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synthneon2022-02-11 05:36 pm
dragonssung) wrote in synthneon2022-02-11 05:36 pm
Entry tags:
echoes of truth | ❝ tales of loss and fire and flame. ❞
Every word on our hearts engraved
In the dark you will not stray
Forge ahead, till the end, we pray
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Thancred has not taken a seat yet, choosing instead to lean against the wall, arms crossed in front of him, his expression suggesting impatience but also a note of seriousness that is fitting for the conflict that they are currently facing.
Y'shtola is also there, but unlike Thancred, she has taken a seat, but her expression is considerably more placid than Thancred's. Of course, she would like to see the meeting started, but that cannot happen until all of their number are present and ready to begin.
As for Urianger, he is waiting as well, perhaps the most patient of the three of them. K'thisru is seated next to Urianger, but as soon as she spots the twins arriving with her sister in tow, she all but leaps out of her seat and moves over to greet them, wishing to throw her arms around Alkaid but hesitating at the last second.
It isn't propriety that makes her pause, but rather the notion that such an exuberant action might not be the thing Alkaid needs right now, but rather a quieter, gentler greeting, something she isn't very good at, but she would do just about anything for her sister, including putting a lid on her usual energy and tendency to rush in. ]
There is plenty of room for all of you, as you can see, so... [ K'thisru gestures to the open chairs, knowing that neither the twins nor Alkaid need to be told, but she still feels entirely at a loss here, and so she must do something. ]
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[ Alkaid nods numbly, ears only lifting slightly the moment her sister throws her arms around her person. Her two-toned eyes meet K'thisru before she frowns, quite obviously holding back the sudden wave of emotions. Then, her head tilts down in order to try and place the emotions back in a proper manner. The dark circles around her eyes are evident to show that she has been using an extensive amount of aether.
She gently brushes her hand against her sister's before all but collapsing in the nearest chair with her eyes cast downwards. There is no wish to look at the worried or annoyed expressions coming from the other Scions.
Alisaie spares a worried glance to her brother before sitting beside him. Then, she takes a look around the room to see where all might be before exhaling. ]
Well, I suppose I ought to go first. Given it's my idea. [ Alisaie quietly thanks the gods for all those speeches at the academy now. ] I've decided it's high time we find a cure to tempering. Given our experiences recently in Norvrandt, I feel we can tackle the matter here properly now.
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The floor is Alisaie's right now, because this is her idea, and K'thisru isn't the only one sitting silently for the moment waiting to hear what she has to say. The other Scions are paying attention as well, even though Thancred appears at least outwardly to be bored by the whole affair.
Tempering is no laughing matter, so it stands to reason that the Scions are as focused as they can be. K'thisru especially wants to be quick to offer her assistance, but she also knows that Alisaie has just begun, so she satisfies herself with brushing her fingers against her sister's hand as well. ]
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Of course, what has namely stopped us is the fact we are not entirely sure where to start. Studying the effects of what primals do to the enthralled can be barbaric at worst and horrifying at the least. But, now knowing what we do of the elements that compose our aether... [ Alisaie turns her head to look at Urianger and nods. ] Or, at least, so I'm told to believe.
[ The quieter Elezen hums lightly. ] Yes, we had learned more than even I had imagined possible in Norvrandt. A reminder to all, and to the chagrin of our dearest Thancred, the soul is comprised of all elements of aether. Light, umbral dark, earth, wind, water, fire. Should even one of these elements give way, an imbalance will form in the soul. If one should experience too drastic of an elemental shift, than the aether will stagnant and become locked to the one single unified element.
[ Alisaie nods once more. ] I know that the plan will be far more intricate in detail, but, what if we might reverse the stagnated aether? What if we are to bring that element back into the balance of the rest?
[ Alkaid's gaze quietly shifts to her sister from the corner of her eyes. Is this what she and G'raha had spoken of? ]
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She continues stroking her sister's hand, but she listens to the exchange between Urianger and Alisaie. She learned much from her time speaking with G'raha, but still, she maintains that a good deal of this is far above her comprehension.
Still, when she feels Alkaid's gaze rest on her, she turns back to look at her, noting the question present there. By way of answer, she inclines her head, indicating that this is one of the many things they spoke of... or rather, he spoke and she listened and did her best to absorb the information.
Meanwhile, Y'shtola makes a humming sort of noise as she ponders all this. ]
Can such a thing be feasibly achieved? If one's aether has become stagnant, I imagine that undoing that will require no small amount of effort, and even then, what will remain of that unfortunate individual? Or individuals, in our case.
[ It is clear from Y'shtola's expression that she has her doubts as to the functionality of this suggestion. ]
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Alisaie, however, puts her hands on the table and stands. ]
We've stopped the Ascians at every turn! If we can undo what they have done then this surely must be possible! It is only a matter of how to achieve it. We have the best minds Sharlayan can offer and the Warriors of Light here! Surely, rest means we might find an answer where none might of!
[ Urianger cannot help the smile that touches his face. He turns his gaze to Y'shtola and Thancred. ]
Alisaie has the right of it, I would think. However, Y'shtola, as always, points out the fair academic point. Perhaps that is where I might lend my hand in the matters of the soul?
[ Urianger turns his head to the familiar voice suddenly joining the room. From nowhere now stands the Crystal Exarch at the entrance of the doors, staff in hand, a bright smile on his face. He bows with one arm tucked in front of him and his ears twitching.
Alkaid raises her head with her eyes wide. How?! ]
--Raha?!
[ Alisaie's mouth drops open. ] Exarch?! B-but how...?
I had once projected my soul on numerous occasions to make contact with the Warriors of Light. Now, however I have been able to focus the magicks a bit more. [ The Exarch smiles at K'thisru. ] If any might hold the answer to tempering, it would very well be the Allagans. They had contained four of them.
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Alisaie's determined words help bolster her spirits somewhat, because her confidence is undeniable, but she would be lying if she said that she was not afraid that the outcome will not be a good one.
But before she can contribute anything to the conversation, something unexpected happens, and someone she did not anticipate seeing makes his entrance. ]
Raha! [ K'thisru's exclamation is just as surprised as her sister's and Alisaie's, and although she had sought out his advice, she certainly did not expect that he would project himself here at all.
In spite of herself, her ears tilt upwards and her tail rises to wave back and forth at the sight of him. ]
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He notes the way her sister looks. Ah. No wonder K'thisru had worried for her so.
]
It is good to see you are all in good health, despite what I had unknowingly pulled you all into. [ His eyes turn to Alisaie to answer her question. ] Before K'thisru departed the Crystarium after our initial research? I had gifted her a small token. I... regret that I did not inform you that I could use it to anchor myself, if you will. By focusing on a token I can better project to a point in time needed. Specifically, this point.
[ Urianger's eyes narrow slightly with sadness. ] And of thine cost to perform such a magical feat?
The Crystal Tower contains boundless energy so that I may yet be of further aid to you all. After all, myself and all of Norvrandt are forever in your debt. [ He bows once more before turning to look at each of them once more. ] Has a breakthrough been discovered yet?
[ Alisaie sighs dramatically before resting back into her chair. ] No. In fact, we had just begun talks of how we might go about such a task. It can be done! I know it!
[ The Exarch takes the reactions of both Warriors of Light into tow before turning his gaze from Alphinaud to Y'shtola, awaiting further information or discussion. ]
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Alphinaud chooses this moment to comment, his expression thoughtful and weighing what he ought to say. ] It seems to be rather a monumental task, but I cannot help but share in Alisaie's confidence and assurance that our goals will be achieved. [ Truthfully, the part of him that considers himself a friend of Ishgard wants only to see what has been done to the city-state's people and the person who is quite clearly its heart set to rights.
And what is more, he fears for Alkaid's well-being should this continue on any longer than it already has. He is not discounting the possibility that the Lord Speaker may not be saved, because reality cannot be ignored, but he remains hopeful for the sake of his friends. K'thisru's gaze is similar to Urianger's, as she turns again to look at G'raha. He knows by now that she worries about him and the cost of what he continues to do, but his stance on the matter has not shifted, not even once. And that, too, troubles her, even though she understands not being swayed from one's convictions.
As for Y'shtola, she too is not without hope, but she cannot help but view the situation with the lens of realism. ]
Confidence is all well and good, but what are the steps that we must take if we are to make hope become reality? I do not doubt you, Alisaie, but I wonder- what would you have us do?
[ She is willing to help if she is able, but at the moment, she only sees vague concepts and not defined steps that will lead them to the desired goal, and that is what she wishes to help define, even if it means pointing out that which no one truly wishes to hear. ]
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Alisaie nods to her twin with a small appreciative smile gracing her features. However, her attention moves back to Y'shtola the moment she speaks. ] We need to devise a way to realign the aether of a soul. Given what we have learned in Norvrandt, it is a matter of applying the same theory here. Of course, on a far more larger scale...
[ The Exarch casts a glance with his ruby eyes to make sure none would speak before his interjections are made. ]
It has been quite some time since my days in Sharyalan, so, forgive me if any of this beyond its place. [ He realizes then it may be quite difficult to make his points without demonstrations. Ah. Well, he will make due. ] The aether that comprises our souls is broken into three theories: the soul, memory, and corporeal aether. The latter of the three is aways in motion, as it is our physical forms. As Y'shtola surmised, one may fix the currents of aether in the soul, but the memory is what would need be addressed.
[ Urianger tilts his head down in thought. ] Verily, the memories of a soul would need stimulation and restoration. As it is the primal's will that suppresses that sense of self. A cure would need to perform both acts at the same time. Tis quite the daunting task indeed... little wonder it had not been performed before. However it is still yet plausible.
[ The Exarch nods.] I find myself in agreement. We need only to devise the method in which to perform both acts at the same time. Restoration of aether is one matter, but, the memory is of another. Thankfully, I believe I have a direction to share, thanks only to the time and efforts Thisru dedicated with me.
[ Alkaid turns her gaze to her sister. What exactly had the two done in their small window of time?
The Exarch smiles. ] What answers we may yet find would be housed in Azys Lla. Rather fitting, as it is near Ishgard.
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Thancred, meanwhile, merely sits by and listens to the exchange; this talk of souls and aether is a bit outside his area of expertise, preferring opportunities to engage in subterfuge and other covert operations. Simply put, he is a man of action, not necessarily a scholar.
As if she senses Thancred's feeling that he has little to contribute to the present discussion, Y'shtola turns her gaze to him, and a knowing smile crosses her face. A finger taps at her lips in a somewhat teasing gesture, as if she knows that his attention is beginning to wander. But he still remains a valued member of the Scions, and perhaps they will have need of him yet.
She turns her attentions back to the exchange between Urianger and the Exarch even as her eyes briefly turn to where the Warriors of Light sit. Their silence is understandable, given the rather personal nature of what has transpired, but still, she finds herself wondering what might be going through their mind.
Tilting her head once more, she says: ] Azys Lla? [ She ponders this for a few seconds before inclining her head. ] A great many mysteries are contained there, some being harder to unlock than others.
[ She spares a glance for K'thisru then, and even as she remains positioned by her sister, she looks back with a slight shrug.
K'thisru's gaze travels back to her sister, and again, her shoulders lift in a shrug. She still considers herself little better than G'raha's assistant during their time together, because like Thancred, most of this flies right over her head. Still, she has done her best to absorb the information and learn from it.
Thancred chooses this moment to finally speak, having picked up on something he might be able to do to contribute. ] If a visit to Azys Lla is in order, who among us will be making the journey?
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The Exarch nods in agreement to Y'sthola's assessments. ] Yes. The Allagans would not have simply their research to be easily obtained. Not with the nature of what they were attempting to achieve there. Very little was available in the Tower's records when it came to what research was done there. What we might pull from the records of the Scions is that it housed the Warring Triad to keep them in a perpetual state of of summoning. Therefore, any and all research could be done while they were in control of the Primals--or, Eikons, as they refer to them as. Doubtless there would be many traps that would require the aid of one keen for battle...
[ He smiles over at Thancred, as if understanding the man's need to see action and not just meetings endlessly. ] And, you may yet need one more item to make the journey easier. The Allagans, after all, were a society built around a royal linage. Should any overrides exist, a member of the royal family could provide such authorization.
[ Urianger tilts his head. ] And yet, thou still doth remain on the First, Exarch. A voice--even of the soul--could not override what would need be done.
[ At that, the Exarch nods and turns to look at K'thisru. He smiles at her, raising his normal hand and gesturing to her. ] Before your left, Thisru, I gave you the token of Allagan make. It not only has allowed me to center the magicks in order to project... but it also contains a small amount of my blood. It should suffice in order to give you and any you take to Azys Lla the authority you would need. And, if cor some reason it is not enough, then pray, call upon me with the same token. I will see what can be done.
[ Urianger frowns gently before turning his gaze back to Y'shtola and Thancred. It is quite obvious that the Crystal Exarch has already done much to aid them and Eorzea. However, he feels that he does not need to point out the dangers that might yet lurk in the continual projection of his soul by use of the Tower. They are not concerns he will raise with the twins or the sisters present...
Alisaie tilts her head as she folds her arms in thought. ] Then, who is going to Asyz Lla?
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But he has resolved to do what must be done, and it seems as though trying to convince him otherwise is a futile effort, so rather than comment on that, she says instead: ]
It looks like Thancred would like to go, at least. [ She spares a smile for him, because she can also tell that he would rather be doing something else than discussing plans. Still, plans are necessary if action is going to happen, but she sympathizes with him regardless. ]
And of course, I have to go. [ She squeezes Alkaid's hand as if apologizing for this. She would stay with her if she could, but this seems like a way she can help. ]
I'm not sure who else should accompany us, if anyone. [ She looks around the room at the others, wondering if any of them will volunteer. ]
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This is my idea, and so, I must go as well. [ Alisaie nods and looks to the other Scions. ] Who else will be joining Thancred, K'thisru, and I?
[ Urianger leans in his chair as his head tilts in thought. ] Mine own studies of the primals might better serve the investigations of the Towers for now. There would be no doubt that these Towers are connected to the rise in primal activity. Beastmen are known to summon their gods from protection, but, it doth remain a mystery as to how King Thordan and his Knights were resummoned in Ishgard. It is a matter I intend to thoroughly look into. Should any feel inclined to investigate along mine own side, the help would be appreciated.
[ Alkaid slowly raises her head to look at the other Scions then. She is aware they are waiting to hear what side of events the other Warrior of Light will side beside. Her two-toned eyes look at each of them in turn before shaking her head. ]
I am staying here; with Ser Aymeric and Estinien.
[ Alisaie's gaze softens slightly. She can't say she was not expecting this. ] Oh, Alkaid...
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Of course you're staying here. Ser Aymeric needs you, and as for Estinien, that is his friend. [ And brother, her inner voice adds.
But then she turns to look at each of the others who have elected to remain. ] Will you be all right in our absence?
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I will have to be.
[ Urianger's gaze softens as he turns his gaze to the other older Scions. What are their thoughts on the matter? He cannot deny that the Warrior of Light would be a great asset to their mission outside of the cure. ]