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

[ Life was simpler, in a way, when he had a sole task to pin his entire life around. At first it had been the Allagan Empire and learning all that he might, which led him down the path to eventually being that Crystal Exarch. Well, he would openly say that the time is behind him, but he is still most certainly the Exarch still. It is not the time to lead nor the time to command others. Yet, it is harder to change the mindset of seeing problems and wishing to direct others to help them. He forces himself to remain somewhat on the sidelines and to be directed. It all proves more difficult than he had anticipated.

Just where is the balance between the younger man he is again and the Crystal Exarch? How does one be a Scion of the Seventh Dawn and yet tread their own path? It is quite a dilemma in his mind. One that he would very much ask the Warriors of Light on how best to proceed, yet one has just merrily skipped away, and the other he has not seen since the rampaging hippogryphs. A sigh comes from him as his head tilts in further thought.

Then, his ears twitch as he hears the sound of familiar steps and the voice that accompanies them.

G'raha looks up at K'thisru with a smile of his own. Oh, to see that smiling face again as the man he remembers being. The young one who dashed after both her and her sister into danger and wished he might be as they are. He is very blessed that both of him were able to merge. Otherwise, neither might be able to see her with such a smile. ]

Perhaps I should have been with the books that Urianger has? Krile would point out that was most likely where one would find me when we studied in Sharlayan. [ A hand raises and gestures for her to take the chair at the table with him. ] I found myself wishing a corner to find a moment or two to ponder after our spontaneous adventure. So far, it has only been you and your sister to notice me tucked away as I am.

Speaking of... Alkaid--[ he pauses, remembering that she would prefer him to us her birth name. One that designates them to be family. Yet, he feels it is enough of a public space that mentioning her by such might seem disrespectful. ]--I am afraid you just missed her. She stopped by quickly to ask me to pass a message to you before continuing on her way. With quite the skip in her step, I might add. I must admit to never seeing her with such elation before. If I had not been aware she is engaged, I might think she an infatuated young girl.

[ He wonders if that is what K'thisru had meant by the nature of Alkaid and Ser Aymeric's relationship. She had mentioned once that the two seem to lose track of the world outside themselves when they are together. G'raha would be the first to admit to himself that he understands to a certain degree. However, seeing it makes him realize that his own feelings still remain very close to his heart. ]

She asked that we stop by Ishgard in our travels. By that I mean she seemed rather convinced that we are set to travel somewhere. Together.

[ She would be lying if she said that she did not wish to help him find his way in the new life that he has obtained. He might see it differently, but to her, it seems that the entirety of the world is open to him; he just needs to find out what he wishes to do with himself and what he would like to experience.

And perhaps it is a childish wish, but she would like to take him anywhere on the star and show him all of her favorite places that she has been in hopes that maybe he will find a place he loves as well. And if he is worried about how best to find a balance between being a Scion and being himself, then she would like to help him with that as well.

At his next words, she smiles even wider for him and shakes her head. ] I think that wherever you wish to be is exactly where you should be. But I would like to see you somewhere else besides keeping a pile of books company. Unless, of course, that's where you want to be, then I...

[ She scuffs the toe of her boot on the ground before she continues: ] I would keep you company, if you'd have me.

[ And then she moves to join him at the table, giving him a fond look as she does. ]

Oh, I wondered when she would go on her way. I think she's been missing Ishgard and Aymeric a lot more than she's told anyone. [ Then she taps at her chin with one finger as she ponders her sister and the Lord Speaker. ] I wonder, now that all of this is over, if the two of them will finally start planning their wedding.

[ Suddenly driven by a bout of impulsivity, she reaches for his hand, wondering if he'll let her take hold of it. ]

I've been wanting to ask you about that. [ And she looks at him then, her eyes widening slightly as an uncharacteristic nervousness takes hold. ]

[ G'raha smiles at her statement. Where he truly wishes to be? Well, that has ever been at her side. It is a sentiment he would very much wish to share, but finds himself shying away from sharing it. Simply because he is not entirely certain where he stands in her eyes. Certainly more than the Crystal Exarch, and someone she likes, but he would not be bold enough to presume himself invited along with her life. ]

Where I wish to be is quite a complicated matter. [ A shake of his head then. ] However, if you wish to keep me company, I would be glad for it, as always. I suppose I can no longer use the excuse of being an old man now?

[ His head tilts to the side in thought. ] It seems she was very intent on making sure my own rejoining went smoothly. I am glad to report that nothing seems amiss. [ G'raha pauses for a brief moment. ] You mentioned once that it is as if the rest of the world seems to not matter when the pair are together. I wonder if that extends to when they are separated from one another as well?

[ A hum of thought comes from him at the notion. He would admit to being curious as to seeing just how involved the two are with one another. It seems to be a side of one of his heroes that he has never seen before. A side that she has been very careful not to share with the rest of them. His ears lift at her next statement, turning his ruby eyes to look at her. ]

To ask me about it? [ He feels a nervousness take him then. How is it he is an old man but yet a nervous teen once again? ] Please, feel free to ask me anything you would like.

Is it? Surely there is somewhere you wish to see, or someone that you knew before you locked yourself away that you would like to reunite with. It can't be that complicated, that's all.

[ Finally reaching a decision, she wiggles her fingers at him as if to playfully ask that he take her hand that is still extended to him. ] Well, I think that old man is still in there somewhere, but your appearance might make that difficult. I do like this new look of yours, in case you wondered.

[ She could talk at length about all of her suppositions concerning Aymeric and her sister, but she has something else she wishes to address first. ]

I suppose you could say that I have a little bit of wanderlust, and there are a lot of places on this star that I'd like to see. [ Tilting her head to one side, her own mismatched eyes lock onto his red ones. ] Traveling alone can become lonely, you know. I don't suppose you know of anyone who would consent to be my traveling companion.

[ Her tone is teasing and light, and she hopes that he will understand the meaning behind her question. ]

Well... there are those who are apart of NOAH, of course. The Ironworks as well. [ G'raha looks down then, an embarrassed smile taking his face. The person he had wished to see the most after locking himself away is in the very room, speaking with him. How could he ever bring himself to say that? ] As for places to see? Any that were documented in your travels... as... foolish as that might sound. Ishgard, Doma, Gyr Abania. Even Ul'dah! That was where you studied as a summoner, yes?

[ He tempers himself then, but the excitement is clear in his eyes. The expression simmers as she reaches his hand out to his. Oh, he of course remembers holding her hand, and the way it felt. There is something though--something that feels as if it would be new. After a glance to make certain it would be alright, G'raha reaches up and lightly takes her hand. ]

Ah, well, this "new look" is... well, my younger self. Rather, the self you ought to know. It has only been a year at the most since I locked myself away to sleep, has it not? [ He pauses then, head tilting to consider it. How long has it been? ] Unless you are referring to my outfit. In which, well, the idea was Tataru's design.

[ Although, he felt it necessary to incorporate the designs that he wore for a hundred years.

His eyes widen at her suggestion. She does not outright say it, of course, but he can very much tell what it is she means. He feels his heart beat increase and his ears bend down bashfully. G'raha takes a moment to clear his throat. ]

Well--I mean--if you are certain you would wish me to accompany you. Otherwise, you would have asked the other Scions. Even your sister. [ His tail sways side to side as he fights to keep the blush in his cheeks down. ] W-where on our star would you wish to see first?

Well, then, I think those should be the first places that you go to! After all, I'm sure they have a lot to tell you, and you must have things you want to tell them. [ Her eyebrows lift at the thought of visiting all the places that she has been. ]

I wouldn't mind visiting any or even all of those places. Well, the Arcanists' Guild is in Limsa. We could visit there as well, if you wanted to.

[ She beams at him when he takes her hand. For some reason she barely understands, it just feels right, as does the prospect of having him be her traveling companion. ]

Well, younger or older, I think... I think that I like you regardless, although I have to say, I like how you look now. And that means both your outfit and your younger self.

[ Her expression turns mischievous then and she tilts her head to one side as she watches him. ]

The other Scions are friends, but I don't think I'd necessarily want to travel the world with them. I would if my sister wanted to, but I know she wants to stay home with Aymeric.

[ And then she taps her chin while thinking that over. ] Why don't we start in Ishgard, see my sister and Aymeric, and then go on our way?

Perhaps some details are better left unsaid. I would rather see see free to find a new future than try to rewalk the past. [ G'raha smiles gently then. A future free of the Eighth Umbral Calamity and a world in which the Warriors of Light live. Their dreams truly have been realized. ] We can visit with them once we return from Ishgard.

[ His hand curls around hers more with the acceptance she gives him. A smile that can light up even the darkest times and give hope to those around them. Perhaps K'thisru will never understand how she can inspire them all. ]

W-well, the only thing different is the lack of white in my hair. And, quite obviously, free of the crystal the tower is made of.

[ That is what he presumes she truly means. She prefers him young and free of burdens, and free of the Tower. However, in the end, he is still tied to the Tower. It is his place to care for it, protect it, and let it be a beacon of hope for the future. Though, he may have the time to enjoy a life before then. ]

Very well. When would you like to start out grand adventure? Oh, and, do the Scions need to know of our plans?

Maybe so. And I think you more than anyone deserves to make your future after everything you've gone through. I- Well, I shouldn't say that you have your whole future ahead of you, but you do, in a way.

Maybe I shouldn't say this either, but I'm glad that you're free of that crystal. [ And he is right in saying that she prefers him free of all the things that burdened him, and most of all, she is glad he is no longer in danger of turning completely to crystal, not as he did back on the First. She has no intentions of begrudging his responsibilities to the Tower, of course. Everyone has their responsibilities and their duties, but she means to help him with his as much as she can. It might not be her responsibility, but she is determined to at least offer. ]

As soon as possible! [ She beams at him. ] If you have gear or items you need to gather, I can help with that, if you like.

[ And then she shakes her head. ] Not unless you want them to. I mean, I suppose I should at least let them know that we are going on a trip, but I don't think we have to tell them more than that. Maybe leaving a letter behind will be enough.

[ He chuckles wistfully. ] I believe if anyone is deserving of a future free of restraints and duties, it is by far more you and your sister.

You were never fond of it.

[ G'raha smiles knowingly at her. He never once brought attention to her disdain of it--or at least attempted not to. However, he had long since bound himself to the tower, and the more he needed of the tower, the more it demanded in compensation. It perhaps was not the best arrangement and yet it was the only one he could have made.

His eyes track to the rest of the room for a brief moment. He never once felt that the dreams and hopes were a burden on his person. A monumental task with a weight, but never once a burden. He could save the heroes he loves so very much. That alone, in his mind, is still worth all that he experienced. Although, he very much doubts K'thisru will let him be so liberal with his person in the future.

G'raha's ears perk slightly at the burst of energy that comes from her. He smiles at her, quite obviously still timid in how he might approach her and being a Scion now. Do they always come and go as they wish? What if they have need of one another? Do they aid each other in their endeavors, or do the Warriors of Light simply arrive when summoned? Perhaps he thinks too much of the small details.

He stands at her words. ] I must admit all that I might have need of is on my person. The Tower was self-sustaining, so I had little need to carry anything. And, I find more use of a staff now than a bow.

[ G'raha nods. ] Do we need to fetch anything before we leave? I imagine we would need to take a longer road to Ishgard.

[ Content with his answers, and also leaving for the moment discussions about her future, she hums as she gives his question some thought. ]

I suppose we should have some provisions with us in case we have to stop along the way. There may not always be an inn or other place we can sleep in if we need to.

[ She gives him a sideways glance. ] Would you mind having to sleep on the ground, if it comes to that? [ That is the way of an adventurer, and while she knows he has had some adventures in his time even before he became the Crystal Exarch, she wonders if that might be too rough for his liking. ]

I have a tent, of course, but we would have to share it.

[ And she wonders if he would be against doing that as well. ]

Ishgard is not too far from Mor Dhona, correct? Would you rather we travel by foot or by airship?

[ Either way is fine with him. It is seeing the destination that has his eyes alight. Even more so with the fact that his traveling companion will be her. Of course, he would be delighted to travel with ALkaid. Yet, the sister he loves is the younger, even if he cannot work up the courage to say it. ]

I often slept on uncomfortable grounds with NOAH and then furthermore at times on the First. It is not as much of an inconvenience as you'd believe. [ He blushes lightly, clearing his throat. ] Neither would be sharing a tent.

By airship would be faster, but I suppose this all depends on how quickly you want to get there. [ For her, a good portion of the enjoyment comes from making the journey, but at the same time, there is something to be said for seeing the sights from above. ]

If we travel by air, you do get to see more, and from higher up too.

[ Traveling on foot does mean that they might end up sharing a tent, and she finds herself drawn to that idea. ]

Maybe we should go by air this time and travel on foot next time.

[ G'raha smiles warmly at her. ] I think that would depend on how fast you wish to arrive, my friend. Alkaid is your sister and you are aware of how long she would be willing to wait. [ Then, he pauses. ] Or, perhaps, we ought to consider how much time she would wish to have with the Lord Speaker uninterrupted?

[ His head tilts as he thinks. ] Thus, it could be better to arrive on foot and see the Steps of Faith in person... and then leave by airship to our next destination?

[ At that, her smile widens even more. ] If it's left up to me, I would take as long as possible. Not to keep Alkaid waiting, but because I want to see everything. [ Even if she's seen a good portion of the sights in and throughout Eorzea, there's always something new to see. ] I think that she and the Lord Speaker would like to have a lot of time uninterrupted. They never seem to have enough of it, between his responsibilities and hers.

[ At his next words, she gives him an enthusiastic nod. ] That sounds like a great plan.

Oh? What parts of Corethas remains unseen by you?

[ He finds it genuinely curious that perhaps she has not seen all of it. The memories had left him with the impressions he and her sister had traveled to the ends of the Dravanian lands, Corethas, and every nook of Ishgard. His assumptions may have been a bit... grand in that regard. Then again, speculating over her journeys was something he did often. He had to find the right point in time to contact her.

G'raha snaps from his thoughts once she continues to speak. ] Yes. I would imagine that both sets of duties keep them rather occupied. In truth, the memories left behind in the timeline that I--well, that my other set of memories hail from--had never truly stated if they were wed. It was implied, a the documentations began to refer to her as "Lady Alkaid de Borel, Viscountess of House Borel." Although, it would stand to reason that the title may have been given out of honor and respect...

[ He shakes his head. ] Forgive me, there's no need to speculate on it now. I am certain she intends to have her wedding, and have you at her side. The pair of you are rather akin to two halves of the same whole. [ G'raha smiles at the implied meaning then. ] Well, then, my friend. I do believe when we will leave is entirely up to you. I have no business to conclude, given I just awoke only a few days ago.

[ She gives him a grin then, because she has seen just about every part of Coerthas, but there is something to be said for seeing a place alongside someone who might not be as familiar with the area. ]

Oh, you know... Some of the more out of the way places that I haven't had a chance to see. Isn't that half the fun and excitement of being an adventurer? [ She never gets tired of seeing the land and the animals and people that walk it. ]

I know that they both wish to be married, but there's never time for it for either of them. But- [ And here, her smile turns a little mischievous as if she's talking about something that's best kept a secret between them. ] Do you know how you can feel so close to someone that it's hard for you to imagine not having them in your life? I think that is how the two of them feel about each other.

As for leaving, if you're ready, I'm also ready to go right now. [ She generally travels light anyway, taking only the essentials and leaving what she doesn't immediately need in storage. ]

I would presume it is. [ He smiles bashfully, a finger raising to scratch his cheek absentmindedly. ] I have had little exploration experience... save for what we did within the Crystal Tower here on the Source, of course. I could do very little on the First due to the connection to the Tower. Not to mention the fact that the Ishgard I had seen is very different from the one you and your sister love so fondly.

[ G'raha pauses at the mischievous smile, but it only furthers to make curl as well. He had missed that smile of hers, regardless of his older self or the one that slept in the Tower. She finds ways to remain so youthful and happy despite all that is on her shoulders. He sees that it perhaps weighs further on her sister, or at least, her sister shows it far more. ]

Yes... I do.

[ Yet, he clears his throat quickly and stands up. Now is not the time for bold confessions--especially with so many around. Not to mention he still feels that perhaps she would rebuke something more than like. ]

Then, we should be on our way! [ A pause. ] Rather, perhaps I should make a purchase first? I.. find myself in lack of clothing for the temperatures that Corethas is known for in the wake of the Seventh Umbral Calamity. Well, that is, I mean. I have what Tataru was kind enough to make--[ a tug on his new shirt, ]--and the outfit I wore when I sealed myself away...

Well, you know what that means. You and I need to embark on an adventure, perhaps even several, so that you can say you have had quite a bit of exploration experience.

[ When she sees him pause, she tilts her head to one side as if wondering that perhaps she has been far too free with her reactions. Not for the first time, she wonders if he truly likes her or if he is merely humoring her.

But when he stands, so does she, and her tail sways a little with a mixture of excitement and uncertainty about where it is they stand with one another. She supposes that G'raha might have a little bit of hero worship for her, as do so many others, but a part of her knows that she wants it to be more than that. ]

Oh, in that case, yes... I think you should make a purchase. Maybe even more than one, because I don't want you catching a chill while we're traveling around.

I... would be honored.

[ He smiles then, truly meaning his words. In his mind it means he is accepted not only as a Scion--despite what he had placed upon their shoulders--but also as a friend to her. While she has stated she likes him, and he has expressed his adoration of her? He feels that perhaps his meanings do not come across entirely as he would like them to.

Yet, he finds himself oddly unable to continue forward with his deductions. A relationship of that sort may not be what she wishes to have. It is clear that her sister is the one that wishes to settle and make with a family. K'thisru would rather travel the star endlessly meeting it's people and finding what lies beneath the surface of every rock. Perhaps all she truly is in need of is a traveling companion. If so? He will gladly fill that spot, until inevitably, it must come a time he will need to turn his attentions back to the Crystal Tower and the lineage left to him. ]

Then, might I rely on your expertise of the climate of Corethas? I cannot see any other here that might give such a proper insight as to what to wear. [ Except baring Tataru and Alphinaud, but he does not intend to travel with either of them. He gives a playful bow and squeezes her hand. ] If you would lead the way, I will be at your side.

[ There is nothing she would love more than to have a traveling companion, and for said companion to be him. But what if he does not wish to live such an aimless, wandering life? Perhaps he wishes to settle down and put down roots, not wander the entirety of the star with her. Of course, she imagines that a time may come when she also wishes to settle down, but it seems that that time is still far off.

But there is no point in attracting trouble needlessly. Instead, she smiles widely at him and nods. ]

Of course you can! The more layers you have, the better, because if you become too warm, you can always remove one or two if needed. [ If he is looking, he might spot a hint of red creeping up her neck, as if this talk of removing layers is causing her mind to wander to more scandalous places. She would never dream of voicing those thoughts aloud, least of all to him, but there is no stopping her thoughts from wandering. ]

Ah...yes. Although, I imagine one may not be shedding layers so casually while outside in the elements. Especially if one is to be sleeping in a tent. [ His free hand tilts to his chin as he thinks over it. ] Then, we will most certainly need to stop by our local vendors before moving forward. I would imagine they would be thrilled to see one of the Warriors of Light back at their stand.

[ G'raha accompanies her from the Rising Stones and into the greater hub of Mor Dhona. His ruby eyes cast upwards at the aetheryte. From there, they travel to the small outcrop of cliffs. The weather is clear this day and it grants him a truly gorgeous sight of the Crystal Tower. His gaze narrows slightly as a host of emotions hit him at once. He had been resolved to stay there as many years as it took--and even did, in one timeline. The memories of the Crystal Exarch are merged into himself now. Information and wisdom he can access at any moment, yet at the same time, he feels himself a much older man inside.

A lifetime lived over the course of several lifetimes of others. Now with a second chance to live a life in which he wishes to, but inevitably, will lead him back to the custody of the Crystal Tower. His tail flicks quickly to the side as his head tilts in thought. A life in which to do as he pleases. By such inclinations he should not hold back and simply give his proposal... ]

« If I hadn't of known the two of you were sisters? This would have been all the proof I needed. » [ A familiar and warm voice comes to K'thisru's mind then. One that she may not have heard since she and her sister confronted Elidibus. ] « Look at the pair of you. You'd think you were handling a first crush than someone you hold affection for. Alkaid is the same way and she's all but married to this oh-so heroic knight. But, what about you? Just go on and ask. »

[ At those words, a smile slowly grows and blossoms over K'thisru's face, try as she might to hide it. A thought has just occurred to her, but she decides she should keep it to herself for the moment, lest she scare him off by being too forward. ]

No, of course not. The last thing anyone needs is either of us freezing out there.

[ She waves her hand as if waving off those words. She might be a Warrior of Light, but she still believes herself to be no better or loftier than anyone else.

But as they make their way along with both of them briefly retreating into their own individual thoughts, a very familiar voice speaks then, and she pauses with mild surprise. She cannot help but smile because his company is always welcome.

Still, she casts a sideways glance in G'raha's direction, wondering what he might think if she has a conversation with Ardbert at the same time as sharing in his company. Either way, that hint of red grows, threatening to become a full blush.

Spurred on by Ardbert's words, however, she reaches for G'raha's hand so that she might give it a warm squeeze and hold onto it, if he is so inclined. ]

G'raha, I wondered- Could I ask you something?

« I rather imagine our dear Exarch would be more concerned and interested in how you can hold a conversation with a shard of yourself than anything. Certainly that Y'shtola woman you know would. Best to keep it a secret between the three of us, I reckon. »

[ G'raha's ears stand on end at the sound of his name. He half turns back to her from the sight of the Tower and smiles at her, but then pauses at her posture. His head tilts in question with his hand taking hers as she requests it.

His first instinct is to ask why she called him by his full name. However, it occurs to him, that Alkaid merely started calling him by his name without the clan's verbal marking on her own. He, of course, hardly minds. It is a way to designate family and familiarity, and he is beyond touched that either sister would see him in such a manner after everything. Although it may simply be an expected trade, as Alkaid insisted that he refer to them without their clan names. ]

Of course. How might I be of help?

[ In spite of herself, her smile grows even wider at Ardbert's words. If it were up to her, she would just blurt out everything to G'raha right then and there, because she wants to be able to speak freely with Ardbert, but she also wants G'raha to know about the interesting arrangement she and her sister have with him. Still, if he believes keeping it a secret is for the best, then she can respect that. Still, in her mind's eye, she sees herself giving him the biggest grin she can. He has been a good friend to both of them, and she is grateful for his presence.

As for G'raha, she offers him a warm smile too when he takes her hand. Not for the first time, she notes how she likes the feel of it in hers. It feels right, and part of her wishes she could hold onto it more often.

It has not yet occurred to her that she continues to use his full name. It does not seem strange to her that others might refer to her without the clan name, because traditions aside, there are some others specifically that she considers as family, or close to it. Perhaps G'raha could be one of those. ]

We all have seen you in quite a few different situations, and I- [ Oh, how should she even say this? She knows she has come to respect him quite a bit, but there is something else too. But she can hardly just come out and say that she thinks she has fallen in love with him, can she? Certainly Ardbert seems to think that she can, but to just blurt that out?

She shakes her head, setting her ears to flopping about just a little. ]

I said once that I like you. [ She bites her lip as she worries about how she ought to say this. ] What... What would you do if I said that now... Now I think it's become more than just liking?

[ Ardbert is always one to ere on the side of caution now after all that he has done. Perhaps he might one day be more trusting of those that the sisters seem to know more of. Rather, perhaps, one day he will find rest and become a part of the sister's soul as he was eventually meant to be. One day.

G'raha stands ready to hear her query. His own have been set aside for the moment, although, he is preparing himself to ask all the same. That is, of course, until she quite aptly beats him to it. He pauses then, ears on end, mouth opened ever so slightly. He takes note of how her ears have folded down as well. Ah... nervous. Or, at least, he would presume that is the case. ]

I... well... [ G'raha pauses a brief moment to compose himself. His heart is racing, and he can feel the blush on the tips of his red ears as well as his cheeks. ] I must say it is something I had always hoped for, of course. Perhaps my earlier explanations fell short of being direct to the emotions I have held for some time.

I have always been taken by you, as I am sure you are full aware of. My earlier attempts to impress and even gain your attention certainly fell short. And, by the time of being the Exarch, I had come to the understanding that perhaps it was always meant to be one sided. [ His tail flicks side to side. ] May I ask what it is you feel now?

BOOK 3: TWO-TONED ECHOES

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