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

[ 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?

[ If this is what it feels like to have one's heart in one's throat, well- she knows she doesn't like the sensation, and yet she can't stop it either. She never imagined that one day, she might be in the position of wanting to confess her feelings to another, and yet here she is. G'raha caught her eye, and now she wants to at least let him know how she feels.

If he decides she isn't what he's looking for, of course she'll understand. But as before, his words contradict the idea that he couldn't possibly have any kind of feelings for her, whether because she is too young for him or too free with her words and her interest in adventuring.

Now, though, she finds she can't stop the smile that spreads across her face as she tries to put into words what exactly she is feeling. ]

What am I feeling now? I know it must not feel the same for you, considering the time you spent in a place with too much light, but... [ She hopes he isn't offended by this. ]

Do you know how it feels when you have just woken up and the sun is beginning to brighten up the room? It's slow at first, but before you know it, the entire room is filled with light and everything is warm.

[ All right, so it isn't a perfect way to describe her feelings, but it is indeed how she feels about him. ]

When I- Well, whenever I get to see you... [ The blush is rising into her cheeks now. ] That's how I feel.

[ His entire attention remains on her, ears on end, tail still, waiting for every word she might say. He finds that it is not word-for-word what he might have envisioned in his head, and that is what truly makes it special. They are the words that K'thisru has chosen to describe her feelings. It paints a picture in his mind, as he is ever one for stories, and a humbled look comes into his gaze. For the first time since he awoke and returned to Mor Dhona? The look of the old man returns to his gaze.

His other hand reaches out to take hers. There is a gentle squeeze before he tugs her closer to be against him. Yes, he can very much relate to such an idea and image. Meeting her for the first time had a similar effect. He felt as if he had seen the world for how it truly was for the first time, and that he was merely a boy playing at the world. A true hero who smiled in the face of danger and cared for any that she met... it truly put any idea of a hero he had in his mind to shame. ]

Yes, I can say that without a doubt, I do know how it feels. [ G'raha smiles fondly at her, tilting his head down to brush his forehead to hers. ] The primordial Light is far different than the light of the person you love filling every corner of the room.

I felt a similar emotion when you were finally on the First. Fanfare for both of the Warriors of Light... however, I will admit I was far more excited to see one over the other. Not that I was ungrateful for the presence of both of you.

[ He pauses. ] I do hope that whatever light I bring will not become overbearing or unwanted.

[ When he pulls her closer to him, her ears all but leap to stand up. She would be lying if she said she wished that she could just be close to him in such a way, to offer him a warm embrace and receive one in return, if he was so inclined. But until this very moment, she had always thought of such a thing as impossible. Now that she is here, however, she wastes no time in leaning in so that her head is resting against his shoulder. It just feels right, but if he asked her to not be so close, of course she knows she will move. ]

How could it ever become overbearing or unwanted? I- [ She feels joy wash over her with the knowledge that he not only returns her feelings but he also has experienced similar ones. ] How do I say this without sounding ridiculous?

I want to be able to travel with you, to get to know you better, and- [ And to fall more in love with you all the time.

She tilts her head slightly so that she is looking him in the eyes, and the urge to give him a kiss becomes stronger than she thought possible. ]

Well... when one is unsure of how well their feelings are received, one does begin to wonder. I spent a fair amount of time in the Crystal Tower of the First wondering if I should have said anything more. I was rather certain that my expressions of feelings had not been received well, let alone returned. [ G'raha smiles for her. ] Traveling is certainly something I can see to for you. Although, I am not sure how much more there is to learn about me. I am afraid you know most things about me as it is.

[ His tail gives a bashful wag for a brief moment. There is a thought in his mind, but once more he wonders if he ought to act on it. A cast is sent to the side before his tail stands on end as well as his ears. Right. There is hardly a point in waiting for one or the other to make the next move--is there? And, most certainly, she would tell him if it is unwanted...

G'raha lets go of her hands to wrap around her waist. Then, in quite a fluid motion for a man who spent the majority of his time crystallized the last century, he tips her backwards. A smile comes to his face as he lightly presses his lips to hers. ]

[ She shakes her head quickly. ] I owe you an apology, now that you mention it. Several, even. I kept you waiting a long time. If only I had been paying more attention and stopped long enough to see you. We could have had so much time together already.

[ She wonders then that if she had noticed him and returned his affections earlier, how would everything have gone when he sealed himself away? Oh, she knows that she would have waited for him, but that wait would have seemed like a long one too. ]

Most things? I don't think so. I can already think of quite a few things that I don't know about you, and perhaps you don't either, considering how long you were asleep and then how long you were on the First.

Do you think that we- [ Her question is interrupted the moment he takes hold of her waist, and it is entirely forgotten when he dips her backwards and presses that kiss to her lips.

At first, she is surprised, but only for a moment before she is leaning back into that kiss and deepening it as much as she can. ]

Well, things were quite hectic when we first met. As a Champion of Eorzea, you had much on your plate. I, myself, was rather ridiculous in my attempts for your affection. There had been quite a lot that was in no doubt annoying, and you had no reason to spare much time for me as it was.

[ He shrugs with the smile remaining on his face. ] And, when it comes to the First, we had a great deal of more important things. Especially when my initial plans meant you would have no idea who it was beneath the hood.

...w-well, then, perhaps we should start by asking questions on our travels through Corethas?

[ If G'raha were to be honest? He had no idea how she might react. Out of all options in his mind? Deepening the kiss is not one of them. He freezes for only a moment before pulling her closer.

Finally, his ruby eyes open with a bashful smile on his face. ]

I do hope that was not too forward.

Oh, I know, but when are they not? Maybe... Maybe it would be nice to have someone that I can share those experiences with: the good and the bad. I think that I have a lot to make up for.

[ Because although she certainly did not make time for him then, all she wants to do is be with him as much as possible. ]

You're right, of course. As usual. [ Between the two of them, he is the smarter one, or so she believes. ]

I'd like that. [ Asking questions, getting to know each other more... It all sounds perfect to her.

And speaking of perfect, that kiss was so very perfect in her mind. ]

Too forward? [ She can't seem to stop herself from beaming at him. ] I loved it.

I would be honored if you chose me. [ Which is quite evident with how his tail moves side to side. ] Please, Thisru. You've nothing to right when it comes to myself. The rejection helped me realize just how far I needed to mature... and how far I truly was from a hero.

[ G'raha smiles at her. ] And I certainly do not strive to be right all the time. If I am wrong, I would ask you inform me of such things.

[ He nods to her statement. Then, questions they shall ask. He intends to fulfill whichever wishes or desires she has of him. It is the very least he can do after she and her sister saved the First at his request, and also brought him home to join with his current self. ]

Then, I will do my utmost to surprise you with them more in the future.

BOOK 3: TWO-TONED ECHOES

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject