hobbitholmes: γ€π•žπ•–γ€‘ (Default)
𝓼𝓽π“ͺ𝓻𝓼. ([personal profile] hobbitholmes) wrote in [community profile] synthneon2021-11-19 12:58 am

FF PSL | ❝ for those we can yet save. ❞

AFTERGLOW
β€” hear, feel think. β€”
❄️ HEAVENSWARD
β˜… Ever Heavensward (3.0)
    β€” Ishgard Meetings, Part 2

β˜… As Goes Light, So Goes Darkness (3.1)
    β€” Unfleeting Emotions

β˜… The Gears of Change (3.2)
    β€” Heavy Hearts, Part 2

β˜… Revenge of the Horde (3.3)
    β€” Starlight Festival (Alkaid)
    β€” Starlight Festival (KP)
πŸ”₯ STORMBLOOD
β˜… IC Permission
β˜… IC Permission
β˜… IC Permission
β˜… IC Permission
β˜… IC Permission
BEYOND
CODE BY TESSISAMESS
shepherdtostars: Ρ•Π½Ρ”ΟΠ½Ρ”Ρβˆ‚Ρ‚ΟƒΡ•Ρ‚Ξ±ΡΡ•γ€˜ βˆ‚ΠΈΡ•. γ€™ (stormblood 🌸 01.)

[personal profile] shepherdtostars 2022-01-03 04:53 am (UTC)(link)
[ K'thisru would certainly not turn down another invitation to dinner. Especially with the knowledge that Alkaid and the Lord Commander are rather comfortable around one another now. Her sister has her own stories to tell and share. No doubt they are also more entertaining... as Alkaid tends to generally get to the heart of the matter. Unless, of course, she happens to be describing people or places. ]

Considering how well the Grand Melee went? You should. They no doubt were not only impressed, but happy that Ishgard opened her gates to them. Even if it was for just a small while.

[ Alkaid nods, with no hint of expectations or judgement on her face. She had expected as such. If he was the heir to House Borel, and was adopted, then there were no siblings. Any sort of relationship a child has with their mother would change by the nature of one growing up. It remains comforting that he was truly loved by the Borels. She had thought him a lonely person when they first met.

Her fingers slide along side his as she follows beside him. ]


Well, Ser Aymeric. Should you ever be in need of company at the night to help you rest? You can now most certainly call upon my expertise. [ Even if she is only to his chest? She suspects she might be able to find a way for him to calm and rest for a small amount of time. ] I would rather you not be as lonely as possible when I'm here.
elpides: (013)

[personal profile] elpides 2022-01-04 04:28 am (UTC)(link)
[ Without hesitation, she squeezes back. Occasionally, she still feels as though she should try to learn more lessons from her sister, but the fact that they are different from each other is more of a good thing than a bad one. They balance each other out, and she has been told before that having balance is only a benefit. ]

I'm certain that it is. The way he looks at you and all but lights up when he sees you is more than a little telling. With you gone, I can only imagine how much he must be throwing himself into his work so that he can distract himself from how much he misses you.

[ All right, so perhaps she doesn't know that that's the case at all, but it isn't too difficult to picture either. ]

Well, then, maybe when we return from helping the Ala Mhigans, we should go pay them a visit and see what has happened. Maybe they know how to wake him again.

[ That seems like a bit of a tall order, but it has been some time since they were present. Who knows what developments have been made? ]
elpides: (015)

[personal profile] elpides 2022-01-04 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
[ Perhaps much later, she will apologize for the tone she's taken with him. She may not understand his reasoning behind all of this, but she can also understand that sometimes, it isn't in someone's best interest to learn all the details right away.

It's hard for her to know how she should feel about all this, but her first instinct is to just feel frustrated by the imbalance of knowledge between them. Even so, she can't force him to tell her if he isn't willing. That isn't how she operates or how she wants to be. ]


It was. It really was. [ She can't help the wide smile that spreads across her face as she recalls that day. ]

The thing you have to know about me is that I have never been very good at waiting. [ She may have even told him as much before, but she feels like letting him know again. ] I don't mean to be annoyed; I just hate to wait, especially to learn more about someone as... As infuriatingly mysterious as you.

[ Somewhere, she imagines Alkaid sighing with mild exasperation, but she can't help the way she feels.

Her smile softens just a fraction as he goes on to talk about saving their star. In that respect, they are very much on the same page. ]


Maybe one day, we can work towards saving our star together. [ And then, as if struck by a sudden burst of mischievous inspiration, she quickly bends down to scoop up some snow and forms it into a snowball. Not wanting to take him by surprise, she waits for a moment to make sure he's looking at her before she acts. It would be too rude of her to throw it if he isn't expecting it.

As it is, she's certain this would earn her more than a small amount of disapproval from her mother. But at least she's giving him the courtesy of a warning, right? Right. ]
Edited (one day I'll remember that he's not actually physically there) 2022-01-04 05:21 (UTC)
thewayforpeace: (πŸ’ 98)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-01-04 05:02 am (UTC)(link)
[ The part of him that places his people and his home above himself still disagrees, and while he knows that may very well show on his face, he decides against voicing that aloud. By now, she ought to know that he will always place the needs of his people and of Ishgard as a whole far above himself, and that there is no such thing as too far when it comes to his duty and responsibility. ]

I would very much like to see him, yes. Even beholding Nidhogg's shade, as loathsome as I deemed him at the time, was enough to render me speechless. Despite the fact that I ought to despise the Dravanians for the prolonged war that we both were embroiled in, I find that when it truly comes down to it, I do not. Mayhap I did once, but I do not anymore.

They are fearsome and powerful, and it is not surprising in the least that they command respect and instill fear in those who would confront them. So yes, if an opportunity to meet him properly were to present itself, I would not hesitate.

As for that, there is none other whom I would rather have beside me than you. I have little qualms about admitting that I have- Well, I have become quite in love with you, if I might state that so plainly.

[ And then he laughs, unable to hold back the burst of mirth that takes over him. ] Oh, I believe you will find many ways to surprise me even so, and I look forward to every one of them.

[ As for what he intends to do next, he poses a question to her: ] Would you like to retire to the manor, or would you prefer to remain outside for a bit longer?
thewayforpeace: (πŸ’ 05)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-01-04 05:31 am (UTC)(link)
[ He has already made a mental note to invite both sisters over for as many dinners as they would like. And if it weren't a complete departure from propriety, he would ask that there be no interruptions of any sort, not even from the Scions, unless it was absolutely dire and unavoidable. Although he would never state it aloud, he believes that all of them, himself included, rely far too much on the two sisters, when things could be handled without their assistance.

But who knows what will end up transpiring during these dinners? Perhaps there will be no interruptions at all, even if that may well be merely wishful thinking. ]


As far as I am concerned, provided that I do not encounter any opposition, I wish to propose that Ishgard's gates will remain open for the foreseeable future. There is much we can do to forge stronger relations with the others in the alliance, and I mean to do whatever I must to ensure that happens.

[ He hasn't even realized that the conversation still remains on discussing the affairs of Ishgard and the other nations, because he is so accustomed to long discussions about such things that it is almost second nature to him.

But he wishes to talk of other things, especially since they may not have another opportunity quite like this again.

At her statement, a light flush of red forms at the base of his neck, but fortunately for him, it remains there. He certainly hopes she does not spy it, or else she will know that her words have taken him by surprise. ]


Ah, yes. I- Should such a situation arise, I will do my best to remember that. [ Never mind that such a thing most certainly falls into the realm of impropriety, and he does not wish to be the one who sullies her name or her reputation should that be discovered. ]

But I wholeheartedly appreciate and am grateful for your offer. [ He has known quite a few lonely nights following the passing of his parents, and so he marvels at her perceptiveness while also wishing that he could open his home and his bed to her permanently.

He knows that he could do such a thing, but would she accept? He decides not to ponder that potentially thorny issue this night and instead enjoy what time they have together. ]


Please, make yourself comfortable. [ He nods towards the bed once they finally reach his room and he holds the door open for her. ]
crystallinedreams: 𝘴𝘡𝘳𝘒𝘡𝘧𝘰𝘳π˜₯𝘴 || π˜₯𝘯𝘴. (Default)

[personal profile] crystallinedreams 2022-01-04 07:32 am (UTC)(link)
( mood music. )

Not once do I recall seeing you stay in one place for long. I had thought that your eyes were ever on the horizon. Forever looking onward to the next adventure, the next people to see.

[ His tone grows soft until, finally, he grows quiet all together.

Recollection.

Even in his youth he never thought that she might look his way. At least, if she did, it was as a friend made along the way. Why would she ever think back to their adventure? Why would she think twice about a promise made? She never had the reason to or the inclination to. Looking back at the face she knew and the adventure they once had would surely hold her in place... and all she has ever done has moved forward. Her face a lit with a smile and excitement of what their star has to offer. So many faces, people, deeds. Surely theirs is but a distant memory that might not truly matter much to her now. Yet, it has been the driving force for him.

It is not just their star that he wishes to save. It is a deeper wish - one that he cannot say even if she were to know who he truly was. He may yet tell her when the time is right in a handful of words. Nice, flowery language, that dodges around the heart of the matter. He can already see that it might very well anger her or further frustrate her that he would not be direct in it. Yet, his true wish hardly matters in the scheme of it all. His head tilts back to look at the sky as the snow continues to gently fall.

Faintly, he realizes that she had addressed what he had spoke of. The Crsytal Exarch comes to a stop a few paces ahead of her as he notes that she has stopped. He turns in time to see a snowball in her hands. There is no time to react as it sails towards him and, inevitably, goes straight through him. As if he were nothing more than an echo standing before her.

Perhaps he imagined it, or just perhaps, she has laughed. It is a sound that rings through his whole person. For just a moment, he is taken back to the days around a campfire with those who would seek to know the technologies of Allag. There is nothing but hope, smiles, and laughter. Hers, most inparticular, stands out amid it all. Something of pure joy and happiness. It strikes him then that it has been so long since he heard anyone laugh quite like that. Their days are filled with the struggle of living, yet they push forward with smiles and hopes on their shoulders.

And, yet, none have laughed in such a carefree manner in so long.

A choked laugh escapes him then. His head ducks down, crystallized hand raising to press against his eyes in a hopeless attempt to keep his own emotions in check. How can it be that even after all these years she still has something to teach him? A gentle lesson, one so human that it staggers the mind he has forgotten it at all. Another laugh comes, filled with tangled emotions, but nonetheless one that sticks out the most: ]


... Thank you, K'thisru.

[ Gratitude. Thankfulness. Undying appreciation. ]
Edited 2022-01-04 07:32 (UTC)
shepherdtostars: Ρ•Π½Ρ”ΟΠ½Ρ”Ρβˆ‚Ρ‚ΟƒΡ•Ρ‚Ξ±ΡΡ•γ€˜ βˆ‚ΠΈΡ•. γ€™ (Default)

[personal profile] shepherdtostars 2022-01-04 08:02 am (UTC)(link)
( mood music~! )

[ A blush creeps across her face at that. ]


Is it... truly that obvious?

[ She had always felt it was for her. No doubt that she lit up very similar whenever she saw him before they... tumbled into their relationship. Although, tumble may not be the correct word. It seemed that they naturally came together at a pace that was only allowed once the drums of war began to subside. Now, they're rising again in another place far away from Ishgard.

Her gaze snaps back to her sister at that. A tilt of her head and perhaps a bit of a smirk. She had always seen G'raha Tia as something of a little brother. A young man who wanted to help make the world a better place but felt he had no way to. Not to mention she could see the way he would steal glances towards K'thisru when she wasn't looking. ]


I think that's a good idea. [ Alkaid leans forward ever so slightly with that smirk growing and the end of her tail swaying. ] Unless, of course, you would rather not be there if they did manage to wake him up....
elpides: (04)

[personal profile] elpides 2022-01-04 08:45 am (UTC)(link)
My mother always told me that I was too restless, that I needed to settle down and read a book or draw a picture or do something that wasn't running around like a wild thing. [ She shrugs her shoulders lightly. ] Even when I got older, I still wasn't very good at sitting still.

And you know, being a Warrior of Light, I have to go to a lot of different places and meet a lot of people, so it works for me. [ She tilts her head to one side then, giving him a somewhat pointed look. ] I must have met you at some point during my traveling around. Or is it that I haven't met you yet?

[ She likes to think she would remember meeting someone like him, but the fact that he's hiding his face and being vague on certain details is complicating that.

Still, nothing comes to mind no matter how hard she tries to think if she has encountered him before. She decides to simply put that question away for a little while, not forgetting about it, but not focusing on it either. Perhaps it is just a case of having met so many different people, but she still believes that he's not so easily forgotten.

When she goes through with the rather silly action of throwing the snowball at him, she finds she can't hold back a laugh when it goes right through him. For a moment, she's afraid that she offended him, when he was talking about a relatively serious subject, and for just a second she freezes in place.

It isn't until he laughs himself that she relaxes once more. And when he laughs a second time, she doesn't even bother hiding the smile that crosses her face. ]


What? I didn't do anything except act absolutely silly and do something my mother would have frowned upon.

[ She's still smiling, but now there's a look of confusion mixed in with her look of happiness at hearing him laugh. ]

Why thank me?
elpides: (03)

[personal profile] elpides 2022-01-04 09:06 am (UTC)(link)
It is, but only a little, and of course, only to me. [ Sometimes she feels as though others such as Lucia and Tataru might suspect, but Lucia isn't one for idle gossip, and Tataru... Well, her work with the Scions does keep her busy.

Still, she is certain that Aymeric liked her sister from almost the first time they met, but that he was unsure how to bring it up or even if he should. She is absolutely thrilled that things worked out the way they had, and she is beyond happy for the two of them.

As for G'raha Tia, when they first met, she wasn't sure what she thought about him. He seemed a little bit like her, restless and looking for adventure, but she didn't have much time to get to know him. Nevertheless, she counts everyone she's met, even briefly, as a friend or an acquaintance, so at least he gets that designation.

She never noticed his covert glances in her direction, or else she might have revised her opinion of him to be a little bit different.

Eyeing her sister curiously, she asks: ]
Why wouldn't I want to be there?
shepherdtostars: Ρ•Π½Ρ”ΟΠ½Ρ”Ρβˆ‚Ρ‚ΟƒΡ•Ρ‚Ξ±ΡΡ•γ€˜ βˆ‚ΠΈΡ•. γ€™ (shadow 🌸 02.)

[personal profile] shepherdtostars 2022-01-04 09:22 am (UTC)(link)
[ Her head tilts at the tone he uses. Ah, perhaps it is finally time to put the topic of politics, war, and the state of Ishgard to bed for now. A small laugh comes from her at the stumble in his words and she cannot help but rest her head against his arm. He rarely stumbles at all, thus hearing his brief halt of speech speaks more than any blush might.

The reputation of the purity of the Warrior of Light hardly matters to her. She has saved the realm over. If she wishes to spend a night with someone, crossing lines of intimacy or not, it is within her right. She cares little for what they might say of her. Unlike Aymeric, she has the capability of going from place to place to ignore the rumors. He does not. He must sit in the middle of constant shifts of gossip and politics. What would they say of him? That he was so easily tempted by a Savior of Ishgard?

Part of her, in truth, cares so very little of it all. She wishes to merely focus on Aymeric and their time together. The moments are all to fleeting, and she can already sense the ache inside her heart at the idea of saying goodbye in the morning. For a brief moment it is so strong that she presses the side of her face into his arm and closes her eyes as they walk.

Alkaid opens her eyes once the sound of the door opening comes to her ears. She steps inside, hand still entwined with his to look around the room. It looks similar to each of the rooms she has seen so far. A small fireplace with a chair, a few windows with drapes pulled over them, and a bed that very much says he is lord of the house. Her free hand reaches up to the drapes that hang from the frame of the bed. They are heavier than she expected. Though, with some thought, it does make sense. Isghard nights can be terribly cold.

She glances back at him with his statement. A blush strikes her face, despite being the one to insist on it all. After a moment she pulls herself up onto the bed and scoots to the end closes to the window. It would only seem fair that she has the colder side when he is the one in need of comfort. Her hand reaches up to pull the earrings from her ears, doing it in swift practiced motions. Then, she sets about undoing the braid across the top of her head in order to shake her hair free.

Once she places her earrings on the side table a few things strike her suddenly. He has never seen her with her hair undone or so informally dressed. He said for her to make herself comfortable, and in doing so, she moved as if this would be the place she would rest on several occasions. Her hand hovers over her earrings for a moment before turning back to look at him. Now it dawns on her how much she truly wishes that she could be with him like this day in and day out. How much that she not only wants to be at his side, but to truly call him her knight with her voice and not just her thoughts.

If only she might be as forward and bullheaded as her sister. Then, maybe, she could tell him all she wishes to without the fear he may somehow still turn her away. ]


It's a lovely room. [ She does not lie or simply speak to speak. The room feels like it could be home; like it should be home.

Maybe the loneliness she senses in the room is her own and not his. ]
shepherdtostars: Ρ•Π½Ρ”ΟΠ½Ρ”Ρβˆ‚Ρ‚ΟƒΡ•Ρ‚Ξ±ΡΡ•γ€˜ βˆ‚ΠΈΡ•. γ€™ (stormblood 🌸 01.)

[personal profile] shepherdtostars 2022-01-04 10:10 am (UTC)(link)
It is hard to place the blame when both sides are guilty for bloodshed. While your ancestors may have drawn first? The dragons did not keep it to merely taking those responsible. But! [ Her hand squeezes his. ] The war is finally over. Now, the both of you can rebuild into something even greater.

I might see if I can arrange such a meeting. Now that you've officially met the Moogles, I can hardly see why arranging something with Midgardsommer would be difficult. You have met already on the one occasion.

[ Her head tilts into his arm once more as a gentle smile takes her face at his feelings so plainly stated. It may have been a silly thought to put hers down to a letter as opposed to using her words. ]

If I may be so equally as forthcoming? I have been in love with you for some time. A very long time, in all honesty. [ Her hand squeezes his as she looks up to meet his gaze. ] The manor might be best before the night gets to cold.
thewayforpeace: (πŸ’ 06)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-01-04 10:10 am (UTC)(link)
[ That is the effect she seems to have on him. She takes his certainty and his calm brand of confidence and turns all of it on its head, leaving him unsettled in the best way and grasping for the right words to use. It's what happens when falling in love, not that he has yet come to the conclusion that that is what is happening here.

Everything from her head on his shoulder to the light scent that seems to fill the room whenever she is near has set his head spinning, but he does his best to keep his footing. Perhaps this is one of the biggest challenges he has ever had to face: how to navigate this encounter with grace so that he does not make himself look like a fool in front of her. Still, he would make himself look like a fool a thousand times over if it meant that she'd stay with him like this. Perhaps that logic doesn't quite make sense, but he isn't thinking about logic at the present moment.

As they enter the room, he watches her carefully, not wanting to miss a second of her reactions as she takes in the place. It isn't anything all that special, just another room inside a house full of them, but it is his other private sanctuary, the first being his study. It might not be filled with personal touches because that isn't the sort of man that he is, and yet it still contains all the hallmarks of the Borel family and the history and traditions that goes along with that.

While she is readying herself for sleep, he is doing the same, shedding the few trappings of Lord Commander that he left on following his own earlier preparations. Of course he has not seen her looking so informally dressed, nor wearing her hair that way, but he finds that he approves of it all the same. She too has not seen him dressed this way, without all of the regalia of his position and the armor besides. In fact, he thinks, he must look rather ordinary, as he is wearing plainer clothes meant for sleeping in.

When she compliments the room, he merely nods. ]
Yes, it is. It has served me well over the years.

[ His attention is focused on her, however, and unless he has missed his guess, he believes he is seeing a somewhat troubled expression on her face. Of course, she is present with him to offer him comfort, by her own words, but he still can't help but want to reach out to her, to see if there is anything weighing on her that he might help with. He would push down his own troubled thoughts for her benefit, and without hesitation too.

Standing on his side of the bed, he does not slide in just yet, glancing over at her. He reaches for her hand so that he might give it a squeeze. ]


Is everything all right? [ He wonders if he ought to summon the head maid, if he has missed meeting a need of hers, whatever it might be. Perhaps he ought to have been more attentive and less caught up in trying to plot a course of action. ]
crystallinedreams: 𝘴𝘡𝘳𝘒𝘡𝘧𝘰𝘳π˜₯𝘴 || π˜₯𝘯𝘴. (Default)

[personal profile] crystallinedreams 2022-01-04 10:18 am (UTC)(link)
[ His head turns upwards once more to the snow fall. He may never stop looking at it. He had forgotten how quiet the snow was, how serene and beautiful. No doubt it's color and stillness lose its flavor after so long. Yet, it is a different kind of peaceful than he is used to. One that invites calm instead of the fear of not seeing a morrow.

An exhale comes from him despite the fact he is not physically present. ]


Too long has it been since those around me could laugh with such ease. Oh, they smile and they jest. They will go through the motions of joy and laughter in a way to reclaim what the feeling truly was. Those that now live have never truly been able to simply be in the moment. They fight, they preserver, they live, and they survive. Joy, however...

[ A smile spreads to his face as his gaze once more falls to her. His ruby eyes lock with hers even if she cannot see them. The hand made of crystal raises and rests on his chest. ]

You have given me the ability to remember something precious. And, I fully intend to share it with those who have made their home around the shelter I first introduced to them. [ His hand clenches into the details of his robes. ] Joy. Such a simple thing that we can often forget in the mists of war and struggle. Yet, you remember it with such ease, my friend. That is truly a blessing and a gift.

[ Which, of course, merely means he must give her something in return now. ]
thewayforpeace: (πŸ’ 97)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-01-04 08:45 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He means to say something to address the now-concluded Dravanian conflict, or perhaps comment upon the notion of properly meeting with Midgardsomr, but surprising even himself, he does none of those things.

What he does do is carefully lift her hand so that he might place a kiss upon it. ]


For me, I must admit that I felt the sparks of attraction during our first meeting, but I told myself then that surely your affections were already claimed, and if not, you would never be fond of or even love someone like me.

[ He imagined that she would most likely seek out another Miqo'te, someone familiar with her traditions and her background. Or if not that, then surely there would be another who caught her eye. ]

And considering how unhelpful I most likely was to you and Master Alphinaud both, at least initially, it seemed likely that I had no chance at all. And yet here we are.

[ He would pull her in for another kiss, but there will be time enough for that once they return to the manor. ]

I hoped that you would say that. [ He squeezes her hand in return as he takes a step forward before glancing back at her. ] Are you ready?
Edited 2022-01-04 22:16 (UTC)
elpides: (012)

[personal profile] elpides 2022-01-04 09:30 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She pauses then too, turning just slightly so she can also watch the snow. She has always loved watching snow fall, and although the person standing just a few paces away from her is more or less a stranger to her, she finds herself glad that they are sharing this moment together, whatever it is. Could she call him a friend? Perhaps. He certainly seems to see her as one.

In that moment, regardless of how little she knows about him, she decides that she can call him a friend. After all, it takes very little for two people to become friends with one another.

Deciding to throw caution to the winds, as she does so often in her daily life, she reaches for his hand... not the flesh one, but the crystal one that has caused her to recoil before. He moves it before she can take hold of it, so she reaches for his other hand instead, giving it a squeeze. ]


I know that I don't know your people, and I barely know you, but- Hearing you talk about them... It makes me want to meet them and get to know them.

[ What's more, she wants to help them with whatever their struggle is so that they might be able to know real joy and peace as well. ]

You're going to laugh at me, but I wish- [ She glances down, suddenly feeling like a little shy because of what she's about to say. But after a moment, she continues. ] I wish that I could be there when you do.

[ Then she looks up quickly, because she knows how that sounds: arrogant, prideful... It isn't what she means. ]

Not because I want them to know that I did anything, because really, I didn't. I just think that everyone should have the chance to know what joy is.

[ And I'd like to help give it to them.

She leaves that unsaid, because how can she? She doesn't even know where Exarch is from, or how she would actually go about finding him. All she knows is that she wants to do something to help him and the people he leads.

Her tail lowers, as do her ears, lying flat against her head as she thinks of all the people that she would help if only she could. She and her sister can't be everywhere, of course, but she makes a special mental note to herself to remember Exarch and his people, so that when the time comes and they have the opportunity, they might do something to assist with whatever their needs are. ]
crystallinedreams: 𝘴𝘡𝘳𝘒𝘡𝘧𝘰𝘳π˜₯𝘴 || π˜₯𝘯𝘴. (Default)

[personal profile] crystallinedreams 2022-01-04 11:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He would not be surprised if she had refused to call him friend. While she knows him, it was so many years ago. His heart remains the same but he is much older now. He has seen the turn of lives and the world he stands in change around him. He has seen people rise up to change their fate in what most consider to be a pointless endeavor. He has become a leader, a politician, and even become a father figure to one in particular. Even if he were to tell K'thisru who he was? She most certainly would not believe him.

The Crystal Exarch pauses the moment she reaches for the hand made of flesh. Or course, he is not truly there. A magick that can trick and fool the senses... all but touch. The part of him that remains a young man eager for adventure leaps at the sight. His heart pounds and it takes all that he has learned these long years to keep himself in some regard of what one considers a leader. Perhaps to ease her own heart, or keep the rouse that she seems to be under, or to even be selfish for a token moment, the Crystal Exarch curls her hand around hers. She feels nothing, of course, but the notion yet may be enough.

He steps towards her, enough so that the small amount of height he has on her is noticeable. If his plan truly enacts as it ought to? She will have her wish granted. She will meet the people he cares for, perhaps even share in their joy and their pain. If only he could properly discern the right time and place to meet her at... ]


Fate is ever fickle. We might believe we know our destined path, then she calls upon us when we least expect. You may yet meet them. [ As he cannot tell her the designs he has. It is too early for her. Even then, she and her sister must not know until he has properly seen them to his people. Underhanded and perhaps manipulative... yet it must be so. ] I shall make sure that all is documented incase the need arises. That is, if you could spare the time for one more dusty tome.

[ The Starlight Festival. One exchanges gifts like the Knights of Ishgard of eld. She is certainly deserving of one - even more so after what she has given him. It is considerably dangerous and any in his postion would call it folly. However, he decides, that something must be given in return.

The moment she raises her head to look up at him she finds a wide smile on his face. One that certainly does not fit an older man. Even more so, if she looks closely, his head tilts enough so she might catch the ruby eye filled with light looking to hold her gaze. ]
elpides: (04)

[personal profile] elpides 2022-01-05 01:02 am (UTC)(link)
[ Of course she knows that he is not physically present and thus attempting to take his hand is a foolish gesture. Still, she cannot help how she feels, and simply put, she sees no reason why she should not treat him as though he is there with her in the flesh. Some would call it petulance or stubbornness, because one cannot simply will away reality, but she doesn't care what others might think.

A connection with him is what she seeks, for reasons even she doesn't fully understand, and when he returns the gesture, curling his hand around hers, she can't hold back the smile that blossoms across her face.

When he steps closer, she tilts her head so that she is looking at him; he is a little taller than she is, but not uncomfortably so. If she stood on her toes, she might be a little closer to his height, but that particular difference doesn't bother her very much. ]


Well, I certainly hope so. Otherwise, I'll have to ask around until I find someone who has heard of you and your people. [ There is a determined note in her voice, but at the same time, she recognizes that he may not wish for her to try finding them before he is ready. In case he is worried about that, she gives a chuckle and shakes her head at herself. ] Even if someone knows of you, I won't use that information to track you down.

[ She can't be completely sure why, but part of her believes that would be going against his wishes. ]

I always have time for dusty tomes.

[ Her smile softens into one of a sort of affection, either for the old books or for him, perhaps even both.

But when he tilts his head, the first thing she notes is that wide smile, which she has already decided that she likes very much. But then she realizes that isn't all he's showing her; she catches sight of a glimpse of his ruby eye, she gasps, taken completely by surprise. He has been so careful to hide most of his face from her, that this sudden revealing, even if it is only of his eye, is quite unexpected.

She isn't sure what she should say, because anything that she might say ordinarily feels absolutely ridiculous when faced with someone like him. Is it awe she is feeling? Respect? Perhaps a bit of both? She isn't sure why, but something about him seems to command those feelings.

And beneath all of that, a memory is stirring, something that she had nearly forgotten about until he revealed his eye. Surely that must be a coincidence, and yet... ]


I- Well, I didn't expect that, since you're just so mysterious, but...

[ Thanking him isn't the right reaction, but she feels like she has to do something.

Nothing she could say feels right, so she settles on wrapping her other hand around his, hoping that, if nothing else, at least her emotions behind the action carry over. ]
Edited 2022-01-05 01:07 (UTC)
shepherdtostars: Ρ•Π½Ρ”ΟΠ½Ρ”Ρβˆ‚Ρ‚ΟƒΡ•Ρ‚Ξ±ΡΡ•γ€˜ βˆ‚ΠΈΡ•. γ€™ (shadow 🌸 06.)

[personal profile] shepherdtostars 2022-01-05 04:12 am (UTC)(link)
Hm. So, the others still haven't noticed?

[ Her tail curls slightly and she nods. She'd rather it be that way. There is too much of her time and life that the Scions take as it is. They've no need to know of her relationship with Aymeric. Especially if all they would do is use it for their advantage. ]

You didn't seem very much interested in him beyond the excursions of the Crystal Tower. [ Alkaid leans back on her hands. Ears perk up slightly at the sounds below and that smirk remains on her face. It is a little sad to see that her sister is quite clearly oblivious to the impact she made on the young adventurer. ] I'd say you were far more excited for the adventure itself than the company around us.
shepherdtostars: Ρ•Π½Ρ”ΟΠ½Ρ”Ρβˆ‚Ρ‚ΟƒΡ•Ρ‚Ξ±ΡΡ•γ€˜ βˆ‚ΠΈΡ•. γ€™ (stormblood 🌸 01.)

[personal profile] shepherdtostars 2022-01-05 04:21 am (UTC)(link)
[ The kiss causes a spark of excitement to run through her body. Her ears perk against her hat and her tail straights at it. A blush takes her face. He manages to strip away all the pretense of being a Scion, Warrior of Light, Champion of Eorzea, Savior of Ishgard in one swoop. Yet, she feels she still struggles in all her attempts to alleviate his titles if only for a short time. It takes only a moment for her to fall into step beside him and her hands curling around his once more. ]

It was politics, Aymeric. We were strangers asking for you to join the Alliance when your own people struggled with their own issues. Why would I think you unhelpful or cold? [ Alkaid's head tilts against his arm again with a smile. ] What I did find you was very handsome and noble. Distant, but, wanting to reach out without knowing quite how to do it.

[ Her posture finally relaxes once more as they walk. ] Although, if I were to be entirely honest, I don't remember much of what was said. I was rather distracted by a certain Lord Commander.
shepherdtostars: Ρ•Π½Ρ”ΟΠ½Ρ”Ρβˆ‚Ρ‚ΟƒΡ•Ρ‚Ξ±ΡΡ•γ€˜ βˆ‚ΠΈΡ•. γ€™ (shadow 🌸 11.)

[personal profile] shepherdtostars 2022-01-05 05:02 am (UTC)(link)
[ Her hand curls around his. There is a moment that passes where she does not move nor does she say anything. Then, after what seems like quite the long time, she pushes herself forward. She sits on her knees and wraps her arms around his neck with no hesitation. It is as if she still stands on the railing at his favorite place in the whole city, curling against him in hopes the Scions might not find her. Alkaid hides her face between his neck and her arm. Unlike him, she remains dressed in the robe that settles over the borrowed shirt. Looking at his rather casual attire has hardly crossed her mind at the moment.

How selfish is she for simply wanting this with him? Shed the titles she's been given and the responsibilities that they entail. To live as just an adventurer within Ishgard so she might see him every day? She bites her lip for a brief moment to keep her emotions in line. He hardly needs her weakness when he is still wrestles with his own. ]


Why can't it be like this? [ She hates how much like a lamentation it sounds, but she can hardly stop it from coming forward. He has no inclination of how much she loves him; how much saying good-bye makes her heart ache. It has only gotten harder as time has gone on... and now it feels neigh impossible. ] Why can't we be like this?

[ Why must she be pulled away from him? Has she not earned this after all that she has done for Eorzea? While the morning is still hours away, she cannot shake the feeling that once the suns rays find their way through curtains and drapes, she'll inevitably summoned away from him. Perhaps it does not hurt him as deeply as it hurts her. Again, it has always felt like she and her sister feel things so much more than others. Mayhap she is pushing him away by showing him just a small part of what she's kept hidden all this time. ]

I want to be here. [ With you. ] Not pulled away to another meeting in another city-state. Not being asked to risk life and limb for another city-state. Not right at this moment... [ her face presses further into his neck to try and keep the emotions as contained as she can. ]

I want a home for my sister and I want a home to come back to. I... I want a home here. [ In Isghard, with him, in this room. She's certain she is repeating herself now and cannot help it. If she says it enough out loud then perhaps one of the Twelve or Hydaelyn will hear it. ] Why can't it be?
Edited (typos abound) 2022-01-05 09:49 (UTC)
crystallinedreams: 𝘴𝘡𝘳𝘒𝘡𝘧𝘰𝘳π˜₯𝘴 || π˜₯𝘯𝘴. (crystal πŸ’Ž 03.)

[personal profile] crystallinedreams 2022-01-05 05:21 am (UTC)(link)
[ Seeing her smile in person is far better than what his memories suggest. He has failed to realize the light that seems to simply radiate off her in waves. Perhaps that is why he cannot stand to see her so sullen. Knowing his identity could put so much at risk, and yet, he for a brief moment is willing to take that chance. If only so that she may keep smiling for those around her. The smile that can light an entire room and give so many people hope. Surely a glance at who is underneath the hood is worth that. ]

Ask all that you might, and none will have heard of me or my people. [ A shake of his head accompanies his teasing smile. ] Patience is a virtue and one that will be paid if you can merely hold on just a while longer. Keep your head high and move forward without looking back just as you always have. Journey to those far away lands and know their people. Even if the names, the faces, and the smiles all disappear from your memory. We will remember you and your dear sister.

Then, once your journey ends, and you have lived a life filled with fulfillment? Mayhap you will look back at the tomes we have written. You may look back at adventures long forgotten fondly and with a smile of remembrance.

[ His eyes widen slightly at her reaction. Everything in him freezes as he waits to see what she might say next--do next. Has she discerned who he is? Could she have remembered him even though their adventure was long ago even by her point in time? He waits with held breath until she takes his hand. His gaze drops to their hands and for a brief moment it feels as if his heart might not stop beating. A swell of emotions surges inside him at the mere idea of a chance she truly knows who he is...

Of course, then, he reminds himself he is no longer that young man who would race after her and her sister if he all but could. There is a wonderment in her eyes, but not recollection. The hope that soared oh so very high for a brief moment dampens into the realization of the reality surrounding him once again. He has ever been but a footnote in the story of the Warriors of Light, and he ever shall be. Perhaps he will be named in a paragraph in the dusty tomes that they will write of the sister's exploits. Yes, footnote. That is all they will ever need him to be.

His hand made still of flesh raises to gently rest on the top of her head. ]


I am rather mysterious, am I not? [ A jest to pass off the sudden ache that seems to fill his very soul. He has designed the plan to be this way--why should he feel such disappointment? It is not her fault. He has made it so she would not recognize him. But, it would seem that some small part of him hoped against all odds that she could see through his rouse. ] A man seemingly displaced attempting to reach the famed Warriors of Light only to miss the mark by a considerable amount of time each attempt. It would have the makings of a story.
elpides: (08)

[personal profile] elpides 2022-01-05 05:40 am (UTC)(link)
If they have, they're doing a very good job not talking about it. But then again, when there's something they don't want to talk about, they really know how to keep it quiet.

[ Still, like her sister, she imagines they would see Alkaid's relationship with Aymeric as something they could potentially benefit from, so she hopes that the Scions still remain none the wiser. ]

Can you really blame me, though? Seeing the Tower, hearing about the Allagans and what Unei and Doga had to say... And of course, the battles. [ Of course she remembers him being present during all this, but she was a little distracted by all the goings-on. ]

But I remember him sealing himself inside the Tower and saying goodbye.

[ Her tail flicks as she thinks things over. ] Do you think he would have woken up by now? [ He had a specific condition for when he would awaken again, and she isn't certain if that condition has been met. ]
elpides: (010)

[personal profile] elpides 2022-01-05 08:07 am (UTC)(link)
Patience? [ She laughs, but it's more of the wry sort this time. ] I have never been good friends with patience. But, I think that waiting for all to be revealed will be the best sort of reward.

[ Her expression shifts to a more pensive one as she listens carefully to his counsel. For all her eagerness to just plow on ahead to the next adventure, she isn't foolish enough to ignore sound advice. ] I might not remember every single name of every person that I have met, but I do try to remember at least their faces. Every single one of them is important to me, even if we only met briefly.

[ His next statement causes her to narrow her eyes, because she really doesn't like his words or how he's saying them. ]

You're talking as if you won't be present when that time comes. Of course, I will gladly read any and all tomes, dusty or otherwise, but- I think I would rather talk with you and your people.

[ For reasons she doesn't entirely understand, something about this conversation is bringing a little sadness along with it, and her ears lower just a little further as she ponders everything he's telling her.

As she surveys him, she decides that he looks sad as well, and even disappointed. But more than that, something is weighing on him that he seems reluctant or unwilling to talk about.

When he places her hand on her head once again, her tail springs up and her ears lift just slightly. Something about the gesture is comforting, and for just a moment, she closes her eyes before she opens them and goes on with the conversation. ]


You are mysterious, yes. And, well, I wonder... [ These events happened some time ago, and she was rather distracted by the adventure and the battles that occurred, but she remembers meeting someone else at that time, someone with red hair and curiously colored eyes: eyes that eventually changed to one shade, a shade not unlike the ruby eye she can still see looking at her. ]

I met someone with eyes that looked like yours. [ This would be too brash an action, but if he were physically present, she would give thought to moving his hood just a little more so that she might see more of his face. Perhaps she wouldn't actually complete the action, because doing so would be crossing a line, but she can't pretend she doesn't wish to see more of what he looks like. ]

I'm no writer, but maybe I'll write that story. [ She is no historian either, so she would have to ensure that she had all the facts, since she hasn't been documenting them this whole time, but still. ]
shepherdtostars: Ρ•Π½Ρ”ΟΠ½Ρ”Ρβˆ‚Ρ‚ΟƒΡ•Ρ‚Ξ±ΡΡ•γ€˜ βˆ‚ΠΈΡ•. γ€™ (shadow 🌸 05.)

[personal profile] shepherdtostars 2022-01-05 08:11 am (UTC)(link)
Hm. Well, maybe they'll know what it's like to have secrets kept from them.

[ The hairs on her tail bristle once more as she sighs. She means it. The fact they refused to tell her anything truly does cut deep. Especially since Lyse was one of the two who recruited her into the Scions. They will send her into certain death but not tell her the identity of someone? Well, in her book, they rather deserve to know how it feels. ]

We have learned quite a bit about the Allagans, haven't we? Especially after Azys Lla. [ Her eyes close as the scenes of their final encounter with Thordan cross her mind once more. In truth, they often do. They killed Aymeric's father. While they had his blessings and outright permissions? Part of her cannot help but worry that one day he may turn a sour eye towards her for killing the only blood relation he has ever had. ] "Make a brighter future" was the sum up of the promise he had us make, as I recall.

[ Her eyes open as she stares into the stars above. ]

Do you think we are now at the level the Allagans were?
thewayforpeace: (πŸ’ 112)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-01-05 09:40 am (UTC)(link)
[ Truthfully, he is glad for the times when he can see her as she is, apart from all the titles and the responsibilities. And at the same time, he remains all too aware of how difficult it is to separate him from his own. He maintains that who he is as Lord Commander and who he is as Aymeric have become so closely intertwined that there is no separating them, not anymore.

But if anyone could manage to separate the man from the titles and the responsibilities, he believes it would be her. He just hopes that she does not grow tired of her efforts to help bring Aymeric back to the surface or come to resent him for who he is. She told him that he did not have to be anyone but himself when he is with her, but some habits are just that difficult to break.

Still, when he is with her, he feels as though he can be himself, even though it is still difficult to shake off the mantle that he carries. He tries to make an effort to do so, however, in order that she might not feel that her own efforts are in vain. ]


Even so, you would have not been wrong if you thought of me as a cold and detached man based on my conduct and my words alone. [ His head tips downwards just slightly as he thinks back to that first meeting. He rarely speaks so openly about himself and his inner thoughts, but he feels as though he must be open with her lest she come to resent him for failing in that regard as well. ​]

Handsome and noble? [ A warm smile spreads across his face, even as he lightly shakes his head. ] You are, as always, far too kind and complimentary. But you are not wrong in saying that I did not know how to reach out, no matter how much I desired to.

[ He remains uncertain as to whether it is rejection he fears or what might happen if he opens himself up to others. Still, he does not regret opening himself and his heart to her, so that might be all the encouragement he needs. ]

I certainly did not intend to distract you from the proceedings.

[ Here, he pauses, wondering how forthcoming he should be. He has already resolved not to withhold his thoughts from her, and so he attempts to further voice what is on his mind. ]

Truthfully, I found it rather difficult to remain focused on Master Alphinaud's requests, as my gaze kept straying over to where you stood.

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