[ action --> Lindblum ]

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

[ Fran is exhausted and covered in blood; to be fair most of the blood isn’t hers, but she has a few injuries of her own. The fur of her ears is tainted pink and brown where blood has soaked and dried. Her breathing is heavy and her footing far from light.

She has spent much of the day out in the areas surrounding Lindblum slaying fiends and protecting the borders, aiding the city and getting some training and exercise in at the same time. Now she is drained, aching and in need of an ale or two to numb the pain.

And so she heads towards the bar. ]

Comments

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

[There's a familiar cockatrice cheep as Chit waddles toward the Viera. Mjrn follows, catching sight of her sister.]

Fran!

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

Mjrn!

Sister, how are you?

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

I am well, but---

[Mjrn looks Fran over.]

Do you require healing?

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

It is nothing a drink shall not cure.

Perhaps you care to join me, Sister?

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

[Mjrn doesn't respond until she unleashes a Cure upon her sister.]

I will now.

[She frowns, gently chiding.]

But do not spare me your pain when I can alleviate it.

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I shall be sure to ask for aid next time.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

[Mjrn nods firmly. Fran is not allowed to be a hypocrite.]

Now, we may seek that drink.

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

A much needed drink.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

[Chit happily keeps pace, but Mjrn can't hide her concern as she glances over.]

What troubles you, Sister?

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

It is nothing, a long day is all... Mayhap I pushed myself too hard.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

[Mjrn nods, but doesn't look entirely convinced.]

Please, Fran...do not. There is much left to be done in this world, and I fear we will need all our strength. To expend it all now would be unwise.

[Maybe slightly hypocritical, since she's barely stayed put herself, but if -Fran- can't hide her exhaustion, it must be bad.]

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

I shall be fine. A drink and a rest and all shall be well, I promise.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

[There's a soft sigh from Mjrn in response. She doesn't want to push, but one last thing must be said.]

I hope this is so. But please remember; I will be sheltered no longer. If there is cause for concern, I would listen. You would do no less for me, would you not?

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

This is true.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

[She settles down across from Fran, as Chit settles down on the floor. The cockatrice is tired, so she won't give them trouble...for now. Noting her sister's distraction, Mjrn watched her for a few moments in silence, until their drinks were brought over. Taking hold of hers, she finally speaks up.]

Fran...do you dwell on Ivalice?

[The portal is closed now, after all. That people might think of the world they left behind is understandable.]

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

It is strange to think I shall never look upon her skies again, but no. I do not believe that is what troubles me...

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

[She nods, at once relieved and still troubled herself.]

Then...what?

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

I wonder, perhaps, if Viera live too long.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

[Mjrn considers that in silence for a few moments, uncertain how to respond.]

Is it no easy thing, to live among those with less years afforded to them.

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

It is a long and lonely path. I see children grow old and wither while I remain unchanged.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

[Mjrn reaches forward and places her hand atop her sister's.]

I cannot deny its hardships...yet, you are not alone. We have each other, do we not?

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

You are right, we do.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

And...there are others. The village may have reached this world, but the Wood has not. Perhaps Garland's defeat will herald an end to isolation.

[She holds up a hand, shaking her head.]

I do not seek a retreat, nor do I regret my decision. That heartbreak may lie in the future, I understand. Yet...there would be much of it in denying what is before me, as well.

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

You speak with a wisdom far beyond your years.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

[There's a faint smile at that.]

Compensation for all my past foolishness, perhaps.

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

We have all made mistakes in our youth.

[dewdrop-pebbles.livejournal.com]

[She stares downward.]

Even so...I would have spared you witnessing mine, if I could but return to that moment.

[shatterhearted.livejournal.com]

The past is behind us.