PLEROMA | FRIENDS LOST (END OF SOVISERI)

[coerthantorment]

[Estinien can be felt in the communion space, after having essentially gone missing during the final days of the mission. He's only just now returning to Greentruth in the company of friends. The tone of his psychic transmission is fraught with sorrow and anger in kind.]

Himeka and Abel have been taken by the Kenoma. They... are the Regent's prisoners.

[His presence becomes distant for a few beats after, like he has to steady himself.]

The creature of Innocence we found in Venera... its hold on me is far greater than I ever realized. I was drawn into a battle with the Kenoma, in the defense of other Pleroma, and when I found myself outnumbered and trapped... it came to my aid. Yet, 'twas at a cost I would not have willingly paid.

Angered by their broken "promise", it lashed out at those that bore its mark. 'Twas this moment of weakness that allowed them to be captured. It struck Ryunosuke and Alphinaud as well... Ryunosuke is safe. Alphinaud... has vanished somewhere I cannot reach.

[He's doing his best to give an objective account, something he became skilled in doing as a soldier. It's clear how much this is weighing on him, though.]

The... creature has been attempting to enthrall me. To change my body and steal my memories... it told me that Alphinaud was 'among the light', and that he had no further need for me. That Himeka and Abel had chosen to suffer in this world. I...

[And finally, the anger takes precedent, a fire wrought with misery.]

I will take them back. No matter what it demands of me. I... will bring them home.

Comments

[coerthantorment]

When we first arrived, all the freshly awakened Aions were captured and tormented by the Regent's followers. 'Tis how we were inducted into this world.

I... fear the fate of those who escaped to the Pleroma and were then recaptured will be far graver.

[It's a thought he can barely stand right now, but he has it all the same.]

[chronosynthesis]

[Firmly:] We'll save them, Estinien.

[It starts with faith in themselves that they can, and so Syrlya has no intention of letting his confidence waver before they've tried enough to fail.]

You should get some rest for now, recover your strength. They wouldn't want you to harm yourself over this.

[coerthantorment]

[He wants to believe that too, and agrees with the sentiment. Resigning himself to failure would do nothing. But all the same...]

I tire only of doing naught. [He hesitates a moment, but then explains more.] The creature... forced me to slumber, when it ensnared me at its shrine. 'Twas as if I was locked in a dream from which there was no waking... there was no escape for me, had I not been found.

I... dread the feeling.

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya's side of the communion is quiet for a moment, as Estinien details his reluctance.]

... well, sitting down and eating a warm meal won't be too much rest for you, will it?

[coerthantorment]

[There is a psychic impression that seems to embody the emotion of an uncomfortable swallow.]

...I suppose not. I had not considered how long it's been.

[chronosynthesis]

Should I let the kitchen know you're on your way, or would you rather I bring it to you?

[coerthantorment]

[That actually makes him second guess things. He'd been shy about being seen when he was simply been without colour, but now...]

...My form has been... substantially altered. It may be for the best that I avoid crowded spaces.

[chronosynthesis]

I can bring it to you then. [It's not a question anymore.] Where will I find you?

[coerthantorment]

[Estinien names one of the nearby outposts, providing a visual reference as well. He isn't going to hide away this time, but he still doesn't want to go to the center of town when he looks like this.]

-> action

[chronosynthesis]

[Ah, one of the outposts. Having a mount again would be so much easier...

But it's fine. It takes a little longer than he means, but he'll climb up into the outpost described with carefully tied basket of warm bread, meat, and roasted vegetables.

He knocks against one of the walls first as he steps through a doorway.] Estinien?

[coerthantorment]

[Estinien is sitting inside cutting some fabric with a knife. His physical changes are obvious: while before he had been made completely white with the Innocence's influence, now the effect has been amplified with the addition of three sets of seraphic wings and a full-bodied luminescence. His long hair is bright, with soft feathers woven into its locks. His eyes are such a pale silver that the colour is barely noticeable, as his gaze shifts towards the entrance.

It looks like he's been trying to find a shirt that can accommodate the feathery wings protruding from his back and hips. Unfortunately, he has no skill at altering clothing.]

Well met, Syrlya.

[There isn't much energy behind his response at this point, but he's trying.]

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya squints a little too adapt his eyes to Estinien's... everything.

He can't say it isn't a little unsettling, like some sort of dragon corruption, but Estinien seems of sound mind so he will... try not to worry about that.

He enters the abode properly, setting the basket down on the table next to where Estinien is carrying his shirt.] Glad to see you... upright. I've brought the whole basket for you, but you don't have to eat it all at once.

[coerthantorment]

My thanks...

[He says that first, because it's the easier thing to get out of his mouth. Some part of him doesn't want to talk at all, already exhausted from the communion experience, but...]

...What of you? What do you think of our odds? Truly.

[chronosynthesis]

They're not great. [They're not even good.] But I've never let that stop me before. A little faith goes a long way in having the strength to overcome what seems impossible.

[coerthantorment]

Faith...

[He murmurs the word.]

...I had hoped that by speaking to that creature I might find a path forward. Instead... I find myself more at a loss than ever before. Not only has it refused to aid me... the others... some would prefer I not pursue them at all...

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya glances aside, reaching to pull up another chair to sit down by Estinien.]

It probably isn't the most strategic decision. But... sometimes that isn't the same as the right one.

[He knows war. He knows the guilt of leaving their own behind. He can say it's because they can't afford to be picked off but... the truth is, he's tired of failing to protect people. If they're all in agreement, then he's inclined to go with the tide. The hardest part--convincing the Pleroma--is already done.]

Godlike power would make that a lot easier. But we'll find a way without it.

[coerthantorment]

[Estinien seems to welcome him lingering, even if he doesn't say anything about it. He knows Syrlya is of a like mind on most issues.]

Aye... though, I see it in the others...

[He falls silent for a moment, trying to think of how to phrase it.]

None among us wish to survive at another's expense. Yet, a war is not won without costs.

[chronosynthesis]

[... Syrlya gaze flickers down, his expression falling more somber.] No. It isn't. Even knowing that though... most people are driven to protect those they love. That they wish to protect you too is understandable.

But if we're going to do this, we must all be willing to trust each other to take that risk.

[He can't say it ever gets easier. Even when he knows. You just... learn to push through it, for the sake of those who depend on you.]

[coerthantorment]

[Estinien nod and falls silent. He's taken in that much from the communion discussion.]

...I would like to return home with my comrades. They would be happier for it. Yet... if a risk on my part could earn their salvation...

[A risk isn't a death sentence. It's something they do every time they enter into battle. It'd be no different here.]

[chronosynthesis]

[Syrlya's expression twists wryly, leaning one arm on the table.]

You certainly don't have to convince me. Just remember that trust extends to you as well--it's a risk we will all take, together.

[Protecting their own isn't a burden for only one of them, even if he understands that temptation more than anything.

But, well, do as he says not as he does. It's easy advice to give anyway.]

[coerthantorment]

Mn.

[That he can't deny. He knows that many of the others might feel the same way. If they could take the hit for the rest... maybe in this situation he's just in the position that offers the most reward for doing so. Pragmatically speaking, he has a chance they do not.

At the same time, he'd like to honour their wishes. It's complicated, working as part of a group.]

I appreciate your understanding, nevertheless.

[chronosynthesis]

[It is complicated. Especially group where many members are close-knit, and are far more invested in each other than just soldiers on the battlefield.]

Of course. [He leans forward, to briefly clap a reassuring hand on Estinien's shoulder.

And then he moves to nudge the basket of food closer across the table.]