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
crystallinedreams: 𝘴𝘡𝘳𝘒𝘡𝘧𝘰𝘳π˜₯𝘴 || π˜₯𝘯𝘴. (exarch πŸ’Ž 03.)

[personal profile] crystallinedreams 2021-12-28 06:44 am (UTC)(link)
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?
elpides: (013)

[personal profile] elpides 2021-12-28 07:39 am (UTC)(link)
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.
crystallinedreams: 𝘴𝘡𝘳𝘒𝘡𝘧𝘰𝘳π˜₯𝘴 || π˜₯𝘯𝘴. (exarch πŸ’Ž 08.)

[personal profile] crystallinedreams 2021-12-28 09:41 am (UTC)(link)
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?
elpides: (015)

[personal profile] elpides 2021-12-29 05:10 am (UTC)(link)
[ 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.
crystallinedreams: 𝘴𝘡𝘳𝘒𝘡𝘧𝘰𝘳π˜₯𝘴 || π˜₯𝘯𝘴. (exarch πŸ’Ž 03.)

[personal profile] crystallinedreams 2021-12-30 01:37 am (UTC)(link)
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.
elpides: (06)

[personal profile] elpides 2021-12-30 04:03 am (UTC)(link)
[ 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.
crystallinedreams: 𝘴𝘡𝘳𝘒𝘡𝘧𝘰𝘳π˜₯𝘴 || π˜₯𝘯𝘴. (exarch πŸ’Ž 08.)

[personal profile] crystallinedreams 2021-12-30 07:48 am (UTC)(link)
[ 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.
elpides: (09)

[personal profile] elpides 2021-12-30 08:31 pm (UTC)(link)
[ 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. ]
crystallinedreams: 𝘴𝘡𝘳𝘒𝘡𝘧𝘰𝘳π˜₯𝘴 || π˜₯𝘯𝘴. (exarch πŸ’Ž 06.)

[personal profile] crystallinedreams 2021-12-31 06:54 am (UTC)(link)
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.
elpides: (03)

[personal profile] elpides 2021-12-31 08:23 am (UTC)(link)
[ 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. ]
crystallinedreams: 𝘴𝘡𝘳𝘒𝘡𝘧𝘰𝘳π˜₯𝘴 || π˜₯𝘯𝘴. (Default)

[personal profile] crystallinedreams 2021-12-31 09:03 am (UTC)(link)
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?
elpides: (06)

[personal profile] elpides 2022-01-01 06:12 am (UTC)(link)
[ 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.
crystallinedreams: 𝘴𝘡𝘳𝘒𝘡𝘧𝘰𝘳π˜₯𝘴 || π˜₯𝘯𝘴. (crystal πŸ’Ž 04.)

[personal profile] crystallinedreams 2022-01-01 10:25 am (UTC)(link)
[ 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.
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)
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)
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?
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. ]
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)
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: (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. ]
crystallinedreams: 𝘴𝘡𝘳𝘒𝘡𝘧𝘰𝘳π˜₯𝘴 || π˜₯𝘯𝘴. (exarch πŸ’Ž 03.)

[personal profile] crystallinedreams 2022-01-05 10:30 pm (UTC)(link)
Perhaps, then, one might become better acquainted with patience. Her reward is often worth it. [ He smiles despite the tone of their conversation.

As a young man, he never would have believed it would be him to comfort either of the Warriors of Light. Least of all to guide them down a path that might yet determine a brighter future. He had full expected to wake and read of their deeds in books, hear the songs of their tales. He had braced himself for the heartbreak and longing for days unseen and adventures he wished to live beside them. Fate, however, is fickle and determined a very different role for him. Which is why he must be certain they never learn of his identity, even if his very heart cries against the idea. His role is not to be apart of their story, but to see that their story continues on forward. When that role is fulfilled, then he will step back as he once did before. Merely a cameo -- a footnote -- in a grand epic that will be told for ages to come.

He longs to be able to truly feel her hair under his fingers. Though, he imagines such gestures cannot happen once he has contacted her in the time he must. The gesture will remain a kind one in fond memories that she might look back on. For what he asks her to do will be so monumental and so consuming that there very well may not be time for such things. ]


I will most certainly be there when it is time for you to meet my people. After all, who but I to give you the grand tour?

[ He falls silent and still as he wonders how best to answer her query. While that part of him wishes to pull off his good and reveal who he is? It cannot be done. Misdirection, lies, manipulation. Although, should it fall the way he needs it to? She will never know who he truly is and thus her ire will not taint whatever fond memories she might have of their time together in his youth. ]

Red eyes are fairly common where I hail from. [ He tiles his head as if to ponder the notion. ] I had not thought they were very particular in nature. Is it that curious?
elpides: (06)

[personal profile] elpides 2022-01-06 08:36 pm (UTC)(link)
Or maybe I'll become better acquainted with patience because of you. I could be wrong, but you seem to already be good friends with her. [ It feels odd to speak of patience as though she is a living person, but in a world that is as full of strange occurrences as theirs, maybe it isn't that odd at all. ]

If nothing else, at least my sister would be happy to learn that I finally became more patient. [ She laughs again, knowing full well that Alkaid values her as she is, and doesn't seem to expect that she change too much. Maybe some of her enthusiasm could be tempered, but the last thing that K'thisru wants is to become an exact mirror image of her sister. Learn lessons from her, yes; become exactly like her in every way, no. ]

Well, I hope so. For a moment there, I worried that you might not be there at all, either because of time or because something else would keep you occupied. [ For the first time, she wonders about his age. If he is ahead of her, then wouldn't that mean that there is a possibility that he might not be present at all due to the passage of time. ] I will be holding you to that, you know.

[ The grand tour, that is. She wants to meet him in the flesh and see everything that she can, with him there to act as guide. ]

Well, there are red eyes, and then there are red eyes. It's at least a little curious.

[ She might not be able to recall the entire conversation about Allagan royalty and eye color, but she vaguely remembers there being something linking the two. ]
crystallinedreams: 𝘴𝘡𝘳𝘒𝘡𝘧𝘰𝘳π˜₯𝘴 || π˜₯𝘯𝘴. (Default)

[personal profile] crystallinedreams 2022-01-06 09:39 pm (UTC)(link)
I may have not been the most patient in my youth. No, in fact, I was rather impatient. I had to learn how to parlay with her in hopes for a better future. One where my people may not suffer or feel as if there is nothing but to survive. [ His hand gently presses on the top of her head once more before removing it. ] I am certain she would be quite please. However, I believe, that she would wish you to be true to your heart more than anything else.

[ A gentle chuckle comes from him. ] No, I full well intend that I am there to great you when you finally arrive. It would be rude to invite one into my home and not be there to receive them.

[ He chuckles slightly. ] Perhaps it is simply the light making them look redder than they truly are.

[ The Crystal Exarch has to fight himself from reacting out of turn. Perhaps she has begun to suspect who he is. Apart of him is elated at the idea that he would be worthy enough of her memories. The other knows that it matters not in the grand scheme of things. ]

You sound as if you are very familiar with this particular shade of red. Mayhap I inquire as to how and why?

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