echoes of truth | ❝ tales of loss and fire and flame. ❞

[dragonssung]

song of hope

BOOK 3.5: EVER HEAVENSWARD

Tales of loss and fire and faith
Every word on our hearts engraved
In the dark you will not stray
Forge ahead, till the end, we prayCODE BY TESSISAMESS

Comments

[abrightertomorrow]

[ K'thisru nods, but it is a slow one, because to reach out to the Exarch, and to potentially visit him in order to enlist his help, means leaving her sister. It is not that she believes her sister cannot handle herself, but she worries about what might happen if she reaches out for her and she isn't there. ]

The only thing that makes me hesitate is... Well, I worry about my sister. I have no doubts that she'll manage, and of course, she'll still have support, but- [ Her tail dips and brushes the ground, as if pointing to her nervousness. ]

Am I letting her down if I leave, even for a little while?

[ Alphinaud turns then, reaching for her hand that he might give it a quick squeeze. ] If it is of any comfort at all, I will stay with your sister if you do end up leaving us for a time.

[ And then he turns back to Estinien, giving him a nod as well, only bristling a little bit at the continued references to his height. If the situation was not as serious as it was, he would have an indignant retort for the tall dragoon, but he manages to hold his tongue, if only barely. ]

Yes, the plan is agreeable, except for one thing: should we leave this cell unattended, except for Alkaid? [ Even if he hadn't just promised to stay with her, he worries about what might happen if he remains behind and Estinien goes to retrieve the Scions, or vice versa. He has no doubt that Estinien can hold his own against Aymeric, but nevertheless, he cannot help but worry. ]

[dragonssung]

[ Estinien remains silent at first as he sees that Alphinaud reaches out to comfort the Warrior of Light. Far enough, as he himself is far from the best at bedside manner. A nod is his only answer to agreement in what the young Elezen decides. It would seem it the easiest to send K'thisru on this errand, and, they are able to hold their own for now. They do have another Warrior of Light should something need be done. ]

Aye, Alphinaud has the right of it. I doubt your sister will ever see you as letting her down. It would be better for you to do what you can to aid her now so that her need of comfort will be lessened.

[ A smirk touches at his face with Alphinaud's quiet reaction to his teases. ]

I would say it would be unwise. [ He shakes his head.] While I have no doubt she could hold her own against Aymeric, even if he was unarmed? I doubt her emotional state would allow her to do anything that might cause him harm. Alkaid is a fierce warrior in her own right, but mine own observations lead me to believe she would be unable to strike at one she loves.

[elpides]

[ She gives Alphinaud a grateful smile and a squeeze of his hand in return, and, realizing for the first time since this all began that she has not properly thanked them for standing with them so far. It has not been very long since Aymeric was tempered, but with the way things have unfolded, it feels like a great deal of time has passed, even if that is not the case.

She might be the younger of the two sisters, and the one who is more inclined to rush in first without thinking, but there is a time and a place for being serious and for growing up, and this seems to be that time.

Glancing first at Alphinaud and then at Estinien, she straightens her shoulders and says: ] Thank you both for being here. It- It means a lot to Alkaid and me.

[ The trip to the Crystarium is simple enough because of the aetherytes, so it is not that she has much preparation to do, but she lingers just long enough to hear what Estinien has to say about Alkaid and how she might handle it if a situation arises. ]

Maybe I should wait while you gather the Scions. Meeting with the Exarch and asking for his help can wait a little longer, at least.

[dragonssung]

[ He nods once more. He needs no thanks from the Warriors of Light... but it is still good to hear. ]

I would say time is of the essence, K'thisru. While Aymeric does not remain in the presence of Thordan? His tempering will only continue to worsen. The quicker we might end it one way or the other will be the best.

[ He looks between the two of them and then sighs. Why had the idea not struck him sooner? Clearly, his mind is elsewhere. ]

Have you not a linkpearl with them? Hail whoever might listen to join us. We will inform them here.

[elpides]

[ A lump forms in her throat, but she knows he is right. Aymeric does not have much time, and the sooner they see to saving him and putting an end to Thordan, the better. ]

Of course. I'll call them right now.

[ She moves just a few paces away and using the linkpearl, she tries reaching out to Y'shtola first. If she does not answer, then she will move on to Thancred, but fortunately for them, Y'shtola is quick to respond.

K'thisru gives a brief summary of events, keeping it short because time is most certainly of the essence, and then she ends by asking if Y'shtola and any Scions who are available will join them before she ends the call. ]

Well, Y'shtola is coming, at least, and I'm sure whoever else is nearby will be joining her.

[ Knowing Y'shtola, she won't take no for an answer from anyone. ]

[dragonssung]

[ While she calls, his gaze moves to Alphinaud with a brief shake of his head. It is indeed a dire situation. Ishgard had already come from the brink of one thing to only now be cast into another. He is certain that they will find a way to come back from this. Yet, he wonders how much the recent found allies of Ishgard are willing to aid them.

Then, his gaze moves to K'thisru once she returns. ]

I am certain she will have many words of wisdom to share. Especially in the area of aether.