boxofkururu

[ There's no hiding it. ]

...I can't see. [ It's said so quietly, as if whispering it would make it any less horrifying. He opens his eyes again, and they're no longer slitted - they look almost silver-brown. ] Though my aether feels stronger, I can't see a thing. Everything seems white.

[ Stuck seeing a blinding light forever - was it because he could see the lifestream, as his final sight? He was awake in there. ]

Brother… [He makes a sad sound, cupping Th'ancred's face.] Perhaps- that's because it's so strong? But that's… it doesn't sound good.

...If you have new scars from your time with the Empire, don't think I was trying to ignore them. [ He's trying to joke, and yet... he nuzzles. Closing his eyes again. ] I doubt this will fade. I haven't told anybody else.

[ But now, it's clear why he didn't see it as the right time. Not until... he can find a way to make up for his own weakness. ]

Oh, no, I assumed it was politeness. [he closes his eyes, too, sighing.] …damn. No doubt that was too much to hope for… But- they'll probably notice in time. Maybe- they'd be able to suggest something…?

it is. It makes his heart hurt, and Prastha reaches for Th'ancred's hand, holding onto him tightly.]

...I don't want to be pitied, brother. That is no place for a Nunh - especially one missing most of his. [ Not just Archon and Minfilia, but other Scion remain scattered - oh, how his own heart aches. ] Until I find Minfilia, this is to be... secret. For I still want to be out there, on the front lines.

I know. I don't want you to be pitied, either. [it wouldn't suit him at all. He goes to wrap his arms around Th'ancred again.] All right. We'll find a way to make it work- I'll be by your side. That… sounds reasonable, doesn't it?

[ Th'ancred is purring, and wrapping himself around Prastha as well - very cat-like. Before pausing: ] You-- you'd like to stay with me? What of your own tasks - I imagine there's a lot you have to report.

[this is nice! a tangle of two brothers.] Of course I would! It's- I've missed you. [and he wants to try and look after Th'ancred, too. He huffs a little, thinking.] In truth- I'd been trying to work out what I should do now…

[ He's missed him too - letting out a few more clicks. ] Yes... I imagine you're a marked man, now. And I don't see myself infiltrating the Empire any time soon. [ he admits, blinking a few times. ] We'll... still need to pass it by Alphinaud.

He's grown since Sharlayan, hasn't he? Though he still sounds a lot like his sister.

[he clicks back, blinking softly.] I'm afraid so- getting back seemed like it might be a problem for a little while. I- well. It's bound to be more of a challenge than before… [he leans against Th'ancred a little more.] Of course.

He has. It seems he's learned to lead a little… That'll probably change in time. But it might still be useful for them at some point.

As long as you're safe. No pains right now? [ Th'ancred asked - he was, after all, a healer. Sometimes, he felt like he had too much magic flickering on him. ]

I'm glad - his last time leading ended up in the Ul'dahn incident. [ he doesn't blame alphinaud, but... he's still not feeling good about it. ] Besides - I've been... worried about Alisaie. Whatever she may be doing, I wish she'd reach out to us. Or even Urianger, if she doesn't trust the Scions.

They ache a little- but not right now.

Haaah… that's not such a good start. But he's improved. [he murrs, worried, tail flicking.] She hasn't sent any word about it? Not to anyone?

He was manipulated due to his pride - the Monetists got their claws on his high ranking allies. [ Th'ancred still wants to hunt them all down. Hunt them down, and show them what they did. ] She hasn't, no. She... was around for a little, after we moved to the Rising Stones, but after that? Shes' been elsewhere.

[ Quietly, though, Th'ancreds eyes seem to flicker - as does his skin, visible aether is seeming to flow though him, as he began to channel healing... without a staff. Even if they don't ache right now, this would help. ]

Ah- they would have had the money and resources to dig in, wouldn't they? Tch. [he hisses again- he can't really disagree wit that feeling. It might not be so good for Ul'dah, but it'd feel good.] I was a little surprised by the move, by it seems to have helped… And not even a letter…? What a shame! I wonder- maybe we could send her something…? Let her know that we're concerned?

[he starts at that, fur fluffing up a little. Even without a staff, he can feel the healing energy sinking into him, and after a few moments, he stretches out experimentally.] Ah- that feels better. Have you grown, too…?

They were trying to control us, as well. That's why we moved - to somewhere less... government controlled. [ aw, th'ancred is wrapping his tail around prastha, at least. wrapping their tails around. ] Not even a letter. Though, a gift would be nice for her - a sign we're there for her, if she needs it. A pity I could not read a reply.

[ yeah, he's smiling, in that bitter way. rumbling, though: ] After Flow, I-- found myself stronger.

Ah, that sounds reasonable. …and also, perhaps, why they would seek to dig their claws in another way… [it's nice! he purrs, tails entwining.] I'm sure she'd learned better… But that would work! A reminder she could hold- something to help her, perhaps. … I could read it for you. Or- maybe we could find some way around it?

oh- not the look he hoped for. He rumbles back.] Being- immersed in aether, exactly- it makes sense, doesn't it?

...I wonder if we could get her a Linkpearl. [ Th'ancred muses, as he continues to kneed in more magic. ]

It does make sense. Why, I think I could... bring back the dead, with this much. [ But he doesn't want to feel like he needs to. ]

That would work! I could ask around… for a courier too, perhaps. [he makes a pleased sound, relaxing more as Th'ancred kneeds.]

's a lot of power… could do a lot of people good. [he shifts, looking up at Th'ancred.] I hope it's never needed like that.

As long as they're a fine friend, and won't get a bookful from her.

[ He wishes he could have done good before. Even when he was just a healer, though... ]

...Moenbryda's dead. If this had happened before that, maybe I could have-- saved her.

Hm. I'm not sure I can absolutely promise the second, but I think there may be a few people I could ask…

I'd- wondered. Urianger's seemed… more out of sorts than I'd have though. [he makes an unhappy sound.] But- we can't know.

We've both got our networks - though I worry for your imperial one. [ (Traitors.) ]

And... he has, ever since all of this. We left him to mourn, and then he had to mourn us all. [ Yup, he feels guilty. ] Now I'm a far stronger mage, I won't let any others get killed.

Hah… I'm worried, too. I… They should be fine. We managed this far… [he doesn't seem to entirely believe that.]

Twelve. [Nothing he'd have taken easily, in other words.] I know. You'll look after them, right?

...If they survive, they can join us. [ If they want. But there's not always optimism with these brothers.

But he clicks, softly. ] I will. As will you, won't you? Even if I'm the one skilled like this - weaving magic. [ A beat. ] Perhaps I'll grow more of a beard - look like one of those unkept mages. Or even Rhalgr.

…all right. [he makes a little sound, considering.] I could- maybe make something. If they were willing to reach out…

Of course! I'll not see anything get through to you if I can help it. [he rumbles, nuzzling a little again- before giving a little huff.] It could be nice, but I don't think it'll look good if it's kept poorly. [he does start trying to groom Th'ancred a little now.]

I hope-- they can find out where you've gone, and not to take you out. I imagine your allies are quite fine people, hm?

And if they do? Well, that's what Yda's for, now isn't it. [ to protect the two mages. even if papalymo sometimes did stand behind thancred. ] Why, you think I'd keep it badly? Even blinded, I've kept myself quite fine. [ Sometimes, Th'ancred is glad he's allowed to be himself, be Miqo'te. (He still has faint marks from, when young, he tried to groom some Elezen.) So, as his brother begins, there's a satisfied sigh. ]

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