« player event » 🌪️ the eye of the storm

[seaboards]

Who: Garuda & YOU.
Status: Open log.
Where: Eltrut, Nogard.
What: Benedikta Harman has primed into Garuda, and is wreaking havoc on the Leviathans.
Warnings: Violence, Final Fantasy XVI spoilers.

"The Warden of the Wind. She takes the form of a fearful harpy, summoning storms and tearing into the flesh of her prey with hawklike talons. Such is the Eikon's frenzy for destruction that even allies of the Dominant of the day are wont to begin fleeing the battlefield when dark clouds gather overhead."

The morning of May the 4th starts out like any other: calm waters, clear blue skies, ships coming and going from their ports. However, all of that is about to change—and abruptly—as Benedikta Harman soars over the ocean after learning the painful truth about the fate of Cidolfus, and of herself. Her wrath now unbound and unmatched, all coming to a head as her aether bursts at the seams, a storm gathers on the horizon. With every angry beat of her wings, the skies turn a dark, eerie green, the winds grow stronger, and Garuda's voice is louder as laughter rings clearer for the first time since that one fateful dawn...

Benedikta & Garuda's Wrath (Final Fantasy XVI spoilers)

Her wings are tired, her face stings with the burn of sharp tears and sharper winds that follow after her, but she does not stop. She cannot. Any other day, she would never make it this far, but her body and the air are dense with her aether that she can fly farther and faster than she has ever managed—in no particular direction, so long as it is a direction away from him. Away from the place where she thought home could be. How naive she was to think that anywhere could be; how ignorant of her to have lit even the smallest spark of hope that things could be any different than before.

Reckless to think that trusting anyone, especially after a whole life of never affording to, would end in anything but deceit.

They all leave. They always leave.

Just like they had then, six years ago on that fateful night in Stonhyrr, those claws of betrayal coil tight around her throat and sink deep into flesh. Only this time, who is there to catch her?

The thought of that wide, open freedom that always followed Cidolfus wheresoever he went frightened her to no end. To her, it meant the unknown that came with running away, being whisked on the back of the winds, to a place where she would not know if, when next she landed, there would be a ground beneath her feet. His betrayal left her on her back once before, and she had been fool enough to take that risk again. Six years in an empty pursuit in his absence, chasing what she thought to be stability, power, and even love in another—her king, touch-starved and hunting any warmth that she could find, is what had her listening to the promises he whispered into her ear again. It is what made her take that plunge into that vast unknown, made her lean into his easy-going benevolence...

And look at where it has led her.

Back then, she had King Barnabas to pull her back on her feet. He would show her a better world, through what they both knew to be empty platitudes, and hearts that did not belong to the other, but she would be loyal. She would be good. She would be everything that Cid could not be. She would do his bidding to prove to him—and most importantly, to the rest of the world, and to herself—that she could be valuable. Powerful. Yet, what she thought was love, she realised in hindsight, was nothing more than a passion for his insurmountable power. A stable place above all the rest who thought they could cut her down. And it was his power that gripped her like a vise—she feared him, and yet, she was still loyal.

Look at what trust and loyalty have wrought.

Destined to loneliness and desperation.

Falling, falling...

Alone and afraid, a wrath now unbound as she soars over the bone dragon's head. Fumbling in the dark, she is trying to catch the pieces of herself that have shattered and are now being scattered into the wind—how the fuck is she supposed to put herself back together now?

A tool for love. A way to atone for his past sins. A way to "save her" where he could not before, and to fulfill a promise he could not uphold the first time. To make up for past mistakes so that he may now live with himself. Because that was all she was, wasn't she? A remnant, a ghost of a broken past that haunted him.

A tool for war. Even in death, she was nothing more than that. The king that she pledged her utmost fealty to then saw fit to use her however he wanted. Her body was desecrated and turned into an instrument to fuel the war between cruel men and crueler gods. Nothing more than a vessel for power. Nothing more than Garuda.

Falling...

So why does she refuse her? Why has she been so afraid of her? She should embrace her Eikon again. Become one with her once more, all fangs and no mercy, because that was all she was ever seen as: a source of power, of redemption, but they were not her own. They were never to be her own.

Tighter, the claws squeeze, and Benedikta screams and screams until she can no longer breathe. Until it is no longer her own screams, but Garuda's.

This wretched world... With wretched people...

Liars. Maggots. All of them. They all knew, and they lied.

She is afraid, but she is angry, and she has learned that it is easier to let in the rage than it is the fear. It was at Garuda's hand that she had died before, but that would not happen this time, that voice promises her. Garuda will protect her, swathe her in her comforting winds and rip apart everything that has and could hurt her.

The sky above Nogard falls dark, almost black. The waters rage as the wind abruptly picks up, lightning cracks, and a violent, swirling gale descends, only growing.

Let me help you. Let us show them what happens when they hurt you. Again and again...

If only Barnabas could see her now in all her strength. All power coursing through her pulsing aether, not an ounce of humanity left. This is what he wanted, isn't it?

She can at least take solace in the fact that Cidolfus is here. He could not keep his promise, could not save her, and instead, he lied to her, deceived her. In return, she will hate and hurt with all her love. She will let the fury take her. She will tear it all apart, and he will have to watch, knowing that he did this.

So much for your fucking redemption now.

DIE, DIE... DIE...

And from that whirling gale, she emerges. No longer is it Benedikta at the eye of the storm, but the true Warden of the Wind, the Eikon, Garuda, a reckless harpy with four wings wider than any bird's, claws that could split a man open in a single swipe, and fangs that could rip flesh from bone. With them all bared, her laughter echoes across the sea and sky.

Freedom. She is untethered, let out of the cage that Benedikta chained her in for so long.

And she will ravage this world in her name. Now fall...

WEATHERING THE STORMS

The moment that Nogard senses that something is amiss, its flesh will reform to protect itself and the villages within from the worst of the storms. While the Leviathan does get battered and the winds persist even after its body takes shape, Fang and its docks will be saved from the tidal surges that are bound to come and, upon seeing Garuda take off in the direction of Eltrut, the dragon will follow after her, roaring across the seas to send a signal of warning to the others to either flee or shield.

Heeding its call, the Naughtilust and Norhpip will retreat while Elah comes to their aid. Paladins will be encouraged by Elah to assist with rescue efforts—brave the storms and head out to sea to help. Those who do not wish to face the harpy's wrath can take refuge on the whale's back. But it will be Eltrut that will receive the brunt of Garuda's attacks, and where her magic will be most potent, the build-up of her aether coming to a head when she lands on the turtle's back.

Harsh, hurricane-like winds will assault Eltrut, and with them, a sense of dread and trickles of sadness fall upon the Leviathan. With Eltrut docked at an island, it's easier to see what is about to happen: the tide recedes, and on the horizon, the shadow of a giant tsunami wave guided by the wind approaches. While Eltrut can shield itself with its bubble, it will still need some help!

Using whatever magic is available—and necessary—everyone will have to work together to help Eltrut withstand the worst of it and, when the tide hits, it's best to be holding onto something, or someone, as Eltrut will be knocked around a bit before stabilising. Unfortunately, with the water's far too choppy to swim in, everyone will have to wait it out and work together to reduce the magic, and hope that someone comes along soon to take care of the harpy that keeps tearing through its shields.

🏝️ On Land. For those stuck on Eltrut or Nogard, the storms are just as fierce. With winds strong enough to rip the trees from their roots, shatter glass, and throw large objects around, it is imperative that people help each other find shelter and safety, and those with shielding magic use it, especially around the docks. Help the locals, assist the merfolk that have been washed up back into the water. There are weaponsmiths asking anyone with a set of hands to help craft things like harpoons and arrows that will be useful against the creatures that now roam the Leviathans.

🌊 Out at Sea. Crews will need to batten down the hatches and work together to weather the storms as well as rescue anyone else, including locals, who might be out there. Though, it is recommended that people try to outrun them as that is one big wave that is heading for Eltrut. Thanks to Garuda's magic, some of the wildlife have grown wings, and sharks are chomping down on boats and even leaping onto decks in search of a good meal.

☁️ In the Air. Male gryphons from The Hideaway's island will arrive to aid those who wish to take to the skies for search and rescue efforts. They are still wary and a bit erratic from being attacked earlier on the island, so working together to earn their trust will be imperative. Offering them food or small gifts such as feathers or beads will appease them, as well as protecting them from oncoming attacks from their fellow birdkin. Once in the air, riding on gryphon-back will take some getting used to, as they will always travel in pairs, and will employ tactical maneuvers to dodge the debris and any creatures that attack.

With their homes partially destroyed by the massive wave, some of the merfolk have come to aid not only their own that have been washed up onto land, but those who hope to alleviate the stress on the Leviathans, whether it be rescue efforts or fighting off the birds and winged sharks. They have offered their herd of seahorses for people to ride on, but they are a bit temperamental, especially with all the chaos, so they will need to be calmed first before they can be ridden.

All threads will be worth 4 points.

( Bonus ♫ )

BIRDS OF A FEATHER

It isn't just the violent skies and seas that pose a problem. Garuda's magic has somehow affected all of the birdkin and bird folk alike across Nogard and Eltrut. What once were peaceful, friendly creatures have now turned on others, as well as each other, and will be attacking and fighting on the streets.

More than that, while some birds have transformed into menacing beasts large enough to pick up a whole person—sometimes two—there are also dozens and dozens of Wind Elementals that have spawned all around the Leviathans, all of them under the command of Benedikta's sisters, Chirada and Suparna, the strongest of them. They hardly ever leave one another's side, but when they are provoked, they will not hesitate to attack. To make matters worse, when threatened, they will tether their aether to each other to make themselves more immune and to regenerate. They are fast, agile, with wide wingspans and talons that will rip anyone apart if they manage to catch them. They are weak to lightning magic and can be held off by the plumes found throughout the forest, and destroying them will buy time for those fighting the smaller Egis to defeat them... However, be warned, they will only respawn again elsewhere, and will keep doing so until Garuda is chased away. (Note: this video of their boss fight can be referred to if needed.)

🐦 Birds and Birdfolk. Beware of feathered friends! Garuda's magic has made both the birds of the islands and the bird folk particularly aggressive. Bird folk will be quick to anger, and those caught up in the worst of the effects will attack anyone unprovoked for so much as looking at them. The only cure for this is taking out the Wind Elementals that have spawned, as they are what sustains Garuda's magic. In the meantime, until they can be destroyed, luring them further away and outside of town or finding a humane way to knock them out for the time being will work to help alleviate the threats at the eye of the storm. Cats will also be effective against them. Be careful, however—the birds are capable of stealing the breath of anyone who wanders too close, strangling them through lack of air.

🌪️ Wind Elementals. Minions of Garuda herself, these Wind Egis will indiscriminately pick out anyone they find to assault with their large wings, sharpened talons, and powerful wind magic. Men will be carried out to sea where they will attempt to drown them, while women will be carried to "safety" in the nests that the birds have built within the forests. Defeating them is the key to weakening Garuda's magic, so take them out by any means necessary. Note: Players are free to use and control the Egis however they want.

🪹 Within the Nest. For those caught in the nest, escaping on the ground will be the only way out as horrific winged beasts and Egis guard the skies. Beneath the trees, people will need to carve out a path through the messy vines and thorns. It will be safer with a partner, as all sorts of horrors lurk. Eldritch hummingbirds, cassowary, magpies, human-sized hawkmoths, guineafowl, pelicans, and a strange breed of geese that are prepared to feed on or tear apart anyone who might threaten their nest.

There will occasionally be white plumes that will flutter down from the skies. These feathers are from Garuda's wings, and gathering them will provide a ward to protect one from harm for a short period of time. They can shield against one hit or act as a repellent to the birds and the Egis before they are destroyed. Search for them in the treetops and the vines, gather them, and they should be shared so that everyone can make it out of the forest safely. If anyone is able to collect enough of them, they will have healing wind properties that can mend small wounds and cuts.

For those at The Roost (the Hideaway crew's island), the gryphons will be up in arms, not only because one of their nests has been destroyed, but because Benedikta's uncontrollable magic has bled into them, too. The female gryphons, led by the Matriarch, will attack the males, and a fight will break out among them. The males will flee down into the Roost to seek help, but the females will surely soon follow. Killing the gryphons is not an option, and anyone who threatens the lives of the females will have to get through the males in spite of this war, so they will need to be chased off for now. In return, the males will allow anyone to ride on their backs and carry them to Eltrut should they wish to help there.

All threads will be worth 4 points.

( Bonus ♫ )

THE LADY OF THE WIND

For those few who are brave enough to encounter Garuda and live to tell the tale, and those fewer who are daring enough to chase her down seeking to clip the vengeful harpy's wings, they will likely not have to look very far. Garuda is a mischievous and wicked Eikon, chaotic, as if she were made of the winds and storms herself, and through all of the destruction she brings, she also finds enjoyment in taunting others, sometimes swooping down or over one's head just to toy with those on the ground before flying off again.

If she is feeling particularly naughty, she may even kidnap a few, scooping them up in her claws and flying them off someplace else... just for fun. Whether it is the nest, into the sky, out to sea, who knows, but one thing is for certain... one does not want to be engaged with her for long, lest they wish to feel just how sharp her claws and fangs truly are...

Try as they might, however, it will take the might of another full Eikon to take her down, and the battles will end as Ramuh, the Warden of Thunder, makes his appearance and chases her away from Eltrut, and they will face off against one another over the ocean.

Note: This portion of the log is closed to those who signed up for an encounter with Garuda. Please leave a starter at your designated top level down below! They will be worth 6 points.

( Bonus ♫ )

This is the designated log for a player-run (garudas) mini-event. After revelations came about surrounding her fate, Benedikta Harman primed into her full Eikon, Garuda, and she is now ravaging the seas, skies, and land.

Players are free to make their own top levels and tag around, and those who have signed up to face Garuda can leave their starters beneath their designated top levels. Information can be found on the OOC post and please direct any questions here. New players/characters are free to tag into this as well, as this is all occurring after their arrival.

The event and its effects will last less than one day ICly and will have a resolution, so there will be no bearing on anything afterward. Any post-Garuda events will be on the main monthly log that will be going up, including Leviathan clean-up and helping the mermaids after parts of their underwater dwelling were ruined by the wave that hit Eltrut.

Comments

[apothecarry]

Ah, you don't need to worry about that at all. 'Course you'll wake up.

[Overall, Alfyn is a terrible liar; his confidence that Joshua will definitely get the chance at that explanation is very real.]

And I have a feeling you won't be alone here even while you're having that nap.

[Times like this, he wishes he knew some spell that could put people out, quick and easy. Several mixed medicines that do the job also come with things like strong dreams or heaviness and dizziness after.

Alfyn pulls from his satchel a small, blue vial. It takes some effort to pop open, and he's quick and apologetic about having to help Joshua up enough to drink what's inside. At least he'll get another drink of water to wash out the taste?]

That should do it. It takes a bit, but I can wait.

[phoenixdominant]

[Joshua does let out a small uneasy laugh. But he can only trust his friend for now. He supposes that if he were to fall into a coma and never wake up for years it would be his own fault anyway. He just hopes that this time... He will wake up.]

Then I put myself in your hands, Alfyn.

[Clive and Jill will be nearby so he knows he can trust that as well. So, with that Joshua does take the small blue vial. He coughs slightly through the terrible bitter taste but he's had to drink all sorts of terrible medicines before. He chokes it back with the water and then lays back carefully.

It's not soon after that Joshua is slowly falling into a deep painless sleep... And at least there are no dreams. That. Is a blessing.]

[apothecarry]

[It'll be a while - the time Alfyn spends tending to all of Joshua's wounds, especially the terrible one on his chest. While it's for the best he's asleep for that, it means Alfyn can't ask any of his questions to Joshua directly, and he only collects more and more questions as time passes and he keeps working.

Even after that - while Joshua's friends sit by his side, as the storm dies down and things sort of settle into an uneasy but otherwise peaceful quiet - he's preoccupied with what in all the gods' names happened here. He talks with Clive for a while, but ultimately comes away with few answers (and the poor guy's so shaken up anyway, Alfyn doesn't feel right about pressing the point).

Hours later, Alfyn finds himself alone at Joshua's bedside again. Either he has managed to convince the others to at least try to get a nap, for their friend's sake, or they've run off into the fray in various ways themselves. Even he isn't right there in one of the empty chairs; he's just a few feet away, grinding seeds with a mortar and adding some of this one and some of that one to a little bowl beside him.

But he's facing Joshua, and so he'll see when he stirs. That gets Alfyn right up, so he can sit himself back down at a good spot for Joshua to see the tired grin on his face as soon as he's a little more aware.]

See that? [He shouldn't be in too much pain; unlike earlier, he's all bandages and the greenish smell of Alfyn's balm for burns now.] You woke up just fine. Slept the afternoon away, though, it's dark out now.

[phoenixdominant]

[When Joshua stirs he feels groggy and weak. But there's the distinct lack of a burning smell in his nose that he's instantly grateful for. He slowly blinks his eyes open and looks at the ceiling of the makeshift room and subconsciously counts the rivets in the rock and wood. Everything as he left it. This is real.]

It's the late evening now, is it...? [Joshua's voice is soft and quiet. He carefully and slowly sits up so as to not give himself a head rush.] I feel...

[He looks down to inspect himself. The bandages look clean and the smell is actually a bit pleasant. Although, he'll never fully enjoy the smell of medicine and balms.]

I feel much more put together. Thank you, Alfyn.

[It'll take some more time to heal properly, he's sure. But this is a good start.]

[apothecarry]

[Oh-! He sat up, just like that! All the shock Alfyn feels is visible on his face immediately, though he tries to temper it a little when he realizes what he must look like.]

Hey, take it easy. Just because it doesn't hurt right now doesn't mean you can pretend it's not there.

[The burns don't worry him half as much as what the thick bandages over his chest are covering. Alfyn's chest tightens a little, thinking about it.]

And I can't take all the credit. Other people helped, and I practically had to wrestle some of 'em to go get some rest themselves. But the storm ended hours ago. Haven't been out to see the damage, myself.

[He's heard things, pieces of conversations about gryphons and trees and the shrieking of the wind. Even when he puts it all together in his head, it doesn't make a lot of sense to him, yet.]

I won't push you, if you're not up to it, but if you are...I've got a few questions I'd like to ask.

[Joshua had better be straight with Alfyn about this! If he's still tired, the explaining can keep waiting.]

[phoenixdominant]

[Despite it all Phoenix' aether is still strong inside of Joshua's body! Alfyn's work will do wonders in stabilizing Joshua but it is also Phoenix' healing aether that always picks and mends Joshua as he breathes. It's a slow process. But it is there. That's why he can sit up carefully!]

I promise I will take it easy.

[He knows he will be saying that a lot. Although, there might be just a slight blush to his cheeks that Alfyn had to fuss with the others at all.]

And I do owe you and the rest of our crew many answers... Please. Ask what you wish to ask and I'll answer your questions as fully as I can.

[Alfyn deserves it.]

[apothecarry]

[He isn't expecting Joshua to flush a little. Is he...embarrassed that he has to explain? Or that he did something real reckless, and now he feels like he's gotta answer for it?]

Oh, I wouldn't say you owe me anythin'. Really, I'm askin' in case there's more I can do for you that I just didn't know about.

[There is still a lot to learn about people, places, and plants that don't belong to the world he knows. If there's a better way to ease Joshua's suffering, he wants to look into it!]

So, let's start with all those burns. They don't look like the usual sort. How'd you get them?

[In his view, he's begun with something easy. Whatever it is has a clear and recent cause and effect. The more complicated questions can take time and some talk to get to, and Joshua seems kind of guilty about all this; Alfyn hopes it won't be so awful by the time they come to his most serious concern.]

[phoenixdominant]

[There is a fair bit of embarrassment in Joshua for being in this condition at all. The fact that he didn't ask for help for the deeper issue in all of this. And for worrying everyone to this point. There is a lot he's trying to sort out and organize in his mind.

And as innocently curious as a question as that is- It's a big one.]

I believe to answer that I have to begin with what I am harbouring inside of my body. I'm sure that Cid will have a moment where he will tell our crew of the details in full. But I ...

[He lets out a breath.]

There is a dark entity inside of me that I am holding captive. It is my prisoner. One of immeasurable power. The burns that I received are a result of it trying to claw itself... out of me.

[apothecarry]

[When he's on the job, Alfyn is pretty good at keeping too much of what he's thinking from showing on his face. People get scared, if they see their apothecary deep in thought or looking troubled. And he has seen all of Joshua's wounds, and had his time to be shocked into silence by the truth about the spot where he thought an injury to his chest would be.

I am keeping a dark entity captive inside my body is the last thing Alfyn expected to hear today. It's been a long, long day, and he just can't manage not to look utterly stunned by this.

What should he say? What can he say? Joshua's explanation was brief and horrifying. In a strange echo of just seconds ago, Alfyn also lets out a breath.]

Wow. [His instincts beg him for are you okay but Joshua is clearly not. Even the worst apothecary in the world wouldn't have to ask that. Alfyn runs a hand through his hair; that same hand presses up against his own chest.] That's...wow. Is...did it...

[Oh, he's making no sense at all. What good is that going to do either of them? He seems to come to himself about that, at least, shaking his head and his shoulders like a bird trying to settle itself, or a dog put off by something on the wind.]

Sorry. Let me try that again. This thing...it's here, right? [He wouldn't be so forward as to reach for Joshua's chest; he taps his own, instead.] I was comin' to that. I'm guessin' it didn't get out?

[phoenixdominant]

I ... I should be the one offering apologies, Alfyn. I am sorry for putting such a burden on you.

[He knows this information is a lot and he doesn't mean to dump it all on the man. To invite Alfyn to this crew and then make him face such a harrowing fact is ... a lot. Joshua feels selfish. He feels as though he shouldn't have done this. He should have been more honest from the start.

It was his fault. Having been so charmed and excited by Alfyn's friendship... Joshua's own hubris for wanting friends.]

It did not escape me, no. If it were to ever try again... I will not allow it.

[He'd rather die than let it happen.]

[apothecarry]

A burden on me? When it’s you who’s been livin’ with this for however long?

[Alfyn simply shakes his head. There is something gentle and permissive in the gesture. He leans in a little and puts his hand carefully on Joshua’s arm again, somewhere without a worrying amount of bandages.]

It ain’t a burden to listen to a friend’s troubles. But I want to do more than just listen, if I can. I want to help. Provided you’ll let me, and I’ll understand and back right off if you say you’re not interested.

[For all he aches on Joshua’s behalf and is scared for him and wants this all to be some kind of terrible joke, for all he wants nothing more than to apply himself to whatever medicine might help, he wouldn’t force it on anyone like that. There will be no shame and no irritating pushing if Joshua decides his burdens aren’t to be shared after all.]

But that’s not what I’m asking for right now, either. Fact is, you’re likely to know more about your problem here [a tap to his own chest again] than I could figure out from cleanin’ you up a bit. Does anything help? Or are you just…in pain all the time?

[phoenixdominant]

[Joshua indeed has a terrible habit of suffering in silence and keeping his issues, feelings and burdens quietly to himself. It comes from being raised with strict expectations and a mother who demanded certain things of him while forsaking his beloved brother for the same things. He's always shouldered things for others. Quietly holding them alone.

Joshua looks up at the other when the reassuring hand touches his arm. He knows he is not alone in this world. He has many others that are concerned for him. A brother and a family and a crew that want him to live.]

I could never ask for more than your friendship. For you to offer any more than that... I am deeply grateful.

[He even manages a small smile. Then he nods to continue explaining.]

This is certainly the worst that it's ever been but on a regular day the pain comes and goes. My breathing can get weak if I exert myself or my body can feel weak if I push myself or use my aether more than I should. But I am not in pain all the time. Your tea that you gave to me before, it did help. As for these injuries... They do hurt but I think it can be managed. I will be able to heal quickly with time.

[So for now finding something to ease Joshua’s pain as he heals will do the trick. And Alfyn has already helped immensely.]

[apothecarry]

Shucks, Josh.

[It might not even occur to Alfyn that he’s shortened the name. He’s a little tired and a little distracted. It is frighteningly easy to picture the inhuman thing settled over his heart, while he talks about it and his suffering from it so calmly.]

I’m glad what I gave you helped some. While I’m thinkin’ about that, actually, I could probably get you something that’d work better.

[He doesn’t mention that more of the truth up front would have helped. Joshua isn’t in any condition for Alfyn to add shame on his conscience, and he wouldn’t either way. This won’t turn into a lecture on not being evasive with apothecaries.]

Could you, uh…tell me what you mean by “use your aether?” If you’re feeling up to another explanation.

[phoenixdominant]

[He'll allow Alfyn to call him "Josh" just once!! Usually, only Mid is allowed to call him that without Joshua making faces. But since Alfyn has been so kind to him... He'll let it slide!! Plus, this is indeed a pretty heavy conversation.]

I would appreciate it. Perhaps something a little stronger for the time being?

[Something to really ease the burning feeling in his throat and lungs would work wonders for Joshua. Plus, he's nearly out of the tea that Alfyn gave him before. But he is very well aware that he shouldn't have kept any of this so hush-hush. Another flaw that he carries. He often suffers silently.

But he is trying to change that. After this incident... He can't afford to do this alone.]

As for using my aether... [Ahh.] Aether is the power or magical energy that I and the other dominants use to cast magic. It's a type of lifeforce energy inside of us that we all use based on our eikons. There are others in our world that can use their own aether to cast magic to an extent but a dominant's aether is ultimately the strongest.

[He holds up a palm and flexes his fingers into a fist. Warm flames start to flicker around his knuckles. They don't burn him and they won't burn Alfyn should he touch the flames, either. Joshua's aether is fire-based and often has healing properties.]

While our use of magic can help in many situations it does take a toll on our bodies. Overuse of aether can often cause atrophy or stiffness in the limbs. Or as some call it, a stone curse.

[apothecarry]

[It's that Alfyn's initial powdered medicine was really for the effects of an illness, which Joshua doesn't have. At least, what he's described isn't the same as what the treatment was for. It is Alfyn's hope that he can go through his ingredients and recipes, or make use of the ones on Eltrut, to concoct something that will better suit what Joshua needs.

But! There isn't a lecture to be delivered here, and one isn't forthcoming, either. The truth is, Alfyn can only do his very best for his patients based on the information they give him and what he can deduce from seeing them himself. Anything else...has to be faced as it comes.

His eyes widen at the fire. "Aether"'s description sounded just like magic to him, and while he's no great mage himself, he knows a couple. Using a lot of spells in succession tires 'em out. Then Joshua just wreathes his own hand in fire without flinching at all - which even Cyrus can't do. His fire exists to burn.

Joshua's brand of magic has a higher price.]

That's sure a lot of worry to have on your shoulders all the time. Seein' as you're too injured to stand, maybe you oughta put out that fire for now? I can't see it helpin' you recover, draining yourself just sitting here.

[This has given him so much to think about. Alfyn sits back, rubbing his chin. Only the general quiet of the infirmary keeps him from humming through the path of his thoughts.]

I've got some friends back home who always need a boost after they cast a bunch of spells. It's starting to sound like a lot of medicine, but I know an easy elixir for restorin' your energy. [Alfyn winks.] It even tastes good - mostly like fruit juice. Think you'd be willing to see if it works for you, too?

[phoenixdominant]

[Joshua nods quietly and he does let the flames flicker away from his hand. He can't help a small smile in return. There is probably one more thing he should clearly mention about all of this...]

For all that I am at the moment- I am the Dominant of Fire, the Phoenix. [...] A small bit of aether as an example won't have me turning to stone on the spot, I assure you.

[It seems he's got enough energy to be a little sassy still. He nods quietly afterwards.]

And I'll be willing to try anything you might have in mind, Alfyn. Especially the ones that taste like fruit juice.

[He hates the taste of actual medicine...]

[apothecarry]

[He's never met anyone who likes the taste!

Perhaps many people, upon hearing "the Phoenix," would have a specific sort of response. Alfyn, oblivious, just nods as he has done with the rest of Joshua's explanations. So he gathers he's someone powerful.

Someone powerful can, evidently, still be reduced to lying in bed with a glorified hole in his chest.]

Thanks for doing all that explainin'. I know you must be tired. [A wince, followed by a smile, both cross his face and leave as quickly as they came.] I asked your brother earlier if he thought he'd be able to convince you to get enough rest, and he actually said no. Seemed to think you're too stubborn.

[Later, when he isn't so tired himself and he can spare more time and energy for thinking on the matter at hand, he'll be able to weigh everything he's learned here and consider whether he can be of any real use.]

Is there anything I can do for you right now? Somethin' you need?

[phoenixdominant]

[Only weirdos would like the taste of medicine! It's true!

Joshua takes a moment to ease back against the pillows on his bed. He lets out a soft breath of exhaustion as he feels everything catching up with him now that he's been able to speak and explain things to Alfyn. He doesn't want to sleep, though. He is only feeling drained.]

I'm afraid my brother is correct, the last thing I want to do is sleep. Although... I am feeling tired.

[He knows he probably dumped a lot of information on Alfyn too. It's been a lot. For everyone.]

I'd like to sit and read a while if you don't mind... Do you have any books you might like to share with me?

[apothecarry]

[Seeing Joshua relax also puts Alfyn's mind at ease. Even this limited exposure to Cid, Joshua, and Clive has suggested to him that any and all of them would lean toward hiding their pain and discomfort no matter how bad it was, so he has worried all the while, sitting here. Getting outright admission to feeling tired seems like a big victory.]

Ah, shucks. I can't deny I'd hoped he could use a little family guilt to convince you, even if that's not exactly fair. Now that I think about it, though...maybe you could get that to work on him, instead. I think he might need the rest more than you do.

[And that's saying something.

Alfyn runs a hand over the mess of his hair.]

As for books...everything I've got here is plant stuff. Had my notes from home about medicines, and a couple things I picked up in town so I could learn about the herbs here. I'll gladly let you borrow 'em, but I'm not sure they'd do a lot to keep you awake.

[While Orsterra has properly published and bound books of all sorts - there's an entire town famed for its bookbinding, even! - reading casually is not one of Alfyn's pastimes, for all that at least one old friend of his would gush about books all the time.]

I could get you something from...your room, though? Or anywhere here that you've all been storing books?

[He has not had a real chance to explore. Things...started moving very fast.]

[phoenixdominant]

[Stubbornness and silent suffering must run in the family.]

Luckily, my brother tends to listen to me more than I am willing to listen to him. [He says this with a bit of amusement in his tone.] I will do my best to tell Clive to rest.

[He nods gently.]

I wouldn't mind your books on medicine. But... There are a few novels I had set aside in the small library that Alhaitham and I have been putting together.

[It is a meagre little collection of books right now. But Cid was kind enough to get some shelving to start the hideaway's unofficial official library. And it would give Alfyn a chance to do some exploring.]

Although... I would like to walk with you.

[apothecarry]

Walk?

[It catches him so off-guard that he just sits back, blinking, for a few seconds.

When his mind catches up and actually hears what Joshua just said, the confusion softens into the sort of kindness that wraps itself around disappointment, to soften the blow.]

Even if you are feeling better, you shouldn't be on your feet yet. Nobody ever wants to hear that, and I'm sorry to have to say it to you.

[Anyone else in Joshua's condition wouldn't even have been able to sit up. So, he won't completely deny that maybe his friend here could stand...but it wouldn't be good for either of them. Joshua needs to rest, and Clive might kill Alfyn about it.]

But if you direct me to the library, I'll bring back all the books I can carry.

[phoenixdominant]

[No! Let him out! Joshua will be stubborn at any chance that he can get because he knows that this particular rest is going to take a while and he can already feel how bored he's going to get in the next coming days... He knows he should rest. But Alfyn won't let him out even for a short walk?]

Even with your kind words, that hurts, Alfyn.

[Betrayed... But truth be told Joshua is only teasing the other man a little bit. Trying to see just how much he can get away with. He'll behave. And he shows that by resting back on his pillows some more and managing a weak smile.]

Then I'll put my trust in you to bring me back some books to read. The library...

[He'll explain how to get there. It's not too far!]