still be able to help others and use all your gifts and abilities even if you had not joined the Scions, or any organization, for that matter. [ He leaves this next part unsaid, but perhaps if that had been the case, then both Alkaid and her sister would have more freedom to go where they will while still giving aid when needed. ]

Perhaps if you said something along those lines to them, or perhaps to Y'shtola or Thancred. It might give them a moment of pause, and perhaps they would interpret your words as a needed reminder and thus take them to heart.

[ Of course, to do so would be quite decisively stepping forward, and he understands if she would rather not. ] Speaking for myself, I might not be so inclined to make such a decisive move, but it would certainly garner results one way or another.

[ He offers a tentative sort of smile, not wishing to offend her or otherwise negatively impact her mood, but he adds: ]

Perhaps we should consider relocating our base of operations to Ishgard.

I doubt She is frowning. Something tells me She prefers we live and chose as we would. [ A shrug follows her statement. She cannot explain how or why she has that feeling. Just... a little nudge in her mind that expresses it. ] I may still be able to help others. Yet, I can help even more being Her Warrior of Light and traveling with the Scions. Even if, as of late, I feel rather more like their errand girl than a member of the organization.

[ Her arms cross under her bust as she walks. She feels it may not be the best to inform Alphinaud of these things. Yet, he had once wished to lead a Grand Company of his own. A skill to lead and learn of how those under him think and feel would be valuable in the future. He is just so young. ]

I would think they are too set in their ways and operating as they have been in order to truly listen. Y'shtola now has things she needs to heal from, and Thancred has his own goals that blind him. [ Her head tilts to the side as she thinks, her tail swaying ever so slightly. ] And, I doubt Lyse would much see the point I make, and instead take it as a critique of her character. She is too far into the shadow of her father and her sister to truly see outside of that at the moment.

If anything? She is like Thisru when we left our clan. She has finally seen the world outside the narrow scope she understood it. Everything is new and exciting, and the thrill of it all will sweep her away until something forces her to stay grounded. I rather doubt that it is me.

[ The statement makes her pause. Her gaze turns to Alphinaud then. Of course, she realizes what he says without saying it. She, her sister, and him all see Ishgard as a home. Operating from Ishgard would mean returning home as opposed to an outpost that is out of mere convenience than anything else. Not to mention that Matoya is nearer to Ishgard... ]

What do you think the other Scions would say of such a proposal?

[ He pauses for a moment, thinking that over. From what he has heard and observed from others' accounts, Hydaelyn has always seemed kind to him, and not one who judges harshly or metes out wrath. ] There must be middle ground between how you feel and what the Scions ask of you. [ He may not desire to be named leader of any one company again, but there still remains a time and a place for stepping forward to help those who might need it. Even the Warrior of Light needs assistance, not that he would presume as much without verifying with her first. ] Perhaps they do not realize that is how you feel.

[ And again, he weighs his options here, because he could say what is on his mind or he could overstep and offend her. ] Knowing that it is ultimately your decision, if you would like, I could speak to them on your behalf. [ They might not be inclined to listen to him either, but he cannot help but feel as though someone within the company should know how she truly feels. ]

I must agree, however much I wish that it was not the case. [ He does often wonder how Y'shtola is faring after everything she has been through, and while Thancred is more than capable of handling himself, he also has no small amount of worry for him as well. ] No, I suppose that for the time being, it is not a good time to speak with either of them.

[ He falls silent for a moment or two as they walk along, and he is about to make some further comment about the notion of relocating to Ishgard, when he spots someone just a few paces ahead of them. ]

Alkaid, look there, just straight ahead. [ He would have missed it, if not for the piece of clothing that did not entirely match its surroundings. ] Could it be another survivor? [ He hopes that it is a survivor and not another casualty. ]

Perhaps they do not, but I cannot imagine that it would matter either way. The necessity would certainly outshine the emotions, would it not? They would of argued why keeping identities secret mattered. They trusted their comrades that came before and their judgement. We are the newcomers, for all intent and purpose. I very much doubt that they care beyond the fact we are the Warriors of Light.

[ How often have they been asked if they are well? What they might think of things? It is only truly Alphinaud or Krile that asks. The rest simply go about the tasks and plans with their duty attached. She does not rebuke or judge it. Simply point out how it feels, to her, that she and her sister were only recruited for the task of killing Primals and stopping being a political arm.

Her eyes widen at his suggestion. Her ears turn towards him, twitching slightly. ]

I will say this, Alphinaud. If that is what you wish to do? Then you can speak on my behalf on this matter. [ She gives him a gentle smile. ] I am certain you will know when and how to speak to them.

[ The silence is brief until he calls her attention forward. Her ears stand on end as she intently listens for anything shuffling. She can faintly hear a gentle groan, and that is enough to make her rush forward to the pile of rubble. Her side protests loudly against the motion, but all she does is wince and close one eye in pain as she bends down next to the rubble and moves the easiest moved rocks to see what the clothing is attached to.

Small blue eyes meet hers and Alkaid jerks her head around to look at Alphinaud. ]

Alphinaud!

It matters because how you feel matters, Alkaid. [ At times, he prefers to be more diplomatic about certain things, but there are other times when he cannot help but be a little bit more plain-spoken. ] Surely if they have any regard for you at all, they will want to know what is on your mind. [ And of course, on her heart, but he feels as though it is not his place to assume too much on that score. ] And I hope that you will forgive me for saying this, but if they only care about you and your sister because of who you are as warriors, then they are hardly being fair to either of you and doing you a disservice besides.

[ He truly does not mean to become so passionate about this, but he finds he does not approve of the notion of the Scions seeing the two sisters as nothing more than the Warriors of Light. Still, he imagines they should have the opportunity to defend themselves, on the off chance that that is not how they truly feel.

Regardless, he cannot help but feel troubled on the sisters' behalf. ]

I believe that I will, after I have given the words that I might say some thought. [ He does not mean to charge in full speed ahead without giving the matter proper consideration.

He pays close attention as she moves to investigate what he has just drawn her attention to, and it does not escape his notice that she seems to be move with difficulty. When the two of them have a moment, he means to insist that she rest while he gives her a careful examination. He might not be the most skilled of healers, but he can still manage to have some impact. ]

What is it? [ A note of tension creeps into his voice in response to the suddenness with which she says his name. He is quick to move closer, also bending down to see how he might offer his aid. ]

Hmm. Does it?

[ Her eyes move upwards. It is not the first time she wonders if how she and her sister feel matters. There has always been a difference in how the Scions approach them versus Aymeric and Lucia. While she does not expect all to give them reverence of their titles? It would be nice to be treated as a friend.

Lyse, for all the mistrust, at least tries. ]

You would be surprised at how unfair the world might be, Alphinaud. Politics is never as such... but people rarely are as well. Which is why, I suppose, the impact Thisru and I make seems to be so large.

[ She would have raised her hand to his head again if what he had pointed out had not caught her attention so.

Once he is at her side, she shifts so he might see the pair of eyes staring at them for help. A few fingers reach out to them, but it is clear the person below is stuck. Alkaid turns her attention back to them and attempts to move some of the heavier rocks, despite the twinge of pain that shoots up her side and back. ]

We have to get them out! Can you help with the larger rocks?

It does, and if any of the others cannot see that, then- [ He takes a look around them, wanting to be certain that he is not overheard. ] Then they are far more shortsighted than I believed them to be.

[ How Alkaid and K'thisru feel matters to Alphinaud, and he is certain that Alisaie feels the same way, even if she might not always know how to express it. If only they had more downtime in between threats, he would like nothing more than to spend time relaxing with the two sisters and getting to know them better. ]

Have we not seen glimpses, if not entire pictures, of that very thing? [ It seems to him that they have certainly seen the unfairness of the world more than once since this whole adventure began.

He does not have time to comment further, because even as she is drawing his attention to the unfortunate trapped individual and the rocks that are keeping them held in place, he is already moving to do as she has asked. He pays no heed to how the rocks might scrape or cut his hands, because what is most important is freeing the person trapped beneath them. While he works, he keeps one eye on Alkaid, because something about her movements seems odd to him, even if he has yet to realize why. He does not have the trained eye of a healer, but still. ]

[ For now, she places their conversation to the side. They can continue it once the newly found survivor is safe. Her side twinges once more as she reaches to far for a rock, her hand and arm starting to shake. She pushes through that however. The life underneath the rubble is more important than discomfort she may have.

Enough rubble is moved by the two of them to reveal the face of a young boy, no older than ten. Alkaid offers him a small smile and slides her hand into the opened hole, offering it to him in order give him some comfort. ]

It's alright now. We've got you.

[ Alphinaud is quick to direct his attention to the young boy who clearly needs their help. But even as he moves closer so that he might see what he can move away in order to assist in freeing him, the way Alkaid's arm and hand shakes catches his eye.

He takes hold of another rock, moving it out of the way, but as he does so, he inquires: ]

Are you certain you're all right? [ It seems that there is no ignoring the pinpricks of worry that are beginning to form even as he surveys her and her movements. ]

[ His question makes her pause. There is no point in lying to the young man. He can clearly see she is struggling. Beyond that, however, there is a sense of responsibility when it comes to Alphinaud and Alisaie -- even if she may clash with the latter. She, K'thisru, and the twins carry a secret that no one else in Eorzea could ever know. One so deeply personal to the Leveilleur family that it makes lying to the twins - in any capacity - feel underhanded.

She looks over at him and manages a strained smile. ]

For the moment and helping him? Yes. Afterwards...

[ Alkaid forces a small shrug. They can change their eye to her needs and wounds once they have taken care of the survivor.

She moves the last rock that she can and looks down to see the young boy looking up at them. She smiles in return, her ears and tail lifting happily at seeing the boy seems to be in a decent shape. There is no telling just yet how long the boy has been under the rubble. ]

Hello, are you alright? [ Her smile widens as she uses her good arm to reach inside to offer some comfort. ] My friend Alphinaud and I are going to get you somewhere safe.

[ There is no pretending that a part of Alphinaud wishes he could both help the young boy and use what healing he can to help Alkaid all at the same time. But inevitably, he is forced to concede that she is right. Once they've freed the boy and gotten him to safety, then he can direct his attention to her.

He does not like it, but there is nothing else to be done. ]

Afterwards... [ He echoes her words, fixing her with his best determined stare before he also extends a hand to the boy. ]

Yes, it will not take us long at all, and we will make sure you are safe and looked after. [ He does not bother with words such as everything will be all right, because there is no way for him to promise that and live up to that, so he keeps his words limited to what he can promise and act on. ]

Now, are you able to move at all? [ He wishes to know if he is hurt and thus unable to move of his own volition. If so, then he will simply have to move more of the rubble and debris, while also keeping Alkaid from pushing herself too hard. He would be a fine friend indeed if he did not do his best to help the boy and her. ]

[ There is a smile of understanding that crosses her face. She knows all too well the feeling of wishing be able help any and all that she can. The more of war she sees, be with man or dragon, the more she wishes she could. ]

A-a little...

[ She nods and starts to move another rock. Her tail straightens in a sudden bolt of pain, but she manages to hide it well enough. At least, she hides it from the boy they are trying to help.

Once a few more rubble pieces have been moved, the boy tries to claw himself out. He manages the feat, and Alkaid helps guide him out of the rubble. He is covered in cuts, bruises, and dirt. ]

[ Alphinaud is quick to remain close by once the final pieces of rubble are removed, and the boy manages to free himself, but once again, his gaze is drawn back to Alkaid, because he hasn't missed the way her tail suddenly stands on end. Once he can properly focus on her after they have seen to the young survivor, he means to offer what assistance and healing he can.

For now, though, their attentions have to be on the young boy and getting him back on his feet again.

And in the interest of being on the same page and to make things easier for her and the boy, he asks: ] Would you rather see to his needs here or shall we bring him back to the settlement?

[ He does not seem to have any life-threatening injuries, but Alphinaud is well aware that sometimes, one cannot rely solely on sight in situations such as this. ]

[ Alkaid turns her attention to the young boy as he stumbles. Her hands raise to steady him and a smile takes her face. ] Are you able to walk a bit? We have a camp where a few can tend to your wounds.

[ The boy looks himself over and hesitantly nods. ] I-I think so...

[ She stands then, albeit slowly, and nods to Alphinaud. A hand raises to the young boy and she holds it with a smile on her face. They can walk with him and see if there are any wounds they will need to attend to. ]

My name is Alkaid, and this is my friend Alphinaud.

[ Alphinaud offers the young boy a warm smile, and he turns so that Alkaid can receive the benefit of it as well. He cannot pretend that he is not worried for her, but for the moment, the priority must be helping their young charge get to safety where he can be looked at. ]

Once we return to the settlement, you will be able to rest and have any hurts that you have cared for.

[ Fortunately for them, the settlement is not that far from their location, and although Alphinaud does not intend to rush the boy along, they still manage to arrive in good time. As was the case prior to Alphinaud heading out into the field to search for survivors, Krile is still in the designated healing area, and he makes his approach. ]

Is there room for one more? [ Nodding first to Alkaid and then to the boy, he goes on to explain: ] We found him underneath some rubble as we continued our searches.

[ Even if the answer was that there was no room remaining, Alphinaud would have still found a way to secure a space for the boy that he might receive healing and then be able to finally rest. But he hopes that is not the route he must take.

Fortunately, Krile nods in the affirmative, her hands obviously full with caring for the wounded, and she gestures to where a free bed is available. Smiling at her and giving her a nod of thanks, Alphinaud turns back to the boy. ]

See? You will be resting comfortably in no time at all.

[ Alkaid smiles in return to Alphinaud for his aid. They do make good time, despite how she is unable to move as she might normally. Upon their arrival, an informal greeting by wave of her hand is given to Krile. While she is a newly recent member of the Scions? Alkaid had always felt a fondness to her. ]

We will come and check on you in a few hours. Try to rest. Krile is one of the most skilled healers I know.

[ Which is far from a platitude, and she is not certain why Krile seems to beam at the praise. She raises her hand to gently pet down the boy's hair before taking her leave with Alphinaud.

They are only a handful of steps away before she feels a shooting pain from her side and up to her neck. She stumbles down onto her knees and grits her teeth, attempting to push through it if only awhile longer. Not that she intends to dissuade Alphinaud, but she would not have the others of the Reach see her in such a state... ]

[ After they have left the designated healing area and it is just the two of them once more, Alphinaud turns to Alkaid, intending to make some sort of comment about the boy they found. Instead, he sees her drop to her knees and everything he was about to say flies from his mind. ]

Alkaid! [ He chastises himself even as he kneels beside her, because he knew something was wrong but he let her convince him to wait and focus on the boy's needs and not on hers. ]

You're hurt! [ If only he were taller and stronger, because then he could lift her and carry her back to see Krile. As it is, he reaches for her hand, gripping it gently but firmly. ]

You must go back to have Krile see to your injuries. [ But even as he says that, he gives her a quick looking over and decides that she can't wait. ]

Where have you been hurt? [ If she is unable to tell him, he will have a look himself, but he decides he should let her answer, if she is able. ]

H-hush now, Alphinaud. Please...

[ She wines again and her hand goes to her injured side. She can feel the heat coming from the injury, as well as the warmth of blood. In a moment she knows she has pulled open stitches and sighs before looking at him once more. ]

I knew the risks and took them as my own. You have no place to blame yourself. [ The hand not at her side raises for him to help her. Should he look closer at her hand, he will see the hint of silver earlier in their small adventure outwards is truly a ring. One sat on the ring finger. ] Krile is far from being able to attend to me. You are an archanist, yes? I-I can walk you through what needs to be done...

Edited 2022-02-23 19:33 (UTC)

[ Alphinaud pushes aside the guilt he feels, because now is not the time, and Alkaid needs his help. ]

Oh, but I do, because I could have helped you and our young friend both. [ He is certain he would have found a way to manage it, instead of making her wait until she collapsed from her injuries. All he can think about, aside from his worry for her, is how angry her sister will certainly be should she learn of this. He has no intentions of concealing his error, of course. ]

Please, instruct me and I will do what I can. And... [ His gaze tips downwards for a moment. ] I am sorry, Alkaid.

Our young friend is far more of a priority than me. Neither of us could of barred the thought of harm coming to someone when we should have been able to help. [ Alkaid gives him a knowing smile despite the winces. ] You've no reason to be sorry at all.

[ Once she is up to her feet again, she gestures to a small sitting arrangement that is separate from the others. She stumbles only a few times before they reach their destination and she takes her seat. She pulls the hand lightly covered in blood from her side and inhales sharply. ]

I can't imagine healing is different between many practices. You will need to redirect my aether to the wound and encourage it to come back together. I-I doubt there is much resistance, but...

[ Even as she speaks, Alphinaud shakes his head. He does not disagree that they needed to help bring their young friend to safety, but he has as much duty to Alkaid as he does to anyone. ] I cannot say that your words lack truth, but I have a responsibility to you as well, as a fellow Scion and as your friend. And I am sorry.

[ But he knows better than to waste any more time arguing what is already decided in his mind. She needs his help now, and he will not keep her waiting any longer. ]

In words alone, that sounds simple enough, perhaps deceptively so. [ But he is certain there is enough overlap between the disciplines that this shall not be an insurmountable task.

He holds out a hand, momentarily closing his eyes for focus, doing his best to encourage her aether to travel to where the wound is located. ]

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

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/lost notif for this, but wraps this one up