It has nothing to do with who may be more intelligent. After all, I was merely a scholar with little field experience when we met. I imagine I came off as quite... arrogant. Ignorant, even. [ The Exarch gently squeezes her hand. ] And those that show us how brave we can be are no less of heroes than us who build the path behind them.
[ He smiles just a bit. ] Yes, perhaps I was. Fate is certainly something of an enigma.
[ He blinks slowly as he measures what she has said. He is certain it is obvious to those that can see the pair as more than just heroes. Something of what happened on their journey on the First still deeply troubles K'thisru. He would know of it, if she allows. He had done the most he felt he could do in th3 guise of the Crystal Exarch. Oh, how he yearned to take her hands in his and hold her as their struggle continued. That would have given his identity away to most certainly the elder of the Warriors of Darkness.
Visiting her several times and leaving food had never been enough to show his affection. Something he knows quiet well. ]
If I might be so bold to place this request, in light of all that had happened... [ The Exarch glances away with his ears folding down slightly in embarrassment. ] I would ask that you feel as if you do not need to be only a hero in my presence. As we are now. We have shared adventures together, and I would see to mending the damage that was inflicted upon you. Damage that I certainly played a part in.
[ The Exarch pauses then and focuses his attention back to her. The part of him that remains a young man practically leaps at the idea. Yet, surely, she would not mean to me such a person. Not after all that has transpired.
His gaze then moves to his crystal hand. He raises it, and not for the first time, gazes through it. ]
There was a time, oh so very long ago now, that I had believed I found someone to fit the role. [ Crystal fingers flex and move at the memories he remembers clearly as if they had just happened. ] I had desired to be as heroes of eld in the songs and tales my clan had. Thus, when I had the chance to explore ancient ruins, I all but ran into the adventure head first. So eager was I to prove that I could be an adventurer and save others as stories did, that I had overlooked the qualities of what made them heroes to begin with.
[ His smile turns sad then, yet his eyes sparkle in joy. The memories are certainly bittersweet. ]
One such hero that agreed to aid our expedition left quite and impression on me, you see. For she was as strong headed and filled with a wanderlust that I was. Yet, she had learned to temper such things and prioritize why things had to be saved. Not just to simply save them for the recognition. Try as I might to garner her attention for even a night, I was never successful. I had most likely given such a poor reputation that it mattered not what I did, it would not change it.
And so, I had decided to pour the affection and awe I had for this hero into my tasks. Perhaps, by following her example, she might see the profound change she left on me. Nothing of the sort happened, of course, but I decided to stay on the path nonetheless. If I could not care for her and travel at her side? Then, at the very least, I might care for the world she loved so very much.
And while I gained a love and care for the world? I have never forgotten the fondness I had for her, for it has been my guiding light on the path I've walked since.
[ The Exarch chuckles then. ] I had often dreamed of nights I shared with her and the others underneath the gleaming Crystal Tower. Nights that most certainly meant more to me... nonetheless, I hope she cherishes those memories as well. If anything as a friend.
Which, I'm afraid, means it is rather hard to find someone on the First to care for in such a manner. My heart remains utterly taken by her.
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[ He smiles just a bit. ] Yes, perhaps I was. Fate is certainly something of an enigma.
[ He blinks slowly as he measures what she has said. He is certain it is obvious to those that can see the pair as more than just heroes. Something of what happened on their journey on the First still deeply troubles K'thisru. He would know of it, if she allows. He had done the most he felt he could do in th3 guise of the Crystal Exarch. Oh, how he yearned to take her hands in his and hold her as their struggle continued. That would have given his identity away to most certainly the elder of the Warriors of Darkness.
Visiting her several times and leaving food had never been enough to show his affection. Something he knows quiet well. ]
If I might be so bold to place this request, in light of all that had happened... [ The Exarch glances away with his ears folding down slightly in embarrassment. ] I would ask that you feel as if you do not need to be only a hero in my presence. As we are now. We have shared adventures together, and I would see to mending the damage that was inflicted upon you. Damage that I certainly played a part in.
[ The Exarch pauses then and focuses his attention back to her. The part of him that remains a young man practically leaps at the idea. Yet, surely, she would not mean to me such a person. Not after all that has transpired.
His gaze then moves to his crystal hand. He raises it, and not for the first time, gazes through it. ]
There was a time, oh so very long ago now, that I had believed I found someone to fit the role. [ Crystal fingers flex and move at the memories he remembers clearly as if they had just happened. ] I had desired to be as heroes of eld in the songs and tales my clan had. Thus, when I had the chance to explore ancient ruins, I all but ran into the adventure head first. So eager was I to prove that I could be an adventurer and save others as stories did, that I had overlooked the qualities of what made them heroes to begin with.
[ His smile turns sad then, yet his eyes sparkle in joy. The memories are certainly bittersweet. ]
One such hero that agreed to aid our expedition left quite and impression on me, you see. For she was as strong headed and filled with a wanderlust that I was. Yet, she had learned to temper such things and prioritize why things had to be saved. Not just to simply save them for the recognition. Try as I might to garner her attention for even a night, I was never successful. I had most likely given such a poor reputation that it mattered not what I did, it would not change it.
And so, I had decided to pour the affection and awe I had for this hero into my tasks. Perhaps, by following her example, she might see the profound change she left on me. Nothing of the sort happened, of course, but I decided to stay on the path nonetheless. If I could not care for her and travel at her side? Then, at the very least, I might care for the world she loved so very much.
And while I gained a love and care for the world? I have never forgotten the fondness I had for her, for it has been my guiding light on the path I've walked since.
[ The Exarch chuckles then. ] I had often dreamed of nights I shared with her and the others underneath the gleaming Crystal Tower. Nights that most certainly meant more to me... nonetheless, I hope she cherishes those memories as well. If anything as a friend.
Which, I'm afraid, means it is rather hard to find someone on the First to care for in such a manner. My heart remains utterly taken by her.