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

[hobbitholmes]

AFTERGLOW

— hear, feel think. —

❄️ HEAVENSWARD

★ Ever Heavensward (3.0)
    — Ishgard Meetings, Part 2

★ As Goes Light, So Goes Darkness (3.1)
    — Unfleeting Emotions

★ The Gears of Change (3.2)
    — Heavy Hearts, Part 2

★ Revenge of the Horde (3.3)
    — Starlight Festival (Alkaid)
    — Starlight Festival (KP)

🔥 STORMBLOOD

★ IC Permission
★ IC Permission
★ IC Permission
★ IC Permission
★ IC Permission

BEYOND

CODE BY TESSISAMESS

Comments

[crystallinedreams]

You truly do not need to. It is enough, for now, that I know you pray on our behalf. If the Gods are good, then, perhaps they might hear a Warrior of Light and answer them.

[ He smiles further at her compliment. Oh, how part of him truly wishes he might internalize her compliments and worries as he wishes to. Except he cannot. If all is to be as he intends? She will never know him beyond that of the Crystal Exarch. Any personal notations or ideas are swept beneath his hood and robes and she would know no better. Some level of detachment is needed in all this... eve if he certainly wishes that she might see him one day.

Some dreams never cease to be it would seem. ]

An idea I hope you will use often, regardless of my presence or not. There is very little I might teach the Warriors of Light. I merely hope to impart some ideas or wisdom. [ His head tilts to allow just a glint of his ruby eye to show. ] For now, focus your efforts on those around you, and the people you will meet who need your assistance. I...

[ He is interrupted by the sound of a link pearl. He blinks once, and for the briefest of moments, the look of disappointment can be seen on his face. Ah. So, she is called upon, and therefore, their time is at an end. His crystal hand curls slightly among his robes where she cannot see. Perhaps, in the end, it is for the best, as his body strains to merely keep his form here now. That hardly stops the pit in his breast at the idea of their conversation having to come to an end. ]

It would seem you are being called upon.

[elpides]

[ Rather than answer right away, she lowers her head, wishing that she also had a hood to hide her eyes. She seldom sheds tears, but now she feels moisture forming in the corners of her eyes, and a part of her chastises herself for having such feelings for someone she barely knows. ]

If it brings you and your people protection, even just a little, I'll- [ Her breath catches, and her words seem to become stuck in her throat. ] I will ask them- all of them - to protect you. [ She wonders why she feels so strongly about this, when she has yet to truly meet him in person, and obviously, the people he leads are strangers to her. And yet, life is precious, and as far as she is concerned, enough lives have been lost and will continue to be lost for as long as wars exist.

If even just a remnant can be spared, that is still meaningful. She opens her mouth to comment again about his idea, and how she means to do her best to put it into practice, but before she can, the familiar sound of the linkpearl can be heard, and for just a moment, her expression falls.

Knowing that it is every bit as pointless as it has been all the other times she tried to reach him, she extends her hand to him, wishing that she could touch his hand or arm (even the crystal one) and offer some form of comfort. ]

I shouldn't ask, but- [ These meetings must be having some kind of toll on him, so asking this seems incredibly selfish, but she can't stop herself either. ] Will I see you again? [ Either in the proper time or outside of it. ]

[crystallinedreams]

[ He smiles for her again, his normal hand raising once more and gently resting on top of her head. He very much wishes that she could feel the weight in his hand and the emotions he attempts to convey to her. Thankfulness, appreciation, admiration. She may yet still be young, but, he can still see the daring woman she can become.

Just as he could all those years ago when the doors to the Crystal Tower closed behind him. ]

Of course. My intention is to not merely contact the Warriors of Light, but to show you my people and the plight we have. It may be some time, and several things will occur, but you can most certainly look forward to a meeting between us again. Hopefully, next time, in the flesh as well.

[ He is unable to squeeze her hand with his crystallized one. Still, he raises it to show that he understands and appreciates her gesture. As she turns to answer the linkpearl, he removes himself, and steps back a few paces. A deep bow is given to her before his image once more disappears from in front of her.

Then, in the stillness of The Ocular, the Crystal Exarch falls to one knee. He pants as his hand made of flesh grabs the one that deepens into crystalization. His ruby eyes fall shut tightly in pain as the hood around his head falls to reveal red hair and Miqo'te ears, with the very tips of his hair turning white.

The doors open and a young Viera--very young-- rushes over to him and wraps her arms around him. He raises one hand to rest on the back of her head. ]

Are you alright, Exarch?

I am quite alright, Lyna. Just... a little uncomfortable. Have I kept you waiting long?

No! [ He can tell that he has, very well, left her waiting. ] What you're doing... it's making you hurt more, isn't it?

It is nothing I cannot bear, I assure you. You have no reason to worry.

You need to look after yourself more! How are we going to keep going if... if...

[ The Exarch closes his eyes and wraps both of his arms around the small Vierra. She nestles close to him, eyes closing as her ears bend down. He rubs her back gently as he leaves the Occular and intends to put her to bed. ]

Well, we cannot have that. Especially before your bed time. I believe I even know the story to tell you tonight. Two heroines ending the war between man and dragons...

Dragons aren't real, Exarch!

Then it will be quite the story, won't it?