#keith summers

"So then you let the upstart have the limelight while you recuperated. That was kind of you," Deryk said, letting Keith work his leg across his thigh as he slid closer. Having not checked in some time, they agreed to meet for a weekend in Ul'dah to enjoy an apartment in the Goblet.

"Yeah. He did most of the work anyway. I was passed out from, well, overwhelming the elemental I was hosting with my anger. Wasn't expecting it all to be mostly an act. Though, I'm happy it was. My friend was able to say the things he needed to to someone important to him," Keith hummed, hand brushing over Deryk's shoulder. "All too often we let words go unsaid."

"All too true," Deryk lamented, resting his hand on Keith's knee before looking away. "And how fares your family?"

"Ah. Well, after I woke up from my levin sickness there was a little hiccup with the kids but everything is alright now. Raha has been working with the Scions while G'k is traveling with her friends. Kirian's really into his alchemy so I've got him studying in Ala Mhigo and we're looking into seeing if he might find schooling in Thavnair when he gets a bit older. He says he wants to go back and be Gulool Ja's chief alchemist when grows up," he chuckled, hand rising to play with Deryk's hair. "And you've just been traveling all this time with Nanners?"

Deryk laughed. "You're set on calling him on that aren't you?"

"He's your buddy. He deserves a name," Keith answered."

"Well, yes. We've spent some time wandering the plains of southern Eorzea among those of the Brotherhood of Ash. I spent some time with a strange girl that had joined them. They were all very accommodating and I learned about their special forging techniques," Deryk answered, starting to rub the bottom of Keith's foot with his free hand.

"Always a bit scared of all that fire and melted metal. It must get lonely though, just the two of you. Traveling with the Scions you'd find yourself in good company and able to wander. Plus, Raha and I'd be around," he said, stroking Deryk's hair.

"An enticing offer as always, yet I prefer to observe the world rather than find my hands shaping it," Deryk answered before noticing Keith's expression fall. "Does that upset you?"

"No, it's just. I thought you might be around a little more given our connection," Keith sighed, reaching out with his unoccupied hand to run over the pool's surface.

Deryk watched Keith quietly then shook his head. "Keith… You may bare a resemblance to Priapus and have a piece of his soul, but you are not my former companion. Don't burden yourself with worrying over me needlessly."

Keith furrowed his brow, fingers lacing deeper into Deryk's hair to carefully turn his head so their eyes could meet. "You were mine and Raha's friend before all of the Echo stuff kicked in. It's not a past version of myself that cares for you, it is all me. Er, I guess he is apart of me…" he said before shaking his head. "What I mean to say is that you're someone I've grown close with and care deeply about. And Raha feels the same, I think. Do you get what I'm saying?"

"I think I do," Deryk said, smiling as he gave Keith's foot a squeeze.

"Oh! Raha it is you!"

Krile outstretched her arms as her dear friend, G'raha Tia, knelt down and embraced her tightly. "I did not think we'd meet again," she said before pulling back and giving his ear a little tug. "Do you know how much I worried!? For you and our friends?"

"Ow! Krile please! It was not my intention to cause you to worry," G'raha whined, pulling back, pinched ear giving several twitches.

"I suppose it turned out well in the end, " Krile mused, looking into G'raha's crimson eyes as she touched his cheek. "Look at you. Both your eyes are red now…and there's something familiar behind them. Like looking into Grandfather's eyes."

"Yes. I have much to tell you on that front; however, those will be very long stories," G'raha said with a small nod, pushing his cheek into Krile's touch. "I've heard you've had your own adventures. You located the missing Isle of Val?

"Yes! And the hidden truths it held. Though I did have help though from a new friend. Speaking of…," Krile trailed as her assistant walked in. "Keith! Come meet me good friend G'raha Tia."

Keith blinked as he sat down a large box of books then wandered over, hand out to greet G'raha. "Hey there! Krile's told me a lot about you," he said, beaming down at the other.

G'raha looked up at the man, taking his hand to give it a shirk, before finding himself being pulled into a strong welcoming hug. His cheeks burned bright red, frozen by the familiar gesture. "Ah. Um. Well," G'raha stammered. "It is nice to meet you too! I'm sorrr- er, sorrrr-,"

Krile hid a small laugh as Keith let go and rubbed the back of his head. G'raha flicked his tail, rubbing his hands together as he tried to regain his compusure. "Ah. Was that the incorrect greeting? Krile had said-"

"It was perfect. Do you think you could run to The Last Stand for us? I'm sure Raha is quite hungry after his journey here."

Keith scowled. "You know I can cook just as well as Rickon, if not better," he said before turning his attention to G'raha. "You name it Raha , and I'll whip it up for you."

"Rrraha!?," was all that G'raha could manage to get out.

"He's easy to please. Just some burgers will be fine," Krile laughed, getting a little salute from her assistant before he hurried off.

"Comin' right up," Keith called out.

G'rahaet out a sharp exhale once he was certain they were alone. "Either he is the most forward Hyur in Sharlayan or you put him up to that," he accused.

Krile beamed, "I might have told it was a Corvosian custom to greet others with a strong hug. And I do tend to speak of you informally with him."

G'raha plopped himself in a chair, coiling his tail about his waist. "Then he just happens to be a proud cook too? I feel set up."

"Well, if it gets you to stop pining for the Warriors of Light, I thought I might dangle another option before you. A strong hero type with the Echo. He's even had his own run ins with Ascians. And well, he's earnest enough," Krile mused, lifting onto her toes to give G'raha a little pat on the back. "Perhaps he'll accompany us on our next project together?"