𝐡𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐤𝐚 "ate 12 sandwiches & napped" 𝐬𝐮𝐢 (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
aquaveiled) wrote2022-03-02 07:58 pm
aquaveiled) wrote2022-03-02 07:58 pm
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[ That would be the first thing of her to ask, wouldn't it. Alphinaud pauses briefly, mouth pursing into a thin line before he answers. ]
As well as one could be, I suppose. Ryunosuke, I believe his name was, is still unable to walk, but he has fortunately been carried to safety by another. Mayhap with time he shall be able to recover. As all others denied my request for aid– [ Not unexpectedly. ] –I cannot speak for them.
As well as one could be, I suppose. Ryunosuke, I believe his name was, is still unable to walk, but he has fortunately been carried to safety by another. Mayhap with time he shall be able to recover. As all others denied my request for aid– [ Not unexpectedly. ] –I cannot speak for them.
[ Her expression falls a bit at that. Truthfully she knows that most of the damages were done by the entity, but with a clearer mind she is well-aware her own performance was...concerning. For all her preaching about how the Pleroma and Kenoma are the same, that they are not enemies, she didn't hesitate for a moment in lashing out as soon as the opportunity presented itself.
The worst part is that while she knows better, she doesn't entirely regret it. Her actions won't bring Estinien back, but she hopes the boy will think twice before trying again. ]
I'm sure they have the resources to care for their own.
[ The Regent would likely be well-prepared to deal with the aftermath, right? She makes no mention of her own involvement.
Looking down at Estinien's shard, she holds it out to Alphinaud. ]
I'm also sure he'd like to know that you're alright.
The worst part is that while she knows better, she doesn't entirely regret it. Her actions won't bring Estinien back, but she hopes the boy will think twice before trying again. ]
I'm sure they have the resources to care for their own.
[ The Regent would likely be well-prepared to deal with the aftermath, right? She makes no mention of her own involvement.
Looking down at Estinien's shard, she holds it out to Alphinaud. ]
I'm also sure he'd like to know that you're alright.
... Perhaps.
[ No—more like there's no doubt about it they could take care of their own hurts, but... Alphinaud thought, at the very least, he could extend some goodwill to them. To most of them, anyway. Were M conscious, Alphinaud has a difficult time thinking about aiding him in any way, but for better or worse, it's not a bridge that need crossing now.
With a tired exhale, his shoulders droop, gaze falling to the shard as it's settled into the palm of his hand. It's the first he seems to falter, suddenly going tense as he presses the crystal to his chest. ]
Yes—I am well. [ But truthfully, far more devastated by this than he's letting on. ] He... is not gone for good, yes? He can be brought back to us?
[ No—more like there's no doubt about it they could take care of their own hurts, but... Alphinaud thought, at the very least, he could extend some goodwill to them. To most of them, anyway. Were M conscious, Alphinaud has a difficult time thinking about aiding him in any way, but for better or worse, it's not a bridge that need crossing now.
With a tired exhale, his shoulders droop, gaze falling to the shard as it's settled into the palm of his hand. It's the first he seems to falter, suddenly going tense as he presses the crystal to his chest. ]
Yes—I am well. [ But truthfully, far more devastated by this than he's letting on. ] He... is not gone for good, yes? He can be brought back to us?
[ It's really a test of faith on all their fronts. Something they should be used to by now, shouldn't it? So often they have had to push forward on belief and hope, but those ends were always founded on the paths that they themselves paved.
This is just another they will have to see through to the end. While Himeka felt she did a poor job back when they were forced to flee to Coerthas, she now has the conviction and ability to reassure those she sees under her care. Alphinaud is more than capable of taking care of himself, of course, but it is nearly impossible not to become attached to both Alphinaud and his sister in seeing them grow over the years. To be part of that.
Himeka nods once, a smile returning, though a placid one. ]
As we understand it, yes. As long as our shards remain intact, we should return.
[ However... ]
...I'll admit this isn't how I was hoping to test our understanding.
This is just another they will have to see through to the end. While Himeka felt she did a poor job back when they were forced to flee to Coerthas, she now has the conviction and ability to reassure those she sees under her care. Alphinaud is more than capable of taking care of himself, of course, but it is nearly impossible not to become attached to both Alphinaud and his sister in seeing them grow over the years. To be part of that.
Himeka nods once, a smile returning, though a placid one. ]
As we understand it, yes. As long as our shards remain intact, we should return.
[ However... ]
...I'll admit this isn't how I was hoping to test our understanding.
[ It really, really isn't, Alphinaud thinks, remaining as he is. At least knowing the shard is safe brings a sliver of comfort. ]
Loathe as I am to say it, I am not wholly surprised by this retaliation against Estinien. But to be so brazen in the manner he's done so, right for all to see, no less...
[ A scowl forms in his expression. ]
I can only surmise that man is one to use any underhanded tactic available to him.
Loathe as I am to say it, I am not wholly surprised by this retaliation against Estinien. But to be so brazen in the manner he's done so, right for all to see, no less...
[ A scowl forms in his expression. ]
I can only surmise that man is one to use any underhanded tactic available to him.
[ She shakes her head. When Estinien is pointed in the direction of an enemy, he does not hesitate. He promised as much that he would make their enemies rue the day they met him. She supposes he did hold up on that promise. ]
He had taken on several of the Kenoma even before you arrived.
[ He'd made quite a name for himself. ]
That man...I don't know his name, but I won't forget his face.
[ Despite her normal calm nature, here is an edge to her voice there. She watches the shard in Alphinaud's hands, glad at least that she isn't directly feeding her frustration into it. Himeka's tail giving one sharp flick behind her in irritation. ]
The man who saved him is someone I'd worked with earlier without any trouble. We delivered a child and a few others to a local hospital.
[ She is disappointed that it turned out to be Kaeya. He was quickly becoming an example of how the Aions could come together. ]
He had taken on several of the Kenoma even before you arrived.
[ He'd made quite a name for himself. ]
That man...I don't know his name, but I won't forget his face.
[ Despite her normal calm nature, here is an edge to her voice there. She watches the shard in Alphinaud's hands, glad at least that she isn't directly feeding her frustration into it. Himeka's tail giving one sharp flick behind her in irritation. ]
The man who saved him is someone I'd worked with earlier without any trouble. We delivered a child and a few others to a local hospital.
[ She is disappointed that it turned out to be Kaeya. He was quickly becoming an example of how the Aions could come together. ]
[ And yet... ]
In the end, we all look out for our own. You and I do not differ.
[ Alphinaud looks up, pointedly. He did, after all, run into her slinging magic about in a nigh blind rage. ]
Nevertheless... The rift 'twixt our designated factions is quite clear to me now. I am but recently arrived, so I cannot claim to bear ill will toward any here. Yet they were still skeptical of my own offers of aid. [ A pause, then: ] Of course, if what I understand is true, it is because their Regent has... persuaded them into having these thoughts.
In the end, we all look out for our own. You and I do not differ.
[ Alphinaud looks up, pointedly. He did, after all, run into her slinging magic about in a nigh blind rage. ]
Nevertheless... The rift 'twixt our designated factions is quite clear to me now. I am but recently arrived, so I cannot claim to bear ill will toward any here. Yet they were still skeptical of my own offers of aid. [ A pause, then: ] Of course, if what I understand is true, it is because their Regent has... persuaded them into having these thoughts.
[ A slow nod. It's not something to be ashamed of, she realizes, but it does help that Alphinaud is the one that says it aloud. Despite being nearly a decade older than him, he's someone she's admired. ]
Mhmm...
[ She nods, offering an affirmative hum. ]
Being fed the Kenoma itself is...well, it's shite.
[ She's never been very good at mincing words. ]
It brings you low, forces you to relive your worst moments, your fears...I'm sure that there are some who succumbed to it just to make it stop.
Mhmm...
[ She nods, offering an affirmative hum. ]
Being fed the Kenoma itself is...well, it's shite.
[ She's never been very good at mincing words. ]
It brings you low, forces you to relive your worst moments, your fears...I'm sure that there are some who succumbed to it just to make it stop.
[ ... ]
Aye. We have both been witness to what despair can do to a person—'tis a dark path that can seem impossible to turn away from.
That one being inflicts this upon those torn from their homeworlds in the name of conquest is nothing short of infuriating.
[ And it's chilling to think how dangerously close Alphinaud came to falling into that trap. Truly, if it were not for Estinien's interference... ]
Aye. We have both been witness to what despair can do to a person—'tis a dark path that can seem impossible to turn away from.
That one being inflicts this upon those torn from their homeworlds in the name of conquest is nothing short of infuriating.
[ And it's chilling to think how dangerously close Alphinaud came to falling into that trap. Truly, if it were not for Estinien's interference... ]
[ That is probably the kindest way to put it. She has thought that they, the Scions, were uniquely qualified to deal with this threat. An impressive resume to be sure, but so soon after their last conflict with realized despair threatening existence itself. ]
We'll do what we can for them.
[ Himeka does believe some of the Kenoma can be saved. Hells, maybe most of them. But she isn't so naive these days to hold out that there aren't at least a few who will go down fighting 'til the last. That is their choice. ]
But...first thing's first.
[ She motions down to Estinien's shard. ]
We'll do what we can for them.
[ Himeka does believe some of the Kenoma can be saved. Hells, maybe most of them. But she isn't so naive these days to hold out that there aren't at least a few who will go down fighting 'til the last. That is their choice. ]
But...first thing's first.
[ She motions down to Estinien's shard. ]
—Oh.
[ Right. He's been absentmindedly cradling the shard close like a lifeline, but time is of the essense. Alphinaud offers it back to her. ]
Are you to set out soon?
[ Right. He's been absentmindedly cradling the shard close like a lifeline, but time is of the essense. Alphinaud offers it back to her. ]
Are you to set out soon?
Yes. Abel's just gathering some supplies.
[ They don't know how long it will take so they do need to prepared to stake out the shrine (and perhaps defend it) for a while, just in case.
Rather than take it back just yet, she instead cups her hands around Alphinaud's so that they can hold it together. Then she speaks to the shard itself. ]
I'll bring you back to Alphinaud as soon as we can, alright? The rest of the Pleroma will be in his hands until you wake up. So you shouldn't take too long or else he won't get any sleep.
[ They don't know how long it will take so they do need to prepared to stake out the shrine (and perhaps defend it) for a while, just in case.
Rather than take it back just yet, she instead cups her hands around Alphinaud's so that they can hold it together. Then she speaks to the shard itself. ]
I'll bring you back to Alphinaud as soon as we can, alright? The rest of the Pleroma will be in his hands until you wake up. So you shouldn't take too long or else he won't get any sleep.
The mention of Estinien gets a reaction--as any of her friends in particular would. Zenos can feel not only her instant attention but a palpable worry. What are they saying about him over there in Achamoth? Nothing good, she can imagine, as 'formidable reputation' speaks for itself.
"He has always been a capable warrior," she says somewhat defensively. As confident as she is in Estinien's ability to take care of himself, the last thing she wants is to sic Zenos on him.
"He has always been a capable warrior," she says somewhat defensively. As confident as she is in Estinien's ability to take care of himself, the last thing she wants is to sic Zenos on him.
Th- that is not true!
[ A hint of embarrassment flickers in his expression. ]
In spite of my worries, I assure you I shall be getting a good, long rest.
[ only she isn't wrong ]
[ A hint of embarrassment flickers in his expression. ]
In spite of my worries, I assure you I shall be getting a good, long rest.
[ only she isn't wrong ]
[ She watches Alphinaud from the corner of her eyes and has to smile. This...this is exactly the sort of thing that Estinien needs to hear right now. To feel right now. ]
Good, because he'll surely want to see you hale and whole once he returns. You can do that for him, right?
Good, because he'll surely want to see you hale and whole once he returns. You can do that for him, right?
Any chance you could spare me a moment, Miss Himeka?
[ Can she feel the weariness rolling off of him through their connection right now? Because the last few days have been... eventful. ]
[ Can she feel the weariness rolling off of him through their connection right now? Because the last few days have been... eventful. ]
[ She certainly can, which means he's instantly got her attention. ]
More than a moment. Is everything okay?
More than a moment. Is everything okay?
Haha... I wish I could say yes to that.
[ He sighs audibly. ]
Things have gotten messy at Godsblood. A couple of our Kenoma friends showed up, and even though it seems like they weren't trying to cause a scene... I can't say that holds true for all of the Pleroma here.
[ He sighs audibly. ]
Things have gotten messy at Godsblood. A couple of our Kenoma friends showed up, and even though it seems like they weren't trying to cause a scene... I can't say that holds true for all of the Pleroma here.
[ Ah...she best settle down and offer him her full attention, then. Which she does by taking a seat on a nearby branch covered with moss.
The thought of the Kenoma showing up in Godsblood shouldn't be as surprising as it is. Really, the only place they are fully safe is in the forest, isn't it? Godsblood is under the Regent's rule, it just seemed...so far away... ]
What were they doing?
[ Trying to follow the trail of the Pleroma? ]
The thought of the Kenoma showing up in Godsblood shouldn't be as surprising as it is. Really, the only place they are fully safe is in the forest, isn't it? Godsblood is under the Regent's rule, it just seemed...so far away... ]
What were they doing?
[ Trying to follow the trail of the Pleroma? ]
[ Technically, though with the way the people in Godsblood are so anti-Regent it's an easy thing to forget. Ernesto really should have braced himself better for the possibility of a Kenoma visit though. ]
Business was all I really managed to shake out of them, but it didn't seem like it was business related to us.
[ He pauses, humming thoughtfully as he amends that. ]
At least not directly. I don't think they were actually trying to find us. We just got unlucky that they picked the one city where they could. So now they have some idea where to go looking for Pleroma.
[ And now he hesitates, a pang of guilt can be felt over the connection. ]
And that might go for Greentruth too. A couple of them found me when I was selling, and seemed to be a little overly interested in where I was getting the spices from. I didn't say anything, but it's not exactly a secret to the people of Godsblood, and I bet that people in Achamoth will be able to tell them too. The forest is pretty big, but they might have reason to want to go rooting around in it in the near future.
[ The tension is ramping up in his voice, but also in the emotional feedback coming across their shards. ]
Especially if they can't flush all of us out of Godsblood.
Business was all I really managed to shake out of them, but it didn't seem like it was business related to us.
[ He pauses, humming thoughtfully as he amends that. ]
At least not directly. I don't think they were actually trying to find us. We just got unlucky that they picked the one city where they could. So now they have some idea where to go looking for Pleroma.
[ And now he hesitates, a pang of guilt can be felt over the connection. ]
And that might go for Greentruth too. A couple of them found me when I was selling, and seemed to be a little overly interested in where I was getting the spices from. I didn't say anything, but it's not exactly a secret to the people of Godsblood, and I bet that people in Achamoth will be able to tell them too. The forest is pretty big, but they might have reason to want to go rooting around in it in the near future.
[ The tension is ramping up in his voice, but also in the emotional feedback coming across their shards. ]
Especially if they can't flush all of us out of Godsblood.
[ "Business" is much too loose of a term to not be suspicious. If it's at the bidding of the Regent then it's something they should be aware of, right? Still...
Godsblood did seem kind of impervious, didn't it? So far away from everything else. Tehri wouldn't have made a portal there if she didn't think it was worth traveling to, or so Himeka assumes. Will this need to change? ]
...
[ Her immediate instinct is to tell him to hold so she can go get Alphinaud or someone else, but--no. Himeka reminds herself she shouldn't immediately assume someone else take responsibility for this sort of information. She's more than capable. Especially when she can feel that Ernesto is getting ramped up in his own way. She has a duty to hims as a friend as well. ]
We can't let them find the portal if we want to keep them out of Greentruth. But...the forest here is vast, old, and dangerous. Even Aions can't wander it alone and feel safe.
[ Does it stop her? No. But still. ]
I'm more worried about you and the others in Godsblood.
Godsblood did seem kind of impervious, didn't it? So far away from everything else. Tehri wouldn't have made a portal there if she didn't think it was worth traveling to, or so Himeka assumes. Will this need to change? ]
...
[ Her immediate instinct is to tell him to hold so she can go get Alphinaud or someone else, but--no. Himeka reminds herself she shouldn't immediately assume someone else take responsibility for this sort of information. She's more than capable. Especially when she can feel that Ernesto is getting ramped up in his own way. She has a duty to hims as a friend as well. ]
We can't let them find the portal if we want to keep them out of Greentruth. But...the forest here is vast, old, and dangerous. Even Aions can't wander it alone and feel safe.
[ Does it stop her? No. But still. ]
I'm more worried about you and the others in Godsblood.
[ There's a hum of agreement from Ernesto, followed by a short laugh. The portal is definitely important to keep hidden, and there's probably good reason to worry about those who opted to stay in Godsblood. ]
You shouldn't worry about me personally, but we should definitely make sure any Pleroma who are staying in Godsblood, or who even take frequent trips into the city, are aware of what might be waiting in store for them in the future. There's a higher risk in staying here long term now, and I think it's only fair people understand it before they take it themselves.
[ That said... ]
But I don't think the people of Godsblood will take too kindly to Kenoma suddenly swarming their streets trying to root us out either, so as long as the Regent doesn't want direct confrontation with Godsblood we might be okay if we manage to lay low and keep our heads down.
Way down... I don't know if you're familiar with Kim Dokja, Miss Himeka? But he picked a fight with one of the Kenoma that was in town, and got outed as an Aion...
[ Though here's the twist in the story, and Himeka can feel the uncertainty Ernesto has about the choice that was made. ]
Not as a Pleroma though. The kid claimed Dokja was another Kenoma, but either way it's going to put a mark on him in this city.
You shouldn't worry about me personally, but we should definitely make sure any Pleroma who are staying in Godsblood, or who even take frequent trips into the city, are aware of what might be waiting in store for them in the future. There's a higher risk in staying here long term now, and I think it's only fair people understand it before they take it themselves.
[ That said... ]
But I don't think the people of Godsblood will take too kindly to Kenoma suddenly swarming their streets trying to root us out either, so as long as the Regent doesn't want direct confrontation with Godsblood we might be okay if we manage to lay low and keep our heads down.
Way down... I don't know if you're familiar with Kim Dokja, Miss Himeka? But he picked a fight with one of the Kenoma that was in town, and got outed as an Aion...
[ Though here's the twist in the story, and Himeka can feel the uncertainty Ernesto has about the choice that was made. ]
Not as a Pleroma though. The kid claimed Dokja was another Kenoma, but either way it's going to put a mark on him in this city.
[ He raises a good point. From what she does understand of Godsblood, while they are under the Regent's influence, they don't particularly seem to like it. It was part of the reason the Pleroma could walk around undetected as long as they don't make a show of it. ]
Hmm...well, I know the forest doesn't appeal to everyone, but the people here in Greentruth are more than happy to take in any Aions should it come to that. I feel like I can say that with confidence.
[ They were eager to accommodate the Aions who visited during their little welcoming party to the newer Aions, after all. While they may not hold Aions to the same status of godhood like other peoples, there is a certain reverence and respect.
At the mention of Dokja, though, Ernesto will feel a rush of familiarity as well as short image of her tending to his wounds not far from the portal in Godsblood. Abel is there too. ]
I am, yes...it sounds like that's something he's done before.
[ She doesn't recall all the details but Abel had managed to pull Dokja out before the Kenoma could really do him in. She'd stayed in Godsblood to tend to his wounds for a few days after, even. ]
So he may not be safe there anymore. Though...why would they claim him a Kenoma?
Hmm...well, I know the forest doesn't appeal to everyone, but the people here in Greentruth are more than happy to take in any Aions should it come to that. I feel like I can say that with confidence.
[ They were eager to accommodate the Aions who visited during their little welcoming party to the newer Aions, after all. While they may not hold Aions to the same status of godhood like other peoples, there is a certain reverence and respect.
At the mention of Dokja, though, Ernesto will feel a rush of familiarity as well as short image of her tending to his wounds not far from the portal in Godsblood. Abel is there too. ]
I am, yes...it sounds like that's something he's done before.
[ She doesn't recall all the details but Abel had managed to pull Dokja out before the Kenoma could really do him in. She'd stayed in Godsblood to tend to his wounds for a few days after, even. ]
So he may not be safe there anymore. Though...why would they claim him a Kenoma?
[ He should have guessed that Dokja got mended up by Himeka. For someone who was supposedly close enough to death that Gen was unsure he made it out alive, Dokja looked like he was doing relatively well when Ernesto ambushed him at his home awhile back.
From the brief flash he gets from Himeka though, he can see why Gen thought he might have been... It looks like it was much worse than Ernesto had even thought, and yet this fool still tried to pick a fight with the kid...
He's thrilled to have to bring this particular problem to Himeka's feet again. ]
I'd hate to put too much stress on already strained resources though, but it might not be a bad idea for Mr. Dokja to head over there if he's willing.
[ And he sighs now. ]
I can't really say what was going on in his head when he made that claim, but it did the damage it was intended all the same.
From the brief flash he gets from Himeka though, he can see why Gen thought he might have been... It looks like it was much worse than Ernesto had even thought, and yet this fool still tried to pick a fight with the kid...
He's thrilled to have to bring this particular problem to Himeka's feet again. ]
I'd hate to put too much stress on already strained resources though, but it might not be a bad idea for Mr. Dokja to head over there if he's willing.
[ And he sighs now. ]
I can't really say what was going on in his head when he made that claim, but it did the damage it was intended all the same.
Estinien realizes that the Regent's nonconsensual Communion is finally over largely because he finds that he's no longer being bound and gagged. He awakes with a gasp from the place where he'd collapsed on the floor - thankfully, some of the hides they had on hand had softened his fall. Goodberries has been curled up on him while he was unconscious, apparently, and flitters away as he starts to shift.
He feels for the shard in his chest, reflexively checking that it hasn't been more damaged than it is already. Feelings its smooth surface beneath his hand, he begins looking around for his companions.
"Himeka...?" he murmurs.
"She's here! Right here!" Goodberries supplies helpfully, flying to Himeka's side and looking her over curiously.
He feels for the shard in his chest, reflexively checking that it hasn't been more damaged than it is already. Feelings its smooth surface beneath his hand, he begins looking around for his companions.
"Himeka...?" he murmurs.
"She's here! Right here!" Goodberries supplies helpfully, flying to Himeka's side and looking her over curiously.
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