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venat ([personal profile] heranswers) wrote in [community profile] synthneon2022-06-08 11:49 pm

echoes of truth | ❝ to all of my children to whom.... ❞

song of hope

BOOK 5: OUR SONG

Our song of hope, she dances on the wind
Higher, o' higher
E'er our hearts endure and remain forever strong
Standing tall through the dark do we carry on
CODE BY TESSISAMESS
elpides: (16)

[personal profile] elpides 2022-08-01 06:37 am (UTC)(link)
[ Much has transpired and much remains on K'thisru's mind as she stands close to the railing, surveying the stars above her. They came to Elpis in search of answers, but there are so many mysteries and questions that still remain.

Certainly, Emet-Selch does not seem inclined to answer them, and Hythlodaeus, while quite kind, is also quite mysterious. So too is Venat, and yet K'thisru thinks she might be more willing to speak with her if she asked her to.

But at the same time, she does not wish to trouble the woman, nor upset her with her questions and her too-persistent nature. That is why she finds herself hesitating rather than approaching, so when the other woman approaches on her own, she finds herself looking at her in surprise. ]


I think that applies to adventurers too. [ Scientists have their work, and adventurers have their intrigues, and both seem to be in ample supply. ] Do you mind? Even if you have to wait, there must be other things that are keeping you busy.

[ She does not wish to cause a delay or any more trouble than they evidently have, if Emet-Selch's disdain is any indication. ]

I- Well, she often is preoccupied these days. I try to help, of course, and I'm there when she needs me. [ As they always have been, even when they were small. ]
elpides: (13)

[personal profile] elpides 2022-08-09 06:04 am (UTC)(link)
If I could, I'd comb every inch of this place and talk to every person who has the time. [ She is well aware that there are those who have no interest in idle chatter, and she would not make a pest of herself. But her curiosity is clamoring to be satisfied, even though she is trying to not be an annoyance. ] Do you think so?

[ The notion of destiny is one that keeps coming up again and again, and yet she wonders if that really is what is directing things now. Perhaps she ought not even speak with Venat or her peers, but that curious streak of hers won't settle down now.

But she does as requested, taking a seat beside Venat with only the slightest bit of hesitation. In a way, the woman seems too lofty to even approach; not in the sense that she is arrogant, but that she is far greater than her and her sister. Perhaps what she feels is a feeling of unworthiness to even sit next to her.

But sit she does, and she tries to think about what really is troubling her. ]


A little of both, I think. I don't know how this is all going to be resolved, and I always worry about my sister. [ Their journey has been hard on both of them, but while K'thisru wishes she could take everything that weighs her sister down and take it on herself instead, there is not much she can do besides simply be there and offer a hug and a listening ear when Alkaid needs both. ] Well, I didn't used to, but now that we have come so far and seen so many things...

[ Both of them have been changed, and she wonders if it is for the better or the worse. ]
elpides: (15)

[personal profile] elpides 2022-08-17 06:48 am (UTC)(link)
[ For reasons she doesn't quite understand, she feels some sense of encouragement from Venat's words. Rather than telling her such things will not work out or that they are impractical, she at least seems to be considering them instead of dismissing them. That particular kindness only increases her interest in speaking more with Venat and learning from her while she has this chance. ]

Well, that would make two of us, then. [ Even though she does not know how they will forestall the Final Days, she is convinced that they must not happen. Or at least, they should not progress any further than they already have.

And if K'thisru knew the thoughts going through Venat's mind, she would find herself conflicted. It is, of course, better for the Final Days to be averted here and now, but in so doing, the lives that she and her sister have had would never have happened.

Her expression turns even more thoughtful as she considers what Venat is saying. ]
Of course not. The point of a journey is learning things you didn't know before and growing because of that. [ Or something along those lines. She is the last person who would say that she is particularly wise, but that does seem to be one of the important things about embarking upon a journey.

Her gaze drops so that she is looking down at her hands as she finally responds aloud. ]
I don't think either of us thought we would come this far when we left home for the first time. [ That is hardly an answer, and she does not expect it to make sense to Venat, but she is still trying to understand her own thoughts and feelings and put them into words. ]

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[personal profile] elpides - 2022-09-03 20:24 (UTC) - Expand
apleasantending: (07)

[personal profile] apleasantending 2022-09-10 09:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He merely smiles as if intending to gently rebuff her words. That people might seek out those who would offer kindness and concern is not something he disagrees with, but he wonders how truly useful those offers are, in light of everything that is unraveling around them. ]

If anyone has kindness and sound advice to give, it would be you, Venat. [ It is a strange sort of feeling, but even just speaking with her is enough to cause him to relax, if only slightly. Her presence is just that calming. ]

Of course, I can hardly speak to the mindset and feelings of the Convocation, but it is not difficult for me to imagine that they are more than a little unsettled. [ As are they all. ]

Will you be speaking with them as well, or only with our mutual friends?
shepherdtostars: ѕнєρнєя∂тσѕтαяѕ〘 ∂иѕ. 〙 (shadow 🌸 22.)

{ homebound.

[personal profile] shepherdtostars 2022-08-25 02:52 am (UTC)(link)
[ Alkaid truly remembers little of the journey back from Ultima Thule. Of course, she remembers waking and being greeted by the faces of the Scions. Perhaps most of all, she recalls looking over and seeing that her sister had survived the encounter with Zenos as well. That alone had been enough to allow her to drift back to sleep for the remaining voyage. While she could not explain if they had asked, she knew that they would be safe and welcomed home by those when they landed.

When she had finally awoken in Mor Dhona, she learned that several days had passed. Word had already been sent to Ishgard--most certainly by Alphinaud--that the Warriors of Light would be staying until they had recovered from the taxing journey. Alkaid can only imagine that the news in such a manner had caused a certain Lord Speaker to pace around his study endlessly. Krile insisted that the situation had been taken care of and that she and K'thisru were not to leave the former home of the Scions until they were ready to make a journey anywhere.

Of course, that was when she had learned the Scions of the Seventh Dawn were officially disbanding. Friends and comrades that would aid one another, however, the organization's purpose and goal had been realized. The Grand Company of Eorzea could fend for itself and handle their own affairs without the Ascians to interfere. That left each of them to their own devices and able to do as they wish. Especially the Warriors of Light.

"A path in which and the end they will find happiness."

Alkaid had burst into tears once the Scions had left her and her sister to their own and immediately leaned on her sister. While the journey and the state of it all was not something she begrudged? The idea that she might finally be able to do as she wished and not be tied to the fact the Scions could pull them away at any moment was something she had wished for but believed may never happen. No doubt the Source and its reflections would still have need of the Champions of Hydaelyn in time, but for now, she and her sister could have lives as they wished instead of ones they were obligated to have. Although, she had made certain it known that the Scions were welcome at her home in Ishgard and that they were expected at her wedding.

Before she could gently pull her sister and G'raha along with her to Ishgard? Tataru had made certain to stop her. A package was given, with the express instructions that Alkaid was to wear it and give feedback to the business minded Lalafel. "After all, how can I know what I might and might not put into your wedding gown? Surely, you would not let someone else make it!" Which, of course, sprung a slight plot to mind. she most certainly did insist G'raha and K'thisru return with her, if only for a night, before shipping off on their next grand adventure. That way--for a time--the clan shaped of their adventures might find some time as a family before the parting of the ways.

As usual, they returned to Ishgard long before Aymeric would find himself home. Alkaid nearly drops the package from Tataru as well as the smaller ones in her hold as Mélodie quite literally throws herself at her once they cross the threshold. Leon is there to greet them as well, but even Alkaid can tell he is attempting to hide his relief and joy under his usual mask of detachment. Mélodie bursts into tears that her mother, aunt and uncle have made it home, and Alkaid struggles hold all that she has while returning the hold of the young Elezen. Her free hand manages to brush down the brown hair and she glances to Leon to see if he would wish a hug as well. As to be expected, he turns the offer down, but she has the feeling he does wish one at some point. Eventually Mélodie turns to fawning over G'raha and K'thisru, telling them all that they had missed and Leon helps Alkaid with the packages. Although she is very aware Leon has noticed the limp K'thisru walks with and the unnatural way that she walks.

The steward and maid set about to make a large dinner--but nothing grand as none in Borel Manor seem to care for the extravagant. Alkaid had intended to ask Mélodie if she would like to join her and K'thisru in trying on the gown that Tataru made, but she stubbornly informs the Miqo'tes that she walks with her brother every night to escort their father home. Leon shrugs, although Alkaid can very much tell that it has become routine instead of a clever way to make certain Aymeric does not work himself into illness once more. She bids the two hurry off, and then takes to a side room with her sister to change into the new gown, while G'raha goes to offer his services to the steward.

The gown fits perfectly, despite the fact it must cover the heavy sets of bandages still on her arms and around her midsection. It is a cream white, edged with frills and a large bow where her tail rests. Alkaid blushes slightly that even Tataru has noticed her preference in design. While clearly far from a wedding dress, Alkaid can certainly tell the direction the Lalafel intends to go, and makes mental notes of what feedback to give. She is in the middle of redoing the small braids that hang off the side of her short hairstyle when the head maid enters the room with a bouquet of lilies. Alkaid pauses and looks at them. A gentle state of surprise overcomes her as she takes the flowers. It had been something Aymeric and the children arranged to give her upon her return, but the head maid believes it might be best to crown the look off with.

Which is precisely how she shuffles the two Miqo'tes out of the room. Alkaid positions herself where the entryway and the hallway meet, while the head maid insists K'thisru comes to help her finish things in the kitchen. Alkaid watches her sister and the elder Elezen disappear before turning back to the door. She nervously twists her fingers around the handful of lilies, tip of her tail curling. The ache in her arms and ribs has started to return, but, she will push through it for her beloved husband-to-be.

Her ears lift as she hears the voices of their adopted children on the other side of the door. Alkaid forces herself to stand taller despite the pain and smiles at first Mélodie, and then Leon, who both quickly enter the Manor and disappear around the corner to hide. Alkaid glances at them, not quite certain when she became their surprise for Aymeric, but flashes them a playful smile regardless. Then, she turns her two-toned eyes back to the front door.

She had intended to welcome him home in her customary way, but finds the words caught in her throat. Instead, all Alkaid can manage is a wide smile as her eyes fill with tears at the sight of Ishgard's Lord Speaker. She shifts her weight from one leg and back to the other and her ears shyly tilting down. ]
thewayforpeace: (💠72)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-08-25 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
[ Lest anyone think otherwise, when Alkaid left with the other Scions and her sister to finally bring an end to the situation that had stretched on for so long now, Aymeric spent many long nights pacing around his study before sleep finally came to claim him. He still missed her and worried about her to the point of distraction, but the one thing... well, two things, really... that brought him back to the present were Mélodie and Leon. He loves his adopted children more than anything, and they deserve far more than a distracted parent.

He did his best to be present for them and with them, and in turn, the two of them helped keep his spirits from falling too low in Alkaid's absence. After all, all three of them greatly missed her, and K'thisru and G'raha as well, and they hoped and prayed that they would return home safely. Aymeric still had his responsibilities as Lord Speaker, but before he even knew what was happening, it became something of a routine that the two young Elezen would arrive at his offices to escort him home when the hour became late and they decided it was time for their father to retire for the evening.

Together, along with the ever-faithful steward and maid, their lives have fallen into a sort of routine. Following dinner, the three of them sit together by the fireplace and talk and laugh and try not to think about the fact that there ought to be others sitting with them and laughing as well. One day, their missing members will return home with new stories to tell, but Aymeric and the young Elezens all know that that isn't what they want most: they simply want Alkaid, K'thisru, and G'raha to return home. And, of course, they wish that for all the Scions as well, but especially for those three.

But as they have no way of knowing where their companions and loved ones are, and no real way of reaching them across the distance, they have no choice but to go on with their lives as best as they can. Leon and Mélodie have each other, of course, and Aymeric does his best to make himself wholly available to the two of them when he is home. A part of him wonders if he ought to put aside his work while Alkaid is away so that his children have him there should they need him. But there is another part of him that needs the distraction his work provides and the opportunity to be in another setting other than the house that is just filled with reminders both large and small of the woman he loves.

As it is, he carries with him one of her ribbons, and of course, he wears the charm that she made for him. In that way, he carries her with him even when he is not home or near her. But more than that, he worries that he is not doing the best that he can for Leon and Mélodie.

But the two of them have never told him they dislike their present situation, even though Mélodie all but clings to him the moment they walk in through the doorway at the end of the evening. And so, for the moment, he takes himself to work and back every day without fail.

That is, until one day, word reaches him that the Scions have returned, and with them, the two Miqo'te sisters that have come to mean so much to all of them, but especially a small family living in Ishgard. If it were possible, he would take Leon and Mélodie and travel to Mor Dhona to be there, but there are still matters to be seen to here, what with the unease and uncertainty brought on by the Final Days. As hard as it sometimes is, Aymeric tells himself that he must practice patience and wait just a little while longer. But included in the report are words such as recovery and rest, which implies that all may not be well with his dearest and her sister.

That the Scions are capable of healing and caring for Eorzea's champions is not something Aymeric has ever doubted, and so for now, he decides he must wait for further news that they are on their way home. Naturally, he passes along his well wishes and his hopes that they will see each other again before too long.

The days continue on, and Aymeric continues his work as normal, because he cannot be sure when the long-awaited homecoming will occur. As always, he does his best to present a strong and brave face for his youngsters, but they are perceptive enough to know that their father is waiting and longing for their mother to return home, because they too are also waiting for that day.

As fortune would have it, Aymeric is none the wiser that any surprises are being plotted, and even when the two children come to collect him as they always do, he remains unaware. It is not until they reach the manor and the children quickly disappear from view that he begins to wonder if something is afoot. He takes several more steps in, and that is when he catches his first sight of Alkaid in her new dress and holding the lilies that were meant to be a gift for her upon her return.

He freezes in place, but his eyes carefully survey her looking for any signs that she is hurt or unwell after her long journey home. How she is holding herself seems to suggest that all is not well, but for the moment, he can only guess at what hurts she might have sustained while she was gone.

Willing his voice to remain steady and not shake when he finally speaks, he merely says, with the warmest smile he can manage crossing his face: ]
Welcome home, Lantaa.

[ There is much and more that he would say, but it seems of utmost importance that he welcomes her back to her home and with those two simple words, express how glad he is that she is home. He does not bother concealing the happiness he feels that she is here, nor the worry he has for her health and well-being.

Finally, still retaining the knowledge that she may be hurt and physical contact will further cause discomfort, he simply holds out his hands to her, as if inviting her to either take them or slip into his embrace, whichever she feels capable of doing. ]
shepherdtostars: ѕнєρнєя∂тσѕтαяѕ〘 ∂иѕ. 〙 (shadow 🌸 33.)

[personal profile] shepherdtostars 2022-08-25 06:15 am (UTC)(link)
[ She had expected him to be in a similar state as when she had returned from the First. The fact that he stands there with a smile makes her heart burst. Her gaze falls to his outstretched hands. The tears that have swelled in her eyes threaten to fall as her lower lip trembles.

Home.

Alkaid moves forward to join him, hand leaving the bouquet to reach for his. Her fingers curl around his with a slight tremor from both pain and pure emotions. She bites her lip before tilting her head down and pressing her face into his familiar armor. It takes some work, and a bit of strain, but she manages to wrap her other arm around his back. All of her weight for a brief moment falls against him. Her ears tilt down slightly as she shakes her head side to side. ]


I'm supposed to be the one to welcome my knight home.

[ She closes her eyes and no doubt he can feel the bandages around her body once he embraces her. She intends to tell him all that transpired in Ultima Thule. However, she feels most of the tale is not something to speak of in front of the children. Not that they are too young, but, she imagines it could be far too distressing given their experiences at the moment. A wave of exhaustion hits her as she realizes she could very well fall asleep against him in this moment.

One ear lifts as she hears Leon and Mélodie shuffling from around the corner. A moment later, Alkaid tilts her head back enough so that her eyes can meet his. She supposes now is the time to move to another room and show him the others that have come home with her. Although she would far prefer to lean against him in his arms for a time. ]
thewayforpeace: (💠83)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-08-25 07:01 am (UTC)(link)
[ Leon and Mélodie together gave him a reason to keep moving forward, to keep despair from overtaking him. And, in part, although he has always had faith, he knew that she would make her way home when she was able. He never stopped believing in that or believing in her.

Even looking at her now and taking in her appearance, he feels a wave of emotion sweep over him, and while tears might not spill over from his own eyes, the warmth behind them is enough of a sign that they are as present as the ones welling in hers.

But no sooner does she step forward to join him, hands reaching for his and her face pressing into his armor, than he encircles his arms around her, intending to support her and offer all the love and comfort that he can. When she leans further against him, wrapping her arm around his back, his smile grows softer yet wider all at once. ]


After all you have been through and with how far you have come, I am convinced that it falls to me to be here to welcome you home. It is not a burden, nor a duty I take on reluctantly but wholeheartedly. [ And with what he has guessed about her health, he feels even more that it is his responsibility as her would-be husband and partner to support her and greet her with open arms every time. ] And more than that, I intend to see you rested and cared for to the very best of my ability. [ Which, he knows, pales in comparison to her own, as he is far from healer material. But that will not stop him from doing what he can for her, and he is certain the children and the household staff all have similar feelings. ]

I do not intend to keep you standing for long. [ He can indeed feel the bandages beneath her clothes, and he feels a strong wave of worry and concern rise as he holds her. ] You have earned you rest, and I mean to see that you have it in full.

[ For now, however, he knows that the children must wish to spend time with their mother, and he will not stand in the way of that. He will insist that Alkaid rest before too long, but it would be doing them a disservice if he prevented them from spending time together. With one hand, he reaches for her ear to give it a light stroke even as he turns slightly in the direction the sound came from. ]

I believe that there are others who wish to greet you and embrace you as well. [ They have waited every bit as long as he has, after all. But even as he waits for Leon and Mélodie to make their appearance, he does not loosen his hold upon her. ]
shepherdtostars: ѕнєρнєя∂тσѕтαяѕ〘 ∂иѕ. 〙 (shadow 🌸 37.)

[personal profile] shepherdtostars 2022-08-25 09:19 am (UTC)(link)
Then, I suppose I will need to stay right here in order to welcome you every night [ Her voice is soft and filled with exhaustion, but the tone warm.

Her eyes remained close even as he embraces her and she leans entirely into him. A deep feeling of content settles into her whole being. Finally, she can be at ease and have a life with him. Such a deep feeling of fulfillment and satisfaction that comes from her soul. So much so that she closes her eyes and presses her face further into his chest. A gentle shake overcomes her, and despite her best efforts, a small but happy sound escapes her. Has he received the news of the Scions disbanding, or does he simply believe she will be whisked away once she has recovered? Will she, or one of his extended family now, be able to give him the news themselves this time? ]


Thank you for the flowers, Aymeric. [ The use of his name, as opposed to one of her other names for him, seems far more appropriate for the moment. ] I love them.

[ Alkaid tilts her head into his hand and rubs her cheek into his chest. There is a part of her that wants nothing more than to curl into his arms and fall asleep where she is. As soon as he turns and speaks, she knows that cannot be until later in the evening. The children come first and foremost, even above her own wounds in her mind. Alkaid squares her shoulders and stands up proper once more, turning in Aymeric's arms as she hears Mélodie's footsteps come closer. ]

Momma! [ The young Elezen once again attaches to Alkaid's waist. Alkaid herself shuts her eyes for a moment to try and hide the small burst of pain, even if her tail sticks out for a brief second. ] Now that Papa is home we can have dinner, yes? I think it's ready!

Of course, I imagine you're all very hungry. [ Alkaid casts a glance to Leon who merely shrugs at the notion. A hand raises to gently brush the bangs from Mélodie's face. ] Go with your brother to collect dinner. It may take me a moment to get there.

[ Mélodie glances between Aymeric and Alkaid before slowly letting go. A moment passes before she runs off around the corner and drags Leon along. Alkaid glances up at Aymeric and give a timid smile before starting to make her way down the hall. Her hand still holds onto his, the other still holding the flowers they had given her. Her footsteps are careful and light, attempting to be as careful with her injuries as possible.

She has no doubt that G'raha and K'thisru will appear with the children to help with dinner as well. While her sister may not have a flare for showing off? She knows G'raha still has a bit of theatrics in him. ]
Edited (fixed some grammar ect) 2022-08-25 17:50 (UTC)
thewayforpeace: (💠35)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-08-27 05:06 am (UTC)(link)
While I would not turn down such a notion, I should be the one welcoming you. All that you need to do is pursue that which pleases you, after so long of being told where you must go and when. I intend to care for you to the best of my ability, and I know that the children feel the same way.

[ Well, Mélodie intends to latch onto Alkaid as much as possible, and Leon seems inclined to keep a protective watch over all of them from afar. But Aymeric knows that both of the young Elezen feel much the same way as he does. ]

I suppose it is not entirely giving away the surprise, but I intend to bring you flowers as often as I am able. If they bring a smile to your face, that is reason enough for me.

[ And, truth be told, he would be quite content carrying her to their bedroom, ensuring that she is comfortable, and then spend whatever hours remain before sleep takes them both holding her. But the children have watched and waited for their mother as well, and so the last thing he intends is to stand in the way of their reunion.

No sooner does that thought enter his mind than he hears the oncoming rush of small footsteps, and quickly enough, Mélodie is all but glued to her mother's waist. Aymeric's smile remains in place, but his ever-watchful eyes note the way Alkaid's tail sticks out and the way she closes her eyes for a moment.

But rather than draw attention to it right now, he merely nods along with Alkaid's words and also somewhat playfully (for him, at least) shoos the two youngsters on their way.

And when Alkaid begins making her way down the hall to join them, he is quick to follow, hand squeezing hers in return while his other arm circles around her to offer his support. He would offer to carry her there, but such a thing might cause the children to fret. Still, he cannot stop himself from doing his own fretting and worrying, but he tries to keep that from showing on his face. ]


Would the sitting room be more comfortable than the dining room? [ He imagines so, given her still-injured state. Naturally, he would insist upon what is the more comfortable option, but he decides he should at least let her choose. He might still gently emphasize his opinion, however.

As for G'raha and K'thisru, whatever help they decide to offer is more than welcome in Aymeric's mind. But they are also guests, and he does not intend to be an ungracious host. ]

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crystallinedreams: 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 || 𝘥𝘯𝘴. (crystal 💎 39.)

{ recovery.

[personal profile] crystallinedreams 2022-10-02 06:59 am (UTC)(link)
[ G'raha truly wonders if he shall ever be accustomed to being considered apart of the family that belongs to the sisters. He had eventually settled into the Scions as a fellow member of the cause. There had even been a sense of belonging that settled on him as he traveled along side K'thisru. Of course, there would be times where she and her sister would separate from him, bringing an all familiar feeling of staying behind in the Crystal Tower and watching his heroes leave. It merely is compounded by the fact that one of the Warriors of Light is no longer just a hero to him.

He mulls the thoughts over as he watches Ser Aymeric quite literally pick Alkaid up into his arms and take her from the sitting room. He cannot help but wonder if the elder sister took the more damage, or if the younger merely hides it far better. The query is one he seeks to find the answers to when he speaks to K'thisru as they ready for bed. The head maid and steward insist that they have things handled and usher him to take K'thisru to rest, which he most certainly does at their urging.

G'raha walks diligently beside her, silent, watching as she walks. He is the one that tends to the door and opening it for her. He guides her to sit on the bed before tending to her shoes and then moving to remove his own and his gloves. ]


How fairs your pain, Thisru? [ He quietly surveys her once more to deduce his own answers. She is certain to rebuff his worries as she usually might. While he is generally one to avoid pushing against her, he intends to this time. ] I can tend to you before we retire to the night, should you so need it. I am not as skilled as your sister, of course, but I can at least lessen the pain.
elpides: (15)

[personal profile] elpides 2022-10-02 08:38 am (UTC)(link)
[ All that K'thisru really wants is to go on adventures and journeys together with G'raha, and when they have had their fill of wandering, to find a nice place to settle down and simply enjoy each other's company. Oh, there will probably still be adventures, and she and her sister might still be needed from time to time. But at some point since meeting G'raha on the First and after everything that has happened since then, she realized that they have not really had time to get to know each other, and that is what she wishes for most.

Well, that, and a little less of him going places that she can't follow. She understands that sacrifices are sometimes needed, but in her mind, he has already made more than enough sacrifices and put his own wants and desires aside. And that, more than anything else, is why she believes he needs someone to counter that inclination to throw himself into harm's way, even though she herself is far too reckless at times.

But at the moment, neither of them are throwing themselves at anything, whether harm or danger or any other threat. Her only problem as she sees it is keeping G'raha from worrying or fretting too much.

Even so, walking is more difficult than she wants to admit, and when he guides her to sit down, she does so without too much complaint. But once she is sitting down, he does not waste any time before he begins asking questions. She is quick to smile what she hopes is a reassuring one, and she shakes her head. ]


I'll be all right... [ She tilts her head sideways as if considering him for a moment, and then she adds: ] Thank you, Raha. [ It was out of habit that she called him by his full name, but it seems that it is time to begin relaxing that. ] You must be tired too.
crystallinedreams: 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 || 𝘥𝘯𝘴. (crystal 💎 46.)

[personal profile] crystallinedreams 2022-10-02 09:43 am (UTC)(link)
I have no doubt that you will be alright. After all, Tataru nor Krile would have let either of you leave Mor Dhona. My concern is not if you will be unwell, but if you are in pain and attempting to shoulder it on your own... despite my offerings in Sharlayan.

[ His gaze softens with a small tilt of his head. It had been on one of the nights that K'thisru had insisted on spending time with her sister separate from the rest of them. He never begrudged her choice, but urged that if she had burdens that he wished she might share them with him. He is aware that Alkaid may never open her heart to him in that manner, and he would never dream of taking that place from Ser Aymeric. In fact, he is not certain any one ever could. ]

I find the notion that we might find reprieve appealing. If... it would please you, of course. There are many ways to tend to an ache other than expending ones aether.

[ He also wishes to discuss a great many of things. There has been a fair amount of time that has passed since that day atop the Crystal Tower. He had never wished to press her to speak of what happened in the battle with Elidibus in the hopes she might open up on her own. That day never came, and now with the events that had transpired in Ultima Thule, G'raha feels they must speak of it.

For while he had her permission the second time, he had turned himself into crystal twice now as a consequence of circumstances.

G'raha stands in front of her barefoot, tail still and ears in a rather passive manner. He stands more as he did the elusive figure of the Crystarium than the boyish adventurer she surely loves more. ]


If we are to truly act as a couple, Thisru, then I would ask to help share your burdens. While your sister and you accomplish a great many things on your own? Even she allows Ser Aymeric to carry her to their room.
Edited 2022-10-02 09:53 (UTC)
elpides: (2)

[personal profile] elpides 2022-10-02 06:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Perhaps it is because she is far more tired than she has shown, but as G'raha continues speaking, her ears lower until they are nearly pressed against her head. Truthfully, she knew that they would have to have this conversation one day, but it is not one that she was looking forward to having, for the simple reason (or perhaps not so simple) that she still believes G'raha to be far greater and wiser than her, and the proof of that seems to be staring her in the face. ]

Any time that we get to spend together pleases me. [ Her statement does not address everything that he has said, but she means to address all of it. ]

I- [ She hesitates, her words catching themselves in her throat, although she is quick to press on, even if she has to force them to come. ] I would let you help, and I want to let you in, but...

[ Her reasoning seems so faulty even as she attempts to put it into speech, but nevertheless, she knows he needs to know. ]

When you were the Exarch leading an entire city filled with people, you shouldered your own problems on your own for the most part. Of course, you brought us there to help, but it was not until much later that you began letting us in. [ And by then, his plans and ultimate goal were already in motion, which at the time felt like another way that he kept them at arm's length while he soldiered on by himself. ]

You are very important to me, and I- I care about you very much. But...

[ She folds her hands together and twists her fingers once or twice in a gesture that unconsciously mirrors her sister's. ]

I want to be strong and capable like you were- like you are. [ And admitting to being anything less than the Warrior of Light that people all across Eorzea look up to feels like nothing short of a failure. ]
crystallinedreams: 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘴 || 𝘥𝘯𝘴. (lucent 💎 13.)

[personal profile] crystallinedreams 2022-10-02 08:07 pm (UTC)(link)
[ There was a time when he believed the Warriors of Light to be the wisest. Of course, he still finds them to be wise and true heroes above himself. He merely keeps his own wisdom and thoughts to himself. There are times in which he might feel it is appropriate to once more be the Crystal Exarch, and perhaps there are times when he ought to act on ot but never does. Their star needs their Warriors of Light, not an olden wizard who traveled against time and space to do the impossible.

His arms fold as he listens to her speak. Ah, so it is the fact that he remains the Crystal Exarch in a fashion. His gaze softens before he tilts his head down in a gentle sigh. He does not understand why she places him on such a high pedestal. She was the one who ended the Final Days. He was merely a foot stone to get her to that path.

G'raha takes a seat beside her and glances at the hands she twists. He's noticed the shared habit the sisters have, and more than once has he wondered if the two share more than a lineage and an ancient seat of Amaurot. However, that is an idle musing not meant to be shared. ]


It was required that I shoulder so much of it on my own. Had I opened the door to the secret sooner, or with anyone else, it opened far too many risks. I'm not entirely certain it would be called strength as you are defining it, Thisru. Perhaps something more akin to faith and stubbornness.

[ He turns his head to look at her with a small bashful smile. ] After all, you wear never meant to know my identity. I... there were several times I had almost told you who I was. You and your sister went through so many hardships on my bidding and for the First. A part of me thought that the least I could do was share who I was. And yet, I also knew that if I had? You would have never let me follow through on it. After all, you were hardly pleased with the idea of me sealing myself away in the tower.

[ G'raha smiles and looks to the ceiling. He wishes to reach out to her and hold her hand, but she seems to have placed herself far away in a sense. ]

And, if I recall properly, my plans changed because you insisted upon another way of changing the course of time. I may possess fortitude and patience, but you possess the will to alter not only fate, but the fate of those around you. Truly, it is not a surprise that Hydaelyn chose you and your sister. [ He glances down, then finally turns to look at her. ] Strength does not mean you achieve wonders merely on your own, Thisru. I was taught and then reminded of that fact by a pair of sisters.

[ His hand turns so the palm faces upright for her to take, but he does not move further than that. ]

Thisru... I enjoy being at your side and as your traveling companion. In fact, it has brightened my days considerably. [ He had only dreamed of times like this on the First, and in some ways, he finds it all very surreal. ] However, I find myself... while I care for you, it is far deeper than caring. An element, certainly, but I have always felt more than merely a friendly sense of care and duty. If, we were to say, and there by no means must you say "yes", be bound as a couple? I ask once again that you lay your burdens down and allow me to help carry them. As your partner might.

[ He smiles shyly again. ] Otherwise, I suppose I am merely a traveling companion whose company you enjoy. Which, if such is my role and place? I will gladly stand and fulfill to my utmost.

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