aetherialslumber | (no subject)

(no subject)

[ The Herald and his trusted pixie - well, faerie - were at home, like usual. Urianger having set up a small faerie bed on the desk next to his bed, looking to him with a soft smile. His gaze was a little confused, though. ]

My dearest Thancred. I've... did I fall asleep?

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...urgh. You won't give up, will you? Fine.

Tell me you at least have an instrument nearby.

I'm quite curious, after all.

Of course. Just this way, if you will. [He leads the way to another room- not too far from the main area, with a variety of instruments stored there.]. Which instrument do you prefer?

[ He quietly followed, nodding to himself, and soon saw... a harp. Perfect. He picked it up, and began to play.

The music was beautiful, alluring... and familiar, far too familiar. ]

[That he picks a harp is a relief- the Exarch had half feared Pan would ask for an instrument he doesn't know. The music, though- his expression turns surprised after a moment, his stance shifting.]

That melody…?

…I think I recognise it.. [Thancred's staring, fluttering in mid-air.]. It sounds like a song I used to hear in Limsa Lominsa.

[ He looks to the faerie, quietly. ]

Really now.

[Oh, all of that attention on him? Oof. Thancred nods.]. If I recall correctly, it was a form of hymn- a prayer to Oschon, that those who wandered might return home.

Oschon--

[ Pan suddenly tenses up. Looks away. Hands both gripping to the harp. ] What does that word mean to you?

…Oschon is the Wanderer, one of the Twelve- the deities of Eorzea. Why- what does the name mean to you?

It is the name that some called me - those who invoked my name for protection.

It's yours? [He can't keep the surprise out of his voice- wings stilling for a moment.]. So then- you had that power?

So even if the qualities have changed somewhat, you are still remembered…

Of course. I... journeyed to discover. I journeyed to bring love.

[The Exarch holds back a laugh, though his lips twitch up slightly.]. That sounds familiar. Doesn't it, Thancred?

[Thancred glances at the Exarch, squinting ofr a moment, and sighs, a little theatrically.] Well, I suppose it does, at that.

[ A little tilt of his head. But he was laughing now. ]

This Oschon... how do I know you two haven't just made him up?

Oh… now that is an interesting question. I'm afraid most worship of gods has fallen by the wayside in the First… But there may still be some artefacts.

Was there the symbol of the yew staff in your time?

We likely did not call it yew. [ said so arrogantly, but then: ] I would often be seen with a cane, yes. I carried it in case of injury. Even being immortal, it's a little dangerous.

[Yeah, Thancred kind of just eyerolls at that, but. Huh.]

…Immortality does not mean being impervious to the effects of time. In any case- ah, Thancred? [since he knows a little more…]

Well. The staff is the symbol of Oschon, of course…. I suppose I imagined it could transform into his bow. It made sense, as a wanderer of mountains, and the unknown places of the world.

[ A quiet pause, as he moved to sit. ]

Even in those older times, monsters would strike. I did not carry a noble title, for why would I? It would be seen as an invasion. Even so, I was cherished. I saved so many...

...I want to save more. To love more.

You simply did what you felt needed to be done, then?

[Thancred settles down a little, still watching, as the Exarch hums.]

As do we all.

When somebody can, why shouldn't they? And now, I'm expected to fade away? I want to live. To continue doing what I did. Not burdened by this fragile broken creature.

…He wishes to live as well. And… I want him to.

…but I don't know how you could both be here.

...it's cruel to think that everybody needs to choose.

Between you? …I suppose so.

Many others decide to share their life. I could not.

...I cannot.

…Then we would need to see you separate. Assuming that's possible…?

[ Pan closed his eyes. ] I wouldn't know. Magic is so pathetic in this time. And this man has already sundered his soul before.