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]

…maybe we can still be that beacon for her.

[this is some very unhappy rumbling.] I don't know. I- we'll ask.

[catcred]

...She was always strong. [ Th'ancred whined, a little. ] Her aether - she could have trained, if she wanted. But instead, she let herself become dedicated to her Blessing...

I need to-- if she's still in there, she'd be weak.

[waylaidwords]

It was what she wanted to do, wasn't it?

Then- we'll need to reach out. Or- you reach out, and I'll anchor you.

[catcred]

It is. And I'd not have her do anything else. [ There's that pride in his voice.

But then-- ] You'd... be my anchor? It may end dangerously for you.

[waylaidwords]

Of course not. [He smiles a little to hear that.

That gets a little huff.] You're better suited to reach out, don't you think? And- I'm sure that's dangerous too. But I won't let you go without trying to make sure you both come home.

[catcred]

It will be. I imagine-- I might need to re-enter the lifestream. I've already lost so much, what's a little more? [ he jokes, but he doesn't sound too good. ] Thank you. I'll make sure it doesn't hurt too much.

[ And that's when there's a soft knock. Urianger had arrived that quickly...? ]

[waylaidwords]

…you might. But I hope it doesn't… perhaps… [but he shakes his head- hugging Th'ancred a little more.] Good. Do your best- I know you will.

[he glances up, ears flicking.] Already…? Come in. [he'll get up to get the door if he needs to, he just… doesn't want to move if he doesn't have to.]

[catcred]

[ Urianger comes in - ah. Th'ancred seems to wince a little, but tries not to snarl. ] I-- came by aetheryte. My anima is nearly depleted, but I felt it... are you two handling this?

Obviously. [ Th'ancred said, sarcastically. ]

[waylaidwords]

Oh- I see. You're staying, then?

[he sighs a little.] I did think we'd need some time. [though- probably they're a bit short on that, aren't they?]

[catcred]

I shall escort you as quickly as possible, I promise. But if she lingers, it would not be for long.

...Damn both of you. [ Th'ancred hissed. Though he didn't blame Prastha much for this, he was still trembling. ] If you'd looked for her first--

[waylaidwords]

Are we on the move, then?

[he makes a low sound, tail beginning to twitch.] And left you? Don't be stupid. We'll do better together.

[catcred]

We are. It may be a few day, however...

I'd-- give me the tracking devices, Urianger. [ Th'ancred then snaps - looking towards Urianger, with the most frightening of snarls. Urianger stands steady, glancing to Prastha. (Usually, it had been the other way around - one of the siblings covering for the other, looking scared at Urianger.) ]

[waylaidwords]

A few days. All right… [Maybe that'll give them some time to settle.

Prastha rumbles, a little, wrapping his arm around Th'ancred- he's not happy with this, and Th'ancred's anger is troubling.] … Maybe give us a look at them.

[catcred]

[ Urianger hands them over, giving a wary look - before Th'ancred begins to spark with magic again. He's trying to use them himself...?! A vial of blood, and a few scraps of clothes. And her dagger, as well. Magic seems to be ripping from his body, Th'ancred gritting his teeth. ]

...I-- can feel it. The traces.

[waylaidwords]

[…or no rest, all right. Prastha fluffs up, concerned.] Th'ancred-

[he grips tightly, worried by the magic Th'ancred's using- but at least it seems it's given a result.] Can you tell where? -ah. Do you need to keep this up?

[catcred]

--I'm going. [ He then says. But he hasn't quite teleported yet, even as he snarls. Even as he trembles. He says his magic was strong, but... ]

If you must-- [ Urianger says, trying to reach out - ] at least do it not in your own room. We have rooms which--

I... need her.

[waylaidwords]

Not without us. [he rumbles harder- and reaches out to grab Urianger's hand.] I'd still rather you rested a time, but- if we need to-

Urianger, which way are they?

[catcred]

...North. North-west. But I-- Th'ancred, what are you attempting. [ please, talk to them. please. everybody worried about you, and now...!!

...he looked to them, that silvery look seeming to spark with this Aether. ] I mean to-- return to her side. I-- will rip though the planes of Eorzea.

[ Urianger is staring, not even knowing that Th'ancreds glare is blind. Hoping Th'ancred doesn't notice the horror in his expression. ] Please-- just follow us.

[waylaidwords]

…hhhhh. [he's not happy about this, tail beginning to whip wildly.] Don't- 'ancred, brother- I know you want her back, I'd like her home as well! But this is- tearing through the planes- this is too much. [What would it to to the world? What would it do to him?

He keeps holding onto Th'ancred- giving Urianger a worried look back, ears folded back.] …all right. [he'll follow, at least.]

[catcred]

I-- why else would I have this power--?! [ But he's following, his body crackling. Urianger is whining a little, as he leads them... deeper underground? ]

If he means to-- do something so reckless, we must do it somewhere safer. Though I've not moved here, I have a room - shielded from affecting outside. And I could align your aether - make it... safe. [ nervously, Urianger frowns. ] Though I do not suggest such a path.

[waylaidwords]

Not to endanger yourself so recklessly-! Do you think that's going to make her- make any of us happy? I… I've only just really seen you again.

[underground…? well, he supposes anything will be more contained there. Hopefully.]

Shielded…? So it should be contained… Aligned- aligned how? [Prastha makes a soft unhappy sound.] … I agree. I- you didn't say anything about which way she was.

[catcred]

...I know. But if she's dying--!! I couldn't chase you when you were gone.

Calm down. [ Urianger then demands, even as Th'ancred can't stop sparking. As he forces them into quite a queer room. ] You may act as a beacon, to call him back. A light in the darkness...

[ Urianger bites his lip, looking between them. ] But before you go, pray listen! [ ...Wow. Th'ancred stops - Urianger never raises his voice. ]

[waylaidwords]

[Prastha lets out a sound of distress, tail flicking.] I know. I- there were reasons- was she? Could you tell?

[he's still distressed, as Urianger pushes them into the room- though he looks around it, curious.] … I can do that. I said I would…

[he turns to face Urianger, ears turned forward- still clutching onto Th'ancred.] We're listening.

[arcaniststaff]

[ Th'ancred continued to flicker, but he's listening too. ] Minfilia-- due to her connection to Hydaelyn... Hydaelyn is dying. Her Light fades, and so... She calls to--

...No.

No? [ Urianger says, as Th'ancred interrupts. ]

If you're saying she's a simple sacrifice - no. And how might you know this?

...I learned from allies I must keep anon.

[waylaidwords]

[Prastha flattens his ears, looking between them both.] We're not- no, we can't do that. There has to be another answer…

Because they asked? Or- [he gives Urianger a considering look.] …What do you know about this?