Hydaelyn Role-Players

As Franz walked through the doors of the lift, he exited out towards the airship docks in Ul'dah. For a city that was normally loud and full of people, it was calming to have some time in the morning to take events as they went.

He had been slightly surprised to hear when Sounsyy had taken him up on the offer of breakfast and drinks the other evening. He entered the small cafe by the airships and asked a server for a table, some iced waters and a couple menus to start. There was no rush, and he planned to keep it that way.

Sounsyy was in the process of tying her hair back into a short ponytail when she exited the lift. It had been a long time since she had come up this way to dine. Perhaps not since her last meal with Franz. When he had asked her to breakfast at the Grindstone, she could not refuse him. Especially here, high above the noise and politics of the Jewel below. Here it was quiet, serene almost. The desert winds whistling through the airship port and the distant hum of merchants far below on the Exchange.

She spied the Highlander as she came around the collumn and gave a short wave. She had dispensed with her Grindstone armor in favor of a mole brown tunic, black leggings, and boots. Her hands and forearms were bare, allowing visibility to passed injuries. Scars, burns, a missing ring finger on her left hand that was still bandaged. Despite her uncommon appearance, she seemed in good spirits and nimbly took a seat across from Franz.

"Morning Franz," she said to the red-haired man with the slightest upward curl at the edge of her lips, "I hope I haven't kept you waiting long?"

"And a good morning to you as well," a smile shone through. "I trust you slept well?"

He lifted a menu from the table, passing it to her. "Go for anything. Heard they're going to open the bar in about half a bell. Plenty of time, wouldn’t you say?”

The cafe was simple. A few wooden tables and chairs scattered around the stony floor. Most everything was the same tan color as the rest of the city. But it was more peaceful. Quiet, even, at times. Franz had enjoyed this particular cafe as a meeting place for exactly that reason. If they wanted to drink themselves into a stupor, the bar had plenty of options. And their food was quite good as well.

Franz had mostly sauntered over after cleaning himself up from a morning workout. Something about jogging around the city at the fifth bell of the day was calming. All that was there were him and sand. He didn’t need to worry about anything else. And after all was said and done, the baths at the inn were relaxing. He could take his time to clean himself up and properly braid his hair. After all, if he could not pass as a Highlander, one might try to suspect where he actually came from. The half-bell ordeal was a comparable trade.

It was perhaps the ninth morning bell when a server walked over to ask their order. A young girl. Tanned skin. Midlander. She was probably working to save some money for something. Every person in the city seemed to be obsessed with money, as far as Franz could tell. The locals, at least.

“U-um… What’d you like?”

Definitely new.

"I slept well enough, thank you. And you?" Sounsyy said to Franz as she took the menu and laid it out in front of her. She gazed at the words a long time, trying to read all of the options, though she had already truthfully settled on what she wanted. Her stomach groaned uncomfortably in her seat.

Sounsyy took the time to admire her surroundings, or rather, the people in them. Though the cafe looked much the same way as the rest of the city, the people here were travelers, always moving, always changing. This was a pastime Sounsyy sometimes indulged in in private. A group of young adventurers boarded an airship that was at dock, idling until its scheduled departure.

After a time, the young server came by and stammered some. Sounsyy looked up at her, then at Franz to see if he would order first. When he did nothing, she ordered, "Ul'dahn mulled tea and a dodo omelette, please lass."

Sounsyy looked back at Franz to see what he would order while they waited for the Ul'dahns to consider it an acceptable time for alcoholic consumption. Sounsyy vaguely wished there were some remains of last night's dregs. But when the morning came, she was sober and aching. She took the time while Franz ordered to adjust her tunic, then waited for the server to take their order to the back before re-engaging in conversation.

"I am starved... and parched. In Limsa, we understand that a good meal takes time to prepare and we are willing to wait fer it. In Ul'dah, it seems one's time is of the utmost importance. I cannot deny the latter's appeal today."

He gave a short answer upon asked how he'd slept. "It was relaxing. I spent a few extra gil for one of the rooms that allow an outside bed. Falling asleep under the reminds me of home, some." No matter how far he'd end up from Garlemald, the sky never changed. It was something he had never forgotten. "Figured if I was going to spend the money, I might as well be comfortable." Despite saying all of this, Franz still had a somewhat tired expression. Even with all the rest in the realm, he would have likely looked the same. As if simply tired of existing, than a physical exhaustion.

When the server had arrived, he let Sounsyy order first, knowing his order would likely be a little more complicated. "Then....to start, could I get some deviled eggs, an antelope steak cooked medium, and some toast? Maybe a frumenty as well. A black tea and milk to drink as well." It was a large order, but he was a large man. Whether it was some habit from his past or one he'd picked up after nearly rotting in the desert, he was unsure. Good food was meant to be enjoyed in any case. As for the unfortunate server girl, the look on her face was enough. It would likely be a struggle to not only remember everything, but to also try to carry it out. As she walked towards the kitchen, he was sure he could hear the girl trying to count off the items.

A few moments later, conversation was re-engaged. "I'm sure Ul'dahns enjoy their meals as much as the rest, even if some of them might favor something fast or presented well over something tasteful and filling. Wouldn't it say even more about the rich if they had the time for a leisurely meal?"

Reclining in the seat, he let his gaze wander around some, taking in the small sights here and there. An airship departing. A few people scurrying about as they tended to their business. It eventually found its way back to the table, settling on the person he had invited. A small half-smirk grew on his face. "With any luck, they won't take too long? In the meantime, if there were one place you could go to, why there? Seems you've traveled around much."

Sounsyy smiled and nodded at Franz's assessment of the rich and powerful elite within Ul'dah. "I wonder then," she said, "What that says of us, enjoying a leisurely breakfast high above the rest of the world?"

She gave a soft laugh and followed Franz's gaze out towards the airship dock once more. She watched the airship depart. Silently she vowed that she would never ride upon one of the contraptions. The very sight of its belly heaving into the sky sent her stomach into a knot. There was a distinct difference in her mind between sailing a vessel upon the deepest fathoms of the sea and flying one upon nothing but clouds. The thought made her shudder.

Franz's question brought her out of her thoughts though and she took a moment to think of an answer before speaking, "Is this destination a place I've never been? Or is it a place I would go any time would I have the means of doing so? If the latter, my homeland of Ala Mhigo in the north. If the former... I am not sure. Perhaps Radz-at-Han? In all my years upon the sea I've never once traveled east. And where would yeh travel? Yer work as a healer could take yeh far across the world if yeh desired. In times like these, there is always a want fer medicine."

As his gazed had wandered around each of the sights, "For one, we can afford a lifestyle in Ul'dah.   I think that speaks quite a lot on its own." The brief musings were a more pleasant way to find information about a person, in his opinion. Short, small peeks at a person's motivations that could provide much more detail about a person than a direct question and answer, yet simple enough of a question to not need much thought. Ideal for a light conversation.

Another enjoyable set of answers followed.

"The latter. Any destination regardless of whether current events have changed the viability. Although, the former answer is duly noted as well." He sat quiet for a minute or two as he debated the best choice of words when the question he'd posed to her was returned to him.

"Additionally, arcanima is more a hobby than a profession.  I can spend my time studying the wounds and optimize my geometries for more efficient usage. If I were to travel, I suppose it may happen, but I heal to satisfy an interest while passing the time. Maybe I'll register as a fighter at the next Grindstone tournament I attend.

"As for a location, I think I would go in a similar direction. The north-east." There was a sliver of hope that she would not ask for a more specific answer. That something vague would be sufficient. Sounsyy was a trusted individual, but after other experiences, Franz was unsure if he could truly handle the thought of watching the trust someone else had in him disappear at the mentioning of a single, simple word. Garlemald. There was no other place he could think of going. His home. His family. Previously familiar sights that were still shrouded in a foggy haze of memories.

In an effort to distance himself from the thoughts, Franz made a lighter remark.

"I'm wondering how much longer they'll have us wait?"

Sounsyy pondered Franz's answer, turning its vagueness over in her mind. She was interrupted by the sight of the waitress balancing their drinks in her hands. Her mouth opened in a soft ahh of anticipation. The poor woman set the two steaming kettles down on the table before arranging a tea cup and spoon before Franz and Sounsyy. She poured them tea and quickly excused herself to retrieve the glass of milk for the Highlander.

Sounsyy brought her own spiced tea to her nose and inhaled deeply. She took a quick sip, but did not lower her cup, instead kept the steaming drink beneath her nose. She closed her eyes to rest them for a moment before looking at Franz. "Take it from someone who spent many years in the northeast, there's not much there. Not anymore. Mountains, ruins, and Garleans. Though, I admit, in meh early youth, I once wished to see what lay north of Ala Mhigo in the mountains of Ilsabard."

She took another sip before commenting again, "Perhaps the drinks are a sign that food is not far behind? I'd hate fer yeh to fall out from hunger if they idled longer. Especially if yeh plan on fightin' in the Grindstone, yeh better 'ave a filled stomach. I enjoy the exercise, but the fights are always an exhaustive effort. Though it is little wonder - skilled mercenaries 'ave always flocked to the nation of coin and jewels. Is that why yeh are here in Ul'dah? Or, is this where yeh call home now?"

Franz let the tea steep just a little longer than average before pouring into his cup. "One can hope so. But I don't think I would fall over from just a little waiting." It didn't take too much longer before the girl returned with another tray, this time with his milk and some additives for the tea. As she nonchalantly placed them onto the table, "just some creams and sugars for the tea," pausing for just a moment, "...and his milk."

"The rest should be out shortly, I think." It was obvious she didn't want to be there. As soon as the last tray was placed on the table, she had begun walking to the back once again.

When the server began walking away, Franz took the milk in hand and drank it down. While he didn't particularly care for the taste of it, it was just a necessary evil he consumed to keep himself healthy. Remarking on it as he finished the glass and wiped his mouth, "to this day, still never really cared for the stuff, but I still try to have a glass a sun. Was always told I needed it." There was a short laugh as he put the glass down and tried to wash the flavor out with his tea. Franz was thankful the cafe had a good provider.

"Still not sure if this will be the week I fight, but if they've got enough healers I might try for it. Nice to feel the weight of a weapon too."

"As for why I'm here, not really sure how to best go about that. At least in some respect, I suppose Ul'dah counts as a home. More so in the past than now. These days, it's more just a place with a bed?" He wasn't quite sure how else to describe the Jewel. "I mean, some of my first travels into Thanalan were to Ul'dah, back when most of my money came from simple mercenary work. Didn't really care for leves or anything of the like. Back then, it was just fighting to survive. Someone would give me a job, and I'd do it. Would get paid and that money mostly went to just a bed and food. Wasn't much of a life. But back during the time I was with Kage and Mcbeef? It was sort of home like, if you consider a home of misfits and random people. It was nice for a while. Same with the Coral Sea, but I couldn't stay there. Just sort of became too much for me. Didn't want my past to catch up with anyone there, so I left. Found myself back in Ul'dah again."

He continued to ramble until the server returned with their meals, having had to make two trips for his. Her first tray carried the omelette, his deviled eggs and toast. Lightly setting the omelette in from of Sounsyy, she spoke in a quiet voice, "let me know if you need anything else." She said nothing to Franz as she set the plate of eggs and toast down, heading back for the plate of steak and any sides it entailed. He got the impression she didn't like having to keep returning to the table, and she the milk glass as she left.

"At last!" Franz would try to shift the topic away from what he considered his home, or rather, what he had always considered his home. There wasn't an easy escape for saying he wished to return to Garlemald. Especially not to Sounsyy. "Only home I need to worry about right now is the one I'm making for this meal." There was a hint of a playful tone in his voice. Man certainly loved his food.

Edit: phone posting sucks

Sounsyy laughed at Franz softly, moving her utensils to take the first bite of her omelette. The eggs were soft and buttery, practically melting in her mouth. She appeared quite pleased, despite her earlier assessment of Ul'dahn dining. She washed that bite down with a sip of tea. Her eyebrow raised a bit over the rim of the cup in thought.

"Hmm," she breathed out, "Perhaps yeh should try lassi? If yeh don't like the taste of milk, that is. It's this drink I've fallen in love with from the Near East. Made from milk and fruit, sweet and tangy. Rolanberry is my favorite, but I've also had a mint version."

Sounsyy flushed slightly, surprising her own self that she had gotten so excited over a drink. So off-topic as well. She took another few bites of her omelette, savoring the taste and texture. But she also watched as Franz ate. She could not imagine eating so much, she could actually, in her younger years when she starved with her people, but now, never. Even after she had amassed her winnings, settled into a normal life, became an officer in the navy, and captained her own vessel - she rarely gave in to over indulgence. She refused to grow fat while her people starved.

"Much of my work brings me to these shores, but I would never consider this place home. I can scarce say I consider anywhere my home. There are places fer sleeping, places like this fer eating, places to put food, and places to remember loved ones. And those can change daily, of course. What interests me though is what ye've been doing with yerself since yeh left the Still Shore? Yeh mentioned yeh were a mercenary and I wonder if ye've gotten back to that? Yer not in... any trouble are yeh? Besides with that Lho'a scrag?"

Franz continued to listen as he spooned mouthfuls of the sweetly spiced porridge into his mouth. There was something nice about Ul’dah’s frumenty when compared elsewhere. Perhaps it was their want to impress the richer customers by using more exotic and higher quality spices. It still had its normal taste of cinnamon, but there was a little more to it. Cloves? Regardless, it was warm and easy on the stomach.

“Lassi? Can’t say I’ve heard of it, but if it really can better the flavor, I may have to give it a try. Almost sounds like a dessert.”

Once he had finished off the sweeter food and cleared his palate with some of the toast and tea, he went about alternating between his steak and eggs. There was no need to eat quickly for once. He could afford the time to sit leisurely. Enjoy a conversation.

As he continued to listen, he mostly agreed with her sentiments.

“Plenty of places can substitute for a home, or an aspect of one. Even here, the inn is more just a bedroom and some clothing storage. Here, a dining room. But places like these lack a certain personal feeling. The Still Shore seemed to culminate the feeling of a family, but after a while, it didn’t sit well, so I left. Well, that’s perhaps one reason I left.” He paused shortly. “Truth is more that I didn’t want to cause them additional concern. When I joined, my troubles seemed to follow me into the city. Troubles I didn’t want them to have to deal with.”

He reclined in his seat, resting from eating for a while. “There was the stress I put on Edda and Jancis, and then of course, there was that deranged Elezen family and the damage it did. Even Iron became involved in it. Didn’t like it. Felt like I lost a good friend when he departed to Coerthas, not to mention that L’aenoh and the others had to clean up my injuries when one of the old sisters decided it would be fun to flay me with a lance.” His expression soured. “Out of all the things I could complain about, my biggest is my own adversity to others trying to heal me. It’s a strangely uncomfortable feeling. I simply cannot allow it.” He omitted what he decided would be unimportant, however vital, details from his explanations. They were here to relax. Sounsyy need not be concerned on his failings or quirks. He didn’t think she needed to know of his fear that he might drain all the aether out of a person trying to cast on him. Or of any of the aspects about him that were seemingly wrong or broken.

He tried to brush off the last few statements. “But back to homes, I just couldn’t feel that the Still Shore was one for me. I didn’t keep much in the room besides some books the others could make use of and the ones I had been lent by Miss Reinette. Most of the furniture could likely have been used by the others. And I would assume they’ve disposed of whatever else I’d left in it. I keep what’s important close-by, so if they’ve been discussing it, whatever is left could be thrown away.”

He eyed the half steak and few remaining eggs. They’d probably be finished off once he stopped rambling.

“What else…? Troubles? Got a few, but who doesn’t? They’re not currently the highest concern. Er, at least most of them. As for Lho’a? I wouldn’t so much as call him a problem as much as a petulant child. Makes me wonder how he was raised. But he’s also fairly young. Perhaps the world just hasn’t hit him enough times.” With that, he managed to get a better expression out. What had previously been a soured to just...blank, expression had returned back his his usual smirk.

“You actually concerned that Lho’a could hurt someone?”

Sounsyy held up a finger for a moment's pause as she tried to finish chewing the egg she had just forked into her mouth. After swallowing, she gripped her teacup in both hands, bringing it again below her nose and hovering it there as she took a few quick sips. Something about the steam curling just under her nostrils cleared her mind.

"It can be," she spoke, lowering the teacup enough so that it did not obscure her mouth when she spoke. That would be impolite. "A desert, I mean. One of meh crew hails from Thavnair. Were she what turned meh on to the drink. Yeh mix milk or honeyed yogurt into crushed ice to make this frothy cream. Then the Thavnairians add spices or fruit. Ahh, just talkin' 'bout it has meh craving... Curious though it isn't more popular in Ul'dah, fer all their love of foreign spices. The drink does wonders to keep yeh cool under the warm sun."

Sounsyy gave up with a shrug. The Miqo'te may have a simple palette when it came to food, but she had let slip her love of beverages, even various non-alcoholic ones. Perhaps that was why she held her tea so close to her nose. She could draw more pleasure from the subtle scents that encroached upon her senses than from taste alone. But before Franz could have too much time to ponder any such line of thought, Sounsyy had waved the notion aside, her mood darkening some at the mention of Iron Sea. She was still bitter over the whole affair - how the Roegadyn had shown such promise, only to throw it away for some Elezen he barely knew. It hurt that he had told her how she had inspired him to turn his life about and join the Maelstrom, become a force for good. Only to leave it all behind without a word. Would Sounsyy have helped him? She did not know.

Sounsyy did not voice her thoughts on the matter, for it would've only frustrated her more. She took a deep whiff of her tea before setting it down on the table and resuming her omelette. She let Franz ramble on for a bit about the Still Shore and furniture while she swallowed down her frustration with her friend hidden in the North. Only to turn to Lho'a. Which made her chew her soft eggs more violently than necessary. Her ears flattened slightly against her head.

"I want to talk about yer aversion to healing magicks," she muttered through a mouthful of eggs she'd pushed to one cheek with her tongue. She swallowed before continuing, "But the manner of man I believe Lho'a to be takes precedence. That wretch of a Keeper 'as been followin' me. Mark me, I've done irreparable assault against his manhood, broken his finger, and - most unsettlingly - cracked the man's jaw with the full force of meh shield. And yet... yet, he persists un-phased! There's something sinister about him. He speaks in voices then in whimpers and blusterin' shite fer babbling, but he keeps comin' back like he enjoys it. Tell me that sort of man isn't dangerous?"

It wasn't entirely out of character for Sounsyy to show such concern for another, albeit a rare occurrence given her emotional distance to most people. Maybe her concern was for herself more than anyone else. If she truly felt in danger from the man then maybe the Highlander could confirm her suspicions. But Franz's face was unreadable as he devoured his large portion of food. The Captain sighed and looked guiltily down at her own meager portion, mostly gone by this point. She skewered the last bit of egg with her fork and held it up to her mouth, letting it hover there.

"Juss, be cautious is all I mean."

She shoved the morsel into her mouth as if to accentuate the punctuation of her warning. Her angry chewing calmed by the time she swallowed and after another round of nursing her tea, she seemed to return to her normal composed self. She cleared her throat, resuming in a more civil manner. Perhaps she really was too paranoid for her own good...

"I... er... find it curious yeh, as a healer, 'ave an aversion to receiving succor in return. I'm not sure how common a disposition it is, but I experience a similar discomfort from it mehself. I allow it, because of Grindstone regulations, but I'm reminded of a feelin' of intense aethersickness near every casting. Did you experience something similar?"

She seemed to be driving the conversation into a different route, away from Lho'a, which was sure to make her drive her fork through the table with rage. She seemed to be far calmer now though. Almost innocent in the admission of such vulnerabilities. Sounsyy became oddly aware of how Franz had only seen her as a cold, steely fighter. Never really as a person.

She should've gotten more eggs.

As he continued to ramble on, Franz was made aware that some choices of topic were probably best not discussed at the moment. Little subtle actions such as hiding one’s face while speaking, or how gently a piece of silverware was put back onto the table could speak for a low about how a person felt on a subject. But nothing compared to how simple it was to see that he had struck a nerve speaking on the past.

[i]Should have stuck to talking about food and drink. She was at least smiling about that.[i] He bit his tongue when she began to speak up on the matter. “There’s something sinister about him,” she’d said. It wasn’t untrue. Lho’a was strange. Franz had felt the horrible sensation of his aether being ripped out on their first meeting. Had seen the Keeper speak in the so-called voices. Franz was aware that Lho’a was not alone in his own head. He’d conversed with ‘it’ on a few occasions. There was no question on the matter. Lho’a was possessed, and willingly, it seemed.

But was Lho’a inherently dangerous due to his own abilities, or that of whatever had decided he would make a good host? He wanted to carefully choose his words in regards to Lho’a. “I do think Lho’a could pose a threat. He is young. He has a power he likely does not fully understand. And he is easily susceptible to making poor decisions. The only type of person I know of that could be more dangerous is someone who believes that there is nothing left to life for. I think that Lho’a can still be…,” he paused for a moment, trying to think of the most suitable word or phrase, “educated on the matter.” He made his attempt at a comforting smile. “I am careful around threats. There are places I must travel to, people I must see, tasks to complete. An overly eccentric child will not be the end of me.”

Franz stretched a little in his seat, content with the meal, his relaxed expression betraying his actual feelings on the matter, “besides, I am more than capable of taking care of myself. You need not worry.”

“Now the matter of healing with aether, that is a more peculiar situation.” He shifted in his seat, an elbow on the table, a hand holding up his face. The smile disappeared almost as quickly as it had come. “I myself cannot handle the feeling of it. Specifically Conjury and sacrificial magicks that Thaumaturges cast. To feel the aether being pushed and shoved into a wound does not offer any sort of soothing feeling to me, despite what the caster may try to say.”

He looked up at Sounsyy from the more crouched position. “I wouldn’t call it aethersickness as much as I would call it an uncomfortable feeling. That is why I practice arcanima. More...surgical than nurturing. When I work on my own injuries, I do nothing for the pain. I find it more reassuring to feel the singe of a freshly healed wound, as odd it may sound.” He sat back up in his seat. “It reminds me that I am just as fragile as any other. That healing magic is meant as means to speed up a natural process, not remove the need for it.”

The practised smile had found itself back onto his face through the speech. “I suppose that is my take on it. Would rather give it out than be on the receiving side.” She looked to have calmed down, but he was unsure how his answers would have affected that. Would those feelings be locked away behind the cold face of a fighter? Would they instead be hidden behind the mask of a kind face, like his? Or would she let any objections out?

He believed Sounsyy to be a trustable person, but they both had their own secrets. Franz was unsure how much he could really speak on some matters with her. Her feelings on certain topics, such as Iron’s situation and on the predicament of Lho’a were simple. How she might have judged him was more unclear. And it would likely stay that way until he could be completely honest with her. To be able to toss aside all pleasantries and to not need to wrap up half-truths with rationalizations about how things might be.

Franz took a sip of his tea while awaiting her interpretation.

"Who wouldn't rather be on the giving end of the cast? Yeh think I'd still 'ave a blade in meh hand if I could conjure or have a mind fer the arcane?"

Sounsyy cocked her head a bit to the side with somewhat of a smirk on her face. Apparently the thought her being able to manipulate aether was quite a humorous notion to her. She took a quick sip of tea and set the cup down on the table, leaning backwards in her seat with a slight stretch. Her face contorted briefly as her back gave a small pop.

"Alas," she said as her back popped causing her to postpone her thought and give a soft sigh, "Ever since Carteneau, I've been sensitive to aether in large doses. Somethin' as simple as the aethernet makes me queasy fer hours. Not that I could really do so beforehand either. Somethin' about that fight - or what came after - juss made it worse?"

She shrugged and returned to her tea, only to find it almost empty. She reached for her kettle and poured a fresh cup bringing up a renewed curtain of steam. "Truth is," she started as if there had been no interruption, "A small amount of succor is harmless like as not, but I'm scared to get aethersick again. Yeh ever been aethersick? I'd rather get shot," she huffed, holding up her left hand, which had recently been relieved of its ring finger. She dropped the gesture back to the table and refocused her attentions on her tea, deeming it cool enough to drink.

"At least ye've got some logical rationale fer the process," she said finally over the rim of her cup of tea. Even if it was for different reasons, Sounsyy was quite taken with the idea that she was not the only odd duck with aversions to aether.

He listened, speaking up when it seemed like she was done. “I thought some people prefer an actual weapon in their hands? There isn’t much a mage can do if someone happens to get close enough. Exactly why I still prefer my axe for feats of combat.” Franz had somehow remarkably cleared all his plates. “Disgusting Highlander appetites” as any other would likely have called it.

He eyed her a little more closely at the mention of Carteneau, despite not being there himself. “Carteneau was where the moon fell?” He could recall hearing about the Meteor Project, but such a thing had been denounced by the general public. Franz only knew it had been continued through the efforts of van Darnus, but he hadn’t actually met any survivors from the attack. “But...I think that would make sense. Does that mean you saw it? Or were close to the epicenter?” He couldn’t deny being interested in it all. He tried to shrug off his own curiosity, however. If she had been, his questions were likely rather personal. And rude. “My apologies. I shouldn’t ask.”

“But to answer the question, I’ve experienced aethersickness. Truly something I would rather not have to experience again. Think I’d take my chances with alternate methods.” He had used some forms of aetherial travel before, but none were particularly recently. Not since he had left that house in the Goblet. But there was little reason to use such travel methods. He had plenty of gil and plenty of time. An airship ride was generally pleasant, nonetheless.

Sounsyy had appeared to have cheered up more at the recent discussion. Perhaps best to leave certain...people or topics alone. “I have to wonder,” he said with a bit of a smirk. “Do you think they’ve decided to open their bar yet?”