#abyssine

❝ ↪ @abyssine submitted an ask !!

" That ultimately depends. "

She's already hard at work with the bullets he needed for battle, though he's far more intrigued in the random inquiry versus what he's witnessed her do many times, knowing she'll do a great job even if he were to watch close.

" Which are we speaking of? I'm certain at least one might have some....issues to work through if we stop and think about it. "

It's too late to back out now, he's suddenly invested.

" I mean, if I were responsible for the creation of some....things....I'm sure my head would be far between my legs as I make my escape. "

" Oh this? " the special unit miqo'te is already reaching down to grab hold of the nearby hand next to him. " This isn't part of the job, " he continues while his grin seems to spread. " I just wanted to hold your hand. "

He senses the frustration, sees the way her cheeks streak red.

" Something the matter? " He plays off, thumb even gives a swift brush against the closest knuckle before tugging away and leaping some distance between them both, turning upon his heels to better face her. " You have a nice hand to hold. "

" Heh. "

There's a familiar rush that comes with the way he looks the other over from their spot on the ground, a simple bump had seemed to cause the other to lose their balance and his hand was already reaching out to help him back to his feet when it finally dawned upon him. He knows him. Remembers.

" See you in Shibuya, huh? "

Finally releasing his hand so he can tug back, the familiar gaze taking in as the final puzzle pieces place. Almost felt like a memory that wasn't quite his and yet - seemed to familiar all the same. Not that it seemed unusual for that to happen to him since his own return. Still a mental note he seemed to make all the same.

the wind began picking up, carrying the scent of pine needles and wildflowers with it. a kind reprieve from all the blood and ointments that saturated the cystarium's infirmary. luckily she didn't have to stay long, in turn covered in several bandages and bruises that damaged her ego more than anything.

cerulean eyes finally gaze up at ryne. her new hair color, something like a strawberry blonde or red, suits her better than blonde. now her eyes aren't so unsettling to look into. at first the red mage wasn't sure how to react or interact with the oracle of light, a fate that left a knot in her own throat. to live with such a destiny, even if altered, proves ryne's strength time and time again.

and alisaie ? besides constantly getting knocked down, both literally and figuratively, finding her own strength had always been a challenge. everyone carries their own reasons, their own motivation. ' my brother could likely list every single time i've gotten knocked off my feet. personally, i've lost count. ' she keeps her voice soft, smiling while her feet swing off the edge of the rock she's climbed onto.

her smile doesn't last, even if she wishes it to. ' i know i'm not as good as some of the others when it comes to combat. i'm still learning, after all. some of the worst hits weren't from a fight at all, but ... if i stay down ... i fear how difficult rising would be. that's not me. ' she chuckles under her breath. so much for isolating herself to lick her wounds. even stranger, ryne is making her feel better.

My dearest departed friend,

I write to you with a heavy heart, knowing that you cannot read these words nor hear my voice. Yet, I feel compelled to speak to you as if you were still here, for the news that I have to share is too important to go unheard.

The land is at peace, Ysayle. The vision that you and yours so bravely fought and died for has finally been realized. Man and dragonkind now live together in harmony, side by side, sharing the earth and aught else it has to offer. The prejudice and wars of the past have been buried slowly, like old bones of a forgotten era. Ere we celebrate days where the lies no longer hold us in our necks. I'd like to think that you and Saint Shiva would find joy in how much has been changed, I only wish that it did not come to this point at all, that the peace had not been paid in the price of blood.

You would be proud to know that your sacrifice was not in vain. The world that you envisioned, where all could live without fear or persecution, is now a reality. Your legacy lives on, and the world is a better place than when you first saw it because of your unwavering determination to make it so.

There is a child, a young girl that I hold with such fondness, who almost lost control of herself when I told her the story of your bravery and love for the world. Thank the gods, we were able to save her in time before another life was lost. She possesses the same amount of courage and love for the world as you did, my friend. I like to think that you would have favored her, that you would have seen a kindred spirit in her.

I miss you dearly, more than I could admit. There is not a day that goes by where I do not think of you and the impact that you had. Your memory lives on, and your spirit is felt in the hearts of all who knew you.

Until we meet again, my friend, may the winds guide you and the earth embrace you.

Dearest Ryne,

I hope this letter finds you well, and that it reaches you safely from across the expanse that separates our worlds. I've faith that the Moogles will do quick work of it, as to how they do it, I've long stopped questioning for my own sanity's sake. As I write this, our realm is in the midst of celebrating Little Ladies' Day, a joyous occasion where young ladies are treated like royalty throughout the land. As I watched the festivities unfold, I was reminded of you and our dear friend Gaia.

I wondered if the two of you were doing well by yourselves and if you had made more friends since my last visit. You both are constantly on my mind and I always hope for your happiness and well-being. I trust that you have been enjoying your adventures in Norvrandt, exploring its wonders and discovering more of its secrets.

I am pleased to report that we are doing well. Each member has their own affairs to focus on, but they all send their warmest regards and best wishes for your happiness. In my next visit, I will bring gifts from them all. I hope that you can wait a moment longer, for it might take a while before I can make my way to your world once again.

I wanted to remind you that you will always be everyone's princess, no matter how much time passes. Your kind heart and gentle spirit have left an indelible mark on us, and your absence is felt deeply. Thancred and Urianger still speak of you. Know that you are missed and loved.

I wish you and Gaia a very happy Little Ladies' Day.

He stood before Lyse, a smile creeping onto his lips, though it was tinged with surprise. The Warrior of Light had never expected her to make such a request, not in eons, and yet here she was, demanding a kiss before his departure. His nerves raced with anticipation, and he could feel himself almost shying away from it as he cupped her face gently in his hands. Truth be told, he had always admired her from afar, appreciating her courage, faux brashness, and humor, but never daring to cross the line that separated friends from lovers. He had contented himself with imagining what it would be like to hold her, to kiss her, to feel her body pressed against his own. But now, as she leaned in, her lips parting in invitation, he realized that such imaginings had been pale shadows of the reality that was about to unfold.

With trembling fingers, he reached out and caressed her cheek, savoring the softness of her skin beneath his touch. His glance fixed on her lips, watching as they drew closer and closer against him, until finally, they met in a rush of sensation. He felt his tongue dart between her lips, but he waited for her to respond eagerly before exploring the contours of her mouth with his own. He could feel the heat of her skin, the rise and fall of her breath as they tangled. For a moment, time stood still, and he lost himself in the pure sensation of being this close to her. He had dreamed of this for so long, but the reality was even more overwhelming than he had ever imagined. He would carry the memory of her lips with him always, a precious reminder of the connection that they had shared, however forceful their separation.

She could. It's just that... she shouldn't.

General Aldynn, for certain, could look after Ala Mhigo and their people in her absense, but Lyse made the decision to stay before and who was he to challenge it, or even convince her to change her mind now? 

The Warrior of Light's always been a man of ambition and ever daring, endlessly dreaming of embarking on new adventures, charting unexplored lands, and venturing into the unknown. He envisioned him and Lyse, side by side as they often were, facing the challenges the realm had to offer, forging a path that would be remembered. And yet, as he pondered about these visions, he knew there will always be hesitation in her eyes, a certain worry for her people that will heavily weigh upon her heart should she continue her work as a Scion. It's responsibilities, duties that could not be ignored. It's a life that demanded her presence and her attention, and he understood these concerns above all, respected them even, in spite of his own unvoiced longing for a life with her that seemed out of his grasp.

The dawn broke over the horizon, casting a golden light upon them. He stood by Lyse's side, unmoving, and wondered when will the next opportunity come. Her soft breathing filled the room, a gentle lullaby that he would know anywhere, no matter where the winds and soils take him. With a heavy heart, he gently placed a hand upon her head, his fingers threading through her hair. He whispered promises of his return, reassuring her that he would come back before she even knew it.

"I'll pretend you're with me, how about that?" His voice was tender and filled with unspoken longing, as he tried to ease the worry that he knew would be etched upon her face. "I'll give you something upon my return, so don't pout."

He tilted her chin upwards, gazing into her eyes with a smile that seemed to betray what he truthfully felt. His fingers tapped her jaw lightly, as if encouraging her to smile in kind, to let him see the joy she had that was reserved for him.