synthneon | FF PSL | ❝ two-toned echoes tumbling through time. ❞

[ The night had returned.

The Crsytal Exarch almost could not believe it. If he had not seen the sisters take the light upon themselves from the Lightwarden? He would believe he was dreaming. Part of him had always wondered if perhaps his plan may not work. It was incredibly risky, and not without its faults. However, the sisters agrees in the end... even if there seemed to be hesitation on their parts at first.

The Warriors of Darkness. An... apt name, if not a tad on the nose. Yet, the First had its traditions and its lore.

Now, he stands in the plaza outside the Crystal Tower. His head tilted back as he marvels at the stars that glitter back at him. His ruby eyes seem to almost glow at seeing them. And, for the first time in some time, his hood is removed.

How long has he waited for this? How many lives has he seen come and go for the hope that this might be the outcome?

Hope...

His crystal hand raises to rest on his breast for a moment. Then, he reaches up and places the hood back upon his head. The Crystarium is oddly still the first time night has been seen in one hundred years. However, he knows that is because there is a celebration planned for the next night. One that he is certain to have a surprise for the particular Warrior of Darkness that reminded him how to have joy. A reminder that he then brought to his people.

A smile spreads on his face then. For the first time in quite a long time, he truly believes his plan may yet work. ]

[ With the return of night, K'thisru and her other companions were given some time for a brief rest following the defeat of the Lightwarden, and for her part, she spent the time marveling over everything that had happened. Naturally, the return of night did not hold the same significance for her as it did the people who called Norvrandt and the Crystarium home, but even so, she knew that what they had done was a great step forward for their newfound friends and allies.

She has already resolved to continue looking for and dispatching the Lightwardens, as many that remain, and her convictions seem sound and unlikely to waver.

But as she stands inside the room provided to her by the Exarch and surveys herself in the mirror, she wonders how much she will change as this goes on. Taking the light from the Lightwarden was, and is, a necessary thing, but she cannot help but wonder what else might happen to her and her sister going forward.

But, standing here lost in thought, is not helping her very much, so she decides to pull herself from her thoughts and go out amongst the people: namely, one person in particular if she might find him.

And find him, she does, although it took a little searching. She arrives after he has placed his hood back upon his head, but he remains there still, head tilted back as he surveys the stars above him. She quietly makes her approach, not wishing to surprise or startle him.

For just a moment, she stands slightly behind him, also watching the stars twinkling above him while she waits for him to take notice of her arrival. If he does not, of course she will announce herself, but she cannot pretend that it is not nice to just stand still for a little while. ]

[ Alkaid sits in the window of their shared room and insists that K'Thsiru go and see the changes of night. She, herself, has been admiring them from the window seat. The stars seem backward on the First--then again, it is just a different perspective. Regardless, she pulls her growing black hair off to the side and points to the door. She is more than aware her sister has worried over the Exarch and his people long before they even arrived. Thus, clearly, she ought to go to them and make certain they are well. It seems rather obvious in her mind; to the point she is willing to push her sister out if necessary.

The Exarch's ears twitch slightly at the arrival of one of the newly minted Warriors of Darkness. A title borrowed from a fable of the First, but it is certainly fitting. They did, after all, return night to Lakeland.

He turns to look at K'thisru with a smile. There is some hesitation in his movements. After all, she has every right to be cross and even angry with him. He was hardly forthcoming has he asked the sisters to join him here. Let alone that, his aim was quite of... ]

K'thisru, come to enjoy the stars this late at night?

[ Even as she says a temporary goodbye to her sister as she heads out to see what there is to be seen, she feels guilty for leaving her behind. It does not seem right that she has to be separated from Aymeric as often as she does. If she did not feel like going for a walk and seeing the sights, she would have just stayed in the room with Alkaid and spent time with her.

But instead, she finds herself outside and before she knows it, her presence has been noticed by the Exarch. Suddenly feeling a little shy, she scrapes the toe of her boot along the ground. ]

Well, yes, and- I wanted to see how you were.

[ And yet, her sister would insist that K'thisru go and see the city. She is aware that the younger Warrior of Light has spent so much time worrying and fretting over the Crystarium and the state of her people -- long before she even knew who they were. Alkaid can be by herself for some time. In a way, she almost would prefer it for a time. She would rather not people see how lonely she feels inside being so far away from the man she will one day call husband.

The Exarch's ruby eyes move to the movement of the open toed boot she wears. A gentle smile takes his face then. He had rarely seen her so bashful all those years ago underneath the glowing Crystal Tower. That is when he realizes that they find themselves rather in the same way once more. His gaze moves to the Tower that looms over them. ]

I am well. While time away from the Tower drains me, I have recovered since our return to the Crystarium. [ His crystal hand raises and gestures to the structure above them. ] Have you and your sister been fairing well? No ill effects from the Lightwarden?

[ Even so, K'thisru means to keep the visit short, so as not to leave her sister alone for too long. She understands wishing to be alone, but she would feel a tremendous amount of guilt if she stayed with the Exarch for an extended period of time and was not there for her sister if she needed her.

For now, however, she turns her attentions to the man before her, being unaware of any thoughts or recollections he might be having of a time so many years ago. In her eyes, he is still an enigmatic stranger, but someone she wishes to get to know better. ]

I think that you shouldn't push yourself so hard, necessity or not. But that isn't my decision. [ And she imagines that he doesn't particularly want her opinion on the subject. ] We have, yes. I think that both Alkaid and I are all right, but- I know she misses home.

[ And she wonders if something besides missing Ishgard and the man who waits there for her is troubling her sister, but she is still watching and waiting to see if her suspicions are correct. Even if they are, she would rather speak to her sister about them first. ]

I miss it too, but I'm sure we'll find our way back there eventually.

Your sentiment is shared by many here in the Crystarium. I assure you, my friend, I will only do as necessary to see our shared goal achieved. The prevention of the Eigth Umbral Calamity.

[ His eyes settle back to her. He has sensed her ... hesitancy ever since she had arrived on the First with her sister. Truthfully, the Exarch and been looking forward to the day he might finally show her the place he spoke of. Yet, it would seem, the warmth she may have held for him has spent.

He turns to look over the empty plaza. ]

If I might be so honest and forward... I had long looked forward to the day when you would walk the Crystarium. I knew I had been vague in my explanations and even my pleas. I had hoped seeing the plight of the First, and the danger of the war, might give context as to why. I had been reluctant to share details with you at the time.

[ The Exarch pauses. ] Pray, forgive me for the way I had handled the situation. Your reluctance to trust, and to commit yourself, is more than warranted. I only hope that for now we can see eye to eye.

[ Only at the mention of the Calamity does she remember what she was told about what Urianger had witnessed: the deaths of so many, but also the deaths of her and her sister as well. Although she very much enjoys living, she sees no point in it if those that she holds dearest are no longer present on the star. And, of course, life of all kinds is valuable, whether stranger or friend, and that is why she is determined to fight to save the First and forestall this looming Calamity as well.

Her gaze had shifted away for a moment to look at their surroundings, but it is quick to return to the Exarch as well. It is not secret that the concern and warmth that she had for him from their first meetings has faded a little, but a part of her wishes to bring it back. It is clear to her that desperation drove him, and she cannot really fault him for that.

It is not part of her nature to hold grudges or disdain, unless of course, such things are directed at an enemy who has threatened her friends and family. The Exarch has not done that, not out of a desire to hurt or kill. The Scions might have been caught in the balance, but his intentions were ultimately good.

Finally, she shakes her head in response, ears moving as she does. ] I think... I know I should apologize, because here you were, excited for us to finally meet, and it wasn't what you thought it would be.

[ Her rash, impulsive nature coming out again, or so she sees it. ]

I want to help you, and I want to help save the First.

[ And just like that, she has decided that she needs to put aside her doubts as best as she can, because they do need to work together if they are going to tackle the issues in front of them. ]

I would like to be your friend. [ That is an olive branch that she can give, and she is still open to the idea of being friends with him. She isn't sure where the path they're on will take them, but that seems like a good place to begin. ]

There is no need to apologize. I have often been told that I set expectations without considering the reality. A... trait, I am afraid, that seems yet to leave me despite my age. [ The Exarch smiles fondly regardless of the context of their conversation. ] What truly matters is that you are here. We will avoid the Calamity and save both the First and the Source.

[ His crystallized hand raises to his chin in thought. The light from the Tower shines onto it, and, if one looks close enough? They can almost see through the arm. Almost as if it is truly made of crystal now. He seems to decide upon a course of action and turns to look at her.

What he had about to ask seems to be in pause in favor for what she had just said. His ruby eyes underneath the hood widen. From his point of view, they are of course, friends. Though her perspective is purposely skewed as she has no true idea who he might be. Although, he wonders if her sister might suspect. He will need to find a proper way to deflect the answer of who ought to be inside the Crystal Tower... ]

Of course. I would like nothing more. [ That is not a lie. While he had once dreamed of them being more, he long put such ideas to rest. Especially given his age and the state of himself. No, he will settle now for seeing her smile and her continuing to be what she has always been: an inspiration. ] Thus, if I might ask a favor of you, not as the Crystal Exarch, but a friend...

And I don't? I've also been told that I think too much about myself and what I want to do, not what others want.

[ So, a part of her will always feel as though she only disappointed him, when he was only thinking of how best to save all worlds, not just his own. Perhaps that saying about never meeting one's heroes is correct.

She looks at his crystallized hand that he has moved as he thinks things over, and not for the first time, she thinks how much she dislikes the toll that is being taken from him. No one should have to go through something like that. ]

Oh? [ She tilts her head to one side, curious about what he would ask of her. ] What is it?

And your sister has a habit of doing the opposite. Perhaps she cares too much for others and not of herself. Therefore, I would say, the pair of you balance one another perfectly. [ The smile on his face widens. ] I imagine your fellow Scions greatly prefer when you share your mind.

[ A motion is made for her to follow along side him as he walks. ] The people of the Crystarium have decided to have a celebration tomorrow night... [ He pauses, as if having to remind himself that such a way of counting time might be normal. ] And, I have decided to oversee a certain activity. I thought I might get your opinion and official approval as one of our Warriors of Darkness.

If... it is not too much trouble, that is. I would understand if it is too troublesome, or perhaps, even comes off as something of an errand. However! I am to be beside you the entire time. Thus, I suppose, it would be more akin to you keeping me company...

You think so too? Of course, she is who she is, and I wouldn't have her change, but... Sometimes I think she needs to stop and take care of herself first. How can she take care of others if she doesn't?

[ But then she shrugs her shoulders and gives him a wry sort of smile. ] That depends on the Scion, I think. Alphinaud and Alisaie don't seem to mind, but Y'shtola certainly does.

[ At his gesture, she readily follows along after him, listening to what he says as they make their way along. ] I think, after everything all of you have been through, you deserve to have a celebration. [ She smiles at his pause, knowing that he and the other residents of the Crystarium will have to adjust their thinking now that darkness has returned. ]

It's not too much trouble at all. [ She doesn't even hesitate to answer, even though she isn't entirely certain just what he has planned. ] But what exactly are you going to be doing? Or have me do, I suppose.

[ It doesn't change her answer in the least, but she is rather curious about what he has planned. ]

Your query is a fair one. She has always been one to put the needs of others before herself, as you have. Perhaps something drives her to see to it more than she normally has?

[ A hesitant dry chuckle comes from him. ] Ah, well, yes. Master Matoya--as she calls herself here--has always been one to be forward with her own mind. I imagine that having another return the favor is quite jarring.

[ He gestures for her to fall in line beside him as he walks. A smile finds itself onto his face despite himself. There is a special feeling that rises in his heart to walk beside her. Not simply because she is his hero, but, because he has longed for a time like this. A small selfish notion that he will keep for himself.

The Exarch leads her to a small overhang where the preparations for the event have begun. Off to the side is a deep wooden barrel where deflated balloons lie. He stands beside it with a gentle smile. ]

A handful of decades ago, I had a small event planned to raise the spirits of those in the Crystarium. After a certain Warrior of Darkness taught me how to smile despite how bleak the situation might be. [ His head turns and underneath the hood he continues to smile. ] A far cry from a snowball, I'm afraid, but it is what we have. The children of the Crystarium at the time quite enjoyed the water balloon fight.

Oh, I know that something does, but what I don't know is if it is her way of attempting to keep others from looking too closely. [ She tilts her head sideways as she ponders this. ] At home, she has someone who would look that closely, I think, but- She needs someone here who will do that.

[ Leaving the topic of herself and her too forward ways behind for the moment, she falls in beside him. It is still clear to her that she is unsure of him and who he really is, and it isn't exactly trust that she has for him at the moment. Perhaps in time, that might develop, but at the same time, she doesn't wholly distrust him either.

If she did, she would not be here walking and talking with him right now.

But then he goes on to reference one of their first meetings back in the Source, and she looks at him in surprise. ]

You remember that? I thought- Well, it was really silly of me. [ But in spite of herself, a smile breaks out and she laughs quietly. ] I'm glad that the children were able to enjoy themselves. I hope that there will be more times for enjoyment coming for all of you.

Your instincts would be far better than mine on this subject, my friend. You have knowledge of your sister that none else have. What do those instincts say? [ There is a tilt of his head as he waits to hear what she might say. ] And, might I suggest, that you be the one to look to her while you are here on the First? I cannot imagine she would open to another in the same way.

[ His smile turns gentle. ] I remember every encounter we have had. Not that I would expect to hold such an impression to be remembered. It was, after all, a fair amount of time for you as well. Much has happened since then. Doma, the war, and countless other adventures I doubt I know of.

[ He nods, gesturing to the bucket. ] I believe we shall. If I may ask of you to make sure as many of them are in good shape? I have a few more preparations to make here to the side. We can certainly continue our conversation as we work.

Oh, I mean to do everything I can to support her, because that's just how we've always been. But there's someone that she misses more than she'll talk about, and- We can't really know what is going on in the Source. I hope that the friends we left behind are all right and that they'll be there when we return, but...

[ She shakes her head. They won't know that until they return, if they manage to at all. ]

You know, you're not that forgettable. I could even say you're the exact opposite, in fact. Of course, a lot has happened, but I remember meeting you in Ishgard.

[ He made an impression on her, and she means to keep trying to learn more about him, because like it or not, her interest has been piqued. ]

All right, I think that I can manage that. [ She moves over to the bucket and begins looking over each one, while keeping an eye on the Exarch as he goes about his business as well. As she works, she remembers something she has been curious about. ] Do you know how Norvrandt got its name?

[ It's just an idle thought that came to mind, but she also wonders what the First was like before the Flood wiped so much of it out. ]

Ah, that would br Ser Aymeric de Borel, yes? [ His question is framed as a scholar might ask of a topic they are not fully versed in.

His head tilts and hand rests on his chin. He is... apprehensive in asking, as his early blunder of referring to Alkaid as "Viscountess Borel" took the room by surprise. Alkaid seemed shocked he would know of the engagement, as did Alphinaud, while it seemed Alisaie had no idea of what he spoke of. ] They are married, are they not?

[ The Exarch doubts that as it would of certainly been known if a Warrior of Light was married. Which means he had intervened before their wedding. A frown tugs at his face. Or, perhaps, it never happened, and she merely bore the name...? He shakes his head. No matter for now.

He turns his attention back to K'thisru. A ghost of a smile forms on his lips. ]

There was a time, so very long ago now, that I was quite forgettable.

[ Once she turns to her task, he turns to his own surprise. Tucked away to the side is his own supply of balloons and a small canteen of water. ]

As far as I am aware, it has been the name of the region as Eorzea is on Source. Why?

It would be, yes. He and my sister are very much in love. [ But then her eyebrows lift at his question, and she shakes her head. ] They aren't married, not yet. They had every intention of getting married, and they were beginning to make plans, but then he was made Lord Speaker, and Alkaid and I had to leave to deal with another problem.

[ Her ears and tail lower as if she is still saddened by the fact that the wedding plans had to be postponed. She knows that her sister is even sadder, and she is certain that Aymeric can't have been pleased either. ]

I can't imagine you being forgettable. Even when you're just standing still, you look... Imposing? At least, you certainly draw attention.

[ It's actually impressive that he manages to look that imposing. Something about his stance makes him seem taller and more formidable even if all he is doing is standing there with that staff of his. ]

Oh, no reason. I just wondered if it meant something.

Oh. I see. [ The fact certainly takes him back, with a tilt of his head as he thinks. ] All my findings I had encountered pointed to the fact she had been given the title and taken his name. Curious indeed.

[ Perhaps, then, she had merely used the titles and name due to intent? The records of such a time were not well kept and documented. If anything, the people of Ishgard clung to the memories of the old noble who documented all of the Warriors of Light time in their lands. It may have very well been a sign of respect to call one such warrior by intended titles and names.

The Exarch hums only slightly in thought. It is rather impossible now to look into such things. ]

I had not always had need for a hood and such detailed robes. In fact, they were a gift to me from the people in Lakeland. The very same who deemed it needed to give me my title as well.

[ He shakes his head. All of it has been of good purpose so far. He has no complaints and no regrets. ]

Perhaps it does in the old languages of the First. Much knowledge was lost in the flood, you see. A hundred years of damage done to this world has certainly left its mark.

[ The Exarch glances over his shoulder at her as she works. He smiles then, tying the balloon's end into a knot. He allows a moment to pass before he swiftly turns and launches said balloon filled with water at her person.

Pop!

That smile on his face turns into a grin as he folds his arms and watches her reaction unfold. Then, a laugh. One to echo the one he let out so long ago in Ishgard. ]

As I had said: a far cry from a snowball indeed.

Honestly, I wouldn't be surprised if she did. If you could see the two of them together, you would think they were already married, not just engaged. Sometimes, it seems as though when they're together, they only see each other.

[ But her wide and warm smile indicates how happy she is for the two of them, even though she feels no small amount of sadness that they cannot yet marry or travel together as both of them seem to desire. ]

I wish that you would at least lower the hood once in awhile. [ The thought slips out before she can stop it, but now that it has, she gives him a somewhat embarrassed grin.

But before she can do or say anything further, there is a pop and a sploosh and K'thisru finds herself having been made the target of a well-aimed water balloon. ]

Maybe it is, but it is just as wet as a snowball. [ Even wetter, technically speaking, but she's too busy being surprised and amused that he would do such a thing, an exclamation that is a cross between a surprised gasp and a giggle bursts from her.

And with that, her surprise fades and a smile blooms across her face. ]

How long have you wanted to do that? [ The action itself seems spontaneous, of course, but she imagines he has wanted an opportunity like this for some time now. ]

Edited (KP dinkdonked me until I added some things ) 2022-04-09 07:19 (UTC)

I would imagine that within their own hearts and minds, they are bound to one another. [ A romantic notion indeed. Most certainly one that had been hinted at in the journals of Heavensward, but never expounded upon. There is a ... need and desire to know what truly awaits the pair of Warriors. ] And yourself? Most certainly there is someone awaiting your return to the Source after our victory in the First.

[ The giggle causes a smile to form on his face that is one of pure joy. Ah, how he had missed that sound. His ruby eyes close underneath the hood. How he wishes he might reveal his identity to her and tell all to her. Yet, his plan has far more chance of success if she never learns. As much as it pains him. ]

Who I am under the hood and who I was before gaining the title of Exarch is of little matter now. What matters is the salvation of this world and the Source.

And, if I may be bold enough to say, seeing the Warriors of Darkness smile.

[ Then he chuckles.] For many, many years now.

Edited 2022-04-10 03:18 (UTC)

Oh, I'm sure of it. Just looking at the two of them, it's easy to see that they belong together. [ For her part, she is eagerly awaiting the day that the two of them can finally be married. But then, in response to his question, she shakes her head. ]

Oh, I've had fancies and thoughts about finding someone, but there isn't anyone waiting for me there, just old friends. Good friends, of course.

[ Well, most of her friends are here, but there are others not among the Scions who she counts as friends. ]

But whoever you are, and whoever you were then, doesn't stop being important just because you're trying to save both worlds.

[ But having said that, and having heard what he said, she graces him with the widest, most genuine smile that she can. And considering how kind he has been to her and her sister, it really does not require much effort. ]

Oh, I... [ The thought occurs to her then that she has not properly thanked him for his help thus far. ]

Thank you, by the way.

Is it? [ He crosses his arms and puts his hand to his chin in thought. ] I must admit that what knowledge I have is very... factorial. Information relayed through memories, in fact, written by a Lord Fortemps. It documented many of the adventures you and your sister had in Corethas and Ishgard. Although, it was an addition written--perhaps by a son--of what the Viscountess and her sister did further for Ishgard...

[ He mulls only for a moment more before shaking his head. It would seem he called to them before the wedding. Or, perhaps, there had not been a wedding. There was no note of it to begin with. Yet, records being lost in such a span of time were not unheard of. ]

Mm. Perhaps it does matter, perhaps it doesn't. Perhaps it is something we can address again once the Lightwardens are felled.

[ His head raises once more. ] I'm sorry? What have I done to deserve your thanks?

I think that it is. When they first met, I think she was very distracted by him, and she's usually the one who pays the most attention in important meetings. Not that I don't, but she is much better at it than I am.

[ Her head tilts to one side as if somewhat surprised by that notion. ] So you read about us even before we came here? I imagined that someone somewhere would put in a mention or two about us, but- that quickly? Unless... With the progression of time, it wasn't actually that quick at all.

[ At least she was paying attention when it was mentioned that time here works differently. ]

I'm going to hold you to that, you know.

[ And then she tilts her head once again, a smile crossing her face. ] Well, you brought us to your home, and you made us feel as welcomed as possible. That helps, you know.

[ It counters a little of the upset she felt at being brought here so unexpectedly. Or perhaps it's just that she responds well to kindness and being welcomed, or that she never was that upset to begin with. ]

FF PSL | ❝ two-toned echoes tumbling through time. ❞

BOOK 3: TWO-TONED ECHOES

🌟 lakeland — chapter two.

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wrong icon, oh well

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/wraps this up