Hm? You have a story for me? Well by all means, I must hear it! Though if it's best told over a meal and tea, I hardly mind waiting a little. Whenever you would like, when we're through here we can find a place for lunch, and you can tell me aught what you have.
[He finally finished sorting through the coupons he had gathered, apparently content with the final result. There had to be something he could do with the ones he couldn't think of a use for...] Should you see something in any of these piles that you want, please help yourself to it. I couldn't begin to use all of them...
[Moving on from that though,] Quite interesting, though I'll speak of him later. Who else have you met from home?
[It was just probably best not to heap that story onto his shoulders so quickly. It was a lot. And a long one to tell.
Alisaie gives the coupons a curious glance.] Oh? Is there anything in there for something to eat then? [Preferably sweets??]
Ah, that... well, my brother is here, for one. I've met a few other familiar faces from my journey as well although some are... not so friendly. [Haha, speaking of long stories.......]
But I'm strangely not so worried about them being here. It feels like we are all at the mercy of this world regardless of our status in our own.
Quite a few for food, it would seem! Here, take your pick of what you'd like...
[He'd offer them up, and indeed a little digging would turn up at least one or two vouchers for a pastry shop.]
Oh, I hope I'll finally get to meet your brother, it would be nice to put a face to the name at long last. I'm excited for it! [Twins or not, there had to be some obvious differences! Right?]
So you as well did encounter those you may have preferred never see again, it would seem... Regardless, I understand. Though so many are strangers to me, it is still heartening in a sense, to see so many from the same star gathered here. All alike now, no matter how grand or common we might have been before.
'Tis somehow a warming feeling, that we all might start anew upon the same step.
[He might not be a prude, but he's still a polite man, let it never be said that he didn't have manners! He'd rather not be flustered into silence so early in his arrival here. He withdrew his hand from the shake after a moment, humming thoughtfully over the lingering sensation of Synchrony still lightly clinging to his fingers.]
Should you know any who might appreciate it, perhaps you could take these to them? It feels rude to just abandon them on the table, they were gifts after all.
[His head tilted lightly though.]
Missions? [That didn't sound like a concerned tone, oh no. Not in the slightest, not with the way his eyes lit up.]
[Authorities are firm that we are not burdens, but some of their people seemed to believe differently. Authorities could say whatever they liked, he was more concerned with the opinions of the locals than any figure in command. The entire description given by Aymeric feels... foreboding. All they ask... all they insist it will ever be...]
I shall still strive to find other uses, on top of this manna creation.
[Again, he was treated to the warm little spark of said manna creation, in fact. Troubling though the situation was, as dire as things had gotten before now, he was quickly finding some small comfort in that, this Synchrony. Exacerbated, no doubt, by his profession as a mage, and he would subtly move his own hand to brush against the other mans, as he went to pay for their drinks. Drinks in little paper cups, how fascinating... He'd not puzzle over that for too long, fascinating though the takeout cups were, it was their contents that were by far more desirable, and he took a grateful sip of it as they settled down.]
'Tis a terrible way to learn the idiom: be careful what you wish for. [Humorless joke indeed, and he was quick to sympathize with the other man's situation.]
I've questions pertaining to manna, in particular. It is clear it's generation is very important, I've no argument against creating it, but I should like to know what might occur if for any reason I cannot generate it. I've also taken note that my aether does not restore itself over time, and that my spells sap more from my pool than they used to. This Synchrony does well to return some of it to me, but from aught I've seen, it is but in small bursts. No greater than a sip or two of ether.
I'm to assume then prolonged contact might create more manna faster, then?
[ The smile comes tight when the shopgirl passes both his change and their tea. They are not unkind - though small, his social contacts have not gossiped on attacks of natives to newcomers, well deserved or not. Mayhap he is too great a cynic; for all he has been called a sentimental fool, this balance is too precarious to last.
Still. It is good to laugh, and laugh he does; a bright, loud chortle and a shake of the head. Humorless or not - ]
Yes, it is true, is it not? Better to do than to wish.
[ do not at comedian to his list of skills.
Through the questions, he nods; his fingers tear and add two packets of sugar to the tea and stir. In his head there replays a hundred conversations made at him - by gems in crisp white coats, wearing grim masks upon their face as they urge with the gravitas of men before a doomed battle. Talk of Chrysalis - and Null - and a Hunger that provokes in him memories of huddling inside his apartment beneath a blood-red sky -
He breaks a wooden stirrer with his thumb. It disappears with quickness to rival strength into a napkin. ]
Correct, as it is I understand.
The more one Synchronizes, the more one feels - the best version of themselves. With aether we may draw upon for skills you and I are familiar with, in their strongest forms.
[ Now aetherology - and indeed how it interacts with manna, he is woefully ignorant. ]
If use of the powers these gems endow draw from aetheric reserves too, I should assume but in truth do not know for certain. You are a mage, and so perhaps you are more attune to your own aether than I have ever been. Does it appear to you that manna and aether are one the same, or different forces only similar to the unaware?
To avoid others is to sign your own death warrant. One is left a husk, without soul or mind. That is what has been warned to those who protested Synchrony's need.
[The snap of the stirrer was quick and quiet, it's removal just as subtle, but to the mage it was as clear as a gunshot. He'd glance towards it in the split second before its removal, his own motion a subtle one as well, but it had been noted. A frown crossed his face.]
For the moment, they feel similar enough, that I shall say. I've not had the time to experience much of it yet, only that drawing upon my aether leaves me far more tired than I'd normally be, at home. I'm sure you have however noticed the differences in sensation, between regaining aether at home, and Synchrony here. That, at current, as well as the effects of avoiding Synchrony, seem to be the major differences between manna and aether.
A far crueler fate than death, and far closer at hand than death from total loss of aether.
I've not utilized my gem for anything as of yet, and I must voice some concern at the idea of doing so, considering the effects I experienced from using my own spells. Perhaps if I were to speak with a practiced mage from home who has drawn upon the power of their gem, I would find my worries eased.
[He's going to do it anyway, no one ever died from a joke, right? A young face though, now that was an interesting statement.]
Ah, forgive me, I did just assume, didn't I? You hardly look a day over twenty, consider me envious.
[Indeed, from the words chosen and the tone used, it almost sounded as if this 'young man' was older than he was, and he moved to lightly rest his chin upon his hand, clearly interested now.]
Then I would be more than happy to hear of it, should you have the time. Though I'd hate to take you away from anything more pressing, sir.
[ Ascians certainly won't perish from jokes, considering some of the things they've done for laughs in the past. But still ....! ]
It's quite alright. As I said, I have always appeared younger than my colleagues and friends. Such is the curse I was born with.
[ Or died with. Anyway. If X'rhun wants to believe he is older than Elidibus for now then he'll just. Let him. Also, if Elidibus had something more pressing to do, he's forgotten about it. ]
Not at all. I enjoy passing the time in such a way. Your own adventures would be of interest to me as well.
[So many names he'd heard today that he didn't remember, so many faces he couldn't recall. At this point it was starting to become concerning with how regular an occurrence it had become.]
Q'ulia was it? Ah... no you are correct, I do not know that name... [And it always started the same too, 'you wouldn't know them'. This was becoming a rather pressing issue, wasn't it?
How in the Twelve was he going to teach all these mages at once?]
I've somehow become a very busy man within the span of a night...
'Tis no worry. I understand that this place has fetched a fair amount of us from adjacent realities. In my memories, at least, you had a fair amount of trouble teaching her the magic part of the Red Magic Arts. The Melee parts she took to... Well, like a Dragoon to jumping!
[Her ears wiggle slightly with her vast amount of amusement of remembering that particular period of her friend's training.
She's almost done with sorting the coupons, at least! The food and the amenities piles are the largest of them all currently, though the adult entertainment pile is looking suspiciously large, too.]
[Yes, it was... quite a bit. Though at least the woman before him came from a time after Arya was properly restored. Even though he knew well how that story ended now, it would have still troubled him, to have stumbled across someone who wasn't aware that it'd all worked out in the end. There was, at least at that, a bit of relief to be had.
Everything else though... Had he not been a calmer, relaxed man, he might feel considerably overwhelmed. Another Warrior of Light, that made... three that he now knew? Counting the one that still resided in Eorzea, at least. How many more were there here? His expression, of course, only vaguely suggested any level of confusion, though his brows knit and his fingers brushed against his chin.
I won't be the first to tell you this-] Indeed, you are not, miss. I'd met another before you, and perhaps more after that as well. I have no reason do doubt any of your words, either.
[He'd never been a suspicious man, and the last one he spoke to even showed him her job stone, enough confirmation for him.]
I'm so sorry, miss. Though you expected me to not recall you, I cannot help but feel as if you deserved better than this. Please, if I may ask for your name? We knew each other once, and I should like to reestablish this connection. To regain what I feel as if has been lost.
[ She can't help but smile a bit at his reply, at the apology and the way he tries to be reassuring. That's just like him, isn't it? Almost as though to comfort him instead, though, she lifts her hands to gesture in a soothing motion before speaking— ]
You don't need to apologize to me. I'm grateful you wish to know me at all.
[ Her ears flick in a friendly manner, much like how the male miqo'te wiggle their ears, and she smiles. ]
I'm Megumi. Matriarch of the Utakata Tribe— and Warrior of Light. Or Darkness, as certain folks might say...
[ Deceptively enough, she's a Keeper of the Moon, not a Seeker, as her eyes may suggest. She does like pointedly mentioning her position as a Matriarch to reaffirm that, even if she hasn't really been doing much with it ever since starting her journey. ]
You're taking this rather well. Having many know of you... but I suppose it makes you a constant, in some ways, aye?
[ Maybe that's getting a little too philosophical though. She gestures him forward, moving so she can fall into step with him. She's small in height, but she makes up for it in her confidence! ]
You've probably been given aid already, then. Did anyone else from Eorzea arrive with you?
[ Though, she nods her head in the direction of the small vase she's given him. ]
I hope you like the flowers. I've been growing them with some manna I've accumulated here... I thought I'd gift them to new arrivals to make this place feel a little less daunting.
An excellent thing to hear, good sir, all things considered. It seems that most have made it back whole and hale, we've much to be grateful for.
[And he'd have launched right into a question, had Ardbert not posed one himself, first. He perked, staring at him for a moment... before breaking out into bright laughter]
Me? Oh I'm flattered that you'd even ask, sir! No, oh certainly not, but you've improved my day by leaps and bounds just asking!
I am not the Warrior of Light, not even close, but I had the honor of adventuring with and training them for a time.
[ At least this man certainly has the spirit for it, though it's clear he isn't actually the Warrior of Light... goodness, Ardbert is just not getting it right lately, is he? ]
Oh, gods, of course the one time I ask...
[ He brings a hand to his face, hiding his embarrassment for a moment. Keep it together, Ardbert! He can recover from this! And he does, shaking his head for a moment before returning to his smile. ]
I apologize for the confusion, 'tis plain we share a mutual acquaintance in them, at least! [ He holds out his hand to shake. ] I'm Ardbert. Pleasure to meet you.
Gods, I don't think you'd believe me if I told you. Though — remind me to show you some new skills I developed since we last spoke, sometime.
[She settles herself down in the seat across from him, folding her hands against the surface and tilting her head a fraction in a pondering expression. How does one summarize the entirety of her time on the First, while leaving out the nitty gritty details that still left her feeling conflicted and hurt?]
I travelled to an entirely different world, for a period of time.
You'd be surprised at what I'd be willing to believe, Aster. Spare no detail, I would like to hear all of it. [He perked at the mention of new skills, of course.] Have you? Then I must insist, when you have the time to spare of course, upon a demonstration!
[Another world though, that was... Well, unbelievable, really, though as he'd said before, he wouldn't be so quick to brush it aside as such. After all, the existence of other worlds was at this point, a fact to him. They were currently on one themselves, were they not?]
Imagine having to try and live on my cooking. It's doable but there's better folks who can do it.
[When you are a poor person, you tend to not be picky. Food is food so she never really minds the taste, as long as it's edible. She gestures to the miqo'te to follow her as she leads them down to the markets where various street food is on display, including the popcorn stand from her first trip.]
That place has some good snacks; I enjoyed their lemon and pepper flavor most of all but all of them are pretty good, even the sweet ones.
[But she's more focused on something more hearty. And there was a thing she hasn't tried yet, pointing to a stand with a sign reading 'Arancini' with dozens of what appears to be...fried balls?]
Do you believe yourself skilled enough for your own tastes? If so, well that's all that matters, food is such a personal thing after all.
[He followed along after her, the scent of street food quickly reaching him. And he looks delighted, pausing every now and again by whatever snack managed to catch his eye. Not buying anything, oh no, only occasionally taking an offered sample.
It was only when she herself paused to point out a sign that he'd actually give it the majority of his attention.]
I can't say that I have... But they look delicious, don't they? Why not have a few? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. It could be a new favorite meal.
[ At least for all of the miqo'te's initial hesitation, he seems willing to try. Maybe it should be expected of a caster, anyway. They've far more reasons to want and need manna than, say, a tank that only needed to focus on hitting things with the pointy end of their blade. ]
That's precisely the issue. But with a little practice, you should make enough to use your abilities as you see fit.
I'm not unaccustomed to balancing acts, when it comes to aether and it's usage. I'm sure you're right: a little practice and patience, and I'll have gotten a handle upon it in no time at all.
[He'd let Emet have his hand back, having been given quite a bit to think over, now.]
'Tis still so strange, to be given this level of advice on aether from a Garlean. You seem to have quite an intimate knowledge in regards to it, I'd near expect you to be a veteran.
Well, 'tis only natural to want to know how those back home are doing. So I think, at least. She seemed cheerful the last time I spoke with her- I believe she'd made some good progress in her training that week.
Ah… right, you would have arrived in the midst of the storm, yes? [She reaches up to ruffle her hair- which should probably be a little shaggier than her icons suggest. She'll get something done about it soon, it's just… that was a lot.] Right. Everyone's had a lot on their minds…. Ah, anyhow! [She claps her hands together.] Well- at present, there are four major gods, called the Cardinal Gems- Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Amethyst. Each has a certain aspect and energy, as you might expect- Ruby being associated with fire, for instance. They don't seem to be present in this plane, from what I understand, so I don't believe they a concern in themselves. [At least… that's what she worries about. And then there's Malachite, and the gems in their own bodies…]
[She nods.]
Then… we just need to speak to someone at the Embassy, I believe.
That's wonderful to hear! I'd planned on returning rather soon before I'd awoken here... I have every confidence that she will continue to improve, even should our next lesson be a bit... delayed. [The only thing that bothered him really was the fact that he would be there to see it...]
That I did. Pure chaos, it would seem. 'Tis a blessing that everyone made it here whole and hale, considering aught that happened before we were allowed out properly. Do such things happen often here? [Because if the answer was yes...] Because should it be a common occurrence, I would like to get to the bottom of why my spells drain me so terribly now. I cannot afford to be at anything less than my best, if things break into chaos with any regularity.
[Ruby was fire, was it? He'd gotten a chance to glance at his own gem but once, it wasn't in the best place for observation really. But, he knew enough of it to know it's color. Fire it was, then.]
I feel as if fire is fitting, should I be honest... But to the Embassy, then. The sooner I have a place to return to, the better served I shall be, I believe.
[That much he made clear, yes. And that...stings, more than a little, something bitter overtaking the somber frown Gaius wore. He can hardly fault the man for his vitriol, after all these years, looking back at everything he had done, but...]
Would that I'd had the men to spare to protect the provinces properly, rather than the scant few soldiers there were.
[Everyday he thinks back to finding Allie and Alfonse there on the side of the road, witnessing such horrors at so young of an age. He thinks of finding the others, Rex and Ricon and Milisandia there in Werlyt, all alone, because they had been too late in hearing of the epidemic that overwhelmed the village. And regardless of the truth that the Miqo'te spoke, it doesn't stop Gaius' grip from tightening on Heirsbane's sheath, nor can he keep the bitterness from his voice as he continues.]
Instead, two decades saw all of our manpower strictly going to maintain control of the capitol against the likes of you and your order, and all those that came after them.
[Oh... now that was a telling statement, wasn't it?] Would that you had men to spare.
[Jumping to conclusions would, as always, be a poor idea, though the mage's gaze narrowed as he regarded the man before him. He noted well how he gripped the sheath, the bitter tone of his voice.
All made the more understandable in his next words.]
Had the capitol not been been wrenched from us at all, there'd be no battle against the likes of me, and my order. Had we been left to live our lives in peace, there would be no need to maintain control.
Had the armies of Garlemald stayed within her borders, our lands would not be spotted with sun dried corpses, our villages not filled with the sick nor the starving, our backs free of bloodied stripes, our fathers and sons still at their homes and our graveyards not filled with the bodies of our children.
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verraise
[He finally finished sorting through the coupons he had gathered, apparently content with the final result. There had to be something he could do with the ones he couldn't think of a use for...] Should you see something in any of these piles that you want, please help yourself to it. I couldn't begin to use all of them...
[Moving on from that though,] Quite interesting, though I'll speak of him later. Who else have you met from home?
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Alisaie gives the coupons a curious glance.] Oh? Is there anything in there for something to eat then? [Preferably sweets??]
Ah, that... well, my brother is here, for one. I've met a few other familiar faces from my journey as well although some are... not so friendly. [Haha, speaking of long stories.......]
But I'm strangely not so worried about them being here. It feels like we are all at the mercy of this world regardless of our status in our own.
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[He'd offer them up, and indeed a little digging would turn up at least one or two vouchers for a pastry shop.]
Oh, I hope I'll finally get to meet your brother, it would be nice to put a face to the name at long last. I'm excited for it! [Twins or not, there had to be some obvious differences! Right?]
So you as well did encounter those you may have preferred never see again, it would seem... Regardless, I understand. Though so many are strangers to me, it is still heartening in a sense, to see so many from the same star gathered here. All alike now, no matter how grand or common we might have been before.
'Tis somehow a warming feeling, that we all might start anew upon the same step.
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Should you know any who might appreciate it, perhaps you could take these to them? It feels rude to just abandon them on the table, they were gifts after all.
[His head tilted lightly though.]
Missions? [That didn't sound like a concerned tone, oh no. Not in the slightest, not with the way his eyes lit up.]
exalteds
I shall still strive to find other uses, on top of this manna creation.
[Again, he was treated to the warm little spark of said manna creation, in fact. Troubling though the situation was, as dire as things had gotten before now, he was quickly finding some small comfort in that, this Synchrony. Exacerbated, no doubt, by his profession as a mage, and he would subtly move his own hand to brush against the other mans, as he went to pay for their drinks. Drinks in little paper cups, how fascinating... He'd not puzzle over that for too long, fascinating though the takeout cups were, it was their contents that were by far more desirable, and he took a grateful sip of it as they settled down.]
'Tis a terrible way to learn the idiom: be careful what you wish for. [Humorless joke indeed, and he was quick to sympathize with the other man's situation.]
I've questions pertaining to manna, in particular. It is clear it's generation is very important, I've no argument against creating it, but I should like to know what might occur if for any reason I cannot generate it. I've also taken note that my aether does not restore itself over time, and that my spells sap more from my pool than they used to. This Synchrony does well to return some of it to me, but from aught I've seen, it is but in small bursts. No greater than a sip or two of ether.
I'm to assume then prolonged contact might create more manna faster, then?
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Still. It is good to laugh, and laugh he does; a bright, loud chortle and a shake of the head. Humorless or not - ]
Yes, it is true, is it not? Better to do than to wish.
[ do not at comedian to his list of skills.
Through the questions, he nods; his fingers tear and add two packets of sugar to the tea and stir. In his head there replays a hundred conversations made at him - by gems in crisp white coats, wearing grim masks upon their face as they urge with the gravitas of men before a doomed battle. Talk of Chrysalis - and Null - and a Hunger that provokes in him memories of huddling inside his apartment beneath a blood-red sky -
He breaks a wooden stirrer with his thumb. It disappears with quickness to rival strength into a napkin. ]
Correct, as it is I understand.
The more one Synchronizes, the more one feels - the best version of themselves. With aether we may draw upon for skills you and I are familiar with, in their strongest forms.
[ Now aetherology - and indeed how it interacts with manna, he is woefully ignorant. ]
If use of the powers these gems endow draw from aetheric reserves too, I should assume but in truth do not know for certain. You are a mage, and so perhaps you are more attune to your own aether than I have ever been. Does it appear to you that manna and aether are one the same, or different forces only similar to the unaware?
To avoid others is to sign your own death warrant. One is left a husk, without soul or mind. That is what has been warned to those who protested Synchrony's need.
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For the moment, they feel similar enough, that I shall say. I've not had the time to experience much of it yet, only that drawing upon my aether leaves me far more tired than I'd normally be, at home. I'm sure you have however noticed the differences in sensation, between regaining aether at home, and Synchrony here. That, at current, as well as the effects of avoiding Synchrony, seem to be the major differences between manna and aether.
A far crueler fate than death, and far closer at hand than death from total loss of aether.
I've not utilized my gem for anything as of yet, and I must voice some concern at the idea of doing so, considering the effects I experienced from using my own spells. Perhaps if I were to speak with a practiced mage from home who has drawn upon the power of their gem, I would find my worries eased.
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moonscapes
Ah, forgive me, I did just assume, didn't I? You hardly look a day over twenty, consider me envious.
[Indeed, from the words chosen and the tone used, it almost sounded as if this 'young man' was older than he was, and he moved to lightly rest his chin upon his hand, clearly interested now.]
Then I would be more than happy to hear of it, should you have the time. Though I'd hate to take you away from anything more pressing, sir.
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It's quite alright. As I said, I have always appeared younger than my colleagues and friends. Such is the curse I was born with.
[ Or died with. Anyway. If X'rhun wants to believe he is older than Elidibus for now then he'll just. Let him. Also, if Elidibus had something more pressing to do, he's forgotten about it. ]
Not at all. I enjoy passing the time in such a way. Your own adventures would be of interest to me as well.
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dw's nasty trickses....
levelthreehooligan
Q'ulia was it? Ah... no you are correct, I do not know that name... [And it always started the same too, 'you wouldn't know them'. This was becoming a rather pressing issue, wasn't it?
How in the Twelve was he going to teach all these mages at once?]
I've somehow become a very busy man within the span of a night...
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'Tis no worry. I understand that this place has fetched a fair amount of us from adjacent realities. In my memories, at least, you had a fair amount of trouble teaching her the magic part of the Red Magic Arts. The Melee parts she took to... Well, like a Dragoon to jumping!
[Her ears wiggle slightly with her vast amount of amusement of remembering that particular period of her friend's training.
She's almost done with sorting the coupons, at least! The food and the amenities piles are the largest of them all currently, though the adult entertainment pile is looking suspiciously large, too.]
Oh? Why is that?
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meracydian
Everything else though... Had he not been a calmer, relaxed man, he might feel considerably overwhelmed. Another Warrior of Light, that made... three that he now knew? Counting the one that still resided in Eorzea, at least. How many more were there here? His expression, of course, only vaguely suggested any level of confusion, though his brows knit and his fingers brushed against his chin.
I won't be the first to tell you this-] Indeed, you are not, miss. I'd met another before you, and perhaps more after that as well. I have no reason do doubt any of your words, either.
[He'd never been a suspicious man, and the last one he spoke to even showed him her job stone, enough confirmation for him.]
I'm so sorry, miss. Though you expected me to not recall you, I cannot help but feel as if you deserved better than this. Please, if I may ask for your name? We knew each other once, and I should like to reestablish this connection. To regain what I feel as if has been lost.
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You don't need to apologize to me. I'm grateful you wish to know me at all.
[ Her ears flick in a friendly manner, much like how the male miqo'te wiggle their ears, and she smiles. ]
I'm Megumi. Matriarch of the Utakata Tribe— and Warrior of Light. Or Darkness, as certain folks might say...
[ Deceptively enough, she's a Keeper of the Moon, not a Seeker, as her eyes may suggest. She does like pointedly mentioning her position as a Matriarch to reaffirm that, even if she hasn't really been doing much with it ever since starting her journey. ]
You're taking this rather well. Having many know of you... but I suppose it makes you a constant, in some ways, aye?
[ Maybe that's getting a little too philosophical though. She gestures him forward, moving so she can fall into step with him. She's small in height, but she makes up for it in her confidence! ]
You've probably been given aid already, then. Did anyone else from Eorzea arrive with you?
[ Though, she nods her head in the direction of the small vase she's given him. ]
I hope you like the flowers. I've been growing them with some manna I've accumulated here... I thought I'd gift them to new arrivals to make this place feel a little less daunting.
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cue shopping and exploration montage—😉
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floodbringer
[And he'd have launched right into a question, had Ardbert not posed one himself, first. He perked, staring at him for a moment... before breaking out into bright laughter]
Me? Oh I'm flattered that you'd even ask, sir! No, oh certainly not, but you've improved my day by leaps and bounds just asking!
I am not the Warrior of Light, not even close, but I had the honor of adventuring with and training them for a time.
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[ At least this man certainly has the spirit for it, though it's clear he isn't actually the Warrior of Light... goodness, Ardbert is just not getting it right lately, is he? ]
Oh, gods, of course the one time I ask...
[ He brings a hand to his face, hiding his embarrassment for a moment. Keep it together, Ardbert! He can recover from this! And he does, shaking his head for a moment before returning to his smile. ]
I apologize for the confusion, 'tis plain we share a mutual acquaintance in them, at least! [ He holds out his hand to shake. ] I'm Ardbert. Pleasure to meet you.
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[She settles herself down in the seat across from him, folding her hands against the surface and tilting her head a fraction in a pondering expression. How does one summarize the entirety of her time on the First, while leaving out the nitty gritty details that still left her feeling conflicted and hurt?]
I travelled to an entirely different world, for a period of time.
[As good a place as any to start.]
((cont from here))
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[Another world though, that was... Well, unbelievable, really, though as he'd said before, he wouldn't be so quick to brush it aside as such. After all, the existence of other worlds was at this point, a fact to him. They were currently on one themselves, were they not?]
How did you come to find yourself there?
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[When you are a poor person, you tend to not be picky. Food is food so she never really minds the taste, as long as it's edible. She gestures to the miqo'te to follow her as she leads them down to the markets where various street food is on display, including the popcorn stand from her first trip.]
That place has some good snacks; I enjoyed their lemon and pepper flavor most of all but all of them are pretty good, even the sweet ones.
[But she's more focused on something more hearty. And there was a thing she hasn't tried yet, pointing to a stand with a sign reading 'Arancini' with dozens of what appears to be...fried balls?]
What about this? Ever heard of it?
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[He followed along after her, the scent of street food quickly reaching him. And he looks delighted, pausing every now and again by whatever snack managed to catch his eye. Not buying anything, oh no, only occasionally taking an offered sample.
It was only when she herself paused to point out a sign that he'd actually give it the majority of his attention.]
I can't say that I have... But they look delicious, don't they? Why not have a few? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. It could be a new favorite meal.
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[ At least for all of the miqo'te's initial hesitation, he seems willing to try. Maybe it should be expected of a caster, anyway. They've far more reasons to want and need manna than, say, a tank that only needed to focus on hitting things with the pointy end of their blade. ]
That's precisely the issue. But with a little practice, you should make enough to use your abilities as you see fit.
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[He'd let Emet have his hand back, having been given quite a bit to think over, now.]
'Tis still so strange, to be given this level of advice on aether from a Garlean. You seem to have quite an intimate knowledge in regards to it, I'd near expect you to be a veteran.
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Well, 'tis only natural to want to know how those back home are doing. So I think, at least. She seemed cheerful the last time I spoke with her- I believe she'd made some good progress in her training that week.
Ah… right, you would have arrived in the midst of the storm, yes? [She reaches up to ruffle her hair- which should probably be a little shaggier than her icons suggest. She'll get something done about it soon, it's just… that was a lot.] Right. Everyone's had a lot on their minds…. Ah, anyhow! [She claps her hands together.] Well- at present, there are four major gods, called the Cardinal Gems- Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Amethyst. Each has a certain aspect and energy, as you might expect- Ruby being associated with fire, for instance. They don't seem to be present in this plane, from what I understand, so I don't believe they a concern in themselves. [At least… that's what she worries about. And then there's Malachite, and the gems in their own bodies…]
[She nods.]
Then… we just need to speak to someone at the Embassy, I believe.
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That I did. Pure chaos, it would seem. 'Tis a blessing that everyone made it here whole and hale, considering aught that happened before we were allowed out properly. Do such things happen often here? [Because if the answer was yes...] Because should it be a common occurrence, I would like to get to the bottom of why my spells drain me so terribly now. I cannot afford to be at anything less than my best, if things break into chaos with any regularity.
[Ruby was fire, was it? He'd gotten a chance to glance at his own gem but once, it wasn't in the best place for observation really. But, he knew enough of it to know it's color. Fire it was, then.]
I feel as if fire is fitting, should I be honest... But to the Embassy, then. The sooner I have a place to return to, the better served I shall be, I believe.
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[That much he made clear, yes. And that...stings, more than a little, something bitter overtaking the somber frown Gaius wore. He can hardly fault the man for his vitriol, after all these years, looking back at everything he had done, but...]
Would that I'd had the men to spare to protect the provinces properly, rather than the scant few soldiers there were.
[Everyday he thinks back to finding Allie and Alfonse there on the side of the road, witnessing such horrors at so young of an age. He thinks of finding the others, Rex and Ricon and Milisandia there in Werlyt, all alone, because they had been too late in hearing of the epidemic that overwhelmed the village. And regardless of the truth that the Miqo'te spoke, it doesn't stop Gaius' grip from tightening on Heirsbane's sheath, nor can he keep the bitterness from his voice as he continues.]
Instead, two decades saw all of our manpower strictly going to maintain control of the capitol against the likes of you and your order, and all those that came after them.
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[Jumping to conclusions would, as always, be a poor idea, though the mage's gaze narrowed as he regarded the man before him. He noted well how he gripped the sheath, the bitter tone of his voice.
All made the more understandable in his next words.]
Had the capitol not been been wrenched from us at all, there'd be no battle against the likes of me, and my order. Had we been left to live our lives in peace, there would be no need to maintain control.
Had the armies of Garlemald stayed within her borders, our lands would not be spotted with sun dried corpses, our villages not filled with the sick nor the starving, our backs free of bloodied stripes, our fathers and sons still at their homes and our graveyards not filled with the bodies of our children.
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