[ He falls silent then while continuing to hold her hand as he recounts in his mind all that Deacon Clem and others within the church walls and outside as well had said. There were so many wounds that had not been closed, as Alkaid said, and although they have taken the first steps to seeing them mended, the road ahead still remains long for those within Ishgard as well. ]

I can imagine how uncertain and even lost those in Gyr Abania and Doma must feel. Indeed, I can imagine how people all across Eorzea must feel, as I have seen the look in the eyes of those who call Ishgard home. [ The Final Days and the chaos brought on by the blasphemies affected them all, and so it is easy for him to sympathize with those in far-off locations. ] It is all too simple a matter to become hopeless in the face of such obstacles and threats.

[ And he still chastises himself for not being forward-thinking enough to see that it was not so simple as seeing to the end of the Dragonsong War and assuming that all would be well going forward. But he has seen the error of his thinking, and he intends to not make such a mistake again. ]

Perhaps from a purely logical mindset, that may be true, but had you found yourself able to come, none here would have done anything but welcome you with open arms. You and your sister are still very highly regarded within the city, as I am sure you know.