[ It's while she had lashed out in her blind fury as a Prismal that had tried to shove her aside in their hurry to flee. A split second decision of realizing the girl who looked pained with the blood(ied? or just red?) wings sticking from her like jagged limbs gone awry and was the initial target of his concern wasn't harmless and pained, but a threat as well. To someone else who clearly wasn't defending themselves.
So it all happens in a blink and a headlong rush where he doesn't have time to think, only enough time to react and throw himself forward as she dances forward to thrust at the Prismal. Ribbons of white-gold feathers erupting in a cowl around his neck and wrapping quickly down his arms like an unfurling cloak of wings—
—right as throws himself in front of Alisaie and her jab, flinging his left arm up to parry her rapier and knock it wide if he can as if it were a sword too. And much it'll sound like one if it connects with hers, with a metallic ting against black and marble-smooth—and hard—thin forearm.
Probably as his whole arm has transformed as he leapt forward, as a large and wickedly delicate claw as white-gold as his feathered (and still somewhat tattered, shedding feathers of light into the air) cloak. ]
I'm sorry— [ It's.. gentle, actually. Soft-spoken, a kind sort of voice, if a little roughened as well from his battle rush and without the slightest hesitation.
But with a hard silvery eye he's fixed on her as well, stern and unwavering, even if his brow twitches sharply down in a hard to read expression. Regret? Sadness?
Sympathy? ]
But I'm afraid that isn't something I can let you do.
[ alisaie's been taken by the anger aspect of the wings sprouting from her body - but red in color, like a cardinals, and painted with her own blood. her fear for alphinaud had morphed into something twisted, a desire to hurt others before she could be hurt herself.
and so, the attack upon the prismal just simply trying to get away. the flurry of white-gold feathers and the sharp sound of her rapier against allen's arm, and it has her blinking in brief confusion.
if his words reach her, she shows no sign of it. she only steps back to prepare herself, and then her face twists into a snarl.
the hand not holding her rapier crackles with energy - a verthunder spell, which she flings at him. and while normally she'd follow it up with a bigger one, in her rage she follows it up with herself, trying to slash at allen's face.
her movements are easily telegraphed, though, considering there's no thought behind them. ]
[ So Allen... is not used to magic. Or magic-users. I mean, he is. Innocence itself can be any number of a seemingly infinite array of magic-like abilities. Noah similarly, apparently. And in fact his master was a sorcerer, but... Sorcerery also was a very different sort of thing, and not something Cross had used much.
But none of that involved lightning spells that could be used in swordplay.
So while he blinks for a moment at realizing she's mindless, isn't she and thinking that might make things easier—he also hears her sword crackle and sees it from the corner of his eye and realizes something bad is about to happen. A bit too late. ]
Aa—aaahhh! [ Shit.
It's more that the electricity has dazed and temporarily blinded from the stars exploding in the back of his head him that's the problem, especially since Crown Clown would seem to help absorb at least some of it. But she was moving fast before with a sword like that, he knows that's the bigger problem. So even if she's staggered him, he jerks back on instinct as well—
—right for her rapier tip to graze across his cheek as he does so. The unmarred one, at least...? Although that hurts and he sucks in an annoyed breath between grit teeth.
But he knows where she is now, or can at least guess, and his cloak whips around like a sentient thing in a billow and buffets at her. And whereas before it behaved gossamer and cloaklike, it seems to harden as he strikes out with it, with a blunt force similar to being hit with a swung sandbag. ]
[ unfortunate for allen that alisaie comes from a land with magic users; though she is, admittedly, using the weakest versions of what she has since she's not thinking about what she's doing.
case in point: the sight and scent of blood seems to drive her harder, but the cloak hitting her isn't something she can think to block. the blunt hit sends her stumbling back, digging her sword into the ground to keep from falling over, leaving a deep gouge.
she exhales and looks up, still with that enraged look on her face. later, she'll compare it to being inflicted with something like beserk.
for now, though, she pushes herself off her feet with a little shout and a spin, trying to hit allen again. ]
[ Ugh. Underestimating someone might be something he'll do once, but—while Allen may not always be the sharpest crayon in the box when it comes to some things, street smarts and survival skills he does have and he doesn't make that same sort of mistake twice. And electrocution is something he really, really hates.
While she recovers he does the same, shaking his head to clear it, regaining his vision enough by the time she lurches back up. Aaa, that expression, kind of scary... Almost like she's a beast. It has to be because of the wings, so how does he break them without hurting her...? ]
I'm sorry, miss... [ A breath, and he shakes his head a final time. ]
Even if I don't want to get serious, this might hurt a little.
[ But she's also wide open and obvious, and he's trained and sparred with enough people to be able to see that even if he's by no means the best. So she'll please have to excuse him for fighting a little dirty, but he's quite sure he doesn't want to hurt her—
(and because it looks like she uses her sword to cast...)
He ducks the wide swing, quite neatly with a fluid dip and letting her move past him—so that he might whip his not-clawed, but gloved right hand up. A ribbon of the same glowing substance as his sleeve whips out towards her rapier, to bind tight around the blade if he's able to—
And if does, he'll yank back hard in an attempt to rip it from her hands. ]
[ the apology falls on deaf ears of course - it'll be appreciated in time. for now, alisaie simply gives another growl - and this time she misses him as he ducks.
she's trying to turn already to continue when that glowing substance wraps around her blade. she tries to yank back against it, giving a moment's resistance, but he wins out against her rage.
and it's the right call. the focus is built in her sword; without it, she's magicless, since she doesn't carry adelphoi on her anymore.
that doesn't mean she stops going on the attack. she stumbles again, but gains her footing. and like a mindless beast, she's already turning on allen, trying to grab at him with her hands. ]
this is entirely not what I planned but I'm still laughing
[ Allen is never going to be sour with Link ever again the next time he papers him with binding papers for being unruly. At the very least it taught him to watch for the telltale hand signs the Crow would make before using them on him. Everyone has some kind of tell when invoking an ability and she hadn't spoken or seemed to do anything with her hands.
Also magic weapons. One thing he does understand well is magical/divine weapons.
He lets her rapier and the ribbon he'd manifested clatter to the side, turning his attention back to her as she comes after him. Which ah, crap. It's not that he can't block of course, but he only has the one hand he can safely grasp with. And she has those wings jutting from her wrists and back, bleeding, that he can only imagine is still causing her great pain that she just can't feel in her current state (or doesn't care, if she can). He can try to just knock her hands aside, of course, but then they're right back to where they were and honestly, this really just needs to stop her before she hurts herself. And what harm could she do now, really!! No offense Alisaie...
...if... if she can't cast any more spells like that...
But it's a gamble worth taking. So she'll find him incredibly easy to grab!
... Because he's also grabbing for her left hand with his Innocence-gloved right—to tug her towards him. Like someone beginning a dance might. Oddly tenderly, actually, as he's trying to take care not to hit the jutting red tips of wings. And he dips forward to speak by her ear, a bit more quietly this time.
Even if she can't understand him, at least it eases his conscious a little... ]
Really, sorry... [ He's said it again, but he really is apologetic this time for what he's about to try, because he really just. He really just wouldn't, especially with a girl. But she isn't really leaving him a lot a choice.
Even if he's left himself wide open to however she might try to strike him with her other hand. And that's fine, in fact. She can hit him as much as she wants! Because he's going to draw his left arm around her if he's successfully managed to tug her closer—or if she tried to bulldoze into him anyway. And, taking great care with his claws to keep them angled away as they're almost as long as his forearm...
With a slight hff, as it's enough to drive some of the air from him too, he is going to try to loop his arm around her waist and smoosh her up against him. Quite tightly, and because he's trying to avoid brushing the wings that had erupted further up on her back. And that's quite the ridiculously iron grip he seems to have, especially with that arm... She could windmill or scratch at him as much as she wants to, he's not letting go.
If he can't grab her with both hands, he guesses he'll just have to immobilize her this way. Just please don't bite him. Also he's sorry if the feathers on his cowl tickle.... ]
[ she does fight, at first, when he grabs her hand - but when he seems to be pulling her forward, she lets him, because it gets her closer to him, and that's what she wants - to hurt him, before he can hurt her.
so he might get hit once or twice by her other hand, trying to punch at him the way thancred taught her when she was younger, but it stops quickly. because as soon as allen has her pulled against him, something happens.
the wings freeze up and then shatter, like glass falling apart - only the break into tiny bits of energy and drift away. the fury in her body seems to go out all at once with it, and the next hit she'd been trying to give stops, her hand coming to rest on his shoulder. ]
What...?
[ she feels exhausted, and where the wings had pierced through her there are still bleeding wounds. tears begin to flow out of her eyes even though she isn't fully crying. she's dazed and the last few minutes feel like a blur. ]
Ah... [ He blinks for a moment at that, the moment the wings protruding from her burst suddenly and fell away onto the air, and that the fight seemed to go out of her all at once. Almost comically owlishly first, at least until he cranes his head and sees tears forming, even if she doesn't seem to actually be crying.
His expression quickly drops then, more sobered and eyes hooding softly as he loosens his grip immediately. Though he won't fully let her go until he's sure she can stand on her own, and will bend to try to help steady her with the careful touch of the inside of his left (crowned) wrist on her arm. Still has his invocation and the claws active, after all; can't risk hurting her. ]
Everyone is still under attack and trying to get out. [ He hesitates, eyes skimming over the wounds from where the wings had been. Still bleeding, and her back had felt wet... ] Something—seemed to come over you, and it didn't seem like you could hear me.
[ It's -- the kindest answer he can come up with, because they're also still in the middle of it. And she doesn't need to hear from someone like him right now that she had tried to kill someone. But he presses his lips together in concern. ]
that's the first thought she can focus on in the jumble of trying to figure out what's going on. she lets herself lean into allen supporting her as her other hand comes up to rub against her eyes, trying to stem the exhausted flow.
as she does it, she's able to recover some of her memories. those wings - they'd made her into some kind of dangerous creature. she'd tried to attack people - this man had stopped her, thank god. and for whatever reason, that was able to stop the wings as well.
awful. but at least she hadn't killed anyone. she takes a deep breath. ]
It's that sin eater. He's turning people into whatever awful creature I just was. [ she doesn't know what majestas is, but she's decided that a sin eater is what he is until provided a better explanation. ] I - thank you. It could have been much worse.
[ she takes another girding breath. ]
Could you get me my rapier? We're both hurt, but I can heal the worst of it.
[ Tears aren't a sign of weakness, just strong feelings. Or just the natural way a body reacts to pain. Maybe it's odd for a boy, but he's never minded shedding them. He just minds when other people point it out.
Though he does hate it when others cry, and is moved to try and wipe them away. He would almost and hesitates slightly at that, just because he doesn't know her, except that she rubs at them so forcefully herself that he figures it's good that he did not and will just help keep her steady as she collects herself.
It feels a little easier to breath for him too; the contact. Or rather, rejuvenated. Even the gash on his cheek doesn't seem to sting as badly. But he also isn't one to give a second thought to 'moonlacing' or any of that. To reach out to steady someone is to reach out to steady someone: human concern. Other things don't change or influence that, and his own minor injuries don't matter. He's experienced much worse. ]
"Sin eater..." [ He echoes it with a curious blink, wondering if she actually knows what that creature is. Sin eater sounds... horrible. Which seems apt, but he'll have to ask about that later.
Although he seems slightly confused by the request for her sword, he gives a reluctant nod and lets go to retrieve it from where it had fallen nearby. ]
You can heal with it? [ His voice pitches up in a slightly incredulous manner. He's seen some pretty incredible abilities, even in his world, but that's a first. And he offers it back to her, hilt first, as he looks it over finally and tries to determine what it's made of. ] I thought that was some sort of shock ability.
[ she's able to stand on her own, thankfully, though she holds a hand to her shoulder as if to ease the pain. the rapier, on closer examination, is not a normal weapon. the hilt seems to be made of some kind of silver metal, while the blade itself is made of a crystal material. the focus, the item she'd held behind her, is a mix of the same material.
she takes both back, and when he seems surprised, she gives a small smile and a soft laugh. ]
The weapon is a focus, like any mage's weapon is. I'm just trained in the use of both black and white magic.
[ she closes her eyes, and when she does the blade glows as she channels aether through it. she casts a spell on herself - vercure - and then follows it up with the same spell on allen.
it seals up the deep wounds, and in allen's case takes away some of the ache of the hits. it can't clean up the blood, or the deep ache of the wounds alisaie had - but she's no longer bleeding from deep gashes.
she gives a small exhale, hilting the rapier and focus onto her belt. ]
[ It honestly looks like Innocence to him. The crystalline, glowing appearance, the fact it has supernatural abilities. He'd ask about it, if she hadn't clarified by saying it was a mage's weapon, and that she knew both black and white magic. So -- it is more like sorcery then. Even if it isn't.
Black magic in particular -- that gets a surprised, scrutinizing sort of look from him. Black magic (sorcery) means necromancy to him, the forbidden arts his master had been skilled in, and she didn't seem the type. But then... nothing he's understood seems to apply half the time anymore.
He looks slightly crestfallen, especially as she's healed him after exhausting herself so much, but she did so so before he can protest so he just shakes his head. ]
Please don't apologize. It's alright, I feel fine. [ And he cups his now-healed cheek with his non-clawed hand, as if it a little surprise to find there's no longer a gash there as his finger traces where it once was. Some people in his world held talent for abilities to dial back injuries, after all. But none could heal them outright. ]
Thank you. [ He means that. But more importantly: ]
[ hopefully after this is over, she'll be able to talk to him about her red magic, about how it was created by the mages of black and white after they cast her world into a terrible calamity. and of mages back home.
she's glad that she's able to help a little bit, however, and nods her head when he thanks her. it's her fault he was hurt at all, because he had to help her.
when he asks if she'll be all right, she nods again. ]
Yes. I'll be all right, I've been through much worse. But I --
[ there a moment where she looks like she wants to slap herself as she shakes her head, her eyes widening. ]
-- I need to find my brother. We got separated when that thing appeared and if it's infected me, it might have gotten him!
[ weapon gets pulled out again, the focus floating behind her, and she looks ready to take off without so much as a goodbye. ]
Wait! [ Hopefully she'll forgive him for grabbing for her wrist with his one good hand before she just charges off?? Not hard, but...! please don't make him chase you. ]
Just because it isn't in you anymore doesn't mean it couldn't happen again! [ Also it's dangerous to go alone, but... somehow he kind of feels like that would fall on deaf ears. She seems the type.
His expression, though, becomes a bit more gentle but twice as earnest. ]
she does forgive him - she gives a cursory tug for a moment, but she's not so far panicked as to discount his concerns. it's true, there's no guarantee it won't happen again. and she'd die if she hurt alphinaud in any major way.
when he offers to go with her, it's on the tip of her tongue to reject the offer... but he'd been able to stop her. and she has an idea of how to clear the wings now at least.
finally, she nods, sharply. ]
Okay. I'd appreciate the assistance, then. My brother and I are twins - he looks like me, but he was wearing a blue shirt and white trousers.
[ just so he knows who they're looking for. and then, because she won't stop for long, she starts heading back inside, calling alphinaud's name. ]
Edited (subject line communication ftw) 2020-01-26 21:20 (UTC)
[ Twins? He looks a touch surprised, but gives a nod and lets his hand drop. That will make it easier for even Allen to be able to spot him, won't it?
She starts off back inside and he'll join at a quick, if easy pace at her side. Even if he does wonder for a moment if he shouldn't drop his invocation, just because... he's feeling a bit more drained than he should, given he hasn't actually used his actual powers that much? Which is a little worrisome, but he doesn't have time to dwell on that. And going back into danger, it's better to keep it active than risk reaction time if they do run into danger again.
It helps, having a description and knowing what to look for, but especially as they re-enter the fray closer to the epicenter of all the panic and destruction -- ]
[ Indeed, they're twins. They're identical in almost every way except for the obvious. So when the pair rejoin the fray, it's easy to spot the snowy-haired lad laying on the ground. It's a miracle that Alphinaud wasn't trampled during the chaos. A testament of his ever-present good fortunes despite it all. Unfortunately, Alphinaud was laying face first on the ground with a pair of monstrous white wings stabbed into his back. He lays there motionless, his blue eyes shut as he tries in vain to stay conscious.
There's no rhyme or reason for what's happening here. It seems that the event organizers of this bizarre event were just as clueless as everyone else. While Alphinaud tried his best to staunch the chaos by directing his fellow moonblessed towards safety, he fell prey to the seraph's malevolent ploy.
This is a fitting end, isn't it? Alphinaud knew sooner or later his luck would abandon him but he never expected it to be this soon. He feels strangely numb right now, almost as if he's been paralyzed from the neck down.
[ a quick explanation, a little breathless as she's running, coming up short to take a look around. that's when she spots her brother lying on the ground. he doesn't seem to be moving, which makes her heart seize.
even knowing he himself could be dangerous as she was, it doesn't stop alisaie from starting to move closer. ]
He'd sputter if the circumstances were different. Very nearly does anyway, gawking at her for a second -- at least before she catches sight of the other boy on the ground and, recognizing the shift in her expression for what it is and following her line of sight, his own quickly drops. The wings piercing through him, laying there so still...
No. They weren't too late, were they...? ]
Be careful-- [ He waves a hand slightly in Alisaie's direction in warning, but it's mostly moot. He's moving closer as well to check and see if the other boy is alive as well-- if he's breathing or conscious. Even if it's dangerous they can't not. ]
[He's still breathing.. Alphinaud might be stuck within this awkward twilight of awake and asleep but he's breathing at the very least. He was completely unresponsive at first until they came closer. It's then that he opened his eyes.]
Alisaie? [If his name wasn't a dead giveaway for Allen, then perhaps his accent does. Alphinaud and his sister both possess similar accents. However, Aliphaund's is slightly more noticeable.] By the Twelve, what are you doing here?
[He was hoping his sister was somewhere safe by now. The last thing he wants is for something to happen to her. Alisaie is the only family he has left at this point. Their parents both perished when they were young and their grandfather soon followed. It's a miserable truth that they deal with every day.]
S-Stay back!
[He warns them as he tries to move. His body still feels numb but at least he knows he's not dead.]
I don't know what sort of ailment these wings cause me.
[While Alphinaud can tell something is wrong with him, he can't exactly tell what. His rational thoughts are being overwhelmed by a darker emotion that borderlines on sorrow. He doesn't know what to make of this phenomenon but he's scared to think of what could happen.]
[ you ungrateful brat. be assured, allen: were their positions reversed, alphinaud would be saying the same thing. any sharpness in her tone is belied by her worried expression.
of course, she stops when he shouts at them to stay back, coming up short for a moment as she worries. when she hears his concerns, though, she gives a huff and starts coming forward again. ]
I'm sorry to tell you you're a bit late for that, as I was affected earlier. But it's.. reversible. I'm coming closer.
[ He recognizes Alphinaud's voice alright. The world is sometimes a ridiculously small place and by now he should just expect the ridiculous. But there's also no time to really dwell on that.
Relief that the other seems alright—relatively speaking—is short lived when he shouts a warning and staggers under the wings, though it's as much in surprise that the other boy seems coherent, unlike Alisaie. ] !
[ Looking back to Alisaie, he hesitates. But... at a quick glance between them, he moves aside quietly. Guard up and staying close, but edging around more to the side so that she can be the one to approach directly. Allen might be reckless and jump into things he shouldn't, he might be uneasy about the situation and not like it, but he isn't stupid. Alphinaud wouldn't recognize him anyway looking like this, and the confusion if he did recognize his voice probably wouldn't help.
Besides, in his experience, the thing that can best get someone who's out of control to back down.. is someone they share a close bond with. In his experience so many times over, though... it isn't to say those were happy, either.
But they're siblings. And if Alphinaud is being affected by something like Alisaie was—runaway rage in her case, was it?—then the person who has the best chance of reaching him is her.
[Despite seeing coherent enough, Alphinaud has no idea what's happening to him. He feels utterly liftless almost as if something drained him of all his energy. The strange numbness is starting to relent some but he feels sluggish and unfocused now. He doesn't know what the hell's happening to him at all.]
Don't. [He warns again once he's finally upright. The dizziness is worse now that he's up. Alphinaud could feel his eyes watering more too.] Alisaie, what is this? I can't figure out what's happening but I feel as if I've lost all control.
[This is perhaps the most bizarre thing to happen to him. It's almost as if he's being swallowed up by emotions. While wrath claimed his sister earlier, it seems as if Alphinaud is experiencing sorrow. He pauses momentarily as he tries to collect his thoughts while doing his best to ignore the tears streaking down his face.
That's when he finally notices Allen.]
A friend of yours?
[He asks while trying his best to stay calm. Of course, he doesn't want anyone to see him like this but he has very little choice. It's like his emotions are rebelling against him at this point.]
[ she knows alphinaud doesn't know what a sin eater is, so calling it that might not elaborate exactly on what it is. still, her expression is grim. she glances over to allen to see that he's still with her, and nods sharply - both in thanks and acknowledging she'll try to be careful - before she finally makes her way over to alphinaud. ]
I don't know what it does but it seems to amplify feelings within you. I became a mindless beast of anger.
[ they can go into the details of what that means later. once she's close enough and alphinaud doesn't seem to be inclined to attack her, she reaches out, resting a hand on his shoulder as she kneels next to him. ]
He's the one that helped destroy mine own wings.
[ as she speaks, she's gently moving her other hand to try to get a look at where he's pierced. ]
Painful.
[ no question. they'd been for her so they must be for alphinaud. ]
[ --it's the tears that do it, as startling as they are to Allen, as he doesn't believe that's just because of the pain. It's quite different, the effect those wings seem to have, between the two of them. Though even if that might make it easier and safer to approach Alphinaud-- it's crueler, too. Especially if it's as she said-- "but it seems to amplify feelings within you."
Which is why he moves forward too, not just because he was noticed. Crouching down beside Alisaie as well and offering the other boy a bittersweet, but gentle smile, though he won't move to touch him and lets his sister do that.
After all, even if the other were to become a threat and suddenly lash out in his sorrow—something Allen knows better than anyone—he can't just ignore someone suffering. Even if it's just to sit there and support them both. ]
Mn, it's "Allen". [ Which, before Alphinaud might wonder about that: ] It's okay--
[ He speaks softly, like someone used to being gentle and calm even (or especially) when presented with something terrible. Because it's cruel. Cruel and horrible, arrogant, if Alisaie is correct. Twisting people's feelings and using them against them, and doing so in such a brutal manner. And it pisses him off. ]
This time you don't have to be the healer, alright?
[ If his voice and his (albeit common) name weren't already a giveaway. ]
[ Alphinaud states bitterly while trying his best to dry his tears. This is horrifically embarrassing of him. He feels like a toddler crying this much but he simply can't stop. the poor boy just feels so miserable, so hopeless. It's as if he's being suffocated by his emotions. Hell, he can barely breathe at this point. His heart is racing and his body feels like it's fire. This malady is far worse than Alphinaud is willing to admit. After all, he's the type to put on a strong face regardless of his plight. Though, it feels like his façade is slowly crumbling as more tears fall. ]
It's as if everything I've tried to...to bury is all spilling forth at once. [ He admits once Alisaie kneels next to him. That slight bit of chroma between them seems to be calming him down some. Maybe the answer to healing this malady lies within chroma? That's certainly food for thought. ] Not even during all of our trials did I ever succumb to the sorrow.
[ This is maddening! It's as if he's about to unravel from the seams. He can't let this happen. He won't.]
I care not about the pain, I want them gone!
[ Truth be told, the pain alone isn't what's making him sob. It's just everything. As much as Alphinaud claims the melancholy he feels is fabricated, there's some truth to it. Their adventure to Eorzea has been racked with hardships since their first voyage. They thankfully overcame many great challenges during their journey but for every mile crossed, there's a handful of sorrows. Alphinaud brings his hands to his lips in hopes of silencing himself. He feels so pathetic right now, so low. The shame he feels is starting to outweigh the sorrow. ]
...Twelve preserve me.
[ He mutters quietly once he realizes that's truely "Allen", the hunter he met earlier within the game. Alphinaud stares at him wide-eyed in surprise before turning scarlet in shame. He hides his face within his hands and lets out a long deep suffering sigh before suddenly inching closer to Alisaie for comfort. Usually, it's the other way around in terms of comfort but Alphinaud clings to his sister nonetheless.]
T-This is not how I thought we meet.
[ He chuckles bitterly as the wings upon his back start to flutter. They're slowly turning into ash. Slowly but surely. ]
[ alisaie's expression is sympathetic. there have been trials abounding every since the calamity - their parents' death, louisoix's death. but she knows alphinaud has taken it the hardest, because she kept her distance.
he faced the loss of lives in the waking sands, and she knows how he blames himself for the braves. for what he views as the reason minfilia "died". the myriad other brave souls who gave their lives across their travels.
but she doesn't remember seeing him cry often. she had to, after losing tesleen, tuck herself away in a little corner and let it out. but it's not something she sees with alphinaud, even if she knows he feels as deeply as she does.
when he tucks in closer to her, she fully wraps her arms around him, all but dragging him into her arms. it helps that she can see his wings falling apart, and she rubs a hand across his shoulders. ]
They're going away, Alphinaud. And it's quite all right to cry, you know. We've been through much.
[ she's just saying maybe take the chance to get it out now, since he didn't really have a choice. she presses their cheeks together and then looks at allen, giving a little smile. ]
[ Heh— Alphinaud's reaction gets a small laugh from Allen, though not in any teasing way but appreciating the irony of the situation and glad to see that side of him bubble up again. Embarrassment is better than sadness, after all. And it was a bit of a shock for Allen too, just one covered up in the moment...
Although his expression drops to something a bit more gentle and thoughtful at seeing how the two cling to each other, and he settles back a bit, palms on his knees, as Alisaie's words echo for a moment. "We've been through so much..." Mn, that's obvious. But it's also not the thing that strikes him about that.
It's good. It's good that they have each other, that's the conclusion more important than any other that he draws. And wonders not for the first time that it must be nice, having siblings.
It must be nice...
Though when Alisaie comforts the other like and says it's alright to cry, he can't help but suddenly remember how violently she'd scrubbed at her own tears, almost as if she were chastising herself for having them. As he would-- beyond being someone who notices and pays attention to other people's feelings, hypocrites tend to notice other hypocrites.
Although he'd never point that out. ]
Aaah, well— somewhat. [ He looks a touch sheepish at Alisaie's question, scratching at his cheek slightly with his good hand. With still such a bright and relieved sort of smile, though. Like he's in good spirits now. ]
We were somewhere else before we were here. In that game(?). [ Feels so strange to call it that still... ] He told me about you, too. Although I didn't realize it was you before.
[ But he pauses and his smile becomes a bit more gentle again -- thoughtful -- before he lets his hand drop. ]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
HAVE SOME MORE MOTHERFUCKING FEATHERY IDIOTS THEN IG
So it all happens in a blink and a headlong rush where he doesn't have time to think, only enough time to react and throw himself forward as she dances forward to thrust at the Prismal. Ribbons of white-gold feathers erupting in a cowl around his neck and wrapping quickly down his arms like an unfurling cloak of wings—
—right as throws himself in front of Alisaie and her jab, flinging his left arm up to parry her rapier and knock it wide if he can as if it were a sword too. And much it'll sound like one if it connects with hers, with a metallic ting against black and marble-smooth—and hard—thin forearm.
Probably as his whole arm has transformed as he leapt forward, as a large and wickedly delicate claw as white-gold as his feathered (and still somewhat tattered, shedding feathers of light into the air) cloak. ]
I'm sorry— [ It's.. gentle, actually. Soft-spoken, a kind sort of voice, if a little roughened as well from his battle rush and without the slightest hesitation.
But with a hard silvery eye he's fixed on her as well, stern and unwavering, even if his brow twitches sharply down in a hard to read expression. Regret? Sadness?
Sympathy? ]
But I'm afraid that isn't something I can let you do.
DAMN ALL THESE FEATHERY IDIOTS
and so, the attack upon the prismal just simply trying to get away. the flurry of white-gold feathers and the sharp sound of her rapier against allen's arm, and it has her blinking in brief confusion.
if his words reach her, she shows no sign of it. she only steps back to prepare herself, and then her face twists into a snarl.
the hand not holding her rapier crackles with energy - a verthunder spell, which she flings at him. and while normally she'd follow it up with a bigger one, in her rage she follows it up with herself, trying to slash at allen's face.
her movements are easily telegraphed, though, considering there's no thought behind them. ]
no subject
But none of that involved lightning spells that could be used in swordplay.
So while he blinks for a moment at realizing she's mindless, isn't she and thinking that might make things easier—he also hears her sword crackle and sees it from the corner of his eye and realizes something bad is about to happen. A bit too late. ]
Aa—aaahhh! [ Shit.
It's more that the electricity has dazed and temporarily blinded from the stars exploding in the back of his head him that's the problem, especially since Crown Clown would seem to help absorb at least some of it. But she was moving fast before with a sword like that, he knows that's the bigger problem. So even if she's staggered him, he jerks back on instinct as well—
—right for her rapier tip to graze across his cheek as he does so. The unmarred one, at least...? Although that hurts and he sucks in an annoyed breath between grit teeth.
But he knows where she is now, or can at least guess, and his cloak whips around like a sentient thing in a billow and buffets at her. And whereas before it behaved gossamer and cloaklike, it seems to harden as he strikes out with it, with a blunt force similar to being hit with a swung sandbag. ]
no subject
case in point: the sight and scent of blood seems to drive her harder, but the cloak hitting her isn't something she can think to block. the blunt hit sends her stumbling back, digging her sword into the ground to keep from falling over, leaving a deep gouge.
she exhales and looks up, still with that enraged look on her face. later, she'll compare it to being inflicted with something like beserk.
for now, though, she pushes herself off her feet with a little shout and a spin, trying to hit allen again. ]
no subject
While she recovers he does the same, shaking his head to clear it, regaining his vision enough by the time she lurches back up. Aaa, that expression, kind of scary... Almost like she's a beast. It has to be because of the wings, so how does he break them without hurting her...? ]
I'm sorry, miss... [ A breath, and he shakes his head a final time. ]
Even if I don't want to get serious, this might hurt a little.
[ But she's also wide open and obvious, and he's trained and sparred with enough people to be able to see that even if he's by no means the best. So she'll please have to excuse him for fighting a little dirty, but he's quite sure he doesn't want to hurt her—
(and because it looks like she uses her sword to cast...)
He ducks the wide swing, quite neatly with a fluid dip and letting her move past him—so that he might whip his not-clawed, but gloved right hand up. A ribbon of the same glowing substance as his sleeve whips out towards her rapier, to bind tight around the blade if he's able to—
And if does, he'll yank back hard in an attempt to rip it from her hands. ]
no subject
she's trying to turn already to continue when that glowing substance wraps around her blade. she tries to yank back against it, giving a moment's resistance, but he wins out against her rage.
and it's the right call. the focus is built in her sword; without it, she's magicless, since she doesn't carry adelphoi on her anymore.
that doesn't mean she stops going on the attack. she stumbles again, but gains her footing. and like a mindless beast, she's already turning on allen, trying to grab at him with her hands. ]
this is entirely not what I planned but I'm still laughing
Also magic weapons. One thing he does understand well is magical/divine weapons.
He lets her rapier and the ribbon he'd manifested clatter to the side, turning his attention back to her as she comes after him. Which ah, crap. It's not that he can't block of course, but he only has the one hand he can safely grasp with. And she has those wings jutting from her wrists and back, bleeding, that he can only imagine is still causing her great pain that she just can't feel in her current state (or doesn't care, if she can). He can try to just knock her hands aside, of course, but then they're right back to where they were and honestly, this really just needs to stop her before she hurts herself. And what harm could she do now, really!! No offense Alisaie...
...if... if she can't cast any more spells like that...
But it's a gamble worth taking. So she'll find him incredibly easy to grab!
... Because he's also grabbing for her left hand with his Innocence-gloved right—to tug her towards him. Like someone beginning a dance might. Oddly tenderly, actually, as he's trying to take care not to hit the jutting red tips of wings. And he dips forward to speak by her ear, a bit more quietly this time.
Even if she can't understand him, at least it eases his conscious a little... ]
Really, sorry... [ He's said it again, but he really is apologetic this time for what he's about to try, because he really just. He really just wouldn't, especially with a girl. But she isn't really leaving him a lot a choice.
Even if he's left himself wide open to however she might try to strike him with her other hand. And that's fine, in fact. She can hit him as much as she wants! Because he's going to draw his left arm around her if he's successfully managed to tug her closer—or if she tried to bulldoze into him anyway. And, taking great care with his claws to keep them angled away as they're almost as long as his forearm...
With a slight hff, as it's enough to drive some of the air from him too, he is going to try to loop his arm around her waist and smoosh her up against him. Quite tightly, and because he's trying to avoid brushing the wings that had erupted further up on her back. And that's quite the ridiculously iron grip he seems to have, especially with that arm... She could windmill or scratch at him as much as she wants to, he's not letting go.
If he can't grab her with both hands, he guesses he'll just have to immobilize her this way. Just please don't bite him. Also he's sorry if the feathers on his cowl tickle.... ]
oh no this is cute
so he might get hit once or twice by her other hand, trying to punch at him the way thancred taught her when she was younger, but it stops quickly. because as soon as allen has her pulled against him, something happens.
the wings freeze up and then shatter, like glass falling apart - only the break into tiny bits of energy and drift away. the fury in her body seems to go out all at once with it, and the next hit she'd been trying to give stops, her hand coming to rest on his shoulder. ]
What...?
[ she feels exhausted, and where the wings had pierced through her there are still bleeding wounds. tears begin to flow out of her eyes even though she isn't fully crying. she's dazed and the last few minutes feel like a blur. ]
What - what's happening?
I know, I love it a lot slkdfmdsj
That's unexpected, actually. ]
Ah... [ He blinks for a moment at that, the moment the wings protruding from her burst suddenly and fell away onto the air, and that the fight seemed to go out of her all at once. Almost comically owlishly first, at least until he cranes his head and sees tears forming, even if she doesn't seem to actually be crying.
His expression quickly drops then, more sobered and eyes hooding softly as he loosens his grip immediately. Though he won't fully let her go until he's sure she can stand on her own, and will bend to try to help steady her with the careful touch of the inside of his left (crowned) wrist on her arm. Still has his invocation and the claws active, after all; can't risk hurting her. ]
Everyone is still under attack and trying to get out. [ He hesitates, eyes skimming over the wounds from where the wings had been. Still bleeding, and her back had felt wet... ] Something—seemed to come over you, and it didn't seem like you could hear me.
[ It's -- the kindest answer he can come up with, because they're also still in the middle of it. And she doesn't need to hear from someone like him right now that she had tried to kill someone. But he presses his lips together in concern. ]
Be careful, you're still hurt.
no subject
that's the first thought she can focus on in the jumble of trying to figure out what's going on. she lets herself lean into allen supporting her as her other hand comes up to rub against her eyes, trying to stem the exhausted flow.
as she does it, she's able to recover some of her memories. those wings - they'd made her into some kind of dangerous creature. she'd tried to attack people - this man had stopped her, thank god. and for whatever reason, that was able to stop the wings as well.
awful. but at least she hadn't killed anyone. she takes a deep breath. ]
It's that sin eater. He's turning people into whatever awful creature I just was. [ she doesn't know what majestas is, but she's decided that a sin eater is what he is until provided a better explanation. ] I - thank you. It could have been much worse.
[ she takes another girding breath. ]
Could you get me my rapier? We're both hurt, but I can heal the worst of it.
no subject
Though he does hate it when others cry, and is moved to try and wipe them away. He would almost and hesitates slightly at that, just because he doesn't know her, except that she rubs at them so forcefully herself that he figures it's good that he did not and will just help keep her steady as she collects herself.
It feels a little easier to breath for him too; the contact. Or rather, rejuvenated. Even the gash on his cheek doesn't seem to sting as badly. But he also isn't one to give a second thought to 'moonlacing' or any of that. To reach out to steady someone is to reach out to steady someone: human concern. Other things don't change or influence that, and his own minor injuries don't matter. He's experienced much worse. ]
"Sin eater..." [ He echoes it with a curious blink, wondering if she actually knows what that creature is. Sin eater sounds... horrible. Which seems apt, but he'll have to ask about that later.
Although he seems slightly confused by the request for her sword, he gives a reluctant nod and lets go to retrieve it from where it had fallen nearby. ]
You can heal with it? [ His voice pitches up in a slightly incredulous manner. He's seen some pretty incredible abilities, even in his world, but that's a first. And he offers it back to her, hilt first, as he looks it over finally and tries to determine what it's made of. ] I thought that was some sort of shock ability.
no subject
she takes both back, and when he seems surprised, she gives a small smile and a soft laugh. ]
The weapon is a focus, like any mage's weapon is. I'm just trained in the use of both black and white magic.
[ she closes her eyes, and when she does the blade glows as she channels aether through it. she casts a spell on herself - vercure - and then follows it up with the same spell on allen.
it seals up the deep wounds, and in allen's case takes away some of the ache of the hits. it can't clean up the blood, or the deep ache of the wounds alisaie had - but she's no longer bleeding from deep gashes.
she gives a small exhale, hilting the rapier and focus onto her belt. ]
Again, I apologize.
no subject
Black magic in particular -- that gets a surprised, scrutinizing sort of look from him. Black magic (sorcery) means necromancy to him, the forbidden arts his master had been skilled in, and she didn't seem the type. But then... nothing he's understood seems to apply half the time anymore.
He looks slightly crestfallen, especially as she's healed him after exhausting herself so much, but she did so so before he can protest so he just shakes his head. ]
Please don't apologize. It's alright, I feel fine. [ And he cups his now-healed cheek with his non-clawed hand, as if it a little surprise to find there's no longer a gash there as his finger traces where it once was. Some people in his world held talent for abilities to dial back injuries, after all. But none could heal them outright. ]
Thank you. [ He means that. But more importantly: ]
Are you sure you're alright after that?
no subject
she's glad that she's able to help a little bit, however, and nods her head when he thanks her. it's her fault he was hurt at all, because he had to help her.
when he asks if she'll be all right, she nods again. ]
Yes. I'll be all right, I've been through much worse. But I --
[ there a moment where she looks like she wants to slap herself as she shakes her head, her eyes widening. ]
-- I need to find my brother. We got separated when that thing appeared and if it's infected me, it might have gotten him!
[ weapon gets pulled out again, the focus floating behind her, and she looks ready to take off without so much as a goodbye. ]
no subject
Alisaie please. ]
Wait! [ Hopefully she'll forgive him for grabbing for her wrist with his one good hand before she just charges off?? Not hard, but...! please don't make him chase you. ]
Just because it isn't in you anymore doesn't mean it couldn't happen again! [ Also it's dangerous to go alone, but... somehow he kind of feels like that would fall on deaf ears. She seems the type.
His expression, though, becomes a bit more gentle but twice as earnest. ]
I'll go with you.
alphinaud will tag in after youuu~
she does forgive him - she gives a cursory tug for a moment, but she's not so far panicked as to discount his concerns. it's true, there's no guarantee it won't happen again. and she'd die if she hurt alphinaud in any major way.
when he offers to go with her, it's on the tip of her tongue to reject the offer... but he'd been able to stop her. and she has an idea of how to clear the wings now at least.
finally, she nods, sharply. ]
Okay. I'd appreciate the assistance, then. My brother and I are twins - he looks like me, but he was wearing a blue shirt and white trousers.
[ just so he knows who they're looking for. and then, because she won't stop for long, she starts heading back inside, calling alphinaud's name. ]
awesome! ♥
She starts off back inside and he'll join at a quick, if easy pace at her side. Even if he does wonder for a moment if he shouldn't drop his invocation, just because... he's feeling a bit more drained than he should, given he hasn't actually used his actual powers that much? Which is a little worrisome, but he doesn't have time to dwell on that. And going back into danger, it's better to keep it active than risk reaction time if they do run into danger again.
It helps, having a description and knowing what to look for, but especially as they re-enter the fray closer to the epicenter of all the panic and destruction -- ]
What's your brother's name?
no subject
There's no rhyme or reason for what's happening here. It seems that the event organizers of this bizarre event were just as clueless as everyone else. While Alphinaud tried his best to staunch the chaos by directing his fellow moonblessed towards safety, he fell prey to the seraph's malevolent ploy.
This is a fitting end, isn't it? Alphinaud knew sooner or later his luck would abandon him but he never expected it to be this soon. He feels strangely numb right now, almost as if he's been paralyzed from the neck down.
This is dreadful. ]
no subject
[ a quick explanation, a little breathless as she's running, coming up short to take a look around. that's when she spots her brother lying on the ground. he doesn't seem to be moving, which makes her heart seize.
even knowing he himself could be dangerous as she was, it doesn't stop alisaie from starting to move closer. ]
Alphinaud! Can you hear me?
no subject
He'd sputter if the circumstances were different. Very nearly does anyway, gawking at her for a second -- at least before she catches sight of the other boy on the ground and, recognizing the shift in her expression for what it is and following her line of sight, his own quickly drops. The wings piercing through him, laying there so still...
No. They weren't too late, were they...? ]
Be careful-- [ He waves a hand slightly in Alisaie's direction in warning, but it's mostly moot. He's moving closer as well to check and see if the other boy is alive as well-- if he's breathing or conscious. Even if it's dangerous they can't not. ]
no subject
Alisaie? [If his name wasn't a dead giveaway for Allen, then perhaps his accent does. Alphinaud and his sister both possess similar accents. However, Aliphaund's is slightly more noticeable.] By the Twelve, what are you doing here?
[He was hoping his sister was somewhere safe by now. The last thing he wants is for something to happen to her. Alisaie is the only family he has left at this point. Their parents both perished when they were young and their grandfather soon followed. It's a miserable truth that they deal with every day.]
S-Stay back!
[He warns them as he tries to move. His body still feels numb but at least he knows he's not dead.]
I don't know what sort of ailment these wings cause me.
[While Alphinaud can tell something is wrong with him, he can't exactly tell what. His rational thoughts are being overwhelmed by a darker emotion that borderlines on sorrow. He doesn't know what to make of this phenomenon but he's scared to think of what could happen.]
no subject
[ you ungrateful brat. be assured, allen: were their positions reversed, alphinaud would be saying the same thing. any sharpness in her tone is belied by her worried expression.
of course, she stops when he shouts at them to stay back, coming up short for a moment as she worries. when she hears his concerns, though, she gives a huff and starts coming forward again. ]
I'm sorry to tell you you're a bit late for that, as I was affected earlier. But it's.. reversible. I'm coming closer.
[ her tone brooks no argument. ]
no subject
Relief that the other seems alright—relatively speaking—is short lived when he shouts a warning and staggers under the wings, though it's as much in surprise that the other boy seems coherent, unlike Alisaie. ] !
[ Looking back to Alisaie, he hesitates. But... at a quick glance between them, he moves aside quietly. Guard up and staying close, but edging around more to the side so that she can be the one to approach directly. Allen might be reckless and jump into things he shouldn't, he might be uneasy about the situation and not like it, but he isn't stupid. Alphinaud wouldn't recognize him anyway looking like this, and the confusion if he did recognize his voice probably wouldn't help.
Besides, in his experience, the thing that can best get someone who's out of control to back down.. is someone they share a close bond with. In his experience so many times over, though... it isn't to say those were happy, either.
But they're siblings. And if Alphinaud is being affected by something like Alisaie was—runaway rage in her case, was it?—then the person who has the best chance of reaching him is her.
Scolding tone or not. ]
no subject
Don't. [He warns again once he's finally upright. The dizziness is worse now that he's up. Alphinaud could feel his eyes watering more too.] Alisaie, what is this? I can't figure out what's happening but I feel as if I've lost all control.
[This is perhaps the most bizarre thing to happen to him. It's almost as if he's being swallowed up by emotions. While wrath claimed his sister earlier, it seems as if Alphinaud is experiencing sorrow. He pauses momentarily as he tries to collect his thoughts while doing his best to ignore the tears streaking down his face.
That's when he finally notices Allen.]
A friend of yours?
[He asks while trying his best to stay calm. Of course, he doesn't want anyone to see him like this but he has very little choice. It's like his emotions are rebelling against him at this point.]
no subject
[ she knows alphinaud doesn't know what a sin eater is, so calling it that might not elaborate exactly on what it is. still, her expression is grim. she glances over to allen to see that he's still with her, and nods sharply - both in thanks and acknowledging she'll try to be careful - before she finally makes her way over to alphinaud. ]
I don't know what it does but it seems to amplify feelings within you. I became a mindless beast of anger.
[ they can go into the details of what that means later. once she's close enough and alphinaud doesn't seem to be inclined to attack her, she reaches out, resting a hand on his shoulder as she kneels next to him. ]
He's the one that helped destroy mine own wings.
[ as she speaks, she's gently moving her other hand to try to get a look at where he's pierced. ]
Painful.
[ no question. they'd been for her so they must be for alphinaud. ]
no subject
Which is why he moves forward too, not just because he was noticed. Crouching down beside Alisaie as well and offering the other boy a bittersweet, but gentle smile, though he won't move to touch him and lets his sister do that.
After all, even if the other were to become a threat and suddenly lash out in his sorrow—something Allen knows better than anyone—he can't just ignore someone suffering. Even if it's just to sit there and support them both. ]
Mn, it's "Allen". [ Which, before Alphinaud might wonder about that: ] It's okay--
[ He speaks softly, like someone used to being gentle and calm even (or especially) when presented with something terrible. Because it's cruel. Cruel and horrible, arrogant, if Alisaie is correct. Twisting people's feelings and using them against them, and doing so in such a brutal manner. And it pisses him off. ]
This time you don't have to be the healer, alright?
[ If his voice and his (albeit common) name weren't already a giveaway. ]
no subject
[ Alphinaud states bitterly while trying his best to dry his tears. This is horrifically embarrassing of him. He feels like a toddler crying this much but he simply can't stop. the poor boy just feels so miserable, so hopeless. It's as if he's being suffocated by his emotions. Hell, he can barely breathe at this point. His heart is racing and his body feels like it's fire. This malady is far worse than Alphinaud is willing to admit. After all, he's the type to put on a strong face regardless of his plight. Though, it feels like his façade is slowly crumbling as more tears fall. ]
It's as if everything I've tried to...to bury is all spilling forth at once. [ He admits once Alisaie kneels next to him. That slight bit of chroma between them seems to be calming him down some. Maybe the answer to healing this malady lies within chroma? That's certainly food for thought. ] Not even during all of our trials did I ever succumb to the sorrow.
[ This is maddening! It's as if he's about to unravel from the seams. He can't let this happen. He won't.]
I care not about the pain, I want them gone!
[ Truth be told, the pain alone isn't what's making him sob. It's just everything. As much as Alphinaud claims the melancholy he feels is fabricated, there's some truth to it. Their adventure to Eorzea has been racked with hardships since their first voyage. They thankfully overcame many great challenges during their journey but for every mile crossed, there's a handful of sorrows. Alphinaud brings his hands to his lips in hopes of silencing himself. He feels so pathetic right now, so low. The shame he feels is starting to outweigh the sorrow. ]
...Twelve preserve me.
[ He mutters quietly once he realizes that's truely "Allen", the hunter he met earlier within the game. Alphinaud stares at him wide-eyed in surprise before turning scarlet in shame. He hides his face within his hands and lets out a long deep suffering sigh before suddenly inching closer to Alisaie for comfort. Usually, it's the other way around in terms of comfort but Alphinaud clings to his sister nonetheless.]
T-This is not how I thought we meet.
[ He chuckles bitterly as the wings upon his back start to flutter. They're slowly turning into ash. Slowly but surely. ]
no subject
he faced the loss of lives in the waking sands, and she knows how he blames himself for the braves. for what he views as the reason minfilia "died". the myriad other brave souls who gave their lives across their travels.
but she doesn't remember seeing him cry often. she had to, after losing tesleen, tuck herself away in a little corner and let it out. but it's not something she sees with alphinaud, even if she knows he feels as deeply as she does.
when he tucks in closer to her, she fully wraps her arms around him, all but dragging him into her arms. it helps that she can see his wings falling apart, and she rubs a hand across his shoulders. ]
They're going away, Alphinaud. And it's quite all right to cry, you know. We've been through much.
[ she's just saying maybe take the chance to get it out now, since he didn't really have a choice. she presses their cheeks together and then looks at allen, giving a little smile. ]
Ah, you two have crossed paths before then?
no subject
Although his expression drops to something a bit more gentle and thoughtful at seeing how the two cling to each other, and he settles back a bit, palms on his knees, as Alisaie's words echo for a moment. "We've been through so much..." Mn, that's obvious. But it's also not the thing that strikes him about that.
It's good. It's good that they have each other, that's the conclusion more important than any other that he draws. And wonders not for the first time that it must be nice, having siblings.
It must be nice...
Though when Alisaie comforts the other like and says it's alright to cry, he can't help but suddenly remember how violently she'd scrubbed at her own tears, almost as if she were chastising herself for having them. As he would-- beyond being someone who notices and pays attention to other people's feelings, hypocrites tend to notice other hypocrites.
Although he'd never point that out. ]
Aaah, well— somewhat. [ He looks a touch sheepish at Alisaie's question, scratching at his cheek slightly with his good hand. With still such a bright and relieved sort of smile, though. Like he's in good spirits now. ]
We were somewhere else before we were here. In that game(?). [ Feels so strange to call it that still... ] He told me about you, too. Although I didn't realize it was you before.
[ But he pauses and his smile becomes a bit more gentle again -- thoughtful -- before he lets his hand drop. ]
I'm glad you're both alright.