[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.]
[surely he's not going to point her to some corrupted and make her fight them like some kind of dog. surely. this is only the most generous interpretation.
Even that doesn't stop Alear's look from souring though. Why is he like this.]
I would like to avoid that, actually? The less scars you have before fighting Sombron, the better. You know this, Griss.
[alear, you may actually be giving this man too much credit.]
...I'm just surprised you wouldn't go to Zephia with something like this--that's all. [It's not unkind, when Alear says it--say what one will, but Zephia is an incredible opponent. Someone who's strength Alear appreciates having on her side now.] But very well. I suppose I can oblige you. You ought to be prepared for what we'll be facing next.
[things she doesn't intend to mean quite so literally: this
But anyway, there's no corrupted here, now, at least. Alear's hand remains close to her sword, ready.]
Have you anywhere you wish to go, or is here fine?
C'mon, I already know what Zephia can do. She'll be a damn good help in the fight, don't you worry about that.
[And judging from his tone, he truly does believe that. He isn't really one to hand out praise so easily, but Zephia isn't here and he sees no harm in saying it.]
I'm ready when you are. Here's as good as anywhere else.
[With that, Griss summons his tome. He certainly is at a bit of a disadvantage against Alear if she can get close to him, but that's part of the fun. After all, the last time they fought she left so many delightful injuries...
So naturally, he isn't above taking the first shot to try to keep her at a range.]
[Alear doesn't know what she expected, but it should've been exactly this. Thankfully she's been well trained in what to expect in combating mages, and when Griss starts, Alear is ready to face him head on.
And needless to say, Alear is just as fierce as ever. She dodges his attacks when necessary, and forces herself through them when she can't; sure she'll be feeling those in a while and her servants will be worried, but it's fine. No worse than the normal wear and tear. And while she does hold herself back to an extent, she has no problem with going as close to all out against Griss as she can.
She eventually stands above him, having knocked him to the ground with her sword at his chest--clearly far more winded and worn than when they began, but still, victorious.]
[As expected, the fight is not an easy one. He didn't have an easy time of it the last time he fought her - and she's far stronger now. The Divine Dragon may not have had the easiest victory, but there's no denying that she's way stronger than he is. It's certainly possible she was even holding back given the state of his injuries - several cuts, primarily across his torso and one nastier one over his forearm, but all will be easily healed with magic.
Of course, even if she was holding back so as not to injure him too badly (or kill him), he's still injured and damn if that isn't delightful.]
Hah, more than!
[He moves a hand as if to brush the sword aside - if Alear isn't quick, he'll likely cut his hand on the blade, though that wouldn't exactly bother him.]
Gotta admit, Divine One, I was expecting a fierce opponent, but you've really come into your own! And you even were courteous enough to give me a gift.
[The cuts on his torso are fairly light, all things considered - they aren't bleeding heavily and are more of a sting than a proper painful wound. It's the arm injury he's talking about clearly - he holds it out as if proudly displaying it. His sleeve's been ripped, revealing that yeah, it really is an ugly injury that's bleeding fairly heavily. It's not in a place that would be concerning thankfully(?), but it definitely isn't a fun injury either. Well. For anyone who isn't Griss, obviously, because he seems to be absolutely delighted by it.]
Will you stop calling me that? You can just call me Alear, you know.
[She hates it when he does that!! Ugh!! She's used to everyone and their mom calling her the Divine something or other but it doesn't change the fact that it sounds so! Mocking!! When it's him!! She can't stand it.
At any rate, though, she does pull back her sword before he can cut his hand on it--he's got enough injuries to deal with, and even if she doesn't necessarily like him, she'd rather not cause him anymore. She does get a look at the injury she caused him though, and grimaces.]
I can't afford anything less. If we're going to be facing Sombron, then I have to give it my all. I'm glad to see my training doesn't appear to be for naught.
[Alear's hand goes to touch a burn on one of her own arms--her own injuries aren't too too bad, but it seems he left a stinging little gift for her, too, and she idly touches it. And immediately regrets it after.]
...Give me your arm. That's going to get infected if it's left alone for too long.
[The first part gets a laugh from him, though no other response. Sure, he knows he could just call her Alear. But why do that when it's more fun to mock her? Though in some ways it is rather unfortunate that learning she was Sombron's daughter didn't break her like he'd expected...
But for now, he watches her touch an injury he left on her, and Griss smirks when it seems like that was a bad idea.]
Let me guess: you're not going to trust me to take care of it myself?
[It's definitely more of a joke, though; Griss holds out his arm without further complaint.]
[don't you dare comment on the small twitch her lips do at that. shut up.
Just let her take his arm with at least some level of care; Alear at least tries to keep some basic medical supplies on her for situations like these, because shockingly, Vulneraries cannot fix everything. Let her get some salve and put that on there...]
I should at least take a little bit of responsibility for my actions. Someone has to take some of the burden of looking after you off of Zephia, right?
[Yeah, yeah, he definitely didn't see it and definitely isn't smirking in response.
The salve gets a pained hiss from him, but given his expression, he's certainly pleased with it. Griss remains relaxed as she takes care of his injury despite that.]
Hah, you really think I'm that much of a handful?
[But the smirk shifts a bit to something that looks... almost pleased? Holy shit, who knew the Divine One had a sense of humor.]
[...That's just encouraging him, isn't it. Ugh. She really can't win with this, she should just leave--]
...What?
[Oh that's. Not expected. Alear kind of stares a bit for a moment--it's not as if she hasn't seen Griss's staff rank used to good effect before, but...]
Why the sudden interest? Don't tell me you're suddenly concerned about hurting me.
[...She'll hold out her arm, though; it might be stupid to do so, but it's more out of surprise than anything.]
Nah, not even slightly. But I can at least return the favor - and better for you to be healed up before you return, yeah?
[Better than having her numerous followers asking questions - or assuming the worst. So Griss takes her arm, fingers brushing over the burn for a moment as if to check just how bad it is (but he's definitely watching her expression more than that).
But he won't hold her up for too long regardless of her reaction; he summons his staff and easily heals that injury. That burn won't even leave a mark by the time he's done.]
[It's quiet when Alear says that, though--and she tenses when his hand brushes over the burn. It stings, to say the least, and she's not sure what it says about her that she doesn't pull back. It's certainly not a light burn in the slightest, and someone with less pain tolerance or resistance would've probably cried out.
Alear isn't sure what it says about her that she doesn't, or that she doesn't pull away when he could easily make it so much worse or cause her more pain. But then he brandishes his staff and it doesn't take long before the wound is just a memory, and all be told, Alear can't help but blink a bit at it.]
...Amazing. There's not even a scar left behind. [She sounds genuinely impressed.] Nothing for Vander or the others to worry over at all. I didn't realize you were so talented.
[Ugh. Alear looks right back at him before fixing him with an eyeroll of her own; she'll start to get up, though, and she'll even offer him that hand to help him up.]
Yes, yes. I'll be certain to keep that in mind. Come on, though, we should go back to the others.
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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.]
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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.]
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[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?
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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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Even that doesn't stop Alear's look from souring though. Why is he like this.]
I would like to avoid that, actually? The less scars you have before fighting Sombron, the better. You know this, Griss.
[alear, you may actually be giving this man too much credit.]
...I'm just surprised you wouldn't go to Zephia with something like this--that's all. [It's not unkind, when Alear says it--say what one will, but Zephia is an incredible opponent. Someone who's strength Alear appreciates having on her side now.] But very well. I suppose I can oblige you. You ought to be prepared for what we'll be facing next.
[things she doesn't intend to mean quite so literally: this
But anyway, there's no corrupted here, now, at least. Alear's hand remains close to her sword, ready.]
Have you anywhere you wish to go, or is here fine?
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C'mon, I already know what Zephia can do. She'll be a damn good help in the fight, don't you worry about that.
[And judging from his tone, he truly does believe that. He isn't really one to hand out praise so easily, but Zephia isn't here and he sees no harm in saying it.]
I'm ready when you are. Here's as good as anywhere else.
[With that, Griss summons his tome. He certainly is at a bit of a disadvantage against Alear if she can get close to him, but that's part of the fun. After all, the last time they fought she left so many delightful injuries...
So naturally, he isn't above taking the first shot to try to keep her at a range.]
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[Alear doesn't know what she expected, but it should've been exactly this. Thankfully she's been well trained in what to expect in combating mages, and when Griss starts, Alear is ready to face him head on.
And needless to say, Alear is just as fierce as ever. She dodges his attacks when necessary, and forces herself through them when she can't; sure she'll be feeling those in a while and her servants will be worried, but it's fine. No worse than the normal wear and tear. And while she does hold herself back to an extent, she has no problem with going as close to all out against Griss as she can.
She eventually stands above him, having knocked him to the ground with her sword at his chest--clearly far more winded and worn than when they began, but still, victorious.]
I take it that was...satisfactory?
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Of course, even if she was holding back so as not to injure him too badly (or kill him), he's still injured and damn if that isn't delightful.]
Hah, more than!
[He moves a hand as if to brush the sword aside - if Alear isn't quick, he'll likely cut his hand on the blade, though that wouldn't exactly bother him.]
Gotta admit, Divine One, I was expecting a fierce opponent, but you've really come into your own! And you even were courteous enough to give me a gift.
[The cuts on his torso are fairly light, all things considered - they aren't bleeding heavily and are more of a sting than a proper painful wound. It's the arm injury he's talking about clearly - he holds it out as if proudly displaying it. His sleeve's been ripped, revealing that yeah, it really is an ugly injury that's bleeding fairly heavily. It's not in a place that would be concerning thankfully(?), but it definitely isn't a fun injury either. Well. For anyone who isn't Griss, obviously, because he seems to be absolutely delighted by it.]
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[She hates it when he does that!! Ugh!! She's used to everyone and their mom calling her the Divine something or other but it doesn't change the fact that it sounds so! Mocking!! When it's him!! She can't stand it.
At any rate, though, she does pull back her sword before he can cut his hand on it--he's got enough injuries to deal with, and even if she doesn't necessarily like him, she'd rather not cause him anymore. She does get a look at the injury she caused him though, and grimaces.]
I can't afford anything less. If we're going to be facing Sombron, then I have to give it my all. I'm glad to see my training doesn't appear to be for naught.
[Alear's hand goes to touch a burn on one of her own arms--her own injuries aren't too too bad, but it seems he left a stinging little gift for her, too, and she idly touches it. And immediately regrets it after.]
...Give me your arm. That's going to get infected if it's left alone for too long.
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But for now, he watches her touch an injury he left on her, and Griss smirks when it seems like that was a bad idea.]
Let me guess: you're not going to trust me to take care of it myself?
[It's definitely more of a joke, though; Griss holds out his arm without further complaint.]
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[don't you dare comment on the small twitch her lips do at that. shut up.
Just let her take his arm with at least some level of care; Alear at least tries to keep some basic medical supplies on her for situations like these, because shockingly, Vulneraries cannot fix everything. Let her get some salve and put that on there...]
I should at least take a little bit of responsibility for my actions. Someone has to take some of the burden of looking after you off of Zephia, right?
[Is that snark??]
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The salve gets a pained hiss from him, but given his expression, he's certainly pleased with it. Griss remains relaxed as she takes care of his injury despite that.]
Hah, you really think I'm that much of a handful?
[But the smirk shifts a bit to something that looks... almost pleased? Holy shit, who knew the Divine One had a sense of humor.]
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[Stop that, stop looking so pleased you--let her get the bandages out so she can start wrapping that up for him. Ugh!!]
And while I'm certain that vulnerary makers everywhere appreciate you keeping them in business, you could stand to not do that.
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[It's definitely a joke, though, and Griss laughs once that's out there.]
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Maybe if you stopped and thought about more than just your pleasure for a moment, you'd avoid getting scolded.
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You know that's impossible.
[He's grinning at that, though and then holds out his other hand.]
Now that you've been so kind as to tend to little ol' me, how's about you let me look at what I did to you?
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...What?
[Oh that's. Not expected. Alear kind of stares a bit for a moment--it's not as if she hasn't seen Griss's staff rank used to good effect before, but...]
Why the sudden interest? Don't tell me you're suddenly concerned about hurting me.
[...She'll hold out her arm, though; it might be stupid to do so, but it's more out of surprise than anything.]
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[Better than having her numerous followers asking questions - or assuming the worst. So Griss takes her arm, fingers brushing over the burn for a moment as if to check just how bad it is (but he's definitely watching her expression more than that).
But he won't hold her up for too long regardless of her reaction; he summons his staff and easily heals that injury. That burn won't even leave a mark by the time he's done.]
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[It's quiet when Alear says that, though--and she tenses when his hand brushes over the burn. It stings, to say the least, and she's not sure what it says about her that she doesn't pull back. It's certainly not a light burn in the slightest, and someone with less pain tolerance or resistance would've probably cried out.
Alear isn't sure what it says about her that she doesn't, or that she doesn't pull away when he could easily make it so much worse or cause her more pain. But then he brandishes his staff and it doesn't take long before the wound is just a memory, and all be told, Alear can't help but blink a bit at it.]
...Amazing. There's not even a scar left behind. [She sounds genuinely impressed.] Nothing for Vander or the others to worry over at all. I didn't realize you were so talented.
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No need to make such a fuss. I know my own magic better than anyone else, so healing it's no problem.
[Still, it's... different to hear praise from someone who isn't Zephia. And even Zephia isn't one to offer praise for something so... minor.]
You're welcome. Try not to underestimate me next time.
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Yes, yes. I'll be certain to keep that in mind. Come on, though, we should go back to the others.
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As you command, O Divine One.
[And just to be an annoyance, he holds onto her hand for just a bit too long to truly be comfortable before laughing and heading off.]