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

To start with, the area that they have decorated for the celebration. It really is a sight to see.

[ And then she pauses as if mulling over where she might take him after, if he still wants to come along with her at that time. ]

There is a spot with a good view of the city, if you wanted to see that. And then after that, we could-

[ She realizes too late that since he is projecting himself here, he isn't susceptible to the cold, so her suggestion would be pointless, at least for him, so she amends it a little. ]

We could return to the Forgotten Knight and talk some more.

Then, I will trust your incredibly keen sense of direction. Please, lead on. My projection will work so long as I can sustain it and have concentration to do so.

[ He falls into line beside her. He walks as if unburdened by his crystal arm and pieces of his neck. After all, why should he? Tis a thing of his mind and a desire. There is no reason to trouble the Warrior of Light further. ]

We could also talk along the way. From tales of your time here in Ishgard to the more mundane, if you prefer.

Ha, keen sense of direction. [ She laughs, amused by the thought. ] I know how to get around, but I'm no better than anyone else.

[ Tilting her head to one side again, she asks: ] Is that the only cost when projecting yourself? [ She can't help but wonder if that really is the extent of it. ]

Well, I would ask you to tell me more about yourself, but I know that you can't, so- What do you want to know?

[ As they walk along, she points out little things that she's come to love about the city, mostly views that are captivating but also some of her favorite spots. ]

[ At that, the Crystal Exarch shakes his head. It was her and her sister that led him and others to navigate the adventure they shared. Even if she might not know the exact way? She knows in which direction she must take and continue on without stopping. ]

This, I very much doubt. [ Then, a nod. ] Yes, for now. If something greater need take place, then...

[ He is certain she would not like to learn of the cost. Thus, he wisely stops the train of thought. ]

I lead those that call me the Crystal Exarch in hopes of a brighter tomorrow. Those who are willing to fight when none else believe it wise or fruitful. A... trait that I learned from a particular pair of sisters.

[ A wide smile spreads on his hidden face. ]

What was it that truly inspired you to leave on such an open ended adventure? Surely, you did not intend to be a Scion of the Seventh Dawn at first.

[ She certainly would not disagree with that; it seems more likely than not that once she has been given orders or a destination, she marches on at full speed until whatever objective has been met. She imagines that she would cause any cartographer worth their salt to have a fit... perhaps several fits. ]

Oh, I don't know, you should ask Alkaid what she thinks. [ She shrugs her shoulders, halfway between seriousness and jesting. ] I'm not sure I like where that sentence is going, Exarch.

[ But he already knows that she takes issue with what he is doing, or rather, the effects of it on him.

She laughs in spite of herself, though, and says: ] I think you just like to flatter us. Of course, Alkaid and I will go where we have to and do what we need to, but-

[ She shrugs. Of course she knows that where the two of them go, hope seems to follow. After a lot of fighting and trouble, that is.

Eorzeans call them heroes, but she thinks that the real heroes are the ones who went off to fight, not knowing that they wouldn't be coming home again. ]

Well, you're right, that isn't how things started. My sister and I wanted more than just life with our clan, and she wanted to become a healer and I wanted to learn to be a summoner.

I am certain that your sister has the utmost faith in you. Regardless of anything you may lack or excel in. [ A hand raises to dismiss her statement. Not out of finding it lacking or unworthy, but merely because he trusts her to the utmost. She need not worry so much. ] I know full well you would not. So, dismiss the notion, if you would.

[ How he would like to think she worries of him personally and not merely because he is another member of Eorzea. ]

How is it flattery if it is the truth? The people you inspire, the things that you achieve... they are miracles, my friend. Man will react in two ways when such miracles are performed. They will either cast away what they have seen in doubt, or they will rise and follow in hopes of seeing more and performing them as well. You inspire more of the latter, if I had not made myself perfectly clear.

[ He turns his head to look up at the towering stone buildings in front of them. ]

Why a summoner, of all things?

Oh, I am sure that she does. I only mean that between the two of us, I think she prefers knowing something about the places we're visiting, and I'm more likely to just want to be surprised. [ She loves her sister, and she knows that Alkaid loves her in return. But she is also certain that from time to time, she exasperates her as well. ]

All right, it's dismissed. [ She worries about everyone personally, but even though she still has much to know about him, the worry she has for him is a different sort. Never mind that she doesn't fully understand the toll that what he does has on him, but what she does know about it is quite concerning. ]

We never set out to inspire anyone, you know. It was just something that happened, and keeps happening.

[ She knows that she is downplaying it a lot, but even though she loves to help people and she enjoys meeting new people too, she was more about seeking adventures than seeking renown. ]

But of course, if people are inspired by us, I'm not going to tell them they shouldn't be. Everyone needs some kind of inspiration, right?

[ At his question, she has to stop and think for a moment. ]

It wasn't what I intended, at least not at first. I thought that I might learn to use a sword, not wield magic.

But it turned out that I got into a little trouble, and a summoner who happened to be passing by helped me out.

[ She smiles with a little bit of embarrassment, because it was not long after she left the clan with Alkaid, and she wasn't entirely prepared for it. ]

I decided to become a summoner because I was saved by one.

Edited (Hit post too soon) 2021-12-27 09:44 (UTC)

Ah, the sort that wishes to know nothing. Yet... you ask constant questions of me. An interesting contradiction of sorts. [ The Crystal Exarch smiles playfully at her. It would seem he is not old enough where he has forgotten how to jest. ] If one had the intention to inspire when they set forth on their journey, it might never work. Confidence is one thing and yet arrogance is another. A trait that neither of you have.

...Yes. They do indeed.

[ His head tilts up to look at the snow cloud covered sky again. Beneath the hood, the warm ruby eyes stare at a world he has not seen at peace in so long... so very, very long. ]

A sword? Which discipline had you aspired towards? [ The Crystal Exarch tilts his head and his voice is filled with a sudden source of wonder. Never had he thought she might wield a weapon other than that of her tome. ] So, our hero saved by another. Very fitting... and your sister? What inspired her?

Oh, but when it comes to things and people that I am interested in, then I wish to know everything. Or what they decide they can tell me. [ She says this with a playful sort of smile of her own, not yet realizing that she has just admitted to being interested in him, in a sort of indirect way. When she does, she might find herself just slightly embarrassed by how quickly she stated that. ]

Well, I thought (briefly, because this did not last for long) that I might train as a gladiator. [ She laughs at herself, because now she can hardly imagine herself wielding a heavy sword and shield. The tomes that she is most familiar with are more fitting. ] Alkaid always wanted to be a healer.

[ Here, her smile turns fond as she recalls a memory from their childhood. ]

When we were both younger, she would often heal my various scrapes or cuts from being too- Well, playful, I suppose. My mother never liked it when I did that, so Alkaid would help me so that she wouldn't find out.

Hmm. So, one who wishes to know and people and places first hand, and not through dusty tomes. I am afraid to disappoint you in that small regard. Most of what I am aware of and know come from dusty tomes. [ A chuckle comes from him then. ] While it has its merits, one cannot replace the knowledge of knowing a person versus reading of them.

[ Which is an indirect way of referring to her and her sister. He wishes they had this time when he was a younger man. Had he been more forward, had the tale allowed him thus. As such, he must take what he can now, and treasure it while he can. ]

A true partner-in-crime since the beginning. A truly dangerous pair the two of you make. [ The smile on his face points to amusement even if he shakes his head. ] What is the whole of Eorzea to do with you?

[ She lets out a laugh that sounds a little like a scoff, but it is more amused than anything else, and she hopes he realizes that. ] Disappoint me? I'm not disappointed. I would not have gotten this far without an appreciation for those dusty tomes.

What about those who are long since gone? Reading of them is how they stay alive. [ She can't help but wonder how she and Alkaid will be remembered, or if they will eventually fade into obscurity as time passes. That does seem to be the natural progression of time, of course.

And then a fond smile comes to her face in response to his last somewhat teasing question. ]

That is what our mothers used to say to both of us. I almost forgot about that until you said it.

Quite right... you are a summoner. Tomes and learning to form the arcane into your desired shape is an element of your trade. And, a certain arcane form is one you prefer the most out of all, if memory serves. [ His head tilts with his hand to his chin for just a moment in thought. Not that he need remember what the form is; he very much knows at the front of his mind. ] A carbuncle.

They live through song, traditions, hopes and dreams passed down to one another. [ The Crystal Exarch's tone quiets at that. His ruby eyes move to the ground in front of them. ] Or, if not passed down, then most certainly entrusted to.

The humble beginnings of the Warriors of Light are certainly a tale that I would like to hear. I must admit, very little has been ever said or read of the topic.

[ A fleeting thought enters her mind then, and although she does her best to push it aside, it is too stubborn to go away that easily. It seems that he knows so much about her, while she knows very little about him, and that bothers her more than she cares to admit.

And, well, not being one to hold back her feelings or mince words, she asks: ] And what- Who are you? The Crystal Exarch, but what does that mean? What is your trade, and what things do you prefer most?

[ Before she can hold it back, she finds herself adding: ] Someone should write a song or a story about Haurchefant, and Ysayle too.

[ She laughs again. ] That wouldn't be a very interesting story, at least not at first.

[ He pauses in his steps in order to look at her. Although she cannot see his face underneath, save for the lower half, one might tell his gaze has softened. Oh, how he does long to tell her all that he can. The boyish dream of being recognized by his heroes, to have them see what lengths he has gone to ensure the future of their star. Yet... simple praises and recognition are not why has done what he has. It is the safety of their star, and the safety of the Warriors of Light, that matters the most. ]

As I have said, I am the leader of a group of people. Though they are the ones who have built what we call home. I have understandings of arcane magicks and patches of history of our star.

[ What does he prefer most? Hm. A broad question. Perhaps she will specify. ]

You should speak to Count de Fortemps.

[ A vague statement, but he shall not explain too many details of the future. He knows she wishes him to speak of it but... ]

That depends on the one listening to the story. I, for one, would rather enjoy hearing the tale.

[ The answer, while not unexpected, does not tell her everything she wishes to know about him. But she merely nods, finally deciding to accept that until whatever time he decides is right, she will just have to accept that this is the way things are.

She reasons that surely he can tell her a little about his personal preferences: pastimes, likes and dislikes, that sort of thing. ]

When you aren't leading, what do you do with yourself? [ She imagines that like all leaders, the times when he isn't being one are rare, but everyone must have some periods of downtime, however brief. ]

I know you can't tell me very much, but can you tell me what your favorite foods are? [ It might seem silly, even inconsequential, but at this point, she'll take learning what she can about him. ]

I study. Read. Learn.

[ What comes must be stopped at all costs. Their star must be saved, and he intends to do all that he must to see it through till the very end. Or, at least, as much of an end as fate will allow him to play. It is not his tale, but the tale of the brave Sisters of Light.

He can tell that his answers have left her wanting more than he intended. A pause is given as he mulls over what he might share with her. Something that perhaps she had never known as to not ascertain his identity. ]

When I was a younger man, I would spend hours studying. So much, in fact, that my peers would need remind me to eat. T here was a small cafe at the harbor... one dedicated entirely to the design and art of crafting the most amazing food. I found myself always partial to what they called a 'hamburger.'

[ A chuckle then, as if he is remembering a time long past. ] Although, truth be told, I namely ate to sustain myself to further my studies. It was not often that I would eat simply to enjoy food. Such was the attitude of most my peers, actually.

[ She is making careful note of every word he says, in hopes that some of it might provide her with a clue about who he is and what he is truly like. He may not be able to tell her everything, but she can still glean details from his answers. ]

All right, so what is it that you study? Or what do you hope to learn? It must have something to do with this mysterious future of yours- or ours. [ Since he has been fairly clear that what is still to come concerns her and her sister both. ]

Oh, I see. [ She does not turn down food, or the offer of it, simply because she enjoys food and trying new things. ] A hamburger... [ She ponders this, wondering what it must be like. But she has another, more important question for him, which she also expects he will redirect. ] Which harbor was this?

[ She'll return to the notion of being an avid student shortly. Her interest has been piqued by attempting to put together the pieces of what information he has given her so far. ]

Ancient civilizations. Ones that have passed from Calamities.

[ A broad topic and it is not incorrect. He knows better than to lie to her or her sister. They would find a way to catch him in such an act and all trust in him would be dashed. No, it is better to be truthful and yet vague at the same time. ]

Ah, trying to fish for specifics? [ A teasing smile takes his face then as he raises a finger to his lips. ] For now, let us say it is a harbor that does not see much travel these days. Perhaps, one day, you will see it for yourself. If the Gods are to be good.

[ It would be far too much of a giveaway if she were to find out where he studied. One thing would lead to another. ]

Tell me, where did you study? Ul'dah? I know of no other schooling for summoners. Your sister then... she must have studied in Gridania? That is quite a distance between the pair of you. How did you ever cross paths again?

[ She feels a ripple of frustration because of how easily he forestalls her. Of course, she did not expect anything different, but she wishes to connect those dots, to bring together the pieces of things she knows about him. Even if she knew where he studied, that would be something more than what she knows now. ]

Of course I am. [ She cannot hide the mildly frustrated tone in her voice, even though she understands why he will not be more forthcoming. ] I know so little about you, and even the smallest piece of information would mean something.

[ Shaking her head, she does her best to will that flare of frustration to pass. ]

Yes, I studied in Ul'dah, and my sister did her studying in Gridania. We did not intend to part, but we were both interested in different things, so- [ She waves a hand as if to explain that part of their early days. ]

As for how we came together again, by chance or something else, we both managed to meet the Scions of the Seventh Dawn, or their representatives. Eventually, our involvement with them brought us back together.

[ There is a visible pause at her tone of voice. Of course, her frustration is far from surprising. In fact, he can understand it all too well. He certainly deserves any ire or lack of trust she would give him. He is merely a shade in her point in time. A ghost that will have little more than a footnote in her story.

His eyes close as he knows even the smallest detail of his past could lead her to discover his identity. And, knowing her as he does, she will attempt to stop him ebe more if she knows who he is. That is if she even remembers him. He would not expect her to remember the days under a glimmering tower and promises made for a symbol of hope for mankind. Perhaps she remembers the battles and the daring journey to the Void...

Yet, why would she remember him? Surely he made no lasting impression. Just a young man who thought he could be as the heroes of eld; as the hero beside him. Young and foolish to dive head first into the adventure that explained his duty and his ancestral duty. ]

A joyous day that reunion must have been for the pair of you. Truly, a beautiful sight to behold.

[ His crystal hand raises and stretches out to the falling snow. ]

I know that my words and my promises would mean little. But, please believe me when I say that when the time is right, you will learn all you need to. [ The outstretched hand clutch he's as his heart beats painfully. ] My identity outside of my charge means lite. Certainly who I was before named the Crystal Exarch. It was, after all, so very long ago.

We do what we must for the future of our star. For those we can yet save. That is my single cause and reason to press on now. Saving our star. I will do all that I must to obtain that covenant future.

[ 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)

( 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)

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?

[ 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. ]

[ 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. ]

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