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

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. ]

And... when one means very distracted, this entails what exactly? I must admit, I find it rather difficult to imagine.

[ He is only curious. His own interactions with the pair of sisters so long ago would not leave him to believe that Alkaid could be distracted by very much at all. Which would certainly mean that one Ser Aymeric de Borel was--is--someone that could capture her whole attention.

The Exarch continues to rest his hand against his chin in thought even as a wry smile takes his face. There had been a time when he wished he might have caught the attention of the Warrior of Darkness before him in such a manner. For, when she is around, he finds his entire person very focused upon her. Had he not had a hundred years of overseeing a city beneath his belt, well, it would stand to reason he would act very much the same. ]

Yes, well, who else are you aware of that knew of the Eighth Umbral Calamity? Certainly none you know of knew where the path of war that Eorzea, Doma, Gyr Abania, and Garlemald leads to. I had done some research in when I might contact the pair of you. I surmised that the Dragonsong War would have been far to early... to which, as you are well aware, hardly mattered. I found you then regardless.

[ A hand is pressed to his chest with a small bow. ] I am certain you will at least attempt to it.

[ The Exarch turns his ruby eyes up towards the Crystal Tower once more. ]

It was the least I could do after not properly explaining things as it were. Besides, you are my guests, and thus need to be treated well. The world may be falling apart here on the First, but that does not mean the Crystarium should shun manners. At least, not as Eulmore sees fit.

[ A shrug then. ] I will be certain to see that towels are provided to your room. I imagine your sister may have a few questions as to your current state.

Well, for one thing, she couldn't keep her eyes off him. And I didn't learn about this until after, but she was so distracted that she barely heard a word that was being said except by him. [ She offers him a wide grin and then she presses a finger to her lips. ] I didn't tell you any of this, though.

[ She catches sight of that wry smile and her head tips to one side. ] What's that for? [ No sooner does she ask that than he goes on talking about the Eighth Umbral Calamity and the circumstances that contributed to it. To talk frivolously in the face of such subjects seems in bad taste, although she would be the first to admit that she is not the pinnacle of propriety.

His bow brings a smile back to her face, and although she should perhaps curtsy, she has never been very graceful with such a thing. Instead, she gives him a small bow in return ]

Let's just say that I would rather have you as our host than anyone in Eulmore. Except for maybe the Chais. [ As deluded as they were, like all who lived in Eulmore, at least they were somewhat pleasant. ]

[ Her grin causes a chuckles to come from him. There is a sense that he might sympathize with the situation--but he says nothing. Not only could it give his identity away, but, he feels it hardly matters in the end. Afterall, it was clear his affections were not returned. ]

I swear, your secret is safe with me. I would even take it to the grave if necessary.

[ Perhaps that sounds a bit too final? Ah, well. He holds many secrets after all. Hers is not the only one. ]

Eulmore has certainly seen far better times. It was not always as it was. Only under Vauthry, and even a time under his father, has it become such away. Although they had always believed it was they who knew best how to save the First. It was why they trained so many of the Minfillias.

[ She watches him with a wary eye as if wondering what he is going to say and how he will react. And when she hears his response, her eyes widen and her ears stand up. ]

That... [ She shakes her head. ] That isn't necessary.

[ She can't quite explain it, but she doesn't want to lose him or lose contact with him, even if she has no answers for why she feels that way. ]

I wish that I could have seen it before all this happened. In fact, I would have liked to see the First in better times.

[ Of course, that's impossible now, and she knows it. ]

[ The mysterious smile remains on his face even at her response. Had he meant it literally or figuratively? He will let her come to her own conclusions. A degree of separation must exist between the pair of them, regardless of what his heart demands. It is for the best for both of them in the end. The enigmatic Crystal Exarch who sought the hero's help to save a dying world. Quite the tale, really. One he fully expects to remain in songs sung and books to be read. ]

I believe there are artistic renditions and stories that remain within the books in the Crystarium. The Flood had already taken hold by the time I arrived on the first. [ He turns from her then, shuffling about on the station he is at. A moment later he approaches her, holding a towel out for her to dry herself with. ] While they are unawares of it? Much of it is similar to the Source. Merely... different, in a way. As one would find a distorted reflection to be.

[ She tilts her head to one side even as an expression of dislike crosses her face. Something about him bothers her, and she has only just begun realizing that it is his tendency to throw himself into the proverbial line of fire, and that troubles her. What good is she as a Warrior of Light and a supposed hero if she can't save everyone, including those who are quick to sacrifice themselves? ]

Well, then perhaps I should spend more time in the Cabinet of Curiosity. Never mind that there most likely isn't time for that.

[ And she imagines that people don't want to see one who would be their hero poring over books rather than taking action. And in all honesty, she would rather be taking action than reading, but that does not change the fact that she still wishes to learn more of the First. ]

[ An irony it truly must be, for, what caused the chain of events to occur was no small act of sacrifice. Two hundred years worth of trial and error in an attempt to arrive in the First. Such information, of course, is near and dear to his chest. Information he does not plan on sharing with none other than the one whom he has already. ]

There are always periods of rest, and you should be sure to take advantage of them. The First is considerably trying, not to mention what you and your sister have experienced upon arriving.

[ He chuckles. ] Perhaps you may learn a thing or two to help enhance your natural arcane abilities.

[ Perhaps it is because she was distracted by other events going on around them all, but her understanding of the chain of events feels a bit muddled. Perhaps when the chance presents herself, she'll ask the Exarch to tell her a little bit more about it, if he is so inclined. But given how he seems to want to keep his secrets to himself and remain mysterious, she imagines he might not be. So for now, she leaves the subject alone. ]

It seems that whenever I do try and rest, even for a little, that's when trouble seems to start.

[ Not in every circumstance, of course, but she can't help but think that there's a pattern to the whole thing. Or maybe that's just what happens as part of being a Warrior of Light. ]

Perhaps, or perhaps I'll just end up taking a nap instead. [ She can just hear Alkaid expressing her resigned disapproval, but although she tries very hard, she would not call herself the most dedicated student. ]

Trouble is to be found in all places and at all times. One must learn to prioritize the trouble they will tackle. Perhaps you and your sister tackle far too much trouble and it leaves you in need of rest.

[ He shakes his head. ] Still, as ever, I find myself humbled and amazed by the feats the pair of you continue to achieve. A nap very well may be in order.

I... imagine that you and your sister do not sleep as often as perhaps you might. It may be easier now, with the night sky returned.

[ The Exarch smiles at her once more, however, before turning back towards the Crystal Tower. ] I thank you for your indulgences, K'thisru. No doubt the people of the Crystarium will enjoy the festivities tomorrow. I pray that you and your sister will attend and enjoy them as well.

And, be certain to pass my apologies along as well. I would dare not bring about your sister's ire for you returning to the Pendants soaking wet. [ The smile remains on his face even as a finger raises to his lips. Then, with a bow, he departs for the Tower. ]

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

BOOK 3: TWO-TONED ECHOES

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/wraps this up