The group was readying to move on from Frontier Village, packing their things and preparing the High Entia for what was up ahead, when Vanea made her way to Egil. There was probably a better time for this, but… Well, she didn't know when that would be, and she wanted to speak to him about it before they got too far.
"Egil." She spoke softly, watching him turned his head to look up at her. "How are you feeling?"
"Fine, just a bit…" He rubbed the bridge of his nose. "A bit off recently, nothing to worry about."
"I've noticed." Vanea sighed, crossing her arms. "You've been stressed, more so than usual. Ever since…"
"Since…" He paused for a moment before letting out a sigh. "Since you placed Lady Meyneth within me, correct?"
Silence fell over them for a moment, Vanea hugging herself as she thought of what to say. He was correct, of course he was. Her brother always seemed to know best, no matter the matter… And it was starting to be a real trouble.
"Yes." She finally said, her voice soft. "I did it to save you, but I'm afraid I have just added more burdens to you."
"Vanea…" Egil sighed. "Perhaps you did, but more burdens were inevitable, whether you saved me with Lady Meyneth or other means, don't you think?"
"I suppose, but what I did led us to this journey."
"Mmm, that's true, but with what's happening, it may be for the best we came." He gave her a serious look. "If you're having doubts, Vanea, no one would blame you for turning back."
"No!" The word came out before she could think. "I gave you this burden, and I will help you see it through!"
She wasn't going to leave him like this, so fragile and tired! As always, Vanea saw herself as the protector of Egil! To her, he was still that kind little boy who got pushed around one too many times for her liking.
And she would continue to protect him as if he was such.
"Now, now…" He pat the spot next to him with a sigh. "No need for yelling, I understand."
She sniffled a bit, holding in angry and fearful tears as she sat next to him. "I'll never leave you with your burdens, Egil. Never."
"I know, Vanea…" He patted her head, like he used to when they were young. "But take care of yourself sometimes, too, alright? I'm worried Lady Meyneth being within my body is just as stressing for you as it is for me."
"You're wrong, this time." She shook her head, lying through her teeth. "But… I'll do my best, so long as you take care of yourself, too."
"I promise, I will."
Kallian wasn't sure about the change in apparel for he and Tyrea. Sure, Makna Forest was said to be ridiculously hot, but… Did they need Makna-styled clothing, as the Machina and Alvis did? As far as he knew, High Entia could keep themselves fairly cool with their wings.
But he did not argue as they set out, donning the armour the Nopon had so pleasantly gifted them. After Tyrea's little incident the day before, the last thing he wanted to do was start something. If the Nopon saw his people as rude, he may just keel over…
"This outfit is ridiculous." Tyrea made a face and Kallian sighed. "Why must I wear this?"
"Don't question it too much, Tyrea. It's best we go along with the customs! They were nice enough to give it to you for free, after all." Kallian sighed, shaking his head.
"That doesn't mean I must like it!"
"You shouldn't complain." Alvis looked at her, smirking a bit. "After all, it's only a bit more ridiculous than your usual attire, wouldn't you say?"
"You…!" She stepped towards him and Kallian sighed, already seeing a long trek ahead if they were going to be like this.
He watched as she chased him toward Egil, Alvis climbing up Egil quite easily. He could tell Tyrea was thinking about using her wings, but… Then Egil fell face first into the ground, knocked off balance by Alvis suddenly being on his back.
Tyrea was quick to pounce then, only stopped as Linada grabbed her and lugged her off Alvis. Meanwhile, Egil seemed perfectly content just laying there, even as Alvis shook his shoulders. Kallian even considered him being dead until Vanea poked him in the side and he yelped.
From there, it was watching Alvis fall off Egil's back as Egil sat upright. Oka seemed to be scolding Tyrea now, giving her what she called a 'bamsmack across the bum' (something Tyrea clearly did not enjoy).
Now Tyrea was back at his side, hiding behind his arm with a frown. "If you are my brother, you will protect me from them."
"Ah, so now being family matters to you…" Kallian sighed, giving a faux thinking look. "I don't know, maybe I should let you learn on your own…"
"You monster…!"
Linada was a bit shocked when Tyrea approached her at the campfire. The assassin hadn't seemed that interested in interacting with any of them, much less her! In fact, the last time they interacted, she'd been holding her by the shoulder…
"Do you need something?" She rose an eyebrow as Tyrea awkwardly sat next to her. "A stomachache, perhaps?"
"Nothing of the sort!" Tyrea huffed. "I… simply had a question for you."
"Oh?" She tilted her head a bit. "Please, go on."
"Why did you heal me?" She wouldn't look her in the eye as she spoke. "Kallian told me you carried me to softer ground and healed me, after you defeated me."
"Indeed I did that…" Linada tapped her chin. "I suppose as a doctor, I just couldn't leave you so injured, even if you were an adversary then."
"Is that truly it? Simply because you are a doctor?" She huffed, clearly upset to hear this.
It was almost cute, if you asked Linada. Cute enough that she decided she could have some fun and tease her, just a little bit.
"Well, I also can't leave such a cute woman without aid!" She winked, turning back to her rifle. "The thought of being able to save you and get a thank you kiss or the like was nice."
"You…!" Tyrea flustered, her wings moving to cover her face. "How dare you try and tease me!"
"Sorry, sorry…" She snickered. "You left yourself open for it, though!"
"I simply wanted a serious answer!" She pouted, finally showing her face. "Is that too much to ask of you?"
"If you want honesty? I didn't want you to die in the middle of questioning… or at all, really." Linada reached out a hand, letting it rest against her shoulder. "I've seen so much death, Tyrea, I don't want to see anymore if I can help it."
Tyrea's eyes widened and, for a moment, they sat in silence. She wanted to pull away her hand now, sitting there like this. She felt like a fool, pouring her heart out like this to the assassin, but… It was too late…
And Tyrea put her hand over hers. "I… cannot say I understand, but I see. Thank you for telling me the truth."
She gently pushed Linada's hand off her shoulder and stood, now silent as she walked away, back to her little corner. Linada watched and wanted to kick herself for saying anything. She was such a fool...
