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[ah, of course he starts with this.]
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.
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.
Edited (wording) 2023-03-06 04:42 (UTC)
[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.]
[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.
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.
Edited 2023-03-10 02:30 (UTC)
[It's something of a relief that Alear decides she wants to spar. To say Griss is bad at this would be to understate it horribly. Given her reaction, he was halfway to trying to back out of the offer and find a way to flee the conversation, but this is an acceptable alternative. She didn't even call him out on the shitty attempt! Maybe the others have a point about the Divine One being merciful or whatever.]
Said like I'd turn down an opportunity for you to hurt me? C'mon.
[He moves to retrieve his tome and stand, preparing for the fight - and opening without waiting for Alear to ready herself further.
The fight doesn't last long - it's obvious she's distracted, and that's likely the only reason why he walks away with the victory today. It's sort of annoying that she didn't open any major injuries, but Griss has a few scratches that will take the edge off for a little while.
...And if he's being perfectly honest, this isn't really about him right now anyway. So he can play nice, just this once.
He flops back down after she gives the signal to stop and gestures broadly for her to join him.]
I thought you'd want to cut someone up after today, but looks like you're still thinkin' about it. Am I right?
Said like I'd turn down an opportunity for you to hurt me? C'mon.
[He moves to retrieve his tome and stand, preparing for the fight - and opening without waiting for Alear to ready herself further.
The fight doesn't last long - it's obvious she's distracted, and that's likely the only reason why he walks away with the victory today. It's sort of annoying that she didn't open any major injuries, but Griss has a few scratches that will take the edge off for a little while.
...And if he's being perfectly honest, this isn't really about him right now anyway. So he can play nice, just this once.
He flops back down after she gives the signal to stop and gestures broadly for her to join him.]
I thought you'd want to cut someone up after today, but looks like you're still thinkin' about it. Am I right?
[Sometimes, even Griss deserves the Divine One's mercy. Which is certainly what Griss isn't showing her tonight. There's a twitch of a smile in Alear's expression, though; not even she's entirely sure why, but by the time she gives the signal, she's satisfied. There's a good catharsis to it, and the burns on her arm and a somewhat nasty one on her leg are perfectly fine, as far as she's concerned.
It takes a moment, but Alear will join Griss once she's gotten her bearings. The remark gets something of a huff out of Alear at first, but...]
...Well, you're definitely not wrong.
[She's supposed to be this indomitable force of good, but man, after today, she feels just like she did when she first woke up. When Lumera first died, the wounds ripped open all anew--]
Sorry for not giving you a satisfying battle. But yes, today has been...wearing on my mind, a lot more than I thought. It's kind of eye opening, but...the kind where it was something you could've gone the rest of your life not knowing?
[...]
I guess to put it simply, it was...a lot.
It takes a moment, but Alear will join Griss once she's gotten her bearings. The remark gets something of a huff out of Alear at first, but...]
...Well, you're definitely not wrong.
[She's supposed to be this indomitable force of good, but man, after today, she feels just like she did when she first woke up. When Lumera first died, the wounds ripped open all anew--]
Sorry for not giving you a satisfying battle. But yes, today has been...wearing on my mind, a lot more than I thought. It's kind of eye opening, but...the kind where it was something you could've gone the rest of your life not knowing?
[...]
I guess to put it simply, it was...a lot.
[Kind of eye opening, but something you could've gone the rest of your life not knowing. Yeah, he sort of understands. Like learning that Zephia wasn't actually all that loyal to Sombron. Like realizing she didn't even know how much she matters to him. Something sorta like that, even if it's not exactly the same.
Griss reaches out without preamble, but the healing magic he calls to his fingers is explanation enough. Let him see those injuries while you talk; no sense letting the Divine One return to the others with burns left from training when he can heal them.]
Yeah, sounds like it. Can't even begin to imagine what you're going through.
[And that's true, though it isn't dismissive when he says it. Griss is focused more on healing than on Alear herself, but after a moment he speaks up again.]
...So did you remember anything during all of that? Or was it just... startlin' to see it happen like that?
Griss reaches out without preamble, but the healing magic he calls to his fingers is explanation enough. Let him see those injuries while you talk; no sense letting the Divine One return to the others with burns left from training when he can heal them.]
Yeah, sounds like it. Can't even begin to imagine what you're going through.
[And that's true, though it isn't dismissive when he says it. Griss is focused more on healing than on Alear herself, but after a moment he speaks up again.]
...So did you remember anything during all of that? Or was it just... startlin' to see it happen like that?
[Without thinking, Alear presents her injuries to Griss without much further comment at first. Her expression is contemplative, quiet, and...almost a little empty, though she keeps her gaze toward the ground while she talks.]
...A bit of both. Hearing just how my other self had been so broken down by living under Sombron's thumb, how they described their siblings dying, and just seeing how she used to live fills me with chills. It was horrifying, awful, and I meant what I said. That I hope she wakes up and finds some kind of happiness.
[A small pause. Alear's gaze comes up from the ground, watching Griss work.]
...I remembered...meeting Queen Lumera. I think, for the first time.
...A bit of both. Hearing just how my other self had been so broken down by living under Sombron's thumb, how they described their siblings dying, and just seeing how she used to live fills me with chills. It was horrifying, awful, and I meant what I said. That I hope she wakes up and finds some kind of happiness.
[A small pause. Alear's gaze comes up from the ground, watching Griss work.]
...I remembered...meeting Queen Lumera. I think, for the first time.
[Damn, he really did a number on her, huh... Maybe he went a little harder than he needed to. Still, the injuries are healing nicely and he doesn't look up from his work as she speaks.]
Yeah? What was she like?
[Though he knows of Lumera, he never had any reason to have any dealings with her. Zephia often spoke as if she knew the woman, but he never really asked her about that either.
Regardless, it isn't as though Griss truly cares about Lumera - that much is likely obvious to Alear too. But this seems a better topic and one that can put some distance between Alear and... well, he other self and what horrors she witnessed under Sombron.
And if he's honest... it really isn't all that farfetched that Sombron was cruel to his kids. It isn't all that unbelievable that she really was a completely different person with her memories of that time. Something about that bothers him in a way he can't place, so Griss ignores it and resumes healing. It shouldn't be much longer before those burns are entirely gone.]
Yeah? What was she like?
[Though he knows of Lumera, he never had any reason to have any dealings with her. Zephia often spoke as if she knew the woman, but he never really asked her about that either.
Regardless, it isn't as though Griss truly cares about Lumera - that much is likely obvious to Alear too. But this seems a better topic and one that can put some distance between Alear and... well, he other self and what horrors she witnessed under Sombron.
And if he's honest... it really isn't all that farfetched that Sombron was cruel to his kids. It isn't all that unbelievable that she really was a completely different person with her memories of that time. Something about that bothers him in a way he can't place, so Griss ignores it and resumes healing. It shouldn't be much longer before those burns are entirely gone.]
[...]
Mother was...warm. Kind, and caring. I could see it in her eyes; I couldn't tell why she looked at me, at the time, with that warmth and kindness and extended hand, but it was welcoming. Like a bright light I was so desperate to reach out to, that I could scarcely believe was reaching for me.
...But I guess to put it simply, she made me feel alive, for the first time in my life. She made me feel something other than empty and driven to not die, and...I don't know. I've gotten so used to the way everyone else has treated me, that being reminded of that...I don't know. I kind of feel like I lost her all over again.
[Alear goes quiet for a little bit. Just kind of staring and watching Griss work for a while; magic's beyond her, even if she's resistance blessed as hell. But something nags at her mind, really, the more she thinks about it. But she just lets that set, for a moment.]
Mother was...warm. Kind, and caring. I could see it in her eyes; I couldn't tell why she looked at me, at the time, with that warmth and kindness and extended hand, but it was welcoming. Like a bright light I was so desperate to reach out to, that I could scarcely believe was reaching for me.
...But I guess to put it simply, she made me feel alive, for the first time in my life. She made me feel something other than empty and driven to not die, and...I don't know. I've gotten so used to the way everyone else has treated me, that being reminded of that...I don't know. I kind of feel like I lost her all over again.
[Alear goes quiet for a little bit. Just kind of staring and watching Griss work for a while; magic's beyond her, even if she's resistance blessed as hell. But something nags at her mind, really, the more she thinks about it. But she just lets that set, for a moment.]
[By the time Alear stops speaking, Griss is done healing her injuries. His hands hover over her arm a moment longer than they need to before he pulls back, making aggressive amounts of eye contact as usual.
She's all healed, and he's heard her story. So he should have some reaction to it. "Sorry we killed your mom" is too damn insincere coming from him, of all people, so what the hell does he say? ]
I can only guess at how much it sucked to lose her once, let alone to feel it all over again.
[It's a start that's almost hesitant, but Griss continues quickly.]
Don't know who my mom was or what happened to her, so guessin's all I've got. Still, havin' that come up in battle? No wonder you're still thinking about it.
[He falls quiet again, gaze drifting back towards her arm. Physical wounds are so much easier to heal...
Though if he stopped to ask himself why he's bothering trying to help the Divine One in the first place, he probably wouldn't like the answer.]
She's all healed, and he's heard her story. So he should have some reaction to it. "Sorry we killed your mom" is too damn insincere coming from him, of all people, so what the hell does he say? ]
I can only guess at how much it sucked to lose her once, let alone to feel it all over again.
[It's a start that's almost hesitant, but Griss continues quickly.]
Don't know who my mom was or what happened to her, so guessin's all I've got. Still, havin' that come up in battle? No wonder you're still thinking about it.
[He falls quiet again, gaze drifting back towards her arm. Physical wounds are so much easier to heal...
Though if he stopped to ask himself why he's bothering trying to help the Divine One in the first place, he probably wouldn't like the answer.]
[Alear's mind drifts while she listens to Griss speak, while he looks at her arm. It replays her Mother's death again; how hopeless she felt. The knowledge that all these years had passed, and Lumera gave her every bit of strength she had within her to survive. To become the savior they needed.
She wondered what would happen if Queen Lumera could see her now, with her killers among their allies. Alear isn't sure what she'd think. Maybe it's insulting. She doesn't know. But maybe, just maybe she'd understand, at least Zephia's point of view--]
Yeah. It feels like having your heart ripped from your chest, but the pain doesn't just...go away with time. It's not even pleasant. It just feels empty.
[This is so difficult for Griss. Alear can tell. She's never felt any sympathy for this man, and yet something tugs at her. And yet...]
...Hey, can I ask you something? It's...a little personal, so I understand if you might not want to answer it.
[She'll wait for his answer before speaking again, but--]
What was it like, meeting Zephia, for you? How did you meet?
She wondered what would happen if Queen Lumera could see her now, with her killers among their allies. Alear isn't sure what she'd think. Maybe it's insulting. She doesn't know. But maybe, just maybe she'd understand, at least Zephia's point of view--]
Yeah. It feels like having your heart ripped from your chest, but the pain doesn't just...go away with time. It's not even pleasant. It just feels empty.
[This is so difficult for Griss. Alear can tell. She's never felt any sympathy for this man, and yet something tugs at her. And yet...]
...Hey, can I ask you something? It's...a little personal, so I understand if you might not want to answer it.
[She'll wait for his answer before speaking again, but--]
What was it like, meeting Zephia, for you? How did you meet?
[Empty. Yeah, he can understand that, even if he can't understand everything else. It's a part of why he likes pain so much - hard to feel empty when you're bleeding, after all. But that seems like the sort of thing Zephia would sigh loudly at, so he probably shouldn't say it.
And speaking of Zephia... Griss tips his head a bit at the question, considering. It isn't like he cares that the question is personal; he's simply not sure why she asked. As a distraction, maybe?
Well, he can be a damn good distraction. It's way easier than trying to find the right words to help.]
We met... must've been over ten years ago, now? I was just a little disciple of Lord Sombron; desperate kid looking for some guidance and meanin' in my life.
Zephia... she just showed up outta the blue one day. Never gave a reason why, and I never asked. But she talked to us - most of us kids, anyway - and by the end of it, I was one of her Hounds.
[What was it like is the harder part to answer, and Griss's gaze drifts away again, focusing on some point in the distance.]
It was like... meeting Lord Sombron himself. Or what I would've imagined it as, back then. She was powerful, beautiful, commanding, and so damn certain. Of herself, her place in the world, everything. 'Course I was gonna follow her.
[It's remarkably open and honest coming from him, when he's always been so quick to deflect whenever his own feelings might be brought up. It's easier to say it now, with only Alear here... though it probably helps that she was willing to spill her heart first.
Ugh, but the thought of saying any more makes him feel antsy, so Griss leans back on his hands and tips his head again.]
Why do you ask?
And speaking of Zephia... Griss tips his head a bit at the question, considering. It isn't like he cares that the question is personal; he's simply not sure why she asked. As a distraction, maybe?
Well, he can be a damn good distraction. It's way easier than trying to find the right words to help.]
We met... must've been over ten years ago, now? I was just a little disciple of Lord Sombron; desperate kid looking for some guidance and meanin' in my life.
Zephia... she just showed up outta the blue one day. Never gave a reason why, and I never asked. But she talked to us - most of us kids, anyway - and by the end of it, I was one of her Hounds.
[What was it like is the harder part to answer, and Griss's gaze drifts away again, focusing on some point in the distance.]
It was like... meeting Lord Sombron himself. Or what I would've imagined it as, back then. She was powerful, beautiful, commanding, and so damn certain. Of herself, her place in the world, everything. 'Course I was gonna follow her.
[It's remarkably open and honest coming from him, when he's always been so quick to deflect whenever his own feelings might be brought up. It's easier to say it now, with only Alear here... though it probably helps that she was willing to spill her heart first.
Ugh, but the thought of saying any more makes him feel antsy, so Griss leans back on his hands and tips his head again.]
Why do you ask?
[Alear listens.
She's always been good at that. Many people in the army come to her with their troubles, and Alear's gotten used to listening to people. Their worries, their hopes and dreams, all of them. To listen to Griss at least talk about someone he seems to think the world of...Alear smiles very slightly as she imagines it. Zephia really did bring Griss hope. Purpose, in a way. Alear always had a feeling that Zephia meant the world and more to Griss, but to hear it outright...
It's something new, and even if Griss annoys her to the ends of the earth, it's something that Alear is glad that Griss has for himself. He wants to make Zephia happy. Meeting her did save him, in a way, perhaps, almost like...
When the question is turned back to Alear, she blinks a bit, clearly having gotten distracted. Her gaze goes elsewhere, maybe almost embarrassed about having to answer for herself, but...]
I was just curious. [...] But...it always seemed like Zephia gave you a sense of purpose, and your life was better with her in it.
...I guess I was just wondering if meeting her was...like meeting Mother, for me. That's all.
She's always been good at that. Many people in the army come to her with their troubles, and Alear's gotten used to listening to people. Their worries, their hopes and dreams, all of them. To listen to Griss at least talk about someone he seems to think the world of...Alear smiles very slightly as she imagines it. Zephia really did bring Griss hope. Purpose, in a way. Alear always had a feeling that Zephia meant the world and more to Griss, but to hear it outright...
It's something new, and even if Griss annoys her to the ends of the earth, it's something that Alear is glad that Griss has for himself. He wants to make Zephia happy. Meeting her did save him, in a way, perhaps, almost like...
When the question is turned back to Alear, she blinks a bit, clearly having gotten distracted. Her gaze goes elsewhere, maybe almost embarrassed about having to answer for herself, but...]
I was just curious. [...] But...it always seemed like Zephia gave you a sense of purpose, and your life was better with her in it.
...I guess I was just wondering if meeting her was...like meeting Mother, for me. That's all.
[He's quiet as Alear finds her words, and when she does Griss tips his head a bit.]
Yeah, I guess so. It's the closest I've got, anyway.
[It's kind of weird to think of Zephia as his mother figure... but not exactly wrong either. That's something he can think more about later, anyway.
For now, he has a better understanding of what Alear's going through. It'd be like losing Zephia, and then suffering that loss again.]
I'm not great at this, and I'm not the person you want to hear this from... but for what little it's worth, I am sorry about your mom.
[Regardless of their reasons for the attack and his own feelings on that, he can acknowledge that it must've hurt like hell to lose her. An apology won't change anything, but maybe it'll make Alear feel slightly better.
After all, she's been willing to put up with him. He can offer her that much.]
Yeah, I guess so. It's the closest I've got, anyway.
[It's kind of weird to think of Zephia as his mother figure... but not exactly wrong either. That's something he can think more about later, anyway.
For now, he has a better understanding of what Alear's going through. It'd be like losing Zephia, and then suffering that loss again.]
I'm not great at this, and I'm not the person you want to hear this from... but for what little it's worth, I am sorry about your mom.
[Regardless of their reasons for the attack and his own feelings on that, he can acknowledge that it must've hurt like hell to lose her. An apology won't change anything, but maybe it'll make Alear feel slightly better.
After all, she's been willing to put up with him. He can offer her that much.]
[Alear wasn't sure what she was expecting. Getting chewed out for her assumption of their relationship, maybe. A vague sense of understanding; both of those would have been in the realm of possibility, and at first, Alear seems content that he seems to actually understand what she was getting at, and maybe she did have the right of it.
but for what little it's worth, I am sorry about your mom.
Alear isn't sure what her face is doing, or her body--everything in her goes...tense, for a brief moment, before it releases and. Oh.
Not even Alear realized that she really needed to hear that. Even from him.]
...It's worth more than you think. [Alear looks away for a moment, don't you dare comment about the misty eyes buddy--] It means a lot to hear that, even if there's nothing that can be done to bring her back. And I wouldn't have expected it. It's...kind of you. I feel like I understand you a bit better, now, too.
[...]
Thank you, Griss. There's really nothing to be done now but to try and move forward, but...it's appreciated. You didn't have to.
[don't cry don't cry don't you dare cry alear--
She starts to move to get up after that, though, offering a hand for Griss if he needs it. Tonight's definitely been an eye opening experience, to say the least.]
but for what little it's worth, I am sorry about your mom.
Alear isn't sure what her face is doing, or her body--everything in her goes...tense, for a brief moment, before it releases and. Oh.
Not even Alear realized that she really needed to hear that. Even from him.]
...It's worth more than you think. [Alear looks away for a moment, don't you dare comment about the misty eyes buddy--] It means a lot to hear that, even if there's nothing that can be done to bring her back. And I wouldn't have expected it. It's...kind of you. I feel like I understand you a bit better, now, too.
[...]
Thank you, Griss. There's really nothing to be done now but to try and move forward, but...it's appreciated. You didn't have to.
[don't cry don't cry don't you dare cry alear--
She starts to move to get up after that, though, offering a hand for Griss if he needs it. Tonight's definitely been an eye opening experience, to say the least.]
Edited (...mmm, wording? more i look at this the more i headtilt but fuck it) 2023-03-27 00:24 (UTC)
[Now seems like the worst time to laugh at her getting misty-eyed, so he'll look away and pretend he didn't see it. That's the best he can do right now since she's decided to get all emotional about it!!]
I know I didn't. But I wanted to say it.
[For more practical reasons - like how it'd be difficult for Zephia to apologize for... well, everything - but also just because he felt like it. As weird as it feels to admit it, he kinda likes Alear. A bit. Mostly because she's fine beating him up sometimes.
So that's why he accepts her hand when she offers it, and that's why his expression's a bit softer than usual.]
Next time, make sure not to hold back any, yeah? I'm better at bein' a punching bag.
[...the words are the same as always, though.]
I know I didn't. But I wanted to say it.
[For more practical reasons - like how it'd be difficult for Zephia to apologize for... well, everything - but also just because he felt like it. As weird as it feels to admit it, he kinda likes Alear. A bit. Mostly because she's fine beating him up sometimes.
So that's why he accepts her hand when she offers it, and that's why his expression's a bit softer than usual.]
Next time, make sure not to hold back any, yeah? I'm better at bein' a punching bag.
[...the words are the same as always, though.]
Edited 2023-03-27 02:05 (UTC)
[Huh. When he looks like that, he almost looks a little...
...No, she's killing those thoughts where they stand. It's just nice to finally have an understanding with someone who doesn't see her as divine.]
You know what? Next time, I promise I'll beat you into the dirt and beyond, to repay you for this. You have my word.
[The words may be the same, but she's more than happy to match it. It's the least she can do, at least.
But for tonight...well, maybe she can get back to sleep a little more energized for the days ahead. And she's more than happy about that.]
...No, she's killing those thoughts where they stand. It's just nice to finally have an understanding with someone who doesn't see her as divine.]
You know what? Next time, I promise I'll beat you into the dirt and beyond, to repay you for this. You have my word.
[The words may be the same, but she's more than happy to match it. It's the least she can do, at least.
But for tonight...well, maybe she can get back to sleep a little more energized for the days ahead. And she's more than happy about that.]
[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.]
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...]
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...]
Edited 2023-03-27 03:08 (UTC)
[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.]
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...?
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 powerโ
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.]
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.]
Edited 2023-03-27 04:08 (UTC)
Heh. I'll...do my best.
[For a moment, she feels her eyelids start to flutter and her vision start to blacken in earnest. Her breath wheezes, and she's worried she won't survive a third death. Shakily and without thinking, her hand goes for one of Griss's, almost like an apology, but...
Well, what she doesn't expect is for that pain to seemingly both intensify and fade away entirely--for a brief moment she hurts, and it's the most alive she's felt in the past couple of minutes (which is something she's not examining about herself thank you very much!!), and Griss will likely feel that his healing magic has definitely intensified greatly in the process of it all.
Of course, there's another matter, and that being that Alear's body has seemingly disappeared, with only the blood she's lost on the ground being the only indication that she was there. Odd, right?
It's likely odder still, because, uh--]
Griss? [That's. Unmistakably Alear's voice, isn't it?] So, hey, uh. Did you mean to Engage with me?
[It's not like she's not thankful. Really, it isn't! But uh. Sometimes these things happen and you don't expect to be fused with the guy who just saved your life???]
[For a moment, she feels her eyelids start to flutter and her vision start to blacken in earnest. Her breath wheezes, and she's worried she won't survive a third death. Shakily and without thinking, her hand goes for one of Griss's, almost like an apology, but...
Well, what she doesn't expect is for that pain to seemingly both intensify and fade away entirely--for a brief moment she hurts, and it's the most alive she's felt in the past couple of minutes (which is something she's not examining about herself thank you very much!!), and Griss will likely feel that his healing magic has definitely intensified greatly in the process of it all.
Of course, there's another matter, and that being that Alear's body has seemingly disappeared, with only the blood she's lost on the ground being the only indication that she was there. Odd, right?
It's likely odder still, because, uh--]
Griss? [That's. Unmistakably Alear's voice, isn't it?] So, hey, uh. Did you mean to Engage with me?
[It's not like she's not thankful. Really, it isn't! But uh. Sometimes these things happen and you don't expect to be fused with the guy who just saved your life???]
[For a brief, beautiful moment, Alear's pain is his. The rush of adrenaline courses through him as he Engages, and it doesn't occur to him that this isn't the familiar glow of Celica's power, but instead something completely new.
After all, he's experiencing near-death pain, how could he be expected to focus on anything else? Mortal wounds are truly in a world of their own. There's no pain quite like being impaled.
Unfortunately for Griss (but fortunately for us so I don't have to keep writing masochism) the pain fades into a dull ache, likely because Engaging has basically averaged out their HP and Griss was at full health.]
Uh. What.
[Alear is gone, his magic is doing absolutely nothing to heal the bloodstains on the ground, so Griss pauses, confused.
Slowly, it occurs to him that this isn't Celica. This is Alear's voice.]
...Dammit, I forgot you could do that.
[Now he just sounds sort of exasperated?? How do you manage to forget that Alear's an Emblem, anyway.]
I mean... it worked,I guess? Not quite what I meant, but you're done dyin' now, yeah?
After all, he's experiencing near-death pain, how could he be expected to focus on anything else? Mortal wounds are truly in a world of their own. There's no pain quite like being impaled.
Unfortunately for Griss (but fortunately for us so I don't have to keep writing masochism) the pain fades into a dull ache, likely because Engaging has basically averaged out their HP and Griss was at full health.]
Uh. What.
[Alear is gone, his magic is doing absolutely nothing to heal the bloodstains on the ground, so Griss pauses, confused.
Slowly, it occurs to him that this isn't Celica. This is Alear's voice.]
...Dammit, I forgot you could do that.
[Now he just sounds sort of exasperated?? How do you manage to forget that Alear's an Emblem, anyway.]
I mean... it worked,I guess? Not quite what I meant, but you're done dyin' now, yeah?
You forgot?!
[DEAR GODS ABOVE, SHE IS SO DONE WITH THIS. HOW DOES SHE DISENGAGE WITH THIS MAN, SHE WANTS OUT ALREADY AND THEY HAVEN'T EVEN USED THEIR TURNS EFFECTIVELY.
Gods, just. Give her a second, Griss can likely hear the sound of Alear slapping her own forehead. What does she do with you, you stupid, stupid boy.]
I don't feel any pain now, yeah. I'm not exactly sure how that worked, but it looks like Engaging with me managed to heal my wounds. [Beat.] At the very least, I'm in no place to question it. But...thank you, Griss. I really do owe you for this.
[...]
But seriously, how did you manage to forget that I'm an Emblem now?
[DEAR GODS ABOVE, SHE IS SO DONE WITH THIS. HOW DOES SHE DISENGAGE WITH THIS MAN, SHE WANTS OUT ALREADY AND THEY HAVEN'T EVEN USED THEIR TURNS EFFECTIVELY.
Gods, just. Give her a second, Griss can likely hear the sound of Alear slapping her own forehead. What does she do with you, you stupid, stupid boy.]
I don't feel any pain now, yeah. I'm not exactly sure how that worked, but it looks like Engaging with me managed to heal my wounds. [Beat.] At the very least, I'm in no place to question it. But...thank you, Griss. I really do owe you for this.
[...]
But seriously, how did you manage to forget that I'm an Emblem now?
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