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EDGE OF YZZAYT'S TRANSGRESSION - AFTERNOON
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Usid has gone 'hunting', telling the others in Respite that he has gone out to be alone, to hunt and relieve his stress. But in actuality, he has other prey in mind, wishing to keep an eye on Bracvar, and to see the intent of this 'seeker' of dragons. He has stalked nearby, lurking in shadow and pursuing them without sound, his speed and skill still exemplars, and watched them descend into the uncovered ruins, but for now he has decided to leave them to that, and to circle back to the strange new memorial that has been constructed, done with a purpose he immediately recognized. He takes a moment to kneel before it, and contemplate the tragedy of his former home in silence.
Aerdrid has been largely keeping to himself for the last while, spending a lot of time building up the shrine into something much more than just a well-arranged pile of stones and boulders. He's not really had much contact with anyone since he set out, having been sticking around Yzzayt's Transgression since he first arrived a few weeks back. Thanks to his love of flying high in the air, he spotted Bracvar and Ninell long before the two ever set foot on the perimeter of the crater, but he dared not attempt to defend the place alone, just from seeing the wicked polearm held by the one in heavy metal plating. He likewise sees Usid seemingly tailing the pair, but holds off on making contact until the smaller Saur is near the shrine, upon which he glides down to a graceful landing several yards away.
Usid hears the near-silent noise of the flyer gliding up behind him, but makes no initial move, finishing the silent prayers to the ancestors that Sister Xochi claimed watched over them. Slowly, he lifts his head, takes a deep breath. "Aerdrid, yes? Your work?"
Aerdrid nods as he approaches the shrine and Usid. He's looking a lot more... wild, now, his outfit certainly having seen better days now that it's being used as a loincloth rather than a full tabard. "Yes. I felt it necessary when I saw what became of the Prominence..."
Usid rises up and turns the face Aerdrid at last, nodding. "It is good. They deserve more, but there was no time before. Shock... disgust... betrayal... so much emotion, fighting in Usid that day. A memorial did not cross anyone's mind. But it is good that Aerdrid has done this."
Aerdrid hums quietly, looking over at the shrine with a somber expression before he shifts his gaze back to Usid. "I am glad you find it worthwhile, Usid. I likely would not have considered similar as well, were I there on that day, but..." He shrugs and sighs, "I consider this my penance for not having been there to help anyone... on either side."
Usid hums, watching Aerdrid a moment. "Usid considers penance paid, then, but Usid understands. Usid made his choice, and lives with his consequences. Aerdrid never got to make choice, and yet still faces consequences." He eyes the tattered outfit. "What will you do now, hm?"
Aerdrid looks down at his outfit for a moment, then looks towards the crater again. "I was considering returning to Respite, but then I caught sight of two curious wanderers entering the Prominence." He shifts his eyes towards Usid, "Then I saw you tailing them, Usid. I did not want to attempt to chase them off alone, but... do you believe they are here with ill intentions?"
Usid glances towards the crater as well, "Hmmmm. Yes. And no. The seafolk claims to be a guide for the other. I believe he seeks riches, the scraps of the Whisperer's wealth. I care little for that. The other is said to be another from beyond the sea, from a place foreign to even those within Respite. ...his guide said that Yzzayt now plagues his people, and he seeks answers to Yzzayt's truth. Questions which I do not think we know. Or perhaps that we ever knew."
Aerdrid crosses his arms and tucks his beak against his chest in thought. "Hmm... I was not able to see much high up in the air, but they did not seem to linger in any area aside from where the amphitheater used to be... Did you see them disturb any remains?"
Usid shakes his head, "They only shifted stone to delve deeper. Gestures of respect were made to the fallen."
Aerdrid lifts his head up a bit and nods at that, his arms unfolding slowly. "Good... then what they get up to in the amphitheater passages is not my concern... The Whisperer's wealth is of no concern to me." He pauses, frowning a little, "Though I do hope the warrior from another land is able to find something of use, if Yzzayt is truly plaguing their realm."
Usid nods heavily, "If true, Usid feels a part of the blame, yes. Usid is unsure what to hope for... only that Yzzayt does not harm his people as Yzzayt has harmed ours."
Aerdrid nods again in turn. "Yes, let us hope that Yzzayt causes no more trouble." He shifts his gaze to the shrine again, his eyes lingering on the centerpiece, "Too many have suffered already."
Usid walks closer to the edge, looking not into the crater, but beyond it, the edge of the mountains showing the barest sliver of the distant sea beyond, once blocked from view by the mountain. "Yes. Still suffering. But slowly our clans are healing. You are clever, Aerdrid, yes? Not clever like Nyzai. But smart. See things. Usid has little doubt you would do well in Respite."
Aerdrid hums at that. "I am... not sure about clever, seeing as I was the one to get captured by way of my own errors..." He does manage to find a bit of a smile, however, "But... I do appreciate it, Usid. Once those two are out of the crater, I will make my way back to Respite. I have spent a while out here, surviving on my own, building up that little shrine to honor the fallen... so it might be time for me to return, hm?"
Usid chuckles, "Penance served, yes. Some may wish to know of this shrine as well, to say their own farewells. Usid has found some peace speaking with Sister Xochi, and meaning in helping Tizza. Usid is... trying to do what is best for our Clans. Usid could always use another voice to tell him when he is foolish?"
Aerdrid takes a few seconds to consider the offer, then chuckles as he nods. "I would imagine you are not as foolish as you seem to think. After all... you saw sense, even if it was later than Zayzzes." He dips his head a bit more, however, "But, if you need assistance, then I will gladly help if I am able, Usid."
Usid smiles faintly, "Usid has made new allies in Respite... many he tried to kill. Makes for poor friends. Usid does not believe he has ever actively tried to kill you."
Aerdrid shakes his head. "Not that I believe, no. I am glad to say that whatever dislike you and Nyzai held for each other, that does not extend to me." He pauses for a moment, "How long will you be here? I may return to Respite with you."
Usid lowers his gaze down to where he had watched Bracvar and Ninell descend. "Suppose there is little reason to linger, unless we wish to confront them... but..." He shrugs.
Aerdrid follows Usid's gaze. "I will defer to your judgement on this, I think. I have spent much of my time around here, but I feel you have a better grasp on who those two are."
Usid hmphs. "Bracvar was generous to our people in Respite. He is a merchant... but a crafty one. Perhaps we leave a message, yes? And let him keep whatever prizes he finds. Usid has no interest in the Whisperer's treasures, but keeping that seafolk merchant on even footing with us is a worthwhile hunt."
Aerdrid smiles deviously. "A message, hm? It would not hurt to make sure he does not get too comfortable, I agree." He tilts his head a bit, "What sort of message are you intending, though?"
Usid reaches into his pouch, removing a loose coin from Respite, and removing an arrow from his quiver. "No threat, just a note that their presence has been noted. A stray arrow might be mistaken, but placed alongside a coin of their home... I believe Bracvar is clever enough to get the meaning."
Aerdrid blinks, then chuckles as he realizes Usid wasn't intending some sort of threat. "Ahh, I see. Then we just need to leave it in a spot that the two will undoubtedly walk by on their way out." He glances towards the shrine, as a point.
Usid nods, chuckling. "Usid trying to build alliances, not more foes. But Usid also has no intention of letting new allies use us, take advantage of us." He walks back to the shrine, setting the arrow, point down into the ground very deliberately, and rests the coin against it.
Aerdrid waits for Usid to leave his message for Bracvar and Ninell, just quietly observing the smaller Saur's change in demeanor compared to before. He notes how much more restrained he is in his actions and attitude, compared to the scrappy, bloodthirsty person he used to be, back before the war against Respite.
Usid turns back and nods. "Usid is sure he shall speak with Bracvar again. And perhaps this 'Ninell' too. Come then, Aerdrid, shall we return?"
Aerdrid sighs a bit, spending a long moment just gazing at the shrine, before he nods and turns to accompany Usid away from the crater. "Yes... there is nothing else I can do around here at the moment. I will come back in due time, to ensure it stays maintained, but for now... I believe I am finished here."
Usid gives the monument one final look, then dips his head to Aerdrid and begins to walk away. "Usid believes that when you return next, he shall accompany you. Others will wish too as well, in time. It is all of our burden."
Aerdrid walks with Usid, continuing to converse. "Yes... we might even be able to make this a regular occurrence, if it gives comfort to those that are with us in Respite."
Usid nods. "Many still struggle with everything that happened. The Whisperer's choices were feared by many, but few questioned Yzzayt's Will. His betrayal hurt many, but we are strong. Yzzayt's awakening, though... that hurt many of our spirits. It pains Tizza greatly, still, that all our faith only paid us back with... ruin." His voice is hollow, much of his own pain and crisis of faith buried deep, as Usid has been trying to remain strong in the face of others.
Aerdrid hums quietly, his beak tucked against his chest. "I spoke with Sister Xochi before coming here, and she cautioned me against this trip, saying it would be painful to see. I can only imagine how it pained everyone who was there, that day... certainly far worse than what I felt, I am sure." He lifts his head again, "I will aid you however I can, Usid. You bear a great burden, so I want to ease that if at all possible."
Usid glances up at Aerdrid, then turns forward and nods. "Usid did not choose this... Zayzzes or Dyvrisse would have been better choices than Usid... but Usid will do what he must. Your aid shall be most welcome."
Aerdrid looks over at Usid. "Maybe. Zayzzes was the most reasonable of the Chosen early on, and Dyvrisse is a crafty one. Perhaps this is just yet a trial you must face with others aiding you, though."
Usid barks out a laugh, "Trials? Usid has faced trials..." He looks down at his hands, examining the blood stains he still sees upon them, then lowers them and clenches his fists. "Usid has overcome many alone. But always lost more than I gained."
Aerdrid nods, watching Usid's movements. "This might be a good sign that you will fare much better with others supporting you, hm? Tizza, of course, along with myself and whoever else you come to rely upon."
Usid nods, relaxing his hands a bit. "Some within Respite. Those who have forgiven, even if they have not forgotten. Sister Xochi, and Sister Louma, and the Gareth the One-Eyed Wolf. I used to think strength meant being able to do what was necessary without aid... ha."
Aerdrid shakes his head a bit. "It can, but it often does not. You know my clan often hunts in packs. The main reason for that is because when we work as a group, we can accomplish things one of us alone cannot. That does not mean any of us are weak, individually, of course."
Usid hums. "Usid's clan was long looked down upon for weakness. Hunting for scraps. Nyzai looked down on us. She was so sure of herself. So arrogant." He sighs. "She did not foresee herself ever falling to 'lesser' beings. I wonder if she could have seen things different, had she lived to the end?"
Aerdrid shrugs at the question posed, uncertain in the answer. "I wish I could answer that one way or the other, but I do not know. She may have been humbled by such a defeat, or she might have stewed in anger as I did. Her arrogance ran deep, though, and that is what makes me uncertain." He looks over at Usid, "Unexpected, how life goes... you and your kin were once looked down on by many myself and my kin included... but now, you lead all of us, regardless of clan, and do so well, from what I heard around the camp before I departed." He smiles a bit as he talks.
Usid hmphs, growing silent as he thinks. "Usid is no Whisperer. Xelizrus will likely be the last of us to bear that title. Usid owes it to those who did not survive to do his best for our future."
Aerdrid shakes his head. "We no longer need a Whisperer. We need leaders who will do what is best for us openly and without masking themselves behind the words of a 'god'. Xeilzrus will be the last to be known as the Whisperer, but you will be the first to be a proper leader for us, just as Dyvrisse will be a proper leader for those that accompanied her."
Usid chuckles quietly. "Already you speak with your clans pretty words. Usid can only hope that he is up to this task, and that history shall prove your words truth. Usid does not care for recognition anymore. Usid simply waishes for us to live without blood on our hands. Not the blood of Respite... nor of our own people."
Aerdrid chuckles, smiling a bit. "It comes naturally, I suppose... Though... with Tizza helping you, and others to rely upon should you need it, the goal looks well within reach."
Usid: "Usid is only certain of one thing these days. That I shall need it, yes."