mooglenet_backup | [Video/Action] Warjilis Docks

[Having enquired as to Delita's location, Ashe is quick to locate him at a place she herself frequents - the docks. It seems he's calling out, and she approaches, curious. Astonishment takes her expression at sight of the bird, not only the unusual colour but the fact the chocobo is swimming...

The princess comes to stand a little behind her friend, watching with interest as he greets the arrival.]

... Delita?

[The guard turns his attention back towards the water keeping an eye out for intruders.]

[Delita turns around with a twinkle in his eye upon being reunited with his chocobo.]

Ashelia. 'Tis my pleasure to introduce yourself to Ardi. He has seen me through much since my arrival here.

[It's a twinkle she recognises, having always possessed an affinity for the creatures as a child. Remembering it is pleasant, seeing it alight in the eyes of her friend feels like a reward.]

Ardi...

[Repeating the name, she steps closer toward the water to get a closer look.]

He surely is extraordinary.

[Ardi promptly comes up out of the water with a 'Kweh' before bumping his nose against Ashe's hand.

Delita's smiles at Ardi's gesture, before looking down at his phone. Seeing that Ashelia is occupied, he quickly answers the phone wondering the need. Some of the color drains from his face at the news. It seemed Garland's hand never rested as he gave one order over the phone.]

Have the young prince brought to the docks at once.

[His smile gone, his phone dropped to his side as he wished the news needn't be shared. Still, he would bear the burden of sharing this grief with his friend.]

[Given the chocobo seeking her attention, Ashe pays no heed to the sound of Delita's sky phone, at least not right away. The princess touches a hand to Ardi's beak, his feathered head, calmed by the presence of the bird.

Three words bring her to turn back, fearful of what she thought to have heard. 'The young prince.' Was something wrong with Shain? Gasping aloud she abandoned her position, hurrying to Delita and hoping to the gods her baby was safe. But his solemn expression failed to assure her.]

Delita - my son - is he all right?

Shain is safe and sound.

[Never one to shy away from duty, this was news that Delita had no desire to share. The stress lines begin to form again as he remembers her response to the man's previous departure. Even so, there is nothing he can do save send for the child.

He stands up straight for the announcement, yet keeps his voice low for privacy.]

'Tis Lord Nabradia, he has returned to Ivalice.

What?

[No, there was some mistake - why would Delita say such a thing when it wasn't true - it couldn't be true. Rasler wouldn't leave her again, he had promised, and they never broke a promise to one another.

Never.

But... neither would Delita mislead her. The realisation hits her like a forceful strike in the face, and Ashe gasps out as if in pain. She turns her head to one side, almost recoils, eyes closing tightly against the knowledge presented so bluntly.]

No...

[Delita wishes there was something he could due to ease her pain. It bothers him that he is incapable of assisting her. He is at a loss for while he knows the pain of losing a sister, he has not been toyed with as the princess has.]

I wish it weren't so.

[He anxiously awaits the nurse, hoping without expectation that the arrival of the young prince could ease the pain of his friend.]

[Her breath comes as a shudder, arms wrapping around herself in reaction. What cruelty - how dare Garland take him now, after the hope for the future his return had given? Even worse, how dare he deprive Shain of his father?

Still she can't look, not until she hears the voice of her child as the nurse approaches with haste. A blessing that Shain is yet too young to understand.]

Someone... it was witnessed?

[What she asks, voice strained, is whether anyone actually saw Rasler vanish.]

[Of course it was witnessed. He would not have upset her with such news were he were not certain of its credibility. Still, he cannot fault her for hoping he's in error.]

'Tis certain. I can send for the servant if you wish.

[And he would have, if he hadn't felt it more his responsibility to pass along the news.]

[With a small shake of the head Ashe answers without words. When the wind catches her hair it reveals the paleness of her face, the redness around her eyes evidence of the inner battle she's waging against anguished tears. Only stubborn refusal to let them fall keeps her cheeks dry.

And then the nurse is upon them, curtseying. Ashe defies the tremor running through her hands and gathers the baby into her embrace, the act comforting just as Delita hoped. Oblivious, Shain cuddles into his mother, enchantment wide in his eyes at sight of Ardi. The princess, however, turns toward her friend.]

I must... be strong for him. [Her breath catches, prompting the lowering of her face into the little prince's hair. She does not cry.]

[Delita is thankful for the speed of the nurse, for he believes all else inadequate to help placate her grief.]

Come. You are most strong.

[She is indeed strong, but he would prefer to shield her for a short time so before a crowd is able to form, he gently motions to take them from the public eye.]

But you need not bear this burden in solitude.

[He would not see you shut away your life.]

[Shain's small form snuggled against her is both soothing and rationalising - he is her focus now, she must not lose herself in the face of this third-time tragedy.

Upon feeling herself be ushered to privacy, Ashe complies without thinking on where they're headed. Her feet fall instinctively, trusting and allowing Delita to guide her. She recalls her own words to her friend in Orbonne, advice that burdens ought to be shared. Now, he offers her the same.]

Thrice... he has been taken from me.

[Remembering her love for the grassy areas outside of Orbonne, he led her towards a private grassy area near the docks.]

[Garland had indeed gone too far this time and Delita would see him pay for this pain to his friend.]

And thrice, you have remained.

[Wait, did she say thrice? As far as he knew Lord Nabradia had only been sent home twice.]

As do I, should you desire anything.

[And he meant it fully.]

[Sent home twice, yes. But initially, the prince was taken from her by war, and it was this which marked his fate in Ivalice. Delita was right - she had remained. Not only that, but endured the pain which followed.]

[Her feet take a few steps amongst soft grass before she realises with gratitude where they are, and his words dawn. A pledge to stay on her behalf. With a quiet sound, she looks to him by her side.]

... I want to ensure an end to the separations.

[Sorrow's single tear defies her, falls against one cheek.]

[He wants to reassure his friend, but none are immune to the effects of Garland. He remembers the conversation with Reis, and determines to end them.

He speaks softly, not wishing to frighten the child.]

I shall endeavor to end the separations.

[He frowns at the sight of the tear. His friend is hurting more than he thought possible.]

Ashelia...

[He steps up closer, struggling to know how to take away her pain.]

[As quickly as the tear falls, it's gone. Behind it remains a wet trail, yet it will fade in time and the ocean breeze. As will her pain. Strong as it feels now, Ashe knows this to be true. Almost as if sensing his mother's sadness, Shain stays calmed and hushed, his only murmurs soft, contented. They soothe her.

So sincere are Delita's words that she cannot question them, only accept they will succeed. Where she sees his worry and uncertainty, the princess understands. Her grief cannot be vanquished as a foe, but his desire to try is touching.]

I...

[Emotion catches her voice as he steps closer; last time Rasler had vanished, solitude had been her greatest need. This time, it shan't be so.]

Thank you... for being here, with me.

[Delita pulls out a handkerchief and wipes away the remnants of the princess' tear. Even knowing it's not that simple, it's the best way he knows to convey his feelings on the matter.

And when she felt better, he would share Reis' theory on the chalice, for collecting those Myrrh drops just got infinitely more important to them.

Remembering the strength she had passed on to him, he hesitantly reached for her hand.]

I shall stay as long as you desire. [And he quietly hoped she would never stop desiring his presence nearby.]

[His treatment of her tear-stain reminds her starkly of the evening in Warjilis' infirmary when she, herself, had cleansed the knight's wounds after battle. Perhaps with the handkerchief, he hopes to heal her own reopened wound, though it be an emotional one.

Ashe feels the cautious brush against her free hand, where it rests by her side. Slowly her fingers touch his, then accept his hand completely. Warmth seems to spread up her arm and fill her, and she doesn't want to let go.]

[Though she may not have the strength to smile, her eyes betray no less than deep gratitude before glancing out toward the ocean's calmness.]

[He holds her hand snug, assuring her that she will never be alone.
Expecting nothing in return, he joins her in looking out over the ocean.

Almost understanding the grief she faces, he hopes that one day she will have the courage to smile again. He knew this day that he wished her life not forfeit, and he would help her stay the path to living.]

[Despite the fact that things with her and Delita are shaky for the moment, Refia can't help but smile at that.]

He looks like he's doing well.

[He wanted to tell you during the crystal tower...Don't know if it happened or not.]

It was his idea. His desire to visit Alfa on his own spurred his development.

[Oh that gets a much different reaction than Delita is expecting.]

He- WHAT?!

[SNAP. The feed goes blank. She's rushing for the chocobo stable now!]

Edited 2011-07-06 02:26 (UTC)

[Much much MUCH later, Refia reestablishes the feed, looking fairly close to pissed off. Run, Delita, RUN.]

DELITA! Alfa's going to LAY EGGS AGAIN! She's building a nest in her stall!

[Delita had wondered why Ardi wasn't here upon his return.]

Refia... I did not realize he had traveled so soon.

What do you require?

A farm! There's just not enough room here in the public stables and there was enough trouble over the last batch.

[She is torn between wibblefacing, being excited because she does think baby birdies are adorable, and yelling. The last is mostly winning right now.]

I do not believe I could provide a farm in Lindblum, but should you wish space in Warjilis or Alexandria I could attempt to help.

I can't leave Lindblum yet, and Alfa's not leaving without me.

[She sighs, shaking her head and tucking some hair behind her ear.]

I think of something.

In the meantime, Ardi and I have procured an extra stable for Alfa.

[And that takes her aback. She blinks, nonplussed.]

You- what?

Sir. I expect you plan to help compensate for the cost of raising more birds?

[Delita did not think he would ever get along with this knightling, but at least he had given a hint of what Refia required.]

Rest assured, I will see to her expenses.

I will take you at your word. But if you continue to upset her, I will find my way to Warjilis.

You are most welcome in Warjilis, but know that I will still speak with Refia.

[Especially as she is one of the few real friends he has on Gaia.]

That she keeps the company of a capable knight is a reassurance. Yet I believe we both wish not for her unhappiness. I trust you will do what you can to avoid it in the future.

[Oh knightling, your worry is misplaced. He's not seeking to rekindle anything more than the friend who helped his chocobo.]

Her happiness is desired and with my distance I trust she will find it.

Very well. I will try to calm her. Until next we speak, knight.

Good tidings.

[Video/Action] Warjilis Docks

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