[action] Goug after the Mryyh drop

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

[Delita's sitting in the tavern in Goug keeping company. He hasn't had time to replace his cloak yet, rather choosing to be amongst friends. He recognizes that the next few months will be particularly grueling and this may be one last chance to relax and be open before it's too late.]

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[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[When he asks whether she wishes him to stay, she too finds herself surprised, since the prospect of a Warjilis devoid of him proves itself unthinkable. He is part of the city just as much as she, and, despite the nature of his arrival, everything Delita has done since has ever supported her. He is a knight - Ashe could never ask him to leave on the basis of fulfilling a duty to royalty, and her eyes reveal as much.

His services are wanted, yet his company is moreso.]

Though I regret the nature of your arrival... I accept that you were obligated to carry out your duty.

[Then her voice quiets, less a princess, more a young woman endeavouring to be a friend.]

If you desire to stay, then I... I do not wish your leave, Delita, and will never ask it. Swear to me... you will never resume that duty again.

[She refers to the act of spying, of deceiving her.]

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

[Delita listens intently, not nearly as surprised as he has become to understand the princess. He also regrets the nature of his arrival, and his soberness is evident in his demeanor.]

I am ever a knight of Ivalice and Warjilis is my home so I swear.

[Knightly duties aside, Delita had ever the more reason to reside in Warjilis. He would trust the safety and care of her ruler to none other. Unexpected as it was, he had come to befriend the Ivalician princess and wished not to depart her side.]

Ashelia, please accept my apologies but know that I would not risk your friendship in betrayal of trust again.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[Understanding that his oath is not given lightly, she nods, bringing her hands together atop the table. The remorse she sees in him belies her own hurt. He and she are both learning; about friendship, one another, and Ashe finds it within herself to acknowledge that he need not ever have confessed his task, that he did so in the name of an honest friendship.]

I do.

[The princess doesn't specify which of his requests she's answering to - forgiveness or understanding, because she gives both. Considering he risked his life for her and how greatly she values his person, how can she give anything less?]

If we are to maintain trust, there must be honesty. You could have kept this from me... yet you did not.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

[He is indeed learning about all same as she. For most, friendship had existed in name only and trust withheld from all. Time would tell if he could truly uphold his oath, but trust was important to the woman before him and he endeavored to hold true.

His eyes fell to the hands upon the table. They held the power to deal death, yet life. He spared a glance at his own next to hers, knowing they had only dealt death.]

I could keep this disservice from you no longer.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[Quietly she sits, hands clasped, allowing herself to finalise her thoughts as to the matter. The past... deeds once done, which held little bearing in the present, ought not to be dwelt upon, nor should they be allowed to poison what lies ahead. This had been a lesson learned during the course of her quest to restore Dalmasca's freedom. Where she could have opted for the pathway of revenge, Ashe turned from that, knowing the future more important than lamentation of the past.

Lifting her gaze from the table, she sought his, wishing that he feel no shame when he did not bear ultimate responsibility for his silence.]

Choices of the past... we need not carry them into the future.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

[Delita felt his tension flee as he nodded his ascent to the princess. He would like to leave the issues of the past behind. Unsure of much, a smile began to form that he didn't have to always be strong for her.

It was unfamiliar to him not to have his life planned out completely and a little scary, but it was a challenge he would undertake.]

We need not carry them into the future.

[It was a simple statement and a realization that it was indeed possible. As the tension fled, so did his remaining energy as he slumped a little in his seat.]

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[While relieved by his smile, for Ashe's concern for his health had not lessened, seeing Delita slump - however slightly, summons her soft frown of worry to return. Instinct has her shifting further along the seat and closer to his side, her eyes falling upon the cloak, a stark reminder of the assault only recently endured.

Still, she feels responsible. If his condition were to deteriorate, she wanted to be there to act in haste.]

... As we ought not depart until we are fully rested.

[The princess choice of 'we' is deliberate and tactful, knowing her friend would want to continue on so long as she felt able. This way, she can ensure Delita rests adequately.]

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

[Delita would have indeed insisted they press on, for the desire of fully destroying the Lucavi stones weighed heavily on his mind. He must attempt to continue their missive.]

If you are able, we could leave this evening.

[The spirit may have been strong, but the body was weak. Not only did his presence belie his fatigue, she could possible feel his weight not being held as before.]

'Tis no trouble to rest in the airship.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[Whilst the importance of their mission isn't lost on Ashe, she also knows that undertaking a challenge in a weakened state is folly. Indeed she does notice the change in the way he held himself, thinking back to his attempts at a straight back when supported by her, injured, after the assault upon his supply ship.

Impetuous herself at times, she appreciates Delita's urgency. However, she sighs quietly, hoping to convince him that resting is just as crucial to success as the constant bravery he possesses, which she greatly admires.]

A thorough night's rest will serve us better than a hasty departure, lest we proceed ill-prepared. I do not ask this of you lightly, I know we cannot afford to delay... yet I would have you rest this night.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

[Delita nods, resigned to the logic of her assessment.]

Then we shall stay this night in Goug as you request.

[He knew it was time to turn in, lest they waste more time before destroying the Lucavi yet he dared not sleep without one last statement.]

Ashelia, thank you for your assistance this day. Your skill was indeed helpful and your presence welcome.

[mademyresolve.livejournal.com]

[His gratitude is answered and accepted with a returning nod of her own, relieved by his decision.]

I must also give thanks.

[Ashe doesn't realise her fingers have touched to his wrist until she makes to move, excusing her hand with a small sound under her breath before standing.]

... Good night, Delita.

[lionwarhero.livejournal.com]

[Delita has nothing else left to add to the conversation, but he is surprised by his reaction to the princess.

Having felt so natural, his hand starts to cool when hers leaves strangely missing the touch. All he can do is watch her leave wondering why he was left wanting. ]