Lost but not Forgotten

A sense of weariness crept upon Asta’s eyelids as she carefully dragged her finger along the wearing lines of the wood of the table before her, gently pushing her empty mug to the side. Despite the ever-lasting day it was easy tot ell when it was too late to be doing much of anything, let alone running about an entirely new land, let alone a new world. She was not opposed to letting rest take her for a moment. She had well earned it to a point, or so she believed, despite the short time she had then spent in the first. Still, she was ever ready to lay eyes upon those she had been robbed of what felt like eons ago, and even longer for they if she was led to believe correctly. She and Yura had come to Kholusia in an attempt to weed out Alphinaud once more, ever desperate to see him safe as safe would allow in a situation such as theirs. Asta feared, however, the ever-lingering issue behind Yura’s eyes, and how it would come to play upon reunion.

Asta found herself shooting awake once more, somewhat shocked at her ability to have fallen asleep so suddenly, as the door to the tavern opened. She groaned lightly as light filled her eyes once more, yet her ears perked up upon hearing a familiar voice that had been far too absent. “And how is business today, Mistress Theva?”

“Oh, frenetic. Look. I have a new customer.” Asta carefully pulled her gaze from the table, no longer distant and weary in focus, to observe the voices before her. A sense of relief and joy washed over her as she beheld the smaller elezen before her, his profile ever etched into her mind.

The young Hyur found herself standing slowly in approach, Alphinaud finally turning his own body to fully face the Warrior of Light, a joyful and innocent smile gracing his face as he spoke, “…Tis good to see you, my Friend.”

Soon after the younger man finished his business with Theva, the pair found themselves alone to speak, taking advantage of the moment of peace to catch up with one another, hiding from the world for but a moment to appreciate finally being among friends once more.

“It seems ages since we last spoke. Not since the prisoner exchange in Doma. And Yotsuyu…It has been even longer for me, of course, if you count the days I have spent here. But the time has only added to the relief I feel, seeing you safe and well.” Alphinaud reflected on the time he had spent in the first, deprived of his home and his friends. So many questions plagued him, but he knew there was a time for that.

“We thought we had lost you, you know. We all did.” Asta admitted fully, reflecting on the moments Alphinaud had first made his departure, the discovery of his ship and the limp state in which his body had been returned to them in the Source. She dreaded thinking of it but knew it made the reunion all the sweeter. 

“Hah! Alisaie said much the same thing. I don’t think I’ve ever had such a scolding.” Alphinaud could not help but allow himself a laugh. Sure, it was horrible to think about but in hindsight, seeing everyone safe and whole for the moment, the situation did have its humor.

Asta couldn’t help but find herself reflecting his mood, laughing a bit at the whole messed up situation. It was devastating to relive and terrifying at the time, but there was comfort to be found in small victories. “Well you did give them quite the fright with your decision you know. Alisaie and Yura both.” Asta eyes drifted away slowly at the mentioning of Yura’s name, her face falling slightly. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen them to worked up.” 

Alphinaud’s face followed suit as his mind lingered on Yura’s name. She was the only one he had yet to hear anything about. If she was well, if she was safe… he knew she had been called yet she never appeared within the First, at least not before he and Alisaie. He couldn’t help but worry, especially after making so many promises to stay safe, only to let her down. “Yes, I suppose to I do still have some things to answer for.,” Alphinaud let his gaze fall away from Asta as he thought more on it. More than anything he wished to see her whole and hale, his most beloved. 

Observing the fall of the young man’s face, Asta did what she could to alleviate his stress, even if only a little. “You should know. Yura is here with us too. I asked her to join us when she finished her own business.”

A look of relief and joy crossed Alphinaud’s face once more at the mention of Yura’s arrival. Of course, he would never wish her to be stuck here with them but full glad was he to hear she was okay, “Thank the Twelve for that. And here we thought she had vanished herself! We shall have much to share with her as well upon her return.” 

“I knew you would be eager to see her.” Asta smiled, though there was an evident hint of sandess in her words. They were almost forlorn.

Alphinaud felt heat hit his ears yet could not allow himself to conceal the truth of his feelings as he smiled, glancing away “I… fully admit my concern for her has weighed me down for some time. Seeing one I hold so dear safe and secure is not something I will take for granted.” Alphinaud cast his gaze back as Asta as he finished speaking, feeling it fall once more upon seeing the concern and loss in her eyes, “Yet you seem downcast.”

“Alphinaud, there’s something you need to know,” Asta did her best to keep herself composed, not one usually accustomed to serve a friend cruel reality, but understanding the job had to be done, “She… doesn’t remember anything. Her life in the Sources… it’s forgotten”

Alphinaud’s face froze in shock at the delivery of the news, unsure of what to say, simply muttering the final word of Asta,” Forgotten..?”

“From what I understand, when she arrived she was lost, confused, could barely recall her own name. something… happened upon her summoning. We’re doing what we can but… right now all we can do is hope. She’s been in the Crystarium since her arrival,” Asta raised her gaze to meet Alphinaud’s once more, finding him somewhat lost in his own mind. She couldn’t tell if he was hearing her, but she continued on regardless, “The Exarch kept her close at hand after her arrival. Secretive almost be it to spare your feelings or keep her safe I know not. Shes been helping where she can but…nothings really come back to her. We had hoped finally allowing her to travel, to see friends… maybe it’ll do something. But for now—”

“Sorry I’m late!” Asta stopped her sentence short upon hearing a young voice call through the tavern door, both she and Alphinaud rocketing up from her seat as they looked upon the young Au Ra before them. “Still getting used to how nasty the wildlife around here can be. You’d think it’d be harder to sneak up on someone in broad daylight.” Yura smiled thoughtfully upon seeing Asta before drifting her gaze towards Alphinaud, smiling brightly. “Found your.. our friend then, yes?” Yura paused to consider her words, clearly trying to organize herself in her confusion

Asta gazed towards Alphinaud as his own settled upon Yura. As he looked into the eyes of his closest friend, his dearest and most beloved, the one who had accompanied him through so much turmoil, so many events, he sought after relief. Yet he was only greeted with the eyes of a stranger. For as long as he had been away from her, Alphinaud’s greatest fear for Yura came in her pain, her fear, her anger, and Twelve forbid, her death. He asked himself daily: Was she okay? And even if she was, was she angry with him? He could take it if she was safe, but his heart still hurt at the thought. Yura was never one to forgive things so easily, especially something that she may perceive as abandonment. Yet now, seeing her, he found something worse to fear than the loss of a life. The loss of one who was still very much alive.

Yura recoiled a bit at his silence, a look of concern crossing his face as he stared on. But soon enough, a smile found its way back to her face as Alphinaud’s face lit up. With pain in his heart and clouds in his eyes, he smiled, posing an introduction. “Alphinaud Leveilleur at your service.”