dpscheck | shadowbringers

shadowbringers

beneath the stars

It's been a week since our newest expansion officially launched! And, I know, I know... some of you already have a lot of feelings that you need to air out. But canon updating in your games is a struggle! And so is finding PSL partners! Luckily, that's what we're here for.

This is a post for you to play out all the Shadowbringers-related content you might be dying to write. Behind-the-scenes nonsense? Between-the-scenes angst? It's all welcome here!

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Oh- I'm not saying it's bad. Just different. And… you're still you, after all.

[Would he have grown into this- or something like it given that circumstances were the way they were- if he hadn't shut himself away in the Tower? There's no way to know, now, and she focuses on now, on G'raha. She gives a pleased smile when he relaxes- fingers massaging a little more, before she starts stroking down the rest of his hair, combing a little.

It's… more than she asked, really, but- she doesn't want to stop. Not when it seems like this- like it's been far longer than it should since he's last been touched, particularly like this. She knows what responsibilities are- what it means, to need to put on a bold face, to reassure everyone else that all will be well. And- there's a desire that's grown in her, quiet but there since she saw his face again- a wish that he could let himself be vulnerable in front of her. Even if… even if it can't last forever.

…perhaps it's foolish. But- she'd sooner have this than not. She slows a little, looking him over- committing all she can to memory.]

…how do you feel?

I could never be anything but who I am, as I imagine many in this world might say. [Oh, he had met people in his time who could switch personalities and roles as easily as one might change an undershirt. If they were really to discuss it, they all were like that, shifting from warrior to mender to friend to support all in the blink of an eye, but those fingers drifting down through his hair turned his thoughts to other places, and the flush across his cheeks deepened further.]

[The interesting push-pull in him that both wanted the touch to continue and wanted to ask her to stop intensified in those moments. They had agreed upon inspection of his ears; the hair had gone without request, and though, unarguably, it felt nice, soothing, he could not help a faint tension across his shoulders at the unexpected. His ears twitched, uncertain, but he allowed the contact to continue.]

No worse for the wear, though I do appreciate your concern as always, my friend.

All for the better. And- well, I think we all like you as yourself. [They all have different sides to them- some more extreme than others. Right now, though… they can relax, right, can't they?

She smiles a little at that, though when she feels that stiffness, she slows, fingers going no further- watching his ears. Disapproval? No- not exactly, but…. She frowns, worrying her lip before she offers:] Is it too much? [As much as she wants to keep touching him- she doesn't want him to be uncomfortable, either.]

I'm glad to hear that. I… after all, you matter to me. Of course I'll worry after you. [Which is probably as close as she'll come to saying what this means- that a part of her will always be thinking of the First, even when all the others return.]

It is... different. [His voice had quieted in his reply, briefly, some part of him self conscious of his uncertainty and what he should do next. Was this gesture expected? Should he do something in return? He had been long away from the Source and its people. Though he could sometimes gaze into its doings, those visions did not come as frequently as he might have liked in his desperation to ensure that the First survived and everything possible went right in order for it to do so, and only as much as he needed to see the bigger picture as it played out.]

[He did not look into private lives, or into conversations deeper than he needed. It was a bit of a power play, an unfair advantage, and he knew not how or why the Allagans who had devised such a technology needed it, but he used it as respectfully as he could. He already pressed upon the borders of morality in using it at all, but he would count his sins against himself once the First had recovered and was whole again and the Source and his friends within it were safe.]

I am not used to such things anymore, you see. The grander the mantle, the greater the rift, as it were. [He offered a smile, apologetic, ears twitching.] You understand, I believe.

[Always, since he first set foot on this world, his efforts had bent toward its preservation, for what of it and who within it he could. Now and, he thought, forever, he might still belong to the First as the Crystarium's watchful guardian, and he could live with that so long as friends and comrades were safe. If this is where he must be to ensure his home world survived, then so be it.]

[He would miss it dearly, and had since his departure, but it would live on in his memories, and he counted himself more than fortunate that he should be able to hear word of it from time to time, from the Warrior of Darkness, when she had a moment to spare.]

As we all will for you. Your friends here will always welcome you. Pray, keep that in mind as you go wherever it is that you are needed. You have a place in the Crystarium, at least, whenever you want it.

[If he wished to lift his hands to return the gesture, she'd lean into it- but she imagines it might not be the first thing he things of. It's well enough that he's here, with her.

Shen nods when he speaks again, with a wry smile.] I do. People… grow to be in awe of you, rather than… seeing the person that you are. But… I think there are people who'd be willing to cross that divide. [She wonders, really- if Lyna wants to. They're family of a sort, aren't they?] I've been very glad for those who are. I… well, I hope you can find people like that, too- I hope you count me among them.

[She blinks in surprise for a moment- and then beams.]. Thank you- I will! Hm- I daresay you might be troubled to prise me from it, on occasion.

[As wonderful as all of the investigation into his ears, whether or not they were actually healthy, felt, he could not bring himself to dare to reach out to offer the same. It was a presumption he could not bring from himself, a wondering that if he should offer the same, it would be a bit too far, a little too much asked of a friend of long ago who had become something wholly different than he remembered and knew of only through legends surviving the horrors of the unimaginable.]

[But she knew well what that was like. People knew the myth more than the person, and the tales grew as much as they were passed from person to person. It was only to his shame that he was one of those who knew more fiction than fact, though he was one of the only ones who had ever actually met the Warrior in person.]

By now, I should hope for nothing less, my friend. We have passed the realm of mere acquaintanceship and even friendship some time ago, though not too far into the past. Having fought together must count toward something, yes?

[He tried to turn it into something teasing and fell just short, though whether or not it was on purpose, even he doesn't know.]

We would not prise from you that which you have well and truly earned. Anything we can do to help is what you will find. Besides, you have quite a grip, I see. Perhaps such an effort to remove anything from your grasp would be futile.

[Really, it's not as though it would be the most he's asked of her here…. But there is time- well, if she's been allowed space she certainly plans to visit. Time enough to grow to know each other again- and reach out.]

I will most certainly say so! I- well, I was glad that you were there by my side, up in Kholusia. It was different, but… it felt good. And- if we can arrange it- [She smiles a little, gentle- reaching to squeeze his hand again.]. I'd like to go somewhere with you again.

Ahah. [She chuckles, a little flustered.]. Well- I wouldn't like to presume overmuch, but… I am glad to hear that. Those things I hold dear to me… I want to protect them. And… that includes the people here. [Including him- of course. Given that there had been other times, when she hadn't been able to protect those dearest to her…. She wants to do as much as she can.]

[The touch to his hand brings a faint spattering of flush across his cheeks. That day in Kholusia he remembered very well, and would for the rest of his life. It was the one moment he wanted for himself in all of the urgency of their circumstances, the one guilty pleasure he had allowed himself, a chance to lay bare what he wished, to give in to the honesty his heart longed for.]

[To have it brought back to him now, to have his dearest wish acknowledged for what it was in that moment, humbles him beyond measure, second only to hearing his name.]

If that is what you wish, I would only be too happy to indulge you, in your journey and in your efforts to protect others. What we have here is not perfect, but it has sustained my people for near a century. If you have any suggestion for our fortifications or otherwise, I am open to it, as I am sure Captain Lyna will be. And pray, only let me know when you wish to go, and I will make time.

[She's a little redder herself, offering him a smile. It was something she'd dreamed about, before their trip into the World of Darkness- being able to travel with him, to find an adventure together. After that, though- she'd wanted to help the Ironworks, to see if they could open those doors sooner rather than later. But events had intervened- Ishgard requesting the Scion's help, and then the ill-fated banquet…. And so, there'd been much less time than she'd have liked to devote to it.

And so that moment on Kholusia had brought that desire back- when she'd suspected strongly the truth that lay under the Exarch's hood, and the words he'd spoken had seemed to fit. A desire for the two of them to go a-wandering, and see the world…

She lets her smile soften.]

I'd be more than delighted to have your assistance! Thank you. [She nods.] It's a wonderful place. Not only for the beauty of the Crystarium, but- the hearts of the people. I wondered what I would find, coming here… and so many of those here have wonderful hearts. I… they asked what they could do, when we were about to make preparations to leave for the Tempest. I… I appreciated that, greatly. [She hums, thoughtful. The sin eaters are… probably largely dispersed, but they'll hardly vanish overnight. Besides which, there are the natural creatures.] Whatever assistance I can offer is yours. Of course! I think we ought to take a little time to recover, first. But I look forward to it.

Edited (I think that feels more fitting?) 2019-09-22 12:53 (UTC)

[He nods, glad no less for her presence and her seemingly ever-present want to help others, though he does privately wish she would take the time to rest when she needs it. He won't harp on her for it - he is very much guilty of the same, but with an unfair advantage in that his body does not need for such things anymore, not really. His mind, however...]

Well then, since we have come to an agreement, and we are both assured that my ears are quite healthy, would you care to accompany me while I check in with the rest of the city? [If she has a want to drag him from the city, he won't deny her that. He has been meaning to wander the lands a little, though his place has kept him within the borders unless absolutely necessary.]

[Parts of her have been trying to get that message to the rest of her- it's still in process, but… she's trying. She appreciates that everyone's done their best to make sure she does go to the inn every so often, even if she still is inclined to wander, to want to do.]

To walk with you? I could think of nothing better. [She gets up with a soft sound, stretching before offering his a smile. For the moment, she's not expecting to wander too far…. Though the Crystarium is a wonder to see at night, and she wonders if he's been able to take the time to do that. That seems a good start to her.] Where shall we go first?

[He can understand the urgency, the need to get out and to help where others need. It's what has driven him for decades, blessedly while he has had the Tower's energies to support him through it. It has been as much a boon as it has a detriment, but it was a price he gladly paid. And now he pays it again, awake and energized for the walk to come.]

To the market first, I think. There has been my starting point for years, though I do tend to change things up now and then. [He offers a conspiratorial wink and lowers his tone, not enough to truly hide his words from curious passersby.] It keeps everyone from thinking me too predictable.

[And now there seems to be a moment where they can enjoy it- which is exactly what she wants, right now.

There are a few people walking past, or watching the sky for fireworks- one or two of whom do glance at the two of them. She chuckles, reaching out to touch the Exarch's shoulder.]

You trickster. Ah, but we wouldn't have you any other way, hm? But that sounds like a plan- we can grab something to nibble on for the rest of the trip. What do you think?

[There's a special kind of attention that he pays to the hand laid upon his shoulder, though outwardly there is little to indicate as much. With the threats settled and behind them, for the time being at least, he is fast learning again what the Warrior is like, and he toes that line gently. It was a friendship he'd missed, if he were truly honest.]

[His pace is slow, just this side of casual and leisurely; her longer stride will keep up with his shorter one easily.]

It seems to have done me well thus far. I would have it no other way if my people are agreeable to it. [His flesh and blood hand gestures toward a side of the round stand in the tavern just ahead.] The food there is quite good, if I do say so myself. Have you had an opportunity to try it in your time here?

[It's meant in part to reassure him- well, both of them, really- that he's there, they're there. And that she can touch him. She'd been frightened, with all of the Light contained inside her- so being able to reach out casually is a huge relief.]

I don't imagine they'd be otherwise. [She perks up, attention turned towards the stand.] I've had a taste of some of their meals! But I'd love to know if you have any recommendations- perhaps we might have some sort of celebratory treat?

[It is rare still that people should even come close enough to be within arm's length of their Exarch, and with so many people about as they wander nearer to the tavern, he has noticed that whispers have already started. When he stepped closer to let her touch his ears, he'd lost the cause - of course there would be rumors, but he was content to let them talk.]

[The breeze through the Crystarium shifted just right, and on it he caught a hint of mild sausage and smoked meats and herb vegetables, what must be the special of the day. He caught her gaze with a wondering look of his own, ears bobbing lightly.]

Over the years, I have sampled most of their menu. The seasons shift it little, but with the days cooling, you might take a liking to their stew. Whatever it is that takes your fancy, consider it on the house. I will take care of the tab. [If the owner even charged them for their meal at all, considering what all had been done in recent days, and by whom. Still, he would not presume, and he certainly had funds enough to carry their food and drink.]

[She hadn't really thought about that, admittedly. But- telling people to stop won't do anything, as far as she can tell. And besides- they are friends, aren't they? She's not afraid to show that.]

It smells delicious. [She smiles back at him brightly, tilting her head in lieu of having ears that perk up.]. I'll take your recommendation, then! Ah… you don't have to do that. [Really… she feels a little spoiled.]. I'll have to buy you something sometime.

[After everything, he is only too glad to be able to call her a friend, and to hear her call him such. For a time, he worried he might not fit the description any longer for his deceit, and he wouldn't blame her. He never could - she was more than entitled to hurt and anger upon learning what he'd done, even after knowing why. But the coins had not fallen in that manner, and here they were.]

[He shook his head and gestured to a seat at a table a little away from the crowd in suggestion.]

Please, think nothing of it. Or if you must, think it a small part of a debt we owe you for giving us all that you have without first consulting you on the matter. Your contributions here have earned you a fine meal and an enjoyable evening, at the very least.

[It's true that deceit has hurt her deeply. A part of her wants to shake him for it- to wonder how he could have assumed she wouldn't remember him, to have thought that hiding himself away could ever be for the best. And yet- he meant to protect her, in a way. She dislikes the path, but… she appreciates that. Perhaps she'll tease him greatly- but she cares about him, and he's alive to be teased. It will work out.]

Well. When you put it that way… [She chuffs a little, smiling.]. I'll accept it gratefully. Might I ask you to order, then?

[If she had taken exception to it with him, he had no protest. Much as he had been once all was said and done and he stood before the Warrior and the Scions, broken and exposed for exactly who and what he was, he had had no excuse. All he had was an apology and his deepest regrets for everything he had had to drag them through, even if it was to save their worlds.]

[If all she has for him in this is her teasing, her friendship, he will count himself more than fortunate. She had, after all, been his inspiration.]

Gladly. They have a lovely herb soup with spiced bread and an ale I might recommend. [And, if she has no protest, he will place the order for them.]

[And in the end- they are alive. That's something she will be thankful for. Where they go from here… well. Hopefully they'll be working together, with their cards clear to each other.]

That sounds splendid. Then- two servings of that?

Edited (@@ finishes that thought…) 2020-02-03 08:03 (UTC)

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sorry for so late!

<3 I didn't mean to get this late so @@