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[aetherialslumber]

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[aetherialslumber]

[ It had been years. Hadn't it? Urianger had made sure they hated him before he left. After what he'd seen - after telling them of the Calamity, that this was to Rejoin, he left them all to decide their own path.

Some thought he'd gone to the fair folk. Others still thought he'd killed himself, unable to handle the visions.

Only those who truly knew him knew that he was going to do something desperate. Something foolish, that he didn't want anybody else to suffer.

It had been years since he vanished. Nobody had seen him. But Thancred, well. Sorry, but the skies seem to be turning dark for the first time since you got here. Tendrils of flowers moving, wrapping around your legs. ]

[wordsinthesoul]

[The nature of things was such that it was hard to tell. It's not something Thancred liked, and… he understands that Urianger wanted the best for them. But this is… well, it's not unlike Urianger. But going back without him- with that world in trouble- it doesn't sit right with Thancred.

He stills as he feels those tendrils wrapping around him- well, it does all feel somewhat ominous, but he puts one hand on the gunblade all the same.]

…now. This is a good show of omens, if I might say so. But who's giving them?

[aetherialslumber]

[ It was good that he was alone - the child being resting behind in the city, as he went out hunting, now wasn't it? Because they seemed to build, violently, tugging at him, tugging him towards the cloud.

It almost looked like a Voidsent appearing in front of him, a mass of darkness. ]

[wordsinthesoul]

[The territories are dangerous, and if they have a safe place- he doesn't want to risk her safety more than they have to. He lets them tug, trying to keep pace, to make sure he keeps his footing.

He can't help a flinch of alarm, before he steadies himself.]

…so you're the one behind these? To what end?

[aetherialslumber]

[ They look down at him, seeming not to walk to talk.

But a voice comes out, nearly familiar if not harsh, pained. ]

This is not your fight.

[wordsinthesoul]

[His ears prick at that, and Thancred tries to take a step forward, watching them.]

I still wish to do what I can. To protect those I'm looking after. And you? What are you doing here?

[aetherialslumber]

To free you. [ The vines tighten. There is a desperation in their grip, though. ] Alisaie and Alphinaud are already free.

[wordsinthesoul]

Free? [He tugs, now, trying to get closer.] Freed how- they're- they're gone.

[aetherialslumber]

They are home. [ Home-- the Source, perhaps? ]

[wordsinthesoul]

Home? But they- they seemed dead. How could they have reached tehre- or. Could you mean their spirits? But why?

[aetherialslumber]

...I took them back. [ One tendril reaches up, to touch Thancreds chest gently. His voice is growing calmer... more familiar... ] It was worth it.

I want to... take you back. You are missed.

[wordsinthesoul]

You did? Through… between the Shards? [He reaches out, too, before changing his mind to touch the tendril. Listening intently.]

…the same way? I…. [Oh- he misses home so much. But…]. What of those who are still here?

[aetherialslumber]

[ It wraps around his hand, a soft sound coming from him. Affection. ]

...this is not your fight, Thancred. I shall save our others. Those of the Source.

[wordsinthesoul]

[He gives a soft sound, leaning forward to nuzzle against it. It's a little reassuring.]

…to take them home the same way? It's… somewhat worrying… And what of yourself?

[aetherialslumber]

...myself? [ He asked quietly. Shapeless mass tilting questioningly. ]

[wordsinthesoul]

It's your home, too. Isn't it? [He reaches his other hand out, palm up.]

[aetherialslumber]

[ ...Had he not disguised his voice enough? He gave a soft little sound, shaking his head. Trying to dismiss it, in that soft voice he used to speak in when he was so afraid... ]

You must be mistaken.

[wordsinthesoul]

[He tries to step a little closer, glancing down to check he's not stepping on the tendrils. Still a familiar sound.]

I don't think I am. Can I touch you?

[aetherialslumber]

You may.

[ He hoped... he hoped Thancred hadn't worked it out, as he leaned down. Tendrils beginning to loosen, sorrow in his movements. ]

[wordsinthesoul]

[He's not absolutely certain, but- he sounds close enough. So close. Thancred moves closer, reaching out- his hands smoothing over the shape of the other, before he makes an attempt to hold him.]

Is this all right?

[aetherialslumber]

[ As soon as he's held, he begins to cry. It's been so long since he's been held. He's barely Elezen anymore... he's so shaky, as he lets himself relax into Thancred. ]

...aye. It is.

[wordsinthesoul]

[Thancred wraps his arms a little more tightly around Urianger, rubbing his back. This form is unfamiliar, but- he's not about to leave Urianger alone.]

Good. I'm glad… it's been a while, hasn't it? Is there somewhere we can sit down?

[aetherialslumber]

...others would be scared of me. [ His misty form, however, wraps around Thancred - beginning to lead him towards his home. His long-abandoned home... ]

[wordsinthesoul]

Hm. Well, then, it's a good thing I'm here and not them, don't you think? [He keeps an arm outstretched, trying to keep it wrapped around Urianger. Ah- this… it seems familiar, a little…]

[aetherialslumber]

[ The door opens, and Urianger seems to guide Thancred right over to the bed. He must be tired, right? ] Minfilia would be afraid.