aetherialslumber | (no subject)

You do. And I'll remind you, as much as I possibly can. I refuse to lose you. [Another tight hug.]

Would you mind if I came with you?

...you may. I may need help handling my anger. [ But he doesn't move to stand yet. ]

Of course. I'll step in where you need me. And… better he knows, I should think. [That's fine by him- let them cuddle, for just a bit longer…]

[ Urianger slowly moved, shifting to big again... and began to put on his robes. ] Worry not. Your pocket is safe.

[He flutters into the air, watching.] That's good. Thank you, Urianger. [And, well, once Urianger has his robes on he'll flutter closer, ready to dive in.]

Urianger makes sure his dear faerie is comfortable, before having to pause. No, he can't create a mount to fly on.

So, instead, he's going to portal over to check on the Exarch. Hoping that he doesn't startle him too much... as he stumbles out, trying to calm himself, his injured body.

[It is a surprise- the Exarch starting, a hand rising- but he calms himself soon enough, offering Urianger a smile.]

Urianger- [The faerie Thancred waves, and the Exarch adds, eyebrows rising a little-] -and Thancred. It is good to see both of you.

Am I late? [ He asked, trying not to show how pained he was. ] Time has always been a little... out of sync for me, I'm afraid to say.

No, no… not at all. I fear I've barely begun preparations, in truth… [But he'd stumbled before…. The Exarch looks concerned, at least.]. Out of sync? How so?

I've never been good at keeping time. I seem to operate differently then everybody else. [ He hadn't told him about the name they heard deep under the former sea. Venat. ]

...though 'tis none of your concern.

Ah… that is unfortunate. Can you tell me more? Perhaps we can work out a better schedule…. [He's heard they went- but not all the details. He trusts that they've told him what is necessary, though.]

…is it not? We are working together, after all…

[And Thancred has his head poking out, watching the conversation with some worry.]

Edited 2020-03-04 11:44 (UTC)

[ And finally, Urianger grew angry. ]

To fix your mistake. Though we all knoweth the easiest solution.

[Oh. Oh.. He… finds himself unsurprised, honestly. He remembers Urianger as a man not easily inclined to anger- but the time he has spent here, that they have hardly progressed in finding the Scions a way home…]

…it is mine, and I have no desire to claim otherwise. As to that- I know it would be. And yet… it is not a decision that would affect me alone.

…I realise that that does not excuse keeping you here. I swear- I will fix this, Urianger.

You're running out of time. More then you may expect, Exarch. [ His lips curved into a frown, his hands bundling into fists. ] Who am I to claim I could take your life, however? That I could make that choice? For I cannot.

Am I? [He looks puzzled, but dismayed.

Thancred glances between them, and speaks up.]. The bond to his body sees… in particularly poor condition.

And- without that link… you would be… fully untethered. [Which… if Urianger's this angry, can only be bad.]

I… if you had to. I would accept it. [Because this needs to be unwoven, somehow, and if this is what they must…]. But in light of this- and the information you have given me- I believe there are some avenues we can try, before that. I… gods willing, they will work swiftly.

...Aye. I'm dying. [ He trembled a little, trying to hold himself back. He was a mess... ] Faster then the others, due to what I am. One who should be tied to two lands, but cannot be tethered to either.

'tis my fate to suffer at your hands. I still do not know how to feel over having been your pawn.

Cannot…? …I assume you've tried, but- could you tell me more of that?

…I would not dictate your feelings. I am sorry, but- whether you accept that or no is your decision.

As you may know, the fair folk hath claimed me - should that not tether my aether? But it does not. Nay, it weakens it. But none I tell this to take it seriously.

...I still doubt your own intentions, Exarch. Even now, the pain of my summoning clouds my mind.

Such a claim… should prove such. That it does not worries me. …I- is it possible it pulls you in too many directions?

I can only apologise for that. I realise believing my words may be difficult, but- I truly do not mean to cause you further pain.

[ His eyes closed, and he leaned against a wall. Reaching a hand to hold the hand of his dear Thancred. ] ...I cannot give it up, no matter what. It hurts.

Or perhaps that is the remnants of Light lingering as well. What would you have done if I had rejected aiding thee, I wonder...?

[Thancred grips onto him tightly, wanting to give Urianger something solid.]. I can't really see that as an option- I think you'd be someone different, otherwise.

Then- I will not push that. And yet- I do not understand why it does not work, if the Court holds a claim on you.

Perhaps. It may still be taking this Shard time to adjust to balance…. I had not thought it likely, though. Perhaps a reading of your aether might assist- if you are willing to allow me to look, naturally. …I would have had to convince the others another way.

...you may look. [ He whispered, looking right at the Exarch. If he could have convinced the others another way... why him? Why was he made to suffer? ]

My thanks. [Urianger, who'd ever studied prophecy- the Exarch had been sure it would be easiest to convince the others of a vision of a future, through his eyes. He does not regret acting to save the lives of their friend and the Scions- but faced with Urianger's hurt, guilt arcs through him. …but that is done. Now, he must do his best to mend what he has wrought- and at least Urianger has allowed him this.

He reaches out, then, trying to employ some measure of aetherial sight to see how Urianger's aether is doing.]

[ His aether is... shattered. Barely held together, trying to escape from a husk of a broken soul. It had always been strong, but right now... many different parts of it tried to flee, many different parts tried to form what it should be. ]

[He can't help a pained sound- can't help trying to reach out, encourage some of Urianger's aether to return to his shape.]

This is… something I have not seen before. I do not know- if you wish, I will do my best to help, but…

…I suspect you know how bad this is.