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

[ She would be lying if she said that Estinien intimidated her at times with his intensity, but even so, there are no doubts in her mind that he is a strong and reliable ally, and as far as she can tell, he has been a good friend to Aymeric.

The least she can do is listen and pay attention to what is clearly wise counsel, especially since she is not so well-versed in how to properly handle tempered individuals. There is a difference from attacking a primal and restoring the minds and wills of those who have been enthralled. A summoner's grimoire is of no use in this particular instance. ]

Would it help if I went to Ishgard to see what the situation there is? [ She does not wish to leave her sister, not when it is clear to her that Alkaid will need all the support that she can get. She knows what it means to do her duty, but she still has a duty to her sister as well.

The thought of going on a lone mission with so much at stake gives her pause, but she will not hesitate if it turns out that such a mission is required.

Alphinaud, in the meantime, considers Estinien's words carefully. ] Yes, I believe I know one who could be of assistance to us. Actually, there are two such individuals who may possess the knowledge we require.

[ He has always meant to be intimidating--the Azure Dragoon, after all. It was only once he met Alphinaud and the sisters did some of that exterior seem to melt. Something he would openly begrudge but not truly mean it. They have brought a light into his life that he would not have had otherwise. ]

I would not soon advise a Warrior of Light enter the city on her own. Nay, the idea of both of you together would be ill advised. Yet, we are few and far between allies with the Echo.

[ Krile is not one he would say would match the idea of stealth. And, even then, she is the only he knows of the Echo. No doubt the Scions know others, but, could they risk so many in Ishgard with such a rare gift?

His attention returns to Alphinaud. ] Two? And who might those two friends of yours be?

[ Her feelings of being intimidated by him aside, a part of her has wanted to reach out with the hand of friendship, because as is the case with Aymeric, she feels as though he has not had many friends. It seems equally important to include him in their existing circle of friends, or at least let him know that he is welcome. ]

Oh, I know that I am not as good at stealth as Thancred, for example, but-

[ Here, she bites her lip and looks down for a moment. ] I just feel as though there is more I could be doing to help. [ Not that she discounts being a support for her sister, who will very clearly need it, but she has always been one to take action whenever and wherever possible.

Alphinaud then nods and offers up the names of individuals he knows who might help. ] One is Urianger, who has proven quite knowledgeable on a variety of subjects in the past, and I am certain he has knowledge of Allag that he can call upon. The other is one we have only recently met, but he is also very well-versed in things pertaining to Allag. I know of him as the Crystal Exarch.

[ A strange name, but that is the one he gave. ]

[ Estinien would say that Aymeric had had ample more opertunity for friendships, and certainly more of a desire for them. However, he would not brush off the hand that the sisters or Alphinaud give him. He would rather say he has no choice in the matter. Although, as he has proven by saving the sisters on the battlefield, he very much does care for them. ]

We must first devise our plan then speak with the rest of your Order to innact it. I've no doubts you will find a way to carry most the weight, as you and your sister often do. [ An... attempt at being helpful. Although he very much doubts it is. ] To rush in blind would spell doom for not only you, but Ishgard as well.

[ Urianger is a name he knows, while the title of the other is one her certainly does not. The dragoon tilts his head at it. Certainly a fanciful title and leads the mind to wonder... certain things. ]

Mayhap both of them then. I presume Urianger is within Limsa with the rest of the Scions. What of this Exarch...?

[ Clearly, the priority must be saving Aymeric and putting a stop to Thordan, but she has already resolved that she will do her level best to get to know Estinien a little better than she presently does. ]

Of course, you're right. [ Although her first inclination has always been to rush in headfirst, that would not help any of them in this situation. ] I just worry about what will happen to Aymeric and to Ishgard, but I know I am not the only one who does.

[ She would not have any of them thinking her so vain as to believe she worries more about the state of the Lord Speaker and the place he hails from. She is not even truly a citizen of Ishgard, so that is clearly not her place. Still, she has her worries and fears, and that is all she wishes to convey.

When Alphinaud mentions the Crystal Exarch, her ears lift until they form points on either side of her head. Her tail sways a little at the mention of him, an action she does not bother to conceal.

Alphinaud is quick with his response, speaking at the exact same moment as K'thisru does. He offers her an apologetic glance and extends a hand, as if to signal that she might answer Estinien's question. ]

He is from the Crystarium, in Lakeland. [ She imagines he might not know either of those names, given she did not know of them until recently. ]

Edited 2022-02-18 06:20 (UTC)

[ A softer look is afforded the younger of the Warriors of Light. He full well understands the feeling of wishing to rush in and simply influence exactly what will happen; force it to bend to one's will. However, he has also learned the value of a well thought out plan. Execution is of course something different. ]

I will keep my eye on Aymeric as long as needed. [ He closes his eyes with a sigh. ] Should worst come to worst, I know that he would wish none other to do the deed. Still, I would save such a course as last resort.

[ Estinien's head tilts at the location K'thisru shares. It means little to him, but then again, much of his world has been recently opened thanks to the end of the Dragonsong War. It is not surprising in the least that the Warriors of Light know of a place he does not.

The way her tail sways does not escape his notice. Ah. So, she is fond of this Exarch. ]

Might you have a way to contact him of our plight? And, to such an end, would he be willing to aid us in our cause? I would imagine such a place is beyond the realm of Eorzea...

[ She looks back at him, certain that her thoughts are plainly visible in her eyes. Aymeric's plight troubles her to no small degree, and she is afraid of what might happen if it turns out that they are unable to save him.

Estinien's words only confirm what she knows will certainly be the outcome in such a scenario, but it makes her heart clench and water to collect in the corners of her eyes to even think about it. Where her tail waved with some measure of excitement at the mention of the Exarch, now it only droops, and her ears move to flatten against her head in turn. ]

I hope that for your sake, and the sake of my sister's, that is not an outcome that we will ever see happen.

[ She doubts that her sister will ever be the same, should that happen, and she is certain that Estinien will also carry the effects of it, whether or not he is inclined to admit it. ]

It is quite far from Eorzea and everything that is familiar. [ But she feels as though it could also become familiar to her over time. That has no bearing on their present situation, of course, so she leaves it unsaid. ]

I can try contacting him, and I would think he would be more than willing to help, if he can. [ From what she has learned of him, if anyone can help them at all, it will most certainly be Urianger and the Exarch both. ] Or, since it feels as though time is not on our side, I should just return there and tell him about everything that has happened.

[ That seems a more efficient way of communicating their need for his help, and as far as she can tell, efficiency is what they require. ]

[ The sisters have always been an easy read to the dragoon. They wear their hearts on their sleeves, to their benefit or their detriment. It is a traight not unto them, but one he finds endearing to the pair of them. ]

I too hope, but, plans must be made otherwise. [ A nod, though the frown is clear in his eyes at the idea of losing yet another he sees as close to him. ] I see. Then, I would urge you to reach out to him.

Which... I suppose that leaves the duty of informing the other Scions to myself and the little lordling. [ Estinien cracks a smile for the first time, glancing down at Alphinaud. ] Who yet mayhap grow a few inches taller.

If you find the plan agreeable, little lording.

[ 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. ]

[ 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.

[ 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.

[ 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.

[ 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. ]

[ 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.

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

BOOK 3.5: EVER HEAVENSWARD

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