[ His head tilts to the side as he listens to her trail off. There are holes in his theory. While a direwolf, he doubts that Torgal could live on his own in the harsh conditions of Corethas. Someone else must have cared for him and then let him run wild until he found either Jill... or himself. Not that he could fathom why or how any would want to find him. ]
You're going South. Far away from the Dragonsong War as I can get you. [ His answer is immediate and final. ] My orders be damned. There is not a soul left of my unit nor the Heretics that coveted you.
[ Why none still breathe is not elaborated on. He killed his commanding officer to keep her safe. The others had died by the hands of Heretics. ]
My orders did not come from the Holy See of Ishard, Her Temple Knights, nor another great house. [ A shake of his head sends the fluffier hair in directions. ] Eorzea does not brand those that are gifted with magick, as you know.
[ He has not allowed her to properly see him. Not closely anyways. She does not need to see the haunted look in his eyes, the sullen expression, how very different he is from the young man that was fifteen. She does not need to see the brand the Garlaen Empire placed on him to mark him as an Eorzaen; one that could do magick. Nor does she need to know how he was sold by his mother to the Empire. ]
Ishgard remains sealed to outsiders beyond limited trade. If any of the Gods still give a damn, then, we can barter our way on an airship South.
[ To Jill, it seems that there are holes in Clive's plan as well, but she is hesitant to speak about his plan so plainly, as she has no plans for herself at all. So, using the mildest tone that she can manage, she asks: ]
And what will I do there once we've arrived in the South? What will you do then? I can't imagine traveling that far away from everything is really what you wish to do.
[ Her gaze shifts as does her posture, as if she wants to turn so that she might see his face. At the last second, however, she pauses, because perhaps he should not see hers. She's changed in the years since he saw her last, and she can imagine she might not be someone he wishes to look upon. ]
Perhaps a sort of exile is what I deserve. I believe I deserve a harsher fate, but exile would be a kindness.
[ She pauses at the statement that his orders did not come from the Holy See, or the Knights, or one of the great houses. Of course that means that his orders came from elsewhere, but she wonders who or what did the ordering. ]
I would ask what you have experienced, Clive, but I am well aware that I am not owed an answer. I- it is enough to know that you are alive, and if not entirely well, at least you are standing.
[ For her, she believes that Eorzea would have lost someone great if Clive ceased to walk among them, so she is relieved that he still does. She cannot be sure what his future holds, but it has to be more than this. It has to be better than this. ]
I suppose you have given this all some thought, but I still cannot see what the greater plan is. But- I trust you, and I believe that whatever you have planned, it is far better than any alternative.
[ Her tone of voice warms slightly then, and her eyes soften, but she isn't sure if he notices or if he is even looking at her. ]
Whatever you wish. You will be free to live a life free from this godsdamn war. [ Clive tilts his head away, regardless if she could see his face before or not. ] I... imagine that the Eorzaen Alliance would not let me get far.
[ The brand on his face labels him a enslaved magical fighter of the Empire. He has fought in wars and slaughtered people. Even if he had deserted? He rather doubts that those in Eorzae would open him with welcome arms. They shouldn't. He failed his charge, his home, his people. Jill would hardly know and he would prefer she never know. ]
War. [ His answer comes regardless of her statement of owed. ] So much of it. Magick can only withstand the might of Magitek for so long without drastic measures... and Magitek can only race against against magick for so long. That's why...
[ That was how he had ended up as a special unit as opposed to being killed on the spot. His mother insisted he would be useful as he had been blessed by the Phoenix. Or rather, some usefulness, as he was quite certain she would have put a dagger through his chest the moment she could have. ]
There is no greater plan than getting you far away from the Heretics and the Temple Knights. It's your life, Jill. You're free to live it how you see fit.
Whatever I wish? What if I don't even know what I wish? What if... What if what I wish is to... [ Jill's words trail off then as she hesitates, wondering if she ought to finish her sentence. ] Clive, I-
[ She folds her hands together and gives her fingers a nervous twist as she weighs the wisdom of actually saying what's on her mind. ]
Don't you think you deserve to live a life free of the war and free of people making demands of you?
[ She wonders why he keeps tilting his head away from her, as if he is doing his best to hide something from her. Of course, she is not inclined to pry into his secrets, especially if he has a reason to keep whatever it is from her, but she still can't help but wonder. ]
I think that you deserve to find peace, Clive, if you can. [ She isn't foolish enough to believe that piece will be claimed easily by either of them, but they can dream of it, can't they? Or perhaps she will have to dream about it for both of them. ]
It's your life too, Clive, and I would see you living it on your terms. Perhaps we can both start new lives.
No. I don't deserve anything of the sort. Not after failing all of them...you... [ his voice quiets, ] Joshua.
[ He knows the moment that she sees the brand on his face she will understand what has happened. How he somehow became entangled with the Empire. That he had been forced to kill wherever he was sent--possibly their own people. ]
Peace is not deserved for someone like me. [ A shake of his head, sending the snow that clings to the strands in every direction. Almost as if he is Torgal. ] My life has never been one for my terms. It has been in service to another. Pledged. An oath was broken and the only way to make that right is to kill the bastard who killed Joshua. I would not saddle you with that fate.
Clive, please. [ Jill looks as though she wants to reach out to him to touch him, or take his hand, or even more boldly, touch his face. But since she's noticed that he deliberately is keeping his face turned from her, she refrains. ] We have all failed someone, have we not? That doesn't mean we have to carry that knowledge alone.
[ That knowledge, and that guilt. Will he let me help carry it?
She imagines he will not do so easily, but if she can convince him to allow her to help... ]
I don't believe that. I won't believe that. [ She moves resolutely then, stepping directly in front of him, trying to meet his gaze. Even if he keeps trying to turn away, she intends to follow. ]
Then make it on your terms. I know that is not so easily done, but I also know you, and I know that you can do anything if you want it enough.
[ An exhale and sound of disagreement. No other should carry his burden. It was his duty to protect Joshua. The one thing he was tasked with to give his life meaning and purpose as he failed to be chosen by the Phoenix. A task he willing took. He loves his brother. His family--even if his mother never loved him. None other should suffer with the burden of failing his entire family and dutchery, people and lands.
He comes to an immediate stop as Jill surpasses and stands in front of him. His eyes try to focus on her almost by habit, but he purposely tilts his head down. She most certainly sees him as he once was all those years ago. Not as the gruesome warrior he has become. ]
My terms are to find the one that killed my brother. Then... simply disappear. Fade away into nothingness. As I should have at Phoenix Gate. Getting you to safety is added steps, but I was to peotect you--
[ Suddenly, shouting. Torgal growls. A roar. Clive's head snaps upwards and to the sky. A Dragoon falls from the height and onto a dragon. More shouting. Clive turns his head to an encroaching force of Temple Knights. They take aim in hopes of helping down the dragon. Shots ring out--the machinist guild.
Clive grabs Jill and forces her behind him. Torgal leaps in front with his tail raised and growling. Eyes dart side to side in an attempt to figure out from which side the forces will be coming from. They can avoid them, go to the side...
Torgal barks.
Clive whirls his head in the nick of time. A stray lance is sailing through the air. He shifts to put his back to the weapon. A single Phoenix wing comes from him to deflect the weapon. He's too slow. It grazes the aetheric wing and plungs into his back. ]
[ Jill just continues looking at him with a level gaze, but there is a spark of frustration in her eyes as well. She wishes she could tell him everything, laying all of her feelings bare, but is now the time for such a thing? She imagines not. Still, she knows that she loves Clive more than anything else in the world, and she wishes to walk alongside him and share his burdens and his troubles, and maybe help ease them in the process.
She knows that he believes he has made mistakes and failed more than once, but so has she. That makes them a pair, in a strange fashion. ]
Then let me help, Clive. Only, I will not allow you disappear... not alone, at any rate. Perhaps the two of us shall simply disappear together, but not into nothingness-
[ Jill finds herself cut off by the same thing that cut Clive off, and instantly, all of her senses are on alert. The sudden conflict does not involve either of them, and yet she can't help but brace herself for a fight.
Everything seems to spin out of control in rapid fashion, and before she really knows what's happening, Clive grabs her and forcibly moves her behind him while Torgal leaps into action.
She unsheathes her own weapon, but it is too late. The stray lance sails through the air and she sees Clive move to deflect it, but instead, it plunges straight into his back. A horrified scream bursts from Jill before she can stop it, and she immediately moves to where Clive stands (how is he still standing?). ]
Clive!
[ She grabs onto his arm, intending to pull him out of this dangerous scene they've suddenly found themselves in the middle of and bring him to somewhere at least marginally safer. ]
[ Any debates he would have given are interrupted by the chaos near them. The dragon screaming. The shouts of the Temple Knights in the distance. Everything bleeds out into a singular high pitched sound, almost as if he has had a concussion or his ears blown out. Yet, it's neither of those things.
Simply an overwhelming sense of pain.
Almost like the pain in his head when the hooded figure arrived at Phoenix Gate.
His mind nearly transports back to that day. Nearly. What stops it is the scream of his name from Jill. All of his senses focus on that cry. A cry that wasn't at Phoenix's Gate. One that should never pierce existence. Jill should never find herself screaming for him.
He's hardly worth a damn.
Clive raises his eyes to her. The brand is clear on his face now. He can feel a warmth in his mouth. One that leaves in a cough as he staggers but forces himself to remain in place. No, he will not fall as long as Jill watches. ]
Torgal--[ he chokes the words out, ]--get Jill to safety. Lead her...
[ Torgal growls and barks almost as if to disagree. His fur stands on end. An odd sense of power resonates from him. The direwolf grabs onto Clive's armor and begins to pull him along with Jill.
Anywhere but out in the open.
The dragon screams again from above. It sails down to the snow below. The Dragoon lands, standing to his height, then turns his head towards the trio. A pause. Then, without warning, the Dragoon rushes over. ]
Wicked white, don't tell me the lot of you got in the crosshairs. Damnit!
[ Clive pushes against Jill to indicate she runs. A feeble attempt as he once again staggers.
Then, he falls to the ground.
The dragoon reaches them, cursing under his breath. ]
Jill would immediately and vehemently beg to differ. In between the waves of terror and fear for Clive's life, she remembers a time so very long ago now, a time when she was a much younger girl... She was more optimistic then, and more full of hope, and, well- she had eyes for a young man in her life. She knows she loved him even then, and she still remembers the dreams she had about him: dreams that were more like wishes that she didn't think would ever come true.
Clive, you're not allowed to die. If you die... What reason do I have to remain here?
Her eyes fixate immediately on his, only seeing him and those striking eyes of his. She registers the brand, but she doesn't care about it. Well, she does, because she cares about the hell Clive has been through, but it does not change her opinion of him as a person.
When he coughs and then staggers, she shifts her hold so that her arm is wrapped around him as much as possible, hoping that somehow, she can steady him and support him if he needs it. He is much stronger than her, of course, and more strongly built, but she won't let him go through this alone. ]
We're both going to find safety, Clive. I won't leave you here.
[ She spares the smallest of smiles of gratitude for Torgal, because she knows he won't leave Clive behind either. They go together or they don't go at all.
The dragon's scream rends the air, and there's a barely perceptible whoosh, but Jill can't tell if it's from the dragon or from the Dragoon who has suddenly landed near them. He's shouting something, but Jill's focus is still only on Clive and getting the injured man to the safest place possible.
He pushes against her, but she plants her feet into the ground, trying her best to not move from her spot. But then all thoughts fly out of her mind as Clive staggers and falls to the ground. ]
No! [ The word rips itself from her lips and she immediately kneels beside him, pressing both of her hands on either side of the wound. The lance is still inside him, or she would rip off pieces of her dress to use as bandages to stop the bleeding. She may not be a healer of any kind, but she knows that removing a weapon from a wound can be a death sentence, and Clive cannot die.
She does not immediately recognize the dragoon, but she spares him a brief, desperate glance. ]
Please, if you know of somewhere safe that we can go...
[ She would not ask, but she is desperate and afraid of losing Clive forever. ]
The woman's scream causes Ardbert to pause in his step. Even more so once she speaks to him about the man in the snow. He recognizes that voice. She had been with the Heretics... Shiva. Pulled along almost seemingly against her will. Sullen, lonely. How she came to be with the man in the snow is beyond his knowledge. Especially as she seems attached to him.
Despite the fact he wears the armor of an enlisted man of the Garlaen Empire.
Ardbert kneels down in the snow beside the pair and their rather large dog. He looks at the beast, only to find an intelligent gaze staring at him. Questioning. Willing to trust. A huff leaves the beast and a low bark bellows from their... pet? Companion, it seems. ]
Falcon's Nest is the closest settlement, but I'm not certain we would make it with a wound as severe as this. [ A tch leaves him. Then, he raises a clawed gloved hand and pulls off the dragoon helmet. Ardbert gives a shake of his head to send the free snow and ruffled hair in any directions. Fingers press to his ear and the faint sound of a linkpearl can be heard. ] Where are you? You have basic healing skills, yes? I can send you my coordinates. I need you here as FAST as you can get here.
Then, I'll need your sister to meet us at Falcon's Nest. We've got someone injured that won't make the trip without the basics of healing skills. I'll inform the Temple Knights you are on the way.
Tell me what I need to do to help with an injury from a lance. One that's lodged inside a body.
[ All of Jill's thoughts are focused on Clive, not on the dragoon who has miraculously come to their rescue. If- when Clive is out of danger, she will thank him properly, but at the moment, not all of her wits are about her, at least not to the point of responding appropriately to their rescuer.
She keeps pressing her hands against Clive's wound, not caring if she gets blood on her hands. Of course, there already is blood on her hands from the things she was forced into doing. This is a different matter, of course, but regardless, she wants to try and keep Clive from losing too much blood.
After a moment, she abandons using her hands to try and stem the flow, grabbing at her skirts instead and trying to press that against the wound. She dimly registers Ardbert speaking to someone, explaining the dire situation, but still her focus remains on Clive.
He is still bleeding too much and nothing I do is helping...
Jill's head tilts lower and her hair falls over her eyes, but she remains where she is until Ardbert or someone else orders her to move. ]
[ As Jill tilts her head, t he clawed gloves gently rest over hers. Then, they move to the side of hers and press down. More pressure to try and stem the bleeding. His new traveling companion will be here soon and that means they can move the injured man who grunts in some form of disapproval.
Then, the direwolf howls.
Ardbert jerks back slightly at the wave of aether that comes from the direwolf. Something akin to healing washes over them all. He is not trained in the art of healing, but even he can sense the pulsing aether that suddenly flows around all of them. He stops, and glances up at Jill, then back down to the man in between them. ]
Never knew a pup could heal. [ A cast is glanced at Torgal with a smirk. ] Impressive, boy.
[ Torgal barks in agreement. ]
I've got a friend on the way. One who knows a very skilled healer. We'll have him back up on his feet in no time.
[ Jill is resolved to not move, because she wants nothing to separate her from Clive, not now. Either death comes for him and that separates him, or salvation in the form of something miraculous brings him back from the brink of death. Either way, she refuses to move from his side.
The sudden howl from Torgal pulls her focus, and her eyebrows raise in surprise as she feels the wave of aether that sweeps over all of them. She stares down at Clive and his injury, hoping against hope that somehow, his wound will start to heal on its own. She isn't any more skilled in the art of healing than Ardbert is, and she barely understands how aether functions, but Torgal seems to have a mastery of it, at least to the point of some sort of basic healing spell. ]
Torgal is- he's a very good boy. [ She would pat the direwolf on the head if she was not occupied with keeping her hands on Clive. ]
Are you certain? He's not going to- You can save him?
[ I should be able to save him, but instead, all I can do is destroy. ]
[ Clive's breathing eases ever so slightly. Enough that even Ardbert can look a bit hopeful about the situation. The group is an odd bunch, but, he figures if they were truly a heretic and a soldier of the Empire, he would have been engaged in combat right away. There is more to these three and Ardbert would see them safely to investigate rather than assume. ]
I'm not healer. My friend on the way has the basics of healing down, but her sister is a master at it. We'll get him up and moving again. [ Ardbert smiles at her. He's confident in that statement. ] Ardbert, by the way. I'm guessing you lot are just as lost and tag alongs to Ishgard?
[ Jill notices how Clive's breathing seems to ease, but her own remains tense, reflecting the tension in her posture. Ardbert might seem hopeful, but Jill can't help but feel that the knife might drop at any moment for either her or Clive, perhaps even both of them. How long can they continue walking the knife's edge that they seem to be on until something pushes them over?
Still, she knows better than to give voice to these thoughts, because they are far too grim and hopeless to speak out loud. No, it is better to believe that Ardbert's friends can aid them somehow and see them out of the mess they're in. ]
I suppose that we have no choice but to believe you... and to trust you. [ Trust is a hard thing for Jill, but something about Ardbert's demeanor seems trustworthy enough. ] Ardbert... [ She focuses her gaze on him for a moment or two, because he seems familiar somehow. ] Jill. And I suppose that "lost" is one word to describe us. Outsiders might be a better one.
Trust for the time being. We can work on the rest. [ He turns his head to nod to Torgal as well. It's clear the direwolf is more intelligent than an average hound. ] What the bloody hell were you two doing out here? From what I can tell, people usually don't casually walk through the frozen tundra...
[ His attention turns at the sound of a mount. Ardbert looks skyward to see the aforementioned friend sail in on a trusty stead. He smiles at her in thanks, motioning with his head for her to come and join them. Introductions are in order... for the people he quite literally just met. ]
The rest? [ She wants to trust him, but there are not many people that she trusts. Clive is one, and Torgal is another, and Ardbert seems trustworthy enough, but she doesn't know him. ]
I was- escaping, only I didn't know where I was escaping to. [ Her eyes lower, settling on nothing in particular as she tries to put her thoughts in order. ] No one goes to the frozen tundra, as you said. But then- then Clive found me, and...
[ She looks at Ardbert once more. ]
This is my fault. He was hurt because of me.
[ While Jill is still talking, Ardbert's friend rides up and quickly dismounts, giving the group a friendly wave. ]
And I thought I was the one who got myself in trouble.
The statement confirms in his mind then that Jill is the one he saw with the Heretics. Held hostage, maybe? Then again, why would a slave in the Empire's army free her to run away? They seem friendly enough. Or, at least, their direwolf is, as he hasn't eaten them just yet.
He turns his head as one of his newest friends finally arrives. Ardbert comes to life at the sign of Mya Tayuun. A Miqo'te of the Keepers of the Moon Tribe. Orphaned, along with her twin sister, but naturally gifted in the art of summoning. ]
You weren't the one engaging with a dragon horde attacking Ishgard. [ Ardbert smiles for a moment before his face turns grim. ] A stray lance struck him. We've got to remove the weapon in order to move him. Think you can do some basic healing for us to do that?
[ Soldier or not, it's clear that this Clive was trying to protect someone's. He didn't engage against them. He was trying to keep someone safe. Jill must mean something to him, as it's clear they were avoiding routes that the Empire would have taken. ]
Right, introductions. This bloke here is Clive. Torgal their hound, and...
[ he looks to Jill as he shifts to the side for Mya to sit. ]
[ If she could let go of her hold on Clive, she would twist her hands together nervously, fearfully, as if worried that Ardbert might turn her back in to the people who want her for her abilities.
The truth of it all is that she finds trusting anyone a challenge, especially those she does not know. And at the moment, the list of those she does not know is longer than the list of those she does. Ardbert and Mya appear friendly enough, but what are their motives? What are they after?
She looks at Ardbert and then at Mya, the nervousness clear in her eyes. Mya smirks at Ardbert before her expression sobers as well. ] Dragons. Just can't seem to escape them, can we?
A stray lance... [ She isn't much of a healer, but she knows a bad wound when she sees one. ] I'm not my sister, but I think I can manage something.
[ At least enough to keep Clive from bleeding out right there in front of them, anyway. ]
Clive, Torgal... [ She nods.
Then Jill hesitantly adds: ] Jill. Can you really help Clive?
We are in a war zone against them. [ Ardbert smiles at Mya. He knows she is more aware than anyone. The state of her settlement hasn't passed his notice. ] I'll let you work your magic.
[ He moves to the side and let's the smaller Miq'ote in. The clawed gloves leave Clive's back. They're covered in blood. His gaze moves between the group around him before settling on Jill. ]
Mya's craft is in summoning, but, she shares a knack for healing I lack. It ought to be enough until we can get to Falcon's Nest. Her sister is working with another in Ishgard, but I imagine she can spare time to help.
[ Clive remains silent. His hands twitch now and again. Eyebrows knit together as if he is having a nightmare or disturbed sleep. Yet, nothing comes to mind. Nothing plays out. It's simply an void. Something he is fine with. After all, he deserves to fade into nothing. ]
[ She just gives him a knowing smile in return; the war they're embroiled in is a serious matter, but she also knows that neither of them are very good at sitting still. Better to be fighting off dragons than standing around idle. At least she can try to protect people, whether from her settlement or elsewhere. ]
All right, let's see what we have here. [ She knows that her healing isn't as good as her sister's, but she knows better than to state that out loud right now. What Jill and Clive (if he's even able to hear them) need right now is reassurance. ]
Looks like a little stick, doesn't it? [ It's unconventional, most likely, but Mya would rather give off a little humor than be dour or too serious. Downplaying a situation has not always settled well with the people she's healed, but some do recognize it for what it is.
She eventually falls silent as she sets to work channeling the needed aether to try and heal the wound enough to last him until her sister can come and finish the job. At least she knows enough of the basics to be somewhat useful.
Jill watches Mya work, but most of her focus is on Clive. If he doesn't live, then what purpose does she have? Reason says she can always find a new purpose, but at the moment, she can hardly see past the situation at hand. ]
And if she finds that she can't spare time to help? [ Jill knows she'd move Clive to the next closest healer if that's what it comes to, but it might not be the wisest course of action either. ]
[ Ardbert reaches over and places his hand around the spear embedded in the man dressed in Imperial gear. He at first looks to Jill and Torgal. The hound has his head low as he intently watches his presumable master's face. Jill keeps her attention also on Clive, as if expecting him to rouse at any moment. Ardbert hopes he doesn't. What a hell of a thing to wake up to.
He waits for the sign to remove the spear. They can hardly carry the man back to Falcon's Nest with it in him. ]
She'll be at his side to help. I wouldn't call Mya's sister quite a bleeding heart, but, she cares about those around her. A natural born healer. I'm sure Mya could tell you more about her.
[ Mya's focus is on her work, because this really doesn't come as easily to her as it does to her sister, and she wants to make sure that Clive gets the care that he needs. Her mouth presses into a thin line as she concentrates on moving the aether where it needs to go, knowing that it's at best a temporary fix until Phya can finish the job properly.
She glances to the side, looking in Jill's direction with a quick nod and a smile. ]
My sister makes this look as natural as taking a breath; she's the best healer that I know.
[ She nods at Ardbert, then, because as far as she can tell, if the spear is removed now, Clive won't be in danger of losing too much blood from having it pulled out of him. It won't be comfortable, but she also used a sleep spell to hopefully keep him from waking up in the middle of all this. ]
[ Clive let's a low guterall cry out the moment then lance is pulled from his back. Almost more like an animal than a man. Torgal's ears stand on end and he growls, almost as if preparing for something to happen. Ardbert looks between Clive and the hound, hand stretching back behind him in case he needs to summon his own weapon.
Then, something unexpected happens.
Red aether begins to appear over Clive's back as if to envelope him. Then, green aether. They almost seem to try and form something like a wing. Unable to come together for the small spectical, the aether falls almost as if they were small red and green feathers. They land on Clive and Mya, disappearing once more.
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synthneon2024-11-25 02:03 am
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You're going South. Far away from the Dragonsong War as I can get you. [ His answer is immediate and final. ] My orders be damned. There is not a soul left of my unit nor the Heretics that coveted you.
[ Why none still breathe is not elaborated on. He killed his commanding officer to keep her safe. The others had died by the hands of Heretics. ]
My orders did not come from the Holy See of Ishard, Her Temple Knights, nor another great house. [ A shake of his head sends the fluffier hair in directions. ] Eorzea does not brand those that are gifted with magick, as you know.
[ He has not allowed her to properly see him. Not closely anyways. She does not need to see the haunted look in his eyes, the sullen expression, how very different he is from the young man that was fifteen. She does not need to see the brand the Garlaen Empire placed on him to mark him as an Eorzaen; one that could do magick. Nor does she need to know how he was sold by his mother to the Empire. ]
Ishgard remains sealed to outsiders beyond limited trade. If any of the Gods still give a damn, then, we can barter our way on an airship South.
no subject
And what will I do there once we've arrived in the South? What will you do then? I can't imagine traveling that far away from everything is really what you wish to do.
[ Her gaze shifts as does her posture, as if she wants to turn so that she might see his face. At the last second, however, she pauses, because perhaps he should not see hers. She's changed in the years since he saw her last, and she can imagine she might not be someone he wishes to look upon. ]
Perhaps a sort of exile is what I deserve. I believe I deserve a harsher fate, but exile would be a kindness.
[ She pauses at the statement that his orders did not come from the Holy See, or the Knights, or one of the great houses. Of course that means that his orders came from elsewhere, but she wonders who or what did the ordering. ]
I would ask what you have experienced, Clive, but I am well aware that I am not owed an answer. I- it is enough to know that you are alive, and if not entirely well, at least you are standing.
[ For her, she believes that Eorzea would have lost someone great if Clive ceased to walk among them, so she is relieved that he still does. She cannot be sure what his future holds, but it has to be more than this. It has to be better than this. ]
I suppose you have given this all some thought, but I still cannot see what the greater plan is. But- I trust you, and I believe that whatever you have planned, it is far better than any alternative.
[ Her tone of voice warms slightly then, and her eyes soften, but she isn't sure if he notices or if he is even looking at her. ]
no subject
[ The brand on his face labels him a enslaved magical fighter of the Empire. He has fought in wars and slaughtered people. Even if he had deserted? He rather doubts that those in Eorzae would open him with welcome arms. They shouldn't. He failed his charge, his home, his people. Jill would hardly know and he would prefer she never know. ]
War. [ His answer comes regardless of her statement of owed. ] So much of it. Magick can only withstand the might of Magitek for so long without drastic measures... and Magitek can only race against against magick for so long. That's why...
[ That was how he had ended up as a special unit as opposed to being killed on the spot. His mother insisted he would be useful as he had been blessed by the Phoenix. Or rather, some usefulness, as he was quite certain she would have put a dagger through his chest the moment she could have. ]
There is no greater plan than getting you far away from the Heretics and the Temple Knights. It's your life, Jill. You're free to live it how you see fit.
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[ She folds her hands together and gives her fingers a nervous twist as she weighs the wisdom of actually saying what's on her mind. ]
Don't you think you deserve to live a life free of the war and free of people making demands of you?
[ She wonders why he keeps tilting his head away from her, as if he is doing his best to hide something from her. Of course, she is not inclined to pry into his secrets, especially if he has a reason to keep whatever it is from her, but she still can't help but wonder. ]
I think that you deserve to find peace, Clive, if you can. [ She isn't foolish enough to believe that piece will be claimed easily by either of them, but they can dream of it, can't they? Or perhaps she will have to dream about it for both of them. ]
It's your life too, Clive, and I would see you living it on your terms. Perhaps we can both start new lives.
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[ He knows the moment that she sees the brand on his face she will understand what has happened. How he somehow became entangled with the Empire. That he had been forced to kill wherever he was sent--possibly their own people. ]
Peace is not deserved for someone like me. [ A shake of his head, sending the snow that clings to the strands in every direction. Almost as if he is Torgal. ] My life has never been one for my terms. It has been in service to another. Pledged. An oath was broken and the only way to make that right is to kill the bastard who killed Joshua. I would not saddle you with that fate.
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[ That knowledge, and that guilt. Will he let me help carry it?
She imagines he will not do so easily, but if she can convince him to allow her to help... ]
I don't believe that. I won't believe that. [ She moves resolutely then, stepping directly in front of him, trying to meet his gaze. Even if he keeps trying to turn away, she intends to follow. ]
Then make it on your terms. I know that is not so easily done, but I also know you, and I know that you can do anything if you want it enough.
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He comes to an immediate stop as Jill surpasses and stands in front of him. His eyes try to focus on her almost by habit, but he purposely tilts his head down. She most certainly sees him as he once was all those years ago. Not as the gruesome warrior he has become. ]
My terms are to find the one that killed my brother. Then... simply disappear. Fade away into nothingness. As I should have at Phoenix Gate. Getting you to safety is added steps, but I was to peotect you--
[ Suddenly, shouting. Torgal growls. A roar. Clive's head snaps upwards and to the sky. A Dragoon falls from the height and onto a dragon. More shouting. Clive turns his head to an encroaching force of Temple Knights. They take aim in hopes of helping down the dragon. Shots ring out--the machinist guild.
Clive grabs Jill and forces her behind him. Torgal leaps in front with his tail raised and growling. Eyes dart side to side in an attempt to figure out from which side the forces will be coming from. They can avoid them, go to the side...
Torgal barks.
Clive whirls his head in the nick of time. A stray lance is sailing through the air. He shifts to put his back to the weapon. A single Phoenix wing comes from him to deflect the weapon. He's too slow. It grazes the aetheric wing and plungs into his back. ]
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She knows that he believes he has made mistakes and failed more than once, but so has she. That makes them a pair, in a strange fashion. ]
Then let me help, Clive. Only, I will not allow you disappear... not alone, at any rate. Perhaps the two of us shall simply disappear together, but not into nothingness-
[ Jill finds herself cut off by the same thing that cut Clive off, and instantly, all of her senses are on alert. The sudden conflict does not involve either of them, and yet she can't help but brace herself for a fight.
Everything seems to spin out of control in rapid fashion, and before she really knows what's happening, Clive grabs her and forcibly moves her behind him while Torgal leaps into action.
She unsheathes her own weapon, but it is too late. The stray lance sails through the air and she sees Clive move to deflect it, but instead, it plunges straight into his back. A horrified scream bursts from Jill before she can stop it, and she immediately moves to where Clive stands (how is he still standing?). ]
Clive!
[ She grabs onto his arm, intending to pull him out of this dangerous scene they've suddenly found themselves in the middle of and bring him to somewhere at least marginally safer. ]
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Simply an overwhelming sense of pain.
Almost like the pain in his head when the hooded figure arrived at Phoenix Gate.
His mind nearly transports back to that day. Nearly. What stops it is the scream of his name from Jill. All of his senses focus on that cry. A cry that wasn't at Phoenix's Gate. One that should never pierce existence. Jill should never find herself screaming for him.
He's hardly worth a damn.
Clive raises his eyes to her. The brand is clear on his face now. He can feel a warmth in his mouth. One that leaves in a cough as he staggers but forces himself to remain in place. No, he will not fall as long as Jill watches. ]
Torgal--[ he chokes the words out, ]--get Jill to safety. Lead her...
[ Torgal growls and barks almost as if to disagree. His fur stands on end. An odd sense of power resonates from him. The direwolf grabs onto Clive's armor and begins to pull him along with Jill.
Anywhere but out in the open.
The dragon screams again from above. It sails down to the snow below. The Dragoon lands, standing to his height, then turns his head towards the trio. A pause. Then, without warning, the Dragoon rushes over. ]
Wicked white, don't tell me the lot of you got in the crosshairs. Damnit!
[ Clive pushes against Jill to indicate she runs. A feeble attempt as he once again staggers.
Then, he falls to the ground.
The dragoon reaches them, cursing under his breath. ]
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Jill would immediately and vehemently beg to differ. In between the waves of terror and fear for Clive's life, she remembers a time so very long ago now, a time when she was a much younger girl... She was more optimistic then, and more full of hope, and, well- she had eyes for a young man in her life. She knows she loved him even then, and she still remembers the dreams she had about him: dreams that were more like wishes that she didn't think would ever come true.
Clive, you're not allowed to die. If you die... What reason do I have to remain here?
Her eyes fixate immediately on his, only seeing him and those striking eyes of his. She registers the brand, but she doesn't care about it. Well, she does, because she cares about the hell Clive has been through, but it does not change her opinion of him as a person.
When he coughs and then staggers, she shifts her hold so that her arm is wrapped around him as much as possible, hoping that somehow, she can steady him and support him if he needs it. He is much stronger than her, of course, and more strongly built, but she won't let him go through this alone. ]
We're both going to find safety, Clive. I won't leave you here.
[ She spares the smallest of smiles of gratitude for Torgal, because she knows he won't leave Clive behind either. They go together or they don't go at all.
The dragon's scream rends the air, and there's a barely perceptible whoosh, but Jill can't tell if it's from the dragon or from the Dragoon who has suddenly landed near them. He's shouting something, but Jill's focus is still only on Clive and getting the injured man to the safest place possible.
He pushes against her, but she plants her feet into the ground, trying her best to not move from her spot. But then all thoughts fly out of her mind as Clive staggers and falls to the ground. ]
No! [ The word rips itself from her lips and she immediately kneels beside him, pressing both of her hands on either side of the wound. The lance is still inside him, or she would rip off pieces of her dress to use as bandages to stop the bleeding. She may not be a healer of any kind, but she knows that removing a weapon from a wound can be a death sentence, and Clive cannot die.
She does not immediately recognize the dragoon, but she spares him a brief, desperate glance. ]
Please, if you know of somewhere safe that we can go...
[ She would not ask, but she is desperate and afraid of losing Clive forever. ]
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The woman's scream causes Ardbert to pause in his step. Even more so once she speaks to him about the man in the snow. He recognizes that voice. She had been with the Heretics... Shiva. Pulled along almost seemingly against her will. Sullen, lonely. How she came to be with the man in the snow is beyond his knowledge. Especially as she seems attached to him.
Despite the fact he wears the armor of an enlisted man of the Garlaen Empire.
Ardbert kneels down in the snow beside the pair and their rather large dog. He looks at the beast, only to find an intelligent gaze staring at him. Questioning. Willing to trust. A huff leaves the beast and a low bark bellows from their... pet? Companion, it seems. ]
Falcon's Nest is the closest settlement, but I'm not certain we would make it with a wound as severe as this. [ A tch leaves him. Then, he raises a clawed gloved hand and pulls off the dragoon helmet. Ardbert gives a shake of his head to send the free snow and ruffled hair in any directions. Fingers press to his ear and the faint sound of a linkpearl can be heard. ] Where are you? You have basic healing skills, yes? I can send you my coordinates. I need you here as FAST as you can get here.
Then, I'll need your sister to meet us at Falcon's Nest. We've got someone injured that won't make the trip without the basics of healing skills. I'll inform the Temple Knights you are on the way.
Tell me what I need to do to help with an injury from a lance. One that's lodged inside a body.
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She keeps pressing her hands against Clive's wound, not caring if she gets blood on her hands. Of course, there already is blood on her hands from the things she was forced into doing. This is a different matter, of course, but regardless, she wants to try and keep Clive from losing too much blood.
After a moment, she abandons using her hands to try and stem the flow, grabbing at her skirts instead and trying to press that against the wound. She dimly registers Ardbert speaking to someone, explaining the dire situation, but still her focus remains on Clive.
He is still bleeding too much and nothing I do is helping...
Jill's head tilts lower and her hair falls over her eyes, but she remains where she is until Ardbert or someone else orders her to move. ]
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Then, the direwolf howls.
Ardbert jerks back slightly at the wave of aether that comes from the direwolf. Something akin to healing washes over them all. He is not trained in the art of healing, but even he can sense the pulsing aether that suddenly flows around all of them. He stops, and glances up at Jill, then back down to the man in between them. ]
Never knew a pup could heal. [ A cast is glanced at Torgal with a smirk. ] Impressive, boy.
[ Torgal barks in agreement. ]
I've got a friend on the way. One who knows a very skilled healer. We'll have him back up on his feet in no time.
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The sudden howl from Torgal pulls her focus, and her eyebrows raise in surprise as she feels the wave of aether that sweeps over all of them. She stares down at Clive and his injury, hoping against hope that somehow, his wound will start to heal on its own. She isn't any more skilled in the art of healing than Ardbert is, and she barely understands how aether functions, but Torgal seems to have a mastery of it, at least to the point of some sort of basic healing spell. ]
Torgal is- he's a very good boy. [ She would pat the direwolf on the head if she was not occupied with keeping her hands on Clive. ]
Are you certain? He's not going to- You can save him?
[ I should be able to save him, but instead, all I can do is destroy. ]
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I'm not healer. My friend on the way has the basics of healing down, but her sister is a master at it. We'll get him up and moving again. [ Ardbert smiles at her. He's confident in that statement. ] Ardbert, by the way. I'm guessing you lot are just as lost and tag alongs to Ishgard?
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Still, she knows better than to give voice to these thoughts, because they are far too grim and hopeless to speak out loud. No, it is better to believe that Ardbert's friends can aid them somehow and see them out of the mess they're in. ]
I suppose that we have no choice but to believe you... and to trust you. [ Trust is a hard thing for Jill, but something about Ardbert's demeanor seems trustworthy enough. ] Ardbert... [ She focuses her gaze on him for a moment or two, because he seems familiar somehow. ] Jill. And I suppose that "lost" is one word to describe us. Outsiders might be a better one.
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[ His attention turns at the sound of a mount. Ardbert looks skyward to see the aforementioned friend sail in on a trusty stead. He smiles at her in thanks, motioning with his head for her to come and join them. Introductions are in order... for the people he quite literally just met. ]
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I was- escaping, only I didn't know where I was escaping to. [ Her eyes lower, settling on nothing in particular as she tries to put her thoughts in order. ] No one goes to the frozen tundra, as you said. But then- then Clive found me, and...
[ She looks at Ardbert once more. ]
This is my fault. He was hurt because of me.
[ While Jill is still talking, Ardbert's friend rides up and quickly dismounts, giving the group a friendly wave. ]
And I thought I was the one who got myself in trouble.
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The statement confirms in his mind then that Jill is the one he saw with the Heretics. Held hostage, maybe? Then again, why would a slave in the Empire's army free her to run away? They seem friendly enough. Or, at least, their direwolf is, as he hasn't eaten them just yet.
He turns his head as one of his newest friends finally arrives. Ardbert comes to life at the sign of Mya Tayuun. A Miqo'te of the Keepers of the Moon Tribe. Orphaned, along with her twin sister, but naturally gifted in the art of summoning. ]
You weren't the one engaging with a dragon horde attacking Ishgard. [ Ardbert smiles for a moment before his face turns grim. ] A stray lance struck him. We've got to remove the weapon in order to move him. Think you can do some basic healing for us to do that?
[ Soldier or not, it's clear that this Clive was trying to protect someone's. He didn't engage against them. He was trying to keep someone safe. Jill must mean something to him, as it's clear they were avoiding routes that the Empire would have taken. ]
Right, introductions. This bloke here is Clive. Torgal their hound, and...
[ he looks to Jill as he shifts to the side for Mya to sit. ]
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The truth of it all is that she finds trusting anyone a challenge, especially those she does not know. And at the moment, the list of those she does not know is longer than the list of those she does. Ardbert and Mya appear friendly enough, but what are their motives? What are they after?
She looks at Ardbert and then at Mya, the nervousness clear in her eyes. Mya smirks at Ardbert before her expression sobers as well. ] Dragons. Just can't seem to escape them, can we?
A stray lance... [ She isn't much of a healer, but she knows a bad wound when she sees one. ] I'm not my sister, but I think I can manage something.
[ At least enough to keep Clive from bleeding out right there in front of them, anyway. ]
Clive, Torgal... [ She nods.
Then Jill hesitantly adds: ] Jill. Can you really help Clive?
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[ He moves to the side and let's the smaller Miq'ote in. The clawed gloves leave Clive's back. They're covered in blood. His gaze moves between the group around him before settling on Jill. ]
Mya's craft is in summoning, but, she shares a knack for healing I lack. It ought to be enough until we can get to Falcon's Nest. Her sister is working with another in Ishgard, but I imagine she can spare time to help.
[ Clive remains silent. His hands twitch now and again. Eyebrows knit together as if he is having a nightmare or disturbed sleep. Yet, nothing comes to mind. Nothing plays out. It's simply an void. Something he is fine with. After all, he deserves to fade into nothing. ]
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All right, let's see what we have here. [ She knows that her healing isn't as good as her sister's, but she knows better than to state that out loud right now. What Jill and Clive (if he's even able to hear them) need right now is reassurance. ]
Looks like a little stick, doesn't it? [ It's unconventional, most likely, but Mya would rather give off a little humor than be dour or too serious. Downplaying a situation has not always settled well with the people she's healed, but some do recognize it for what it is.
She eventually falls silent as she sets to work channeling the needed aether to try and heal the wound enough to last him until her sister can come and finish the job. At least she knows enough of the basics to be somewhat useful.
Jill watches Mya work, but most of her focus is on Clive. If he doesn't live, then what purpose does she have? Reason says she can always find a new purpose, but at the moment, she can hardly see past the situation at hand. ]
And if she finds that she can't spare time to help? [ Jill knows she'd move Clive to the next closest healer if that's what it comes to, but it might not be the wisest course of action either. ]
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He waits for the sign to remove the spear. They can hardly carry the man back to Falcon's Nest with it in him. ]
She'll be at his side to help. I wouldn't call Mya's sister quite a bleeding heart, but, she cares about those around her. A natural born healer. I'm sure Mya could tell you more about her.
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She glances to the side, looking in Jill's direction with a quick nod and a smile. ]
My sister makes this look as natural as taking a breath; she's the best healer that I know.
[ She nods at Ardbert, then, because as far as she can tell, if the spear is removed now, Clive won't be in danger of losing too much blood from having it pulled out of him. It won't be comfortable, but she also used a sleep spell to hopefully keep him from waking up in the middle of all this. ]
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Then, something unexpected happens.
Red aether begins to appear over Clive's back as if to envelope him. Then, green aether. They almost seem to try and form something like a wing. Unable to come together for the small spectical, the aether falls almost as if they were small red and green feathers. They land on Clive and Mya, disappearing once more.
Torgal barks again with his tail wag.
Ardbert looks between Mya then Jill. ]
What in the Seven Hells was that?
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