synthneon | echoes of truth | ❝ tales of loss and fire and flame. ❞

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echoes of truth | ❝ tales of loss and fire and flame. ❞

song of hope

BOOK 3.5: EVER HEAVENSWARD

Tales of loss and fire and faith
Every word on our hearts engraved
In the dark you will not stray
Forge ahead, till the end, we prayCODE BY TESSISAMESS

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[ Time has a strange way of twisting and turning, moving in ways that none could expect. The trajectory of Ysayle's own life was far different than even she could have predicted, and although a part of her railed against the notion that she could have been so misguided, she had little choice but to accept the consequences of her own actions.

Lives had been lost, places and possessions damaged, all in the name of her endeavor to bring peace and an end to the long war. In the end, she did her best to try and make amends for her past mistakes, even going as far as to sacrifice herself for those who could truly bring about change and that long-sought-after peace.

A part of her welcomed the chance for rest, but another part of her still strongly desired to hold on, because there was something still unfinished. In her eyes, another soul walked the star not with a lack of purpose or unease, but with needs still unmet. Knowing not what she might be able to do for this particular soul, she has hesitated to even extend a hand of friendship and make herself known to him. Perhaps he would not even be able to sense her at all, in which case, she would be forced to ask why she still remains here even in a spirit's form.

Nonetheless, she finds herself drawn to the tall dragoon, watching him as he keeps up a silent vigil on the shore. She moves to stand not quite beside him, but just behind him, and she turns her head sideways to look his way. ]

Strange, and yet not, that you would remain awake when most others have long retired to their homes and beds.

[ Her tone is gentle, but there is a note of teasing contained within it even so. ]

Does so much turn within your mind that sleep eludes you? [ It seemed clear enough to her that the man before her carried no small amount of burdens and wrongs that he felt he needed to right, but she wonders what it is that troubles him now. ]

[ Her eyebrows turn upwards once he speaks. The look of love he has in his eyes is met with her own that seems ready to pour out of her at any moment. Yet, it seems her underlining meaning has gone unnoticed, which is to be expected. She has not told him of the origins they learned for their star on the First. Alphinaud has most certainly compiled a lengthy report of it all for the Alliance leaders by now. One that Aymeric most certainly has read. Though she suspects, as with all her retelling, it will mean something more to hear it from her. There is an urge--a need--to tell him what they had learned; what she suspects their case might be. Now is not the time. Perhaps once they return to Corethas and have gathered the state of his people.

She raises her other hand to hold his head the moment the wave of exhaustion hits him and his head dips forward. He clearly needs to rest more, instead of trying to carry her broken state at the moment. Alkaid slowly stands then with her mind made up. The cols hands still rest on each side of his face. She looks down at him with her eyes never leaving his. ]

We should retire for now. [ Her tone shows she has every intention of helping him back into bed. This time she will join him under the covers. She hesitates to kiss his forehead, an action that she never hesitates to inact. Her heart is so raw and battered that she is unsure if he would even wish her affections. She may not be a monster, even still seeing her as LantaaI, but the hurt and trauma make her pause. She does not wish to hurt him more by all she has inside her. ] When we return to Corethas? I... I will tell you more.

[ As she has much to tell him and more for him to understand. ] Then, we can return home. Together.

Edited 2022-04-11 02:30 (UTC)

[ Perhaps she simply needs to readjust to the climate, or perhaps it is because her aether pool is still replenishing, but Alkaid finds the Corethas Central Highlands to be colder than she remembers. Even though she is dressed for the weather? It feels as if the cold air bites through her attire. She curls her hands against her frame as she waits by the entrance of the small camp made near the border of Mor Dhona.

A handful of the Temple Knights had made their way to Revenant's Toll once the chaos erupted across Corethas and Ishgard herself. The group of Scions that had decided to visit Corethas to asses the situation made their way to Mor Dhona. They found the Temple Knights in the Waking Sands, hosted by none other than Tataru. In their numbers was included Lucia, who was overjoyed to see that Ser Aymeric was safe and sound once more. The situation was not entirely dire just yet, but certainly had not looked overly positive either. They had lost contact with Isghard and Camp Dragonhead. Their plan had been to see what survivors they could find and reconvene. From there, they needed to find what information they could and make a strategy to infiltrate Ishgard, and also investigate the tower. The Warriors of Light would quite obviously need to be the ones to take on King Thordan and the Knights Twelve once more. They were vague plans set in motion, but it as at least a starting point.

Alkaid elected to scout for survivors. She could heal those who needed it and escort them back to the base camp the others would make in Corethas. She had expected Alphinaud or even K'thisru to volunteer to go with her. Instead, it was Aymeric. The others were shocked to hear it--even Lucia--but Alkaid knows he has a burning need to see the state of his people. It takes convincing for Lucia and Estinien, but, it seems the two eventually relent. Estinien elects to take K'thisru and Alphinaud with him to Dravania to see the state of the dragons, and make sure that King Thordan has not raged war against them yet again. Alkaid gave her sister and Alphinaud a hug, wishing them luck, before moving to stand by the entrance of the camp to wait. She had decided to give Aymeric and Lucia the time needed to speak with one another privately. She is one of his closest friends, after all, if not apart of his family.

Alkaid's gaze drops to the snow below her as she waits. Her mind drift off to the events that she wishes to tell him of on the First and she wonders if it might comfort him somehow. He had said he wishes to know what is on her mind and burdens her heart. But, she does not want to pull his mind from the task at hand. Ishgard is his first love, and she dares not try to overshadow it or take it away from him...

She curls in on herself, debating internally as the cold wind continues to gently blow. There is a slight sound of shifting that comes from her pocket. Of course, she cannot forget to give him that. Estinien had returned the Borel family sword, Naegling, once they had settled into Mor Dhona. He had said the usual armor still needed repairs after the hit Estinien had given Aymeric. The other item, now nestled in her pocket, needed minor repairs that Estinien had seen to with a blacksmith from Ishgard in Mor Dhona. It still needs her final touch, but, she would rather see to it with Aymeric present. ]

Edited 2022-04-11 02:47 (UTC)

[ Then, perhaps it is time that they hone and refine her skills. The Exarch would be more than honored to help in it to any capacity he is capable. As a summoner, she has a talent of forming and shaping aether into desired shapes, where as her sister can only manipulate what is there and weave it anew. Perhaps, then, they ought to turn their eye to encouraging a study of aetherology and creations? Certainly Urianger's knowledge of primals and ancient studies can be of aid. He knows several, while the Exarch has only focused and honed in on the Allagans.

He smiles gently at her but does not move away from her. In fact, he is rather content to sit as he is holding her hand and his forehead to hers. ]

I can most certainly settle for like. [ As, truth be told, he is more than affectionate and endeared to her. Such a revelation may frighten her away. ] I followed after your footsteps and attempted to garner your attentions several times as a younger man. Had I known all it would take is a graying of hair, perhaps I would of changed it then...

[ A joke, some levity to the moment. His ears twitch. ]

Jests made at my own behest aside, what weighs down your spirits? If I may, you always have a worry and affection for your sister, but I believe it might be something more.

[ His eyes widen at the sound of a familiar voice. One that he had not expected to hear ever again. Estinien turns his head to look at the woman once called heretic, who would call upon the viseage of Saint Shiva. With no helmet to disguise his expression, he can hardly mask it with feigned annoyance. For any matter of words, Estinien is shocked.

Then, he scoffs. ]

And I thought the dead would rest as well. It would seem we are once again a similar pair of minds.

[ Or, she is simply a conjured image of his own mind. After all, her soul had passed to the aetheric sea. There would be no reason for her spirit to remain. The peace she fought for was seen completed by Aymeric--the very man who had just battled for his own soul. With that goal achieved she ought to be in the sea awaiting rebirth. Not clinging to the world to wander her lonesome. ]

A worry, not thoughts, for what it is worth. I would think something of my own mind would know that already.

[ Perhaps with him as her teacher, she would take more to her studies than she had in the past. Or perhaps if he were to begin instructing her, she would be too focused on asking him questions about history or any other subject that has caught his fancy, because if she is being honest, she has grown fond of listening to him talk. Not that she has yet to admit that to anyone.

And as for their closeness, she knows that she is every bit as fond of it as he seems to be. ]

Maybe... Maybe it could become more than like. [ And even though she rarely blushes, a hint of red creeps up her neck at that particular admission. She squeezes his hand as shyly as it is possible for her to be.

But at his next question, she shakes her head, doing her best to push away the churning emotions inside and forcing a smile for his benefit. ]

Oh, I'm all right. As well as anyone can be, isn't that right? [ And knowing everything that he and the others who live here have gone through, she feels even more like she has to insist on being fine. ]

[ Well, he can certainly talk for an extended period of time. While he can lose himself for days in research? He has always been one to be able to explain what it is he has found. Finding a rather attentive audience, on the other hand, is rather different. He had quite the lengthy thesis in mind that made him an Archon to begin with. More stories for another time. ]

Ah, then, clearly it was the mystery and the hood. [ He grins as she squeezes his hand. ] Perhaps that as far more appealing than songs and tales?

[ The grin on his face fades at her question. His head tilts as a frown takes its place instead. The Exarch knows better than anyone the pain that the sisters had gone through on his own account and that of Norvrandt. He is not one to dismiss it as much as he led them to believe. ]

Thisru, [ he is certain to say her name with care, as she has allowed him to call her by such informal ways. ] If you will permit me to be rather bold and, frankly, honest? You and your sister both are far from talented liars. Perhaps the Scions do not push out of respect, but I most certainly will out of care. You did all that I asked and even more by saving my life. The least I could do to repay that notion is to sit and listen to what truly weighs upon your heart.

I would make the offer to your sister, but I rather doubt she would take the extended offer, even as a friend. So, you may see it as an invitation by one you like.

[ He desperately wants to understand everything that she speaks of, that he can finally know what she and her sister went through on the First, but it seems that obtaining that understanding will have to wait.

For the moment, all he wishes to do is fall asleep beside her, and if she had not stood up, he would have moved to rest his head against her shoulder. But move she did, although he remains where he is, with her hands still resting on his face. ]

Yes, I think- I think that is for the best. [ His voice further gives away his exhaustion, not that he was trying to hide it not anymore. ]

And when we are rested, I would hear and listen to anything you wished to share with me. Home will be waiting for both of us.

[ And with that thought in mind, he pushes himself up to stand as well, hand reaching out to take hold of one of hers. It might not be a long walk to the bed, but he reaches for that contact regardless. ]

[ Aymeric would be lying if he said that he did not feel as though his thoughts are being pulled in a hundred different directions at once. Of course, he is still worried about Alkaid, but he is also concerned with the welfare of his people and with Ishgard. Also present is a fear that he will not be able to aid them in any way, that he might even end up falling prey to a primal once more. He cannot shake off that particular fear, nor the fear that the only news he will receive is that there has been a heavy loss of life within the city, and that all his friends and allies who remain there have also fallen.

Should that be the case, he finds it difficult to imagine that he would recover from such a blow. That, too, is concerning, because it is clear to him that Alkaid needs his assistance and support, and if he is reeling, then how can he be of any use to her?

Nevertheless, some of his fears are allayed upon seeing that Lucia is well, and that a number of Temple Knights are with her as well. Still, the situation seems grim even so, and Aymeric's fears and anxieties only rise the longer he speaks with Lucia and the Knights.

Naturally, he volunteers to accompany Alkaid as she scouts for survivors. He must do something, and he refuses to even entertain the notion of remaining behind. What sort of man would he be if he remained behind in relative safety while others might well be injured and needing assistance that he could give?

Of course, Estinien and Lucia protested, but Aymeric argued vehemently that he be allowed to go with Alkaid. Standing idle is unacceptable to him, even though he understands why they would be concerned. In the end, they relent, but he takes a further moment to bid Estinien farewell and to speak privately with Lucia as well.

Soon enough, the meetings are concluded and he goes to rejoin Alkaid. He finds her standing off by herself, and it takes only a moment for him to realize that she has grown cold. ]

I apologize for keeping you waiting, and in such cold. [ Again, he feels remiss and like such an inattentive partner. ] Would you rather remain here so that you might warm up? Perhaps I can enlist the company of a Knight so that we might search for survivors. I would rather have you by my side as we go about this task, but I would not see you be uncomfortable either.

[ His reaction is expected, and she very nearly smiles at the sight of his surprise, because when she knew him, he very rarely had his helmet off. Truthfully, she prefers him this way, although he certainly cuts an imposing figure with his armor and helm on. ]

Who says that I am not? I can have a moment with you and still be at rest.

[ Her smile turns into something with more tease in it as she surveys him. ]

And what is it that worries you? The war has ended, unless another has risen to take its place. Given the machinations that people are wont to carry out, I would not be surprised if that were the case.

Are you accustomed to speaking with figures your mind has conjured up while you are awake and not sleeping?

[ Her mind is so wrapped within her thoughts that she does not even hear when he approaches. A twitch of her ears is given before she raises her gaze from the snow up to him. Seeing him in such informal clothing is certainly unusual, but the shine in her gaze shows just how much she likes it. Alkaid straightens her posture and shakes her head. He has nothing to apologize for. She could have gone and stood at one of the small seating arrangements and she did not. Namely because a part of her wishes to hide from as many people as she can. Her heart still feels raw and wounded, making it difficult to put on the face they all expect from one of the Saviors of Ishgard. ]

No, I want to go. Moving will most likely help warm me up.

[ She looks down and gently nudges the bag at her side filled with provisions. Obviously, she is quite used to traveling with the basics by now. Her gaze lingers on the bag for a moment before looking up at him. There seems to be little point in telling him that she has been cold since their arrival in Corethas. Best to move on from the topic in her mind.

Alkaid uncurls one hand to gently put it on the hem of his shirt. The motion is the same as to when she tugs on the drapes of his usual attire for him to bend down to her level. Once he has, a finger is pressed to his lips. ]

Close your eyes, Aymeric.

[ She waits a few moments for him to do as she instructed. Her head tilts to make sure he will not be opening them just yet. Once satisfied he will not peek, she reaches her gloved hands into her pocket and pulls out the charm she had crafted for him. It needs polishing and perhaps the gem replaced, but, she can attend to such things once Ishgard is safe.

Her hands reach behind his neck to fasten the chain together before gently taking the charm into her hands. Within a few beats the gem glows with magic. A slight swirling trickle of light courses around the gem when touched, otherwise, the gem alone glows. Alkaid inspects it and gently rests it against his chest once she is satisfied. ]

There, now we are ready to go.

[ A smaller version of her normal smile forms on her face and her tail sways ever so slightly. No doubt his reaction will be as animated or as surprising as it was when she first gave it to him. Alkaid reaches down and picks up the bag to move it over her shoulders. ]

Estinien had it repaired before bringing it back to me. There are a few things left to tend to, but, he wouldn't notice it as he wasn't the one who designed it... [ A blush creeps to her face and she looks away in a sudden turn of bashfulness. She hadn't told him that she designed it as well. Her hands clutch the straps of the bag before she turns and begins to walk forward into Corethas. ] I thought we might start by heading west. People may have congregated further from Ishgard to be safe.

Edited 2022-04-19 05:45 (UTC)

[ Something about the sound of his voice and the assuredness with which he speaks has appealed to her, to the point that she could listen to him wax on about any subject and be completely engrossed by it. And, well, if he were to regale her with stories, she would be a rapt audience indeed. ]

Maybe it was. But I think the person beneath the hood had something to do with it, even if he was determined to redirect any questions that anyone asked him. [ She manages a small smirk for his benefit, because she recalls trying to ask him more about himself, only to be rebuffed. ] I think that songs and tales would be more than interesting, if someone wanted to share some of them. [ But at the same time, she is aware how awkward it might be to relate songs and tales that have been written about himself. She wouldn't be overly eager for such a thing either. Now, if she could find a bard who knew those stories and tales, that would be another matter entirely.

But when he speaks her real name, her ears lower and her head follows, as if revealing the exhaustion that she hides behind her usual confident exterior. ]

I- [ Her voice falters before she can even really begin, and she shakes her head, the action setting the tips of her ears into movement. ] Where would I even start?

[ Perhaps in this way, she and her sister aren't so different. K'thisru herself is good at speaking her mind and her opinions, but when it comes to voicing her thoughts concerning herself, she finds herself unable to. She does not intend to reject his offer, but she simply lacks the words needed to explain herself to him. ]

[ It is quiet here, of course, but even so, the snow muffles his steps even as he makes his way to stand beside her. If it would not put him in a similar situation, he would remove his own coat and place it over her, but then he would be cold and she would be warm. But then again, he would rather have that be the case than have her catch a chill. ]

Then we had best be on our way, because I will not have you becoming chilled because I caused a delay.

[ His gaze also turns to the bag of provisions that she carries, but he does not comment on it, trusting her judgment and sensibilities to have obtained everything that she might need.

To his surprise, she tugs on his attire, even if he is not wearing his customary armor and draped robes. But the effect is the same, as his response, and he bends down just slightly for her benefit. ]

L- [ He only manages to get out the first letter of her name before she presses her finger to his lips and his eyebrows raise in even further surprise. But he closes his eyes as he has been told to do, waiting for some sign or indication of what she intends.

He feels something slide around his neck, guided by her hands, and he startles just slightly. He had assumed that all his customary possessions had been lost or damaged at some point when he was incapable of registering it, and when that realization hit, he thought of the charm she had given him with a stab of regret. His sword is part of his inheritance, and his armor has protected him from many things (not quite everything, but that is an impossible thing to hope for), but it is that charm that he holds most dear.

At her announcement that they are ready, his eyes open once more and he looks down at the charm and then back at her, noting with no small amount of happiness that she is smiling. It is a small smile, but a smile nonetheless. ]

How did you-? I thought it had been lost long ago, that I would never reclaim it again... A poor handling of your gift, of course. Estinien brought it to you?

[ He shakes his head, marveling at his fortunes that have blessed him with such true friends. After a moment, he realizes what else she has said, and he wonders how he did not realize it before. ]

This is your handiwork and your design? [ He knows that they must be on their way, but he reaches for her hands so that he might give them a warm squeeze before they do. ]

West it is, then. I imagine there may well be people gathered throughout the area, but it is a good starting point. Organization will only benefit us as we go about our business.

Edited 2022-04-19 07:12 (UTC)

[ She may already be chilled, but that hardly matters. It is nothing a campfire and a tent cannot solve if they do not find a settlement by nightfall. Moving, in the meantime, will be the best thing to help warm her to any degree. Once her aether returns to where it ought to be, she imagines she will be as she is normally in the temperatures of Corethas.

The smile remains on her face even as he takes her hands in his. She squeezes them in return. ]

Estinien had all of your armor, your inherited weapon, and this when they put you in the cell. I think, deep down, he truly thought there would be a way to save you. Otherwise, I doubt he would have returned the charm to me with the intention he did.

[ Her cheeks grow hotter and she turns her face away just a bit to hide her embarrassment. ]

I designed it, yes. It had to be able to hold and conduct magic... even more so, I wished it to be unique and not like any other trinket. It was to be yours. Although, I had to take the design to a blacksmith. My skills are namely in alchemy...

[ Alkaid nods to his assessment. ] However, Aymeric, you know these lands better than I. If any were to hide away, I feel you would know those areas might be. [ Her gaze lifts then to the path ahead of them. Snow has yet to fall, but the winds remain bitter cold. She leans down and picks the bag of supplies and tent attached to it and pulls it to her back. ] Lead the way.

Edited (like 500 html edits additions) 2022-04-19 09:36 (UTC)

[ It matters to him, so he has already resolved that while their search will be as thorough as possible, he intends to do his best to see that it is finished as quickly as is feasible. He will not rush, nor will he cut corners, but he will not delay longer than necessary either. ]

I am certain he would rebuff me, but I could spend a good deal of time attempting to express my thanks to him for his consideration. And, if I have not already expressed my gratitude to you adequately enough- Thank you as well, Lantaa.

[ He gives her the widest, warmest smile that he can, because there was a time when he could barely move at all, let alone smile, and he means to make up for that now. ]

Even if another's hands made this, it was your design and it shows your heart as well.

[ Or perhaps his perceptions are biased to the point that he sees her influence nearly everywhere that he looks. ]

That may be so, but I trust in your instincts as well. If this endeavor is to succeed, what we both know will be needed.

[ But he begins moving forward, keeping his eyes peeled for any signs of movement or those in need of assistance. ]

He may have done so outwardly, but, even I could tell how worried he he was... how scared he was.

[ While Estinien has a harsh exterior, she can tell that he deeply cares for Aymeric. They are almost like brothers in her eyes. Which, if that is true, then Aymeric is one of the few people on the star that Estinien counts as his family. Losing him to yet another remnant of the Dragonsong War would have been devastating. While Aymeric is most certainly one of the most important people to her? She is very aware of much others around him love him and need him... perhaps even more than her.

The smile on her face does not quite match his. Still, she returns the notion to the most she is able, and falls into the best step along side him as she is able. His strides are longer than hers after all. Perhaps if the context had been different, she may have given a light jest of how could his pendant be her design without bows or lace? K'thisru certainly teases her for her constant favorite elements in clothing. Instead, Alkaid falls into a sort of quiet, eyes ahead, walking beside him as she settles the bag on her back.

Alkaid looks to the ground in front of them as her thoughts continue to drift away. Several topics come to mind, yet, she does not speak of any of them. What is there to say of them? Now is not the time for idle chatter. Even more so, the winds are cold, and it perhaps would be best to focus on the task at hand. A thought then springs to mind. This would be the first adventure where it is the pair of them traveling alone. Their first chance to see the world together with none else trying to pull them away. Her chest warms at the realization. However, before it can quickly become excitement, the reality of their adventure sinks in once more.

Her tail lowers to practically touch the snow behind them. Perhaps as the only sign that her thoughts are not where they ought to be. Her hair and hood obscure her face from view, which she is glad for, as she does not wish him to see the look of pain that crosses her face. How many more "firsts" must Thordan overshadow for them? Perhaps it will only matter to her. She had been the one wishing to take him to places and show him the life of an adventurer--so that he may not be restricted to hearing it through tales alone. Even then, a far more intimate one had been taken from them, as he had requested until marriage to bathe together. Alkaid once more bites her lip and closes her eyes tightly.

Yes, she decides, that is a matter to keep to herself. A glance is spared upwards at him before her gaze returns to the snow beneath them. ]

[ The Exarch only smiles at her statement. It was paramount he remain out of reach--metaphorically speaking. Part of him cannot wonder if she would have reacted the same way if she had been interested when he was a younger man. There were plenty of stories he could have shared at the time. Perhaps, though, it is not worth going over the events of the past in his mind again and again. ]

It has been a number of years since I last sang.

[ A hint of pink shows on his cheeks as his ears twitch. That, alone, is quite the understatement. However, his face settles into one of concentration as she begins to speak once more. ]

I am aware of the situation at hand that is causing no small amount of anxiety for you, and perhaps more for your sister. So, why do we not begin at the start of it all? The Scions returned to their work when their souls did, I am sure of it, so how did your current situation come to pass?

[ He hopes that by getting her to speak of her current state of affairs as facts it may open her to speaking of her heart. ]

One would not find my company restful.

[ There is a bristle in his tone. One that, of course, speaks of it best to keep a distance from him. While he has certainly warmed in his days since their adventures through the Churning Mists. ]

There is always war, woman. All that changes is the location and its combatants. [ His gaze moves forward to the still ocean waters around them. ] It is not war that concerns me at this moment.

In a time long past, yes, I was.

[ At those words, a swirl of emotion sweeps over Aymeric once more. Although his tempering was not his fault, he feels as though he has brought nothing but trouble and uncertainty to those he holds dearest, his friends, family, and the woman he would be married to. And yet all of them stand with him, not a single one of them having turned away although he would not begrudge them that action.

He raises a hand to press it against his lips as he thinks over everything that has transpired of late, marveling at the fact that none of them have left when most others would turn and leave. As Alkaid falls into a state of quietness, so does Aymeric as he tries desperately to make sense of the thoughts he has been having.

He still believes that he has been far from fair to Alkaid, even if all he has ever wanted is to treat her well and to give her everything she desires. His being tempered has changed all of that, and a part of him still believes that it broke nearly everything that he hoped for. Experiences that should have been happy ones that they would remember with fondness for the rest of their lives have been turned into upsetting ones, ones that he would sooner forget if not for the lessons contained in them.

Although he believes that his tempering was not his error, he feels as though he must take responsibility for it even so. After all, it was that very thing that has robbed them of so many of their significant "firsts".

When she looks up at him, he wills all the regret, doubt, and fears that he is holding onto to retreat to the back of his mind. She needs to see him being strong, not doubting himself, and so he pushes away those thoughts and squares his shoulders even as he straightens up into a more fitting posture. ]

I am glad to have you accompanying me. Or should I say, that you have allowed me to accompany you.

[ She could have opted to go alone, or with another, and yet here they both are. He relishes this moment while also feeling as though he is entirely unworthy, even as the one who would see himself joined to her. ]

[ At that, Ysayle merely sighs and closes her eyes briefly; when she opens them again, there is a flash of annoyance in them that might be difficult to detect as she is not here in physical form. And the knowledge that she is only proving him right adds to that annoyance. ]

Are you so quick to believe you know how others find you and your company? If it is the notion that you bring strife with you wherever you go, then is that not the same for me? I sought to bring peace, but instead, I accomplished nearly the exact opposite.

[ The bristle in his tone echoes in hers, but after a moment, her features smooth out into a more placid expression. ]

I do not disagree. War in some form will always exist. [ In the absence of the goal that drove her for so long and only ended in feelings of failure until her last action which was meant to be a repayment for all she had done, Ysayle only feels a sense of calm. In a way, it is strange, but she is not pushing it away either.

She reaches for him, knowing that she will not be able to touch him, but she feels compelled to do so regardless. ]

Then tell me what it is that concerns you and I will do my best to hear it.

[ Not much can be done of what has been taken from them. Although, perhaps "taken" and "robbed" are too harsh of terms. Part of her wishes to argue the fact that she still experienced them with Aymeric. Although that is not entirely true, is it? She knows that he was not wholly himself and thus those experiences did not settle as emotional ones. She rather imagines he has vague memories of the entire ordeal, like one going through a day in an exhausted haze. She would ask him... but she imagines it all must be far too painful for him to revisit.

Her hands curl around the straps of the bag on her back. Her eyes meet his only for a moment before they are down on the snow once more with her tail hanging low. She can tell the effort he is making and knows she should as well. Yet, it all pulls down on her in that moment. Her eyes shut tightly to keep the water that gathers on the inside and inhales to try and collect herself to answer.

She had wanted their first adventure to be filled with excitement, and joy, and enjoyment. Things he could find in Ishgard, but see how they were outside in the world as well. She wanted to take him to a citystate without their titles and pretense--to explore a place like the couple she had seen in Kugane. She wanted to do all those things for him, less so herself, so he might finally see things and experience what he has only ever read about. She feels the tears push onto her eyelashes and curls her hands further into fists. She hoped for a time in which they could simply be husband and wife and enjoy one anothers company...

Now all of it is contextualized within being a Warrior of Light and the Lord Speaker.

Alkaid keeps her head tilted down so the emotions on her face do not play out for him to see. She does not wish him to feel further guilt than he surely does. None of it is his fault. ]

You need to see the state of your people... and standing by letting others would only make you hurt more.

[ Her head shakes side to side, knowing how the tone must certainly sound. She does not mean it negatively--for she'd rather accompany him than he try to go into the wilderness of Corethas alone looking for his kin.

Alkaid slowly removes one hand from her bag and hesitantly reaches out to take his. Perhaps he does not wish to hold hands--or to even touch her at the moment. He might brush her hand away and ask she focus only on their mission at hand. But... ]

...I wanted you to come with me. [ Her voice is so soft that its barely heard over the snow crunching in their steps. ] I promised to take you on an adventure. Even if...

[ Even if this is not the one I wished to give you. ]

[ A smirk finds its way on his face at the annoyance in her tone. He will not say it, but he has missed their banter. The barbs with Aymeric and with Alphinaud are certainly that of family, but, there was a difference with the barbs thrown with Ysayle. They had not always been kind or meant to be simply barbs at one point. However, from his point of view, they had become more of an understanding nature. Friendly, even. As friendly as Estinien ever seems to be at the least. ]

You sought to bring peace. I sought to find a way to bring an end to the being that caused my pain and anger. A being, in the end, who was not different than I. [ Estinien shifts the lance fashioned in the essence of his old foe. One whom he shared a mind with. ] War has once again come to Ishgard. This time is not the fault of the Dravanians or the people of Ishgard herself.

[ His gaze catches her hand reaching out to him. He stills automatically, ice-steel eyes raising to the visage of the woman who ought to have passed proper to the aetheric sea. One who, he feels, has had far more in common with Alphinaud and Aymeric than he. ]

King Thordan and presumably his knights have returned to Ishgard. We've naught an idea of how many there are that remain from being tempered. It would seem the fear we had of the Archbishop are coming to pass. [ He pulls his gaze from her to look forward into the ocean once more. ] The Scions found a way to bloody cure tempering. A cure they administered to the man you knew as the Lord Commander of Ishgard. It remains to be seen how much of himself remains afterwards.

[ Then, he pauses. ]

For her sake, and the sake of her sister, I find myself hoping he will once again be himself.

[ Estinien sighs then. He would find it strange to open up to Ysayle in such a way, yet, they had numerous theological discussions before hand. To speak of events of a factorial manner is hardly strange in his mind. He had already resolved that he may once need to put his brother to the lance, or Aymeric put him to the sword. He remains resolved to keep that promise if he must. ]

[ A part of her still wishes to just throw all caution and propriety to the winds and cross whatever divide is still between them so that he is not out of reach anymore, even if it is only metaphorically. ]

I would like to hear you sing one of these days. I- Well, I think that you must have a nice voice.

[ Her eyes lower slightly so that she is looking at the ground, and for the first time since this all began, she feels tired, as if all her worries and fears are beginning to drain her energy. ]

My current situation... [ It's not really her situation at all, but rather Aymeric's and Alkaid's, and yet she feels no small amount of worry for both of them. It's just putting her thoughts into words that might help the Exarch understand. ]

It's more my sister's than mine, but- [ She lets out a sigh. ] I suppose that in the middle of all of it is how I really thought we were going to become sin eaters.

[ She thinks that must sound strange to him, because what is going on with Aymeric has nothing to do with what happened on the First, and yet she is finding it hard to not focus on that even now. ]

Maybe I will. However, I do not know many songs of the First. Not many remained after the Flood.

[ A small bashful smile takes his place. Truthfully, it is because he rather doubts he could play an instrument anymore. He can still utilize his crystal hand, but, he is unable to truly use it in fine motions now.

Still, it was a worthy price to pay for saving the lives of those on the First and the Source. Especially the life of the one he has loved for so very, very long now. The one he had expected to find mountains of tales of when he awoke. Instead, he merely found the remnants of a nobles memories and the folk stories of a nation she and her sister led to liberation.

Even now it is... difficult to put the feeling he had when those that woke him told him of her fate. Dead on a distant battleground; found holding her sister's hand as if the pair had struggled to save one another until the end. The image alone had sent shockwaves of heartbreak through him, and still does, in this very moment. His hand holds hers tightly for a brief moment as the old painful memories surface.

His ruby eyes close. He hopes, perhaps strangely, that Ser Aymeric had managed to pass first in the timeline that the Exarch hails from. Simply because he knows the pain that comes with living beyond the one he loves. He would wish to see the Lord Speaker spared that pain, for surely, it is would have been tenfold than the pain of unrequited love.

The Exarch tilts his head up to the ceiling once more. The years seem to play out on his face in that moment. His gaze seems distant, even though he is very much in the moment. ]

I had not intended that circumstance for you and your sister. [ His voice is gentle then, even as the Tower whirls in life behind them. ] I had believed that by taking the Light the pair of you held, and channeling it into the Crystal Tower, and teleworking myself and it ... that, well, simply put, it would have reversed all the damage I had done. You, Alkaid, and the Scions would return home. The First and the Source saved and that terrible future avoided.

Instead... well, I brought a considerable amount of pain to you and your sister. Despite all that I had asked of you.

[ His ears fold to his head. Then, he turns to look at her. ]

Please, Thisru. Continue.

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Page 14 of 21

echoes of truth | ❝ tales of loss and fire and flame. ❞

BOOK 3.5: EVER HEAVENSWARD

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/starts to wrap this up

꧁༺ corethas. ༻꧂

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weh good thread ;;

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