aetherialslumber | (no subject)

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.

[ A short nod. He knew. He didn't want to know, but... he knew. ]

I've... theories to why, Exarch. And they are not all related to your summoning.

I tried to become what I cannot be - not simply by being chosen by the Court, not simply by being a soul without a body. My blood is of the Light, and yet I tried to cling to Darkness. I was enthralled, and now that also leaves a scar. I am a fool of a man, Exarch. And now, I am dying. My mind shall go first, followed with this husk of a body.

Ah… hah, but perhaps that would be easier…. [Or at least something done entirely with his power.

He listens, shoulders slumping a little with each sentence. He's heard news of some of this, and yet he had not realised…]

…I would seek to forestall that, should you wish that. I admit that part of my desire to do so is purely selfish, but- I do not wish for you to suffer further.

[ He closed his eyes, finally. Letting out a sigh, as he tried to prevent his legs from buckling. A swift move of his hand, and his cane appeared. Aether sparking, violently, but Urianger barely reacted. ]

We've both so much to handle. Our burdens break us - or at least me.

[He moves, ready to offer what support he can. Ah… that's not much good, either.]

That's true. You have the Court, and I have the Crystarium…. I cannot help but feel responsible. …If you allow me, I would do my best to assist.

[ His lips curved into a frown. ]

But unlike the Court, you and the Maiden wish to serve your people.

…I would be uncomfortable claiming anything else. We are seeking to help.

[ He closed his eyes. Leaning on his cane. ]

Fate found it fitting to gift me this position. One I cannot leave, lest I would be abandoning those I care for. [ Even if they tell him he can leave, he can change his role. He cannot leave them again. ]

…Nor would I wish to ask that of you. [He holds a hand out to Urianger- an offer he can take, if he wishes.] What can I do to support you, then?

[ ...After a moment, he takes it. His body suddenly feels so tired. He frowns. ] I've no solutions, I'm afraid to say. Thancred said that if there was an anchor from the Source... but I cannot recall anything that's suitable.