[Saying that meeting Zephia changed Griss's life would be a completely stupid understatement. The biggest damn understatement, actually; as his life didn't really begin until she took him in as one of the Four Hounds. To say that he owes her everything would likewise be a gross understatement; expressing just how much she means to him would be strictly impossible with words alone.
So needless to say, it didn't matter where Zephia ended up, Griss was always going to follow her. Even if she chose a completely different path and ended up somewhere else entirely - he'd follow without hesitation.
And that's exactly what happened. When faced with the Divine Dragon and her merry little band of followers, Zephia had paused. It was the first time Griss had ever seen her pause at all, honestly - usually he could tell exactly what she was going to do before she went through with it; Zephia's always been a predictable woman like that. But this? This wasn't what he was expecting, and he certainly wasn't expecting her to agree to the Divine Dragon's almost ridiculous request.
"I'll come with you." She'd said. Just like that, she'd been willing to turn her back on Sombron, after a thousand years or so of working for him. To say he'd been stunned would also be an understatement, but he hadn't even hesitated when she'd turned to him with a questioning look.
"Yeah. I'll come too."
And so that's how he ended up here, palling around with the Divine Dragon's worshipers like they belong, like Mauvier isn't beyond pissed that they've been allowed to settle in. And yeah, the man's got more than half a point, but what other options are there? They're two very capable fighters, and if the Divine One's got half a brain, she knows that killing them now would just be a waste of perfectly good talent that she could've used against Sombron himself. No, better to let them live... for now, at least.
He certainly won't rule out the possibility of a brutally painful death eventually, after all.
Which ultimately leaves him bored now. Oh sure, he could spend his time talking to these people and acting like he fits in, but there's not much of a point in it. Aggravating them would be fun (and would likely lead to someone punching him in the face, and that would be delightful) but Zephia specifically told him to "play nice". Play nice! Him! But she'd given it as an order and so he follows, as usual.
Doesn't stop it from being boring, but it's not like Zephia forbade him from talking, right? So it's with that thought in mind that he seeks out Alear, the Divine Dragon. She's probably the person who is least likely to punch him in the face, so she's a safe bet.
He's already scoured the Somniel looking for the Divine One, but seems her Divineness (is that what she's called? eh, whatever) is not currently in - likely out training, if he had to guess. After all, the final battle will be upon them just as soon as she thinks they're ready. So... off he goes in search of her - and thankfully, he doesn't need to look far.
If there's one positive thing he can say about Alear with no strings attached, it's that she's damn strong. Hell, she isn't having any trouble with the Corrupted she's fighting right now, even though that many would undoubtedly prove a problem for anyone else. Griss at least has the decorum to wait until they're dead before raising his voice to get her attention.]
Not bad, not bad. With swordplay like that, maybe you'll be a match for daddy dearest someday.
[...what was that about not being punched in the face?]
[Much of Alear's life has been in flux since the moment they awoke after such a long slumber. A constant state of upheaval, all for the sake of protecting their world from the greatest threat known to mankind; Alear's own father. In truth, Alear can't help but be scared; she's already died twice in order to become the power necessary to put an end to him, but even now, with so many friends and comrades by her side, she's scared of what will happen if she fails. But life always has a way of throwing surprises ones way.
Two of those surprises couldn't have been predicted if Alear even tried. All be told, it'd be a hail mary of sorts--that surely, in some way, Zephia must have wanted to get back at Sombron. That it didn't need to end like this, or something insipid like that. She knew Veyle wouldn't want something to happen to them, despite it all, and...
"I'll come with you."
The words shook Alear to her core. But she managed it as she knew she should; she took them in, and perhaps now, what comes next will be easier. They need to become stronger, all of them, and perhaps they can finally put and end to Sombron at last.
...Of course, now that she has their alliance and strength backing her, she's come to realize that oh. These two are now her problem and her problem alone to deal with, because nobody else wants to deal with them. For the most part, it's fine; Zephia is actually borderline amendable company when she doesn't have every reason to fight Alear, and her council has actually proven helpful. The same can't be said of Griss.
Ugh. As thankful as she is to him for shedding light on her heritage, that man has a way of making her blood boil. Such things aren't on her mind as she trains against the Corrupted, though; felling them one after another comes naturally to her now. To think, she'd been fearful of these things to start! And yet they fall again and again, until none are left, and Alear knows it isn't enough but it's certainly a workout. Perhaps she ought to bring Etie with her next time--
And then Alear hears a voice. A familiar voice, but one that still somehow manages to get her to start and turn to the source.]
--Griss.
[Damn him. If he'd been seconds earlier, she'd have been far too distracted, and the Corrupted could have killed her. Certainly would have. Knowing him, he'd probably die of laughter.
Ugh. Alear moves to put her sword back in her sheath, turning to look at Griss with narrowed eyes. She can clean her sword in a bit, but...]
What are you doing here? Don't tell me you have nothing better to do than gawk.
[Business-like as ever, but if he wanted to get under her skin: congratulations!! He succeeded.]
[Ooh, a direct hit. Look at that face, she's definitely not pleased with that little greeting.]
Right on the mark, O Divine One; I don't have anything better to do.
[He lifts his shoulders in an exaggerated shrug, sounding just as amused as ever.]
Though I did want to see just what you're capable of; this little showing's not all you've got, now is it?
[It's not an invitation to spar, and it's not exactly why he decided to come bother her in the first place - but now that he's here, why not actually see what she can do? It's been awhile since their last battle, and she's undoubtedly grown since then. He may not be the best person to judge how well she'll stack up against Sombron, but hell if he isn't curious anyway.]
[Ugh. Him of all people calling her that? Now he's really trying to get under her skin, and Alear tenses again before correcting herself. Don't rise to the bait, come on--
...Wait, is he actually...?]
No, of course it's not. [Sure, she's a little winded after that, but...] Are you actually asking to spar with me? I'd have figured you got your fill the last time we fought.
[Like don't get her wrong, she's here to kick his ass. But also: what.]
[Sparring... Eh, it's pretty boring, but wandering around and trying to find more Corrupted to point her at may not actually yield any results, so it's probably the better option.]
Sure, I could go for a few more scars.
[This is not entirely accurate since he can just heal the damage, but it's Griss so what did you expect.]
Just make sure you make it worth my while, yeah? Make sure it hurts.
[Thanks, Griss.
Anyway, that question gets another shrug from him, though this one's more restrained.]
Boredom, mostly. Been awhile since we last fought and I haven't seen you at full strength. I wanna see just what you can do - and just how hard you can hit me without killin' me.
[Which... wasn't exactly his original intention, but hey, that definitely works and sounds fun! Win/win.]
[Alear didn't expect that she was going to have to eat some of her words anytime soon, but after finding and destroying one of the dragon shards, she supposes she has a lot to think about.
The battle against her other self was...strangely sobering in a way she didn't expect; knowing now, intimately, the hell that she went through. Everything she'd long forgotten, that she wanted to stuff aside to live as true to herself as possible. The end of this, all of this, one way or another is near, and Alear intends to see this through to the end. For her past self, for the future of everyone here, and for everyone's sake.
...Even so, for perhaps the rarest occurance in the world--Alear can't sleep for the life of her. Her mind keeps going back to the dull, monotone way of speaking her former self had--describing the deaths of her siblings like it was another day. At how she seemed to light up, and come alive at long last, with Lumera's help. At how Zephia...
Ugh. She's thinking too much about this. Alear leaves her chambers with barely a sound, thankful she hasn't awoken any of the others (Vander would certainly worry, as would Clanne and Framme) as she steps out into the cold air of the Somniel. And she walks, and walks, and walks, until the only thing keeping her company are the stars and...
...Oh, of course she'd wind up finding company out here this late at night--]
Griss? [She's not sure if she's surprised to find him out here, but--] What are you doing out this late?
[To say the battle against that not-so-Divine Dragon was sobering would be a bit of a lie. It hadn't really meant much to Griss. Why would it? It's not like he cares what happened ages before he was brought into this world. It's not like he has a single damn reason to care about the current Divine Dragon.
And yet here he is - wandering the Somniel long past the time he should have fallen asleep.
Sure, it's easy to assume that he's up thinking about the Zephia of a thousand years ago. And in some ways he is - she was so damn similar, after all - but knowing what he does about her now, it sort of makes sense. He can talk to her about the confusing parts later, anyway, there's no reason to stay up thinking about it. And maybe he doesn't want to; it doesn't really matter now, does it?
And yet.
Griss starts a bit when he hears a familiar voice; he wasn't expecting to run into anyone, much less someone who would actually want to talk to him.]
Oh, it's you.
[It's almost dismissive, but not quite there.]
Can't sleep, Divine One? Figured your bed was pretty comfy, if you spent a thousand years in it.
[The "joke" is dry and obviously more sarcastic than anything else, but it's all too obvious an attempt to avoid her question. Why does it matter to her why he's up? Maybe he just doesn't sleep, it's not like she'd know.]
And I suppose your bed of pins and needles isn't exactly appealing to you tonight. I understand.
[she can fight fire with fire too asshole!!
...
Ugh. Alear shakes her head, shortly after that.]
...Sorry, that was a little too far. [She turns away a bit, crossing her arms and just...shaking her head.] But no, I can't. It's just...been a long, long day. I was hoping to get some fresh air and clear my head a bit, and didn't think I'd see anyone else out here. That's all.
[Is it a terrible idea to be honest with him? Maybe. Does Alear care right now? ...Not particularly.]
...Do you want me to leave you to it? I won't pry if you don't want.
[Alear hardly needed to apologize for that, given the laugh it gets from Griss. He can't even resist firing back with:] It'd need to be at least half full of knives first.
[But thankfully he lets that go when Alear apologizes; it gets a half-hearted shrug from him.]
Nothin' much to say even if you did pry. But nah, you don't need to leave.
[Her presence might have annoyed him more if she hadn't opened with an off-color joke, but here they are.
...
Zephia would probably know what to say here, but Griss sure as hell doesn't. After what the Divine Dragon's been through today, he's probably the last person she wanted to run into tonight.
But here he is and here she is, and she's probably not going to find anyone else to talk to about this right now.
...So.]
Do you... want to talk.
[It's not even a question. It would probably be easy to assume he isn't trying at all... but sadly this is An Attempt, as terrible as it is.]
Surely, she's going mad. He didn't actually just say that. Griss, of all people, did not actually just ask after her like that. It's an attempt that Alear doesn't expect, and she stares at him for a moment like he's got a horn growing out of his head.
It takes a few seconds for her to get back down to earth, but she should tell him to go. She should do literally anything else right now but--]
May we spar, first?
[She needs someone, anyone who isn't going to coddle her to listen right now.]
I need to work out some nervous energy. If you're not up to it, I understand, but...it would help.
[To say that this isn't what he expected would be understating it massively.
After their discussion about Alear's mother, Griss figured everything would go back to normal. So they'd go beat up some more Corrupted and then fight Sombron. But of course there had to be a complication - and it's in the form of Lumera.
Veyle had wanted to protect Alear from this, but that didn't go as planned and now here they are, facing the Corrupted as predicted. Alear had been shaking when she gave the order to advance; even now Griss isn't certain that she's actually okay to fight. Sure, she's cut down plenty of Corrupted, but this is different. This is her mom.
This is her version of Zephia.
That thought is what causes him to tear away from Zephia's side towards the back. Griss can easily fight his way through lesser Corrupted, so he chases after Alear. Someone has to, right? Might as well be him.]
[Alear supposes that she should be thankful that she hadn't wasted her tears crying about Griss's apology. Sombron left a truly horrifying ordeal for all of them to deal with, and try as her sister might to spare her from it, this is the reality they have to deal with. Alear has to watch her Mother die again, and as much as it pains her--kills her inside, Alear knows deep down that she has to face this. The fate of their world depends on it.
And yet, even now, cutting a path through Corrupted aplenty to reach her, Griss will likely be able to follow the path she's carved as she faces down her Mother. Even now she shakes, knowing that she has to kill her. She needs to be the one to take responsibility. And maybe, just maybe...]
You can still surrender, Mother. Please.
...For me.
[Lumera's gaze seems to soften, if only for the briefest of moments--before it hardens.
"No! Lord Sombron gave me more time with my child. I refuse to waste it. I won't let anyone take that from me; not even you! I've waited for so long..."
Even Engaged, Alear feels herself start to cry. She just wanted this to end without having to watch her Mother die again. But she knows, deep down, that she has to do this.]
...Then I'm sorry, Mother! Here I come!
[Alear rushes at Lumera, ready to strike her Mother down once and for all for the sake of the world. This isn't the kind, warm Mother she remembers. This is a monster, and she's going to put this monster to bed.
...Or so she thinks. She isn't prepared for the way her Mother clashes and misdirects her blade, and Alear's eyes widen as Lumera all too swiftly course corrects her own, and...
It feels like time slows as she plunges it through Alear's gut, and all Alear knows is pain. Pain, as she sees her mother's face smile down at her, all too happy with what she's done. But also, far too distracted to notice anyone else, and she's certain she hears people coming up from the rear...]
[Griss isn't the only one rushing to her side. He isn't the first to get there either; some of the others are faster, and their priority is to distract Lumera.
After all, there's only one healer in the vicinity.
He doesn't hesitate to get started, dropping to his knees beside her and pumping as much healing magic through that awful wound as he can manage. Alear will be damn lucky to survive something like this. Sure, she's been through hell and back and apparently died before, but...
But now isn't the time. He has to focus. If he doesn't, she's dead, and there's no bringing her back this time.]
Hey, talk to me. C'mon, I know you aren't out of it yet. Tell me about the pain - you still feeling it?
[If anyone else was listening in, they'd likely assume Griss is being aggressively himself about this. Wanting to know how a mortal wound feels and all would be interesting, in any other circumstance. But he's doing this to focus, to try to see how bad it is. After all, it's when she can't feel the pain at all that they really need to worry.
Just ignore that his hands are shaking even as he struggles to knit that horrid wound back together.]
[Alear isn't as aware as she should be. She knows that much by the fact that Lumera seems to jump back, and she can hear the sounds of fighting in the background but it feels fuzzy. She feels her vision dancing around her, and Griss can probably see her eyelids fluttering and her eyes in and out of focus. It takes a few seconds for her to even respond, really, time feeling murky and muddied for her as she bleeds--]
G...Griss?
[It's a start. Alear chuckles for a moment when the question finally registers, before coughing.]
Don't--don't worry. Still feeling it. It hurts real bad. [Her voice sounds a little out of it, but at the very least his magic is mending the wound, slow but sure. It's a fucking awful one, and Lumera's sword's shape is likely going to make it an ordeal, but she's here still, even if she's bleeding pretty hard. Even so, she tries to grin, despite it all.] Feels like--I got my guts torn out. That means your magic's working...right...?
[Dammit, she's losing too much blood. He's not going to be able to heal her before she bleeds out, is he? He needs more power—
Thankfully, Alear's still conscious enough to respond and Griss laughs. It shakes, just like his hands.]
Yeah, that's what it means. It's gonna keep hurtin' for a little while, so try to enjoy it for me.
[With that said, there's only one real option to try to save her. He'd usually only use it for combat, but this should give his healing enough of a punch to save her.
And he doesn't want to think about what will happen if it isn't enough.]
Emblem engage!
[Alear will likely feel that healing magic strengthen as Griss siphons the energy he can into closing that wound.]
[Her Mother's death wasn't exactly easy to face the second time, but at least Lumera was herself for those final moments while Alear held her hand. It was the sole solace she could take in all of this, and she's certainly not getting any now.
The medical bay is a little sparse in the Somniel, and the bed is not nearly as comfortable as her own, but she's been told she needs to rest before they can lead the charge to Sombron himself. Which isn't at all concerning, least of which because of the giant hole that looked like it was starting to form in the sky, but literally everyone has told her to lie down and Alear unfortunately has to comply.
...Not the least of which because Zephia seemed very keen to "test her worth" if she was really that ready to go, which definitely got Alear to acquiesce. She's damn threatening when she wants to be, and Alear has even more of a healthy dose of fear and respect for her after that.
But for now, the recovery process goes well, but boring as Alear watches life go on. It's boring, but the rest will at least be good enough to see her at full strength to face Sombron down.]
...At least it can't get any worse.
[Surely saying that won't cause any problems to arrive.]
["Don't pester the Divine Dragon while she's recovering" were Zephia's exact words, and under most circumstances, Griss would never disobey. But no one's even bothered to stop by and tell him if Alear's alright, so clearly he needs to go check on her himself.
It's just because it'd be real inconvenient if she died. Yeah, that's it.
So unfortunately for Alear, that's all it takes for Griss to literally come busting in, the door nearly bouncing off the opposite wall with the force he opens it.]
[...She just had to open her big mouth, didn't she. Griss will be treated to the sight of the active cringe that Alear makes when she hears that door slam, but she looks over to him and she's not as disgusted as she could be. Will she acknowledge that? No, but maybe it isn't so bad to see him.]
You know, most people knock first?
[...Okay, maybe that's being optimistic. But the sour look does dissipate at least a bit. Maybe she's happy to see him.]
...But yes, I'm still alive and well. I can't exactly spar with you in my state, though. [Still, Alear's expression quirks into a bit of a smile.] So, what does bring you here?
Still, Alear can't say she minds the company. Framme and Clanne are thankfully occupied and they've been the ones trying to insist on taking care of her, so it's nice to have a break from them. And Celine. Gods bless Celine...]
Yeah. I won't disagree with you there, at least. [Alear chuckles a bit, letting herself lean back a bit into the bed--she's got herself propped up on a couple pillows so she isn't just lying down, so it's at least comfortable.] Vander, Framme, and Clanne are doing everything in their power to make everything easier for me, and I appreciate it...
But it is nice to see a different face. [It's nice to see you is left unspoken, but Alear's brows knit into worry.] I hope Zephia didn't chew you out too badly...?
[The battle with Sombron was fierce. His Corrupted truly did give them a challenge, not to mention the man himself. But through it all Alear stood tall and rallied her soldiers behind her, and Griss was admittedly paying a bit more attention to her than the battle.
She really is radiant. It's no wonder all of these princes and princesses decided to join her.
With Sombron's death - at Alear's hand - they're left to patch up the injured and settle a bit in the Somniel. Griss's own very minor injuries have already been taken care of, and Zephia has decided to retire for the night. That leaves him wanting to talk to Alear... but everyone wants her attention tonight. Better to wait until she's had a moment to herself.
Griss doesn't join the others in their celebration of victory; instead, he's out toward the edge of the Somniel qatching the slowly-lightening sky. It'll be dawn soon, and with it comes the start of a new era.
But that's not something Griss cares about. Instead, he has Alear's gift in hand, turning it over like he's considering opening it... but he hasn't done it quite yet. Like before, he's still very careful with it. Regardless of what's inside, it's already very precious to him.]
Alear has never felt more relieved in her life. Finally, Elyos is free at last; they no longer have to worry about Sombron destroying all they hold dear or putting them under his thumb. They can finally all breathe a sigh, content with life and ready to face the future. Alear never has to worry about becoming a puppet again, and in a way, she hopes Queen Lumera is smiling at her, where ever she may be.
Most of Alear's attention was spent on the battle, but even she's been antsy; everyone has wanted to speak with her, and Alear has had no problem with that. But it's after everyone retires for the night, preparing to go back to their own kingdoms that she seeks out the one person she's been wanting to speak to all night.
The dawn will be coming soon; the dawn of a new era, one without fear, nor hesitation. One where Elyos can flourish. But even that brings anxieties, about the future, about everything. Alear knows she's got a lot to do, especially if she's going to be growing into her Mother's shoes, but there's more she has to worry about. Especially now.
And as she walks about and finally finds Griss at the edge of the Somniel, she finds herself smiling. He'll likely hear her before he sees her, and she doesn't hesitate to join him in looking out over slowly dawning horizon.]
I knew I'd find you out here. I didn't think I'd find you catching the sunrise, though. [Alear smiles, easily.] How are you holding up?
[He does hear her, and he doesn't need to turn to know who it is. Griss does anyway, though.]
Figured I may as well. Probably not gonna be gettin' much sleep tonight anyway.
[He tends to be worked up after battles, and this one's certainly no exception. After all, there was once a time - not all that long ago, really - where he was determined to devote his life to Sombron.
Now he can think of another dragon deity he might prefer to devote his life to.
[Alear isn't sure she could sleep if she tried. Sure, she's going to have to try at some point, but right now she doesn't want to be anywhere but Griss's side. The second statement gets her to chuckle, nodding.]
I am, yeah. It was just as overwhelming as I would have thought--it turned from a simple congratulations to practically a party, and that lasted well into the night...
[she loves everyone. really, she does. but good gods above...]
I can't complain, though. We deserve it, after all we managed to do today. But it is nice to have a little peace and quiet. [...] And...I'm glad to be able to talk with you, too.
[It's strange, but it's truthful. Sure she can't fucking stand him sometimes but she did miss his presence a bit at the gathering.]
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no subject
So needless to say, it didn't matter where Zephia ended up, Griss was always going to follow her. Even if she chose a completely different path and ended up somewhere else entirely - he'd follow without hesitation.
And that's exactly what happened. When faced with the Divine Dragon and her merry little band of followers, Zephia had paused. It was the first time Griss had ever seen her pause at all, honestly - usually he could tell exactly what she was going to do before she went through with it; Zephia's always been a predictable woman like that. But this? This wasn't what he was expecting, and he certainly wasn't expecting her to agree to the Divine Dragon's almost ridiculous request.
"I'll come with you." She'd said. Just like that, she'd been willing to turn her back on Sombron, after a thousand years or so of working for him. To say he'd been stunned would also be an understatement, but he hadn't even hesitated when she'd turned to him with a questioning look.
"Yeah. I'll come too."
And so that's how he ended up here, palling around with the Divine Dragon's worshipers like they belong, like Mauvier isn't beyond pissed that they've been allowed to settle in. And yeah, the man's got more than half a point, but what other options are there? They're two very capable fighters, and if the Divine One's got half a brain, she knows that killing them now would just be a waste of perfectly good talent that she could've used against Sombron himself. No, better to let them live... for now, at least.
He certainly won't rule out the possibility of a brutally painful death eventually, after all.
Which ultimately leaves him bored now. Oh sure, he could spend his time talking to these people and acting like he fits in, but there's not much of a point in it. Aggravating them would be fun (and would likely lead to someone punching him in the face, and that would be delightful) but Zephia specifically told him to "play nice". Play nice! Him! But she'd given it as an order and so he follows, as usual.
Doesn't stop it from being boring, but it's not like Zephia forbade him from talking, right? So it's with that thought in mind that he seeks out Alear, the Divine Dragon. She's probably the person who is least likely to punch him in the face, so she's a safe bet.
He's already scoured the Somniel looking for the Divine One, but seems her Divineness (is that what she's called? eh, whatever) is not currently in - likely out training, if he had to guess. After all, the final battle will be upon them just as soon as she thinks they're ready. So... off he goes in search of her - and thankfully, he doesn't need to look far.
If there's one positive thing he can say about Alear with no strings attached, it's that she's damn strong. Hell, she isn't having any trouble with the Corrupted she's fighting right now, even though that many would undoubtedly prove a problem for anyone else. Griss at least has the decorum to wait until they're dead before raising his voice to get her attention.]
Not bad, not bad. With swordplay like that, maybe you'll be a match for daddy dearest someday.
[...what was that about not being punched in the face?]
no subject
Two of those surprises couldn't have been predicted if Alear even tried. All be told, it'd be a hail mary of sorts--that surely, in some way, Zephia must have wanted to get back at Sombron. That it didn't need to end like this, or something insipid like that. She knew Veyle wouldn't want something to happen to them, despite it all, and...
"I'll come with you."
The words shook Alear to her core. But she managed it as she knew she should; she took them in, and perhaps now, what comes next will be easier. They need to become stronger, all of them, and perhaps they can finally put and end to Sombron at last.
...Of course, now that she has their alliance and strength backing her, she's come to realize that oh. These two are now her problem and her problem alone to deal with, because nobody else wants to deal with them. For the most part, it's fine; Zephia is actually borderline amendable company when she doesn't have every reason to fight Alear, and her council has actually proven helpful. The same can't be said of Griss.
Ugh. As thankful as she is to him for shedding light on her heritage, that man has a way of making her blood boil. Such things aren't on her mind as she trains against the Corrupted, though; felling them one after another comes naturally to her now. To think, she'd been fearful of these things to start! And yet they fall again and again, until none are left, and Alear knows it isn't enough but it's certainly a workout. Perhaps she ought to bring Etie with her next time--
And then Alear hears a voice. A familiar voice, but one that still somehow manages to get her to start and turn to the source.]
--Griss.
[Damn him. If he'd been seconds earlier, she'd have been far too distracted, and the Corrupted could have killed her. Certainly would have. Knowing him, he'd probably die of laughter.
Ugh. Alear moves to put her sword back in her sheath, turning to look at Griss with narrowed eyes. She can clean her sword in a bit, but...]
What are you doing here? Don't tell me you have nothing better to do than gawk.
[Business-like as ever, but if he wanted to get under her skin: congratulations!! He succeeded.]
no subject
Right on the mark, O Divine One; I don't have anything better to do.
[He lifts his shoulders in an exaggerated shrug, sounding just as amused as ever.]
Though I did want to see just what you're capable of; this little showing's not all you've got, now is it?
[It's not an invitation to spar, and it's not exactly why he decided to come bother her in the first place - but now that he's here, why not actually see what she can do? It's been awhile since their last battle, and she's undoubtedly grown since then. He may not be the best person to judge how well she'll stack up against Sombron, but hell if he isn't curious anyway.]
no subject
[Ugh. Him of all people calling her that? Now he's really trying to get under her skin, and Alear tenses again before correcting herself. Don't rise to the bait, come on--
...Wait, is he actually...?]
No, of course it's not. [Sure, she's a little winded after that, but...] Are you actually asking to spar with me? I'd have figured you got your fill the last time we fought.
[Like don't get her wrong, she's here to kick his ass. But also: what.]
Why the sudden interest?
no subject
Sure, I could go for a few more scars.
[This is not entirely accurate since he can just heal the damage, but it's Griss so what did you expect.]
Just make sure you make it worth my while, yeah? Make sure it hurts.
[Thanks, Griss.
Anyway, that question gets another shrug from him, though this one's more restrained.]
Boredom, mostly. Been awhile since we last fought and I haven't seen you at full strength. I wanna see just what you can do - and just how hard you can hit me without killin' me.
[Which... wasn't exactly his original intention, but hey, that definitely works and sounds fun! Win/win.]
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obvs don't worry about this until your laptop's back but YEETS A THING FOR U
The battle against her other self was...strangely sobering in a way she didn't expect; knowing now, intimately, the hell that she went through. Everything she'd long forgotten, that she wanted to stuff aside to live as true to herself as possible. The end of this, all of this, one way or another is near, and Alear intends to see this through to the end. For her past self, for the future of everyone here, and for everyone's sake.
...Even so, for perhaps the rarest occurance in the world--Alear can't sleep for the life of her. Her mind keeps going back to the dull, monotone way of speaking her former self had--describing the deaths of her siblings like it was another day. At how she seemed to light up, and come alive at long last, with Lumera's help. At how Zephia...
Ugh. She's thinking too much about this. Alear leaves her chambers with barely a sound, thankful she hasn't awoken any of the others (Vander would certainly worry, as would Clanne and Framme) as she steps out into the cold air of the Somniel. And she walks, and walks, and walks, until the only thing keeping her company are the stars and...
...Oh, of course she'd wind up finding company out here this late at night--]
Griss? [She's not sure if she's surprised to find him out here, but--] What are you doing out this late?
I'M GONNA LEARN TO PHONETAG IF IT KILLS ME
And yet here he is - wandering the Somniel long past the time he should have fallen asleep.
Sure, it's easy to assume that he's up thinking about the Zephia of a thousand years ago. And in some ways he is - she was so damn similar, after all - but knowing what he does about her now, it sort of makes sense. He can talk to her about the confusing parts later, anyway, there's no reason to stay up thinking about it. And maybe he doesn't want to; it doesn't really matter now, does it?
And yet.
Griss starts a bit when he hears a familiar voice; he wasn't expecting to run into anyone, much less someone who would actually want to talk to him.]
Oh, it's you.
[It's almost dismissive, but not quite there.]
Can't sleep, Divine One? Figured your bed was pretty comfy, if you spent a thousand years in it.
[The "joke" is dry and obviously more sarcastic than anything else, but it's all too obvious an attempt to avoid her question. Why does it matter to her why he's up? Maybe he just doesn't sleep, it's not like she'd know.]
YOU CAN DO IT I BELIEVE IN YOU
And I suppose your bed of pins and needles isn't exactly appealing to you tonight. I understand.
[she can fight fire with fire too asshole!!
...
Ugh. Alear shakes her head, shortly after that.]
...Sorry, that was a little too far. [She turns away a bit, crossing her arms and just...shaking her head.] But no, I can't. It's just...been a long, long day. I was hoping to get some fresh air and clear my head a bit, and didn't think I'd see anyone else out here. That's all.
[Is it a terrible idea to be honest with him? Maybe. Does Alear care right now? ...Not particularly.]
...Do you want me to leave you to it? I won't pry if you don't want.
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[But thankfully he lets that go when Alear apologizes; it gets a half-hearted shrug from him.]
Nothin' much to say even if you did pry. But nah, you don't need to leave.
[Her presence might have annoyed him more if she hadn't opened with an off-color joke, but here they are.
...
Zephia would probably know what to say here, but Griss sure as hell doesn't. After what the Divine Dragon's been through today, he's probably the last person she wanted to run into tonight.
But here he is and here she is, and she's probably not going to find anyone else to talk to about this right now.
...So.]
Do you... want to talk.
[It's not even a question. It would probably be easy to assume he isn't trying at all... but sadly this is An Attempt, as terrible as it is.]
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Surely, she's going mad. He didn't actually just say that. Griss, of all people, did not actually just ask after her like that. It's an attempt that Alear doesn't expect, and she stares at him for a moment like he's got a horn growing out of his head.
It takes a few seconds for her to get back down to earth, but she should tell him to go. She should do literally anything else right now but--]
May we spar, first?
[She needs someone, anyone who isn't going to coddle her to listen right now.]
I need to work out some nervous energy. If you're not up to it, I understand, but...it would help.
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After their discussion about Alear's mother, Griss figured everything would go back to normal. So they'd go beat up some more Corrupted and then fight Sombron. But of course there had to be a complication - and it's in the form of Lumera.
Veyle had wanted to protect Alear from this, but that didn't go as planned and now here they are, facing the Corrupted as predicted. Alear had been shaking when she gave the order to advance; even now Griss isn't certain that she's actually okay to fight. Sure, she's cut down plenty of Corrupted, but this is different. This is her mom.
This is her version of Zephia.
That thought is what causes him to tear away from Zephia's side towards the back. Griss can easily fight his way through lesser Corrupted, so he chases after Alear. Someone has to, right? Might as well be him.]
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And yet, even now, cutting a path through Corrupted aplenty to reach her, Griss will likely be able to follow the path she's carved as she faces down her Mother. Even now she shakes, knowing that she has to kill her. She needs to be the one to take responsibility. And maybe, just maybe...]
You can still surrender, Mother. Please.
...For me.
[Lumera's gaze seems to soften, if only for the briefest of moments--before it hardens.
"No! Lord Sombron gave me more time with my child. I refuse to waste it. I won't let anyone take that from me; not even you! I've waited for so long..."
Even Engaged, Alear feels herself start to cry. She just wanted this to end without having to watch her Mother die again. But she knows, deep down, that she has to do this.]
...Then I'm sorry, Mother! Here I come!
[Alear rushes at Lumera, ready to strike her Mother down once and for all for the sake of the world. This isn't the kind, warm Mother she remembers. This is a monster, and she's going to put this monster to bed.
...Or so she thinks. She isn't prepared for the way her Mother clashes and misdirects her blade, and Alear's eyes widen as Lumera all too swiftly course corrects her own, and...
It feels like time slows as she plunges it through Alear's gut, and all Alear knows is pain. Pain, as she sees her mother's face smile down at her, all too happy with what she's done. But also, far too distracted to notice anyone else, and she's certain she hears people coming up from the rear...]
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After all, there's only one healer in the vicinity.
He doesn't hesitate to get started, dropping to his knees beside her and pumping as much healing magic through that awful wound as he can manage. Alear will be damn lucky to survive something like this. Sure, she's been through hell and back and apparently died before, but...
But now isn't the time. He has to focus. If he doesn't, she's dead, and there's no bringing her back this time.]
Hey, talk to me. C'mon, I know you aren't out of it yet. Tell me about the pain - you still feeling it?
[If anyone else was listening in, they'd likely assume Griss is being aggressively himself about this. Wanting to know how a mortal wound feels and all would be interesting, in any other circumstance. But he's doing this to focus, to try to see how bad it is. After all, it's when she can't feel the pain at all that they really need to worry.
Just ignore that his hands are shaking even as he struggles to knit that horrid wound back together.]
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G...Griss?
[It's a start. Alear chuckles for a moment when the question finally registers, before coughing.]
Don't--don't worry. Still feeling it. It hurts real bad. [Her voice sounds a little out of it, but at the very least his magic is mending the wound, slow but sure. It's a fucking awful one, and Lumera's sword's shape is likely going to make it an ordeal, but she's here still, even if she's bleeding pretty hard. Even so, she tries to grin, despite it all.] Feels like--I got my guts torn out. That means your magic's working...right...?
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Thankfully, Alear's still conscious enough to respond and Griss laughs. It shakes, just like his hands.]
Yeah, that's what it means. It's gonna keep hurtin' for a little while, so try to enjoy it for me.
[With that said, there's only one real option to try to save her. He'd usually only use it for combat, but this should give his healing enough of a punch to save her.
And he doesn't want to think about what will happen if it isn't enough.]
Emblem engage!
[Alear will likely feel that healing magic strengthen as Griss siphons the energy he can into closing that wound.]
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The medical bay is a little sparse in the Somniel, and the bed is not nearly as comfortable as her own, but she's been told she needs to rest before they can lead the charge to Sombron himself. Which isn't at all concerning, least of which because of the giant hole that looked like it was starting to form in the sky, but literally everyone has told her to lie down and Alear unfortunately has to comply.
...Not the least of which because Zephia seemed very keen to "test her worth" if she was really that ready to go, which definitely got Alear to acquiesce. She's damn threatening when she wants to be, and Alear has even more of a healthy dose of fear and respect for her after that.
But for now, the recovery process goes well, but boring as Alear watches life go on. It's boring, but the rest will at least be good enough to see her at full strength to face Sombron down.]
...At least it can't get any worse.
[Surely saying that won't cause any problems to arrive.]
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It's just because it'd be real inconvenient if she died. Yeah, that's it.
So unfortunately for Alear, that's all it takes for Griss to literally come busting in, the door nearly bouncing off the opposite wall with the force he opens it.]
Well, well, seems you're still kickin'.
[rip alear]
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You know, most people knock first?
[...Okay, maybe that's being optimistic. But the sour look does dissipate at least a bit. Maybe she's happy to see him.]
...But yes, I'm still alive and well. I can't exactly spar with you in my state, though. [Still, Alear's expression quirks into a bit of a smile.] So, what does bring you here?
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Figured as much. I'm just checkin' in.
[He says that, but he's pulled a chair over and sits down. He's got the chair backwards so he leans on the back of it before gesturing airily.]
And I figure you're bored with bein' cooped up in here. Might as well see a different face, yeah?
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Still, Alear can't say she minds the company. Framme and Clanne are thankfully occupied and they've been the ones trying to insist on taking care of her, so it's nice to have a break from them. And Celine. Gods bless Celine...]
Yeah. I won't disagree with you there, at least. [Alear chuckles a bit, letting herself lean back a bit into the bed--she's got herself propped up on a couple pillows so she isn't just lying down, so it's at least comfortable.] Vander, Framme, and Clanne are doing everything in their power to make everything easier for me, and I appreciate it...
But it is nice to see a different face. [It's nice to see you is left unspoken, but Alear's brows knit into worry.] I hope Zephia didn't chew you out too badly...?
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She really is radiant. It's no wonder all of these princes and princesses decided to join her.
With Sombron's death - at Alear's hand - they're left to patch up the injured and settle a bit in the Somniel. Griss's own very minor injuries have already been taken care of, and Zephia has decided to retire for the night. That leaves him wanting to talk to Alear... but everyone wants her attention tonight. Better to wait until she's had a moment to herself.
Griss doesn't join the others in their celebration of victory; instead, he's out toward the edge of the Somniel qatching the slowly-lightening sky. It'll be dawn soon, and with it comes the start of a new era.
But that's not something Griss cares about. Instead, he has Alear's gift in hand, turning it over like he's considering opening it... but he hasn't done it quite yet. Like before, he's still very careful with it. Regardless of what's inside, it's already very precious to him.]
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Alear has never felt more relieved in her life. Finally, Elyos is free at last; they no longer have to worry about Sombron destroying all they hold dear or putting them under his thumb. They can finally all breathe a sigh, content with life and ready to face the future. Alear never has to worry about becoming a puppet again, and in a way, she hopes Queen Lumera is smiling at her, where ever she may be.
Most of Alear's attention was spent on the battle, but even she's been antsy; everyone has wanted to speak with her, and Alear has had no problem with that. But it's after everyone retires for the night, preparing to go back to their own kingdoms that she seeks out the one person she's been wanting to speak to all night.
The dawn will be coming soon; the dawn of a new era, one without fear, nor hesitation. One where Elyos can flourish. But even that brings anxieties, about the future, about everything. Alear knows she's got a lot to do, especially if she's going to be growing into her Mother's shoes, but there's more she has to worry about. Especially now.
And as she walks about and finally finds Griss at the edge of the Somniel, she finds herself smiling. He'll likely hear her before he sees her, and she doesn't hesitate to join him in looking out over slowly dawning horizon.]
I knew I'd find you out here. I didn't think I'd find you catching the sunrise, though. [Alear smiles, easily.] How are you holding up?
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Figured I may as well. Probably not gonna be gettin' much sleep tonight anyway.
[He tends to be worked up after battles, and this one's certainly no exception. After all, there was once a time - not all that long ago, really - where he was determined to devote his life to Sombron.
Now he can think of another dragon deity he might prefer to devote his life to.
...Ugh, that's way too sappy a thought.]
Finally free from everyone's thanks and cheers?
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[Alear isn't sure she could sleep if she tried. Sure, she's going to have to try at some point, but right now she doesn't want to be anywhere but Griss's side. The second statement gets her to chuckle, nodding.]
I am, yeah. It was just as overwhelming as I would have thought--it turned from a simple congratulations to practically a party, and that lasted well into the night...
[she loves everyone. really, she does. but good gods above...]
I can't complain, though. We deserve it, after all we managed to do today. But it is nice to have a little peace and quiet. [...] And...I'm glad to be able to talk with you, too.
[It's strange, but it's truthful. Sure she can't fucking stand him sometimes but she did miss his presence a bit at the gathering.]
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[Griss sounds pleased, though. After a moment, he holds up the box. It's still sealed, despite his complaints.]
So you gonna let me open this now?
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