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

[ That admission just makes her worry about her sister more, and she scoots over a little closer because she just wants to be next to her. ]

Well, if you want to talk about it, you know that I'll listen.

[ She wants to know what her sister is thinking and feeling, and she wants to help her with it too, if she can. Of course she knows a little about how she feels, perhaps even more than just a little. The Warrior of Light has clear responsibilities and duties, but that is not all the two of them are. And while K'thisru might be (for the moment) unattached, Alkaid certainly is not. She can only imagine how much her sister must be missing Ishgard and the man she left waiting there for her: the man who very clearly loves her and wants to start a family with her. ]

I know you do; I miss it too. [ She already knows that she could make a home for herself in the place they've recently left, and she hopes that their paths will lead them back there one day. ] Not as much as you do, I'm sure, but-

[ She shakes her head. ] Well, the good thing is, there are two of us.

[ She smiles at her sister, holding out a hand, intending to give her a fond squeeze. ] You could return to Ishgard, and I can help Alisaie and Lyse here.

[ She frowns a little at the mention of Lyse's name, but she carries on regardless. ]

Alphinaud is here as well, and Raubahn. [ She ought to use his proper title, but no one will overhear them up here.

When Alkaid reveals the engagement ring that she now wears, K'thisru glances down at it with an equally fond sort of smile. ] It really is a beautiful ring, and it suits you.

[ And Aymeric, of course, as the one who chose it. ]

I think that it all moved so quickly, but isn't that how things seem to work? As for the people here, I do want to help them.

Lyse... [ She frowns and shakes her head again. ] She should have told us. If not her, then surely one of the Scions could have. Even a partial explanation is better than no explanation at all.

[ Her eyes close before she leans over and rests her head against K'thisru's shoulder. A small sigh follows. ]

Is there much to say other than 'I miss it.'

[ There is always a pang when she sees those who are married or obviously a couple together. She can only imagine it will grow the longer they are embroiled in the fight in Gry Abania. ]

We both know that they will need both of us. Simple things as I want can't take thr forefront when we are in the middle of a war. This war is against man... not dragons.

[ The ring twists on her finger at the compliment. ]

I was in Gridania when Papalymo and Yda found me. They eventually offered to take me to the Scions. All that time, and Lyse never once told me she... [ Then, an angry sigh. ] Any of them should of told us. She should have! How can I trust what they are hiding now? How is it fair they ask us to risk our lives day in and day our doe their causes and their struggles but they refused to tell us?!

[ Her hands clench. ] she recruited me but had the audacity to lie to me the whole time!

[ She doesn't move, remaining as still as possible, but she moves one arm over so that she can wrap it around her sister and hold on tightly. ]

I'm sorry, Lantaa.

[ She can't know everything her sister feels, but she can at least imagine that she feels incomplete and most certainly lonely without Aymeric at her side. ]

I would just as soon have you here with me, but not if you're unhappy and missing- Well, everything. There are other healers, you know.

[ Privately, she believes no one is a better healer than her sister, but what she wants more than anything is for her to be happy, and she clearly isn't right now. ]

I'll give whatever explanations I have to, but you could just quietly leave while everyone is distracted with other things. We'll be all right, Lantaa.

[ Her expression shifts again to one more thoughtful and pensive as her sister vents her anger about what Lyse and the Scions decided to do. ]

It isn't right. They should not have kept that a secret from us, and especially not from you. [ Shaking her head, K'thisru frowns. ] I don't know if I can trust her either, not after this. Work alongside her? Maybe. Trust her again?

[ She isn't sure. ]

Do you ever think that we should have joined with another order?

[ Her weight leans into her sister's hold. Usually, it is the other way around. There is no complaining or the fact being pointed out. Just a measure of exhaustion that may not simply be physical. ]

We both know it isn't because I'm a healer, Thisru. It's because we are the Warriors of Light. We're not just us anymore. We're a status, a figure, heroes. We can't just go running off if we feel like it now.

[ Her tail bristles slightly. ] I'm not sure I want to forgive her. Not yet. Not when she parades around these people and tells them how they should be without a consideration of the place she left behind. I understand not knowing, but how childish can one be after a we have seen so far...?

[ After the people they've lost. ]

The Scions would have found us regardless. We have the Echo and the Blessing of Light.

[ It usually is the other way around, yes, but K'thisru knows she will always be there for her sister to lean on if she needs her. And now it seems as though she does, so she does not shy away from doing her part. ]

But is it running off? The war in Ishgard might have ended, but that doesn't mean that there is no work left there to do or ways that you can help. I am certain that Aymeric would be grateful for any assistance you could offer, both in the city and elsewhere.

[ If the situation were different, she would have tipped Alkaid a wink, but neither of them are really in a jesting mood right now, so she refrains. ]

I'm not sure I do either. I think she'll have to stop her parading around and learn a little, if she can. [ Fine words coming from her, she thinks, because she knows full well that she is every bit as reckless as Lyse seems to be. But she's not the one telling people how to feel or act. ]

She has some lessons she has to learn. [ Like she has had to learn, and a few others of their number such as Alphinaud. ]

I suppose so, but I still wonder how things might have looked if we'd taken another path.

It would seem that way. One of the Warriors of Light abandoning the cause in Gry Abania to deal with the plights in Ishgard? These people do not care about the lands to the north and what their struggle has been. They care about the struggle here, at home, in front of them. The fact their lives have been uprooted, that the Empire has stolen their homes, that their kin joins the Empire with feeling there is no other recourse.

And... I very much doubt Aymeric would approve of me abandoning duty.

[ In fact, she is very certain that he would not. While thrilled to see her? He may question why she had left the fight simply to spend time with him. ]

Ah, I remember saying something similar about you, at one point. Look at how you've grown! [ She reaches up to gently poke her sister in the cheek. ] I think it was around the time we had met NOAH outside the Crystal Tower...

[ A shrug and a sigh is let out regardless of the fun currently had. ]

More Primals around, perhaps. Who knows what the Black Wolf would have done had we not stopped the Ultima Weapon...

I know, but- [ She bites her lip, a look of unhappiness caused by the fact that there is no solution to this present problem coming to her face. Part of her wants to insist that Alkaid return to Ishgard, but there's another part of her that knows it is something that cannot happen, for the reasons that have already been said. ]

I know that you would not be happy having done something like that, and of course, Aymeric would have questions for you as well. [ And in the end, no one would be truly happy.

But then, as if struck by a certain burst of inspiration, K'thisru briefly removes her arm from where she placed it around her sister, and she resolutely clasps one hand around her fist in a determined gesture. ]

We'll have to help the Ala Mhigans to the best of our ability, putting the threat to rest for good and if we can, bringing balance back to this place.

[ It is all a tall order, which she knows full well, even though they have only been present here for a short time. The struggle that they have been dealing with is no small matter, and although her words are resolute, she knows it will be some time before everything is set to rights, if it is at all. They could still fail in their efforts, but they could also get back up and keep trying.

At Alkaid's poke, K'thisru laughs, but it sounds more like a giggle, something she would have done when she was younger. ]

Everyone has to grow up sometime, don't they? If I could do it, then Lyse has a good chance too. [ She pauses then, thinking back to that encounter. ]

That was some time ago now.

[ She falls silent then for a moment or two, pondering how things might have been different and how bad they could have been. ]

[ Alkaid gives her a small smile before pushing herself to sit upright beside her. It pains her deeply, of course, to be away from the place she considers home. She has just simply learned how to mask it all away in front of the others. Should it be obvious her spirits are down, it will bring down all of those around her. They need something better than that now. ]

You do realize that putting the threat to rest means challenging the Empire itself. Most likely whoever it is that has been put in charge here. [ One leg is pulled up as she turns to face her sister properly now. ] The Resistance needs to be armed better and quite possibly even have greater allies. I'm not certain the Eorzean Alliance is in a place, as of the moment, to take the Empire on in such a decisive blow. The Ala Mhigans need an ally... or several.

[ The giggle brings a smile to her face and a sway of her tail. In moments like these, she feels like a proud mother in a way. Then, her eyes go up back towards the stars. ]

Lyse simply needs to realize that while they are her blood, she is not necessarily their kin in soul and mind just yet. She needs to learn how to empathize with them, not their cause. [ She nods. ] Have you ever thought about traveling back to the Crystal Tower? Seeing what they may have discovered or learned about more of the Allagan technology? Especially after Azys Lla.

[ K'thisru opens her mouth to say something, but Alkaid keeps on going with what she knows is only the truth of the matter. Still, she feels a little chastised, even if she is certain that isn't how her sister means it to sound. The reminder is one she needs, even though all she really wants is for Alkaid to be happy. Nevertheless, neither she nor Aymeric would be really happy, knowing that she left what is presently her duty behind. ]

Of course I realize that. I only mean that for your sake and Aymeric's as well, I hope that this conflict finds a resolution as quickly as possible. It will still take time, but I can at least hope for that.

[ She frowns as she mulls over everything that needs to happen in order for them to successfully challenge the Empire. ]

How any of this will happen, I don't know. Something must be done, but what and how? [ The odds seem fairly stacked against them, but still, she remains confident that they'll find a way somehow.

As for Lyse, she supposes it isn't impossible for her to learn those lessons, but it will take her some time as well. ]

The Crystal Tower? [ She tilts her head to one side, surprised by the sudden question. ] We did leave a little suddenly. [ Or perhaps it only seems that way to her. ] I wouldn't mind going back, would you?

[ She squeezes her hand after her small moment of motherly overtones. Alkaid hardly thinks her sister is unable to grasp the situation at all. In fact, she needs the little reminders that K'Thisru gives. All too often. Can she become involved in the plight of others and not think once of her own happiness. ]

We spoke about our being separated when he proposed. While we both understand it... it's harder than I imagined it would be. I wonder if it is just as hard for him...

[ She shrugs. She is far from a tactician and neither of them know this land as well as they know Ishgard. Something will be found or discussed. It is simply a matter of seeing if they still wish to fight. ]

I wouldn't mind at all. In fact, they may have discovered something more in our absence. Though, I doubt it would be enough to wake G'raha Tia...

[ 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? ]

( 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....

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?

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.

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. ]

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?

Exactly what I was thinking. You know that I'll keep your secrets for as long as you want me to. No one, not even the others, will know until you're ready for them to.

[ And if she never is ready, well, then K'thisru will just continue holding her silence. Never mind that at some point, she imagines that Aymeric and Alkaid will have to let someone know that they are engaged. Unless they intend to keep their marriage a secret, which in her mind, is far more work than it's worth. ]

We have. [ Like Alkaid, she recalls that confrontation with Thordan and how it ended. She would be lying if she said that it did not still trouble her. Thordan was Aymeric's father, and they killed him. It is a hard thing to come to terms with, and she isn't sure she ever will. ] I remember him saying that.

[ She glances down at her hands before she looks back at Alkaid, a question of her own in her eyes. ]

Now? I'm not sure. [ To her, even though only remnants of Allag remain, they still seem miles ahead of anything they in Eorzea have managed. ] Do you think we could ever be like them? And... have we made the future brighter, even a little?

[ They won a victory in Ishgard, but what about the bigger fight? As long as conflict still remains, it seems to her that they still have a long way to go. ]

Maybe I'll never tell them. We... didn't discuss how to announce it. We didn't have the chance to.

[ Any and all planning was immediately stopped the moment the news reached them of Aymeric being elected as the Speaker or the House of Lords. Lord's. It was none surprising to her? Her heart broke at the news realizing that duty had once again stepped into play with their relationship. Then, she and her sister were called away. Now she finds herself a top a structure in a forgien land wishing she could go home. ]

I expect you'll be there. Who else is going to be my maid of honor? [ She smiles then, a little sadness creeping over her. ] If he believes this is all worth it and still wishes to be married...

[ Eyes close once again as the smile turns into a frown. Mayhap one day will tire of the waiting and the pause that they must have due to her calling. While she hopes against it, she can't deny that she has had more than one or two dreams that is the case. What if he finds a woman in Ishgard and becomes taken with her? Especially if she can be with him at all times...

Alkaid let's out a lonely and painful sigh. A hand raises and gestures for K'thisru to lay down and rest her head in her lap. ]

I think struggle and strife will always be here. We cannot eliminate war entirely. Once the war with the Empire ends, surely there will be something else. But, if anyone can make a future with technology that rivals the Allagans? It is surely Cid and the Ironworks. Freedom through technology, isn't it?

[ Her hand rests on top of her sister's head. Then, she starts to smooth the hair down. ]

What about you, Thisru? Has anyone caught your eye yet?

If not telling them is what you want to do, then I think you should. They might find out eventually, but it should be up to both of you when you tell them. [ And if it turns out that they never tell anyone, then that is also their decision. K'thisru knows she will support them either way.

She wishes there was something she could do, either to take on more responsibility and thus free her sister up to spend time with Aymeric, or convince her that it is all right to take a pause from her duties with the Scions. Of course, she's certain her sister will never do either of those things, but she can see how sad she is to be apart from him and away from the place that has become her home. ]

I would like to be there! [ She gives Alkaid a grin that is perhaps a bit too wide, but all she really wants is for her sister to be happy. If she can manage to lift her spirits even a little, then she's going to try. ] And to be your maid of honor... [ Her ears twitch with excitement and her tail waves back and forth a few times. ]

Why would he change his mind? It's obvious that he loves you and wishes to be with you.

[ To her, it's quite clear that Aymeric would wait a lifetime for her, and that nothing would cause his gaze to slide to one side. ] I think he only has eyes for you, Lantaa.

[ She can't imagine that he would look at anyone else, or even be tempted to. If he did, however, she wouldn't hesitate to confront him about it.

It has been some time since the two of them had a moment like this, so when Alkaid makes that gesture, she scoots over just a little bit and lies down, head in her sister's lap.

For right now, they are just two sisters spending a quiet moment together with no one to see them but the stars overhead. ]

Of course. Cid is one of the smartest people that we know. [ But even with that, she still wonders if enough advances have been made to put them on equal footing with the Allagans.

When Alkaid's question comes, she pauses. She has met someone, but it's not exactly a conventional meeting. And more importantly, she has yet to fully determine what she thinks and feels about him. ]

Well, I- [ She decides she should just blurt this out, or she might never say anything about it at all. ] I did meet someone. Just not in the way anyone might expect.

I think it would be best to ask how he wishes to proceed before making any actions. While he'd most likely insist that it's my reputation that might take more of a beating? I don't need to worry about the political grumblings and undertides it'd bring.

[ She smiles at her sister's reaction. ] Why would I chose anyone other than you to be my maid of honor? You're the one who knows me the best out of anyone on our star.

[ Her fingers continue to smooth down her sister's hair as she grows quiet for a steady beat of moments. How much of her doubts and her worries should she burden her sister with? Oh, K'thisru would say all of them. Yet, how much should she truly share? ]

We have no idea how long we will be here in Ala Mhigo for. [ Alkaid's gaze softens as it drops to the stone they sit on. ] They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but, we both know that loneliness grows in place as well. There may be someone in Ishgard who could be at his side whenever he needs it. Someone who can play the politics of the great houses. Someone who... won't be called away at the whim to fight Primals or wars...

[ Her fingers curl slightly in the hair, but she does not tug or pull. ] But, you don't need to hear about my worries or insecurities of it all. Tell me about this mysterious someone you met in an unexpected way.

All the more reason for you to go back and see him, even if it's just for a little while. [ Although, knowing how much the two of them care about each other, the temptation to just stay there and not return to Rhalgr's Reach would most likely be strong. But she still thinks that they would manage if Alkaid decided to remain in Ishgard. If only she could do that without feeling as though she is abandoning her duty. ] The two of you have much to talk about, and as you said, you were both interrupted.

[ She shifts just slightly, a relaxed smile crossing her face. Somehow, her sister knows just what she needs to calm her. Except right now, she feels like she should be the one comforting and calming Alkaid, not the other way around. ]

You know that I couldn't have asked for a better sister, right? [ She could tell her that a thousand times over and it still wouldn't convey how grateful she is for her. ]

But he knew that when you parted, didn't he? That there was no telling how long you would be away. Why would he have proposed, knowing that you would be apart for long periods of time if he didn't love you more than anything?

[ Sometimes she is too much of a romantic, but she believes that Aymeric truly loves her sister and none other, so she remains certain that he will wait for her to come back. ] He loves you, I'm sure of it, and he'll wait for you.

[ For just a moment, she closes her eyes, wishing that there was a way to solve her sister's problems and bring her and Aymeric back together again, with nothing keeping them apart, not even war or their respective duties. ]

Well, it was not long after... After we lost Haurchefant. I was in the Forgotten Knight having a drink when he appeared. And I do mean appeared, not simply walked in through the door.

Given the situation at hand? I'm certain Aymeric would prefer if I see to matters here first. [ A sad smile touches the corners of mouth. However, it never fully spreads. ] We are always interrupted. Either by his new position or by the needs the Scions deem you and I need to care for.

[ Part of her believes she and Aymeric may never be together as they would like, even joined, until they can somehow retire their services. ]

Oh, I'm certain you could have asked for one that fits your rambunctious side more. [ There is a gentle prod to the back of K'thisru's head, but that is all. A teasing gesture at the most. ]

He did. But, knowing it in one's mind and the heart experiencing it are different. [ She shakes her head. ] He loves me, yes. I wouldn't be so bold to say he loves me more than anything. If anything? He loves his city and his people more, and it should be that way. The man he is today is thanks to that devotion and love for Ishgard. I wouldn't take that away from him.

[ Alkaid raises an eyebrow at her sister's next statement. ] As if out of thin air? Who would have thought a mage would turn your head...

I know you're right, but I just hope that one day, you won't be interrupted by anyone or anything and finally get the time together that you should have had all along. [ Her ears twitch and lift just a little bit, as if indicating her displeasure with the whole thing. Just because her sister is a Warrior of Light and a Scion doesn't mean she should always have to put herself second all the time. The same goes for Aymeric. Of course she understands duty and responsibility, but in her mind, they've all made too many sacrifices too many times to not be allowed a little selfishness once in awhile.

Still, she won't be saying that to anyone, because all she'd get is disapproval. And even she doesn't mean to shirk from her duties. What she really wishes for is a little balance, a compromise. ]

Truthfully? [ She has thought about this a little bit when she has had time to mull things over. ] I could have asked for that, but I don't think that I would have. [ A chuckle escapes her when she pokes the back of her head. ]

I can't really speak for what he's thinking, but isn't it possible for him to love his city and you equally as much? If he said that the most important things in his life were you and Ishgard, would you disagree?

[ All she has to go on are the looks she's seen Aymeric give her sister, but they seem telling enough to bolster her confidence in what she's saying. ]

So I suppose it's not that unusual, because isn't that how aetherytes work? But he appeared inside the building, not by an aetheryte. He's... He's really curious, and, well, I hope that I get to meet him again.

As do I.

[ Her hand continues to ease her sister's hair down around the ears. She can easily recall the memories of being elated on planning the ceremony--even how to convince the Orthodox Church to wed them if needed. It is difficult to pinpoint and explain why the news of Aymeric's sudden rise in position deflated all the momentum of their union. Perhaps the realization that their relationship would always be defined by their duties. Or, the fact that it was a reminder that Ishgard needed him at the helm even if he had been ready to leave her fate to herself.

Alkaid's eyes close as she tilts her head back. ] I wouldn't put myself on the pedestal he holds Isghard in. They are his people, his kin. We are adopted into their city and their people. Yet, that is still different at the core, despite what idealistic thinking might be. We have not known a lifetime of war and loss. That could very well be why it was us and Alphinaud that could help end their way. Regardless, I know that his heart is very well defined by Ishgard's needs and wants.

[ She pauses before addressing their other topics. ] A sister like Lyse or Alisaie. Imagine the havoc that would cause along side you.

And what makes him so curious? Other than his apparent ability to disappear and appear without aetherytes.

[ She might not be able to feel everything her sister feels or even know the entirety of what she is going through, but she feels terrible that they never had the chance to plan their wedding, or even have a wedding. If she could just make everyone around them leave the two of them alone long enough that they might have the wedding they both deserve, she would do it without a second's hesitation.

Despite her sister's comforting gestures, she can't help the tension that forms in her shoulders as she feels her own emotions threaten to spill over. ]

Why can't his heart be defined by his love for you and for his people? He can still put their needs first and love you at the same time. [ Maybe she is far too idealistic for someone who has never been in a relationship, and the closest thing she has to it at the moment is a jumble of confused feelings for someone she has never met in person, only by way of a projection. ] I think that he didn't just adopt the two of us into their city; he wanted to make you part of his family but he wasn't sure how to ask.

[ Of course, when she first met him, she thought him far too aloof and standoffish, but she certainly didn't miss the way his eyes were drawn to her sister from the start. And neither did she miss how he seemed to light up every time they were able to meet, even if there were others around. ]

I know you won't put yourself on that pedestal, but I think he's already placed you there, Lantaa.

[ She has become so worked up about discussing her sister's relationship with Aymeric that she nearly forgot that she was relating to her sister about the curious stranger she met. ]

Well, for starters, he wasn't physically present. He said it was some sort of projection, but that wasn't the strangest part. He said he was from our future, that he has been trying to find us, but for some reason, he keeps arriving too early.

[ She shakes her head. ] I almost didn't believe him at first, because doesn't that sound too far-fetched?

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject