[ Now much more aware of what's happened, Era shoots Esteem a disgruntled look. Then, remembering she currently has a sword, immediately cleaves her Darkside with it.

Esteem staggers, form destabilizing around the wound. There is no blood, only wisps of shadow. They let out a slew of curses under their breath, but there's a grin on their face.

Era frowns at them, annoyed— ]

You're supposed to be the smart one.

«I'm you.»

I'll hit you again if you don't piss off for a bit.

[ Esteem's grin widens, clearly finding the threat to be rather appealing, but they dissipate in a swirl of shadow and flecks of sparkling aether — not unlike those that radiate from her Carbuncle.

Era turns her attention back to Ardyn looking deeply apologetic; her shoulders sag, and her tail droops behind her. She (reluctantly) holds his sword out for him to take back, blade cutting into her hands as it's too big for her to (safely) hold out hilt-first. Superficial wounds, easy enough to heal with a single spell. She isn't concerned. ]

...Apologies. They've a bad habit of doing as they like, regardless of my input.