synthneon | · CALL ME OUT (AUTUMN) ·

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?

[ A gentle smile graces his face, and he shakes his head. Oh, how he wishes he could shower her and her sister in praises. How he wishes he could inform her of those that they inspire and those they give hope to. Remain in the good graces of the gods? How can they not, when they bear the blessing of Hydalaen Herself?

He wishes he could call her what he sees her as--a friend.

His voice turns soft then. ] There is no reason for you to ever think that the gods might not bless and smile down upon you, K'thisru Pahsh. And... should they ever stop? I might yet devise a way to find a way to speak to them upon your behalf and inform them of what an ignorant and arrogant decision it would be.

You are more, so much more, than merely an adventurer, a summoner by trade, a Warrior of Light. You bring hope to those huddled around the fires in the dark and the cold who yet pray for a better tomorrow. You bring all around you together and yet make them better for it.

Please, if nothing else, take those words to heart.

[ It is only then he realizes how much he had said in the short span of time. He pauses, his hand still raised in a gesture. Then, in an odd moment of embarrassment, he clears his throat. Ah, well. That was something unbecoming of the leader of the Crystarium. ]

Turning our attention back to your philosophical quandary... [ His gentle smile turns a tad mischievous then. ] You cannot predict nor sway the reactions that people will have. They are individual to the person and, dare I say, even personal to each of us. While some might yet wish to see the Warriors of Light act as they truly are--women with a sense of wonderlust--others would have you be larger than life and closer to their own view of the extraordinary.

You chose your path and you do not stray from it. It is all any of us can hope to do.

[ It is around this time that she shakes her head at herself and glances at him with a rueful sort of smile. ]

I imagine you are not overly interested in hearing of the thoughts that spring to mind when I have nothing else to think upon.

[ But, with that being said, it would be ungracious of her not to thank him for his words. ]

And once again, you manage to make me wonder about what happens in the future.

[ He hasn't stated that outright, not entirely, but he has made enough allusions to some time ahead of where she is now. At least, it would seem that she would have to not be paying attention at all to miss the implications of what he's said thus far. ]

Why is it that you have such... [ She has to cast about to find the right word to use here. ] Such belief in me? I suppose that is something you cannot say.

[ On the whole, she believes in herself, and while she might have occasional periods of doubt, her confidence usually remains more or less intact. ]

But I will do that, yes. [ Already, she has begun to ponder his words and they have begun to sink in, past her questions and doubts.

Finally, she gives him a smile yet again. ] There may be many things I wonder and am unsure of, but- I think the path ahead is not one of those, even if I still cannot see every twist and turn. [ And of course, that goes for all who have long journeys before them, as it seems he does. ]

I can say with the utmost of certainty that I would be honored--nay, blessed--to hear what troubles your mind. Or, even the erandt thought that travels through.

[ '...in the future.'

He pauses then, as if his whole body has become the crystal that is quite obviously creeping up his body. Something of a laugh and a cough comes from him then. Ah, he should have expected that the Warriors of Light would have come to the obvious conclusion. Of course, the details and the why or how remain shrouded. He cannot tell her of the things he does not know--namely how they might meet properly from where he stands--and he dare not tell her of the future in risk of changing to much.

Slowly, he unfreezes, and another wry laugh comes from him. ]

I suppose I must have been too obvious in my statements of admiration. Pray, forgive me. It was not my intention to unsettle you. [ Part of him rather wishes to get up and run away in from sheer awkwardness of the whole encounter. However, if memory serves from his younger days, K'thisru is the one to run forward and after possible danger. Alkaid is the one usually trailing after her in hopes of keeping some semblance of order. ] Your deeds, both what you have lived and have not lived, inspire us all. It is something I have seen with my own eyes. It may be hard to see it amongst the dreary and upset, but, you and your sister always find a path forward.

[ His smile returns to his face and he nods. ] You will find companions to aid in those moments of uncertainty. Just as you always have and always will. It seems to be a very unique skill of yours and your sisters.

[ The sentiment isn't surprising, not entirely, but while the mantle of Warrior of Light has never chafed, outside of the Scions and a handful of others, mainly Ishgardians, and of course, her sister and now Exarch, it is hardly an every day occurrence when someone states so plainly that they wish to hear her thoughts on things: things other than a commentary on the events that swirl around them. ]

You are too kind, Exarch. [ Too kind to someone who does not even know him. And again, she wonders why and what their relationship in the future is like. But to think too much on that will only cause trouble, she is certain.

When he gives that half-laugh, half-cough, she can't help but tilt her head to one side, pondering his crystal appearance once more. Before she can ask, however, he continues speaking. ]

Unsettle me? I am not unsettled, only curious. But I suppose I should do my best to keep my curiosity in check for the moment. Still, I do wonder one thing, and I wonder if you might be able to answer it. If not, then I shall have to wait and find out the answer in time.

[ His recollection of her and her sister is not wrong; she has always been more inclined to run into danger, throwing herself into the fight, usually to save others or to mitigate a threat before too much damage can be done.

At his next words, she laughs, a wry sort of amusement coming to her face. ]

A unique skill... Or a frustrating one, depending upon whom you ask.

[ It seems to her that she and her sister cast quite a sizable wake, and not all are overly pleased to find themselves swept up in it. But she is the last one who would force someone to become involved in her life or her shared fight. Not all are called to be warriors, after all. ]

Am I? [ A small laugh at his own expense.

Perhaps he is.

A query that perhaps he might be able to answer? He leans back slightly at the prospect. It could mean a great many things. She certainly has a variety of things she might ask for. He holds the cards now -- so to speak. He knows much of her while she knows so very little of him. A brief moment passes as he closes the eyes that are underneath his hood.

Then, a nod. ]

Given how you have trusted to share with me... please, ask your queries. I will answer as I can.

[ A gentle hum comes from him. ]

A gift, for certain, to those around you. I doubt they would want for nothing more.

Yes, you are. [ In her experience, the world is filled with many kind people, just as there are those with evil intentions. To her, that just means when she finds expressions of kindness from people and has the opportunity to show it in return, it is just that much more special. ]

This may be too forward, and I certainly have no expectations of an answer.

[ She looks at him again, noting the crystallization on his neck and hand. ]

I only wonder, is all well with you? [ She realizes how this might sound, because she hardly knows him, and yet she still thinks that that crystallization can hardly be a sign of anything good.

For the moment, she leaves the notion about whether or not her skills qualify as a gift unremarked upon, because she feels as though that is up to those whom she attempts to help. Exarch, at least, seems convinced, and of course he is not the only one. ]

I will do my utmost to remember the compliment from such an esteemed hero when I am in need of guidance.

[ Despite the words sounding as if they are mere pleasantries? The Crystal Exarch is quite serious with them. Many rough roads lie ahead of him as he attempts to find the right time in which to contact her properly. Many lives and many decisions bar his path, but he shall not be stopped. Not when much rests on the outcome of what he must achieve.

His musings pause as he realizes where her gaze has landed. Ah... of course. He should have known it would have been a curiosity. Who else walks the lands with parts of their body as translucent as crystal? Simply because it is just that. Crystal. ]

You wonder of the state of my hand, I reckon. [ A nod despite his smile turning rather ... old. ] There are many magicks in this realm that require beyond what my body can give. As such, I rely on... something very old and very precious to aid me. Yet, with all things, one must consider the equilibrium and what certain things cost. In exchange for the aether and additional aid required for magicks that are of the most import... that very precious thing takes from me.

Or, in simpler terms, the more I might borrow from it, the more of me it requires. It is a price I am more than willing to pay and decided to pay a very long time ago.

[ She laughs quietly because while he has already told her why it is that he and others admire her so much, it always briefly surprises her to hear such admiration so plainly stated. Truthfully, she considers herself no hero, only someone who does what must be done, because she cannot, in any circumstance, turn a blind eye when someone needs help. ]

I see. [ She listens to him explain what it is that is happening to him and why that is, and while she understands, she cannot keep a frown from forming. ] You are not the first that I have met who has spoken this way. [ Except she has yet to see anyone experiencing such a strange and somewhat disturbing phenomenon. Until now, that is. ]

Is that not the way the world works? There are always exchanges to be made, and some would say sacrifices.

[ Which, from her limited understanding of what is happening to him, this whole affair seems to be a fairly significant sacrifice on his part. ]

Are you not worried about how this all might end? [ Because if his entire hand is crystallized, what else might gradually become so? ]

[ And that is what in itself makes her such a hero. There are those that glory seek and want nothing more than that. However, she and her sister have a depth to them. They want more and want to do more for those around them. A hero is second in their minds while doing the right thing is first. It is... admirable to say the least, and inspiring to say the most. ]

I suppose one might liken it to when one pulls the aether from around them. As opposed to draining the land, I give myself, and the more compensation I need? The more it will take in the inevitable end.

[ Although, he has every intention of ending his own mission before that might happen. ]

Many will take without compensation. I am certain you can see how that has ended simply here in Isghard. [ A crystalized finger raises to the ceiling of the inn to make his point. ] As to the progression... I suppose it is something I came to terms with many years ago. Somethings are greater than oneself.

[ She has never put much thought into the hero people hail her as and the individual that she knows that she is, beneath all the trappings of said hero and the title of Warrior of Light. She just wants to be herself, as much as she can, and as far as she is concerned, that just means helping those who need help and even managing to find a little enjoyment in it all. Nothing about what she and her sister do is an idle lark, but there are moments of levity mixed in with the tragedy, and of course, it is impossible to go through life with only one and not the other. ]

Of course. I have heard of this from others much more knowledgeable than I am, but- I have to say that I do not like it. And yes, I know that it does not matter what I like or dislike.

[ It is the way the world turns, and none of them can prevent that from happening, not even a Warrior of Light.

If she were standing, she would place her hands upon her hips and give him a look that is both disapproving and reluctantly understanding all at once. ]

I understand that some things must be done, and of course, I am often the first to run headlong at a problem or a fight, but- [ Here, her eyebrows draw together and she frowns. ]

I do not intend to throw all of myself into the fight and come out of it with nothing left.

[ Why she is so unsettled by his resolution, she is not sure, but it troubles her nonetheless. There is a part of her that expects him to respond with annoyance because of her tone; it is not her place to take him to task for his decision, and the only one who ultimately has to live with it is him.

Still, she knows that she did not hold back her opinion, and she most likely would not if given another chance to state it. ]

If this offends you, I- Well, I am sorry. [ But she still means what she said and most likely will not take it back, unless he truly does become offended. ]

[ One day he hopes to ask her how and why she started her journey. Very little is said when it comes to how the Warriors of Light became what they were. They simply seemed to be in the right place at the right time; appearing when needed most in defense of the star.

There are always whispers of how one should not meet their heroes. He, however, finds it a blessing and an honor he has managed to meet her as such. She is still relatively young in her days of being the Warrior of Light, but, he can see what makes her who she is has long been set in stone. It brings a warmth to his chest to see that those traits continue heavensward and through the storm of blood...

Her chiding--disapproval even--catches him off guard. Underneath the hood that shrouds his face, his eyes widen. She cannot see the expression on his face save the disappearance of the smile. There is a yearning to tell her everything then. How he has come to be how he is, what he is, who he is.... why he has done what he has. He must quell the feelings he had as a younger man and put all else first. The security of their star is paramount and must come first.

Even if, deep down, he wishes nothing more than the approval of one of his heroes. He seeks their approval and to be told that in the end, every sacrifice, every step was worth it. It is a dream he knows he will not have if all plays out as he has planned it to. What small moments he can receive of their attention or their ire is to be treasured and kept close where none might see it.

The Crystal Exarch's head lowers as the scolding continues. The crystalline hand gently settles once more on the table. Of course... why would she say anything other? So determined, is she, not to lose another... especially now...

The reaction she certainly expects is not one she will ever receive. There is no argument for defending his choices or actions. Merely a quietness that settles between them; an acceptance that they might not see eye-to-eye on this matter. The understanding that she may never approve of his methods or what he has done to himself.

What could be more crushing of a boyhood dream than have one of the very people he admired say in so many words that she is disapproving--perhaps even disappointed?

His hand still made of flesh settles on his chest once she has finished. ]

The people whom have entrusted their lives to my care call me the Crystal Exarch. Those that entrusted their dreams and hopes of a better morrow wish for a world better than that they grew up in. [ His voice is soft, as if he were a young man again, desperately seeking for his peers to understand.

Then, his head raises once more. His eyes meet hers even if she cannot see them through the hood that obscures his identity. They search hers for an approval or understanding he knows she might never give. There is no answer she might give him that he has not already pondered a thousand times over. ]

Naught else remains but their hopes and their dreams. All of them are entrusted to me to make certain that they come true. If it takes all of what I am to see those promises fulfilled, then, my friend, I will do just that. Even if it does not meet your approval or if I fall from your standards.

[ His gaze drops. ] Do not apologize for your opinion. Regardless if it sets my heart alight or causes my very soul to ace... I welcome it with open arms.

· CALL ME OUT (AUTUMN) ·

🎃 AUTUMN

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