[ Taking a day or two to recover in Fanow had been a blessing and a curse. It had given Theo enough time to recover after taking in more Light-aspected aether than what should be possible. Containing it has gotten even more difficult. In truth, he hasn't exactly spoken about the pain. The cracking around the edges of his soul. No, the Viera has been keeping that part to himself.
But spending time around the Viis had also been... Painful. A different sort. It had put a longing for home in him that he hadn't experienced in a while. Before the Scions had departed for the Crystal Tower once more, the Viis had explained that no one will be permitted back into their village for at least a week or two. They do not explain further, just stating that there is a custom that will not permit for outside participation.
Theo, on the other hand, had been pulled aside prior. He had been told that he could stay. That, if necessary, he will be welcomed back when there is "a need for it." He doesn't have to guess what they mean by that. Theo had merely nodded and thanked them before thinking to rejoin his friends. Perhaps it is about that time for the Viis, but Theo knows that for him that particular drive won't be for a couple of more years yet.
At least that's what he had thought. Instead, no sooner had they returned and debriefed with the Exarch, Theo had felt the telltale signs. He hadn't thought that being in the presence of the Viis would trigger his own response, but apparently he's to go through this while on the First and no one to "keep company" with. For a moment he does consider going back. That would be the easiest and safest solution. However, the red mage ends up just sequestering himself away in his room instead, making sure to take food and water. Enough to last a while at least.
But a few days in and his skin is on fire. It prickles where fabric grazes it. His ears twitch at every single little sound and he's buried himself under blankets to try to muffle out scents and everything his ears are picking up. It's warm, of course, too warm. But Theo would rather be overwarm than have his senses constantly assaulted. Though he can hear the footsteps down the range. Theo would know them by heart even if his hearing hadn't been amplified.
Of all of the people to think to check on him... It is the best and the worst scenario. Perhaps he can just. Ignore it? Before he can't ]
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But spending time around the Viis had also been... Painful. A different sort. It had put a longing for home in him that he hadn't experienced in a while. Before the Scions had departed for the Crystal Tower once more, the Viis had explained that no one will be permitted back into their village for at least a week or two. They do not explain further, just stating that there is a custom that will not permit for outside participation.
Theo, on the other hand, had been pulled aside prior. He had been told that he could stay. That, if necessary, he will be welcomed back when there is "a need for it." He doesn't have to guess what they mean by that. Theo had merely nodded and thanked them before thinking to rejoin his friends. Perhaps it is about that time for the Viis, but Theo knows that for him that particular drive won't be for a couple of more years yet.
At least that's what he had thought. Instead, no sooner had they returned and debriefed with the Exarch, Theo had felt the telltale signs. He hadn't thought that being in the presence of the Viis would trigger his own response, but apparently he's to go through this while on the First and no one to "keep company" with. For a moment he does consider going back. That would be the easiest and safest solution. However, the red mage ends up just sequestering himself away in his room instead, making sure to take food and water. Enough to last a while at least.
But a few days in and his skin is on fire. It prickles where fabric grazes it. His ears twitch at every single little sound and he's buried himself under blankets to try to muffle out scents and everything his ears are picking up. It's warm, of course, too warm. But Theo would rather be overwarm than have his senses constantly assaulted. Though he can hear the footsteps down the range. Theo would know them by heart even if his hearing hadn't been amplified.
Of all of the people to think to check on him... It is the best and the worst scenario. Perhaps he can just. Ignore it?
Before he can't]