why are we back here again

“Feeling better?”

Robyn nodded, felling much more herself now that her stomach was settled. “Much, that lassi really worked wonders. And thank you for helping Estinien in the market as well.”

El chuckled and looked over to where Estinien and Elio were chatting out of ear shot. “He has a kind heart, and the people here are desperate to make any gil they can.”

“Even still, you saved us from Tataru’s wrath,” Thancred half joked, “and for that we are grateful.”

“I am surprised that you let a Sharlayan so recklessly teleport you halfway around the star like that,” El commented, looking back towards Robyn. “I would have figured by now you knew their hairbrained ideas always came with consequences.”

“Hey, sometimes the consequences are worth it,” Thancred argued.

“Hmmm…sometimes.” There was a weight that hung between them as they took each other's measure.

“I must ask,” Uriangier interrupted their stares, “have we met before?”

El thought for a moment, glancing at Robyn before replying. “No. No, I don’t believe we have. Though I will say you are not the first people bearing an Archon mark I have had the chance to work with.”

“Speaking of work, what are you doing here?” Robyn asked.

“These towers have popped up all over the place, but when we found out one was here—so close to Elio’s family—we made our way as fast as we could. We hoped we could help, or at least protect them.”

“I assume there have been kidnappings here was well?” Thancred asked.

She nodded, “mostly Arkasodara as far as we can tell, but it has everyone on edge. The city has been closed down, trading all but dried up. People are growing desperate and fearful.”

“You have a plan, don’t you? That’s why you are here?”

Robyn didn’t notice Elio had come over to join them until he spoke. The pleading look in his eyes made her quick to reassure him.

“The alchemists at the Great Work do. They sent for our help, specifically they sent for the help of someone with the echo. And honestly,” she turned and addressed El, “it wouldn’t hurt to have more than one around. These towers seem have the same tempering ability that primals do, so investigating them has been difficult.”

“Of course, anything I can do I will.”

“To the Great Work then! Though, it will be getting dark soon. Perhaps it would be safer to stay here for the night and make our way at first light.” Elio offered awkwardly, “I am sure my mother would be more than happy to have you all for dinner.”

Robyn almost protested, surely there was nothing lurking nearby that the six of them couldn’t handle. But Elio looked so eager at the thought of taking them to meet his family, she couldn’t help but give in.

“Only if she lets me help in the kitchen.”

The smile that broke across Elio’s face let her know she made the right choice. This was important. Remembering what they were fighting for was worth taking the time.

Robyn was relieved when Thancred also agreed, “It would be useful to talk to the locals and get the lay of the land before we set off, anyways.”

She would have to thank him later.