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open post (august 2019)
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valoirs
valoirs[ Cehd'ra wouldn't claim to be that talented but it is true he has a few unexpected skills. Carpentry being perhaps the most surprising considering he's never been one for the bow himself. Confronting his foes face to face (or face to back, rather) is how he prefers things. He can remember fighting alongside G'raha Tia not so long ago and how skilled he was with his chosen weapon. Meeting the Exarch and never once seeing him even look at a bow was just one more thing that left Cehd'ra doubting his senses.
Once he knew the truth it made for an obvious choice when it came to what sort of gift he should give. ]
Say that...ah. [ His hands threaten to wring together and he pushes them down as he draws in a deep breath. When next he speaks it's soft and slow and careful, reciting from a very old memory. ] That it will serve you well. That it will provide for you and see you live for many days to come. And that...you would let me share some of those days. With you.
Once he knew the truth it made for an obvious choice when it came to what sort of gift he should give. ]
Say that...ah. [ His hands threaten to wring together and he pushes them down as he draws in a deep breath. When next he speaks it's soft and slow and careful, reciting from a very old memory. ] That it will serve you well. That it will provide for you and see you live for many days to come. And that...you would let me share some of those days. With you.
[For a long moment, the Exarch is completely silent, the words stolen from his mouth by what also seems to have stolen the breath from his chest. Fingers squeeze tightly around his heart, and as warmth rises to his cheeks, so too does the prickling of tears behind his eyes. Is he hearing what he thinks he's hearing? Surely this isn't... That can't be what Cehd'ra means by such a gift, and if it isn't, the prospect of simply adventuring at the man's side once more still has his chest feeling tight. As unlikely and improbable as it is that he can adventure across any distant part of Norvrandt, let alone back in the Source, he still finds himself yearning for it as he had spoken of before Cehd'ra's ascent to Mt. Gulg.
There's wetness on his cheek before he even realizes it, and he shakes his head, lifting a hand from the bow to wipe it away.]
M-my apologies, I... don't know what's come over me.
[It's over a century's worth of repressed emotions, you daft old fool, he tells himself.]
Oh, how happy that would make me, Cehd'ra... But truly, you aren't angry with me? You've every right to be, and I wouldn't blame you if you were. I've deceived you, kept secrets from you, and you would still...?
There's wetness on his cheek before he even realizes it, and he shakes his head, lifting a hand from the bow to wipe it away.]
M-my apologies, I... don't know what's come over me.
[It's over a century's worth of repressed emotions, you daft old fool, he tells himself.]
Oh, how happy that would make me, Cehd'ra... But truly, you aren't angry with me? You've every right to be, and I wouldn't blame you if you were. I've deceived you, kept secrets from you, and you would still...?
[ Late in the afternoon a crowd had gathered by the aetheryte plaza. It was a curious thing - crowds occurred more often now that the Scions and the Warriors of Darkness, but they were still sparse and coordinated. Today's was uncoordinated, but the light cheering and murmurs of the crowd were plainly audible.
With five Warriors of Darkness, just like the First's five Warriors of Light, they came and went as they could. The 'fearless leader' of the band had been gone for quite some time, with no known return date. At least, until now. Lyna and Allumette both danced near the square, a mock battle with their chakrams, mirroring and challenging each other.
Dressed in a knee-length skirt and her usual satin shirt, hair pulled up and out of the way, Allu couldn't have looked more different from the so-called Warrior of Darkness she'd been only a little while ago. Yet there were pale scars all over her chest and ribcage, like tiny fractures in glass, visible thanks to the halter's design. When the two Viera were out of breath, they curtsied to each other, hooking their chakrams to the sides and then turning to the crowd to bring them into their dance.
And that is how Allu ends up outstretching her hand to the Exarch, breathing hard but with a bright light in her eyes that she certainly hadn't had when she left with burdens upon burdens. ]
You're out and about! Good on you.
With five Warriors of Darkness, just like the First's five Warriors of Light, they came and went as they could. The 'fearless leader' of the band had been gone for quite some time, with no known return date. At least, until now. Lyna and Allumette both danced near the square, a mock battle with their chakrams, mirroring and challenging each other.
Dressed in a knee-length skirt and her usual satin shirt, hair pulled up and out of the way, Allu couldn't have looked more different from the so-called Warrior of Darkness she'd been only a little while ago. Yet there were pale scars all over her chest and ribcage, like tiny fractures in glass, visible thanks to the halter's design. When the two Viera were out of breath, they curtsied to each other, hooking their chakrams to the sides and then turning to the crowd to bring them into their dance.
And that is how Allu ends up outstretching her hand to the Exarch, breathing hard but with a bright light in her eyes that she certainly hadn't had when she left with burdens upon burdens. ]
You're out and about! Good on you.
[Such a crowd is difficult to miss, even for someone sequestered up in the high reaches of the Crystal Tower. Though Lyna and Chessamile had bade the Exarch to get some rest, he's determined that surely setting foot barely a few yalms outside the Dossal Gate won't be too much of a problem, though the stairs leading down from it are numerous indeed. He considers it even less of a problem once he's able to set his eyes on exactly what's going on, and one half of the pair that had been so adamant in his relaxation is currently preoccupied with dancing.
Dancing with the Warrior of Light and Darkness herself, no less. He'd been wondering when Allumette would make her grand return, and here she is before him, a veritable whirling dervish of blades and fabric. After all they've been through, it is a heartening sight indeed - even if the scars along her torso do not escape his keen sight. He may be an old man, but his senses have not waned with age.
As the dance seems to come to an end, though, he finds himself face to face with glittering eyes and an outstretched hand, and for a brief moment the Exarch himself looks a bit cowed in her presence.]
It is thanks in part to your prior dancing partner that I feel as well as I do, though I fear she may still chide me about straining myself.
[He laughs, soft and melodic.]
Though I'm afraid that even were I not barred from strenuous activity, I wouldn't be the best of dance partners. But I will gladly watch your dance again, Allumette.
Dancing with the Warrior of Light and Darkness herself, no less. He'd been wondering when Allumette would make her grand return, and here she is before him, a veritable whirling dervish of blades and fabric. After all they've been through, it is a heartening sight indeed - even if the scars along her torso do not escape his keen sight. He may be an old man, but his senses have not waned with age.
As the dance seems to come to an end, though, he finds himself face to face with glittering eyes and an outstretched hand, and for a brief moment the Exarch himself looks a bit cowed in her presence.]
It is thanks in part to your prior dancing partner that I feel as well as I do, though I fear she may still chide me about straining myself.
[He laughs, soft and melodic.]
Though I'm afraid that even were I not barred from strenuous activity, I wouldn't be the best of dance partners. But I will gladly watch your dance again, Allumette.
[ The vast majority of men visiting his clan did not bother with the fancy words. They still brought a gift, sure, often it was food and they tended to be on their way again before the next sunset. But those who stayed longer, who brought clothing or tools or weapons, they'd present their gift to the women and say the words and were welcome to stay for much longer. Some of them would even be invited to return and those are the ones Cehd'ra remembers most.
Of course, the recipient of the gift was never moved to the point of tears. The last time he saw G'raha in such a state he'd been gripped by an urge to try and comfort him. He'd resisted then, he's not sure why, but he's sure not to make that mistake again. ]
Pray, G'raha, don't cry... [ One more step brings him close enough but the Exarch's already seeing to his tears. He puts his hands on the man's arms instead, close and nervous and so deeply hopeful. He listens, ears twisting in confusion at the question until he understands and smiles, warm and reassuring. ] ...I would.
You did those things, aye, and part of me wishes you hadn't...full glad am I that the truth came out in the end. Yet in your heart I know you did all of it to try and protect me. How can I hold that against you?
Of course, the recipient of the gift was never moved to the point of tears. The last time he saw G'raha in such a state he'd been gripped by an urge to try and comfort him. He'd resisted then, he's not sure why, but he's sure not to make that mistake again. ]
Pray, G'raha, don't cry... [ One more step brings him close enough but the Exarch's already seeing to his tears. He puts his hands on the man's arms instead, close and nervous and so deeply hopeful. He listens, ears twisting in confusion at the question until he understands and smiles, warm and reassuring. ] ...I would.
You did those things, aye, and part of me wishes you hadn't...full glad am I that the truth came out in the end. Yet in your heart I know you did all of it to try and protect me. How can I hold that against you?
[ She lets out a silent huff through her nose, cocking her head to the side at him. ]
Well, I wouldn't want you to strain yourself, but surely a little dance wouldn't be too bad...? It's not as if I was any good before, you would know that.
[ Back then, she was really no good at dancing, all clumsy tiny Lalafell feet to his songs. She'd quickly excused herself back then so she wouldn't have to try again, but learning how to use dance in battle made her much more adept at it. ]
I'll ask you to not repeat that to the masses, though.
Well, I wouldn't want you to strain yourself, but surely a little dance wouldn't be too bad...? It's not as if I was any good before, you would know that.
[ Back then, she was really no good at dancing, all clumsy tiny Lalafell feet to his songs. She'd quickly excused herself back then so she wouldn't have to try again, but learning how to use dance in battle made her much more adept at it. ]
I'll ask you to not repeat that to the masses, though.
Oh, but how I wished that I didn't have to plan the way that I did. But for your sake, and for this world and yours, I felt it was the best way.
[Cehd'ra had already suffered so much and lost so many - those losses had been easy enough to come by in the accounts he'd found before coming to the First. If playing the part of a mysterious stranger suddenly turning into the enemy had even halved the loss Cehd'ra would have felt upon his retreat with the Light to the rift, it would have been a success. Cehd'ra doesn't deserve to feel the pain of loss again.
And yet, in doing so, he would have deprived Cehd'ra of this opportunity. He grips the bow tightly, head dipping low as his ears pin themselves back against his head.]
It is a truly lovely gift that you've given me, both this bow and your forgiveness. I will treasure them both.
[Cehd'ra had already suffered so much and lost so many - those losses had been easy enough to come by in the accounts he'd found before coming to the First. If playing the part of a mysterious stranger suddenly turning into the enemy had even halved the loss Cehd'ra would have felt upon his retreat with the Light to the rift, it would have been a success. Cehd'ra doesn't deserve to feel the pain of loss again.
And yet, in doing so, he would have deprived Cehd'ra of this opportunity. He grips the bow tightly, head dipping low as his ears pin themselves back against his head.]
It is a truly lovely gift that you've given me, both this bow and your forgiveness. I will treasure them both.
Your secrets are safe with me, as they always has been.
[He remembers fondly the memory of the attempts to dance. Back then, he'd have been much more suited for such a thing. Dancing, laughing, singing... All of the adventures feel so distant to him, now, but still just as vivid, and particularly so when in the company of a dear friend from ages past.
In response to her offer, however, he simply shakes his head with a smile.]
My legs have long forgotten how to dance as freely as you are able, so I doubt that I would be any good for entertaining. But perhaps I might accompany your dance with a song instead? It has been an age, but one never truly forgets, and I've been feeling particularly inspired as of late.
[He remembers fondly the memory of the attempts to dance. Back then, he'd have been much more suited for such a thing. Dancing, laughing, singing... All of the adventures feel so distant to him, now, but still just as vivid, and particularly so when in the company of a dear friend from ages past.
In response to her offer, however, he simply shakes his head with a smile.]
My legs have long forgotten how to dance as freely as you are able, so I doubt that I would be any good for entertaining. But perhaps I might accompany your dance with a song instead? It has been an age, but one never truly forgets, and I've been feeling particularly inspired as of late.
A song?
[ Her ears twitch, face brightening again after his refusal made her light dim just a bit. She's keen to move to her bag, searching through - before she does produce a lute. It's smaller and clearly meant for someone on the move (maybe she picked up bard, too?) but it still works the same as anything. ]
Would this work for you? It's a beginner's lute so it surely isn't as good as anything else, but it's all I have on hand from my practicing...
Though really, shouldn't you have something made for yourself? [ One of her ears swivels to the side, too. ] You've said your inspira...
[ ... wait. 404 Error.
Looks like someone finally made the connection between G'raha's talk of inspiration and him calling her 'my inspiration' weeks ago, by the way her face is quickly heating up. ]
[ Her ears twitch, face brightening again after his refusal made her light dim just a bit. She's keen to move to her bag, searching through - before she does produce a lute. It's smaller and clearly meant for someone on the move (maybe she picked up bard, too?) but it still works the same as anything. ]
Would this work for you? It's a beginner's lute so it surely isn't as good as anything else, but it's all I have on hand from my practicing...
Though really, shouldn't you have something made for yourself? [ One of her ears swivels to the side, too. ] You've said your inspira...
[ ... wait. 404 Error.
Looks like someone finally made the connection between G'raha's talk of inspiration and him calling her 'my inspiration' weeks ago, by the way her face is quickly heating up. ]
At the time perhaps it was...though it's little surprise, I imagine, that I prefer the outcome we've found.
[ He's lost much, it's true, and losing G'raha again would have cut deep. But Cehd'ra also knows that such grief can and does fade with time. Having a friend, someone he trusted, suddenly betray him on the other hand...those wounds can fester so terribly easily. Something else Cehd'ra knows from experience. Not every chapter of his story survived to be retold. All the more reason to be grateful that the Exarch's original plan fell through even with the harrowing experience that followed.
But there's no reason to further berate the point. Maybe some day down the line Cehd'ra will explain his feelings fully, but not today. Not while everything is still so fresh.
Cehd'ra's hands squeeze the Exarch's arms as the other wilts before him, eyes searching him for something, anything that will ease the man's guilt. He draws in a soft breath and some more courage to go along with it before he tilts his head to press his brow against the other miqo'te's. He closes his eyes and asks him quietly: ]
Does that mean, then, that your answer is yes...?
[ He's lost much, it's true, and losing G'raha again would have cut deep. But Cehd'ra also knows that such grief can and does fade with time. Having a friend, someone he trusted, suddenly betray him on the other hand...those wounds can fester so terribly easily. Something else Cehd'ra knows from experience. Not every chapter of his story survived to be retold. All the more reason to be grateful that the Exarch's original plan fell through even with the harrowing experience that followed.
But there's no reason to further berate the point. Maybe some day down the line Cehd'ra will explain his feelings fully, but not today. Not while everything is still so fresh.
Cehd'ra's hands squeeze the Exarch's arms as the other wilts before him, eyes searching him for something, anything that will ease the man's guilt. He draws in a soft breath and some more courage to go along with it before he tilts his head to press his brow against the other miqo'te's. He closes his eyes and asks him quietly: ]
Does that mean, then, that your answer is yes...?
Edited 2019-08-14 22:25 (UTC)
Ah, well, I do have a harp, but I'm afraid that I left it in my personal quarters. A beginner's lute will do just fine.
[He's heartened, for a moment, by the thought of Allu taking up the profession of bard at one point or another. But as he reaches out to take the lute from her, her cut-off words make him pause, and his own ears swivel back in alarm.]
... is aught amiss?
[He's heartened, for a moment, by the thought of Allu taking up the profession of bard at one point or another. But as he reaches out to take the lute from her, her cut-off words make him pause, and his own ears swivel back in alarm.]
... is aught amiss?
[ It takes her a few long seconds to actually catch up with her mind, her heartbeat going fast.
No. In spite of everything she knew and how everything clicked, it still said no. What clicked together made sense but no - she was the one who failed. Everyone else had been accosted with the Light too, but she had been the one to actually fall. They'd all been close, but Allu was the one who hadn't been able to contain it all. If not for Ardbert, she would never have been able to heal. She needed outside help, and her being a hero was not... possible. In the end she still couldn't quite see herself as the hero everyone kept seeing her as - not even now. Especially not now. That all of her friends and herself were still standing was a miracle, not a feat of valor.
She could be better. She could be stronger. She'd keep moving forward in trying to do that. After she manages to shake herself free of her thought process, heart still beating hard in her chest, she hands over the lute. ]
No. I thought I left something behind, is all.
No. In spite of everything she knew and how everything clicked, it still said no. What clicked together made sense but no - she was the one who failed. Everyone else had been accosted with the Light too, but she had been the one to actually fall. They'd all been close, but Allu was the one who hadn't been able to contain it all. If not for Ardbert, she would never have been able to heal. She needed outside help, and her being a hero was not... possible. In the end she still couldn't quite see herself as the hero everyone kept seeing her as - not even now. Especially not now. That all of her friends and herself were still standing was a miracle, not a feat of valor.
She could be better. She could be stronger. She'd keep moving forward in trying to do that. After she manages to shake herself free of her thought process, heart still beating hard in her chest, she hands over the lute. ]
No. I thought I left something behind, is all.
[The gentle squeeze and the press closer leaves the Exarch tensing for just a moment, though he relaxes fairly quickly. It's less a flinch and more that he simply doesn't know what to do, with himself or with the situation. The gesture is nothing if not intimate, and it secures his initial wondering of exactly what Cehd'ra was offering him, leaving a tight, startled, exhilarated sensation in his chest and his throat. He can't exactly promise something that he can't guarantee, and he doesn't want to hurt Cehd'ra... But at the same time, he doesn't want to deceive the other man, either. After all that's happened, he deserves a happy ending.
He tips his head up just a little to more firmly match the press of foreheads, and beneath his robes, his tail flicks nervously.]
Now that my plan has failed and I am here to stay for the foreseeable future, I am not entirely certain of what to do with myself. However, you must eventually return to the Source, for you are still needed by the people there. Were I to return as well, if I am at all capable of doing so, it would be to my own time and not yours, as the Tower and the G'raha Tia within still slumber. Our destinies are like to part once more, now that you have saved this shard.
[He hesitates for just a moment after those words, letting out a soft breath instead as he gathers a bit more courage.]
But... if you would have a tired old man at your side on your continued adventures in Norvrandt, then you may have him.
He tips his head up just a little to more firmly match the press of foreheads, and beneath his robes, his tail flicks nervously.]
Now that my plan has failed and I am here to stay for the foreseeable future, I am not entirely certain of what to do with myself. However, you must eventually return to the Source, for you are still needed by the people there. Were I to return as well, if I am at all capable of doing so, it would be to my own time and not yours, as the Tower and the G'raha Tia within still slumber. Our destinies are like to part once more, now that you have saved this shard.
[He hesitates for just a moment after those words, letting out a soft breath instead as he gathers a bit more courage.]
But... if you would have a tired old man at your side on your continued adventures in Norvrandt, then you may have him.
[The reaction had been odd, and for a long moment, the Exarch narrows his eyes, inspecting her as if he could see directly into her thoughts by doing so. The flush in her cheeks, dark as her skin is, indicates some sort of embarrassment, but the only thing that she could possibly be feeling such a thing over is--
Oh.
As he takes the lute in his hands, he lets out another soft laugh, but this time much more sheepish. His ears don't immediately perk back into their relaxed position, either, and instead flatten down closer to his head for just a moment before cautiously lifting again.]
'Tis a feeling I'm sure we all relate to.
[And before she even has a chance to reply, he begins to pluck at the strings of the lute and play a quick tune.]
Oh.
As he takes the lute in his hands, he lets out another soft laugh, but this time much more sheepish. His ears don't immediately perk back into their relaxed position, either, and instead flatten down closer to his head for just a moment before cautiously lifting again.]
'Tis a feeling I'm sure we all relate to.
[And before she even has a chance to reply, he begins to pluck at the strings of the lute and play a quick tune.]
Edited 2019-08-14 23:28 (UTC)
[ Emet-Selch did as a matter of fact desire a stroll-- one of his most favorite pasttimes was roaming around the First as he observed the changes that the years have wrought over it-- each stone was catalouged within his mind's eye, each shift of a simple tree or the rise and fall of kingdoms and settlements. He fancied himself time's own gatekeeper-- a chronicler though he wrote the changes not in books but rather his mind where the information would ever more be stored.
There was no surprise though that his intentions were suspect. He supposed that if he were on the other side, he would suspect motives as well, that was part and parcel of human nature and Ziva was more perceptive than many humans that he encountered on a daily basis, he already could see the look in her eyes, the 'reserve' judgement placard that lay therein. Well, he supposed that he would have to present himself as adequate and amusing company; he had no problem with that whatsover.
I am a man of many pastimes and pleasures. Though I've a particular fondness for history, that probably will not come as too much of a surprise, being the ageless being that I am.
[ Emet-Selch raises a winged brow at her, the edge of his lips curving so slightly but never ever touched down into a full smile-- one would probably be startled if he ever allowed himself the full scope of a grin, not to mention after ages perhaps those muscles were not as 'limber' as they used to be- Since he was attempting to be as engaging as possible, perhaps he was putting his best foot forward-- the Warrior of Light did strike him as someone with emmense sense who knew their own mind. ]
When I am not with the group, I am either in a sanctuary of mine own making or I am walking around and seeing what changes time hath wrought--
There was no surprise though that his intentions were suspect. He supposed that if he were on the other side, he would suspect motives as well, that was part and parcel of human nature and Ziva was more perceptive than many humans that he encountered on a daily basis, he already could see the look in her eyes, the 'reserve' judgement placard that lay therein. Well, he supposed that he would have to present himself as adequate and amusing company; he had no problem with that whatsover.
I am a man of many pastimes and pleasures. Though I've a particular fondness for history, that probably will not come as too much of a surprise, being the ageless being that I am.
[ Emet-Selch raises a winged brow at her, the edge of his lips curving so slightly but never ever touched down into a full smile-- one would probably be startled if he ever allowed himself the full scope of a grin, not to mention after ages perhaps those muscles were not as 'limber' as they used to be- Since he was attempting to be as engaging as possible, perhaps he was putting his best foot forward-- the Warrior of Light did strike him as someone with emmense sense who knew their own mind. ]
When I am not with the group, I am either in a sanctuary of mine own making or I am walking around and seeing what changes time hath wrought--
( Dunya had spent some time back on the Source once things had finally been put to rest on the First. Emet-Selch - or Hades, as he had revealed his name to be - was gone, as was the irrepressible Light that had found its way into Dunya through her travels. The land of Norvrandt had night again, and it brought her a peace she had not felt in some time, not since the Dragonsong War had ended, since Ishgard had its own fledgling peace.
Now, Norvrandt could have its own, too.
Still, not everything was finished in the First, there were still people who needed help, who had asked her for it while she had been on that desperate road, and she was not one to abandon others in their time of need, peace or no.
She opts for the portal that G'raha had made, walking into the Ocular with a deep breath, breathing the air of Norvrandt as she steps through. She sees him almost as soon as she enters, expecting it, and smiles, warm and full as she does. )
G'raha Tia. It's good to see you.
Now, Norvrandt could have its own, too.
Still, not everything was finished in the First, there were still people who needed help, who had asked her for it while she had been on that desperate road, and she was not one to abandon others in their time of need, peace or no.
She opts for the portal that G'raha had made, walking into the Ocular with a deep breath, breathing the air of Norvrandt as she steps through. She sees him almost as soon as she enters, expecting it, and smiles, warm and full as she does. )
G'raha Tia. It's good to see you.
[ She actually seems... sheepish, flustered, as he speaks, pressing her fingertips together awkwardly. Oh. She hadn't realized - or rather, it seemed rather incredulous... but... no. That wasn't where this would lead.
She wants to say something, to relay perhaps that she understands, maybe, but isn't sure - but he starts to play and she closes her mouth. Her heart beats faster again - and she closes her eyes to listen to the melody. As the melody grows in complexity she starts to dance, banishing those thoughts away so she might focus.
Allu isn't like Lyna - she's still new to dancing but she dances with vigor, a wild grace to her movements that really does feel more like watching a battle master go through training forms.
Yet every now and then, she does glimpse towards G'raha. She would claim it would be so she can be in time with his music... but it doesn't seem to be. ]
She wants to say something, to relay perhaps that she understands, maybe, but isn't sure - but he starts to play and she closes her mouth. Her heart beats faster again - and she closes her eyes to listen to the melody. As the melody grows in complexity she starts to dance, banishing those thoughts away so she might focus.
Allu isn't like Lyna - she's still new to dancing but she dances with vigor, a wild grace to her movements that really does feel more like watching a battle master go through training forms.
Yet every now and then, she does glimpse towards G'raha. She would claim it would be so she can be in time with his music... but it doesn't seem to be. ]
[In Gridania there is a rock that the Warrior of Light is known for perching herself upon. It looks out over a stream and where one can watch the waterwheel spin in place endlessly. If it's a quiet day you can hear the carpenters sawing away but normally it's the Adders making a rucks of some sort just behind her. It's close enough to consider home.
In Ishgard there is an obvious place. Despite the cold and chill just past the Fortemps manor is the Last Vigil which gives you a look at the peak of every mountain top for malms. And should there be a day when the skies are actually clear Eorzea herself is on full display. That is home.
Here she has yet to find a place to perch herself. To watch the sky change from blue to black and just rest her weary self. She feels restless in the First. It was something she contributed to the Light both above and swelling inside her and now that it's gone it seems that there is something else amiss. In fact... she feels it all the more now that all their enemies have fallen.
Homesick? She thinks not... So--
G'raha's voice catches on the winds. She's standing in the middle of the plaza just staring upward. A bad habit, she must admit, from her days in Reunion. She blinks a few times as she pulls herself back to reality to turn and face him instead, even going to help cover the distance between where he dwells and where she is standing. She must have looked... quite foolish. Or perhaps concerning. If the ladder it would explain his hurried paces towards her despite his recovering ailments from Emet-Selch's gun.
She cants her head at him once the distance is closed between them as if to say:]
Is aught amiss?
In Ishgard there is an obvious place. Despite the cold and chill just past the Fortemps manor is the Last Vigil which gives you a look at the peak of every mountain top for malms. And should there be a day when the skies are actually clear Eorzea herself is on full display. That is home.
Here she has yet to find a place to perch herself. To watch the sky change from blue to black and just rest her weary self. She feels restless in the First. It was something she contributed to the Light both above and swelling inside her and now that it's gone it seems that there is something else amiss. In fact... she feels it all the more now that all their enemies have fallen.
Homesick? She thinks not... So--
G'raha's voice catches on the winds. She's standing in the middle of the plaza just staring upward. A bad habit, she must admit, from her days in Reunion. She blinks a few times as she pulls herself back to reality to turn and face him instead, even going to help cover the distance between where he dwells and where she is standing. She must have looked... quite foolish. Or perhaps concerning. If the ladder it would explain his hurried paces towards her despite his recovering ailments from Emet-Selch's gun.
She cants her head at him once the distance is closed between them as if to say:]
Is aught amiss?
[ Was that too much? The flutter of tension is impossible to miss this close, even though it only lasts a moment. In that moment though Cehd'ra's sure he's bungled it, that he came on too strong in his attempt at offering comfort, and his heart is hammering just as loudly in his ears until he feels that gentle pressure returned.
The Exarch speaks and Cehd'ra hangs on every word. Even as more and more they sound like 'no'...
He's right, of course. The Warrior of Darkness cannot stay...he's heard it so often, in Ishgard, Ala Mhigo, and Doma. The world needs him elsewhere, it always does, and even should the people he cares for join him they can never remain. It's too dangerous even if there were no other barriers. Of course the Exarch would say--
'But...'
Cehd'ra's ears nearly fly off his head they perk up so quickly. He smiles and then laughs, a startled sound full of relief and joy, and before he can help it he's pulled the man into a proper hug. ]
No one can really have forever. [ The Keeper men from his memory would ask only for a few days for a reason. Cehd'ra also draws back, face growing red now himself. ] And so any piece of it that we can have is something I'll treasure for the rest of my days.
The Exarch speaks and Cehd'ra hangs on every word. Even as more and more they sound like 'no'...
He's right, of course. The Warrior of Darkness cannot stay...he's heard it so often, in Ishgard, Ala Mhigo, and Doma. The world needs him elsewhere, it always does, and even should the people he cares for join him they can never remain. It's too dangerous even if there were no other barriers. Of course the Exarch would say--
'But...'
Cehd'ra's ears nearly fly off his head they perk up so quickly. He smiles and then laughs, a startled sound full of relief and joy, and before he can help it he's pulled the man into a proper hug. ]
No one can really have forever. [ The Keeper men from his memory would ask only for a few days for a reason. Cehd'ra also draws back, face growing red now himself. ] And so any piece of it that we can have is something I'll treasure for the rest of my days.
[The abruptness of the laugh is most of what causes the Exarch to startle, but it's the hug that makes his voice squeak. His shoulders tense, if only slightly, but he's soon letting loose a sheepish laugh of his own. Really, to be even momentarily frightened by such a thing... Though, perhaps the truth of it is that he's gone so long without such close contact that he'd forgotten how nice it could feel.
His hands lift, wrapping around Cehd'ra's back in return, cautious at first but quickly turning into a furious cling. It's been literal ages.]
Then I, too, will treasure it, for as long as you and fate wish it to last.
His hands lift, wrapping around Cehd'ra's back in return, cautious at first but quickly turning into a furious cling. It's been literal ages.]
Then I, too, will treasure it, for as long as you and fate wish it to last.
[Allu's movements are much more finely tuned than they used to be, and though the Exarch can tell the difference between hers and Lyna's form, there's something about watching the freedom of dance that makes his heart swell. It's nothing he's ever allowed himself, not since donning these robes and becoming what he had to be, but for a brief moment he's brought back to a night centuries ago with comrades sharing food, drink, and song.
His ability to play hasn't slipped over the ages; in actuality, he's far improved with so much time to practice. Though he's older and wiser than he used to be, his fingers still fly over the strings with precision, making even an instrument meant for beginners seem like something more fit for a performer. For a portion of the song his eyes are closed, but every so often - and when he can sense Allu looking at him - he glances back, eyes glittering with an energy he hasn't felt in a long, long time.]
His ability to play hasn't slipped over the ages; in actuality, he's far improved with so much time to practice. Though he's older and wiser than he used to be, his fingers still fly over the strings with precision, making even an instrument meant for beginners seem like something more fit for a performer. For a portion of the song his eyes are closed, but every so often - and when he can sense Allu looking at him - he glances back, eyes glittering with an energy he hasn't felt in a long, long time.]
[In the time that Dunya has been gone, the Exarch has given her her privacy and not looked in on what she is doing in the Source, no matter how curious he may have been to see that things are well with his own eyes. He has to trust that she will return ere long, and trust that their efforts have not been for naught.
He may be ordered to rest by a good half of the Crystarium at this point, but rest does not mean that he can't read. In fact, that's all he's been doing since she left, seemingly incapable of not working on something when he's gone an entire century of very little actual rest.
Reading is what he's doing now, in fact, as she enters the Ocular via the portal and thus facing his back. He recognizes her presence almost the exact moment she begins to speak, but it's still startling, and he still - briefly, minutely - jumps.]
Oh! My apologies, Dunya, I hadn't expected you back so soon.
[He closes his book, but not without slipping a thin ribbon in to mark his place first. It gives him a moment to compose himself, at least.]
I take it everything is doing well on the Source, then?
He may be ordered to rest by a good half of the Crystarium at this point, but rest does not mean that he can't read. In fact, that's all he's been doing since she left, seemingly incapable of not working on something when he's gone an entire century of very little actual rest.
Reading is what he's doing now, in fact, as she enters the Ocular via the portal and thus facing his back. He recognizes her presence almost the exact moment she begins to speak, but it's still startling, and he still - briefly, minutely - jumps.]
Oh! My apologies, Dunya, I hadn't expected you back so soon.
[He closes his book, but not without slipping a thin ribbon in to mark his place first. It gives him a moment to compose himself, at least.]
I take it everything is doing well on the Source, then?
[Aught certainly is amiss, else the Exarch wouldn't be making his way down the steps to the Dossal Gate as quickly as he presently is. While he's become used to Kasa staring into the distance, it's ever been in the context of the heavy burden they all chose to bear, and now that that burden has eased it seems somewhat out of place. Enough so that it makes the Exarch concerned enough to risk the strenuous activity of descending and ascending the stairs, despite his apparent house arrest courtesy of Lyna and Chessamile.
It takes him a moment with the muscles in his back still aching somewhat, but eventually he makes his way down to the Exedra, hiding the wince exceptionally well considering his hood isn't even up.]
Ah... Pardon the intrusion, Kasa. I saw you standing here alone and wanted to make sure everything was alright.
It takes him a moment with the muscles in his back still aching somewhat, but eventually he makes his way down to the Exedra, hiding the wince exceptionally well considering his hood isn't even up.]
Ah... Pardon the intrusion, Kasa. I saw you standing here alone and wanted to make sure everything was alright.
[ She can hear fine tuning where there used to be none - something only really achieved with time. Catching his gaze makes her heart spasm and she quickly glances away back to her dance. A few more people are watching, listening to the Exarch, clapping along with his beat as Allu dances. At least her early pugilist training made her very fleet of foot.
She's out of breath, face flushed as she stops and moves into a bow, delighted clapping echoing through their makeshift audience.
Of course, she steps to the side and gestures to G'raha - who receives a positively roaring applause. It makes her smile. Good - he deserves the attention and love. ]
She's out of breath, face flushed as she stops and moves into a bow, delighted clapping echoing through their makeshift audience.
Of course, she steps to the side and gestures to G'raha - who receives a positively roaring applause. It makes her smile. Good - he deserves the attention and love. ]
Sorry for the delay on my part! Work got the better of me this week.
purrrrfection
2019-08-18 07:51 am (UTC)(link)
[He wasn't wrong. Ziva did know her own mind rather well, at least in matters where her opinions of others was concerned, and on the matter of cooperating with Emet-Selch she almost certainly was of a like mind to Alphinaud and Urianger. Reserve judgement, yes, keep in mind who and what he was, and what he and his fellow Ascians had done in the past, what lengths they would go to to see their goal through.
Yet... if a bridge to peace could be built by keeping an open mind, she owed it to... everyone, surely, to try. The fewer possible casualties the better.
In addition to keeping an open mind about individuals most others would sooner drive off, she was also prone to wearing some of her more volatile emotions on her sleeve. Such was the case at that moment when his answer piqued her curiosity. While her expression remained relaxed there was a twitch of one ear at the mention of his sanctuary. What did an Ascian's idea of a peaceful respite look like? What did Emet-Selch's idea of a peaceful respite look like? For as much as she was content with her mortality and all its brevity, there was a reason that she enjoyed the constant travel her responsibilities often afforded her. To see new places and mark them in her mind's eye. Unlike Emet-Selch, however, she did not have the benefit of centuries to then revisit those locations and study the changes.
Something to ask Ardbert about sometime, perhaps, if the memories weren't painful to revisit.
For now, however, she had an Ascian in front of her who was apparently feeling charitably chatty, and the opportunity was difficult to ignore, even if she DID swear she could FEEL the judgement of Ardbert and the Scions in her mind.]
Not much of a surprise, no...
[She admitted, considering.]
Then, I've a bit of time before I'm needed again. Humor me, if you would. What era of history have you found the most interesting, or what land and people the most interestingly changed?
[She was curious how he might answer, even if that answer was an evasion. Indeed, Ziva would not deny that there was something almost satisfying about simply interacting with the Empire's apparent founding father.]
Yet... if a bridge to peace could be built by keeping an open mind, she owed it to... everyone, surely, to try. The fewer possible casualties the better.
In addition to keeping an open mind about individuals most others would sooner drive off, she was also prone to wearing some of her more volatile emotions on her sleeve. Such was the case at that moment when his answer piqued her curiosity. While her expression remained relaxed there was a twitch of one ear at the mention of his sanctuary. What did an Ascian's idea of a peaceful respite look like? What did Emet-Selch's idea of a peaceful respite look like? For as much as she was content with her mortality and all its brevity, there was a reason that she enjoyed the constant travel her responsibilities often afforded her. To see new places and mark them in her mind's eye. Unlike Emet-Selch, however, she did not have the benefit of centuries to then revisit those locations and study the changes.
Something to ask Ardbert about sometime, perhaps, if the memories weren't painful to revisit.
For now, however, she had an Ascian in front of her who was apparently feeling charitably chatty, and the opportunity was difficult to ignore, even if she DID swear she could FEEL the judgement of Ardbert and the Scions in her mind.]
Not much of a surprise, no...
[She admitted, considering.]
Then, I've a bit of time before I'm needed again. Humor me, if you would. What era of history have you found the most interesting, or what land and people the most interestingly changed?
[She was curious how he might answer, even if that answer was an evasion. Indeed, Ziva would not deny that there was something almost satisfying about simply interacting with the Empire's apparent founding father.]
Edited 2019-08-18 07:52 (UTC)
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