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

[ 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. ]

[ 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?

[ 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?

[ A brief nod is given to the invitation and she settles herself on the ground. Then, a glance is spared back behind her at her sister. It's colder here in the Steppe than she thought... yet it is most certainly not as cold as Corethas. ]

I am nervous, but, my restlessness comes from my mind wandering elsewhere. [ She gives a small smile. ] It... is more common these days than one would think.

[ She reaches up to move her dark bangs tinged in pink to the side. She hadn't thought it would be so difficult. They say the heart grows fonder the longer it is away. However, she hardly feels fonder. If she were to describe it? The feeling is loneliness, sadness, and a fear that things will have changed while she has had to be away for so long.

Of course, her mind does not dwell on it long during the day. Only when she sees others together and the pang hits her chest once more. Otherwise, she is focused on the ever changing mission at hand. That or the antics her sister always manages to find. ]

[ K'thisru has also found sleep eluding her, but that is not particular surprising to her either. There is a lot riding on the events to come with the morning, but it is a sort of excitement combined with nervousness that keeps her awake. She has already spotted Yugiri and her fire, and taken note of her sister's arrival as well. It seems that the two of them have decided to spend some time together on the eve of the Naadam, and she might very well join them in a moment or two. The last thing she intends is to intrude, but she still wants to make sure that all is well.

Yugiri, meanwhile, gives Alkaid a look that is mostly appraising, but somewhat curious as well. She will not pry, because she knows that Alkaid's affairs are her own, but she can at least offer a listening ear. ] Would it help ease your mind if you spoke about what is troubling you?

[ Yugiri knows that she is inclined to keep her thoughts to herself, but on the occasions that she has spoken with others, it has helped clear her mind and lessen some of her worries. ]

[ Alkaid turns to her sister with a smile, a hand raised to offer her to join. She tucks her legs underneath to make room before her attention moves back to Yugiri. Her hand, however, remains raised for her sister to take. ]

It may seem... I suppose, I feel what tugs at my heart and mind pales in comparison to what you and yours struggle with. It may even seem selfish, even though I am committed to helping Doma and Ala Mhigo be free from the Empire.

[ A sad smile tugs at her face before she shakes her head. ] I would not dream of demeaning the experiences of those around us have gone through with my longings.

[ Spotting the invitation from her sister, K'thisru makes her approach until she reaches the fire pit and sits down beside her. Of course, she merely listens because the two are already in conversation. ]

That does not mean it is any less meaningful to you. [ Now, Yugiri gives Alkaid a smile, hoping to encourage her to share whatever is on her heart. ] What else are friends for, if not to share the things that trouble us? [ She already considers Alkaid a friend, and her sister as well. ]

Whatever you choose to tell me, I will do my best to listen. [ And then she turns to extend her smile to K'thisru as well. ] And the same goes for you too, if it needed saying.

[ She squeezes her sister's hand with the smile fading slightly from her face. The notion feels selfish to share when so many other bigger problems are at play in their journey. Her gaze drops to the papers in her hands. Now, her feelings on the matter seem so foolish. ]

There is someone I miss very much. [ She feels that should suffice -- though she has the distinct feeling K'thisru may elaborate. ] I have only had the time to write a few letters to him... baring major details, of course. Given our work is covert...

[ K'thisru squeezes Alkaid's hand tightly, feeling as though she knows or can at least guess what is causing her sister trouble. Not for the first time, she wishes that things could be different, that there was a way for her to bring Aymeric here so that the two of them could be together as they so clearly long to be. But duty cannot be ignored, nor should it, and she is well aware that both of them would be even more upset by the notion that they were somehow shirking from theirs.

Yugiri is not so forthcoming with physical gestures of comfort, but she still gives Alkaid a sympathetic glance. ] This someone must be of great importance to you. [ It does not take very much to see and hear how much Alkaid is missing this special someone. ]

Is it not possible for him to join you here, even for a brief visit? [ That he did not make the journey with her seems to point to something that is keeping the two of them apart. ] Even with the covert nature of what must be done, surely a few hours, even a single night, would not cause a significant delay.

[ She does her utmost to keep her rampant longings to herself, especially at night. It simply seems that every new region on this continent they visit makes her just one bit lonelier. Not that she is without travel companions or friendships. Part of her scolds herself for feeling such a way with the stakes as high as they are...

Alkaid offers a smallest hint of a smile. ] Of course, I love him. He certainly knows it, but...

[ She shakes her head and forces her feelings down. The letter she wrote Aymeric in Kugane has surely reached him by now, and thus there is no reason to pine as she is. ]

No. He is unable to join us, regardless of the nature of our mission in Doma or Ala Mhgio. Not unless it was to be official business of state.

[ She glances to K'thisru. ] Yugiri is nervous, I am ... well, it hardly matters much. What is keeping you awake?

[ Yugiri's gaze turns even more downward as she surveys her hands, using the time to gather her thoughts. ] It must be incredibly hard upon you both, to be so far away. Although I can scarcely imagine what it must be like to be in your shoes, I am certain that the fact you can pen letters to one another is a small comfort at best, as there is nothing like hearing another's voice.

[ She would not dare to presume any sort of familiarity with Alkaid or what she is going through, but she does know that she greatly misses her home and her parents, even though she left quite some time ago and with no small amount of resolve. Still, she does miss the sound of their voices as well, and even if the lines of communication were open to them, it would not be entirely the same.

K'thisru, meanwhile, listens to Yugiri's words, waiting for a moment when she feels as though she can speak without feeling as though she is interrupting. ] Excitement and nervousness about tomorrow, I suppose.

[ As far as she can tell, there is no way to know or predict what might happen tomorrow, even though she is still every bit as resolved as ever to see it through. ]

It is bo harder than it must be for you. Or the others here that are separated by the Empire. Or, even the people in Gry Abania.

[ It mayhap look as if she is belittling her own struggles, but, Alkaid truly does not want her heartache to overshadow what those in Doma or Gry Abania suffer from. Aymeric still lives as far as she is aware. Her sister is beside her. War has yet to take the most important people to her. That cannot be said of those around her here.

She smiles at her sister. A hand raises and rests on top of K'thisru's sister. ] You would be excited for the Nadaam.

Are we any less connected because the things that we face are different? I think that by calling each other friend, we all share each other's concerns and struggles, and speaking for myself, if I can even provide an ounce of comfort to you, of course I will try my best.

After all, you and yours have shown great kindness to me and my people as well.

[ Yugiri turns to offer a warm smile to K'thisru as well, even as she opens her mouth to respond to her sister. ]

Well, it's going to be a great challenge, from what I can tell, and you know I like a challenge. [ What she doesn't like is the idea that actual blood is shed in the process, but by now, she is more than aware that differences in culture and tradition exist, and it isn't her place to comment on it. ]

[ Alkaid hesitates then from both girls answers. She pauses, her ears tucking down ever so slightly. Of course, she has never been one to truly share things that have bothered her. All too often does her mind wander and involve those that need her aid. It is often her sister who must get her to remember to speak her mind, or all that bothers her will turn inside her.

After a moment passes, her eyes turn to her sister first. ]

No, you never have been one to back away from something that might bar your path.

[ The Nadaam is said to be different from all that they have faced before... yet, how different can it be? They have fought primals, dragons, and the Empire thus far. Her gaze drifts downwards for a moment before looking back to Yugiri.

She is a shinobi, and has no reason to tell another soul. The only ones that know would be Alphinaud and her sister. Yet, she feels no reason not to share this with Yugiri. The Au Ra has done nothing wrong by her and has stood as an ally to the Scions when they had none. A long sigh comes from her as her ears twitch.

Alkaid's hands raise from her sister's frame to pull back the half-glove she wears to cover her hands. Her left hand stretches out to the shinobi to show the ring that sits on her finger. Usually it is hidden away so well that none could ever tell. ]

[ Sensing what her sister is about to do, K'thisru gives her hand another squeeze then, as if to say without words that she should feel free to tell anyone she wishes to, including Yugiri. But at the same time, she understands why she keeps her news to herself. Regardless, she will always support her sister to the best of her ability.

Yugiri, meanwhile, watches as Alkaid removes the glove covering her hands and then extends her left hand to her for her to see. At first, she just stares at the ring adorning Alkaid's hand, eyes having gone wide, and a gasp escapes her. ]

Are you- Has someone-? [ For once, she has to take a moment to gather her words, because she is pleasantly surprised by this piece of information. Her eyes soften as she gives Alkaid a wide smile. ] So you are to be married.

[ And then, in a way similar to what a young girl would say when chatting with her friends, she asks: ] Is he very handsome?

[ She intends to properly thank her sister once they have seen Doma through its trials. K'thisru has never been anything other than supportive. Now, even Alkaid can tell her sister has tried even more so since their initial arrival in Gyr Abania. She does her best to hide her longing and stroke of loneliness, but she wonders just how much her sister sees of it. She wonders how much all of them see...

A flush of red takes her cheeks the moment Yugiri gasps. Her ears perk and her tail curls in embarrassment. The smile she gives in return to Yugiri is one of timidness, which must be strange to see on the face of a Warrior of Light. ]

Yes, he proposed on the last Starlight Celebration. [ Then, the question makes her stammer. ] I-I think he is... very much so... I was taken the moment I saw him--Thisru, what do you think?

[ Truthfully, K'thisru feels like she could be doing more, or perhaps she could attempt insisting more that her sister could leave the Warrior of Light duties to her. Part of her wishes that her sister would follow what her heart seems to want and just return home to Ishgard and to the man she intends to marry. But another part of her knows that her sister would most likely see that as abandoning her duty.

Yugiri ponders this bit of information, her smile remaining as wide as ever. ] It is a shame, then, that you were called away so soon. You should have had time to enjoy each other's company, rather than being swept off to the farthest corners of the world.

[ A sympathetic look replaces her smile, and part of her feels as though it is not fair that the couple should be separated so. ] I am sorry that you cannot be together.

[ K'thisru's expression mirrors Yugiri's, because she feels that it is very unfair that Alkaid and Aymeric did not have much time to celebrate their engagement. But she puts on a smile regardless and gives a nod. ] I'm sure that wherever he goes, he turns a lot of heads. But he only has eyes for one person.

[ Alkaid instead would gently point out that all that is expected of them is far too much for one person to bear. She would not abandon her sister to duty or fate that she herself would run away from. She would feel as if she had no right to have the happiness she did while expecting her sister to fight the Empire and Primals on her own.

No, Alkaid would rather bear the heartache and be there for her sister. ]

Gry Abania and Doma had need of us. The call is sent out, and the Scions answer. [ Her gaze drops slightly.] It wasn't only the call to action that post-poned our wedding plans.

[ A glance is sent in either direction of them. ] I've caught several attempting to catch his attention. Especially since our engagement is... not necessarily public...

[ K'thisru would sooner have her sister nearby, but she also cannot pretend that she isn't worried about her. To be as sad as she seems to be cannot be good for the long-term. But she imagines it will not be an easy task to convince her sister that she can return home to Ishgard, and that she will hold no ill will towards her for choosing to put herself and her heart first.

But that seems to be a conversation for another time. In the meantime, Yugiri ponders all of this, feeling as though she does not like it, but at the same time, it is not her place to have an opinion. ]

Of course, I understand that the situation is dire, and that any help that can be had is welcome. But a betrothal and a wedding are important things, and I imagine that none would fault you for needing some time to plan and to be joined to your intended. If they did, then perhaps they should reexamine their priorities.

[ But she shrugs lightly. ] If that is the case, then you can be assured that I will speak of this to no one

[ Alkaid gives a small smile. ] He was called to a higher position himself. That, before anything else, is what hindered our wedding plans and announcements. The incidents at Baelsar's Wall only followed and escalated the rest.

I'm not certain how public he wishes the engagement to be. [ She looks back down at her engagement ring and twists it on the finger slightly. ] I simply don't want to cause rumors to spread or to cause him a harder time than he most certainly has...

[ Then, she pauses and smiles just a bit. ] Surely though the two of you have someone who has caught your eye. It can't be just me!

I see. That is unfortunate, and I wish that there was something I could do to bring you both together once more. Everyone should have the opportunity to find happiness, and I believe you deserve that opportunity more than most. And that goes for you as well, K'thisru. [ Yugiri's smile is for the benefit of both sisters, as is the wish in her heart for both of them to find happiness however that might look. ]

I am certain that the time will come when you both feel it is the right time to share your happiness with others.

[ And in response to Alkaid's statement, a hint of color creeps up K'thisru's neck even though she remains silent. Yugiri, however, casts her gaze down at her hands as a more pensive look crosses her face, although she also remains silent, feeling as though she ought to keep these particular thoughts to herself. ]

[ A fond smile touches Alkaid's face as she realizes what the answer to her question is. Yugiri certainly has her eyes for someone, but feels it is not her place to say. The elder of the two Warriors of Light nods in understanding before turning her eyes back to her sister. If she understands right, K'thisru has an interest in a certain mysterious stranger.

A stranger that has apparently not shown his face for some time.

Alkaid squeezes her sister's hand in a gentle reassurance. They will certainly find this stranger when the time is right and they might be able to help him.

For now, however, the three sit by the campfire as the night turns to the very earliest of hours of the morning. Alkaid looks down a the unfinished note in her hands with a small frown. The letter will have to wait until after they survive the Nadaam and finish the plan Hien has set in motion. ]

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

💮 doma— chapter three.

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/wraps this one up for done done/