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

[ He would hold her longer if she wished, but he has ever known her to be of boundless energy. He was the same in his days of his youth. And so, he let's her go, watching as she paces. His arms fold to withhold his own emotions for now. It surely would be of no use to her. ]

Would it be a reunion be under far better circumstances... [ The Exarch closes his eyes, ears twitching as he listens to her footsteps and her continued explanations. Then, a hint of a smile cracks on his face. ] Ser Estinien? Ah, the stories I have read! If they are true, he played host to Nidhogg, did he not? While not the same, he would similarly understand a possession of another force.

[ The Exarch opens his eyes and gives her a sad smile. ] If I understand your sister as half as well as I believe I do? She is far more than worried.

But, of course, my services are at your disposal as they always have been. My debt to you saving Norvrandt aside. [ He is certain she would insist there is no debt at all. ] How might I be of assistance?

[ If she wasn't here because need drove her to be, she would not mind in the least if they could just sit and talk for awhile. But she has a purpose that must be seen to before anything else. ]

Yes, a part of me wishes that it was. [ But she smiles, seeing how excited he appears to be at the mention of the dragoon. ] Estinien is a good friend... a little intimidating, but becoming better acquainted with him has been a good thing. I do wonder how he is holding up with everything that has happened.

[ Aymeric and Estinien seem closer than brothers, and she feels no small amount of sympathy for the tall dragoon. ]

Oh, I know that she is more than worried. She cares so much for Aymeric, and to see him like this... [ K'thisru's face falls and for just a moment, she closes her eyes, willing herself not to tear up again.

She opens her eyes once more once he begins to speak, and she nods, resolve replacing the raw emotions she had just worn. ]

Well, I don't know very many people who claim knowledge about the Allagans, but you seem like something of an expert. Did they have a way of dealing with primals and tempered people? [ She knows she has just jumped right into the heart of the matter, but that is just the way she is. ]

[ No matter how much has passed, no matter how old he becomes? A part of the Exarch will always be in awe of those heroes who have done amazing feats. Ser Estinien survived being possessed by the great wyrm. That alone is a feat within itself, regardless of the possession itself. He fought dragons and found peace with dragons. The Exarch reveres all heroes and sees them as inspirations... even if he is biased towards a couple of sisters. ]

If anyone would be capable of making any of us speak our troubles even if we had not intended to? It is most certainly yourself and your sister. [ A nod is given with an encouraging smile. ] You should reach out to him when time allows.

[ "Cares for" is yet another phrase that seems to be said lightly. He would imagine that the sisters would care for someone deeply in order to take the name of another. Not that he would dare consider the idea that K'thisru would see him as such. He would be a poor partner indeed... with little to offer her other than the horrors of the quest he sent her on. ]

Well, I would consider myself an expert. At least of the Crystal Tower and general Allagan settlements. [ He closes his eyes in thought, frowning slightly as he briefly visits what he knows. ] You may recall that Dalamud was used to house the primal of Bahamut... and Azys Lla housed three primals to contain them. If any records of experiments with them and tempered persons exists? I would imagine they would be housed there.

[ The Exarch then gestures to the room to the side. ] Shall I bring up the records the Tower might have?

[ In all honesty, feats like the one that Estinien managed to achieve and lived to talk about seems to far outweigh anything that K'thisru had done. At least, that is how she sees it. She and her sister might be praised as heroes, but she believes that the real heroes are the ones who don't always get recognized. ]

Oh, I don't know about that. But I am starting to realize that sometimes all a person needs is another person to listen to them. [ And so she is trying to make a concerted effort along those lines. Perhaps some of that can be attributed to present company, a thought that brings a small smile to her face. ]

That's what I was hoping you would say. [ And then she shrugs and gives a half-shake of her head, as if already expecting him to say that the other thing she hoped for is an impossibility. ] Part of me hoped that you would come back with me, so that you might share what you know in person.

[ But she just assumes that he will decline, either citing an inability to do as requested or that he is simply too busy to leave. ]

If you could bring up the records, at least that's a start.

And yet you wonder of the wisdom you and your sister possess.

[ A gentle smile takes his face then, as if he were truly the old man he proclaims to be. Then, his gaze drops to the side in contemplation. Of course, he has devised a way that he might return with her. It would be the same in how he returned the Scions, after much pain and struggle. The way, in fact, has already been prepared. However, he would not soon abandon the Crystarium to return with her. Not until he sees they are indeed well on their own and need not his guidance.

He keeps the smile on his face even as he looks back to her. He nearly reaches out to her with his normal hand, but stops just sort. No, now is not the time to ask for her presence or even her attention in such a way. The Exarch can only imagine it is why she first ignored him all those years ago.

He leaders her to the circular side room. At the center back wall is a control panel, while the room itself is littered with books and stacks of books. A chair, as well, but it is rather obvious he makes his way by sitting upon the floor and pouring over the books that were stocked within the Crystal Tower. ]

If needed, I can project myself once more as I had before. In fact, I might have a few tricks still up my sleeves that may help in this endeavor. Now that a link between the Crystal Tower here in Norvrandt and your point in time exists.

[ It is, of course, taxing and requires quite a bit more than he could muster. The Crystal Tower would demand compensation, as it already has for ensuring the Scions safe return. In fact, should she look close enough, she will see where a slight limp is in his step.

Once inside he strides to the computer system. Comes to life and he gives a smile to K'thisru, still endeared and awed by the technology he has surrounded himself with for the last hundred years. ]

Tell me, where would you prefer to start? The Allagan Empire's timeline spans an age, and culminates in a calamity.

[ K'thisru merely laughs, although it is not quite the same unbridled laugh that she might have given if the situation at hand was not so serious. ] Oh, one of us is wiser than the other, and I know that it is not me. [ She has always thought of Alkaid as the smarter one of the two of them, and her opinion has not changed.

As distracted and scattered as her thoughts are, in light of what has happened to Aymeric and because of how hard it must be on her sister, she does not look away from him for even a moment. Neither does she miss the way he reaches for her, only to pull back at the last moment.

Even as he leads her to the side room, with its control panel and stacks of books, she extends a hand to him, hoping that he will complete the action he started and take it. ]

We'll take any help that you can give. I don't know very much about tempering or how to stop a primal short of slaying them, so I hope that any knowledge you can share will be helpful. [ Willpower alone won't save Aymeric or the people of Ishgard, no matter how much K'thisru wishes she could reverse what has been done by simply wanting it to be so.

She turns to look at the computer system, and although this is not the first time she has seen something like it, she finds herself marveling nonetheless. She has not missed the way he limps, and if she could, she'd insist that he sit down so that she can give a brief massage to what must be a sore area. ]

I don't know. [ She has no problem admitting to that, knowing that she is certainly out of her depth here. ] Where do you think we should start?

I would believe this is an instance in which one would use the phrase, "all things in due course."

[ He, of course, sees K'thisru having her own wisdom. While her sister might have the knowledge and wisdom of the white mages of her soul stone, and how to mend ailments of all types? K'thisru understands when action is needed and when to stay her magic. That in itself is a lesson that many mages have yet to learn... even in the time of Allag.

His smile turns fond to her as she gazes at the computers. It brings him more than a small amount of joy to see the wondrous look he has on the face of another. A nod is given before he turns his attentions back to the computer. Screens appear around them and he gestures to one. ]

A brief history then.

[ He claps his hands and one single screen opens to show the once great capital of Allag. ]

At the end of the Third Umbral Era, a man known as Xande began to gather the scattered tribes of our star that had survived the calamity. He brought together those who knew of magic and technology to weave together a mighty Empire that would spand all of what we know as Eorzea. This was the heart and seat of the Allagan Empire, which would then further expand the rest of the world as the Third Astral Age continued.

[ The Exarch raises a hand and gestures to another screen. ]

Their unique set of technology, aetherochemistry, was the study and application of harnessing energies to power the technology. Which is how and why the Crystal Tower functions as it does. It was meant to be the showcase, if you will, of this technology. It would absorb the energies of the heavens and become a boundless limitless pool of energy that they might tap into. [ A shrug is afforded with a small tinge of pink in his cheeks. After all, it is clear what tapping into said energy has done to him alone. ] However, they grew complacent, and as such, their Empire stagnated. You no doubt recall Amon, the man we encountered in the Tower all those years ago. He sought to resurect the great Emperor Xande to return the Empire to its glory... and he succeeded.

Emperor Xande had become warped by his revival and thus set on a path for a bloody war with the lands south of the sea of Eorzea. Meracydia. As the war continued they turned the art of summoning and brought forth powerful primals to stave off the Empire. Ones, which I am certain you are familiar with. The Warring Triad--of course--and Bahamut.

Azys Lla was created to house the Triad and, if memory serves, was the foundational blueprint of what would encase Bahamut. The Red Moon of Dalamud.

[ There is, of course, far more to be said of the Allagan Empire. However, despite the scholar he is at heart? He believes it best to focus their efforts on why she had come to him in the first place. Allag and their relations to primals. ]

[ She just lets out a small sigh at that and shakes her head. By now, he ought to know that she is not, nor has she ever been, the most patient of individuals. Rather than remind him of that for what must be the fiftieth time by now, she just shrugs her shoulders and turns her attention to his explanation.

Certain names are familiar to her, from past battles that she has participated in, and she manages to follow the threads of history that he weaves for her. Never mind that she was never the best nor the most focused student, but matters of history are another thing entirely. And, of course, the history of the Allagans is of great importance at the moment, so the least she could do is pay attention. ]

Well, I'm following you so far. [ She offers that comment when it appears that he has paused in his delivery. ] Still, I can't help but wonder how you manage keeping all that knowledge and all those details straight.

[ Granted, having the computers must help, but she thinks that a good portion of it is because G'raha himself is no slouch when it comes to committing details to memory, as is typical of a scholar. And she is most certainly biased, but she thinks that he is one of the finest examples of a scholar that she can recall meeting. ]

[ He does take note of her reactions. However, he finds it imperative she remember key aspects of Allagan history before they continue. It ties into far too many things that find themselves playing out in her point of Eorzea. Especially, now, concerning her dear sister.

A small blush does take his cheeks. ] W-well! If you recall, I was an archon. In fact, I hail from the same house of study Krile does. I merely specialized in the study of Allag... given quote obvious reasons we now are aware of.

[ It is then that he once more reaches for her hand, but this time with the one that had turned into the very crystal the tower is made of. He does his utmost to only touch her with the parts of him that remain him, but times like this he only realizes a short moment later. ]

Our primary focus should lie with the ways the Allagans dealt with the Primals. Containment and their study there after. As memory serves from tales I heard... you and your sister confronted the Warring Triad, yes? All three primals contained in a place that the Archbishop became a primal himself at.

[ His head tilts to the side. ] For, if any records of tempering beyond our own exist? It would be with them. I am no expert on the matter, and people like Y'shtola or Krile are far more accustomed to the study of aether than I...

[ He sighs and touches his hand to his chin. ] Records of such detailed events may not be within the Crystal Tower. Therefore, you may need to travel to Asyz Lla yourself.

[ Even though she would never call herself a dedicated student, history does interest her. Much knowledge can be gained from knowing one's history, and so she makes every effort to do her best to pay attention when it comes to important things like what G'raha is explaining. ]

I admire people like you and Krile who can study like that. Of course, there is some studying involved in being a summoner, but I'm sure it's nothing like what you two have had to do.

[ When he reaches for her with that crystal hand, she takes hold of it without hesitation. She still does not like what is being done to him, but it cannot be changed, and she knows now that she will never recoil from him if he reaches out to her. She wishes to be with him, to have all of him, and she will not shun any part of him no matter how much it causes a surge of displeasure within her. ]

Of course. I remember the Warring Triad only too well. [ For one who was never good at studying, she remembers every primal that she has encountered.

Tilting her head to one side as she ponders this, she finally gives a nod. ]

I suppose that we shouldn't waste any time then, if going there is needed.

[ But then, she realizes that perhaps she will be making this trip alone, because she imagines he won't want to leave, either because of his responsibilities or because he needs to keep looking up what records he can find. ]

I'll have to let Estinien know that I may be a little longer in coming back to Limsa.

Well, should you wish to know more, I shall ever strive to ever be the better teacher for you. If I can help those of the Crystarium, then surely aiding you would not be difficult. Although, I have ever been the student...

[ His ears twitch in thought, but stand on end once she takes his hand. Ruby eyes dart towards her before the smile on his face turns bashful. His crystal fingers slip between hers and give her hand a gentle squeeze. ]

It might yet be best if we speak to the Scions before making plans. They may have insights that I will not. [ The look in his eyes says he'd very much like to be there in person with her. Yet, he must remain where he is. Mayhap soon. ] It would be best to gather what data we can before presenting it to them.

[ The Exarch turns to look back at the screens above them. ] They held those who were enthralled to the Warring Triad in side Asyz Lla as well, yes? Then they would most certainly have records there... [ His other hand raises to navigate the screens as his eyes take in the foreign text. ] It would seem waht they had need of was done under royal decree... and also stopped by royal decree. None other than our marvelous friend Emperor Xande.

What little information the Tower holds says of what I imagine we all know quite well. The enthralled become slaves to the "eikon", as they call it, and transfigure with the more exposure to the "eikon" they have. Their soul desire being that to further empower their new found god or goddess... [ his head tilts and his eyes close in thought. ] One loses a sense of self as the primal dominates their mind. I would think the process would take shorter or longer depending on the exposure to the primal, or if they had been the ones to summon it in the first place.

Tell me, Thisru. Do we know what caused the summoning of King Thordan? Who did it? What purpose they might have? Spare no details, should you have them.

If it's you doing the teaching, I'll do my best to be a good student, paying attention to every word.

[ Her tail lifts to sway back and forth as if indicating her happiness, even though this really isn't a moment for it. But whenever she is around him, she can't help but feel as though she could jump for joy, even jumping out of her skin. Still, she has to maintain some control of herself, so she hasn't done such a thing yet, no matter how much she wants to. ]

Of course, of course. They always know what to do. [ She has to resist the urge to roll her eyes at that, because all too often, the Scions' plans involve sending her and her sister anywhere and everywhere, and while she loves adventuring, she wouldn't mind the chance for a rest for a little while. And more importantly, she knows her sister wishes to be with her husband-to-be so that they might finally be married as they should have been long ago.

She nods along to everything he is saying, because some of it is still familiar to her, even if she isn't as good at recounting all of it as he is. But then the conversation returns to King Thordan and the details behind his summoning. ]

We don't know, not yet. Towers appeared in Coerthas, and when people went to see what was happening and to investigate, that's when we realized that a primal had been summoned. Well, I say "we", but Alkaid and I weren't the first to find out.

[ She shrugs, knowing that he is aware that the Scions have ways of finding things out. ]

I'm hoping that we'll find all of that out eventually, but I have to say that Aymeric being tempered took Alkaid's and my focus somewhere else.

[ His hand squeezes hers gently, ever so careful of the fact his hand must not be comfortable to hold. It certainly is unseemly. However, he wears the crystallization as a badge of honor. A mark of completing promises and obligations given to him.

The Exarch hums lightly at her statement. ] If you do not mind I share my opinion, and please pray tell me if this is overstepping boundaries. The Scions are wise in their fields of study, yet there is much for them to learn of the matters of the heart. Something that you, your sister, and the twins most certainly provide.

[ He listens carefully and nods. ] As it very well should. Your personal affections aside, Ser Aymeric remains a figure head of the Alliance. Should a primal wish to learn anything of defenses, all they must do is implore the enthralled. The whole ordeal must be taxing to your sister.

[ As he turns to face her once more, a tinge of pain shoots up his spine. His body straightens, including ears and hidden tail, before he quickly goes down to one knee. Now of all times? Alisaie was right. He does have horrible timing.

Lest she worry more, he holds his hand of flesh up and moves to sit with the leg that aches extended in front of him. Well, aches is quite the understatement. He can feel the crystallization travel downwards the back of his leg. The Exarch's breathing hitches for onlt a small moment before returning to normal. His ruby eyes open to hers and he gives her a strained tired smile. What she cannot see is the line of crystal that has begun to move down his leg. ]

I am well, Thisru, I promise. Simply a long waited reaction to the Tower. Rather, the Tower finally demanding fair compensation for the magick used to send the Scions and you and your sister home... [ The Exarch tilts his head backwards to close his eyes once more. ] It is hardly comparable to what you and Alkaid face, and I would not have you worry over it so at the moment.

Edited (g'raha wanted a few more details) 2022-03-01 18:23 (UTC)

[ K'thisru nods along to all of this, not feeling at all as though the Exarch has overstepped. In fact, his thoughts might as well mirror hers, because she has thought much of the same things a time or two before. Of course, she must continue to cooperate with the Scions, but at times, she feels impatient towards them, and occasionally even resentful. But she knows better than to let any resentment take hold, because resentful thoughts can quickly turn into hate, and that is the last thing she wants.

As for Aymeric and his plight, her expression sobers and her ears fold down to lie against her head. ]

I wish that there was more that I could do. I know I don't need to say it, but I worry about both of them. [ Even before Aymeric was tempered, she found herself worrying about him, based on the things she has heard from her sister. And now, she fears that even if he should be saved, will he be the same man after everything he has endured? And if not, what will happen to her sister? She is certain she will carry on, but it is her heart that K'thisru worries about.

But all of those thoughts flee from her mind the second she sees the Exarch straighten up, tension clear in his posture. And her heart is seized by a vicegrip of fear when she sees him drop down to land on one knee. ]

No! [ Perhaps it is a sign of the depths of K'thisru's worry for everyone who has been affected by tempering, and the fears she has for Aymeric and her sister, but the word bursts out of her before she can hold it back. She would be lying if she said she was not afraid for the Exarch as well, and with the possibility of losing the Lord Speaker looming over her, she knows she cannot handle losing someone else on top of that.

She moves to kneel beside him, eyes widened with worry, and she reaches out with one hand to place it on the small of his back. ]

It's not... It's not fair. [ She knows that she ought not to speak so, but what little filter she has over her words has temporarily been broken. ] I know that an exchange must happen, but I- [ Her lip trembles as she tries desperately to control her emotions that are threatening to spill over. ]

I hate what's happening to you.

[ And then, before she even realizes what she is doing, she scoots in closer and carefully throws her arms around him, as far as she can reach, and presses her face into his shoulder. ]

Going to those for who you know could aid is doing a part of the work. You are doing your part, Thisru.

[ A tired old smile touches his face as she throws herself at his chest. Old eyes close gently as his normal hand raises to the small of her back. His fingers gently rub the fabric there in order to comfort her as he rests his head against hers. Oh, how a part of his heart flutters at this. ]

I hope you would forgive me for such a selfish notion, but, I had hoped we would be able to share a dinner together. Over research, if need be. [ The Exarch's head tilts so he might press his forehead to her shoulder. ] While I know you disapprove of my methods, and always have, it is the path I have set myself upon. I would give whatever is necessary to aid you.

[ A gentle laugh comes from him as a hand raises to the back of her head.] I would ask that you share your burdens with me, be they large or small. Should you need a shoulder to rest or cry upon? Mine is certainly here as long as you need it.

T-that is, of course, if you would... I mean... we, ah, well...

[ He has yet to truly come to a decision if they are together. As an item. A pairing, if they would. He has loved her for a hundred years. Her affection is quite obvious and he does not deny it. He dare not think they are on the same level as the Lord Speaker and soon-to-be Viscountess... ]

[ She has never considered herself someone who is overly prone to outbursts of tears, choosing other ways of expressing her emotions, but no sooner does he say those words than her eyes seem to well up and in spite of herself, a tear falls from the corner of her eye.

Now her mouth begins to tremble in earnest as she tries desperately to keep her tears from spilling over. ] But is it enough? I should- [ She hiccups, and another tear falls. ] I should be doing more! I could go into Ishgard, into the city and see what the situation there is.

[ When the Exarch offers her that comforting gesture, she all but curls into him, still being careful to not cause him to lose his balance.

At his next words, the emotions she has been trying to hold inside finally break free, and the tears she has been holding back finally flow down her cheeks. ]

A dinner with you would- I would love that. [ She feels silly for being here next to him and crying like a younger kitten would, especially since she feels as though the image he projects is one of dignity that commands respect. And here she is, acting like a kitten crying over some silly disappointment. Never mind that the reason for her tears is not silly at all, but it feels worthy of embarrassment, at least in her mind.

And then she dips her head lower, as her tears continue to fall, but she lifts her free hand to scrub them away. ] If I told you everything that bothered me, I think you would get tired of hearing it before I could even finish.

[ Her method of coping has always been to rush on to the next challenge, the next fight, and if there is none to be found, then she might confide in her sister. It is not a displeasing notion at all that she might confide in the Exarch as well, and in spite of herself, a small smile crosses her face. ]

But... your shoulder is a comfortable place to cry on.

[ A stray tear falls then, and she wipes it away along with the others so that she might smile for him, even if it is a fairly watery one. ]

I haven't said it enough, but thank you.

And you most certainly will. Yet, you have tasked yourself with finding a way to cure the heart of the matter. While I am far from a soldier? One should have an ace up their sleeve. Imagine if we find a cure for tempering! It would nullify so many plans that the Ascians have set in motion. The possibilities would be quite endless--after all, the Allagans never found a cure...

[ He falls quiet as she continues. A gentle smile takes to his face as he notes to request dinner brought to the chambers. It is certainly rare, but, he imagines quite a few would have their eyes filled with stars at the chance to serve one of Norvrandt's heroes.

The Exarch gently eases her hair down. His fingers gently brush around her ears as well. ] And yet, you have aided in ways you could never fully see. Allow me the small chance to repay the favor and help ease your burdens, Thisru.

[ He chuckles lightly and a small blush touches his cheeks. ] There is never a need to thank me, for I am the one in your debt. And, I am surprised to hear my shoulder is comfortable at all.

[ For... obvious reasons. ]

But I wouldn't even know where to begin looking for the cure. I only came here because I thought you would know what to do, or that maybe you could talk with Krile and Alisaie and figure something out.

[ The knowledge that she has feels as though it is entirely useless in this situation, and so she would just as soon turn everything over to those with more knowledge than she has. ]

Do you think that it's possible?

[ She can't help but look at him with a hopeful expression in her eyes that maybe he'll say he already has an idea for what can be done.

As he brushes his fingers around her ears, they twitch, rising and falling in response to his touch. ] But that's just it: I'm a Warrior of Light, and I shouldn't be bothered like this.

[ In her mind, warriors are the strong ones, the ones who act as the support system for those who aren't as strong. At times, she finds herself questioning how truly strong she is, when things like primal summonings and tempering happens to good people who don't deserve to be affected so. ]

If I could just stay like this, I would. [ She shifts so that her head is resting against his shoulder, being mindful not to place too much of her weight on him, in case it becomes uncomfortable for him. ]

I highly doubt a cure exists, otherwise, we would have solved this very problem then and there. However, that does not mean a cure cannot exist. [ The Exarch smiles warmly at her then with his ears twitching as if to punctuate his point. ] The past is a starting point: a foundation in which we set ourselves upon. We must take it upon ourselves to carry the torch they have given us and see it to the end. If the Allagans left anything of their research behind? We will surely find it.

[ His hand moves to tilt her head up and he gives her a confident yet gentle smile. A far cry from what her sister may give, but, it is of his own charm. Well, what he thinks is charm. It may be quite different in reality. ]

If you were not bothered, would that not be worse? Who would wish a hero who has no care or feelings for those she protects? You are who you are, Thisru, and none would have you change for it.

[ He clears his throat. ] Well, I would not be one to tell a hero such as yourself what you could and could not do. My shoulder is ever at your need.

[ The confidence with which he speaks helps stir her own to life, and she reaches for his other hand to give it a firm but gentle squeeze. ]

I know we'll find it, and if there is anything I can do, even if it is carrying books or bringing things to you while you work, I'll do it.

[ She knows she won't be the one who finds the cure, or even implements it, but if she can assist in the effort at all, then she will do her best.

But at his next words concerning her, she lowers her head just a fraction, as if she feels undeserving of such sentiments. She has worked to keep her doubts about herself to herself, but at times, she finds herself wondering if who she is is truly enough.

She tilts her head to one side, pondering what he has just said, and the question slips out before she can stop it: ] Is it really all right with you, though? [ Perhaps he does not want her being so close to him. He might even find her actions too forward and uncomfortable. ]

[ 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.

[ She still regrets those early days in which she did not see him, viewing him only as another adventurer chasing excitement. But now that she does see him as someone with whom she wishes to share in life and all the adventures that come their way, she cannot help but view it all as making up for lost time.

She smiles in response to the way his hand presses against her head, ears flattening slightly with pleasure at the gesture. ]

I really think that there are others who would be a better assistant to you. So much of this flies right over my head. But if it's traveling that I have to do in order to help, of course I'll do it. [ If nothing else, she's good at taking direction and going off on errands. The Scions have certainly made use of that. ]

I know that I shouldn't ask, but will there be a time when you can come with me? [ A journey is better with two, after all, and she finds herself wishing to go on adventures with him.

But at his next words, her tail sways even as her ears flatten more as a blush creeps up her neck and rises to her cheeks. ]

Oh, but I'm nothing like a star. [ But she laughs lightly and smiles. ] I think that's more a word to describe my sister. [ Alkaid seems to have gravitated more towards the moon and stars, and that is why K'thisru says that. ]

Still, as long as you'll have me, I'll be whatever you need me to be.

[ He smiles at her, a slight twitch at the top of his ears. The tail hidden beneath the robes sways just a bit. Ah, how he would travel with her if he could. Not yet... not yet. ]

I am hardly needing of an assistant. Company, however, most certainly. Not to mention an overseer to make certain the research we find is of the kind needed to give to your fellow Scions.

[ A pause is given to her question. Then, a smile in his face. ] Worry not, Thisru. When all of this is said and done, I will have a favor to ask of you. And, should everything work as it ought to, we will see to the possibility of joining you.

[ He chuckles. Both are stars in his mind. Ones that even though he has reached out to? He will not be able to catch in his palms. At least, however, the stars have reached down to him. ]

You need not be more than who you are. That is all I would ever ask.

[ She tilts her head to one side, ears lifting slightly, indicating her desire to be his companion and to give him the company that he surely must not have much of. She is fully aware that soon, she will have to take her leave of him, because necessity demands it, but the more selfish part of her wishes she could stay. ]

I'll happily keep you company for as long as I can. And, well, as for favors, you could ask for a hundred of them and I'd try and give them all to you.

[ In some ways, it feels strange how much she wishes to help him and do what she can for him, but at the same time, she isn't questioning it very much. ]

So, give me a task to do, if you know where we should begin.

[ Ruby eyes glance at the ears atop her head that lift up. An embarrassed smile takes his face then. He has had company enough these many long years. Of course, he would certainly not rebuff her company. He would ask that she stay in Norvrandt longer as well, but if they could yet cure tempering? That alone would be worth their temporary separation.]

Even after everything?

[ The smile on his face turns sad. There is no doubt the horrors the two sisters have had to face have left their marks: physical and invisible. How she might yet stand his presence, let alone wish to be close to him, truly is amazing in his mind. The Exarch shyly rubs his crystal arm. ]

First, we should start with acquiring a meal. We might be researching this for some time tonight. And, I would hate to garner the ire of your sister for not having care for you while you are here...

BOOK 3.5: EVER HEAVENSWARD

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