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

Well, if I'm going to do that, then I'm just going to say that I want to help you and your people too, as soon as I can. [ Something about his words has appealed to her desire to help people, whether she knows them or not, and she wishes she could put her words into action right now. But unfortunately, she must wait and hope that he believes her words to be more than empty promises. ]

Exactly, that would be so rude that I might even hold a grudge for a little while. [ She manages to keep a serious expression for about ten seconds before it slips and she chuckles. ]

The light? [ She huffs out an amused laugh. ] It could have been, I suppose, but part of me doesn't think so. I'm not familiar with it, not really, but what does seem strange to me is that someone's eyes would change from one blue eye and one red to two red eyes. At least, that's what happened to this person that I met.

[ There was more to it than that, she's certain, but a lot of the details about how it all happened are a little bit foggy to her. ]

It wasn't just that one eye decided it was a good time to change colors, of course. [ Again, she laughs, clearly amused by that idea and its ridiculousness. ]

I am certain that you will, my friend. However, there are several things here that need your attention first. Things that only you and your sister can achieve. Then, once those deeds are said and done? I am certain we will meet again. Not only that, but things will be in order for me to share a bit more of my story and my plight.

[ She must stay the course. Ala Mhigo, Doma, Eorzea. All things must come together and have been done in order for the next step. If he acts too soon then it will irreparably change things. Those few details must happen. Oh, he would tell her of all of it to prepare her if he could. It will have many hard ships and many upsets. However, she will prevail through them a ll and the tasks he will give her. He will make sure of it. ]

Hm. An odd trick indeed to change one's eye. Magick, perhaps?

There are always things that need my attention first. [ She isn't angry about it, just stating a fact. ] Sometimes I wonder when this will all end, or if it will just continue to be facing one new threat after another.

[ So long as evil remains in the world, she knows that is how it must be, and she and her sister will just continue doing their duty. ]

Then I will just try to be patient and wait for that time to come. [ She imagines she will have plenty to distract her until that time, as that is usually how it goes.

She tilts her head, wishing not for the first time that she could see his face so that she might read his expression, but of course, that hood of his keeps it hidden from her. ]

Well, there were two people that we met who did some kind of exchange, and that was when his eye changed. [ She ought to recall the names of everyone who was present at that time, and she might be able to if she thought hard enough about it, but they seem to be escaping her for now. ] It must have been some kind of magick.

Every story has an end. The when, the how, and the journey to it are not always in our hands. Sometimes we aspire for greater roles in stories as well only to fall short of them. I am certain that your story will have an ending--a happy one at that. Hopefully how it will end will be up to you.

[ He intends to make certain that it is a happy ending. One that does not end with the looming of dark tides. Yes, he is determined to make a better future for her to exist in. There was a time he had tasked her with such a thing... and yet now he was the one that will do that task for her. And not only her, but her sister, and all of Eorzea.

The crystalline hand raises to rest on his chin in thought. Of course, it is very much the opposite. Hidden within the depths of his hood are wide ruby eyes that shake. Fear, excitement? He can hardly tell which emotion it is. He has become a master at hiding so much that pretending to be in thought to her notes is but a simple task. When, truthfully, he is beyond touched that she would remember such details of his youth. He surely did not make such an impactful presence on her. Otherwise, she might have spared him more than the conversational glance or look.

A sigh as he closes his eyes under the hood. ]

Transference of sorts. A bestowing of power from one to another. Curious that it changed his eyes from one to another. [ He pauses. Of course, he knows exactly what it was. ] The power your mysterious friend gained must have triggered some change within him. Something dormant, perhaps? Or, mayhap even increasing what was once already inside him. A tale of interest nonetheless.

Tell me, my friend. Have you thought to ask him yourself for clearer details? I cannot imagine one would refuse a Warrior of Light's curiosity.

[ She's no seer; she can't see how the path she's on will end, either for herself or for her sister. At times, it seems like it's just a very long path full of twists and turns with no end in sight. While her adventurous side is strong, and has never dwindled, part of her wonders if she'll just keep moving on to the next fight, the next adventure, until her part in the story ends.

Once, when she was younger, she said that resting was boring, but now she feels a little bit differently. ]

I'd ask how you're so certain about that, but I'm sure you would just tell me to wait and see how it all turns out. It must be something, knowing all these things that others can't yet know, but from where I'm standing...

[ She shakes her head once, trying not to feel too much frustration or direct it at him, even though part of her says it's deserved. ]

It's- Well, it's frustrating. I don't know how else to say it.

[ Her tail twitches then, as if further indicating how frustrated she feels because of all this. ]

I don't know, I never really understood how all that worked. He did, I think, and so did the people who did the transferring. The bestowing.

[ Then she huffs out a small sigh. ] I would ask him, you know, but he sealed himself inside the... [ It takes a moment for the name to return to her. ] The Crystal Tower. He said that he would wake up when the time was right, when Eorzea was the same as the Allagans. Or, well, at least at the same level as them.

I'm sure my sister could recall the whole conversation better than I could, but that's what I remember him saying.

[ The Crystal Exarch falls quiet at her expressions. His hand remains on his chin, eyes slowly closing underneath the hood where she cannot see them. He cannot blame her for any frustrations or anger that she has. Truthfully? This could merely be the start of such things. Certain things must take place and be executed at the right time for the plan to save the star. He very well would not be surprised if she eventually cast him aside in anger; refused to forgive or believe him.

She remembers pieces and the general scope of things. If he were to be truthful? It is more than he had hoped for. He thought that perhaps she remembered some young fool sealing himself inside, but never the extent of it beyond that. His heart leaps into his throat. Whatever joy he may feel is dampened by the pure fact that she is so very upset with him. An upset that he can hardly elevate.

Slowly, his crystal hand lowers and his head turns to face her. Ruby eyes meet hers even if she cannot meet his gaze properly. ]

I do not know how your story will end or if it will be that of happiness. I pray that it is. I hope. I am determined to see that the path you walk will lead you to that. All that is in my power that I may use to achieve such an end will be dedicated to it. This, I can assure you.

There is no doubt that my promises ring hollow and seem empty. Something so far away that cannot be obtained or even seen. But, please, K'thisru, know this. Everything that I do is to set in motion a better future for our star--for your future. Nothing is withheld due to malice or ill-contempt, least of all mistrust.

[ His hand of flesh raises to touch her and yet hesitates at the last moment. It hangs in the air before finally settling back down at his side. There is little he has done to earn her trust, let alone the right to touch her. ]

As for your friend locked away within the Crystal Tower? There is no doubt in my mind that he watches you from afar and cheers for your success. That he prays for your well-being. So many of us do.

[ Although she knows that it is an unfair question to ask, and even though she knows why he is doing what he is, part of her still rails against the notion that he can just appear at various points along her timeline, hoping to find the right one. His intentions are evidently good, as he is concerned with saving their star, but even so, she cannot help but feel a little frustrated because of it.

By now, she knows that she cannot reach out and touch him, because he is only a projection, but she has always been too impulsive especially when her emotions are running high, and now is no exception to that.

Rather than answer right away, she steps closer to him and reaches out to snatch at his hood. He isn't too much taller than she is, but she still has to stand on her toes in order to get close enough. And of course, her hand passes right through as she knew it would, but if they were in person, the state of her temper would have been enough to cause her to want to pull his hood off, or at least try to. ]

I had to do that, at least once. [ She shakes her head with another huff before her shoulders drop and she tries to calm herself once more. ] I know that it wouldn't have worked, but-

[ She scuffs one foot against the ground, no longer really angry, just reluctantly resigned to being several steps behind him, at least for now. ]

[ The Crystal Exarch stands as if his whole body is made of the very mineral that has already claimed his arm. It is... so much harder than he had originally thought. Perhaps he should not have attempted to reach out as he has; mayhap he should have merely stayed with the idea of the Calling despite its dangers. Of course, both options are a cowards way out. The situation is at it is and of his own making.

His eyes shut despite the fact he knows full well she cannot remove his hood. There is a hope that if his eyes remained shut she may not discern his identity. Even there are other telling sides of who he is. His hands clutch slightly at his sides.

What is he to say? He has explained what he can, apologized, even though he knows the words will ring hollow and remain flat. She has no need to trust him when his identity is shrouded from her. No amount of words will ease her justified frustration and mistrust.

Perhaps he ought to take his leave. ]

[ He is also upset, that much is obvious. Part of her says that it is his own doing that is causing the upset for both of them, but there's another part of her that is much more sympathetic. She... Well, she just has a funny way of showing it.

This time, she stamps her foot lightly on the ground, and instead of trying and failing to remove his hood, she reaches for his face. ]

Come on, don't look like that. I can't really see you because of that silly hood, but I think you look better smiling.

[ She knows she's done what her sister has told her not to do: she has been too honest, too open with her thoughts and feelings, and it's obvious to her that she's hurt him in the process. ]

It isn't even you I'm mad at. [ What is she mad at, then? Time itself? ] All right, well, I am a little, but I want...

[ This time, she places her hand against his face, or as close as she can get without her hand phasing through him. ]

I want to help you, and I want you to not be so sad.

[ The Crystal Exarch's gaze raises from underneath his hood. Better with a smile? Hm. Perhaps, but there is little to smile for. Especially knowing that she might very well despise him by the end of the journey he must ask her to take. His head tucks down ever so slightly as he searches for the right words to say. ]

There is very little to be happy about. We make our small moments, we remember how to smile, and we fight with everything that we are. However... I believe I can bring something back to them from our conversation. Snow is not available to us, but, substitutions can be made.

[ He is certain someone will complain of how supplies are limited. That it is not the time for such frivolities. Yet, he has learned a valuable lesson from her. ]

I will endeavor to keep a smile henceforth. It is, after all, advice from the esteemed Warrior of Light.

[ Once again, she realizes too late how that sounds: flippant and ignorant of everything he and his people are going through. ]

I- I didn't mean it like that. Of course it would be hard to smile when in a situation like yours. [ Whatever it is, since she still doesn't know what struggle they're actually facing. Her ears lower as does her tail, because she feels helpless to actually do anything for them, no matter how much she wishes she could.

If she had a hood of her own, she would use it to hide her eyes from him right now, because she feels as though she doesn't deserve his praise or his admiration, not after just upsetting him. ]

What can I do to help you right now? [ Her earlier thought that she might continue showing him around the city feels foolish in light of his reactions, but she must do something truly meaningful and more than just a well-intentioned but ultimately pointless request to smile. ]

And yet, simply because it is hard does not mean it is the wrong thing to do. The hardest things are often the correct course of action. Sometimes being reminded of that fact, regardless of how harsh or cruel it might seem, is what one ought to do.

[ Despite all that has been said? He does smile at her. This situation is of his own making after all. He has elected to contact her and her sister in such a manner in a gentler way; to save them both pain and struggle in learning new magick. ]

Continue to smile and remind old men such as myself the joy it brings. As for something less abstract and more immediate? I do believe you had mentioned showing me something.

[ Rather than being reassured (and knowing that she ought to be reassuring him), she briefly looks away as if ashamed of herself and what she is certain is thoughtlessness. ]

Of course. That only makes sense, but I wouldn't want you or your people thinking that I was completely thoughtless and not thinking at all about what you're going through. [ If she could just find a way to reach them, timeline or no timeline, in order to do some useful action to help them, she would. But even with all of her stubbornness and will, she knows she can't do that, not until the time is right.

She remembers belatedly that she wished to bring him to what she considers the best vantage point in the city. It isn't even a place she found on her own, but rather, it happens to be the favored spot of a certain Lord Speaker. ]

Yes, I do want to show you something. [ She would take hold of his hand as they walked along if only she could, but she has to just settle for offering him the warmest smile she can manage. ] It isn't far from here at all.

I know of your heart. Your deeds alone reflect it as such. My people will know of you and your heart once they see your deeds. Many might have their opinions based on which side of conflict or morals they stand. However, truth will prevail in the end.

[ He raises his crystal hand to gesture for her to lead on. The Crystal Exarch falls into step along side her with ease. A moment like this may never happen again. After all, if fate allows, when next they meet he will be asking for her assistance and guiding her moves forward.

The spot she leads them to is quiet, tucked away from most in the city, yet not so much that one would be apart from it. It gives a vantage over a decent side of the comings and goings of the city from what he can see. ]

A humble and quaint space you've found. I imagine that you might come here often.

[ Her ears had lifted again as she listened to him speak, but as he went on, they lowered until they were flattened against her head once more. It isn't that she doubts his words or herself, but it still troubles her that there is nothing she can do in this moment to aid him or his people. He speaks of a time in the future, but who knows how many will have fallen by that time? Even one person lost is one too many, in her mind.

She doesn't even have a proper response for him, because it feels as though her deeds pale in comparison to the greater struggles that people like him are going through. ]

Oh, I didn't find it. A- [ She corrects herself, having grown too accustomed to shedding the title when it is just her and her sister. ] The Lord Commander found this spot. It is actually his favorite place to be, and I just happen to come by here when I can. [ And when Aymeric is not there, because she doesn't wish to intrude. ]

Edited 2022-01-14 06:55 (UTC)

He does not mind sharing the spot in which he claims? A true man of virtue. [ As the tales had painted him to be. ] I would say, if you will allow me to impart council, that you ought find a place of your own to enjoy the city. This city is large and imposing. Yet, a steady heart is at the core. There might be one place yet you can feel yourself at and not be in the shadow of another.

[ The Crystal Exarch turns his head to her with a gentle smile. ] There is a place in my city which I visit to clear my mind. The mountains are in the distance, and one can see any that might enter. Yet, if one closes their eyes there, they may yet still feel the gentle pulse of life that begs to come to fruition. It is not the stillness or the quietness I seek. Rather, proof that others desire to live and wish to see a better future.

The place you may find should instill within you the emotions you seek to find. Peace and a gentle heartbeat amid the snow, or a place of hope and liveliness.

Tell me, my friend. What is it you seek on our beloved star?

Edited 2022-01-15 07:46 (UTC)

If he has, he hasn't told me. But I try not to come there too often, because it is his chosen spot, after all. [ She smiles at his words and nods. ] That is a good way to describe him. [ He might as well be Ishgard's foundation and the heart of the city-state. One does not have to look too closely at him and the things he does to determine that. ] You're right, of course. I should do that, but I haven't found one just yet.

[ She falls silent so that she might listen to every word he says, not wanting to miss even one of them. ] One day, I will see your city for myself, and the place you speak of, if you're willing to show it to me. [ Because to hear him describe it, she can almost picture it in her mind's eye: not down to the last detail, of course, but somehow, his words are creating an image in her head regardless. ]

What do I seek? [ She taps one finger against her chin as she mulls this over. ]

You said it yourself: peace. I know I run headfirst looking for adventure, but I wouldn't mind just finding a place to settle down that I could come back home to when I'm able.

[ It seems to her, though, that peace is an elusive thing, showing itself for a brief moment before being drowned out by wars and strife. She also can't help but wonder how long Ishgard will remain in a state of peace. For the sake of those who live there and who have languished in times of war, she hopes that it is a long time yet. ]

[ A nod of agreement is given. She will most certainly see his city one day, for countless lives depend on it. She might see what it could become and the promise upheld that she would never know of. For, if it all goes accordingly, she will never know who it is underneath the hood. All of the pain will be made worth it in the end. She and her sister would continue to smile onwards, leading those underneath their wings. ]

You most certainly shall.

[ He pauses in thought. ] Peace... is that truly in its entirety you seek?

[ Part of him cannot begin to believe it would be such a simple thing. Peace can play out in many different ways. Perhaps she has not decided what that peace may yet be. There are yet still deeds for her to see and adventures yet to live.

A smile spreads on his face then as an idea takes him. While she is what teaches him lesson after lesson? Perhaps he might yet give her one lesson. One small part of him to give in hopes something may be remembered. ]

I... might have an idea. If you would take a moment to humor me for a time more. And, if you are feeling rather daring on this Starlight Eve.

I know how it sounds: hopelessly naive, too optimistic, and yet I can't help but wish for it for everyone, not just me. [ She is certain that they might never know a period of complete, unspoiled peace, but rather a brief reprieve, but still... She cannot stop herself from wishing for a future like that. ] I wish that all wars and fighting could end. [ She ducks her head and smiles an embarrassed sort of smile. ]

I know, what a silly wish.

[ What she has is a broad wish for peace for everyone. She hasn't begun to think about how peace for herself and her loved ones would look. ]

An idea? [ Her ears twitch and perk up. ] What sort of idea? [ And then she chuckles, unable to stop herself. ]

Am I feeling daring? Will I humor you? Of course. I heard someone say once that daring should be my middle name.

[ If she could, she'd reach for his hands to give them a fond sort of squeeze. ]

Of course I'll humor you, for as long as you need.

An idealistic wish, but far from silly. Where would the world be if we did not have the idealist to dream the plans those of action put into fruition? [ He shakes his head at her. ] And, is your sister not as idealistic as you? I would say both are needed.

[ The Exarch turns to face her fully then. He measures her reaction before nodding. ]

Let us test you. You know Ishgard well, and thus, finding a place of your own should not be difficult. However, you rely on what you see others do and what they chose. In order to find a place to call your own, where you might yet be you with none else in the way? You must listen to your heart.

Close your eyes. Allow the sounds of the city to fade away. Then, turn, and start to walk. Your feet will guide you to the place your heart believes it might find what you dream for.

And, as to make sure you are not discovered, I will walk with you.

[ Well, he certainly has given her a lot to take in and think about. She still thinks of her sister as the more practical one between the two of them, but perhaps they both have a touch of idealism.

And as he goes on to talk about listening to her heart and trying to find her own place within the city, she pays close attention even as something inside her seems to shrink. Perhaps the real reason why she goes charging headlong into situations seemingly without a care is because she doesn't quite know how to listen to her heart.

Maybe he'll be the one who teaches her something too. ]

All right, I think that I can manage that. [ Feeling unsure of herself, she lets her eyes slide closed and does her best to let sight and sound fade. ] You won't let me trip, will you?

[ She manages a half-grin even as she takes her first steps forward. ]

Most certainly not. If need be, I shall shout at the top of my lungs to keep you from a misstep.

[ If he were there proper, he would take her by the arms to keep her from harm. The sound of his voice instead will have to do.

The Exarch falls into step beside her, ruby eyes intently watching where she might lead the pair of them. He carefully watches as the move about the path, gently saying if she is close to walking into something. Then, as they walk from the Last Vigil, a deep pain surges in his arm. He bites his lip to keep from making a sound as his hand of flesh grabs his crystal arm. No change can be visibly seen, but oh, he can feel it deep inside himself. While it yet has to travel upwards on his arm? It is the inside of his arm that feels as if it might become rock solid.

A payment for an extended visit it would seem. One that he will gladly pay... and one she does not see as she intently attempts to follow his advice. ]

Well, I appreciate that. If I tripped or fell, I would have to explain what I was doing to my sister, and more than likely, she wouldn't understand. [ But in case he gets the wrong idea about his sister, she is quick to add: ] She would laugh even as she patches me up, of course, and say that I haven't changed at all since our childhood days.

[ She continues making her way along, doing her best to keep her senses focused on the goal: finding a place that appeals to her mind's eye and to her heart as well. She only feels a little bit foolish as she goes about following his instructions, wondering what passersby might think if they spot her.

Of course, with her eyes closed, she can't see his actions and therefore, she has no idea that anything is amiss, but when he seemingly goes silent for what feels to her like a longer period of time, she asks: ] You haven't disappeared once more, have you? [ She could open her eyes, but she decides to ask her question first, and then if there is no answer, she'll temporarily pause this test of his. ]

Ah, well, for both of our sakes? I certainly hope she might understand. Otherwise asking for your aid might be harder than I first anticipated... [ There he goes once more, overthinking quite a few things. But, this time, he manages to stop himself and merely smile at her even if she cannot see it. ] Have you changed much since your childhood--ah, step to the right. There is a small indent in the pavement...

[ He grits through the pain and clenches his fist. After a brief moment he raises his head and waits until his voice might not convey the sudden pain he experienced. ]

I full well intend to have proper goodbyes this time. I... should apologize for disappearing as such the first time we met. It was a combination of my fortitude failing me and an emergency taking the city.

Oh, I know she will. She might be exasperated, even a little annoyed, but she will absolutely understand. [ She tilts her head to one side, forgetting that doing certain actions with her eyes closed has the tendency to make her a little dizzy. She does step to the right, not because of his instruction, but because she's having a brief clumsy moment. ] You know that friends help each other out, right? I know that I don't know you well, but since this is our second time meeting, I think that I can call you a friend. And it sounds much better than 'acquaintance', don't you think?

[ If only she could reach out to him and take his hand, but alas... That will have to wait until they meet in person. ]

Well, that's good, because if we parted ways without a goodbye this time, I would be a little miffed. Not at you, just at whatever it is that keeps pulling you away.

[ And although she has very little to base this on, she's inclined to think it's not because of a lack of fortitude on his part. Something else is going on here, and it seems to her that he has plenty of fortitude. ] Is everything all right with the city?

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

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