Normally, I like to eavesdrop on Thancred and Syna. It's just what little sisters do, a good way to reap copious amounts of material for teasing later. In addition, it's nice to see them smile so gently, content to simply be with each other. Of course, sometimes, I eavesdrop for different reasons. Sometimes, their private talks are not for simple gestures and words of affection, but to discuss whatever weighs heavy in their minds. Now is such a time, and I try to eavesdrop to gain insight into what might be wrong. Both Thancred and Syna are the type to feel deeply, and say nothing of their hurts.
"He said what." However, when I hear Thancred's words, see his wide eyes and slacked jaw, I escape from the back room where they talked to the hallway, intent on main room of the Rising Stones. Of course. Of course, that is what they are talking about. I remember Syna's stony glare at Father when he had declared those hateful words. I remember her gentle hand on my shoulder, the other on Alphinaud's, and how she said nothing, and yet, said everything.
It's not surprising she would still be furious. She had even stated she wished to have a few 'words' with Father. But I run anyway, not wanting to hear it all again.
"Alisaie?" It's even less surprising Syna had notice my clumsy escape, and followed me. I look longingly at the door to the main room, just out of reach, yet I slow to a stop. When I turn to face her, gathering my wits to stand defiant in the roiling mess my emotions have become, I do not see Thancred. "He went to check on Alphinaud," she explains, smiling slightly. I can only sigh, since it made far too much sense. "I should apologize, as it is your right to inform the others, yet Thancred is far too skilled at wriggling out whatever is annoying me."
"Just as you are with him," I mumble, looking down. I say no more. I do not want to say more. I do not wish to talk about it. Not yet. I need… I need a little more time to have it settle into my head. A little more time to have it settle in my heart. A little bit of work to ground my frayed nerves.
"You know…" Syna carefully closes the gap between us, and rests her hands on my shoulders. "If your father insists of taking away part of your name…" I tense under her grip, but she leans down slightly to rest her forehead against mine. It always feels a little strange, thanks to her scales, but I've grown used to it. "I think you should be allowed to pick what replaces it, if anything."
"...What?"
"It's your name. Yours. You should be called whatever you wish." She steps back slightly, and her smile becomes sheepish. "Well, that made more sense in my head. In an effort to try and salvage, I want you to remember you have family here and if you want to use our last names as your own for now, I doubt any of us would deny you." She pauses, tilting her head in thought. "Well, perhaps Estinien would, as he simply must keep up his image as the brooding, grumpy rabbit. None of the rest of us would, though."
"...So, if I would, say, borrow yours?"
"I certainly wouldn't mind. I doubt my parents would either." She muffled a laugh, and I find myself finally smiling back. "You could go with 'Waters' as well. Louisoux gave it to Thancred, after all. Urianger might faint from his little lord and lady using his last name, but we can easily revive him." The mental image is so clear in my mind; I cannot stop the laugh which bubbles out of me. "You could also choose not to use anything. You can choose to keep using your family's name. Either way, you are here, with family."
"Hmm…" I lean my head on her shoulder and she pulls me into a light hug. "Alisaie Belkaia, Alisaie Waters, Alisaie Rhul, Alisaie Augurelt, Alisaie Taru…" Each name feels odd in my mouth, yet at the same time, they ring nicely. "Alisaie Hext, Alisaie Totolymo… well, no, I would want to ask permission for Papalymo's name."
"I doubt he'd withhold it."
"True." A silly smile creeps onto my face. "I'll… think about it. I understand what you're truly saying."
"So long as you understand that from the mess." She brushes a kiss over my head and pulls me into a tighter hug. "I wanted to make sure I told you that, before duties send us to the four winds again."
"Thank you."
"I'm also going to punch your father. Three times."
"Three?"
"One for you, one for Alphinaud, and then one for Louisoux." She giggles, and another laugh bubbles from me. "For now, let's rejoin the others." She steps back and takes my hand, a glint of mischief in her eyes. "I think we're overdue for some gossiping, and Alberic kindly shared with me some stories from Estinien's childhood."
"Tell. Now."
She laughs and gently tugs me down the hall into the main room where everyone else is. Alphinaud and Thancred are there, with Alphinaud chattering excitedly with Estinien about something, and Thancred teasing Urianger. Y'shtola and G'raha discuss some aetherological theory or another, but immediately got to their feet when Syna suggests treats and tea to assist with rearranging the room. The only hint at all of something amiss is Thancred sneaking to my side to give me a quick hug, quick enough for no one to notice, and I smile.
Syna's right, and I know she is. I have my family, right here. Father's words hurt, and might always, but it's a hurt that can heal. I do not know if I'll take her suggestion, of course, but the sentiment is there. Always will be. Though, I can't deny the potential to tease. I might bring it up just for that, once my heart is settled. I'd think about it.
Author's note: Bit of a mess, but I had lots of thoughts and feelings after that particular scene in 5.55 and wanted to get some sort of coherency to them. So, here?