[Thread; Closed]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Characters: Rydia and Kain
Progress: Ongoing
Summary: As the others part ways, they decide what to do next.
Location: Conde Petie to...we'll see.
Date: Jan. 1803 (slightly backdated)
Warnings: Kain's stubbornness, Rydia's nosiness?

As Vie had been delivered back to Mikoto and Delita sought his own route to wherever, Rydia peered at her remaining companion speculatively. She knew he was likely to just head his own way, brooding and ignoring all mention of the upcoming wedding, and some part of her almost let him. His earlier attitude had been off-putting, and he seemed unlikely to change it.

And yet, she wasn't quite willing to part ways right away. Even if he didn't think so, the Summoner felt as though they had to talk, about more than just whatever had prompted him into leaving earlier. Doing so in the dwarven village didn't appeal, though, and she doubted Kain felt differently, at least on that.

Resting her hands on her hips, she tilted her head at the dragoon. "Shall we be off, then? Unless you'd like to stay and get married...."

Comments

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain gave her a Look at mention of the Condie Petie tradition, something he certainly wanted to avoid at all costs. As much as some insane part of him would have loved to come here with Rosa, and...

But the less he thought about that, the better. Kain had been well distracted by the entire wedding ordeal due to recent events, anyway, and that had been further prolonged by having the others along. Now that they were alone, unwanted thoughts were already creeping back into Kain's mind. Perhaps it would be for the best to depart Rydia's company.

"Then let's leave here. Where do you intend to go next, anyway?" Kain was sure to phrase that carefully, giving no indication of whether he'd actually be joining her or not. Well. Joining her willingly.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Rydia wouldn't have been able to pressure him into marriage anyway, even for a joke. She doubted the dwarves had forgotten her wedding to Cecil, after all. But, the less spoken about that, the better.

The phrasing didn't go unnoticed, but Rydia answered as she would have anyway. "Troia, eventually...but I have to get off this continent, first." Pulling out the sky phone, she checked the map. "There's a Hunter's Camp on the southern end. It might be a good place to hitch a ride. Have you been there?"

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Any excuse to not return to Troia was fine by Kain. Even if he hadn't stayed there very long. Well. Just long enough to first nearly kill Cecil in a friendly fight, and then try to escape only to be ambushed by those epitaphs... needless to say, this wasn't how he'd envisioned escaping the place.

"I haven't been to that camp, but... you're right that it could be a good area to find transport. I suppose my destination should be elsewhere, as well." He just had no idea where he should go. He felt terribly aimless, even moreso knowing that Rydia may try tracking him down no matter where he went.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Roundabout suggestions weren't Rydia's style. She met his gaze directly, and put forth her idea. "So, come with me. I don't mean to Troia, but at least some of the way. Besides, there's safety in numbers. We can both hold our own, but that doesn't mean it won't wear us out. It's better to have someone watching your back."

Yes, despite being annoyed with him and despite the epitaph business, that was her way of saying that she trusted him. Actions more than words gained that, and she knew that despite their differences, that the dragoon was a good person to have at her side. Hopefully by now, he could say the same about her.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

As long as he wouldn't be forced back to Troia, Kain figured... perhaps it wouldn't be so terrible to accompany her. For a little while. He'd need his time alone eventually, but figured he could do so later. Especially once time drew closer to the wedding. In a way, Kain was somewhat surprised she'd be willing to put up with his company, given how things had gone the other times they'd spoken lately. Maybe that also factored in to his agreement.

"...For now, I suppose I will. I cannot promise it will be for long, but... I don't see why not."

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

"Good." Rydia smiled at that, pleased that he agreed without much fuss. She would rather let him go his own way than have an argument about it, but truth be told, she wasn't that interested in a solo trek. Whether Kain considered himself good company or not wasn't really the point.

She glanced around one last time. "Is there anything you need to get before we go? I think I'm all set, thanks to finding my stuff earlier." Personally, she just wanted to get going, but could manage enough patience to stick around, if Kain needed a moment.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

"There isn't... I'm ready to go right now if you are." He started heading in the direction that would lead out of Condie Petie, back the way they'd come in.

Kain also decided that if he grew tired of company, he could just choose to part ways at that Hunter's Camp. It was a reasonable enough idea. He was still quite thrown off by all of this, though, so wasn't all that certain what his next move should be. As long as a certain wedding didn't get mentioned, Kain figured he wouldn't mind staying around Rydia, for now.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

"I am." Rydia nodded and, after a brief glance around, followed Kain out of the village. It was a pleasant enough place, but there was no reason to linger. She spared a glanced his way, wondering how long she would have his company until he insisted on being a hermit again. Well, only one way to find out.

She continued along the winding path with him, following its course and keeping alert for any sign of trouble heading their way. Monsters were as plentiful as ever, and Rydia kept an eye out for epitaphs in particular. She was quite willing to repay the trouble dealt them both, but to her disappointment, none emerged.

Despite the length of the trek, Rydia didn't complain. She continued at a steady pace until the sun approached the horizon, then glanced to the dragoon. "We'd better find a decent place for camp, while we still have light available to us."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain was actually glad not to have to deal with any epitaphs. After what he'd believed he'd encountered and done at the time... Well. He wasn't eager to relive it. He'd decided that the less thought he gave to any of it, the better. It did feel good to have regular monsters to unleash some of his anger upon... and was a good interruption, since he was feeling as un-talkative as ever.

Glancing at the sky, Kain nodded agreement. He eyed their surroundings. "Perhaps a short distance ahead..."

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Rydia also scanned the area for a decent resting place. There needed to be effective shelter from winter's chill, which had settled into her even with appropriate (green, form-fitting) winter clothing. Anything else was negotiable, after that point.

After a short while, she paused and tilted her head. "...do you hear water? If we're near a stream, that's perfect." Hopefully, that was the case. The battles throughout the day had taken their toll; every footstep was a little slower than the last, though pride prevented her from admitting anything.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain paused and listened. "You're right. Let's see what we can find."

Continuing to keep an eye out once Rydia mentioned that, Kain caught sight of the stream she'd noticed. He headed in a good direction to find a more promising place where they could stay. It didn't take too much time to find that, nor to prepare the camp and start settling in. Kain had been doing this sort of thing on his own for so long that it had become routine by now.

...But it wasn't so bad to have another along as well, he had to admit. Maybe he would stay around her a little bit longer.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

For her part, Rydia did her best to help set up camp quickly. While not as used to doing so in recent times, habit wasn't something easily forgotten. Their location certain made it easier; the rising hill near the stream sheltered them from the wind, as did the thick trees surrounding. Once enough dry wood had been gathered, Rydia directed a simple Fire spell at it and settled down with a sigh as she got more comfortable.

"Much better...." Stretching, Rydia glanced over to Kain. Given his taciturn nature and impassive features, it was difficult to tell what he was thinking. In many ways, his attitude was the complete opposite of her own, very open, one. "Let's not bother with hunting. I think we have enough dry food to last, unless you really want to."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Another glance around, and Kain seemed satisfied that things were in good order here. "We can make do with what we have tonight, then."

Like Rydia, Kain was very worn out after the long day of travel, although he did his best to conceal that fact. So taking a break for the rest of the night was a good idea. He sighed and settled down as much as he ever settled, which wasn't much. He sat stiffly, ever alert for sounds of approaching trouble. After a few moments, he looked toward the fire with a brooding expression on his face.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

That brooding expression didn't go unnoticed, though Rydia wondered if she would get any answer upon asking. Likely, she would get another round of 'I'm fine' or some such. It was difficult, figuring out a balance between trying to get him to open up a little and not pressuring him to the point where tensions would flare again. They had gone the entire day without an incident, and she wanted to see if that could hold through the night, as well.

She tossed a small branch into the fire, watching the flames consume it. "...you seemed surprised when I suggested that you come with me."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain folded his arms and frowned. It was a few moments before he finally answered, as he debated mentally what to exactly tell her. He actually didn't want to start another argument, either, although the topic made it difficult to avoid the potential of that happening.

"Because you have every reason to want to avoid me, after the things I've said... and because my opinions haven't changed, nor will they ever." He sighed. Yes, some part of him did feel remorse for what he'd said, but only for how it affected Rydia, and probably Cecil and Rosa if she'd said anything to them. He stood by his words, though. "...I realize that I'm not the best company, either."

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

That prompted a shrug, and a small smile. "I'm not asking you to be the best company ever, so that's fine." She fell silent for a moment, staring thoughtfully at the fire. "I don't understand your opinions or agree with them, but...I don't feel that's a need to hold a grudge. Momentary annoyance is just that."

It wasn't quite the whole story -Rydia knew that if she could think of a good way to bring him to the wedding that she'd take it- but it was good enough for now. She turned to face him, pulling her knees up to her chin. "I don't want to avoid you, okay? That's partly why I wanted to you join me, so you'd see that. Well, that and the reasons I gave earlier."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

"As long as you can respect that I won't always agree with you... that's all I've ever asked for." Really, much of Kain's annoyance had come over the fact that he'd taken it as some sign that they were all trying to push their opinions upon him. They weren't, but in Kain-world, it was all interpreted as such. He shouldn't be expected to tolerate Edge or Golbez, or the wedding... if he chose not to. He thought he respected them by ignoring such things.

Kain looked at her. "That was my other reason for assuming you'd rather keep your distance. You know what I'm capable of..."

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

At that, Rydia sighed. She certainly hadn't forgotten what he had done in the past, but it was the past. Dredging up past memories of events that weren't entirely his fault would serve neither of them well. Despite her habit of exploding when tempers rose, the summoner had learned through Asura's influence the meaninglessness of holding onto a grudge. Forgiveness had been granted long ago, whether he wanted it or not.

"You don't need to remind me, but I'm not going to shun you because past events--or more recent ones. The copies sent after us were just that. Copies. They weren't us at all. You didn't really kill me, and I wasn't fighting doubles of people I knew." Rydia shivered slightly, despite her proximity to the fire. Those were hardly pleasant memories.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Yet... Kain found himself unable to move on from the past. He couldn't let any of it go, nor forgive himself for it. He sighed. Of course Rydia would say something like that. Cecil and Rosa had forgiven him too willingly, as well...

"I know they were copies. That still doesn't erase the fact of what I'm capable of. What I have done in the past..." He was forever a traitor, it was as simple as that. This past incident, and that brief time where he'd believed his penance ruined... well. It wasn't anything he wanted to think about, either. Especially not around anyone else.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Even so, Kain had brought it up. Rydia was just going to focus on the epitaphs, since that was recent and not quite as sensitive, but if he wouldn't let the topic go...well, how was that her fault. She stretched and raked a hand through her hair.

"You were there for us in the end, when we needed you most. I'd think that would count for something." Actions, far more than words, made a difference to the Summoner and as far as she could tell, Kain had certainly pulled his own weight and made up for the issues of the past. If only he would believe that, too....

"The past isn't doomed to repeat itself, Kain. Thinking that it will is resigning yourself to that fate already. Don't let that happen."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

"As long as we're stuck here... the possibility for the past to repeat remains. I didn't complete my quest on Mount Ordeals..." ...In fact, so far, he had failed miserably. His Dark Side was far stronger than himself, and what if that became an issue here? In his mind, it was only a matter of time before something happened to draw it forth.

Kain shrugged afterward and grew quiet, as if he were going to leave it at just that. It was his own problem to deal with, anyway...

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Of course a certain Summoner didn't believe that. What affected him affected everyone else, and she was firm in her view that they all had a responsibility to each other. Just because he had to deal with some of it alone didn't mean that had to be true for everything. Of course, the problem lay in getting him to understand that.

She shifted her weight a little, growing more comfortable. "All the more reason to help us find a way home, don't you think? I still don't believe that's impossible, and I would like your help. The others are too busy running Troia and being entangled in politics. We're lucky enough not to be burdened in the same way."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain had to wonder if that was a sneaky way of attempting to keep him from running to hiding any time soon. He honestly would have thought he'd have bored her with all of this talk of his anyway... and likely would make her want to seek more pleasant company as soon as possible.

"...and how can we find that out? We hardly know where to begin. Unless you have some suggestion for that?" He was glad to shift the conversation away from Issues, from the things he'd planned to never discuss. So far, so good... Maybe.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

Kain was perhaps half-right. Rydia didn't consider her idea to be especially sneaky and it wasn't even designed with the (sole) intention of keeping him from being a total hermit. Still, she wasn't blind to the possible result.

Rydia's brow furrowed as she mulled over the possibilities. "I thought being at the Tree would have revealed something, but I didn't notice anything strange about it. That might not be our only source, though. There was a moogle who mentioned the Shimmering Island as being active again, and it dovetails with Eiko's story about Gaia's elemental shrines. Unlocked, they opened the gateway to another world...the one from which the trouble first originated. It was inert for a long time, but like the mist, it returned...."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

"Do you intend to see the Shimmering Island and places like it for yourself? To travel there seeking answers?" Kain had to admit if it did ever come down to making some lengthy journey, it appealed more to him. He couldn't bear to just linger around as a potential threat to anyone he cared about. So... something that might provide an adequate challenge was for the best. It would also take his mind off of his usual problems. A better idea, overall, than constantly facing the past in his two closest friends.

...They had to understand by now that he wasn't ready to be among them. He'd have wanted it to be different, himself, but it was too late for that.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

"If I can, I think I should. If Garland's cycle is starting all over again, that's the place to be. There's a problem, though. Regular airship travel won't go there, and I don't have the funds to ask some of those others to take me. If only we had the Falcon or the Enterprise...." Rydia frowned in thought, poking at the fire.

"The only thing that I think might work is speaking to Eiko's father. He might be convinced to send a ship there, and if he does...I want to be on it."

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

It was unfortunate that they lacked any familiar means of transport like one of those. Not that Kain would have expected to find them here, in this strange world... he'd long ago learned never to expect too much to go in his favor. He frowned and stayed quiet for a long while as he considered what she'd said.

"If answers might be found... I'll consider joining you." That and it would continue to provide excuses to avoid a certain happy couple in Troia. He couldn't face them just yet, especially considering how things had gone when he and Cecil had last seen one another.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

That made Rydia smile. She would be pleased to have him as a traveling companion for a while longer. Just because she could and would travel alone didn't mean she preferred it. That he wasn't doing so for the pleasure of her company or some such didn't matter. As long as they had same general purpose, to learn, that would serve them well enough.

"Good. If there's passage to Lindblum from the Camp, then we might actually be able to get somewhere with this, soon...." She stifled a yawn, warning herself not to get too comfortable yet. "I can take the first watch." While she probably could sleep soon with little trouble, Rydia wondered if he would wake her, should she crash first. Knowing Kain, it was likely that he would pull off a 'I can stay up all night' attitude.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

"We'll look into it, then." Having a set purpose would be good for Kain, who'd spent much of the time here attempting to... find some sort of Mount Ordeals, in a way. If he weren't going to accompany Rydia, he'd probably just end up disappearing in some remote location again. Not that he ruled that idea out completely. Should anything happen and he snapped as he'd nearly done with Cecil, he might have to anyway.

Kain glanced at her. "Are you certain you want to?" ...Though she probably was smart in thinking as she had, since Kain would indeed push himself to stay awake.

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

At that, Rydia forced back a yawn and nodded. "I'll be fine. The fire's helping and I could use some time to wind down anyway. So, go ahead and crash. I'll wake you when it's time." Since unlike some others, she knew better than to attempt remaining awake all night.

[dragoon-rising.livejournal.com]

Kain narrowed his eyes and watched her suspiciously for a moment. After all, he felt he'd be capable of staying up for a long time and he was stubborn enough to try. He had to consider for a long while before he finally relented.

"...Very well."

Though he took a few moments before he finally did settle in to try falling asleep.