VOICETEST

[crystallinelore]

INEVITABLE SPOILERS WITHIN, LOOK UPON AT YOUR OWN RISK

in any case we can do like, game aus, or "exarch summoned your character from another fuckin dimension", or THERE'S A WEIRD TOWER MADE OF CRYSTAL HERE NOW, WTF, or maybe it's been there as long as anyone can remember, or,

look feel free to comment with a pitch or make me pick or just make a starter, we can do whatever

Comments

[goodknightdaddy]

[He makes a bratty face but lets himself be escorted.]

How courteous.

[Well, he can spend his time productively trying to get a glimpse under that hood sneakily.]

[crystallinelore]

[The Exarch seems well practiced in tipping his head to avoid sneaky snooping. Suck it.]

I am doing my utmost to be a good host.

[delivers him to the guard with a smile. Lyna is there as well, scowling at G'raha protectively, so the Exarch does take a moment to point out that G'raha was not sneaking in to hurt him or anything. Then he's turning to his younger self once more.]

Let us try to meet again in a more normal fashion, please.

[goodknightdaddy]

[Ggrrrrr.

He smiles back cheerfully! Sooooo determined to see that face but also get into the tower without being stopped.]

Yes. Maybe you'll join me for lunch some time.

[He'll leave without a fuss but the Exarch can't lurk in the tower ALL the time. While he bides his time he'll make a plan for distracting guards and otherwise get to know people and make himself useful with the skills he has, which aren't negligible. Though they aren't "I spent 100 years getting ready"]

[crystallinelore]

[He's well-liked in the Crystarium! Even when he's making a pest of himself, the general feeling seems to be that people are charmed by his lively nature.

But surprisingly enough, after a few days, G'raha is in fact being invited to lunch with the Exarch, at the little coffee-cookie cafe.]

[goodknightdaddy]

[He makes a pest of himself a lot. But he's so cheerful and lively and sulky and exciteable no one really does more than scold him.

He's surprised by the invitation but it's a perfect opportunity isn't it? All he has to do is sneak a reflective surface under the Exarch's chair... he might finally see that face! Of course he accepts and goes, in high spirits.]

[crystallinelore]

[When he arrives the Exarch is already there, at a little table in the back corner of the cafe, enjoying a cup of coffee.]

Ah, you came after all. Good afternoon.

[goodknightdaddy]

Of course.

[He plops himself down across from the Exarch, contemplating how to be a sneaky cat.]

I didn't think you'd actually though.

[crystallinelore]

[the exarch primly sips his coffee.]

I have good reason to keep an eye on you, do I not? I may as well be forward and mannerly about it.

[goodknightdaddy]

Hmph. You talk like Ramm... like I'm causing trouble.

[He leans his chin on his hand and pouts.]

Nothing about you is forward either. All secrets.

[crystallinelore]

[oh that one gets him for a few moments, and he stares into the surface of his coffee as he tries to recover from being thrown off.]

You snuck into the tower on your very first day. Even you must admit that is causing trouble.

[sips again, bolstering his nerves.]

'Tis true. I have a great many secrets to protect. But I do try to be direct in what ways I can.

[goodknightdaddy]

[He catches that but doesn't understand why the Exarch is thrown off. More mysteries.]

So you say.

[He grabs a menu, looking it over before he flags down a waiter. Giving his order he leans his chin on his hand again.]

You haven't even told me about this body of mine. It's not real is it?

[crystallinelore]

That is part of why I called you here today. I am not yet certain, but... I have my suspicions as well, that you are more aetheric gjost than anything.

[goodknightdaddy]

... You don't know?

[He's surprised. Mystery guy?? Don't you know everything? Nnmh. Well. Even G'raha isn't sure and it's his own body. Krile would know. This is her jam. But Krile isn't here.]

[crystallinelore]

It would go some way to explaining why you arrived naked, for instance... but I did not wish to spring such theories on you until you had settled in some.

[goodknightdaddy]

And here I was just thinking you were a pervert.

[crystallinelore]

[he sighs]

It was most certainly not my intent to leave you defenseless in the wilderness.

[goodknightdaddy]

[X]

Sure.

[He leans back as his cake arrives.]

[crystallinelore]

[he lets that hang there as the waiter also settles a plate of coffee cookies in front of the exarch. sweet teeth. but once they're out of earshot again.]

I told you my plans for your warrior, did I not? What part of that would be served by ditching them with the Sin Eaters without their gear?

[goodknightdaddy]

One could argue that you left my summoning unfinished as soon as you realized you got the wrong target. But in that case of course why not let the guards dispose of me?

[He waggles his fork as he theorizes.]

No. I think it's more likely that you did leave the summoning unfinished. But because... if I were whole isn't there a chance my aetherial connection to the source would be strong enough to let me travel back? Then I could warn the Scions. But this way I'm stuck. But unharmed.

[He contemplates his hand.]

For now, at least.

[crystallinelore]

Being able to properly communicate with the Scions on this matter would honestly be a relief to me.

[he nibbles a cookie, clearly thinking.]

Having body and soul separated like this will certainly have averse effects, true. First to be impacted would be your body, however. Where were you, when I summoned you? Safe with allies?

[as if he doesn't know.]

[awakenerd]

Yes.

[He lies easily, totally unaware. Well, he thinks the Exarch might know something but. He waggles his fork again. Technically his body is somewhere safe, at least.]

You're going to say you don't know how to send me back, right? I already figured.

[crystallinelore]

'Tis true. I have done some research into it, and it pains me to attempt summonings with incomplete knowledge, but... this world is running out of time.

[sets down his half eaten cookie.]

As for your soul, will you allow me to conduct an examination on you?

[awakenerd]

....I suppose.

[He doesn't have anyone else here who can probably.]

[crystallinelore]

I can assure you that you may remain fully dressed for it. But for now, let us enjoy lunch together.

[awakenerd]

[He snorts, a laugh despite himself. And then while twirling his fork "accidentally" drops it.

Grumbling he goes after it under the table, but what he's really trying to do is palm a mirror and use it to glance up the Exarch'a face while he retreives the fork.]