[Action]

[lunarborn]

[While most of the village's bustling has been to accommodate the needs of those who've been chosen to battle outside the barrier, Cecil has internalized the opposite. The Malnosso have seen fit to pit his best friend against the third party that murdered him so viciously before, and Cecil's not handling it as well as he might. Housemates might

Comments

[eidolon_soul]

[Rydia's not handling Kain's imminent departure that well, either. Worried about his fate and aggravated that she won't be able to fight alongside him, the summoner has been restless and taking to channeling her frustration at the barracks. That and helping out at the Welcome Center means that she hasn't been around as much as usual.

Cecil's attitude hasn't gone unnoticed, though. She's been meaning to talk to him more outside that awkward apology and so takes a break to go find him. It takes a while, but she eventually hears something up ahead while walking in the forest and goes to investigate.

When she catches up, Rydia doesn't interrupt the paladin. She stands off to the side, watching quietly.]

[lunarborn]

[It's been some time since he's trained like this, gentle face hardened and analytical. When there's movement off to his side, it catches his attention immediately, though it's a beat later before he actually lowers his sword.] Rydia. Good morrow.

[eidolon_soul]

[She crosses her arms, leaning against a tree.]

You too, Cecil.

[A glance to the sword.]

I was wondering as to the source of that vigorous-sounding workout.

[A small smile, as it's good to see him take his training more seriously again.]

[lunarborn]

[He nods at the smile instead of returning it.] I've been reminded of our purpose here.

[eidolon_soul]

You did seem...different earlier, even though I couldn't stay to talk then.

[She's quiet for a moment as that smile fades. No point in pretending that this isn't about what's coming.]

We shouldn't be separated, none of us. It isn't right.

[lunarborn]

We'll be reunited when Kain returns. [There's no "if" in that statement.]

[eidolon_soul]

[Rydia nods, not about to dispute that.]

I wish he didn't have to go without us, but I'm sure they have safeguards against anyone trying to join that's not on their list.

[A slight pout. Guess what she would do, if it was possible.]

[lunarborn]

As am I. I've got no intention of being inhibited by those safeguards.

[eidolon_soul]

[She raises an eyebrow.]

You're going ahead anyway? Hm. It's worth a try.

...I've been pondering the same, but I want to see what they have set up, first.

[lunarborn]

It doesn't matter what they've set up. I won't let him die again at their hands.

[eidolon_soul]

[Small smile. At least Cecil understands.]

He better not. If I can, I'll go too.

[lunarborn]

[He understands completely. Now if only he was played by someone who was decent at replying.]

No. You'll stay here.

[eidolon_soul]

[She shakes her head.]

That didn't work back at the Lunar Whale, and it won't work now. I doubt we'll be able to go anyway, but you won't stop me from trying.