Cold.
Cold cold cospine and Coerthas were a shock, even months after leaving. In all of her summers, Wren had yet experienced snow, beyond...
Coerthas. And in truth, Coerthas was not her favorite clime, welcome as they were by the knights occupying the front there.ld freaking cold. For one more adjusted to the clime of Thanalan, the heights of Abalathia's spine offered no mercy, and Wren was wearing her heaviest clothing more often than she liked for using her twin daggars, now more precious to the rogue since the betrayal of the Brves. She had been ordered -- ordered to follow her mothers, and as such feared her beloved father gone to the lifestream. Wren did not relish this, and so did what she could to distract herself as they hid at Camp Dragonhead. She wanted to go to Mor Dhona -- examining the ruins of Allag for pieces left behind, seeking how to free Lakshmi from the bind her aether held on the Egi, that she might properly tame -- and indeed employ -- the Allagan Egi.
Today her mothers were at the tribunal however. Though they heped unearth a heretic nest and saved Lord Emmanellain's life from primal-worshipping birds, Tataru and Alphinaud had gotten accused of heresy due their information seeking. She however? She was sticking out of trouble, ignoring a few advances bsome lordlings (why did they think being a mix race was 'exotic' gods? Why?) nd doing the task of observing. Wren watched -- watched people mill about, listening to their gossip (How many women were carrying bastards? REALLY?!) for useful information nuggets, when she glimped it.
The shadow just oin the edge of sight, that lurked in a corner where none stood, bearing cloak and claw-- the commanding presence of Lahabrea. The crowds seemed to pass through him without effort, implying his presence was for her; and that he bore no host -- not abnormal, but certainly surprising. He seemed highly alert, head turning left snd right, twitching like a cat's as he stood patiently, and Wren made her way over rapidly, minding it appeared as though naught was amiss. Lahabrea was not that patient, and Wren was aware from his dealings with the Imperials he also wasn't normally a warm sort -- both things he did show to her, on merit his past mortal life had deep sentimental attachment, as had hers. As she approached, he swept to her, standing close, and together, they walked.
Lahabrea seemed pensive and stiff -- even hypervigilant as they moved, his hand slowly moving her way before resting on her shoulders, the ascian guiding her to a secure location as he leaned and finally, his lip curled into a snarl of disgust.
"Igeyorhym intends to put the Archbishop in the role of an eikon to drain your Light crystal further." Lahabrea stated blunty. He seemed furious -- and based on his motions, alarmed, Wren slowly tilting her head with a frown.
"And Igeyorhym is dangerous..."
"Igeyorhym created the Void of the world she was born to." Lahabrea was firm -- direct as ever, but his fingers twitched, metal claws flashing in light filtering to them as he scowled. The Void was far too familiar a place for Wren to need more. Aether-starved, beings of greed and hate... A world Lahabrea had noted while the pair aided her mothers in felling the Cloud of Darkness that bore pact with Xande as being devoid of all light -- no longer sustaining life. A world that not only weakened Hydaelyn, but to fill with darkness, had weakened Zodiark as well. It had set them back; had, with the destruction of Mithra, caused need for him to set Ultima in motion.
Wren frowned, and nodded.
"I can warn Mama and Mom about it but -- why did you come out here?" Wren blinked. "And then make it all so covert?"
And that was when Lahabrea twitvhed, before approaching. He reached for her slowly and pulled her to him, sighing slowly as he allowed himself enough presence for physical contact. He could never hurt Wren -- not again, not since Tiridates had his hand forced; nor could his brother -- a fact their god seemed acutely aware of. That she yet recieved true blessing... He faulted Hydaelyn only enough to know he had to balm her in darkness when Hydaelyn's will scathed with light -- and now, knowing what he did, he had no choice but to offer a tempering edge to the blade.
"Elidibus and I seek to retain a balance, lest the crystals fall. And they both lack use for dead worlds, be they dark-Void or Light-void. Bar one child -- the others seek only darkness without recollection that an end to Hydaelyn fully is end to Zodiark. As Elidibus works to aid both, so too muct I work to aid light. The Empire swells stronger and would inadvertantly kill this star. Many others would yet doom it in effort to safe it. Your servants of Light were dealt a blow recently -- so I offer myself to aid you. I will preserve this star to preserve the balance." Lahabrea sniffed. "Aside such, consider it my gift to you, for what I had done prior. I am yours to command. I highly doubt your mothers or companions will be so willing to seize much without means to destroy me."
"The other ascians will kill you for approaching, won;t they." Wren drawled. Lahabrea laughed bitterly.
"Oh, yes. They will, all for keeping balance. Elidibus and his charge bear the protection of the white robes of Emissaries. I don black as ever. I am a Warlord."
Wren blinked, before slowly thinking. Lahabrea... Was there when she needed him. Somehow he always knew in the past - including during the crystal tower; Syrcus. But Wren had one edge to help him and she smiled calmly.
"I accept only for you. I think I may have found something of use to you to prevent need for a body to take from the unwilling." Wren motioned, and looked.
"Protect me in Mor Dhona, beloved. I know where the system creating Tiridates' clones can be found."
