synthneon | · CALL ME OUT (AUTUMN) ·

( please mention if you want end-shadowbringers up through 5.3 spoilers! )

Edited 2021-11-13 10:20 (UTC)

[ As he recalls the stories, the Warrior(s) of Light were hardly welcome to Isghard upon their original arrival. Trust was earned and they became heroes to the city -- the Miqo'te before him and her sister. Together the two were hailed as the Warrior of Light; unified by cause and in mind. Oh, the stories they write, the people they inspire...

He tilts his head back ever so slightly in thought. Something that required her attention. Of course. Why would he be so lucky to have both in one place? He was far too early as it was. Still, he could not pass up the chance to speak with at least one of the two women he considers his friends. His heroes. ]

Ah, no. We have not. [ A sad smile touches his face and he shakes his head. ] However, the deeds of the Warrior of Light are known to many peoples across this realm.

Why? Do I seem familiar?

( cont from here )

[ To be quite honest, she wishes her sister were here with her, but sometimes they spend time apart out of necessity or due to responsibility. In the end, however, they always end up coming back together.

She eyes him with a look that's mostly curious but also a little wary. Something about him does seem familiar, but she can't quite tell what that might be. Perhaps he's just someone who's heard the tales of the Warrior of Light and has become enamored with the image of a heroic type who always conquers evil. If that's the case, then this conversation between them could just be a distant memory tomorrow.

For now, though, she knows she needs to put in some effort at continuing this conversation. ]

I've met a lot of different people, but there are those who manage to be more memorable than others.

[ Is she saying that he's one of them in an offhand way? Perhaps. But also, perhaps not. Maybe she's just trying to figure out who he actually is. ]

Ah... I see.

[ He wonders then -- was their meeting worth remembering? Will she remember him once all is said in done? What of her sister? Perhaps their memories will be unfavorable once the tide has been turned. It leaves him with much to wonder and his heart heavy over the potentiality. However, if the Warriors of Light are to look back on their time together without fondness by the end... he is willing to pay that price. Their goal is far too important to worry of boyish thoughts. ]

Then, let us consider this our first meeting. Two strangers in the Forgotten Knight merely having the company of one another for now. [ His crystalized hand raises and gestures to her. ] You have a heavy burden upon your shoulders, Warrior of Light. Perhaps... you might share what it is that keeps you rooted in this inn, away from your sister?

Is something wrong?

[ She can't quite tell if she managed to upset him with something she said, but he seems to be a little bit... not upset, exactly, but not entirely happy either. ]

Yes, I suppose a first meeting between two strangers is a good place to begin.

[ And strangers can turn out to be friends, as she well knows. But then she looks at him with a little bit of uncertainty. ]

We are strangers, as you just mentioned. Strangers have no obligations to hear the troubles of another. [ Especially since what's weighing on her seems far too heavy to put off on someone she's only just met. ]

[ A simple shake of his head is afforded to the one-half of the Warrior of Light. Perhaps there is some disappointment on his end, but, he should have expected nonetheless. His identity is concealed and thus they have no reason to trust him -- nor will they. Not if his plan is to be set in motion the way it must.

Even still, a part of him remains boyish in his hopes he might somehow aid his heroes. ]

No, there is no obligation on my part. Simply someone who would rather not see a hero of the realm so lost. [ His crystalized hand raises as he gestures to the inn around them. ] Yet, from all that I have read, many find comfort in the company of strangers in all forms. One cannot move forward with a heart so heavy with burden and task, Warrior of Light.

I speak from my own experience, of course.

[ There is one thing going for him that cannot be said for others. She does not get the sense that there is something nefarious about him, or a reason that she should not trust him. That can't be said for the Ascians, for example, or for some of the Garleans that she and her sister have encountered before.

Still, she can hardly claim any sort of familiarity with him, and that is what makes her wary. ]

Lost? [ She ponders that word for a moment. ] I suppose that's fitting. [ She knows what her duties are and what she must do going forward, but loss can take many forms, and she is contending with one of them.

At that statement of his, she manages a small sort of smile. ]

But is that not what I'm meant to be doing? Carrying out the tasks that others require seen to, and shouldering their burdens as well.

[ Never mind her own more personal burdens. The Warriors of Light are there to help people, to be of service to them. ] Shouldn't their needs come first?

[ The Ascians... what a complicated set endeavors they are. Still, there are many adventures that K'thisru and her sister are yet to live. He finds himself now with the unexpected duty of keeping the flow of time in a way it must be. Strange, he thinks. ]

Lost in your own thoughts. [ He clarifies what he means then. ] You, Warrior of Light, are the Champion of Hydaelyn. Whatever that entails, whatever duties or quests you seek out, are entirely at your discretion. What you are meant to be doing is your path to walk. That path will define your ways and others will rise above themselves to join you -- as they already have.

[ A gentle smile can be seen beneath his hood. ] Pray, tell me what weighs you down... and if you so wish, I will answer a query of yours as well.

Ah. [ Here, she looks a little bit abashed. Perhaps being lost in her thoughts is unbecoming for the Warrior of Light, and yet she finds that it happens more than she cares to admit.

When he goes on, she listens with rapt attention. To hear him talk, it seems as though she has more choice than she imagined. It seemed to her that she could (should?) only do her duty, which is to help where she is needed and be at the service of everyone with a need. It just so happens that where she and her sister help most is with battles and other conflicts, although they have helped out with other seemingly mundane tasks as well. ]

You make the path sound so wide open. [ Which, she supposes, it is. She doesn't always know where she is going or where she might wind up. Could she have foreseen that the path would lead to Ishgard?

He's given her a lot to think upon. ]

Haurchefant. [ She only says his name by way of answer, and in doing so, she feels that curtain of regret and even guilt descend on her again. ]

Is it not? What battles, what trials, what parts of the world you help are of your choice. You candeny any that request aid. Should you is only an answer you can give.

[ However, the Crystal Exarch knows her and her sister. They are not the sort to deny aid to any that might ask. No matter how small or how large the request. Perhaps some small part of them resents it to a degree; perhaps they tire of the fight. Still, they rise to the call, when many would simply say no. ]

Oh... I see. The son of Count Edmont de Fortemps.

[ His head tilts down, and his crystalized hand touches his chin in thought. He perished in the battles against the Heavens Ward, if tomes of the stories are to be true. He sees no reason for them to be as it is quite obvious K'thisru is in considerable anguish. Were they close, he wonders. Had the young knight left such an impression that he was a friend--a friend that he, the Crystal Exarch, could only dream of achieving? He frowns. ]

Has it been long since his passing?

[ She's already shaking her head even before he finishes his sentence. ] I couldn't, and I won't. [ She might have some uncertainties hanging over her at the moment, but that is one thing she's completely certain of. ] If anyone asks either me or my sister for help, I won't refuse.

[ Have there been moments when either of them wished for a reprieve, for the chance to rest? Of course. But both of them have always steeled their resolve and continued on with the fight, because that is their duty. ]

Yes. [ She glances down at her hands then, remembering with an almost crystal clear clarity, his last moments and how he reached out for her hands. ]

No, not very long at all. [ What is "long", anyway, in this particular context? She imagines it will take her some time to put this behind her; not forgetting Haurchefant, because that's impossible, but no longer feeling so weighed down. ]

No, I had the feeling you might not. [ A gentle smile turns on his face, the edges barely seen underneath the hood. Still, his head lifts again as he nods in agreement to her statement. AH, yes. That is the Warrior of Light he is so accustomed to knowing. ] And so you shall always help them. One might wonder how you became so caring for your fellow man.

[ He watches the reaction on her face. It's quite clear that the passing of the other one has pained her dearly. He clears his throat ever so gently to call her attention to him. ]

All souls return to the Lifestream... to begin a new, some cultures on our star believe. It is a parting but that does not mean it is permanent.

[ She shrugs her shoulders, as if to say that there's no reason why she would refuse. It is hardly difficult for her to imagine that if she fell on hard times or was in trouble somehow, she would appreciate it if someone held out a helping hand to her too. As for how she came to be the way she is, she just can't imagine being heartless enough to turn away from anyone.

The Lifestream... She's heard of it, and heard of the many theories that people have concerning it. Would she wish to see Haurchefant returned? In a way, yes, she would, but only to- To what? She asks herself.

To apologize? She is certain that he would say there is no need. To thank him? That hardly seems appropriate. Never mind that if she had the choice, she would have taken the hit herself rather than cause anyone else to become hurt or to lose their life as he did.

Nevertheless, she knows he has earned his rest, and if the parting is not permanent as the man sitting beside her says, she hopes that he manages to find his rest before fate or circumstance weaves him back into the world again. If such a thing is true. ]

I am not certain I would wish him returned, even if it meant seeing him once more.

[ Her expression shifts into something more apologetic, as if she expects him to take offense with that statement. ]

Perhaps he will be there to meet you on the day of the inevitable... to congratulate you, no doubt.

[ His tone is soft then, far away, even tinged with the sense of loss. He prays he will not see the day when the Warriors of Light no longer walk the realm. Even if...

A shake of his head underneath his hood that shrouds his eyes. It matters little. ]

Mourn him this day, Warrior of Light. Then, in the morrow, stride forward with your held high. I imagine he would ask no less of you.

[ In spite of herself, she can't keep a hopeful expression from forming in response to his words. ]

Perhaps he will. But he is the one who should be congratulated.

[ Never mind that some say that living is what is hard. ]

Of course. [ She inclines her head just slightly, knowing that that is what she intended to do all along. ] There are things that we have to do that won't wait, not longer than today.

Mayhap you should visit his resting place once your battle with the dragons has ceased. Congratulate him then, bring him tides of the wars end.

[ Not that he would seek to tell her what to do. Her path is her own, even if she walks it along side her sister. He merely will suggest as what he has read of her time in Isghard. Yes, that should be enough... ]

Well, you hardly need my approval or blessings. Still, I hope you will take my best wishes for you to heart.

Yes, you are right, and that is what I should do. [ And she will, as soon as the chance presents itself. ]

So, I must ask, then. [ He has given her quite a bit to think about, but there is one question that she has for him. ]

You say we have not met, and that seems right as I cannot place you, but the way you speak- [ She pauses, wondering if her observations will only offend him. ]

Perhaps you are merely a well-wisher and I am far too curious.

[ His eyebrows raise beneath his hood, and he is ever thankful that it conceals his identity to some degree. Not that the Warrior of Light need know him beyond the title she will come to know him by. ]

Perhaps I might phrase it as such. I hope that we might yet meet properly and know one another well. Your services are in great need here in Isghard, and I am keen to wait my time.

[ His message has come far too soon and by that mark, he cannot share what it is he reaches her and her sister's aid for. Mysterious might be a way to put it. Withholding, untrustworthy. All things he is willing to become in order to rewrite an end he knows. ]

I take it to mean you have yet to meet anyone else that speaks as I do?

[ She pauses to consider this briefly before going forward with her first instinct about how to respond. ]

It seems to be that there is no limit on having friends. Of course, you could bide your time, or we could take those first steps now.

[ He seems to be a decent sort, if just a little mysterious, but that only adds to her curiosity. ]

I suppose I should say that I have yet to meet anyone who speaks of the things you do, not only how you speak them. [ But lest he become put off or offended, she puts on a smile, the warmest one she can manage, for his benefit. ]

All of this only makes me wish to converse with you for a little while longer, if I might be allowed to admit that.

Ah, well, then... what first steps would you have us take?

[ He has to be rather careful in how he approaches this. Things must be in tact and remain thus for pieces to align properly. Sweeping changes cannot be made. Not yet. ]

Certainly. As long as you need an ear on lend to you, Warrior of Light, I would not mind it at all. Pray tell, is there something else that troubles your mind?

[ She pauses to think then, tapping her chin as she chooses which question to begin with. ] Well, to begin with, you haven't given me your name or what I should call you.

[ But in response to his question, she shakes her head. Haurchefant's loss weighs on her, of course, but she imagines that with time, she'll feel that particular weight less keenly. ]

Being a Warrior of Light means being strong for those who can't. [ Among other things, of course. ]

That would present a problem if you intend for us to meet again. [ He gives a smile at the statement as if he was amused by the notion. ] For now, you may call me Exarch. Such is a part of my title by those I oversee.

[ He raises his crystalized hand, a finger pointing upwards. ]

If I may interject and not only correct, but offer some insight. [ While she is not wrong, he does not wish her to think it is only strength that calls those around her to her aid. Especially not for what is to come. ] Being a Warrior of Light has never meant pure strength alone. I have done much research into those given the title in ages of antiquity before other calamities. All that bear the title are strong, tis true, but they also provide wisdom. Guidance. Aid.

Above all else, however, they provide hope. A guiding light forward for those that have lost their way.

I would certainly like to, if only to learn more of who you are and what your story is, Exarch. [ He represents a mystery, and if there's one thing she enjoys, it's unraveling mysteries.

And thus far, she has been rather distracted by one thing or another, but in the back of her mind lurked the thought that this Exarch has a rather strange appearance, namely the crystallization on various parts of his person.

Now she can't help but focus on that hand, and the finger that points upwards. She still means to inquire about it, but now does not seem to be the right time. ]

Of course. [ She nods her agreement with his words. Haven't others said as much to her and her sister? ] But to that end, a Warrior of Light can hardly appear overly troubled, else those who are looking for hope and guidance might find themselves even more lost.

If the Gods are good, and things align as they ought? We might very well.

[ Of course, he intends to meet her. He must. For the sake of all they must stem the tide... however, she has much to do and see in her time before then.

Perhaps he should not even be conversing with her as he is now. He should leave now. However, something inside him speaks against what the scholar in him says. If he has found her this soon, then, it was destined to happen. He should investigate this further if at all possible. ]

Is it better for one's hero to be infallible? Or,by chance, is it better that they remain human on some level? If one sees the one they admire in a moment they can relate unto themselves... what makes the lasting impression?

Well, then, I shall have to hope that I manage to remain in their good graces.

[ She seldom talks about this with anyone, but there are moments in which she wonders if the path she has taken is the right one, and if the choices she has made are also right. Of course she knows that there is no right answer to either of those questions, and that all she can do is carry on.

She then taps one finger against her chin as she ponders his series of questions. ]

The clearest answer is, of course, that last one. But at the same time, there are those who only feel disappointment when their heroes fall. How do you find the balance between the two?

🎃 AUTUMN

crystal exarch 💎 final fantasy xiv

@evokerhorn

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