the first meeting

[dalmascanecrol]

[ It almost seemed the Primal had beckoned them. Alphinaud, Papalymo, Yda and Urianger had come to investigate Alexander, and there had been a large open passage. They'd all entered together, and there was a city. After a bit of navigation, though...

...there was a Primal standing in the center of the town. Well, it looked like a Primal to all those who could see it, the four who presented themselves inside. They looked like a being of pure Light, eying the four.

But it seems they won't make the first move. Not yet. ]

Comments

[lyse]

...I learned-- you all told me the Auracite was bad. [ She whimpered, as she held it close. She was obsessing over it, wasn't she. ] I didn't want to hurt any of you. And-- I wanted to send somebody who could help all of you.

I mean, with all that devouring reality stuff.

[readypunch]

Yeah, but- I thought we'd be able to work something out together. I wanted to do that. [She glances at the Auracite, worried- trying to hug between it and Lyse, a little.] We'd try and make sure you didn't. And- I dunno, I think she could, but- it was weird and unsettling, to know it wasn't you.

[she nods.]. I think- maybe the others here can help, too.

[lyse]

I-- didn't want to risk you. Or anybody. [ The Auracite is flickering. It's still active. ] I had no place with the Scions - I told you, didn't I? [ that bitter smile. that broken smile.

but she places her forehead to Yda, even if she doesn't look like Lyse. She feels like her. ] They're very smart here. And good at punching. I tried-- I tried to absorb that little Lalafell in an Ascian cloak. Because Ascian are still dangerous.

[readypunch]

But- we'd take that danger for you. [she gives it a more worried look, trying to shift it away a little.]. That can't be right. We love you- you're ours.

[she nuzzles into Lyse.]. They are. The- Lahabrea? I think- that's what he was called…. I- yes, I just- I think he might be staying here, too. There's gotta be some reason forthat.

[lyse]

Don't touch it! [ Lyse then said, her fingers seeming to crackle. Her hands seeming to glow a little. ] It's dangerous. [ She whispered. ] I don't just want to be yours... I don't want to succumb to the thoughts. They've been loud ever since... ever since I saw Minfilia taking on the task of Warrior of Light and Ala Mhigan resistance leader.

[ Ah, right. The Thoughts that the Hext have had for generations. The sloth that calls to them. That... explains quite a bit, the anxiety she felt about having a use.

She let out a huff, though. ] Yeah, he was sleeping in another room before I went after him.

[readypunch]

Okay! I thought- it just- it looks bad. [she makes an unhappy sound.] …okay. I'm scared for you, but- if that's what you want…. We'll figure something out- there's got to be something you can do. But I'm scared if you push yourself, too.

[she's… managed. And- now that Lyse is herself- she understands it.]

I think- maybe he's being allowed to stay. The person whose house this is- it's weird, but they're nice, right?

[lyse]

...Please, don't be scared. I know-- I know what happened. I know what's going to happen. But I can't-- I'm scared too, Yda.

[ It's the first time she's admitted she's scared, in a body and world not her own. Perhaps it's because this body is so healthy...? ]

...I haven't met the owner.

[readypunch]

I- I'll try. I just- I want you to be all right.

[she hugs Lyse a little tighter.]

You should! They're pretty nice- I mean, they were scared and angry with us at first, but- they're good, really.

[lyse]

[ At least Lyse is letting herself get hugged, as the Auracite flickers. It almost feels warm, inviting. Is that why Lyse holds it...? Is that why she obsesses?

...Though Lyses' eyes are dulled a little, in the Ascians' body. ]

...To be fair, you can be scary sometimes. You're a blend of Griffin and Highlander, and covered in darkness.

[readypunch]

[That… feels nice, almost. She can't help worrying a little, still.]

… I guess that's true enough. I don't- I don't mean to be to you.

[lyse]

I know. Logically... I know.

[ She's quiet, closing her eyes. ] I have a lot of smart souls. Smarter then I'd be alone. But I still feel the pull towards... well, you know. Those thoughts.

How do you manage it?

[readypunch]

[she brings a hand up to stroke Lyse's hair.]

Things… well. I guess- you can use that, huh?

I think… well. I've gotta look after you guys. And- I mean, sometimes I still want to- but it wouldn't feel right if I didn't know everyone was safe.

[lyse]

So that's your motivation. But what about when things... are peaceful?

[ Lyse wishes it was her own hair, wishes she was in her own body. But she feels herself shuddering. Her mind is still racing. ]

[readypunch]

When it's peaceful- I mean, I want to. To curl up with you and Papalymo and everyone- but. I want to be there, too, and love everyone and show them the good times. Keep moving, and- don't let it catch up.

[she nuzzles- trying to pull Lyse closer, wrapping arms and wings around her.]

[lyse]

You'll let yourself rest with all of us... all of them. Maybe I... [ Lyse mumbled, her Auracite glowing brighter. Warmer. Before Lyse seems to prickle, though she remains cuddled and in the feathers: ] I can feel something, Yda. Something strong.

[readypunch]

Yeah. After all- it's not the same without everyone, right? [she fluffs a little at that, looking up.]. …we shouldn't be in danger, but… can you tell more?

[lyse]

They knew me as Yda. They... didn't really know me. [ Oh. Oh Lyse. But she gently looks to the stone, as she talks. ] It feels... stronger then a Primal. Like, a lot stronger.

[readypunch]

But they can get to now. They will. [she fusses over Lyse's hair again, worried as she glances at the stone.] That's- um. We met some others, but- that strong? Here?

[lyse]

I feel... water and thunder... a storm? [ She's actually feeling Nymeia and Rhalgr, but. Can't describe it. The stone seems to glow, and Lyse tries to stand, eyes faded a little. What's going on with her...? ]

[readypunch]

A storm- Ramuh? [she tries to wrap an arm around Lyse- rises with her.]. Lyse?

[lyse]

No. Not Ramuh.

[ Lyse snarls a little, as she moves to leave the room. Stone glowing even more. ] I need to-- protect you.

[readypunch]

Then- [there are Gods, here, right? So-

She shakes the thought off, following.]. Wait! I'm- we got here, and I'm fine! They might be nice too- Lyse!

[lyse]

[ Lyse looks back for a little, but she's shaking. ] They-- might not be.

[ The door opens. There were two figures there - one garbed in a veil and a starry dress, and the other in traditional Monk wear. But before they could talk, Lyse stood there - Auracite out.

It doesn't seem to work all at once on strong beings, but Lyse looks determined. Her arm - well, the Ascian arm - is crackling with aether. ]

[readypunch]

But you don't know that! [and neither does she, but- they can hope, can't they?

[She stares for a moment, amazed- but then jolts as Lyse holds the Auracite out.]

Lyse! No- I don't think this is a good idea! [she rushes forward, reaching out to try and trap Lyse's arms by her sides.]

[lyse]

[ And it works. Lyse is grabbed - but she screams, like it's hurting. Like it's burning, the beam interrupted.

And she's passed out...? Her arms are still flickering, the crystal dulling. The lady in the veil rushes over to try and help, even as there's slight aether glowing around her from the draining. ]

...She'll wake. I think?