nya

[catcred]

[ There was always time to rest between times of activity - and Th'ancred needed it. He hadn't expected his brother to return, however - his nervous clicking made that clear.

Oh, but he wasn't just nervously clicking because of Pratsha - the man he'd thought dead. No, though he wouldn't hide it, how could he tell the others what he lost? His magic, however, was so enhanced. He could taste aether in the air, and if he wanted, he was sure he could see it. However, that would drain far too much from him. Though it hurt to not see anymore.

His room, of course, was a mess (or would seem it for a non-Miqo'te). Both him and his brother shared it - it was more of a campsite, for it felt more natural for the shaken Nunh. He was sitting, head to the wall, when his ears twitched. Prastha was there, he could hear it. His footsteps sounded different then others.

Miqo'te ears, after all, were sensitive. Perhaps his clicking was because of that - helping him see what he knew before. ]

...Is everybody out there going okay? [ Th'ancred asked, turning around. ]

Comments

[waylaidwords]

[a much better look! he smiles, blepping a little- this is nicer, right?] Huh- so everything must be building up again, mustn't it? It's definitely worrying, though… You've been helping, of course? But- what's been happening to them…?

[catcred]

[ It is! Though back to grooming, comforting. ] It must be - if She needs so much help. If only Minfilia was here - she'd... be able to tell us more. But while I've been away, I hear that... well, Urianger's been trying, but he's not as strong as me. Some of them have had to retire.

[waylaidwords]

[it's helping, as he shifts a little, trying to look after Th'ancred, too.] Then we'll try to find her soon. Right- he's always trying to do what he can, but… [it's not quite Urainger's forte.] Twelve… Surely it's too soon. Surely there's something we could do…

[catcred]

...If my magic is this strong, I shall go meet those who lost their abilities. It'd make up for my time off, hm?

[ th'ancred you weren't-- argh. ]

[waylaidwords]

… 'ancred, you were trying to survive. [not exactly a holiday!! don't make him pin you, because he will if he thinks he needs to.] Relax a little first- no one's going to fall apart tomorrow. [hopefully.]

[catcred]

I was, and it was hard - but... you are right. I could have come back earlier. [ But there's a tsk - he also understands he has to relax. ]

[waylaidwords]

But that would have been hard, too. [he rumbles.] I'm not… I don't mean you should do anything you're not ready to do.

[catcred]

...I-- I just want to know Minfilia's safe. [ He admits, after a little. ] Selfish as that sounds.

[waylaidwords]

So do I. I… I know. But- the others must miss her too, I'm sure.

[catcred]

I know! They-- Krile came here for her, and hasn't even been able to see... but I'm ready to find Minfilia, no matter where she is.

And bring her back, of course.

[waylaidwords]

Ah- and it had been an age since they've seen each other last, hadn't it?

Of course! I think- that'd be best, don't you?

[catcred]

It had been - I still wonder where Val went. It-- vanished into nothing, quite some time ago.

[ There's a soft click. ] I hope she's not been blinded - or worse. But she can return whenever she wants... like me, hm.

[waylaidwords]

Into- nothing? Just like that? But what could have caused that?

[he murrs a little.] Hopefully… we'll just have to see. Like you…?

[catcred]

That's what we need to figure out. All the Students within went with it.

[ If his magic could have been this strong before, perhaps he would have gone to investigate. ] It's as you said, Prastha. I could have come back before now.

[waylaidwords]

Damn. And not a clue left…? Someone must have looked- surely?

…yes. And so- why hasn't she…? There must be some reason.

[catcred]

They have - in Sharlayan. No word has reached us.

...What if Minfilia's-- she may be unable to move, or stranded somewhere she cannot teleport...

...hm? [ And that's what Th'ancred hears his Linkpearl beginning to ring. Prastha would too - a call to both of them? ]

[waylaidwords]

Tch… I suppose they must not think it worthwhile. [damn it all.

He hisses, low.] Maybe- that would explain it- but I hope not…

Eh? [he touches his fingers to the pearl.] Yes? Prastha here.

[catcred]

Students of the one who abandoned them? Louisoix has been hailed a coward by them. [ It's disgusting.

But on the other end is Urianger - Th'ancred clicking a little. ] ...You two are together once more, I would think? Not simply for how loud the Rising Stones has been in recent times.

[waylaidwords]

[Another hiss.] When he'd done so much good…! [but admittedly, they are biased.]

Ah- yes, we are. It's… there's certainly been a lot of people… I assume you were asking for some other reason?

[catcred]

If I was only speaking with one of you, the others would gossip.

Under the guidance of Pipin, I have news of Minfilia. [ But Urianger does one of his dramatic pauses, Th'ancreds' ears pressing back. ]

News-- of course I was not invited to seek this. [ He clicks, quietly. ]

...It is not good news.

[waylaidwords]

Hah- most likely. Still- would you blame them?

He's found something?

[he wraps an arm around his brother, rumbling.] It's all right. He's- you are going to tell us, aren't you? Even… if it is bad.

[catcred]

Prastha - and Th'ancred. In the place where Flow was initiated...

...there are traces of Minfilias' aether.

[ What. Th'ancred seems to freeze up, as his fangs are bared. ] Then she-- why?! The spell would have-- fuck.

[ Urianger didn't expect that language. ] I have already conferred with Y'shtola, about her actions. We are seeking a way to find where Minfilia may have gone, and--

--she's safe. She has to be safe. [ But Th'ancred sounds... scarily calm. Terrifying to Prastha. ]

[waylaidwords]

What?

…there must be a way to tell which was it took her. We found you, after all…

[he flattens his ears, worried- but curls a little closer to Th'ancred.] She will be. We'll find her.

[catcred]

To track Y'shtola, it took the aid of the Seedseer and her sister both. But, her family...

[ Th'ancred snarled more, his voice seeming to die in his throat. Just choking out her name. ]

[waylaidwords]

…you mean by blood, don't you. That's… [some magics work better than way- this must be one. But…] We don't… we're not…

[he whines into Th'ancred's hair, holding him tight.]

…we still- she must be somewhere, she can't be gone…