shippy

[aetherialslumber]

[ Urianger hadn't noticed it grow so late in their home in the Empty - on a day the Exarch was visiting, at that. He was not like the Tower, but he could share energy. But the sun was setting... and Urianger began with quite a strong question. ]

...might I call you Raha?

Comments

[heartforthefuture]

[It is a long way, but- he wouldn't give up these visits for the world. He likes seeing what Urianger is doing out here- and Urianger himself, for that matter.

He blinks, ears flicking up for a moment. Surprised, but pleased.]

I would like that, if you wish to. I suppose… it has been a while since we first came out here, isn't it?

[He glances at Urianger's hand, after a moment's thought deciding to brush his fingers against Urianger's, an offer of touch.]

[aetherialslumber]

[ The offer was accepted, his hand moving to grip the others' - so gently, so kindly. His skin had turned ashen as he healed. It was odd. The Empty was dangerous to most, but their soft oasis was aiding. ]

Aye. It has been... two weeks, I think? Though it feels like longer.

...thank you, Raha. For your visit. Is all well in the Crystarium - disregarding what Elidibus has caused?

[heartforthefuture]

[Odd, but still Urianger's. He squeezes Urianger's hand gently, watching. The oasis gives him hope- it will undoubtedly take time, but someday… there will be growth again.]

Much longer- 'tis an oddity of time that escapes even the most intent of scholars, I fear. [He chuckles, but sighs a little.]

Well enough. We are stretched, I fear, with those who have decided to depart… But those who have stayed are making the best of it, as we always have.

[aetherialslumber]

[ As he spoke, his eyes closed gently. His voice grew quieter. ]

I suppose beginning a new project feels like it should take longer. The ability to allow new growth to bloom speeds things up...

...I shall not burden thee with requests, then. Until all is well.

[heartforthefuture]

Ah, indeed. The beginning of something new… with all the journey ahead of you. It's exciting, isn't it?

…you had a request? What was it? If it is within my power- I would grant it. [There are still things they can do, after all. And… he doesn't imagine Urianger asking for something that would be too much.]

[aetherialslumber]

...I wish to work alongside thee. While this is small right now, both of us-- we know we do not live within mortal timelines. [ It was a sad voice which came out of him. ] Not anymore.

[heartforthefuture]

Urianger…. [Impulsively, he grips Urianger's hand a little more tightly, before turning, holding out his other hand.] May I hold you?

…no. But it would be good, to have someone there- and I would be delighted- thrilled- if you wished to be there.

[aetherialslumber]

[ A pause. And then, a nod. ] You may.

I knoweth that the Maiden shall stand alongside thee forevermore. But perhaps if all three of us are together... we can starve off the loss of morals.

[heartforthefuture]

Thank you. [He shifts forward, tucking himself against Urianger and putting his arms around him, tail twitching slowly.]

Yes. I… I think that will be all right. Three standing together… I think we'll be able to support each other. I… I would not see that happen, for any of us.

[aetherialslumber]

[ Urianger melted into the touch... resting his head against the other, gently purring in his own way. ] I do not know how to tell many how I shall not die... especially if the Calamity are averted.

[heartforthefuture]

[Oh. He nuzzles against Urianger, a purr catching in his own throat.]. …I should think some of them would have guessed, knowing you. But in any case- I do not see a need to rush. It might… be easiest, too, to tell a few of them at a time.

[aetherialslumber]

[ His soft Elezen ears twitched - even as they were coated in soft fuzz, they couldn't help but hear that purr... and Urianger couldn't hide a soft smile. ] Aye... of course. Perhaps after the matter of... sending them home. Restoring their bodies.

Then, perhaps, I can at least tell them that I've chosen here.

[heartforthefuture]

[He smiles back glad to see it- hopeful that this means some joy for Urianger.]. Of course. Once things are a little more settled…

[He gives Urianger a gentle squeeze.]. Whenever you tell them this, I will be there to stand by your side.

[aetherialslumber]

[ Together. They can handle this together. His eyes lit up. ] Raha... you truly do not mind? Any of this?

[heartforthefuture]

No. I… this is…. [He shakes his head, ears shifted back a little.]. While it may seem strange- I wish for you to find the place that suits you- for wherever it is, to be somewhere where you are happy. And if it is here, then- I would be happy with that.

[aetherialslumber]

[ Urianger didn't know why. But he moved one of his hands to stroke the ears of the other. ] ...strange is how life is. Strange and cruel. And even if it came from a cruel beginning... I accept that this is my happiness.

Alongside thee.

[heartforthefuture]

[He lets out a little breathy sound, eyes half-closing as he leans into the touch.]. …certainly stranger than I thought when I was younger. That's… I regret it beginning that way. But… I am glad that you've found happiness. And moreso that I could be a part of it.

[aetherialslumber]

...not only a part of it. [ he whispered, words coming out before he could consider them. ] I cannot see a life without thee.

[heartforthefuture]

You- you do? Urianger…. [He flushes, smiling, and reaches out to cup Urianger's face.]. I would like that. Perhaps- we should set something up. To see each other as often as we wished.

[aetherialslumber]

...I would like that. Linkpearl is one thing, but you can spy on me as well... and I've not finished setting up Aetheryte contact here.

[ Though he wished to, as he relaxed. ]

[heartforthefuture]

With your permission. [He nods, cuddling into Urianger again.]. It's not quite the same as being here…. But I know that will take time. In the meantime… we are together.

[aetherialslumber]

I... enjoy the feeling of being watched. [ Said a little embarrassed. ] --I've an idea. When things calm, we could build some form of path 'tween our settlements, for easy travel. We could carve a way though the Flood...

...ah. Perhaps I'm beginning to become a little too ambitious.

[heartforthefuture]

Oh…? Oh.. [He flushes a little, and smiles, reaching out to pat Urianger's arm.]. Would you like me to tell you? Or would you prefer to realise?

I hadn't thought that far yet- but I very much like the idea. [He laughs a little, lightly.]. Perhaps- but if we dream high, we will reach high- and surely grasp it in time.

[aetherialslumber]

I would prefer to realise - it also helps me sharpen my magic. [ But as he relaxed, he then began to move. Half-gesturing towards his bedroom. ]

I feel as if this tree is to grow larger. To tower over, and eventually people will begin to build homes nearby. That is, if I let them.

[heartforthefuture]

Very well. [He flushes a little more deeply, but- it sends a thrill down his spine, too. He gives Urianger a nod, beginning to move towards the bedroom.]. Would you let me know? Or- watch me, perhaps, as I watched you…

[He nods.]. I'm quite sure of that- it will be magnificent, a testament to life. Somewhere people might seek out, though I'll admit…. the thought of having somewhere secluded and quiet, all your own, sounds most appealing.