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?

[centuriesinspired]

There is little and less you could offer me on the Tower itself, I fear.

[ The Exarch steps into his room, reaching out to place a hand on the wobbling stack even if it's a needless caution. It also brings him closer to the Ascian, shadowed eyes watching closely, carefully. The game seems clear: Emet-Selch means to probe him about his interest in the Warrior. Yet with the Ascians there is always more lurking deeper and, risk though it may be, the Exarch opts to reach down and see what he finds.

Any risk is worth it if it concerns the Warrior's well being. ]

As for her story, the truth of it plays no small part in its endurance. The Warrior of Light's deeds are no fairy tales. This is something the Ascians would know better than most...

[ And yet: ]

...though if any were to know a part of the tales yet to be written, that would also be the Ascians.

[dontbehorny]

Would that it were a fairy tale. Mayhaps it might have stood a chance at some sort of happy ending. But there's only a handful of ways the story can end now. Perhaps some that have already come to light in your eyes. Thus why our hero was pulled here... But that's just a guess.

[Emet-Selch continues to skulk around the room. The book he'd taken is snapped shut and set elsewhere with little care as to where it sat before. His gloved hands hover over several passing volumes but he makes no effort to pick up another and browse its contents.]

I don't believe I need to spell out the obvious. You knew when you summoned them here. You knew when you sent them on this great quest to return the night that you were marching them to their death.

[The Ascian's gaze falls back on the Exarch. Ever watchful. Ever curious. This was not how things were supposed to be but he wants to see how the pieces fall and just what he will have to do to make sure they still fall as he needs them to. Even if the Warrior of Light brings back the night their soul is not strong enough to bear it. On one hand... wouldn't it be something if it were. On the other... the Rejoining. But he can already see the splintering cracks that are just waiting to swallow them up. It's only a matter of time before they become some mindless thing. He knows this. The Exarch knows this.

And it is because the Exarch must know this that makes this all so curious. For all the lives he's lived and all that he's done he's missed key moments and experiences. Things that he's only seen but never actually bore the burden of. Some might say that if he had perhaps his views wouldn't be what they currently are. But just because he doesn't know the emotions off hand doesn't mean he can't spot them when he sees them. This Exarch plays things close to the vest. His motivations and actual feelings are hard to parse and put names to. It's extraordinarily entertaining if not quite annoying.]

I can't help but wonder if you have some trick up those sleeves of yours. Do you intend to ride in on a pale horse and save them? Or... is it all a grand ploy and illusion? Will you just let them die? And if so... for what purpose? Your motives are the most intriguing thing on this dying star. I hope you won't disappoint me when the time comes.

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.]

[centuriesinspired]

[ The misplaced book is noted down in the Exarch's mind to be sorted later. The library may be a mess but it's his mess and he's learned it well by now. More pressing is what Emet-Selch has to say...

For a moment the Exarch's heart quickens in his chest though his face remains impassive. Has his plan been reasoned out? Perhaps...or, as it seems more likely, Emet-Selch cannot fathom the Exarch capable or even willing to sacrifice himself rather than his hero.

The thought makes his smile easier. ]

Such little faith you place in our friend. [ The Exarch shakes his head slowly, as if disappointed. ] How many impossible odds have they beaten before? How many yet lie ahead, I wonder?

[dontbehorny]

Faith is something I have little to give at this point. But don't get me wrong... as I have stated many times I'd truly like them to succeed. I'd like to be taken by surprise for once. [He'd like to see them closer to what they once were.] But I also know better than to hope for such an end.

I see the cracks already. How their aether is unrecognizable to their own companions. All your faith and prayers. All your confidence in this hero from the source... In the end it will all be for naught. This is not going to end the way you believe it will.

They will die. And you will have led them collar and leash to said end. At this point I should be considering what horrible beast they'll turn into. Nothing too ugly... I do hope to maybe keep them as a pet for a small stint. Before this world is finally destroyed by light, of course.

[That is the end that needs to be, naturally. The inevitable and fateful end. But there is something to be said for the other side of the coin as well. Should the Warrior of Light succeed then it is proof that the rejoining is working. How many times has he stood face to face with heroes proclaiming the same ideals over and over again. Would that he could stand in front of something familiar and know, at long last, that they are only a few steps away from achieving their dream. Some acknowledgement that it has not all been for absolutely nothing, as it has often felt after so long, would be well worth the trouble of starting anew with this shard.]

When it all comes crumbling around you, my crystal dwelling friend... what then will you do? Forward and backward through time and space will not return the champion that you called upon. Nor erase the hand you played in their death. Unless of course-- [Emet brings a few gloved fingers to his lips. There is a conclusion he had not thought up. It always, without fail, feels like an us vs them situation. But perhaps he has misinterpreted this situation from the start.] --you have meant for them to fail from the very start.

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....?

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. ]

\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. ]

[centuriesinspired]

[ That...that causes the Exarch's smile to slip. The grip on his staff tightens ever so slightly, thumb pressing against his fingertips. The Warrior failing is one thing, for as much as the Exarch speaks around the idea, Emet-Selch has the right of it. No one could withstand so much Primordial Light upon their soul and survive. Emet-Selch knows this. He knows this. To the point where it is a crucial step in his plan.

Yet the mention of keeping the Warrior, his hero, as a pet is what finally causes the Exarch's temper to fray. When next he speaks the jovial tone is gone, replaced by something cold and final. ]

That will not happen.

[ He won't allow it. He'll be there, play the villain, and steal away the Light before the Warrior falls.

Though it's not as if he can explain that to the Ascian. ]

If you are so certain of their imminent failure then why do you linger? If your victory is assured then what purpose is there in hovering like a vulture?

[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. ]

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. ]

[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.]

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?

[dontbehorny]

[Everyone does have a breaking point. A weakness. Not that uncovering the Exarch's was terribly difficult. Too many wear their hearts on their sleeves. Easy to poke at and perfect for manipulating. Though he's not sure what he will do with this information now that he has it.

Perhaps nothing.

Emet's gaze is slow to fall back on the Exarch as he asks that question. And the Ascian gives a shrug feeling more slumped than before. Like the world is constantly pressing down on him.]

Because someone should be there. To remember... if nothing else.

[It's an honest answer but then again everything he's said has been honest. He hasn't lied or manipulated anyone into doing anything they weren't already intending to do. People seem to be ever shocked by this or damn him as an unreliable narrator to his own story. Lies all lies they say. Look at the reputation Lahabrea has given them! It's insulting. Especially when he has nothing to lie about.]

When that hero of yours turns into a mindless beast the first thing they will do is rip apart the others from the source. And then it may very well come after you. It will be the ultimate Lightwarden. The night will vanish to be nothing more than a memory and things will continue on exactly as they had before you dragged the souls of those that don't belong here to this realm. It will have all been for nothing... and it may very well be worse off than when you began this quest.

I will call upon your former hero to seek me out. With the last of their senses they will come to me. And I will shackle them out of sight and out of reach from the likes of self proclaimed heroes. Just in case someone dares to come and make another grab for the night. In the darkest night and blackest abyss I will keep them. Until this shard meets its long overdue end.

If I hover like some bird of prey it is only because you have prepared a carcass for me to pick at. If you didn't want vultures don't leave corpses on your doorstep.... obviously.

[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.]

[centuriesinspired]

[ Rhus keeps his secrets better than the Exarch by far but while he's kept the growing white mark successfully hidden...the Exarch is still on high alert for any such symptoms. He can be told not to worry all Rhus likes but that doesn't stop the frown that crosses his lips. ]

Was your victory in Rak'tika harder won than anticipated? [ That's not what worries him but it's what's safest to say. ] The remaining Wardens are going nowhere and Eulmore has fallen quiet as of late. There is time to rest...

[ The Exarch smiles ruefully. ]

If you can allow yourself, that is.

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]

[ 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.

[centuriesinspired]

[ For all the anger that Emet-Selch's succeeded in stirring up, his initial answer is surprising enough to shake the Exarch out of it. If only for a moment.

To remember...

For that flickering instant the Exarch sees past Emet-Selch's skin. To trust the word of an Ascian is folly but that...the Exarch believes it. The intent behind the words is genuine, almost heartfelt.

And then it's gone, buried over with such wicked promises delivered as casually as one might report on the weather. For a moment he thinks to try and reach for it again but no. There's no reasoning with the man, the Exarch has his dreams but even he's old enough to know better than to try that with an Ascian.

In that pause he's able to collect himself and cool his temper, his tone lighter when he speaks again. ]

How very generous of you to share your plans...though if you've the right of it there would be little and less I could do with that information to stop you. Double the blessing, then, that you are wrong.

[centuriesinspired]

[ Oh, Nero was mentioned in the tales. More than once, even. It isn't just because he once worked with the man so many centuries ago that the Exarch recognizes him. (Twelve forfend the Garlean recognize him in turn.) Though most of those appearances were along side Cid's, so...worse than no mention at all, most likely.

The Exarch grimaces at Nero's temper fraying. He can't blame the man...the most he can do is carry on as he had before, when he'd pulled the Scions through instead, each one demanding an explanation in various degrees of intensity. ]

Of course, would you prefer to sit down before I begin? [ He does his best to remain gentle, patient, hoping that his own calm demeanor rubs off on Nero. It's worked before. ] I have a room more comfortable than the Occular...it is something of a long story.

[ He gestures towards the Umbilicus--the door politely opening for them. Within is a smaller but much more lived in chamber with piles of books surrounding the center. And then, rather than wait for Nero to either agree or tell him to shove it, the Exarch heads inside. It also gives the Garlean a chance to actually put that robe on. ]

[dontbehorny]

See, I've shared mine but how doubtful I am that you will share you big grand plan with me.

[It's a bit frustrating because he can't figure this man out and he wants to. He wants to very much. He wants to know what all this scheming and all these secrets lead to. But he can prowl and skulk around this tower as much as he pleases nothing and nothing will ever be revealed to him.

It's a secret the Exarch has kept hidden deep deep down. Out of reach from all. Even an Ascian.]

I'm not wrong... Perhaps there are times where I, personally, have been in the wrong. Maybe... but about this? Not at all. But I will give you this... since I'm feeling so generous. I wish I was.

[For it doesn't really matter all that much in the end if the night stays or goes. He is not a heavily active member of the remaining three in terms of bringing about chaos at least... not in the way Lahabrea was. Because it is not in their original nature to be so. He has conquered and ruled over lifetimes and when there is naught more to conquer there was peace. And he left it at that. Because inevitably it'd find a way to ruin itself. The lifeforms on these shards are only capable of chaos and their own destruction. So even if it takes a little longer the First, inevitably, will find a way to destroy itself all on its own. Perhaps with a helping hand from them, of course but... Peace will not last. It never does.

Emet-Selch gives a big dramatic sigh lifting his hand up in a shrug to let them fall back to his sides.]

Your secrets interest me to no end... but prying them out of you is taking a long time and I'm growing bored. Will you do nothing to entertain me? Not even a taste of your big plans? It's like reading the last page of a book before getting started. Will you not indulge me even slightly?

[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.