[ 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.
[ If Jill was any of those things, now she is resolved that the girl who once had a relatively happy life as the daughter of a chieftain might as well be dead. Poise, grace, posture... none of those things seem to matter now, although they may still cling to Jill like shadows of her old life. Not that she remembers very much of it, but it was happy, and she had a family.
Now... She isn't certain what she has. Clive is here, and that means the world to her, and that is why she is determined to have Phya do whatever she needs to, to save him. ]
Please. Clive ought to be the one giving you the permission, but as he cannot right now... Please, do whatever you need to. Save him, and I'll find a way to pay you, even if you insist that payment is not needed. If guiding his aether is what will save him, please...
[ Jill wonders when she became so emotional; can it be because of Clive and her concern for him? Or could it be a result of everything she has done up until now? She thought herself hard because she had to be, but there are times when she feels anything but hard. Perhaps she's the weak one here, and hasn't been able to see it.
But none of this matters; what matters is that Clive lives. ]
Please, do whatever you can, and I- I will owe you a great debt.
Her gaze shifts from Jill to Clive. It reminds her of how she had reunited with the Lord Commander of Ishgard... and how she had met him in a life before. Something of the two before her strikes a resemblance. Not in appearances, but, something far deeper. She feels as if there is a connection that mimics her own to the Lord Commander. Then again, perhaps she is simply projecting.
Her hands raise and rest gently above Clive's back. Eyes slip shut. Her fingers move up and down his back as if to guide the red feather like aether that clings to him. She can feel warmth, but not of his person. Warmth of fire. His aether is charged with fire almost as the Lord Commander's is charged with darkness and thus making it chaotic. However, that does not mean temperment. No, this is more simply as if the aether is naturally aligned more in one direction than it is neutral.
Her head tilts slightly. Eyebrows knit together.
She returns to work.
Ardbert looks to Jill. ] That wing that came from him does not resemble any normal avian wing.
[ Jill finds herself pausing for a moment as Phya continues her work and Ardbert seemingly continues to examine her. Perhaps it is only in her imagination, but she feels his eyes on her and she can all but hear his musings and wonderings as if spoken aloud. She is certain that they are all curious about her and Clive, and she can hardly blame them for it.
To them, they must resemble quite the puzzle... and a mystery. ]
You would be correct in your statement, ser. [ Jill pauses and takes a breath, eyes traveling back over to look at Clive before returning to focus on Ardbert. ]
Aye. The tales say that they take on aspects of large beings. Ones that most would believe to be Primals. [ Ardbert glances to Mya. Has she heard of the term before? ] Only one Primal has that particular sort of wing...
This is not enthrallment, Ser Ardbert. [ Phya tilts her head in direction of the other two in the room. ] His aether is not aspected to the element of fire. "Aligned" is a far better term. However, it flows through him naturally in his aetheric current. Nothing claims or takes hold of him as one would see in a manner of enthrallment. [ An eye opens to meet Jill's gaze as if to say that she would speak with her later, but not with the others around. A discussion of healer to the one that speaks for a patient. ] There is hardly any need to inform the Holy See...
[ The door suddenly slams open. Phya jumps slightly, ears atop her head standing up. Ardbert looks over towards the Temple Knight that has joined them. The knight looks around the room then his eyes settle on Phya. ]
My lady, the Lord Commander will be here shortly! Shall I escort him in...
I'm no lady. [ Still, Phya nods and looks to Jill. Then, to Ardbert and Mya. Her gaze settles on her sister where an embarrassed smile settles on her face. ] I have been caring for the Lord Commander's wounds as Ser Estinen asked me.
[ Clive remains motionless. A gentle moan of pain escapes him now and again, but he does not shift nor move. ]
So you know, then; at least you know enough to recognize... [ She hesitates for a moment before continuing. ] You recognize what we are. [ At least, they recognize what Clive is, but she feels as though she can hardly reveal Clive's secret while concealing hers. To do so would be cowardly in her mind. ]
I expected that you would inform whoever it is you answer to about us. [ She eyes Phya with some level of apprehension, but there is resignation to it as well. Still, if she intends to not inform on them, even if it is only temporarily, Jill intends to take it for what it's worth.
She opens her mouth to say something more, but they are interrupted by the sudden slamming open of the door. Jill jumps a little herself, not managing to stop herself in time.
At the mention of the Lord Commander's arrival, Jill straightens herself up as much as she can, while still remaining as close to Clive as she dares. She is not about to abandon him, even if danger or death is what awaits them both. Who knows what this Lord Commander wants or intends? Part of her reasons that he must not be a cruel sort, or the feeling in the room would be far more tense than it is, but she does not know these people nor their intentions, and that is what makes her wary. ]
Aye, I am. Maybe not in entirely or with knowledge my fellow Scions would have. [ Ardbert frowns more. There is clearly a difference between tempered, what Clive and apparently the woman beside him are, and the eikons around them. ] THAT wing, however...
[ Phya simply gives the look of apprehension a smile. She is certain the Lord Commander would see someone similar to himself in Clive. People who are aligned aetherically to one element and yet not tempered. It would do him good to have another to relate.
She turns once the knight introduces the Lord Commander and salutes. Phya stands as formally as she can. Ardbert simply gives the Elezen a smile and a nod. The blood is still bright on his Dragoon armor. However, the turn of events have been pressing that he hasn't thought of needing to clean them. ]
That wing belongs to the Phoenix, as you have evidently guessed. [ There is increasingly less reason to hide the truth, as the signs of it are fairly obvious, and so Jill discloses that particular detail. As to how much Ardbert knows or has guessed, she is still trying to determine. ]
Clive and I are Dominants, but Clive can also access and use the abilities of other Eikons as he sees fit.
[ She pauses there, wondering if she ought to divulge how exactly Clive became able to use those other abilities. ]
[ Ardbert blinks in surprise, but any more conversation is quickly quieted the moment the Temple Knight shows in the Lord Commander. The smile is still given to Aymeric, as well as an informal nod. Phya gives a small curtsy despite their romantic connection. She has yet to tell her sister in detail about the information, let alone inform Ardbert of the situation. As far as they know? She is his healer. ]
Ser Aymeric. [ Phya steps to the side to show the unconscious Clive on his front. His brand is obvious for all to see. ] The Temple Knights found him with his companions in the frozen tundra and asked that I heal him...
[ Ardbert stands taller. ] My lance strayed and hit him. I know he's in the garb of a Imperial soldier, but...
[ Ardbert looks to Jill and Torgal. The hound stands and walks over to Aymeric. With a quick sniff the hound barks and begins to wag his tail. He recognizes the Elezen. The question is if he recongized them. ]
[ Jill remains silent for a few moments more, her arms folded tightly across her chest as though bracing against more than just the cold of the tundra. She can't seem to stop herself from looking at Clive, only glancing away for just a few seconds at a time. Of course she's worried about him; what if he does not survive, even with the efforts from the healer? But Aymeric's arrival causes her no small amount of concern bordering on fear, even though the Lord Commander is a stranger to her.
She moves slowly, not wanting to cause anyone to react out of alarm, wishing only to position herself closer to Clive, as if her closeness will protect him if anyone decides to harm him. Surely they wouldn't, so soon after Phya said she had been requested to heal him, but she can't help but be wary. ]
He is not an Imperial soldier, at least not a willing one. Neither of us have been able to make our own decisions for quite some time. What we have done and who we have become was not done willingly, although I understand you will not believe my words.
[ She forces herself to breathe, feeling the sting of cold air as she does, but she needs to calm herself and calm her nerves as well. ]
Your honesty does you credit, Ser Ardbert.
[ His tone is even, just measured and leveled, as he is used to offering neutral observations. ]
You did not need to speak of your lance, yet you did, and that speaks to a sense of honor I would not overlook.
[ His attention flicks briefly to the armor Clive wears, then to the hound now at his feet. Torgal’s tail wags. A low bark breaks the silence, and it draws a faint crease between Aymeric’s brows: not of suspicion, but of contemplation. He lets him draw near, tilting his head slightly. ]
The hound seems to recognize me. Strange, given we have never met. [ At least, not to his recollection. ]
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synthneon2024-11-25 02:03 am
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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. ]
no subject
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?
no subject
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. ]
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
[ 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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Now... She isn't certain what she has. Clive is here, and that means the world to her, and that is why she is determined to have Phya do whatever she needs to, to save him. ]
Please. Clive ought to be the one giving you the permission, but as he cannot right now... Please, do whatever you need to. Save him, and I'll find a way to pay you, even if you insist that payment is not needed. If guiding his aether is what will save him, please...
[ Jill wonders when she became so emotional; can it be because of Clive and her concern for him? Or could it be a result of everything she has done up until now? She thought herself hard because she had to be, but there are times when she feels anything but hard. Perhaps she's the weak one here, and hasn't been able to see it.
But none of this matters; what matters is that Clive lives. ]
Please, do whatever you can, and I- I will owe you a great debt.
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Her gaze shifts from Jill to Clive. It reminds her of how she had reunited with the Lord Commander of Ishgard... and how she had met him in a life before. Something of the two before her strikes a resemblance. Not in appearances, but, something far deeper. She feels as if there is a connection that mimics her own to the Lord Commander. Then again, perhaps she is simply projecting.
Her hands raise and rest gently above Clive's back. Eyes slip shut. Her fingers move up and down his back as if to guide the red feather like aether that clings to him. She can feel warmth, but not of his person. Warmth of fire. His aether is charged with fire almost as the Lord Commander's is charged with darkness and thus making it chaotic. However, that does not mean temperment. No, this is more simply as if the aether is naturally aligned more in one direction than it is neutral.
Her head tilts slightly. Eyebrows knit together.
She returns to work.
Ardbert looks to Jill. ] That wing that came from him does not resemble any normal avian wing.
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To them, they must resemble quite the puzzle... and a mystery. ]
You would be correct in your statement, ser. [ Jill pauses and takes a breath, eyes traveling back over to look at Clive before returning to focus on Ardbert. ]
Are you familiar with the term "dominant"?
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This is not enthrallment, Ser Ardbert. [ Phya tilts her head in direction of the other two in the room. ] His aether is not aspected to the element of fire. "Aligned" is a far better term. However, it flows through him naturally in his aetheric current. Nothing claims or takes hold of him as one would see in a manner of enthrallment. [ An eye opens to meet Jill's gaze as if to say that she would speak with her later, but not with the others around. A discussion of healer to the one that speaks for a patient. ] There is hardly any need to inform the Holy See...
[ The door suddenly slams open. Phya jumps slightly, ears atop her head standing up. Ardbert looks over towards the Temple Knight that has joined them. The knight looks around the room then his eyes settle on Phya. ]
My lady, the Lord Commander will be here shortly! Shall I escort him in...
I'm no lady. [ Still, Phya nods and looks to Jill. Then, to Ardbert and Mya. Her gaze settles on her sister where an embarrassed smile settles on her face. ] I have been caring for the Lord Commander's wounds as Ser Estinen asked me.
[ Clive remains motionless. A gentle moan of pain escapes him now and again, but he does not shift nor move. ]
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I expected that you would inform whoever it is you answer to about us. [ She eyes Phya with some level of apprehension, but there is resignation to it as well. Still, if she intends to not inform on them, even if it is only temporarily, Jill intends to take it for what it's worth.
She opens her mouth to say something more, but they are interrupted by the sudden slamming open of the door. Jill jumps a little herself, not managing to stop herself in time.
At the mention of the Lord Commander's arrival, Jill straightens herself up as much as she can, while still remaining as close to Clive as she dares. She is not about to abandon him, even if danger or death is what awaits them both. Who knows what this Lord Commander wants or intends? Part of her reasons that he must not be a cruel sort, or the feeling in the room would be far more tense than it is, but she does not know these people nor their intentions, and that is what makes her wary. ]
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[ Phya simply gives the look of apprehension a smile. She is certain the Lord Commander would see someone similar to himself in Clive. People who are aligned aetherically to one element and yet not tempered. It would do him good to have another to relate.
She turns once the knight introduces the Lord Commander and salutes. Phya stands as formally as she can. Ardbert simply gives the Elezen a smile and a nod. The blood is still bright on his Dragoon armor. However, the turn of events have been pressing that he hasn't thought of needing to clean them. ]
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Clive and I are Dominants, but Clive can also access and use the abilities of other Eikons as he sees fit.
[ She pauses there, wondering if she ought to divulge how exactly Clive became able to use those other abilities. ]
What do you intend to do with us?
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Ser Aymeric. [ Phya steps to the side to show the unconscious Clive on his front. His brand is obvious for all to see. ] The Temple Knights found him with his companions in the frozen tundra and asked that I heal him...
[ Ardbert stands taller. ] My lance strayed and hit him. I know he's in the garb of a Imperial soldier, but...
[ Ardbert looks to Jill and Torgal. The hound stands and walks over to Aymeric. With a quick sniff the hound barks and begins to wag his tail. He recognizes the Elezen. The question is if he recongized them. ]
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She moves slowly, not wanting to cause anyone to react out of alarm, wishing only to position herself closer to Clive, as if her closeness will protect him if anyone decides to harm him. Surely they wouldn't, so soon after Phya said she had been requested to heal him, but she can't help but be wary. ]
He is not an Imperial soldier, at least not a willing one. Neither of us have been able to make our own decisions for quite some time. What we have done and who we have become was not done willingly, although I understand you will not believe my words.
[ She forces herself to breathe, feeling the sting of cold air as she does, but she needs to calm herself and calm her nerves as well. ]
Your honesty does you credit, Ser Ardbert.
[ His tone is even, just measured and leveled, as he is used to offering neutral observations. ]
You did not need to speak of your lance, yet you did, and that speaks to a sense of honor I would not overlook.
[ His attention flicks briefly to the armor Clive wears, then to the hound now at his feet. Torgal’s tail wags. A low bark breaks the silence, and it draws a faint crease between Aymeric’s brows: not of suspicion, but of contemplation. He lets him draw near, tilting his head slightly. ]
The hound seems to recognize me. Strange, given we have never met. [ At least, not to his recollection. ]