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]

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.

[aetherialslumber]

[ A little smirk. ] Now... why would I tell you those plans?

I cannot imagine it will be a swift process - people moving out into the former Empty, that is. Until then... the quiet remains.

[heartforthefuture]

Ah…. [He gulps, but draws closer, tail winding around Urianger.] So it shall be a surprise, then.

No… it will take some time before they want to, as well… Until then… well. Should we make the most of it?

[aetherialslumber]

[ They arrived in his bedroom, a room mixed with nature, actually a hollow inside the tree. ] For both of us~ Though, if you need time alone, simply ask - and I shall gift thee that.

...and we shall. A kindness to us both, my... dear Raha.

[heartforthefuture]

[A different environment from his usual. It finds the Exarch relaxing a little, ears settling.]. I will. Thank you.

Good. You deserve such kindnesses. [He puts a hand on Urianger's arm, turning to look up at him.]. Where shall we start?