Summary: Reunited with Yda and Y'shtola, the remaining Scions plan their next moves in rebuilding and rescuing their friends from the clutches of the Garleans.
Hydaelyn's vision echoed in Rhea's mind as the sound of footsteps rushing through the halls of the Waking Sands pulled her from her reflections. The words the Mother Crystal had bestowed upon her left her feeling both uneased yet also empowered. Deep within her, she could feel the Light pulsing with strength. Darkness was coming, clad in the Ascians robed in black with their red masks. Could Lahabrea be behind the Black Wolf's machine? Rhea had little doubt that was true.
Looking up as the door burst open, Rhea smiled at the sight of Y'shtola hale and just as ready as the rest to move forward. After a brief reunion, true to the Miqo'te and her way of things, those who remained of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn set out for Coerthas once more on the reports of Biggs and Wedge, trusted friends and assistants to Cid, being transported across the frozen wastes by the Garleans.
As they arrived in Coerthas and the Observatorium once more, Rhea's eyes drifted North to Camp Dragonhead in the distance. A part of her wanted to go there, to see if there was aught Lord Haurchefant could do to convince Ishgard to aid against this new monstrosity the Empire had conceived. She knew it would be for naught though. She knew her people. Even with the Empire on their doorstep, Ishgard would not care unless they were attacked directly. They had iron blinders keeping their sights on the Dravanians and nothing more. Should the Empire delve into their lands and make a true offensive, then they would respond, but by then it would be too late. Rhea knew she didn't have the time for her pleas, even if she were to reveal herself, to fall on deaf ears.
Ishgard would not listen and by going to Haurchefant, not only would that put him in a difficult position, it would paint even more of a target on his back. If the Empire was watching her, which she knew they were, it could put him in danger and she couldn't bear that thought. Nor could she bear the thought that the longer she remained in Coerthas, the more of a chance the Empire could be led to her family.
No. Going to Camp Dragonhead was more risky now than ever and even in the best of circumstances, nothing would come of it. For as much as she longed to see Haurchefant again, and find calm in the presence he had afforded her when last she was there, she had to stay focused. Ishgard would provide no aid, in small or in large part. They were on their own. Best to just get in, save Biggs and Wedge, and get out with nary a trace of their return.
And so it was that Rhea and the remaining Scions delved into the Coerthan wilds and, after some skillful tracking, were able to rescue Cid's assistants and depart for Mor Dhona. For it was in Mor Dhona that Minfilia and the others were being held at Castrum Centri and it was there they needed to plot, plan and set into motion the rescue.
She prayed they would get there in time.
She prayed her friends were alright.