[Action]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Sometime in the morning, Rydia departs the suite she shares with Edge and heads down the hallway toward the guest quarters. She nods absently to passing people, her mind clearly not on her surroundings as other matters have taken precedence; namely, her new guests from Dali.

The summoner didn't ask questions during their flight from the town; the mood was tense enough, and all she wanted to do was alleviate that. Perhaps now that they'd had a chance to rest and refresh themselves, it would be a different story. She would gladly keep them as long as they wish to stay, but if there was more that could be done, it was time to find out.

Upon reaching the correct door, she pauses and knocks.]

Comments

[waitedinwinhill.livejournal.com]

[Well there's only so much resting anyone can get with a new baby, but Raine certainly looks as well rested as a new mother can when she opens the door. She smiles and moves out of the way to admit Rydia.]

Rydia, I can't thank you enough for this.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Rydia steps inside, flashing a smile in return.]

It's no trouble, Raine. I was glad to be of help. Do you need anything else while I'm here?

[waitedinwinhill.livejournal.com]

More sleep?

[Raine has a half-smile at her own response. Normally it's Laguna cracking the jokes to ease a tense situation but she misses him and she misses that about him. Brooke was fussy much of the night, but it's the situation that's really wearing on her.]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Her smile turns sympathetic.]

It can't hurt. If you need someone to watch Brooke, I can take her for a bit. Or if you need to talk...well, I'm here.

[waitedinwinhill.livejournal.com]

[Raine nods slowly.]

I'm worried Ellone's going to be hunted in some way for the rest of her life.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Rydia sighs.]

That's no way to live, not for anyone. We'll do our best to protect her here, of course. We took down one Sorceress already; we'll do it again, if it comes to that.

[waitedinwinhill.livejournal.com]

I don't know if she'll want that. It seems that this is the one who raised her and Squall.

[And there's a deep frown at that. Raine can't stand the thought of a Sorceress raising her children.]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Rydia nods, pensive.]

But she did say that she had been possessed by Ultimecia before. Hopefully, that one doesn't return to Gaia, but if she should...she might try again.

[waitedinwinhill.livejournal.com]

That's what I'm afraid of. I'm not sure we can ever go back to Dali, not if people know to look there first.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Sigh.]

No, probably not. It wouldn't be safe. Well, you can stay here as long as you need. If you decide to resettle somewhere else, we'll take you there.

What does Squall think?

[waitedinwinhill.livejournal.com]

He said he doesn't know how much of a risk she is. When I told him we were leaving, he knew why right away.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[She nods.]

Hopefully, he'll have more to tell us soon. We need all the information we can get.

[waitedinwinhill.livejournal.com]

[Raine starts to pace the floor, as she's wont to do when she is worked up about something. She might not be ranting per se, but she is highly agitated.]

He said she was Ultimecia's vessel before. I don't know. It sounds like an excuse. They do terrible things but it's not their fault.

[Deep breath.]

Apparently a Sorceress without a knight could be a risk. I don't even understand what that means.

[winhillstime.livejournal.com]

[Elle had taken Slai for an early morning walk to give Raine and Brooke a little peace, even though the baby had been crying a lot since the move. Ellone couldn't really blame her for it. She wanted to curl up and cry and she was several decades older! She was trying to be upbeat for Slai, but they're both a bit subdued as they walk through the corridors. They've just turned a corner when Ellone spots Rydia.]

Morning, Rydia.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Rydia turns upon hearing Ellone, noting the subdued demeanor. She smiles warmly nonetheless; the last thing she wants is for them to worry that they're a burden to her. Raine already had, until Rydia managed to get her to stop apologizing.]

Good morning, Ellone. How are you two? Did you sleep well?

[winhillstime.livejournal.com]

[Oddly enough, that's not what has Ellone annoyed this morning, but far be it for her to admit as much where Slai can hear.]

Mm, as well as can be expected. [What? At least she's being honest... Brutally so this morning.] I think Slai slept better than I did. [Which is... ironic, seeing as the little girl is rubbing her eyes as she clings to Ellone's hand.] Thanks for letting us stay, by the way.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Rydia is fine with honesty, though she does look thoughtfully at Ellone. Perhaps Raine can watch Slai for a moment, so they can talk more freely.]

You're welcome...and as I said, it's really no trouble. I'd rather have you in Alfitaria and safe than worried a continent away. Besides, Edge has been very busy of late. It's nice to have more company here.

[winhillstime.livejournal.com]

[At the comment about being worried a continent away, Ellone pointedly looks down at Slai. The girl looks exhausted.] Slai, do you want to go lie down? [There's a small nod, so Ellone looks up and smiles apologetically at Rydia.] I think she's sleepy.

[Way to totally and completely change the subject and avoid everything that's happened recently.]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Rydia nods, expression softening as she glances to the girl.]

Best put her to bed, then. She can rest as long as she needs.

[And then they could talk unhindered.]

[winhillstime.livejournal.com]

[Ellone's quiet as they head back to the room so she can tuck Slai in. Raine should be around to watch her, but there aren't any unsavory figures around and besides, they won't be very far away. Closing the door behind her, she turns back to Rydia.]

Sorry about that. We didn't get much sleep last night.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Rydia shrugs.]

It's alright. I suspected as much, considering.

[She smiles, but it's brief, replaced by concern.]

This must be hard on all of you--you, especially.

[winhillstime.livejournal.com]

[She wants to deny it all, so she just shrugs and pulls her sash tighter around her waist and arms.]

It's been worse before. Raine's only looking out for my safety.

[Which is something she has to keep telling herself to keep the hurt at bay.]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[Rydia sighs, her expression softening at mention of poor Raine.]

She is...but it's still unfair that you had to leave Dali. It was your home, as much as any place in Gaia can be. So peaceful, too.

[winhillstime.livejournal.com]

We didn't need to... Matron... Edea's not as dangerous as she thinks. She's just afraid and that's making Raine afraid.

[She runs a hand through her hair, worry and hurt making her say more than she wanted.]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

[She gives into pacing; it helps calm her nerves, somewhat.]

It can't be easy to let go of that fear, not after everything that's happened. When I spoke to Edea, her only concern was protecting you. I'd think that's a good sign, but it doesn't hurt to be sure.