[Action]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[As soon as Rydia arrives in Troia, she doesn't waste time. Immediately, she heads for Troia Castle and Rosa's room. It's difficult not to think of it as Cecil and Rosa's room anymore, but denying Cecil's departure won't make it any less true.

Her plan is to catch her there instead of somewhere more public, for the sake of a private conversation. The summoner herself feels like curling up and sulking, but both Rosa and the threat before them effectively take away any chance for that to happen. She pushes down her own angst, instead determined to find her friend.

If Rosa isn't there, she'll search the castle and then the town proper. There's no pausing to ask someone, but neither area is especially big. She's certain they will run into each other before long, and so keeps going until that happens.]

[ooc: Anyone in the area is welcome to run into her along the way, or spot her afterward--though the latter is best if you want to keep her attention. Rosa's her first priority.]

Comments

[artemistardust.livejournal.com]

[Rosa's on the balcony outside her room for the moment. She's already been issuing enough orders to the people and doing as much as she can to help them, but it's time for her to grieve by herself and so that's what she's doing.

She hears someone enter and turns to see who the intruder is, nearly going faint with relief at the familiar face.]

Rydia! You made it...

[And she'll reach out for a hug because she needs physical contact.]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Rydia rushes over for just that, embracing Rosa the moment she's in range.]

I told you I would. I'm glad I found you here....

[artemistardust.livejournal.com]

[Rosa sighs wearily, holding on for a moment before pulling back to give a sad smile to her friend. She looks like she's a wreck, though part of that is due to having to help the people of Troia prepare for the pirates.]

I'm glad you're here.

[She turns back to the balcony and looks out over the city.]

I've been outside so much. The people are already restless from the food shortage. The threat of pirates just adds to their discomfort. Lord Vayne offered help and a way to aid them. I've been following his suggestions and they seem to be working. They are hesitant and afraid because Cecil is no longer here, but they are following me and I am so grateful.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Rosa's weariness doesn't go unnoticed and Rydia stays close, concern written all over her face. She rests a hand on Rosa's shoulder.]

They see that you're trying so hard to do you best for them, and that means a lot. I don't think the Epopts could ask for better care. And now that I'm here, I'll help in whatever way you need. Just let me know what I can do and delegate. I'm sure Edge will be willing to help, too.

[artemistardust.livejournal.com]

[She smiles tiredly. Having a friend like Rydia is just so comforting. It's the support Rosa needs right now.]

I've been trying to organize them into a guard shift, the women, children, and those who can't fight, are located in the safest buildings until the threat is resolved. I don't know what else needs to be done aside from making sure the pirates have a difficult trip up from the coast. I'm sure Edge would be up to that task.

[He'd be the best man for the job, that was for sure.]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[She nods, in full agreement.]

Oh, I bet he will. Kain, too.

And if they reach Troia, my Eidolons will help defend it. The Lord of All Waters will make them regret considering the trip, I promise.

[There's a determined glint in her eyes at that. Leviathan would not be pleased with them, and she'd be happy to channel his wrath....]

[artemistardust.livejournal.com]

[Leviathan... what a welcome memory. Rosa smiles, feeling no small amount of relief.] Any help at all will be more than welcome. I think they're trying to wait us out. It won't work, though.

[Her hand curls around the balcony railing, as she looks out over the distance with determination as well. She may have been a bit lost without Cecil, but they needed help and she was the only leader they had. It was daunting but... what other choice did she have right now?]

With you, Kain, and Edge here with me, I'm certain we can hold them off until Lord Vayne arrives with his fleet.

[arrogant-flirt.livejournal.com]

[Luckily for Edge, this wasn't a long trip. At least he was in a familiar setting. He hadn't made his way to the castle yet, meandering through town. The city was bustling but off in the distance, he spotted the familiar gait of a friend. As he went to follow, he saw her turn a corner. As he reached the corner, she was nowhere to be seen. He thought about looking in all the shops when he saw her emerge at the end of the street.]

RYDIA!

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Rydia is somewhat downcast as she roams, using the excuse of inspecting Troia as the means with which to distract herself. It isn't entirely working, which was why the sudden shouting was welcome. Among other reasons. Returning, she begins to head over.]

You didn't have to shout, Edge.

[But she smiles as she say it, at least.]

Did you just get here?

[arrogant-flirt.livejournal.com]

[Happy to see a friend and not someone trying to take his head off.]

You afraid I wouldn't leave any pirates for you?

[Joking aside, he really did miss her.]

Besides I couldn't leave s pretty girl like you all alone.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

I wasn't alone...but it's good to see you again. It's been a while.

[She pauses before him and smiles again, though there's something a little off about it. Even Edge can't entirely lift the mood she has, not instantly.]

Let's head inside? I've had enough wandering around.

[arrogant-flirt.livejournal.com]

[He's watching her, but ...]

Time to head inside then.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Rydia nods and leads the way out of town, intending to head toward the castle. She wants to be nearby in case Rosa needs her.]

So, how much do you know about our situation by now? I'd like to know where to start, if there's a need to catch you up.

[There's a sidelong glance.]

...I don't suppose any memories resurfaced on the way?

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

[Kain is around of course, more in the mind to angst and deal with the threat of the pirates, than particularly wanting to see anyone. In fact, he's trying not to run into any of them for now... but he can't avoid them all forever. So he notices Rydia somewhere random in town. Sighs a little, wondering if it might be best to wander away before he can be noticed...]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Summoners can be angst-prone, too. Rydia's heading toward the far end of town, looking a bit downcast when she thinks no one's watching. She doesn't want to deal with the cold weather for long, though, and approaches the chocobo nursery. On her way, she catches a familiar shape at the corner of her vision and turns to look.]

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Rydia...

[Sigh. He supposes he can't avoid them all for too long, though he'd been planning to at least try... He's felt a whole new level of awkward around Rydia in particular since Memoria.]

...I thought you would be keeping Rosa company.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[If she feels the same way, the summoner doesn't show it.]

I made her rest. She'll need it, for what's to come.

[Rydia gestures for him to follow her, since she's not that interested in talking out in the cold.]

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

[Although there's a vague temptation to turn away and go find a better place to brood, he resists and heads away with her to find somewhere to go.]

I'm sure a daunting challenge awaits...

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Rydia glanced around as though considering their options. There was no need to head to the shops, and the pub was too noisy and crowded at any time. Maybe it was time to head back to the castle....]

I just hope we can protect all these people. Cecil deserves nothing less.

[sharemypain.livejournal.com]

[While Rydia is within the castle, Anima's fayth visualizes in the air before her.]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Rydia stops short, eyes widening. This has never happened before. She nods respectfully, though is unable to hide her confusion.]

It's good to see you again, but...what's happened? Why are you here?

[sharemypain.livejournal.com]

I felt your soul passing through the Farplane. The remainder is in the Mist. Somehow you live, yet you are not an Unsent.

[That's faythspeak for being concerned for her summoner.]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Oh....

[Rydia nods.]

I died a few weeks ago, thanks to a monster attack of sorts. I woke up at the Iifa Tree, though I'm not sure how or why. It doesn't makes sense, that I was able to return...but I'm glad I was given another chance.

...do I seem different, because of it?

[sharemypain.livejournal.com]

Some of your soul has dissipated. There is a difference which I can feel.

We should speak further. Come to my dwelling place. I have news to share.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Dissipated...? I haven't felt different, but...I believe you. You would know.

[Rydia frowns at that statement, unsettled.]

I'll be there, as soon as I can.