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

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.

If it came down to it, I would choose you again and again, over anyone else that I have met since this all started. [ It seems like such a hopelessly romantic thing to say, but it truly is how she feels. ] Oh, but I do. I could have been kinder about it, and more thoughtful.

[ But then she smiles, because she has come to a realization about the two of them. ] I think that we both helped each other to grow. [ He taught her some valuable lessons by simply being himself, even if she found herself infuriated by him at times, and he has already stated that he believes she assisted in his own growth. ]

But let's not grow up too quickly, hmm? [ Her smile widens into a cheeky sort of grin, because while she knows she has matured herself, she doesn't want to become too serious too quickly. ]

I will be holding you to that. [ And having said that, she leans in so that she might plant a light kiss on the side of his face. ]

[ He chuckles lightly. ] I had no idea you felt so strongly of the idea. Every time, you say? It certainly would reduce your chances of meeting another... but still, I remain honored nonetheless.

[ G'raha only smiles to her assessment followed by a nod. Yes, he would agree to that notion. Perhaps they both had maturing to do before they could come together. Which, if that is the case, makes him wonder of the state that Alkaid and Ser Aymeric find themselves. Perhaps that is better left seen in person. ]

I take that to mean you would prefer a bit more recklessness and adventure before settling down? [ He smirks in return before moving to her side, and giving her a small spin as well. Then, his hand goes from her side to her hand to lead her to the vendors. The smile on his face widens at her kiss. ] Now, I believe we have some tasks to take care of so we might move onto our next adventure? Although, it may not be as much of an adventure for you, given you know the path to Ishgard.

Yes, every time. And I never gave much thought to meeting someone. Until I met you, that is. [ Until she met him and really saw him and learned about who he is and what matters to him. ]

Of course. Maybe not too much recklessness or my sister might come after me... maybe not with a lecture, but certainly an exasperated sigh. [ He takes her by surprise with that spin, but it makes her laugh freely and without reservation, and when he takes her by the hand, she offers him the warmest smile she can manage. ] I distracted you with talking too much, didn't I? [ But as eager as she is to get started on their journey to Ishgard, she really does not wish to rush the time they have together, with just the two of them. ]

The sooner we take care of those tasks, the sooner we can be on our way.

[ G'raha clears his throat in an attempt to hide the redness that takes his cheeks--one that can no longer be concealed by crystal skin. After scratching the back of his head he gives her a smile he thinks she might expect: one of a young man ready to take to the winds and see where it might land them.

After all, he very much doubts she would wish to be burdened down by the thoughts and ideals of an old man. ]

Ah, yes. I suppose if you arrived in Ishgard in an unseemly manner, she may not receive it in the best of ways. Although, I wonder what she might expect with the pair of us traveling with one another. [ As they are both wreckless in their own ways. ] H-hardly! I just... well, speaking in such a manner with eyes and ears around us...

[ Perhaps he is too used to the idea of secrets and privacy.

He leads her to the vendors. There is an explanation given to them where they are to be headed, and what provisions they reccomend. His arms cross in thought, chin in his hand, mulling over the different options. No doubt that K'thisru already has items to weather the elements, and yet he does not. Clothing and food to start... perhaps a tent depending on how long they wish to be out in the wilds of Corethas?

A familiar presence makes itself known once more. Ardbert leans against the poles of the provisions area, eyes on a sky that is semi-familiar. His arms cross and his head tilts in a way very similar to the sisters. ]

« Last tike I was here--well we, my friends--I hadnt a chance to see this Ishgard you lot are so fond of. Your version of Votenburg, isn't it? Dragons instead of fae. That Speaker fellow of your sister's lives there too. Suppose I'll be meeting your extended family then. Well, ours. I suppose. »

[ Ardbert grins at K'thisru. He won't be mentioning the bit where he helped Alkaid bridge the gap during the tempering nonsense. Not that it really counts as meeting anyone after all. ]

Edited 2022-08-08 23:19 (UTC)

[ On the contrary, that thought only makes her smile warmly at him. ] Oh, if only you knew. Of course, it was when I was much younger, but she would often find me in an unseemly manner, as you put it. I'm sure she would agree that she was more well-behaved than I was.

[ But the last thing she wants to do is make him uncomfortable, so she reaches out to tug at his sleeve a little. Of course, he moves without her prompting and they make their way over to the vendors. She would swoop in and pick things out for him, but this is all part of the experience. If he asks for her advice, of course she will give it, but she simply stands beside him as he surveys the different things for sale. As she watches, that's when she notes a very familiar presence and she spots Ardbert watching them both.

As always, she smiles at him too, happy to see him again. He is always with them, but she likes it when he appears and offers his thoughts or advice. ]

Perhaps we should take a little tour around the place. After all, he has not been there in some time either. [ She nods in G'raha's direction before turning her focus back to Ardbert. ] You might even see a dragon, as well as our extended family. [ She smiles mischievously, not yet clarifying that the dragon they might meet is a a dragonet, not a full grown dragon. ]

... Then perhaps a small amount of unseemly would be best? [ G'raha smiles warmly at her in return, a hint of mischief in his eyes. While they may not find a grand adventure or problem to solve in battle? He is certain she will want to dive into a crater or something. ] I suppose we shall see where the road takes us.

[ Ardbert nods in return. It's been a journey, hasn't it? Taking down two Ascians--one that was the heart of a god. Bringing the Exarch back to a point in time he had slept through, rejoining him with his younger self. Ardbert supposes it is no different than when he rejoined with the sisters. Although, he will say, he's grateful that K'thisru doesn't seem to worry about the grander details and implications of their joining. He knows Alkaid does, and, he'd rather not think about the consequences of certain things when the overall outcome was and will be positive. ]

« They keep dragons in the city? Even if it's all happiness and sunshine with them, isn't it a bit dangerous? Size and all that. » [ Ardbert tilts his head, attempting to hide how excited the prospect of meeting a real dragon might be. ] « Speaking of the Exarch... I don't suppose you'll be telling him about our little situation. Between us and your sister, I mean. »

Perhaps. I wouldn't want to worry her or cause her to think that something was wrong. [ And she has to admit even to herself that her sister is a bit of a worrier.

As for Ardbert, she returns her attentions to him, hoping that G'raha has not noticed how she seems to be turning her attention to each of them in turn. If she only had herself to worry about, she would consider letting him in on the secret, but she has already decided that maybe Ardbert does not wish for others to know, and perhaps Alkaid does not either. She can hold her tongue out of respect for both of them. ]

It's not so much keep as at least one of them has decided to stay there for the time being. I was hoping to keep it a secret until you could meet her, but she isn't a full-grown dragon. [ And while Ardbert can be a hard one to read at times, she thinks she managed to glimpse a small bit of excitement in his expression. ] I won't tell him anything you don't want me to. I think that he would understand, but it's your decision, in the end.

Alkaid--Lantaa--has always seemed to worry the most for you. [ He nods in agreement. It was not hard to catch the worried gaze the older sister had as things became more taxing in Norvrandt. The cause of events is something he feels he may never be able to apologize enough for.

Once her gaze turns away, G'raha glances over at where her attention moves to. He cannot see anyone there, but, it would not be the first time the Warriors of Light interact with something that they who are not blessed cannot. His ruby gaze glances between her and where her attention lies once more before finishing the transaction with the vendor. ]

« I wonder how big even the babes are... » [ A small chuckle comes from him. ] « I suppose we will see how we fair in all aspects. »

If I may?

[ Ardbert turns his gaze to G'raha as he takes the few steps to approach K'thisru with the bundle in his arms. Ardbert gives a smirk to his... other self? Whichever the word might be. Once a small wave has been given he disappears once more to watch and observe. ]

I have told her not to worry so much, but that seems to be like telling the sun not to shine. [ But she knows that she does her share of worrying about her sister as well, and so it does not bother her too much. As for their time in Norvrandt, it seemed as though they worried about each other in equal amounts. ]

Well, then, I will have to make sure that you get to see one or two. [ She offers him a warm smile, feeling excited about the prospect of introducing him to a dragonet.

But then G'raha speaks up and approaches, and before she knows it, Ardbert is giving a wave of temporary farewell and disappearing once more to watch and observe. ]

Oh, I- [ Suddenly, she appears a little abashed, because the conversation with Ardbert distracted her from helping G'raha with his purchases. ] Did you find everything you needed already?

It would most certainly seem to be apart of her being. I wonder if such a notion comes from the fact that she is a healer, or she is naturally inclined to be a healer due to her worries and care.

[ G'raha stands quiet for a moment, casting a glance at the empty space once more. His gaze softens into an expression she most certainly has seen him wear when crystal still claimed parts of his person and the tips of his hair were white from age. A quiet contemplation of not only regarding who she must has been speaking with, but, if his place truly is at her and the Scions side. Regardless of what he had brought to them as his time of the Crystal Exarch? He not a hero of standing as they are, merely an old man and a scholar. Of course, scholars are also within the ranks of the Scions, but he feels as if there is a great deal of difference between them.

I wonder if I truly am a fit companion for not only the Warrior of Light, but, a woman such as you. There are a great many things that have transpired over the course of your journey that I do not know of. Things that shaped you and your sister both... things not recorded in the history that I know. ]

I believe I found enough that one can call suitable until we reach the next settlement before Ishgard. Camp Dragonhead, I believe? I must admit that the maps I am familiar with--the ones that come to mind--may be different than those of the current Eorzea. Even before the Calamity and after it, my mind had been far more focused on Allagan technologies and attempts to reach the Crystal Tower. I hardly paid mind to the greater regional areas of Eorzea...

[ As he had fully expected to return to Old Sharlayan when the time came.

G'raha half turns once more to cast his gaze in the direction of the Tower. The wards are in place and he will be alerted if any try to step forward in it. Yet, the sensation of being away from it, is a very odd one. Especially knowing that there are no ill effects of being away for an extended amount of time. The arm that was once made of crystal flexes beneath the purchases slightly.

While a young man once more, I am truly no different than I was before. A man perhaps too old to... ]

Tell me, Thisru. Had you ever given thought to a time in which you do not travel the star? A time in which you would not adventure and perhaps settle as your sister has?

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

BOOK 3: TWO-TONED ECHOES

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