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.
[ Mya was prepared for something like this to happen; of course no sleep spell would be enough to keep someone down when having a spear pulled out of them. But what she wasn't prepared for was the appearance of the strangest kind of aether she'd ever seen, followed by a wing.
Instinct kicked in and she dove out of the way, but she's just as surprised and startled as the rest of them. Except for Jill, from the looks of things.
Jill looks at all of them before settling her gaze back on Ardbert. ]
Clive is not... He is not only what you see in front of you. [ She looks hesitant, because really, it should be Clive deciding whether or not to reveal his secret. ] In fact, I am not all that you see in front of you.
[ If she can't divulge Clive's secret in so many words, then she could at least reveal hers. That is something she can decide to do, or not to do. ]
I think... most of us can say something similar in one way or another.
[ Ardbert glances at Mya and nods. He won't divulge anything that isn't asked of him. Yet, he knows that he has been in contact with the Mothercrystal. Hydaelyn. The Warrior of Light. Not that many would guess by his appearance and he is more than fine with that. He'd much rather not let others know that he's the chosen Champion. Especially when that chosen champion is wanted for potentially killing a member of the Eorzaen Alliance.
Not that he did. ]
How do you propose we move him to Falcon's Nest? Far to carry him. I could give a call to my chocobo.
[ Mya nods at Ardbert before glancing at Jill and doing the same. It seems as though all of them have their own secrets that they're keeping to themselves for one reason or another.
Perhaps in time, the secrets will come out, but Mya has no intention of revealing Ardbert's or anyone's, for that matter.
As for the question of how to transport Clive, Jill finds herself at a loss for how to answer. If she could, she would carry him there herself, no matter the distance, but that is hardly practical. ]
I suppose that travel by chocobo is the best option that we have. I imagine none of you wish to take turns carrying him there. [ That would most likely not be good for his injuries, anyway. ]
[ He raises his fingers to his lips. A low whistle is let out and seemingly from nowhere comes the chocobo. Ardbert greats the chocobo warmly. He then works with Jill to carefully lift Clive and ease him over the back of his feathered friend. A low groan comes from the man, pained, gutural.
Ardbert glances at Mya. Something tells him the pained sounds aren't related to the wound.
It's night falls by the time they arrive in Falcon's Nest. The young head of Foretemps meets them. Ardbert holds a brief heated discussion about Clive. He is dressed as an Empire soldier and therefore is an enemy. The conversation only stops the moment Ardbert lifts Clive's head to show the brand on his face for all to see.
Even Jill.
Marked as a forced conscript into the Imperial Military. Forced to use magic on those he would call allies and kinsmen.
Ardbert explains the situation. The next in line for Foretemps finally regents and allows Mya to call for her sister to come and aid.
Within the hour, Phya Tayuun rushes into the healing house of Falcon's Nest. She pulls her thick hood down and makes her way over. Ardbert brightens at her arrival. A clawed gloves goes up to gesture to Jill, Torgal, and Clive. ]
Jill, this is Mya's twin sister--Phya. Phya, Jill and Torgal.
[ All of Jill's instincts are telling her that she shouldn't be here with these people. Clive shouldn't be here either. The plan was to keep to themselves, to stay away from others, and yet here they are. Still, Clive has to live, so if the only way to make sure that he does is by working with them at least temporarily, then that is what she will do.
Even so, when they finally arrive in Falcon's Nest, Jill feels as though people are staring holes into her, mistrusting her and Clive, judging them and deciding that both of them can't be trusted. But the moment that she spots Ardbert moving Clive just enough to reveal the brand on his face, she feels something inside her sink.
The brand tells a story, and a grim one, and it tells Jill just what Clive has been through over the past however many years. Maybe all she and Clive will ever be is outcasts on the run, not wanted or trusted by anyone.
But for the moment, they haven't been thrown out and had the gates shut in their faces, so that must count for something. After some discussion and explanations, Mya is given permission to call for her sister, which she does immediately via linkpearl.
Soon enough, Phya arrives, and Mya also brightens when she sees her. Jill, however, remains serious and apprehensive. She is worried for Clive, and worried for what might happen to them when and if they are told they must leave. Still, if they at least heal Clive before turning them away, that will be enough. Once he is healed, the two of them can find somewhere far away from everyone to hide and figure out their next moves. ]
Hello... [ Jill says quietly, suddenly unsure what she ought to say. ] I haven't very much money to pay you with, but if you can save Clive, I'll give it to you.
[ Phya had sat up immediately once the linkpearl had gone off. Life had become far more... natural, perhaps even dreamlike, since she was reunited with Aymeric de Borel. She had unofficially moved into his residence. The insistence had been to continue to assist with the Lord Commander's recovery. She knows many in Ishgard believe she has somehow played a political hand. Many others say that Aymeric has always preferred the outside "rabble."
She knows otherwise.
She quickly informs the house staff before heading out. It takes time to get to Falcon's Nest. Yet, once she arrives, a smile is given to her elder twin sister. A certain glow and sparkle is in her eyes that hadn't been there before.
She gently squeezes her sister's hands and then turns her attention the moment Jill speaks.
Phya pauses. She can tell that the woman in front of her is not a commoner. Despite the rough exterior and clothing? The woman has fair skin. Hair. Hardened eyes. She reminds her in many ways of Aymeric. Someone who had had standing yet has seen the hardships of life that usually would not be associated with the life of their status.
Phya squeezes her sister's hands again before moving to the bed wete the patient lays on his front. A man in the uniform of the Empire. A brand on his cheek. A small frown comes to her face and her eyes raise to the woman on the opposite side.
She bows gently. ]
I'm a healer, milady. You owe me nothing. [ Phya's gaze drops to the man between them. ] Would you tell me what happened?
... Nothing? Not even- [ Jill's expression shifts to one of pure confusion. ] I have never seen you before, and you do not know me; why would you even offer to help? Why would any of you offer to help us?
[ She looks over at Ardbert and Mya before looking back at Phya. She didn't question their assistance before, but now that Phya is actually here and the subject of payment has come up, she can't help but ask.
But then Phya asks a question of her own, and at first, Jill hesitates. Rather than answer right away, she says instead: ] I'm hardly a lady, at least not any sort of lady that you would be accustomed to.
[ But Clive is far more important than any of her own insecurities or worries, so she continues: ]
I had- I was attempting an escape, and yes, I am aware that means I am a fugitive. [ She looks as though she expects them to apprehend her right then and there. ] By chance, Clive found me, and he was resolved to help me escape. We were on our way when dragons attacked us, and what I can only assume was a stray lance was heading my direction.
[ She shakes her head. ] He should have let the blow land instead of taking it for himself.
[ Her hands curl into fists as the gravity of it all weighs down on her again. ]
[ Phya's gaze raises back to the woman named Jill. The hallmarks of a Lady are quite obvious to her, but she seems to be in utter denial of such facts. The idea is not too surprising. After all, so much of Corethas and Ishgard remain hopeless after the long grueling war with the Horde. It was only made worse by the Calamity a hundred years ago that flash froze their entire way of life.
The small Miqo'te reaches over and gently places her hand above Jill's. It is quite the stretch over the man apparently named Clive between them. A smile is offered to the woman who is older than her, yet, Phya's smile seems older. ]
I am a healer. [ She repeats the fact as a stance of neutrality. ] You truly owe me nothing. This is what I was born to do.
[ She stands then as Jill relays the events. A glance is sent to her sister and Ardbert. The dragoon clad man nods. The lance had been stray and went sailing towards the two--no three additional members in the room. Phya looks to Torgal then, the great direwolf who sits beside Jill. He stares intently at her and a low gruff huff escapes him.
She has been given the approval for the moment to continue. ]
My sister is skilled in the basics of healing. I will see what I can continue to do from there. [ Phya smiles at her twin sister before her ears twitch. ] Hopefully this will remain painless as he is already unconscious, but depending on how dire the wound is, he may react. I may need you to hold him down in such a case.
[ Her hands raise to hover over the sealed wound. Eyes close. Phya feels the aether shift. It is a normal flow, unlike the last man she healed, yet there seems to be an odd under current of aether as well. Warmth. Her eyebrows knit slightly. It reminds her of how the Lord Commander's aether is so dramatically shifted in one direction.
Her fingertips gently graze over the wound to begin healing. Not injecting her own aether, but guiding his to bind so she might seal it in a way to heal the worst of the damage. The wound is not as dire as the Lord Commanders in some ways. The lance did not pierce down into his heart, but it had broken bones and pieced muscle. Tendons. Her ears twitch once more. ]
This may take some time. It is not just muscular or damage to his bones but both. [ Her head tilts towards her sister and Ardbert. ] We will need to remove the armor once the wound has been sealed and perhaps even cover it depending on how his body will heal. His aether is receptive--
[ Then, Phya is cut off.
Her hands pull back the moment aether gathers around the man's back. Red and green aether shines once more and in an instant, a brilliant red wing made of aether forms. The guise it takes is of feathers and flames. Clive groans, the wing stretching out and then dispersing. The feathers gently fall down to Clive's back and disappear once more, and yet it seems as if more of his injury is healed then.
Phya looks from Clive to Jill, and then to her sister and their traveling companion. A grim look settles on Ardbert's face. He unfolds his arms and stares at the man ahead of them. Hands clench. Phya glances at Torgal who barks as if in approval, then her attention moves back to Jill. ]
[ In Jill's mind, she ought to be considered as less than proper ladies such as Phya and her sister, simply because of her own actions... actions that most would consider reprehensible. At the very least, Jill considers what she has done to be completely unforgivable.
Truth be told, she would settle for exile and live out the rest of her days far away from anyone.
This is what I was born to do.
Somehow, that cuts at her more than she would care to admit. From what she has experienced and what she has been told, she has concluded that she was born to cause destruction and harm. Perhaps that is not the case and she is being unrealistic in her own thoughts, but she finds she can't stop herself from thinking along those lines.
Jill's gaze travels over to Torgal's as well, and she reaches out to give him a quick pat on the head. She remains silent as she listens to Phya, the worry she has for Clive clear on her face. She has no reason to doubt Phya's skills, and yet she still worries.
She continues to sit there beside Torgal, staying still as she watches and waits for some sign that Clive will be all right. A sign comes, but it is not the sign the anticipated. Aether appears to gather around Clive, and suddenly, Jill sits immediately to attention. A red wing materializes and stretches out before disappearing as suddenly as it appeared.
Jill barely understands what is happening, only that Clive reacted to something, whether Phya's healing efforts or something else. She scoots herself a little closer to him so that she can see his face better, briefly glancing over at Phya and nodding in acknowledgement. ]
Yes, that did come from Clive. I am hardly the one to ask about such things, but there is more to him than you would venture to guess.
[ And she imagines that it will not be long before Ardbert and the two sisters will begin to guess what secrets both she and Clive hold. ]
[ Phya does not have much experience with dealing in high society in this life. However, she can tell the poise, grace, and posture of those of that part of their world are all present in Jill. She is--or was--someone of stature at one point. Such tendencies simply don't leave someone easily. However, Phya can also tell how the woman seemingly dislikes such things and thus will not continue to point it out.
She pauses at the red feathers that fall from the outburst of wing. She can't recall ever seeing such a thing. Even in the scattered memories that her soul seemingly holds onto. A glance is sent to her sister and Ardbert. Their fellow traveler frowns and his hands are clenched. Something of the ordeal does not sit right with him. A tilt of her head before she gently raises her hands once more. ]
I'm not entirely sure there is much that I ought to do. If only because whatever it is that causes the red wing is healing him on it's own. I could attempt to guide the flow of aether to where it is needed that way the healing process is sped up and done properly. As opposed to simply patching the wound. [ She pauses, and raises her eyes to Jill. ] If you would give me the permission to do such acts. It would seem you are the one that knows him best out of all of us here.
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synthneon2024-11-25 02:03 am
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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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Instinct kicked in and she dove out of the way, but she's just as surprised and startled as the rest of them. Except for Jill, from the looks of things.
Jill looks at all of them before settling her gaze back on Ardbert. ]
Clive is not... He is not only what you see in front of you. [ She looks hesitant, because really, it should be Clive deciding whether or not to reveal his secret. ] In fact, I am not all that you see in front of you.
[ If she can't divulge Clive's secret in so many words, then she could at least reveal hers. That is something she can decide to do, or not to do. ]
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[ Ardbert glances at Mya and nods. He won't divulge anything that isn't asked of him. Yet, he knows that he has been in contact with the Mothercrystal. Hydaelyn. The Warrior of Light. Not that many would guess by his appearance and he is more than fine with that. He'd much rather not let others know that he's the chosen Champion. Especially when that chosen champion is wanted for potentially killing a member of the Eorzaen Alliance.
Not that he did. ]
How do you propose we move him to Falcon's Nest? Far to carry him. I could give a call to my chocobo.
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Perhaps in time, the secrets will come out, but Mya has no intention of revealing Ardbert's or anyone's, for that matter.
As for the question of how to transport Clive, Jill finds herself at a loss for how to answer. If she could, she would carry him there herself, no matter the distance, but that is hardly practical. ]
I suppose that travel by chocobo is the best option that we have. I imagine none of you wish to take turns carrying him there. [ That would most likely not be good for his injuries, anyway. ]
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Ardbert glances at Mya. Something tells him the pained sounds aren't related to the wound.
It's night falls by the time they arrive in Falcon's Nest. The young head of Foretemps meets them. Ardbert holds a brief heated discussion about Clive. He is dressed as an Empire soldier and therefore is an enemy. The conversation only stops the moment Ardbert lifts Clive's head to show the brand on his face for all to see.
Even Jill.
Marked as a forced conscript into the Imperial Military. Forced to use magic on those he would call allies and kinsmen.
Ardbert explains the situation. The next in line for Foretemps finally regents and allows Mya to call for her sister to come and aid.
Within the hour, Phya Tayuun rushes into the healing house of Falcon's Nest. She pulls her thick hood down and makes her way over. Ardbert brightens at her arrival. A clawed gloves goes up to gesture to Jill, Torgal, and Clive. ]
Jill, this is Mya's twin sister--Phya. Phya, Jill and Torgal.
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Even so, when they finally arrive in Falcon's Nest, Jill feels as though people are staring holes into her, mistrusting her and Clive, judging them and deciding that both of them can't be trusted. But the moment that she spots Ardbert moving Clive just enough to reveal the brand on his face, she feels something inside her sink.
The brand tells a story, and a grim one, and it tells Jill just what Clive has been through over the past however many years. Maybe all she and Clive will ever be is outcasts on the run, not wanted or trusted by anyone.
But for the moment, they haven't been thrown out and had the gates shut in their faces, so that must count for something. After some discussion and explanations, Mya is given permission to call for her sister, which she does immediately via linkpearl.
Soon enough, Phya arrives, and Mya also brightens when she sees her. Jill, however, remains serious and apprehensive. She is worried for Clive, and worried for what might happen to them when and if they are told they must leave. Still, if they at least heal Clive before turning them away, that will be enough. Once he is healed, the two of them can find somewhere far away from everyone to hide and figure out their next moves. ]
Hello... [ Jill says quietly, suddenly unsure what she ought to say. ] I haven't very much money to pay you with, but if you can save Clive, I'll give it to you.
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She knows otherwise.
She quickly informs the house staff before heading out. It takes time to get to Falcon's Nest. Yet, once she arrives, a smile is given to her elder twin sister. A certain glow and sparkle is in her eyes that hadn't been there before.
She gently squeezes her sister's hands and then turns her attention the moment Jill speaks.
Phya pauses. She can tell that the woman in front of her is not a commoner. Despite the rough exterior and clothing? The woman has fair skin. Hair. Hardened eyes. She reminds her in many ways of Aymeric. Someone who had had standing yet has seen the hardships of life that usually would not be associated with the life of their status.
Phya squeezes her sister's hands again before moving to the bed wete the patient lays on his front. A man in the uniform of the Empire. A brand on his cheek. A small frown comes to her face and her eyes raise to the woman on the opposite side.
She bows gently. ]
I'm a healer, milady. You owe me nothing. [ Phya's gaze drops to the man between them. ] Would you tell me what happened?
[ Ardbert moves to stand beside Mya. ]
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[ She looks over at Ardbert and Mya before looking back at Phya. She didn't question their assistance before, but now that Phya is actually here and the subject of payment has come up, she can't help but ask.
But then Phya asks a question of her own, and at first, Jill hesitates. Rather than answer right away, she says instead: ] I'm hardly a lady, at least not any sort of lady that you would be accustomed to.
[ But Clive is far more important than any of her own insecurities or worries, so she continues: ]
I had- I was attempting an escape, and yes, I am aware that means I am a fugitive. [ She looks as though she expects them to apprehend her right then and there. ] By chance, Clive found me, and he was resolved to help me escape. We were on our way when dragons attacked us, and what I can only assume was a stray lance was heading my direction.
[ She shakes her head. ] He should have let the blow land instead of taking it for himself.
[ Her hands curl into fists as the gravity of it all weighs down on her again. ]
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The small Miqo'te reaches over and gently places her hand above Jill's. It is quite the stretch over the man apparently named Clive between them. A smile is offered to the woman who is older than her, yet, Phya's smile seems older. ]
I am a healer. [ She repeats the fact as a stance of neutrality. ] You truly owe me nothing. This is what I was born to do.
[ She stands then as Jill relays the events. A glance is sent to her sister and Ardbert. The dragoon clad man nods. The lance had been stray and went sailing towards the two--no three additional members in the room. Phya looks to Torgal then, the great direwolf who sits beside Jill. He stares intently at her and a low gruff huff escapes him.
She has been given the approval for the moment to continue. ]
My sister is skilled in the basics of healing. I will see what I can continue to do from there. [ Phya smiles at her twin sister before her ears twitch. ] Hopefully this will remain painless as he is already unconscious, but depending on how dire the wound is, he may react. I may need you to hold him down in such a case.
[ Her hands raise to hover over the sealed wound. Eyes close. Phya feels the aether shift. It is a normal flow, unlike the last man she healed, yet there seems to be an odd under current of aether as well. Warmth. Her eyebrows knit slightly. It reminds her of how the Lord Commander's aether is so dramatically shifted in one direction.
Her fingertips gently graze over the wound to begin healing. Not injecting her own aether, but guiding his to bind so she might seal it in a way to heal the worst of the damage. The wound is not as dire as the Lord Commanders in some ways. The lance did not pierce down into his heart, but it had broken bones and pieced muscle. Tendons. Her ears twitch once more. ]
This may take some time. It is not just muscular or damage to his bones but both. [ Her head tilts towards her sister and Ardbert. ] We will need to remove the armor once the wound has been sealed and perhaps even cover it depending on how his body will heal. His aether is receptive--
[ Then, Phya is cut off.
Her hands pull back the moment aether gathers around the man's back. Red and green aether shines once more and in an instant, a brilliant red wing made of aether forms. The guise it takes is of feathers and flames. Clive groans, the wing stretching out and then dispersing. The feathers gently fall down to Clive's back and disappear once more, and yet it seems as if more of his injury is healed then.
Phya looks from Clive to Jill, and then to her sister and their traveling companion. A grim look settles on Ardbert's face. He unfolds his arms and stares at the man ahead of them. Hands clench. Phya glances at Torgal who barks as if in approval, then her attention moves back to Jill. ]
That came from him...
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Truth be told, she would settle for exile and live out the rest of her days far away from anyone.
This is what I was born to do.
Somehow, that cuts at her more than she would care to admit. From what she has experienced and what she has been told, she has concluded that she was born to cause destruction and harm. Perhaps that is not the case and she is being unrealistic in her own thoughts, but she finds she can't stop herself from thinking along those lines.
Jill's gaze travels over to Torgal's as well, and she reaches out to give him a quick pat on the head. She remains silent as she listens to Phya, the worry she has for Clive clear on her face. She has no reason to doubt Phya's skills, and yet she still worries.
She continues to sit there beside Torgal, staying still as she watches and waits for some sign that Clive will be all right. A sign comes, but it is not the sign the anticipated. Aether appears to gather around Clive, and suddenly, Jill sits immediately to attention. A red wing materializes and stretches out before disappearing as suddenly as it appeared.
Jill barely understands what is happening, only that Clive reacted to something, whether Phya's healing efforts or something else. She scoots herself a little closer to him so that she can see his face better, briefly glancing over at Phya and nodding in acknowledgement. ]
Yes, that did come from Clive. I am hardly the one to ask about such things, but there is more to him than you would venture to guess.
[ And she imagines that it will not be long before Ardbert and the two sisters will begin to guess what secrets both she and Clive hold. ]
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She pauses at the red feathers that fall from the outburst of wing. She can't recall ever seeing such a thing. Even in the scattered memories that her soul seemingly holds onto. A glance is sent to her sister and Ardbert. Their fellow traveler frowns and his hands are clenched. Something of the ordeal does not sit right with him. A tilt of her head before she gently raises her hands once more. ]
I'm not entirely sure there is much that I ought to do. If only because whatever it is that causes the red wing is healing him on it's own. I could attempt to guide the flow of aether to where it is needed that way the healing process is sped up and done properly. As opposed to simply patching the wound. [ She pauses, and raises her eyes to Jill. ] If you would give me the permission to do such acts. It would seem you are the one that knows him best out of all of us here.
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