[ The Exarch turns his hand in hers to squeeze in return. There is some small part of him - the much younger man beneath it all - that still marvels that she even looks at him. Of course, she had always paid attention to what he said and engaged with him before, but he is fairly certain all she saw was the young man searching for adventure and willing to rush head first into things. There was far from time for them to learn of one another outside of the mystery surrounding the Crystal Tower. Even then, he is certain he did little to garner much want for affections beyond that of fellow professionals.

The hand at her head gently presses down in a reassuring pat. It ... the small notion has such a sense of fulfillment now that he might perform it in person. ]

First, we must discover what the Crystal Tower holds in terms of information of anything in relation to Dalamud and Ayzs Lla. I very much doubt all the records will be kept here, as the Tower had become Amon's plaything. It may require that you do a fair amount of traveling once you return to Eorzea.

[ And then, a sadder smile takes his face then. One that speaks of longing to join her on said excursions. While he may yet be able to project himself? It is far different than breathing the same air that she does and feeling the same ground beneath his feet. ]

Of course it is. Why would I had offered if not? [ After a moment, the Exarch wraps his arms around the small of her back to gently hold her to him. ] While you and your sister were certainly the stars I allowed to guide my path? There was only one star in particular I truly wished to reach out and hold in my own arms. I see no reason as to not offer my shoulder, should you ever need it, if you allow me to indulge in the wishes from an old man.