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

[ Even as he's speaking, she's shaking her head. ] It wasn't reassuring seeing our friends like that, but you had your reasons, didn't you?

[ Even now, she's still doing her best to understand him and the things that he did, and that is taking the edge off any anger she might have had.

She has become slightly more thoughtful in her words and actions of late, but when he pulls his hand away from her, she does something quite impulsive: she gently grabs hold of it with her own hand and pulls it back towards her. ]

Don't think you can't or shouldn't touch me. [ There's a slight admonition in her words, but she's smiling at him nonetheless.

That smile fades quickly when she sees his ears stand up and hears his grunt, and without hesitation, she tightens the hold she has on his hand and her other arm moves to circle around his waist in case he needs the added support there as well. ]

You really need to stop pushing yourself so hard.

[ A tired smile is given to her as she aids him in standing. Truthfully, he should send her to fetch dinner for the pair of them. Then, he remembers how much of his life is owed to her and how much he had already asked of her and her sister. Saving the First to avert the Eighth Umbral Calamity most certainly means he should not ask anything more of the pair.

One hand clutches onto the staff to give him leverage. The other, at her own insistence, raises to gently rest on the side of her face. His ears twitch lightly at the notion of possibly being closer to her than colleagues or allies. Most certianly they have crossed some of those boundaries already. However, he would not impose nor insist... ]

I do what is required of me. I am quite certain you and your sister push yourselves further than any other. [ The Exarch's smile turns gentler then. ] I had my reasons... yes, I most certainly did. Yet, one must still hold me accountable for the errors and faults in my plan.

[ His head turns upwards to look at the crystal and gold ceiling. ] There had been other attempts before I resorted to the Calling. Those times I met you in Ishgard? They had been my very first. However, I found myself far too early from your point of view. One can hardly speak of the Eighth Umbral Calamity during the time of the Dragonsong War without causing a panic.

No. In fact, the timing had to be just right. If I had spoken to you or your sister too early of events? It could of very well hastened the events on the Source, thereby making the state of the First spiral further into a Rejoining. Although... I admit... I may have done well to try one more time to cast my soul to the Source.

[ Then, an embarrassed smile touches his face as his ears move up and down. ]

And, I had not intended to bring the Scions here as well. While it all worked for the better? It was you and your sister that were the only ones meant to come.

[ Knowing what she knows now, she can hardly begrudge him for any of the choices he made. And although a part of her still remains somewhat put out by the timing of it all, above all of that, she knows that he was rather desperate, and also that time was of the essence. So, to that end, obtaining dinner for them both is the very least she could do for him. ]

One day, I hope that you'll actually take the time to rest, because it seems to be that you don't do that enough. [ And a thought springs to mind then that she is quick to push away, because it is too forward even for her, and she wonders if he would even want such a thing. ]

I imagine if you had mentioned that to me during our meetings in Ishgard, I might have looked at you a little strangely. Or a lot, I suppose. [ The smile she gives him is warm, but there is a note of teasing in it as well. ]

If we had been overheard, that wouldn't have gone well for anyone.

[ She tilts her head to one side as if pondering his words. ] I think that you and the Scions got along quite well, considering they were never meant to come to the First. And from what I've heard from Alphinaud and Alisaie, at least, I think they are glad they met you, even if- Well, even if Alisaie might not say so out loud.

[ The Exarch would not rebuff any and all critism given to him. Her ire is more than deserved. Summoning the Scions as he had, not bring forthcoming of all his plans, asking her and her sister to carry so much for Norvrandt. A sad look crosses his face as he is aware that there was no small amount of emotional damage done to them.

His hand moves to rest underneath her chin. ]

When all that has been tasked of me is done? I would very much like to rest. Then, travel with you, if you would allow it.

[ A simple shrug is given. ] I imagine Alisaie will hold me that well into eternity. She is not one to let go of things easily.

[ Then, he pauses. He forces himself to stand straight in order to.look down at her as he might normally. ]

I... have to far not asked the state of you and your sister. I had figured I was not worthy of asking. But, tell me, how have the pair of you been since we have avoided the Eighth Umbral Calamity? The First has not been without its horrors and revelations. And, I would not think less of either of you if what I had asked of you left deep scars. In fact, I would find myself responsible and ask if there is anything I might yet do to help either of you...

[ It's not really part of her nature as she sees it to hold a grudge. Oh, there are those that she despises with a passion, but those are ones she considers enemies, who have no good inside them at all. The Exarch is not one of those, as far as she is concerned. He might have caused trouble for them all, and literal headaches for her and her sister, but she does not think of him as anything less than good.

It's to that end that she finally asks the question that's been on her mind. ] Do you think that sometime... [ Her nerve almost fails her then, but she does her best to push through. ] Do you think that we might be able to talk and rest together?

[ She has kept her thoughts concerning him largely to herself, because there never seemed to be a good time to admit that she had had a softening of sorts towards him, and now she wants to get to know him better and spend time with him, if he is agreeable.

She has never really developed a nervous habit of her own, but now that the question is out there, she twists her fingers together in almost the same way that her sister does when she is nervous.

She knows that he has asked a question about their well-being, but she decides to wait until she has heard his response to give an answer herself. ]

[ Her question causes him to pause, ears gently raising at it. Rest could mean several different things and he imagines she does not mean those that could be seen as intimate. Instead, he rather sees that she might wish to simply sit and talk. Much has happened, and, well, he has lived a considerable amount of years more than her. No doubt her traveler and adventurer heart wishes to learn of Norvrandt the last one hundred years.

The Exarch gives her a gentle smile. His ruby eyes turn upwards to the crystal ceiling once more. ]

For all the amazement that the Allagans used to build the Crystal Tower? It's functions are still limited by what it can process. There are limitless bounds of energy, but the technology can only locate, sort, and bring the information to us in a span of time. Perhaps, because, that was never it's true purpose.

[ Then, he turns his gaze to her with a warm smile. ] So, I believe we might have a brief respite while we wait and have dinner. Perhaps a longer one if what we require needs further research on the Tower's part.

...Might I ask why? Have you not had enough rest upon returning to the Source? [ His normal hand reaches out to cover her nervous ones with his. ] If so, I can certainly arrange for hour room to be restored once we've finished our research...

[ A hint of color forms at the base of her neck and creeps upwards as her embarrassment only rises. Of course she knows that her choice of words meant something other than merely sitting and talking. She wishes for something slightly more intimate, even if she is far too afraid to put that request into words. And truly, what she desires most is for them to lie next to each other, not necessarily doing anything but resting and talking as they are able. She has told herself she doesn't deserve more than that, but if he were to grant her that much, she would consider herself quite fortunate indeed.

Still, she finds herself unable to give voice to those desires. ]

Truthfully, even though I know we have no time to waste, that there are those who are desperately in need of help, I wouldn't mind having a longer respite. [ With you, she almost adds, stopping herself at the last moment. ]

Oh, I've had more than enough rest. I don't need a room. But- Well... [ She scuffs her foot lightly on the ground. ] You asked how Alkaid and I are doing...

[ She crosses her arms and her gaze falls to stare at the ground as she tries to think about how best to respond. ]

Edited 2022-03-20 09:08 (UTC)

[ The Exarch's eyes move over her blonde hair. He can recall that her hair had been blonde when they first met, all those years beneath the Crystal Tower. So much so that it was a shock to see her darkened hair in Ishgard. Yet, now, it had not only returned to its natural color but brightened as well. The same had happened to her sister, of course, and both act as a reminder to him of what he asked of them. A permanent sign that avoiding the Eighth Umbral Calamity had left more scars than it could show. ]

Time is not wasted if it is spent while we wait on technology. Technology, might I add, that is far beyond what Eorzea is capable of. One can only push things as fast as they might. [ His head tilts slightly at her answer and he nods. ] Then, might we set about getting dinner, and we can discuss the rest as the Tower combs through the archives stored within it?

[ She recognizes the wisdom in his words, and so she nods in agreement. ]

I- Well, I don't actually know where your stores of food come from. [ She has seen enough of the place to see the various vendors and merchants, but it still seems to her that life here is not a cushy affair even now. And a part of her would hate to take from those who call Norvrandt and the Crystarium home. ] But if you're hungry, I would be happy to bring you something, and we can continue talking while you eat.

[ He chuckles gently. ] The tavern outside of the Pendants should be able to provide all we would need.

[ The Exarch turns slowly, enough to garner her attention to move with him. His footsteps are slow as he tests his weight on his leg. The newly formed crystal still feels raw to move, but, he is slow and does his utmost to be careful. ]

The people of the Crystarium would not see one of their heroes go hungry. Now that the First is settled, saved, and night returned? There will be plenty of food for all. I am quite certain they would even refuse for a Warrior of Darkness pay for a meal.

Edited 2022-03-28 06:48 (UTC)

[ She gives him a look as if wondering if she should protest more, but he seems fairly resolute as he does with most things that he says. Still, she watches him carefully because she isn't sure if he should be walking unaided. ]

Do you need help walking? [ She does not want him thinking that she thinks he can't manage on his own, but she does worry about him.

But at what he says next, she rubs her hand against the back of her head, a little embarrassed. ]</small I think that I have told you this before, but I don't feel like a hero.

Well... truthfully... I could use the aid. [ He gives a bashful smile and glances away. ] Just until we transport to the bottom of the Tower. The short walk from the aether shard to the tavern should not be too difficult.

[ The Exarch pauses at her statement. His hand is reached out towards her. ] Might I... may I ask why not?

[ The door opening to the quarters to the side of the Ocular turns his attention. There stands Lyna, oh, ever vigilant Lyna. Her eyes widen at the sight of the two and dashes over. The Exarch forces a smile for her and attempts to ease her concerns. The captain, however, is quite obviously not buying his story. She gives a frustrated sigh. ]

He is ever the handful, is he not? [ Lyna sighs and looks to K'thisru with a worried smile. ] Stay here and I will fetch dinner. Someone needs to look over our lord to make sure he does not overextended himself further.

I am fine, I assure you!

[ The Exarch stands to his full height even as hid leg quakes under the weight. Clearly his last show of strength does not impress his adopted daughter. She turns and leaves the room, the closing of the doors echoing in the Ocular.

He sighs, looking back down to the Warrior of Darkness at his side. ] It would seem we have even more time to converse now.

Edited 2022-03-30 02:47 (UTC)

[ K'thisru opens her mouth to respond to both things, but before she can, something akin to a calm sort of storm in the form of Lyna arrives, and instead of answering, she glances back and forth between the Exarch and Lyna, listening to the calm yet decisive delivery of words from the taller woman.

In spite of herself, she smiles at the Exarch's protest, and before Lyna takes her leave, she gives her the widest, most approving smile that she can. In her mind, the Exarch needs someone like Lyna, and although she wouldn't dare overstep, someone like herself as well. Maybe the two of them can conspire and think of ways to split the task of looking after the Exarch.

Once it is just the two of them once more, K'thisru turns to face him again. ] Well, I don't know about you, but I'm glad about that.

[ More time to speak with him is a good thing, in her mind. ]

[ The Exarch chuckles slightly. ] I suppose we do have much to catch up on. That is, to say, now that the Calamity has been averted and I can no longer hide who I am.

[ Slowly, and carefully, the Exarch eases himself back to the pillows on the floor. His head turns enough for him to direct the systems of the Tower to begin searching for any documentations relating to primals, eikons, or tempering. With the Toeer's systems coming to life and beginning go scan, he turns his attentions back to K'thisru. His leg extends out to ease the pain as a patch of skin on his calf begins to turn blue. If he can manage it, he would not have her see it. ]

Now, then. With dinner on the way and the Tower beginning its search... what tell me. What would you like to speak of?

[ For just a second, she looks at him as if she's seeing him for the first time. Of course, by now, she likes to think she knows him well, and more importantly, she can finally see him as he truly is. ]

It must have been hard concealing yourself like that, and for as long as you did. I know that I would have been tempted to just tell everything as soon as I could, because... Well, you know I am not the most patient person.

[ She tilts her head to one side as she ponders a conversation topic. ]

I wonder, did you think that things would have been different if we knew who you were?

[ His head tilts and the tips of his give a slight twitch as she looks at him. At first he wonders if perhaps there is something on his face? Other than the crystal parts that is. Then, she speaks of concealing himself, and he pauses. A small huff of a laugh comes from him and his ruby eyes fall to the floor in front of him.

It all seems so long ago. ]

There had been a time when I nearly spoke of it all to you. Long before you came to the First. [ His hand made of flesh curls slightly at the memory. ] When I had met you a second time in Ishgard, so very long ago--from my point of view, that is. You were rather distraught that I would not give details you found imperative to understanding the situation I spoke of. Truthfully, I had feared you may have pieced together my identity by simply seeing my eyes... yet, it seems like I had nothing to concern myself over.

[ Simply because he still wonders how much of their time through the Crystal Tower she remembers. Not that he had expected her to remember him. His first impression upon her was far from inspiring and he most certainly looked more like a child than anything. ]

Yes. I imagine it would of been very different. I would think you and your sister would have attempted to stop me. [ His gaze on the floor softens into something softer, sadder. His crystal hand flexes. ] Your sister is very sensitive to the flows of aether... and I imagine seeing the state of myself is rather distressing to her. [ The body, after all, is not meant to be crystal. He raises his gaze towards K'thisru. ] And, I imagine it is quite distressing for you as well, Thisru. If only because you do not like to see those you aid in any form of pain.

[ Surely, there would be no other reason for her to feel distress or any other sort of emotion at the state of him. A friend in pain is enough of a reason for her. ]

That surely is not the only thing you would wish to speak of.

[ She has not had many chances to just look at him and both take in his appearance and commit it to memory, but whenever she does, she knows that she likes what she sees. Oh, she will never like seeing his crystal parts, but there is something striking about his red eyes and the way his hair seems to swirl between red and white. Part of her wishes to reach for that hair and touch it, but she wonders if that is too forward, even for her.

For the moment, she just listens as he speaks, also noting how she very much likes the sound of his voice. It is calming and soothing, and she likes how words sound when he says them. ]

Well, I wondered, and I had a suspicion, but I thought that I must have been wrong.

[ And truthfully, so much has happened since they first came upon the Crystal Tower that some of the memories have been obscured by time, but she distinctly remembers him entering the Tower and the sight of the doors closing, blocking him from view. It seemed wrong to her at the time, even though she knew why he had chosen to do so. ]

I still don't like it, and I wish that I could fix it... Fix you.

[ Because she fears what will happen if the crystallization takes him over completely. ]

If I start, I might not ever stop. [ She grins a wry sort of grin, but she knows there is an element of truth to her words as well. She has been told that she often talks far too much. ]

I suppose one with red eyes and having parts of their body become crystal is rather obvious. [ He smiles nervously then, a hand raising to rub the back of his neck. ] Still... everything I have done is because it was necessary. Stopping the Eighth Umbral Calamity needed to be done.

[ Then, he raises his eyes once more to the ceiling. ] As I mentioned once before. Those that built the Crystal Tower had done so to reach the heavens--to embody the hopes and dreams of a people. It was only later, once their civilization faced decline, did they change the purpose of it. To be the trusted, nay blessed, to hold those hopes and bring them to another people? I feel rather unworthy, in a way, I suppose.

[ He raises his crystal hand and gestures for her to sit down. ] Please, Thisru. Sit. We can speak of whatever comes to mind. Does something trouble you? I would hear of it, if you do not mind sharing. For all that you have done for me and the people of Norvrandt? Listening to any troubles or enjoyment is the least I might do.

[ Of course she knows that he is right, but she still can't stop herself from worrying. Her ears flatten against her head and for just a moment, her gaze lowers away from his. ]

I think that you and the people who built it, and the people who call the Crystarium home, are the real heroes. It's... Well, it's easy to just march into a fight and try bringing down whatever the next threat is, but to do what you do? I know it sounds strange, but it feels like you have the harder task.

[ Never mind that she has been told over and over that she and her sister bring hope to people through what they do. It just feels like it pales in comparison somehow. ]

And I really don't see how you would be unworthy. [ In her mind, he is just as brave, if not even braver than she is. And at times, she doesn't even feel all that brave.

But she does as he has requested and she moves to sit down beside him. The temptation to just rest her head on his shoulder springs to mind, but she is quick to push it away, thinking he would not want her to get so close. ]

So much happened when we were there in Norvrandt, and it felt like we barely had time to process it all before the next problem came up. [ Of course she knows that when dire situations arise, there isn't time to stop and think about things, and that isn't how she operates anyway. It just felt like there was a giant boulder rolling down a mountain and it was all she could do to keep it from flattening everything in its path. ]

I really didn't want you or anyone else thinking I couldn't handle it.

I see. [ His head tilts back slightly as he continues to gaze at the crystal ceiling above them. H understands her point of view more than she might think. ] As strange as it might sound? It is those moments when a hero storms onto the scene to fell the great threat that can spur such continued heroism. Mankind needs something to look up to inspire them. An ideal, a hero, a hope. While it may be far easier to fell the beast? Being one of a noble heart who simply does it to help another instead of for their own greed must not be any easier.

[ He laughs quietly then. ] There was a great exodus of people from my homeland to avoid being enslaved. It was merely the idea my father placed inside me to live up to the promise of our red eye that drove my studies to the Allagan Empire. Humble beginnings, I suppose, but I am a far cry from one that ought to be entrusted with something so sacred and precious as the hopes of those that came before me. And, yet, that is precisely what happened.

[ A moment passes. Then, the Exarch raises his hand that remains his own to rest over hers. A distant look crosses his ruby eyes and it is quite evident how old he is in that moment. The things he has seen, the things he has done... to ensure that the Calamity had been avoided... ]

If I had not thought you up to the task, I would not have reached out across space as I had. I knew it would be a monumental task... and I knew it would push you to extreme limits. Yet, I also knew, you and your sister could achieve what none other could, for the pair of you have Her blessing. While many with the Echo can be shielded from tempering? The Blessing is unique to the pair of you...

Still, I feel I must once again apologize for the tremendous strain it placed upon the pair of you. [ His eyes finally move from the ceiling down to her. They comb over the platinum blonde hair speckled with streaks of blue. ] I... had not known all the pain that it would cause. None can truly know what their plan may set in motion... and I fear that it has hurt you and your sister in ways I could never fathom. Ways that I may never begin to find ways to heal... even if I have learned something of the healing arts.

Of course you're right, and between us, you're certainly the smarter one here. [ She doesn't mean that to be idle flattery; people like her sister and the Exarch are much smarter than her. ] I just think people have that bravery inside them already; they just need something to bring it out.

[ Simply put, she feels like her job isn't all that hard in the grand scheme of things. It isn't as simple as a walk outside, but she feels as though others deserve the title of "hero" more. ]

Well, I think in that case, then you were meant to have that responsibility. [ And she thinks he's done well with it, but she suddenly feels that perhaps she is saying too much again.

She looks down at where their hands are resting, his on top of hers, and she smiles at the sight. Part of her still marvels that he looks at her at all, given how much he has seen. She must look like small potatoes to him.

As for his apology, she looks away from him for just a moment. It certainly was not easy, and both she and her sister had a hard time dealing with the aftermath. But just as quickly as she looked away, she straightens back up again, a determined look masking the one of lingering fears that still haunt her. ]

It's our responsibility to help wherever we're needed, and you and the First needed us. More than that, we were needed to stop the Calamity.

[ She knows she has to frame it that way to remind herself that it was all worth it. Everything they went through had a purpose, even if both of them still have some difficult times even now. Of course, she knows that she puts on a brave face about it, especially around others who are looking to her to be the strong one, and she isn't even sure why she does that around him, of all people.

Perhaps it is because she knows he sees her as a hero that she feels she has to look and act like one. ]

I think... [ She hesitates for a moment, but she feels she needs to say what's on her mind. ] I think that it's time you had someone to... To look after you.

[ The words leave her all in a rush as if she's afraid she won't say them at all if she waits too long. As it is, a blush of red creeps up her neck and she finds herself looking down at their hands again. ]

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.

And what does that make me? Only a summoner, not even much of a healer... At least you being a scholar means you have the patience to learn and study. [ Of course, she had to do some studying to become a summoner, but that's nothing compared to what healers and scholars have to learn. ]

If you were arrogant, then clearly I was too. [ Once. Or perhaps even now, she still is. But she's trying to grow and move past that.

As for what troubles her, she is having difficulty putting it into words. Of course, she knows that she was scared, especially as the effects of having absorbed the light from the lightwardens became more pronounced and difficult to ignore. The times the effects became nearly overpowering were terrifying, and although Ardbert did his best to be a comforting presence, she still found herself incredibly shaken by them.

And, of course, there were some things that she still cannot forget about: Tesleen becoming a sin eater, for one. Ardbert's forced penance, if it can be called that, for another.

But above all of that, she feared that she would become a sin eater or lightwarden and would never be able to go home. Someone would have to cut her down too. And, of course, she feared what would happen to her sister. If both of them turned, that's bad enough. But if she turned and Alkaid didn't, or the opposite? She's certain neither of them would be the same again. ]

But... I don't know if I can do that. [ Her ears flatten even further and her tail droops until it is nearly touching the ground. ]

You are so... [ She pauses, trying to find the right words to describe him. ] You seem so wise, and you know so much. You're every bit a leader, and I suppose I don't know why you would even look twice at me, or want to help.

[ She doesn't blame him for everything that happened, even though her more impulsive side might have at one point.

But she goes silent again as she listens to him talk, laying out his feelings for this hero who caught his eye and evidently his heart.

Something inside her leaps up with excitement, with the possibility that maybe he is describing her, but then she is quick to push that possibility aside. She is too young and too foolish compared to him.

Whoever this hero is, she must be someone great and inspiring, and... Then her eyes widen as she makes a realization. Is it possible that the hero he is talking about is none other than her own sister?

Of course, Alkaid only has eyes for Aymeric, but perhaps the Exarch has quietly held affection for her this whole time.

The thought she had that she would make a confession of sorts to him all but fades from her mind then. If he has thoughts or feelings for Alkaid, or even if he doesn't, but has an eye on someone else, she will not make things uncomfortable by telling him how she feels. ]

Oh, I see. [ She finally says, tilting her head slightly to look at him. ] Well, if you talk to her and sound as persuasive as you did just now, I'm sure she wouldn't be able to look anywhere else but at you.

[ She ignores how her heart feels like it's sinking; even if whoever this person is never looks at him the way he apparently wants her to, the least she can do is try encouraging him to keep reaching out. ]

( cont )

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

BOOK 3.5: EVER HEAVENSWARD

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