Open RP Post

[centuriesinspired]

What it says on the tin, give me your starters or make a request.

Pick a scenario if you need ideas.

Comments

Time to bully this thirsty nerd.

[dontbehorny]

[Needless to say when Emet-Selch is not harassing the Warrior of Light and their companions he's harassing other people. And since Lahabrea met a long overdue end and he's mildly tired of being shot by Varis he might as well come here to this very familiar crystal with a not so familiar dweller.

It's the mystery that shrouds this man that makes him so interesting. And if Emet hangs around long enough he may be able to uncover all that he needs to. Granted... he's well aware how this story ends but surprises can be fun.

He usually has the courtesy of just appearing in the main room with the crystal mirror that spies upon the great Hero of the Source. Today he's going to be rude and invade some personal space.

The Exarch's room is absolutely littered with books and as Emet slouches through the room he peers at some of the covers with curiosity. The history of the Source, mostly... Along with Allagan technologies and theories. Perhaps all gathered up when the Exarch was trying to uncover the mysteries of his tower. He certainly managed to uncover a great deal. After all... the Warrior of Light is here.]

Such a studious Exarch. And here I was half expecting to find a hidden romance novel tucked away. [The Ascian shrugs dramatically and sighs as if he's disappointed.] It was to be the source of many remarks and now I'm left with nothing.

[Unless he's not looking hard enough which could very well be the case but they're both better off having not found anything truly shameless.]

I do applaud you for your diligence in your studies. Here's hoping it all pays off, yes?

Exarch no don't feed the troll...

[centuriesinspired]

[ His personal chambers have not seen much use, not since the Exarch joined his aether with the Crystal Tower. Since then sleep has not been a requirement so neither was a bed. Food is...well, while he doesn't need that either the Exarch hasn't given up eating. Not entirely. Food and drink are an indulgence now, an occasional treat. Though if he's honest with himself, the last time he'd even touched food that he can recall with clarity were the sandwiches he'd made for the Warrior.

His chambers now are more of a poorly organized personal library as Emet-Selch is discovering. Yet just because he does not use the room often does not mean he's unaware when it's being invaded.

Heavy doors swing open, revealing the Ascian going through his collection, just in time for the commentary. ]

Emet-Selch. [ Engaging the Ascian is never a good idea, giving him nothing but a cold crystal wall to talk to is usually enough to bore the being into leaving. But this is a poke that the Exarch cannot easily ignore. ] What a surprise it is to see you here.

[ He's smiling under his hood and his tone is friendly...much like it was whenever he was treating with Vauthry. ]

If my collection disappoints you in any way, perhaps you could offer recommendations. A man with as much time on his hands as you seem to must have a few...

> : 3 feed him

[dontbehorny]

[The Ascian reaches for one book that causes a small stack to wobble but not fall. He flips through a good chunk of pages and finds a picture of himself perhaps a little younger than his current body. Emet-Selch flips the book around to show the Exarch the small image surrounded by grim words of his Garlean deeds.]

I do enjoy the ones where I'm in them. All my fine conquests and inventions. We could go further back in time to when I designed the very place we're in now. Nothing I've done is boring though much of it has been out of it.

[It's all for the great rejoining, yes. But these long lonely years really do push one to just go out and conquer a few places because, well, why not? It all leads to the same end.]

But you come across as a man who enjoys a hero's tale. And we can both say with confidence that I've naught been part of anything close to that. A near repulsive prospect. But then again... that may be a matter of perspective and what side of the war you're on... Either way... [He continues to drawl on gaze still sweeping over the numerous volumes that lay here.] I may know a tale or two that may interest you even when you watch the day to day of the greatest one you will ever know. What's a fairy tale to the genuine article, Exarch?

IT TIME

[verstoned]

[Tired as Rhus is, he always has time to visit a friend, especially one as estranged from him as G'raha Tia. Climbing the steps up to the Ocular takes little time, with the way he dashes forward with En Avant, and soon enough he's walking through the door to meet the man.

Of course, he knows the man continues to try and fool Rhus into thinking that he is not G'raha Tia of the Students of Baldesion... But Rhus was raised to spot lies for what they are. He's simply content to let the man think his deception is successful, because the truth will out eventually.]

Exarch. I've returned.

[He wonders... How much of a shock was seeing this old Miqo'te from the way he used to be when they first met, formed NOAH and plumbed the depths of the Crystal Tower together? The Scions who disappeared and were returned to them were speechless when they first heard him curse, though after watching him grow and change Tataru and Alphinaud knew what to expect-- or what not to expect.

Rhus is no shrinking wallflower anymore, and has done away with that old accent, too tired to give a damn about keeping those appearances up.

He has more things to worry about than seeming like an ill-educated buffoon.]

\o/

[centuriesinspired]

[ From the beginning, the decision to hide his identity had been obvious. The Crystarium's citizenry came to accept his secrecy, a small concession in return for the succor he and the Tower have been able to provide. Extending that secrecy to the Warrior...had been more difficult. Yet it was for the best, the Exarch was sure. It was clear from the start that Rhus had changed just as he had. Impressively so considering how many more centuries the Exarch had on the once older miqo'te.

By now, the adventure-seeking young man he used to be cannot be more than a distant memory for Rhus, if that. Yet seeing his face, over time, the memory might come trickling back and putting the Exarch's true plan at risk.

The Exarch watches Rhus all but fly up the steps to the Occular, a quiet gesture dismissing the image before the man reaches his door. He turns as it opens, a ready smile waiting on his hood. ]

Welcome, Rhus. As glad as I am to see you this visit is a might sooner than I expected. Is aught amiss with your hunt for the Wardens?

[ It is better, this way. It is. ]

[verstoned]

Mmh. [G'raha may keep his secrets, for Rhus has his own.

A spot just underneath his right eye, white and hard like ceramic. Just grows and grows, the more Lightwardens he kills and absorbs, no longer some strange oddity or a trick of the light that he can ignore. Rubs against his eyepatch whenever he moves his face, making him all-too aware of its presence.

Well before even he heard of the furtive conversation of Y'shtola and Urianger behind the door, he already knew.]

Nothing to be overly concerned about, but I've been forced by the Scions to rest before we even attempt to seek out the next one.

[But one cant tell Rhus to sleep when he cant sleep himself.]

Here's something no one wanted

[ambitionburns]

[All Nero had meant to do was nip quickly into Revenant's Toll, retrieve the few things he'd left behind at the workshop, and slip back out before anyone could spot him and remember just how much money he'd stolen. Easy. Simple. Straightforward. Just his luck that the Warrior of Light had been passing through at the time... and he just had to stop a moment to give them some sass and ask a few pointed questions.

(He'd heard rumors of the various goings-on. Movement on the Ala Mhigan front. An illness striking down the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. What sort of former member of the frumentarium would he be to not gather some intelligence?)

That was, apparently, the reason he has found himself in this unenviable situation. A blinding headache, a mysterious and demanding voice in his head, all faded to black and sense left him... and now he was face down on a cold floor, naked as the day he was born and feeling... not worse than he has ever felt, no, he has certainly felt worse, but.... terrible. He will go with that.]

Nggh...

[It is with no small effort that he plants his hands and attempts to push himself to his feet. And in the course of that he gazes blearily out around him.]

What'n th....?

[centuriesinspired]

[ Well. This is...

The phrase 'one step forward, two steps back' feels most appropriate.

To what will later be his deep chagrin, the Exarch can only gape from underneath his hood in surprise for a brief moment as Nero tol Scaeva materializes in the Occular before him. In the time it takes for the Garlean to right himself the Exarch manages to shut his mouth at least, crystal hand lifting to his chin in thought.

How did this happen? He knew his summons were missing their mark but they were at least close to the Warrior of Light. Sort of. Alphinaud had been far and away but he at least held close ties to the Warrior. Nero...not so much. At least as far as the Exarch could remember and had read. ]

...

[ Oh, right, the nudity. ]

...I believe an apology is the best way to start. This was not meant to happen...

[ At least he's learned to be prepared for some of these mistakes and has a robe ready. It should be long enough for Nero. The Exarch offers it, doing his level best to not come across as awkward as he feels. ]

[ambitionburns]

[It would gall Nero to know that he'd been so overlooked in the history books. Surely his presence had been incredibly important and valued by the Warrior of Light? Yes? No? Then again, just about everything to do with this situation would infuriate him, were he to actually understand it. As he does not, he is merely irritated and confused as he rises to his feet. But though he knows he ought to focus on the figure before him, his gaze keeps getting drawn past him and to the side, to the room around them. This is... it looks entirely too much like Syrcus Tower...?]

...!

[He startles when the man finally speaks, and snatches for that robe, at least holding it at waist level to eliminate some of the awkwardness. He is too distracted and too hung-over feeling to want to try and attempt anything as advanced as locating arm holes.]

Precisely what is the 'this' that was not meant to happen?! Who... where...

[Words briefly fail him as he looks all about them, gesturing widely with the hand that's not clutching the robe.]

...explain!

[Oh. Ow. That was too much. He winces and brings that hand to his forehead.]

I apologize for this

[irassible]

[ Of the eight Warriors of Darkness, Six has ever been the most...er...the most him. The Crystarium populace have grown used to his quick smiles and lazy shenanigans, not the least being clamoring atop the highest railings to get, as he quoted it, the best view. He is just as skilled as the others, no doubt, and he had borne the burden of absorbing the Wardens' light, proof enough of his courage and willingness to sacrifice in the service of the innocent. One could even claim a veritable hero, though he would wave off such titles.

However, no amount of valor is going to excuse or explain why he barges into the Ocular at a far too early hour - before breakfast, even - and shoves a bundle of bright green cloth into the Exarch's hands before so much as a hello is exchanged. ]

Here.

Put this on.

[ It is, by all accounts, a frog suit. ]

but why

[centuriesinspired]

[ Each Warrior of Darkness is a soul that the Exarch admires deeply, each a hero in their own right and together capable of so much more. The tales of their exploits etched deep into his memory, having read over enough tomes and heard the stories retold more than he can count. He cannot imagine what his life would have become without their actions, their example, serving to guide him.

And yet, there are moments...brief, flickering moments. Such as this, where he looks down at the bright green cloth that's been shoved into his arms, the glassy eyes and broad smile of the costume's head looking up at him. Moments where he wonders: why. ]

...and a fine morning to you as well, Six. Did Feo Ul put you up to this?

[ He makes absolutely no moves to put it on. ]

he deserves bettter than this man

[irassible]

[ From how a frown briefly takes Six's features, it is clear that the Exarch's reaction is not appropriate. As a result, Six leans forward and puts his hand on the other man's shoulder; he is taller than him, but not overmuch, seeing as they are both Miqo'te. ]

Listen.

It is of vital importance that you and I make this short journey incognito.

[ Which explains why, when he releases the Exarch's shoulder, he reaches into the pack on his back and retrieves a second frog suit.

This one is dyed black, in the name of good taste. ]

spoilers, lmk if I should edit? :|a

[omnicrafter]

[The Echo, unfortunately, only grants the bearer a pass for spoken languages; when it comes to written script, they're on their own. It must be a pain for any who don't know how to read at all, but when traveling to another world, Irhya failed to consider that the written language there may not resemble Eorzean Common enough to be legible.

She could go pester the night owls at the Cabinet of Curiosity. One of them would surely sympathize with her plight and read out loud what she needs from one book or another, but it seems so embarrassing. Not to mention the contents of her choice of reading material are a little... sensitive.

There is a better, judgment-free place she can take it instead. Even, apparently, at an unholy hour of the night. She passes the threshold of the Ocular.]

G'rahaaa!

[It's about the most sing-song and saccharine way of speaking Irhya will ever deign to let leave her lips, just because the reaction she gets is too precious not to. He blooms like a flower when she uses his real name; it's just a shame he can't see himself in the mirror when it happens. She grins with delight and clutches the book to her chest.]

I have a favor to ask, if you don't mind?

[centuriesinspired]

[ The further the Exarch travels from the Crystal Tower the weaker he becomes. Of course within the Tower's walls...it's quite the opposite. There's hardly a need for rest at all, which is what allows him to be awake at said unholy hour when Irhya seeks him out.

The 'window' he uses to view the outside world flickers away from the night sky he had been admiring to show him that he has a visitor. It's the only warning he gets before the doors open and--

Hearing what used to be his name is as fresh a shock as it had been the first. All the more because of who uses it. ]

--Irhya. [ The blue crystal trailing up his cheek makes the red stand out even more as he turns to smile at the Warrior of Darkness. ] For you? You need but name it.

[omnicrafter]

[Her ears twitch with glee. She loves watching him flush; it's adorable. The thought occurs to her that maybe she shouldn't tease him like that, but...]

You can read Norvrandt script, right? I have something here, but I can't make much sense of it...

[It's a leather-bound book by some obscure scholar or other, titled Twelve Covenants. She has one particular section of it marked, and one glance immediately reveals that the book pertains to hypotheses and speculation about time travel, and the concept thereof.

And the section she has marked off? Theories about the toll repeated attempts at reconfiguring history could take on a person physically and mentally, all of them rather bleak. There are mentions at attempting to go back and undo the Flood, for example, and how history itself may be difficult to change even with informed intervention, causing severe duress on a person who leaps back even once to undo it.

...Hypothetically.]

I had thought to try and make heads or tails of it myself, but I thought this might be a bit faster. And more to the point, to answer a question that's been bothering me for a while now.

Time for TLC!!

[seasoflight]

“No, I am not going to my rooms- not until I’m certain you’re safe and sound. Twelve- you reckless, stubborn fool!” Felih murmurs, heart feeling an overwhelming mix of emotions.

“You lied to me the whole time, you- there was just enough change in your scent for doubt, but your voice- I could never forget your voice,” Felih near-whimpers as he hauls the Exarch by the hand to his chambers in the tower. “I’m grateful, my darling, but- gods...”

He suddenly stops and turns, and holds him for dear life, bunting under his chin. They’re both wounded, filthy messes, after everything- but Felih doesn’t care right now.

“Don’t ever scare me like that again.”

[centuriesinspired]

"Felih, I promise you, I'm fine--"

He hadn't lied...he simply didn't tell. There's a difference. Isn't there? Felih doesn't think so and that's what matters more, what makes the Exarch's stomach twist with further guilt. Any attempt he makes to explain either stumbles early or Felih doesn't let him even try to finish, only continuing to pull him along.

Lyna had watched, almost completely impassive, as the Warrior of Darkness all but pulled the Exarch along by his ear and chastising him all the way into the Tower. It's been so long since seeing her smile like that.

The thought scatters when Felih calls him 'darling'. To hear his name from the man was one thing but that...the Exarch doesn't know what to do. An ache swells with in him and makes his eyes burn all over again as Felih suddenly turns and holds him.

"...I am so...so very sorry," is all he can manage, voice trembling as he lifts his arms, hesitates, and then puts them around Felih's shoulders.

Have a non-WoL who will fret over him :D

[menphina]

[ She doesn't know why she got pulled into the First, and crash landing into a very angry treant was not on her list of things to do. But she's not only doing it, she's been frantically trying to adjust to a very cursed land-

She's no Scion, she's no Warrior of Light, but that concept doesn't even seem to exist in this place. And soon enough, she ends up aiding the Exarch who, for all intents and purposes, is her only connection to home, and . Only he hasn't been able to send her home, and she doesn't know why she was able to come here without being torn apart.

Maybe it's the Echo. Maybe it's her dragonblood.

Right now, it's her absolute grumpiness after the Exarch seemed to be out of breath, and she's got her arm around him- usually, Lyna takes care of things, but she's off on a mission. And so, she's here, fretting just as much over him. ]

You really overdid it this time. Do I need to shake you again, Crystals?

[ Honestly. She's somehow become his surrogate caretaker in this time, but as a Matriarch, why wouldn't she be? ]

[centuriesinspired]

[ The Exarch has a theory or two, but the truth is he's just as lost as Megumi when the matter of why his summons reached her instead of his target is mentioned. If they knew that then maybe that could offer some insight into how to send her back and by extension the other Scions as well. At least, that's as much as he's let himself say about the matter. The truth is Megumi will return to the Source along with the rest of the Scions all in the same moment. The moment of his death.

In the meanwhile the Exarch has done his best to make sure Megumi is safe and cared for. The Source may be her home but she's no other ties to this fight, her being here is entirely his fault. The least he can do is see to her well being.

And yet, somewhere along the way, all that got turned around and the Exarch has absolutely no idea how it happened. ]

Please, don't.

[ He laughs and then quickly regrets it, what little breath he'd managed to catch threatens to escape him again. That wave of Sin Eaters had been dire, if he hadn't intervened directly they'd have reached the Crystarium and her citizens. Turning them back had drained him, yes, but he's not exactly sorry for it.

Except when Megumi all but takes him by the scruff like a naughty kitten.

He lets himself be helped, his staff pressing into the earth on one side of him while Megumi props him up on the other. ]

You needn't worry, Megumi, a good rest at the Tower will see me fit again.

[ Just a shame that the Crystal Tower is all the way over there... ]

[aetherflows]

[He's been back at it in Eulmore helping with the rebuilding that's needed both psychologically and socially, trying to ease that transition and remind these people that, before Vauthry, they actually had to earn their keep. But there's something good to be found in honest work, which is why even when the retainers had become free, many of them stayed on.

Still, it's been long enough that he ought to check in with the main hub of operations, as it were. So Alphinaud comes to visit the Crystarium once again, keeping an eye out for people he knows (though, he practically knows everyone). He inquires with the guard and finds that the Exarch is inside the Ocular, as he is wont to do.

He shifts his grip on the little bag he's brought and goes inside, though he knocks on the door before opening it. He might be in the middle of something.]

Exarch? 'Tis Alphinaud. Rather than wait for the inevitable summons, I thought it might be prudent to be early for once.

[centuriesinspired]

[ The portal at the Ocular's heart shows the Exarch that he's soon to have a guest well before they actually arrive but he appreciates Alphinaud's manners all the same. He hadn't been doing anything of dire importance, nothing that cannot wait. The image is dismissed with a wave before the door opens and the Exarch is turned to face the opening door, a warm smile for the young man easy to see with his hood now drawn back. ]

Welcome, Master Alphinaud. Your efforts in Eulmore are progressing well, I take it? [ Staff resting on his back, the Exarch gestures for Alphinaud to come inside if he hasn't done so already. ] I must confess...our friend has returned. A number of times, in fact. Though it was soon enough I thought it best to hold off on those summons. Not that I am not glad for the company, of course!

PESTERS IN 5.1

[kesi]

[It was some load off of Takame’s mind when he returned to the Source and learned of the threat of Black Rose being all but eliminated. Though word of the Emperor’s death at Zenos’ hand made him concerned for his sister’s homeland, the fact that Eulmore was on the road for a bright new tomorrow and their new Nu Mou ally may allow them to reach a breakthrough in restoring the Scions as well as others to their original states, it somewhat balanced out. He couldn’t ask for much more.

And yet still there was a suffocating weight constantly pressing against his chest. He would dismiss it as an ailment symptom normally if he didn’t know exactly what this was. Ever since G’raha -- since the Exarch suggested that he was still willing to die to allow the Scions to return it has been on Takame’s mind. Or rather, the amateur mistake of growing fond of him again has been.

Takame of all people knew the necessity of doing what one must, and the Exarch did too even if Krile described him as reckless. He had to respect that, how he felt was irrelevant.

It didn’t make seeing him any less difficult at this point, though. But so badly did he want to. Out of concern and also out of longing to simply talk with him. Such is why the perfect excuse for him to do so would be to relay Krile’s information on the sleeping Scions’ state to him. Still, since before their venture into the Grand Cosmos Takame has been decidedly more awkward around him. He was refusing to make eye contact for too long and the natural sway of his tail faded to stillness. And as he entered the Ocular now it was much the same.]

Exarch?

Sorry for the wait!

[centuriesinspired]

[ To the Exarch it is plain why Takame has become so reserved, even compared to his normal self: he has not truly forgiven him for his deceit, or at best not fully. Of course the Exarch cannot blame him as he never expected to be forgiven, after all.

He never expected to be in a position to ask for forgiveness, either.

All the more reason then, though it is hardly needed, to do right by the Warrior of Darkness by seeing his friends all home safely. He does not know if that will be enough to make up for what he has done and if it is not...well. At least they will all be safe again. He will take his comfort from that. ]

Takame, well come.

[ Hearing him addressed as the Exarch without the hood to hide behind leaves him feeling...exposed. It's a feeling that's lessened over time and one he thinks he will take over the pangs and memories that accompany hearing Takame call him by name. It is better, this way.

He smiles for the Warrior, warm and happy to see him. That much will never change. ]

Your return to the Source was brief, I see. What brings you back so quickly?

For Bruce

[centuriesinspired]

[ It began with a voice. An echo without source and a blinding pain behind the eyes.

...ahead looms...

...only you can forestall. Only...

Whatever Bruce was in the middle of this unknown voice intrudes on his thoughts without warning. What began as distantly foreboding becomes a command, reverberating through his head and soul.

Let expanse contract, eon become instant...throw wide the gates that we may pass!

With the incantation's completion there is a pulling, his vision tearing as he is ripped away from Earth. Stars fly past, lights containing glimpses of people and their fading voices. Familiar at first but quickly becoming strangers; other lives, other worlds, all of them passed by as quickly as blinking until one light shines brighter than all the rest. Cold and consuming. Bruce's destination...

The room he finds himself in is small, round, and very blue. Every surface appears to be made of the same stone inlaid with gold, forming circular patterns, like a very uniform solar system. As the last of the light dims the room's only other occupant stands before Bruce: a rather small man in robes of black and red, a heavy hood keeping much of his face in shadow. He holds a staff in his right hand which also appears to be made of the same blue stone--his hand, not the staff.

He is looking at Bruce with his mouth partly open, a slip of honest shock making through, before he quickly attempts to collect himself. ]

It appears something has gone quite wrong.

[ It's the same voice that had started all of this. That had pulled Bruce to god knows where and god knows when.

The spell did not bring his clothes with him. ]

[hulkbusted]

[Bruce had been in the middle of a Hulk-sized container of Hulka Hulka Burning Fudge ice cream when the inevitable weirdness strikes. It doesn't matter if Thanos is gone; the universe's eye for weird has been turned toward Earth, and Bruce isn't nearly as surprised by his apparent abduction as he'd like to be.

After getting blasted across space by Heimdall followed by a little light time travel a few years later, this is...

Well, it's not something he's welcoming if the scowl that avalanches down his scarred face is any indication.]

You don't say. Who are you and why am I here?