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

[crystallinelore]

[wow.

it... it's good, that he waited for her to speak first.

he can't hide the flash of-- hurt? on his face. he has nothing to hide it with. but he quickly bows politely and accepts the robe, pulling it on quick.]

Thank you kindly.

[crystalbody]

[one of her ears turns curiously at that, but she brushes it aside and continues on.]

Come, the Crystarium is this way. The Exarch would have come to receive you personally, but there were some... complications. I will take you to him in his place and ensure your safety.

[crystallinelore]

[w h o m s t]

I appreciate your aid. Is he well...?

[crystalbody]

[whomst indeed]

Yes, simply dealing with some immediate matters that required his direct attention.

[when they get to the watchtowers and gates, she'll pause to get a pair of boots for him to wear. shouldn't go barefoot any longer than necessary. but once they're on, off they continue into the city, which looks exactly the same]

[crystallinelore]

Aah, I am glad to hear he is well.

[he's losing his tiny mind, as may be expected! he keeps reaching to flip his hood up, then realizing he-- probably shouldn't? frankly it's too late for one thing. and if this exarch is anything like him... it would be a bad introduction, to be seen as an impersonator.]

[crystalbody]

[boy howdy it's gonna be a hell of a time when they walk up the steps to the Dossal Gate and out comes the Exarch

who immediately stops seeing them, at a loss for words. but that gives you a chance to look this person over, taller than you, very definitely showing crystal in a different way, and the robes seem to hang with more flow]

[crystallinelore]

[this is

a lot?

this is a lot.

he is honestly not even sure what to say? where to start?]

[crystalbody]

[at least you don't seem to be the only one!!

Lyna gently coughs to break the uncomfortably tense silence, which seems to be enough to startle THIS Exarch at least into coming back to his senses.]

Ah, yes, my apologies. Welcome to the Crystarium, though it must seem a strange welcome due to the circumstances. Shall we discuss further in private...?

[crystallinelore]

That-- seems wise. Yes.

[crystalbody]

[there's a gentle word of thanks passed along to Lyna before he turns and pushes the door behind him open, stepping aside to let G'raha through first

though one supposes they are both technically Crystal Exarchs, for the tower most definitely hums and recognizes him all the same, acting accordingly to his needs, which may include a shifting of clothes if desired]

[crystallinelore]

[he COULD! He's tempted. But it would also be... quite rude, possibly, to simply take control of the tower, even if it is also technically his.]

...So, you summoned me. Intentionally?

[crystalbody]

Well, the summoning was certainly intentional, but it seems I made a mistake in target.

[but he only elaborates further once they're in the Ocular]

I thought for sure I had done so correctly this time, but judging by your presence, I've overreached, so to speak. As you most likely already know, time-travel certainly is in the cards, but a pull from a completely different parallel of reality is, hmm... a bit more than I thought was possible.

I apologize for this miscalculation, but seeing as you yourself have a connection to the Tower, it's one I feel confident that I can undo within a relatively short period of time. Gladly would I offer you space to rest and unwind until then, though I suspect you may prefer here rather than in the Pendants?

[someone's used to being a scholar rambler]

[crystallinelore]

[he cocks his head, taking that in seriously.]

...May I ask who you were attempting to summon?

[crystalbody]

The Warrior of Light from the Source.

Or rather, the Source in this rendition of reality.

[crystallinelore]

[well there's a lot to unpack there. a lot that hasn't necessarily been said, either.]

...As you may suspect, I was not on the Source.

[How Did You Get Him Specifically, is the question.]

[crystalbody]

[thank the gods for the hood because there's an internal sweat ongoing here while rapidly considering his options of what to say because HELLS]

No. Quite a misfire, I'm afraid.

[crystallinelore]

[h m m]

I know well the difficulty of finding your mark in these circumstances, but... This is still rather egregious. Maybe I could assist you in pulling in the correct person?

[crystalbody]

[this Exarch quickly raises a hand in polite refusal]

Oh, no, I could not bear to keep you from your home longer than necessary. If we are in similar positions, then you've your own work to do.

[AND CAN I JUST NOT EXPLAIN THAT YOU HAVE THE SAME AETHER, I JUST KINDA GRABBED THE WRONG ONE]

[crystallinelore]

I believe circumstances are actually somewhat less dire in my home, currently.

[crystalbody]

That is... good to know.

[and that's a lot of relief, to know the plan works out one way or another]

Though perhaps I should avoid asking as to the particulars. [pauses] Did any of the Scions die?

[crystallinelore]

...We had some scares. But no.

[not permanently, anyway, but internal screaming about Y'shtola.]

[crystalbody]

[he takes a slow, deep breath before letting it out just as slowly]

I see. I have much to aspire to in my future.

I'm glad for you.

[whew. w h e w. that's a heavy burden. it's a relief but also a lot of work to look toward]

[crystallinelore]

[... softly, stepping forward.]

May I ask who you are?

[crystalbody]

[very nearly rocks backward in surprise, but long years of practice and harsher realities have him staying steady and still on his feet. and really, this request isn't a total surprise

but time changes people in some ways, so he inclines his head and very solemnly:]

You may ask.

[crystallinelore]

[That gets an amused huff, a quirk of a smile.]

It sounds as though my question wouldn't be answered. But what reason have you to hide from me?