boxofkururu | pile of creds

[ Yup, but he would regale the tale to Thancred later, if he remembered. If he... remembered.

As he looks to her, he might finally see how very tired Minfilia looks. Her eyes have bags under them, and her very expression has drooped. ]

This is simply what we must deal with... [ she repeats to herself, beginning to... nip at Thancred? She doesn't realise it, but she's... trying to groom him a little. ]

[gods. He'd hoped Minfilia would never have to look like this, but…]

We'll get by. One way or another.

[oh. That's- well, he's not unfamiliar with it, but- well, right now he's concerned it might make things worse for her. He puts one hand on her head, stroking her hair a little.]

Minfilia. Should we head back to your room?

[ And as he strokes her on her hat, she seems to lean into it. ]

I think so. I still have some paperwork I can do in there.

[ ...She can work. She can do this. Thancred, though... she looks to him. ] If what Miscarlet said is true, Urianger may come at any time. I'll let Tataru know to send him down to us. [ She pauses, gently, and then leans into him more. ] He's... not like that.

[It's better than nothing, although- he sighs a bit at the paperwork.]

I was thinking of something a little more relaxing.

[…as much as he understands the urge.]

All right. [he nods, and shifts to rest his head against hers.] I was hoping as much. It would be… even stranger if he were.

[ ...Relaxing? She lets out a little sound at that - it's been so long since she's relaxed.

But she's fine. As they walk, though, she decides to mention it quietly. ]

...There's been a lot to do. And I'll need to make sure you're an official Scion of this land, until we can find a way to get you home.

[ Because why would he want to stay? She can't help but reach a now-cat clawed hand to the Archon tattoo on his neck, though. ]

But what would you suggest?

[…oh, Minfilia.]

An official Scion… again. It sounds strange… but I imagine, with all of us, it must be more trouble than you'd think. [he's- assuming most of those who have doubles have similar, if not the same names.

But… a way home? He hadn't even begun to contemplate that, worried as he is about her, meeting Th'ancred, and hearing about the strangeness of this world. But- he should… shouldn't he?

He reaches up, to put one hand over hers as well.]

Hm… well, cards- I'm assuming you have a deck? Or the tiles, perhaps.

It is. Most of those who come though... well, there's no official record of your birth or existence. [ A pause, though. ] It's easy enough to create false records.

[ yes she's become a forger alongside th'ancred. They make their way down into the halls, and Minfilia remains talking so quietly. ]

I do. I've gotten... quite a few gifts from other Scions, and others who are simply lost.

[it makes sense. It does, but- he can't help but feel she shouldn't have had to do this, for them, and his expression drops for a moment. He musters up a smile, at least.]

That's that seen to, then.

Others who were lost…? [but he shakes his head.] I look forward to seeing your collection, then! [he assumes there must be a good variety in it.]

I've mentioned Fortemps and Warriors of Light coming before - but it's not simply them. They just seem the most common.

[ She pauses. ]

That Garlean, Nero - are you familiar with him?

[which… actually seems interesting in itself, but. He pauses as well. Nero + talk about the Cloud of Darkness (which is some sort of voidsent, he thinks he remembers being told) + how Th'ancred felt about him = …

…he's not going to like this, is he.

There's a slight twitch in his fingers, but he keeps his voice steady.]

I'm not personally familiar with him, but I've heard about him.

He... at that banquet, he saved our lives.

[ Though she sounds... hm. Her hands are bunching up again, before lowering her hat a little. ]

Nanamo was-- not killed. [ she's alive nobody dies ] But he-- he's a Voidsent. [ its more complex, but. she doesn't get it. ]

… We owe him, then.

[he doesn't entirely know how to feel about this- so he's trying to sound as neutral as he can. He reaches out to touch her again, thumbs brushing over her, trying to offer some comfort.]

That's… I'm glad to hear that. Not that it happened at all, of course… [he nods, frowning.] He didn't… affect her? [voidsent are strange.]

He didn't lay a finger on her. [ Minfilia says, sounding very prickly quite suddenly. ] But his taint...

[ They get to her room, and she opens the door. ]

[he shifts- alarmed in turn. Not Nanamo-

ohhhh no. no no no please no.]

Minfilia…

[he waits for her to step inside, and follows, closing the door solidly behind them.]

What happened- what did it touch? Did it… [he can't finish that though- reaching out to touch her again, instead.]

...I'm sorry. I-- I was trying to keep people away, and...

[ Her expression has grown dim - as has her stance, suddenly... falling into his arms.

Minfilia just wants to cry, and she hasn't in so long. No other Scion - except for Th'ancred - knows about this. ]

[He braces himself, pushed onto his back foot, and embraces her tightly.]

It's all right, I've got you. You don't have to do that with me.

[ She's needed to cry... and she just continues, so very softly, against him. ]

It's why I'm so warm, Thancred.

[He rubs her back, as much as he can, fine with letting her stay there.]

I thought- that was simply your natural warmth making itself better known.

[it's probably following flat, but… he's trying.]

[ But... it does make her feel a little better. ]

I'm... thank you for not pointing it out. I would have kept this for longer, if...

[ If things did not force her hand. But she steps back a little. ] It is not simply that, Thancred. Though I wish it were. Do you... think you can handle the rest?

[ Even now, she worries for him over herself. ]

I thought you'd know when you wanted to talk about it best.

[He stays where he is, continuing to hold his hands out to touch, if she wants to.]

I think so- if you're willing to tell me about it.

[similarly, he's continuing to worry about her.]

[ As she holds his hand, though, there's a slight glow - and where she stood, suddenly she has changed. From her back came six beautiful blue wings which seemed to be tipped with white aether-esque flames, and her eyes seem to focus even harsher. That is, the new ones on her body as well - all focused forward on him.

Her form almost looked like carvings often found from people speaking of Hyadalyn in old Era. But she tried to stand there calmly. Her voice, though, seems to be... more commanding. Almost intimidating, if she were not Minfilia and Thancred knew she would not harm him. ]

...Actions speak stronger then words. Please, fear not.

[He's staring. Whatever he thought had happened wasn't this. There's been some discussion over carvings like that, scholars trying to work out if it has any relation to the Echo, but- in person is a very different experience. His grip tightens a little, and after a moment, he chuckles, lightly.]

Well- that explains a few things. [how tricky it was getting his arms around her- assuming those are there are the time and simply not visible. She's still Minfilia, though. Always, and he leans forward to bump his forehead against hers.]

[ And as he leans his forehead against her, Minfilia lets out a little squeak - before smiling wide, wrapping her arms - and wings - around him. ]

You're the only one I've shown, Thancred. The others... have much on their plates.

[ She won't burden them further. She feels guilty enough about this. ]

[Oh. That's a lot more embrace than he's used to. It's good, though, and he wraps his around around her in return.]

I'm honoured. Well… [he sighs, a little, and tries to tuck a little more closely.] Here's hoping we can make it a little lighter.

If I must be honest, Thancred... [ she says, letting herself come closer, her warmth filling the air, ] you remind me of... 'ancred before he turned to... how he is now.

[ Perhaps that's why she trusts him so much, as she smiles though her tears. ]

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