“Well, that was stolen,” she says, pointing at the eye, “so my pitch is ‘please return that to dragons in general in a show of good faith,’ and then Ishgard and the not-Nidhogg dragons talk about their problems and grievances and try to negotiate a peace. Of literally any kind.“

"I think if I tried to give this back to Nidhogg he would eat my head for my trouble. And then he'd have enough of his power back to singlehandedly raze Ishgard to the ground."

“Did I say to Nidhogg? I did not. I said to dragons. They don’t all serve him, and many less would if it were demonstrated how unreasonable he’s being. His brother would be a better bet. That was why I wanted to summon Shiva.”

"—Hraesvelgr? They are not allied? Of course they aren't, there is no way Nidhogg would not have pressed an advantage centuries ago if he had had Hraesvelgr by his side." She shoots up to her feet and bows deeply. "This has been a most informative encounter, Milady Iceheart. I shall intrude no longer. I believe you will want to make contact with your allies without the Azure Dragoon nearby, and I think I have much research to conduct."

"... Sure. Okay. You're welcome."

"And thanks for not killing us or worse, it's much appreciated. You sure you don't want any stew to go before you go... hopping off into the distance?"

"I'm sure," she says with a smile.

Then the helmet is back on and she's out and jumping into the distance like an extremely overpowered rabbit.

"That was the weirdest conversation I've had in a long damn time."

"I'm not entirely convinced I'm not unconscious and dreaming, yes." She pauses. "Do you think she was serious about the 'in love with you' thing?"

"... You know, with that lady I really, really couldn't say."

"Hm. Indeed."

Because Vethrione does not think she was joking.