[Action / Unintentional Voice]

[lunarborn]

[When he'd left Luceti over a week ago, it was as a member of the departing battle party. After failing in han attempt to shield his party from all incoming attacks, Cecil's only now been able to return -- and what a Luceti he's encountered with his first few breaths

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[eidolon_soul]

[Rydia finally warps back into the house after doing all she could at the barracks. She would have remained longer, but rest is needed (at the cave) and before then, she just wants to check on Ceodore and Edward (and Sonic and Selphie). The days since the quake have seemed endless, but she can't stop worrying about loved ones, especially since they lost Cecil.

The summoner just reaches the top of the stairs, when she hears the main entrance door open. Assuming it's Edward -Ceodore would have tried teleporting- she heads back down, about to say something...and her jaw drops. Instead of the bard's soft footsteps, she hears the clank of armor. Instead of the bard's bright clothing, she sees a figure clad in very familiar attire. For a moment, she sags against the banister, her tone soft with relief, hope, and shock.]

...Cecil?

[lunarborn]

[By the time he arrives home, he's at least less convinced that he took a wrong turn at the Afterlife and at least arrived back in one piece. He's perhaps a little too still at the sight of Rydia, easily mistaken for an errant suit of armor if it weren't for his voice.]

...Rydia. You are well?

[eidolon_soul]

[Hearing his voice jolts her into motion. She rushes forward. It doesn't matter that he's in that armor again, or that said armor doesn't make him very huggable. Rydia hugs him anyway, as soon as he's within arm's length. For a moment, she can't say anything thanks to the lump in her throat.]

[lunarborn]

[The hug is appreciated, and returned as tightly as he dares]

I. I'm sorry to have worried you.

[eidolon_soul]

[Lots of sniffling, wavering voice.]

It's not your fault. I'm sorry we couldn't save you in time....

[lunarborn]

There is no other way. I was careless.

[eidolon_soul]

So much went wrong at that exact moment....

[She trails off, unable to speak of it. Though it's going to take her a few moments before she gains more coherence.]

I'm glad you're not...I feared they wouldn't....

...it's been a very long week, without you.

[lunarborn]

I am certain you've handled it beautifully. [Because discussing that part is much easier than handling the bits she mentioned before.]

[eidolon_soul]

[Rydia snorts at that, regaining some composure--at least enough to debate that point.]

You're kind to say so, but...no. Not remotely. Were it not for this earthquake, I would still be a hermit.

[The boys have her beat, but Rydia has brooding skills of her own.]

[lunarborn]

[But then THAT just makes him guilty as hell. D:]

...Then it seems that even now, I have not stopped causing you pain. I'm so sorry, Rydia.

[eidolon_soul]

[Rydia realizes that too late, and she hugs him again.]

Cecil...don't. You're here again. That's what matters now.

[lunarborn]

You are far too kind... Much too forgiving. [Though he returns the hug as much as he dares.]

[eidolon_soul]

[She quirks a smile at that.]

That's not always true. Ask Valvalis.

[lunarborn]

I am quite certain that the case of Valvalis is much different for you.

[eidolon_soul]

Of course. She--

[But Rydia stops herself before she can rant about that Fiend of Wind. She moves away enough to look him over. Her own expression isn't one of disgust; then again, Cecil proved himself as worthy of her trust while still a Dark Knight. Even so, she can guess that that means to him.]

I'm sorry that they took it from you, Cecil. It won't last forever, though. I promise, you'll have a chance to regain what you earned.

[lunarborn]

If that were something attainable here, Kain would have been absolved over a year ago. [His tone goes flat, with just the faintest hint of bitterness. He's an optimist, not an idiot; he's seen what Kain's been putting himself through and what he's received in return.]