[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.
Why would I not? If we were friends before, then 'tis only to be expected I'd like to continue that here, whether or not I remember it. There are so very few people I do not wish to know, after all.
[Another Warrior of Light? Or Darkness- that one was new. A bit more foreboding, all things considered, but then... Well there was still so much he didn't know. Too much he didn't know.]
It's starting to become something of a routine, should I be honest! A strange one, to be sure, but a one nevertheless, and I'm starting to become accustomed to it. It was exciting enough to work alongside one Warrior, to think that I've done so in other timelines, multiple times over... I should be keeping track of all the names I've been told here. I'll never want for company, this I can see.
[A constant, was he? Something to be pondered on later, what an interesting concept.]
As a matter of fact, yes. It was an... interesting, enlightening experience. [The cheerful tone dampened, just slightly, at the mention of it, grounding out to something a little more thoughtful. It was a low that was not maintained.]
The flowers are lovely, Megumi. You can grow things with manna, you say? Then it's far more than self maintenance and typical aether.
[ Why wouldn't he indeed. But she's more worried it might feel like an imposition, or as though there's an attempt to intrude upon the memory of the Warrior he knows. That's how she would feel knowing others knew a different version of herself, even if she'd open up later.
In that, she feels relieved— and grateful that he's not feeling strangely about that knowledge. But that's how he's been, hasn't he? She smiles with a friendly flick of her ears, though she does notice him not elaborating on who he met. She wonders if it means it's someone he'd rather not be around, but surely he'd say as much if it were.
For now— she gives him a nod and chuckles at his remark. ]
Aye, you can. I didn't know of it, but it turned out it was possible to accelerate the growth of plants with synchrony.
[ And they turned out so lovely, too. Which does make her think—
As well as extend her hand to his. ]
You'll need manna to keep going— I would not have you get drained here, and you'll certainly be offered more. But we can hold hands if you'd not mind as we explore, X'rhun.
[ She doesn't beat around the bush, but she offers it anyway if he wishes to take it. ]
Have you been able to look around on your own, too?
[The feelings surrounding his meeting upon the crater were... complicated, to say the least. He'd come away from it troubled, frustrated and full of questions, none of which he'd lay upon the man he'd encountered.
For now, in fact, the less time he spent around him, the better. He was far more invested in the here and now however. Willing for a time to lay to the side his encounter, to be mulled over later.]
I shall have to give that a try for myself, I do believe. What a fascinating trick to have, I wonder what else I could do...
[Ah, but that's right, manna. The outcome of that synchrony. She didn't have to push the matter, nor indeed ask again. Without hesitation, he took her offered hand with a smile.]'
I hardly mind at all, you've no need to worry about that. I've not even begun to explore properly yet, no. Surely, we'll be wandering for some time, more than enough time to restore what I lost in the crater, I believe.
[ She's a little surprised, but more pleasantly so when he takes her hand. It ends up making her smile, and she closes her own fingers around his palm, and the flow of manna— though gentle, is still comforting as she meets his gaze. ]
That would depend on you, then! What have you been able to see already, X'rhun? We can figure out what to explore from there.
[ Her ears do wiggle playfully, much like the male miqo'te do their own. ]
Of course, if you're not too concerned for that, I could take you to dine somewhere. You must be hungry by now, aye?
[Gentle and slow, but no less welcome and no less comfortable. He was very, very quickly coming to enjoy the sensation of it, the added promise of restored aether a pleasant bonus to it all.]
So far? Ah... I've only barely made it to the beginning of the markets. Why, I haven't even found my first tavern yet, I can't even say I've gotten started exploring.
I do have a few vouchers though, and I'll not pretend that I haven't thought of eating. Seems but fair that if you're going to be so kind as to show me around, I offer to cover a meal.
[ It helps that it's him— even if he can't recall her in particular, she hasn't forgotten their journey. It's something she's kept dear to her in the tales she records and keeps, and while she hasn't had the chance to really get into practical use of his training, it has been committed to her memory.
She's just glad that there are others who are so much better at it showing their prowess. The thoughts are fond as she thinks on his words, then she nods to him. ]
That sounds fair. Then, how about we first head to the Diamond District? We'll be able to find you more clothing, too, and we can head off to dine somewhere after. Shopping can be exhausting!
[ She smiles brightly then, giving him a wink. ]
And we can find where you're staying, too. Think we can keep ourselves busy that way, aye? You won't believe how exciting this place is. Their transports are like nothing I've ever seen- and their products! They've got supplies for just about anything you could imagine—
[ Oh, she's about to gush. She catches herself and chuckles sheepishly. ]
Ah, a prudent idea, I've only what I've arrived in after all... I'd hate to wear these out, a decent wardrobe at hand, a few chances of shoes... A new hat maybe...
[Look, look at the hat he has. This is a man who likes his hats, a hat is necessary.]
And then dinner and a drink! The perfect end to my first day here, a brilliant idea.
[And he politely quieted as she began to talk, listening with no small degree of interest as she mentioned the transports, the products, the sheer amount of things-]
Oh by all means do continue, I'm but a newcomer here! I would love to hear all of this place as quickly as possible, why not all at once as we walk? Come, tell me everything, there's plenty of time to chat while we explore.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
[Another Warrior of Light? Or Darkness- that one was new. A bit more foreboding, all things considered, but then... Well there was still so much he didn't know. Too much he didn't know.]
It's starting to become something of a routine, should I be honest! A strange one, to be sure, but a one nevertheless, and I'm starting to become accustomed to it. It was exciting enough to work alongside one Warrior, to think that I've done so in other timelines, multiple times over... I should be keeping track of all the names I've been told here. I'll never want for company, this I can see.
[A constant, was he? Something to be pondered on later, what an interesting concept.]
As a matter of fact, yes. It was an... interesting, enlightening experience. [The cheerful tone dampened, just slightly, at the mention of it, grounding out to something a little more thoughtful. It was a low that was not maintained.]
The flowers are lovely, Megumi. You can grow things with manna, you say? Then it's far more than self maintenance and typical aether.
no subject
In that, she feels relieved— and grateful that he's not feeling strangely about that knowledge. But that's how he's been, hasn't he? She smiles with a friendly flick of her ears, though she does notice him not elaborating on who he met. She wonders if it means it's someone he'd rather not be around, but surely he'd say as much if it were.
For now— she gives him a nod and chuckles at his remark. ]
Aye, you can. I didn't know of it, but it turned out it was possible to accelerate the growth of plants with synchrony.
[ And they turned out so lovely, too. Which does make her think—
As well as extend her hand to his. ]
You'll need manna to keep going— I would not have you get drained here, and you'll certainly be offered more. But we can hold hands if you'd not mind as we explore, X'rhun.
[ She doesn't beat around the bush, but she offers it anyway if he wishes to take it. ]
Have you been able to look around on your own, too?
no subject
For now, in fact, the less time he spent around him, the better. He was far more invested in the here and now however. Willing for a time to lay to the side his encounter, to be mulled over later.]
I shall have to give that a try for myself, I do believe. What a fascinating trick to have, I wonder what else I could do...
[Ah, but that's right, manna. The outcome of that synchrony. She didn't have to push the matter, nor indeed ask again. Without hesitation, he took her offered hand with a smile.]'
I hardly mind at all, you've no need to worry about that. I've not even begun to explore properly yet, no. Surely, we'll be wandering for some time, more than enough time to restore what I lost in the crater, I believe.
Where shall we get started then?
no subject
That would depend on you, then! What have you been able to see already, X'rhun? We can figure out what to explore from there.
[ Her ears do wiggle playfully, much like the male miqo'te do their own. ]
Of course, if you're not too concerned for that, I could take you to dine somewhere. You must be hungry by now, aye?
no subject
So far? Ah... I've only barely made it to the beginning of the markets. Why, I haven't even found my first tavern yet, I can't even say I've gotten started exploring.
I do have a few vouchers though, and I'll not pretend that I haven't thought of eating. Seems but fair that if you're going to be so kind as to show me around, I offer to cover a meal.
cue shopping and exploration montage—😉
She's just glad that there are others who are so much better at it showing their prowess. The thoughts are fond as she thinks on his words, then she nods to him. ]
That sounds fair. Then, how about we first head to the Diamond District? We'll be able to find you more clothing, too, and we can head off to dine somewhere after. Shopping can be exhausting!
[ She smiles brightly then, giving him a wink. ]
And we can find where you're staying, too. Think we can keep ourselves busy that way, aye? You won't believe how exciting this place is. Their transports are like nothing I've ever seen- and their products! They've got supplies for just about anything you could imagine—
[ Oh, she's about to gush. She catches herself and chuckles sheepishly. ]
... forgive me. Shall we be off?
no subject
[Look, look at the hat he has. This is a man who likes his hats, a hat is necessary.]
And then dinner and a drink! The perfect end to my first day here, a brilliant idea.
[And he politely quieted as she began to talk, listening with no small degree of interest as she mentioned the transports, the products, the sheer amount of things-]
Oh by all means do continue, I'm but a newcomer here! I would love to hear all of this place as quickly as possible, why not all at once as we walk? Come, tell me everything, there's plenty of time to chat while we explore.
[Off they go!]