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

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