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

[crystallinedreams]

song of hope

BOOK 3: TWO-TONED ECHOES

One brings shadow, one brings light
To this riddle all souls are tied
Brief our moments, brazen and bright
Forged in fury, tempered in iceCODE BY TESSISAMESS

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[elpides]

Of course I don't! [ She huffs out an indignant sigh, all pretense, of course. ] I just got used to trying to sleep in that, and now we've turned the lights out. [ She can't hold back a laugh at that, because of the ridiculousness of it, and if her sister were in a better mood, she would lean in and give her a nudge in the side. ] I hope that this is everything they thought it would be. I can only imagine what they must be feeling, seeing the darkness finally come back.

[ K'thisru fingers her own strangely lightened hair, and for just a second, she looks a little worried. But she has greater things to be worried about than what her hair looks like. ]

Well, I think... I think that you're missing home. [ And implied in that is the name of a certain Lord Speaker. ]

[shepherdtostars]

I can find a way to keep a light on in our suite. [ She smiles playfully, even if it doesn't fully spread to her face as it might normally. Then, her eyes move skyward. ] I imagine they are in awe. They have only heard stories of the stars and the night. Seeing it for the first time, and the stillness it brings? It probably leaves them speechless.

[ She falls quiet for a moment as her fingers curl around the hair over her shoulder. Then, her eyes travel to the remnants of the buildings that come from the lake. Homes and shops once filled with life; ones that a hundred years ago the sin eaters destroyed. A people and a civilization torn to shreds and only now remembered by the fae that built over it. ]

I always miss home. [ Her voice is soft as if saying it more to herself. Then, her gaze drops once more. ] Black Rose could do the same to Ishgars that the sin eaters did to Voetenburg...

[ Her hands still as her eyes close. The idea of what Black Rose can do is horrifying to anyone, but the idea of a person's aether being choked to a point one dies? The fact that, with one swing of a claw or sword, someone's aether can so drastically change to primordial light that their body twists and changes to the form best suited for that aether? They had already seen void sent, but, they had never seen one be made before...

Her ears drop, realizing she has been quiet for some time. ] What do you think of the Exarch now? You had wanted to meet him for some time.

[elpides]

[ At that, she is quick to shake her head, because if there is anything she has had too much of since arriving here, it's light. And as odd as it would most likely sound to anyone who has not been to the First, she has added light to her list of things she dislikes, alongside searching underwater for places or objects. ] That's all right, I think I'll survive.

[ She nods in agreement with her sister's words, and a determined look comes to her face as she thinks about what they still have to do. ] We're going to bring darkness back to every part of this place. [ She's resolved to do that, because seeing the reactions they have so far as light has been banished has made it worth it in her mind. ]

If there was a way to send you home, you know I would do it. Not because I don't want you here, but because I know you want to be there.

[ She worries about everyone they have left at home, but she is certain that her own worries pale in comparison to the ones that her sister has for Aymeric. Well, she worries for everyone, as does K'thisru, but it isn't difficult for her to imagine that she frets about Aymeric's well-being more often than not.

Her gaze travels out to over the water as well, surveying what she can see of the submerged buildings and the ones that can still be seen above the water. That is the last thing she wishes to happen to Ishgard, and Eorzea as a whole, but it also saddens her that it happened here. Of course there is no way of reversing it now, but she wishes there was something she could do.

They are doing what they can by hunting down the Lightwardens, but it has already been too late for so many.

She returns to the present when she hears Alkaid's question, and a pensive expression takes her face. ] I did want to meet him, and I'm glad that we have... But- [ Her ears flatten against her head as she tries sorting out her thoughts towards him. ]

He isn't exactly what I thought he would be like.

[shepherdtostars]

Hmm. If you're sure. [ The tip of her tail flicks playfully. ] The offer remains open.

[ Her tail stills at her sister's words. Of course she would wish to be on the Source--but not only just that, but home. But, for now, her place is here. There is little point in returning home if the danger is still present. She would rather do all she could to save the people she loves and miss them than return with the job half-finished.

She pulls herself from her thoughts to turn to her sister. Her head tilts to the side. ]

What did you think him to be like?

[ Alkaid has found him to be... familiar. Of course, she has her theories, but has kept them to herself in light of not having the information. The Crystal Tower is here on the First, but also on the Source. How can that be? And, who besides one person, could command the Tower...?

A gentle hum comes from her as she leans to her. ]

Is he not the tall, dark, mysterious stranger you thought he was? Well, taller than you. [ A bit of a smile forms on her face.] Urianger and the others believe and, to some degree, trust him.

[elpides]

Oh, I'm very sure. [ She shakes her head once more as if to indicate how very tired of the light she is.

Her gaze focuses in on her sister's, because she can tell just how much she misses her intended, but as always, she is putting on a brave face, being resigned to do her duty.

At some point, she hopes that Alkaid and Aymeric both will put their duties to one side long enough to see to their needs, not the needs of others. ]

I'm- Well, I'm not sure. He is very nice, and he seems kind, but it's more what he's done. I know he brought us all here for an important reason, and what could be more important than saving this world and ours? But...

[ Her head tips to one side as she thinks back over recent events. ] He just seems so secretive, and I wonder what he's not telling us.

[shepherdtostars]

[ A smile spreads on her face at her sister's reaction. She was never one to hold back her thoughts or opinions. Deep water diving, and now perpetual light. At least something remains the same and a constant, even when they are so very far from home.

Ah. So, that is the crux of the matter. ]

Y'shtola and Urianger have had their share of secret holding as well. I would imagine that it infuriates them being treated as they would treat the rest of us. [ Still, she nods. ] He might give away some of his secrets if you ask in the right way.

Or, in the very least, explain how he learned to make such a perfect looking sandwich. [ Alkaid lifts the small basket she brought to show the familiar looking meal. Her ears twitch and she forces a playful smile for the sake of her sister. ] All I can hope is that he will yet tell us in time. Regardless of secrets, he was not wrong about the danger that is here on the First.

[ Then, her smile falls. ] I only hope that there is something that remains when we return home...

« That's a very vague statement, isn't it? 'Something that remains.' Plenty of things remain here and look at the state of it. »

[ Alkaid's ears twitch as she looks up. Her eyes widen. Perhaps she should be used to, or even expect, when their ghostly friend might appear. Yet, he somehow always takes her by surprise.

Ardbert looks over at them with his arms crossed. He shrugs at their surprise. ] « Oh, don't act so surprised. You're the lot that's decided to have a picnic in the lands of the fae. »

[elpides]

[ The idea has occurred to her before, but hearing those words from her sister, she tilts her head to one side as if pondering them for the first time. ]

Do you think so? [ A mischievous sort of grin crosses her face then. ] Have you been talking with him?

[ It's only a tease, of course, but she knows that Alkaid is very persuasive when she wants to know something or is just curious. ]

He keeps talking about how old he is, so if he really is as old as he says, he must have had a lot of time to practice. But I still wonder how he found the time, what with all the sin eaters and everything else that he has been dealing with.

[ And part of her guesses she doesn't even know the half of it.

When Ardbert interjects, her ears twitch and her tail sways too. Something about Ardbert's presence is reassuring, even if part of her still feels sad that he must walk around as he does, with no one to talk to but the two of them. ]

Where else would we have one? [ Her eyes glint with some kind of mischief as she looks him over. ] You could join us, if you wanted.

[ In a manner of speaking, since he still is a ghost. ]

[shepherdtostars]

Not at all. He just seems to strike me as that sort of person.

[ Her head tilts as she thinks on it. There are a few things that stand out about the Exarch. Yet, if he had reached out to her sister first? Then he may answer her questions first. She smiles at K'thisru as if to encourage her. ]

I doubt the sin eaters attack every moment of every day.

[ Ardbert once again shrugs at the invitations Alkaid pats the blanket for him to join. There's little point as he can't eat. Then again, it isn't as if anyone else is bothering to talk to him at all. So, with a dramatic sigh he walks over and takes his seat next to them. ]

« Somewhere the fae are not? There's plenty of regions, and the pair of you have been to them already. » [ His eyes move out over to the night filled landscape of Il Mheg. A frown takes his face then. Most see the fae's castle. He, however, sees the kingdom that once stood there in his mind. ] « Or at least, somewhere not next to the bloody castle. »

[ Alkaid's gaze drifts to the side. ] It reminds me of home.

[ At that, Ardbert turns back to the pair of sisters. His head tilts this time as if to try and encourage more on Alkaid's answer. He hadn't much experience of wandering the Source and getting to know the lay of the land. More or less he just went wherever Elidibus pointed them off to. ]

« I assume you mean more than just the Source when you say "home." »

[elpides]

[ As much as she wishes to believe that her sister is right, and that all she needs to do is ask him the right kinds of questions, she finds herself hesitating. ]

Maybe not every day, but I imagine they come more often than anyone would like. As for the fae... I admit that it took some getting used to them, especially the ones that wanted to trick us, but they aren't all bad, are they? [ Her own gaze travels to the castle as well, and she nods her agreement with Alkaid's words. It does bring Ishgard to mind, and while she misses it, she is certain that Alkaid's longing for home and the man she loves is far greater than hers. ]

I think you should tell him why it means so much to you. [ Her smile is warm and encouraging, although there is a hint of sadness in it too. ]

[shepherdtostars]

« Not all of them, but, enough. Fae folk tend not to enjoy our presence other than to be rather obnoxious. You and your lot are merely in their good graces because of everything you've done for them. »

[ Ardbert's gaze moves to Alkaid as K'thisru encourages her. An eyebrow raises as well as a tilt of his head. Especially at the way the elder sister's gaze drops. She shifts a bit before finally raising a hand and pulling the glove off. His eyes widen as her sleeve pulls back to show a rather simple but purposeful design of a ring on her finger. ]

Ishgard for us is what Voetenburg would be for you on the First. Not too far away from where you and your friends were causing problems with the local beast tribes. [ She speaks gently as she turns her hand back and forth to look at the ring once more. ] Thisru and I.. our friends... we were framed for a faked murder of another city-state leader. When we had no where else to turn, a knight from Ishgard offered to introduce us to his family. We were able to stay there while the truth was uncovered. In the mean time, we had become involved with the unending war with dragons.

« Dragons? Real dragons? » [ Ardbert looks between the two sisters. ] « They exist on the Source? Truthfully? It's not kind to lie to the dead, you know. »

Yes. They had been at war with the Ishgardians for a thousand years. [ Alkaid looks to her sister with her eyebrows raised. Now that she thinks about it? She has yet to see a dragon on the First. The fae, instead... ] We helped them end the war. It took no small amount of time, nor sacrifice. The knight that gave us home when we had none died protecting us.

[ A deep sigh comes from Ardbert then. He looks forward at the blanket, hands on his knees, a deep frown on his face. A loss of life is painful no matter where. He tried numbing himself to it all. For all the good it did him. ] « I suppose then that's not the bloke who gave you the ring. Otherwise, you wouldn't wear it in such a way. Hidden away from view. »

[elpides]

Oh, I don't know. We only did what most would have done, if they could get past the fae's tricks.

[ K'thisru remains mostly silent during Alkaid's explanations, nodding at key points as if to further confirm her words. Ishgard is home to her as well, and she would like nothing more than to have a home there to return to whenever she can, but she has begun finding herself growing attached to the First, as odd as that might be.

It certainly has its problems, but maybe that's why she feels as though she could stay here, at least for a time. ]

I used to think that all dragons were terrifying, but then I met some that were... Not entirely friendly, but at least they weren't trying to kill us.

[ Her expression sobers at the mention of Haurchefant. ] He was a good friend and he was kind to us.

[ A lot has happened since they met him, and they have met quite a few people in the intervening time, but she still hasn't forgotten him.

But at Ardbert's words, she smiles, even if it is a little bit of a sad one. Aymeric is also a good friend and a good man, and although he is certainly closer to Alkaid, she still misses seeing him. ]

No, the one who gave her that ring is a different knight, but he's not any less brave and kind.

[castshislot]

« How big do they get? What manner of creature are they? Are they similar to the fae where they avoid mankind? »

[ An almost child like awe comes over him at the mere idea of encountering dragons. Oh, Elidibus had mentioned how the Warriors of Light would have been busy with the conflict with some dragon named Nidhogg. It hadn't mattered much to him at the time. His only purpose was to find a way to trigger a calamity to bring the First to the Source. He truly did believe it was the only way to save his home and the souls on it... until Minfillia and Hydaelyn spoke through her.

Now, he feels a bit of regret for not bothering to learn of the Source. Especially now that the sisters were in his world and learning of it. They were getting to know his people--rather, their descendants. He supposes the least he can do is learn of their world and their people.

He looks between the two. K'thisru seems almost aglow over the idea that her sister is engaged. Hell, he expects her to sprout whiskers and make a face like a proper cat would. Alkaid, on the other hand, seems almost to shy away from the idea of telling people. Odd. He never had the inkling to marry another, but, he would of thought that she'd be over the moon for it.

Ardbert sighs and rolls his eyes at the display. ]

« Well then, go on, out with it. One of you tell me about this mysterious knight that's managed to capture the attention of a Warrior of Light. »

[elpides]

Oh, very big. Well, not all of them. There are small dragons, of course, but then there are dragons so big that even a flap of their wings could knock you clean over.

I wish that you could meet Hraesvelgr, or at least Midgardsormr.

[ But of course, he can't, and she imagines that at least one of the two great wyrms would just as soon be left alone even though the war that lasted for so long has finally ended.

As for K'thisru being aglow, she certainly is. She is beyond elated for her sister and the man she loves, but of course, that elation is tempered by the notion that there is no specific date in mind for when they shall finally be married. A part of her wishes that they could simply have a quiet ceremony somewhere to make the matter official, because it seems to her that the pair long for each other and constantly miss each other, and being finally joined together might help ease their loneliness to some degree.

It does nothing for their separations, of course, but at least they would have the knowledge that they are finally joined as a couple. ]

Oh, he is very brave... Very tall and handsome, I might add. [ But lest Ardbert take offense, K'thisru is quick to make another addition to that: ] I think that he isn't the only one who is handsome, if you don't mind me saying.

[ She didn't always think of Ardbert that way, but he has won her over by his actions and the kindness he has shown them. ]

Ser Aymeric is a good man too. [ And she hopes that Ardbert will realize she means he is a good man as well. She holds admiration for the Lord Speaker and Ardbert both. ]

[castshislot]

[ Various sizes and all of them intelligent? The wonder never leaves his eyes even as he listens with rapt attention and attempts to visualize what they must look like. Surely, they must be nothing like the fae folk, and more lizard like? Not that he's sure why he is so concerned with it all. It's not as if he'll ever see one with his own ghostly eyes.

Tall, handsome, brave. Ardbert fights back the urge to roll his eyes at the typical definition of a knight. Oh, he'd seen plenty of them in his time. Back when Votenburg was truly a place and not a set of ruins that the fae folk danced upon. A hand raises to dismiss the comment. ]

« There's no point in trying to tell the dead they're appealing to the eye. » [ Why bother? It's not as if he can talk to people or really enjoy company outside of the sisters anymore. ]
« We're here to gossip about this "Ser Aymeric" that caught himself a Warrior of Darkness. So, beyond being a dreamy sort of knight, what else about him? Surely it must be more if it's caught your sister's attention so much. »

[ Alkaid curls her shoulders and looks down at the blanket. A blush takes her face once more as her tail sways, ears pressed to her head, but she remains silent still. ]

[elpides]

[ Suddenly, K'thisru reacts to what Ardbert has just said, and she puffs out her cheeks and shakes her head at him. ]

Oh, please. There certainly is a point in telling you that. [ She places her hands on her hips and levels a stare at him. ] You must have had someone that caught your eye, or maybe you caught someone else's eye.

[ She casts a look over in Alkaid's direction, as if waiting to see if she has anything to contribute, but it seems that for the moment, she does not. ]

Aymeric is- Well, he is one of the few who welcomed us to Ishgard and helped make it feel like a home. And he never made either of us feel like we were just his errand runners, or the city's errand runners. [ She smiles and laughs a little at the recollection. ] He even invited us over for dinner.

[castshislot]

[ Ardbert shrugs once more at the compliment. However, the second statement gives him pause. He glances between the pair. What a disappointment he must be for saying that there wasn't. At least, not that he had the pleasure of meeting. Perhaps someone had eyes for him, but, he was too enthralled in adventures and then too determined to stop the Ascians. There were people he was close to that he felt a form of kinship, but never someone he would say had swept him off his feet. Not in the way that Alkaid seems to be. ]

« Can't say that there was. At least, not in anyway I was ever made aware of. Suppose I might of had some fans or people who idolized me. Though, I imagine that all stopped the moment the Flood ran rampant through the world. »

[ He looks to K'thisru then. ] « What about you, then? Anyone set your heart a buzz like your sister? »

[ Alkaid moves to answer, but seemingly thinks twice about it. She knows of one person who had eyes for her sister, but well, nothing ever came from it. Instead, Alkaid looks back to her engagement ring and twists it gently. Ardbert raises an eyebrows as she smiles to herself and her tail sways just a bit more. ]

« I've met knights, but, I can't say I've seen them make a woman nearly melt on the spot. Must be nice though to have a bloke who doesn't see you as just the local adventurer errand girls. »

[elpides]

If only our paths had crossed earlier, and the circumstances been different. [ K'thisru finds herself unable to stop a wide grin from spreading across her face. ] I think between the two of us, we could have found someone to introduce to you.

[ It is, of course, mostly a tease, but she means it too. Everyone deserves to have a chance of finding the one, and in her mind, Ardbert is no exception to that. ]

Me? I- Well... [ There is someone who has lately caught her attention, but he also seems far too sophisticated and knowledgeable to ever pay her any mind. In the scene inside her mind, he sees her as someone vaguely interesting but not particularly important except as a Warrior of Light... or Darkness. ]

Aymeric really is someone special. Ishgardians as a whole are a good solid group of people, but he stands out in the crowd.

[castshislot]

« Imagine that. A set of Warriors of Light trying to find someone for each other. Almost sounds like a game we'd play over a round of drinks at a warm hearth. »

[ His gaze moves back to the reclaimed and redecorated castle at the heart of the lake. Titania's castle now, not the royal family of Votenburg. He is curious to wonder if he knew someone that was like this "Aymeric." Not that it'd matter much. ]

« "Well"? Sounds like you've got eyes for someone. Go on, then. Tell us who it is. Seems hardly fair to know about the one that's swept your sister away and not you. » [ Ardbert smirks then, hoping the joking tone comes across. ] « Aye, the people of Votenburg were the same. I told you both a bit about them before; seemingly made of hearts of ice, but, once you cracked that cold exterior? You'd never find a more welcoming and caring group of people. There were the bad eggs, of course, and the ones who weren't as pure hearted as their fellows. The royal family certainly had their share of them. »

[ He sighs, leaning back as he continues to ponder. ] « Must be more to it than the fact that he treats you like people and seems separate from his people while apart of them? What else was it, I wonder, that's left the bloody good impression on the pair of you. »

I just knew.

[ Ardbert turns his gaze back to Alkaid as she finally speaks up. The white mage keeps her gaze locked to the ring on her finger. His head tilts, and a glance is sent to K'thisru to wonder if she knows by chance what Alkaid refers to. He figures they're about to learn, but he wonders what the sisters have shared before. ]

I... just knew the moment we met him. [ Alkaid repeats and yet clarifies her statement. Her ears fold down as a deep red blush takes her cheeks. ] I thought that he couldn't have an interest in me outside of being a Warrior of Light. That he surely had a lady of noble birth that caught his eye and merely was waiting for an opportune moment to propose. But, I knew that no one else I'd meet would make me feel the same way. It took time for me to realize, b-but I loved him the moment I met him. I figured--I thought--that if I could never share my feelings, or if he could never see me the same way, then I would devote that love to the people of Ishgard and their home. Because, in the end, it made him smile... and seeing him smile made every struggle worth it.

[ Ardbert blinks, closing his mouth at whatever witty retort might of come out. He hadn't really expected Alkaid to share anything, given she rarely seems to share the personal side of things. Once more he glances at K'thisru to see if she wears the same expression he does, or if she already knew what her sister had shared. ]

« That explains why seeing Votenburg the way it does makes the pair of you so upset. Why you decided to have a picnic in the land of the fae. Homesick, I reckon. »