[Sleep, it turns out, is in short supply for many, this night. Amri has lost track of exactly how long she's been sitting up, recounting the events of the day— tumultuous seemed almost too kind a word for them. She'd had little idea of what to expect upon coming to Elpis, with only brief glimpses of Amaurot through its replica to serve as a guide to what she might find in the past. She'd thought she was as prepared as one could be for a journey like this— but she hadn't counted on being met with familiar faces, the complications that the strange sense of sentimentality she felt towards those involved had introduced.
Perhaps she should have.
She doesn't expect the knock that comes at her door, and she tips her head to one side as she narrows her gaze, even as she rises from where she'd been sitting cross-legged on the bed to approach it in stockinged feet. She honestly can't guess which of her 'new' acquaintances might be on the other side, and given the possible exchanges she might have with each of them, she braces herself for the worst as she opens it.
In some small show of fortune, she's greeted by the sight of what might be the most personable man she's ever had occasion to meet.]
[ The smile that twitches across his lips is small and subdued but still completely genuine. He inclines his head, lowering his hand to his side once more. ]
[ His crooked smile turns a little self-deprecating. ]
So we're both having that issue tonight, I see. [ He steps inside at her invitation, offering her a slight nod.
Which leads to a soft chuckle, his tone wry. ] There are so many things on my mind this night that I scarce know where to even start sorting through it. Although I suppose you are well familiar with such things.
[ He'd underestimated the extent of just how special she truly was, when they'd first met. Even now, he suspects he's barely scratched the surface. ]
[It's become quite a familiar feeling over the last handful of years, one that continues to weigh on her now. She feels worse for having burdened these souls with what she knows, as well— these past friends, if she can call them such, though in telling them, she has perhaps increased their chance of being able to find a solution together, provided there was one to be found.
This place was the key. Of that much, she was certain. Hydaelyn— Venat— had made that quite clear.]
I know a great deal of it must be difficult to believe, if not all.
[None of them are about to forget the way Emet-Selch had stormed out, offended, declaring her tale 'preposterous.']
[ It's not the first time Emet-Selch has stormed out of a room. Hythlodaeus strongly doubts it will be the last, either. ]
It is. [ He's not going to bother trying to lie. ] It doesn't mean I don't believe you, however. It's just... a great deal to take in. And little of it comforting.
[ He gives a soft sigh at that before sinking down on the edge of the bed, offering her a warm look. ]
Although I suspect if your tidings hadn't been so dire, we never would have had such a fortuitous meeting in the first place. And make no mistake, I do not regret that fate has brought our paths to cross, even if it is under such circumstances.
[ He pauses, glancing down as a single finger taps absently against his knee. ]
Emet-Selch will help, once he calms down. Even if he won't let himself believe you. He will still pursue even the possibility of this threat. He could not, in good conscience, let such a thing stand.
[She gives a minute nod, folding her arms across her chest and leaning against the wall beside the door as she considers, glancing in his direction as she does so.]
No, I don't think he could. We came to blows because his beliefs and convictions were invincible. ... I understood well what he fought for.
[Even if they had been unable to agree. Alisaie had said it best: in his position, could any of them say that they would not have done the same?]
For what it's worth, I'm also glad we've had the opportunity to meet. I've regretted that we wouldn't be able to for quite some time— or that I thought we wouldn't.
[ He watches her for a long moment before patting the mattress beside him, inviting her to join him. If only because the space between them felt strange now. Strained. Azem wouldn't have hesitated, of course, but he's not sure - yet - what is similar and what is far different here. It's one of the things he's most curious about. ]
That sounds like him, indeed. Azem, too, often has most heated debates with him, when their purposes or ideals are at odds.
I think it's worth a great deal. As strange as all this is, I confess I'm still fascinated by it. And curious. Tell me about you, Amri of the Source.
[She'd been uncertain of how familiar she should be, with the truth now having been laid bare, but her shoulders drop slightly as some of the tension eases from them, and she pushes away from the wall to accept his invitation.]
Where to start?
[She gives him a reserved, almost self-deprecating sort of smile.]
It's been a long time since anyone has asked about me, as opposed to the Warrior of Light.
That seems a shame. [ He gives a thoughtful hum as he watches her join him with a small smile. ]
While I'm sure the Warrior of Light's legacy has grown impressive [ - as Azem's had, for very different reasons under various owners - ] I think the source of such tales is far more interesting. You are more than just your title. And far more than you show the rest of the world at large, I suspect.
[She smiles warmly, tipping her head to one side as she considers.]
It seems too easy to say 'my friends,' but helping them is what brought me to where I am now. When I first met the Scions, I had no family left... I thought by aiding them, I might be able to make a difference.
[That turned out to be underselling it.]
I've always wanted to learn all I can about the world that was— visiting ruins, finding relics of the past to see what they might be able to teach those of us in the present. Needless to say, learning what I have of your people has made every such expedition pale dramatically in comparison.
I think knowledge is always worth pursuing. [ His voice is quiet but his tone is honest as he studies her. ] Those people had lives of their own, experiences, adventures. To let those be lost and forgotten would be a far greater tragedy. That knowledge would be no less precious than anything you learn here.
[ Probably not a common sentiment among some of his peers, but Hythlodaeus had always loved accompanying Azem on her many adventures. Learning more about their beautiful star. To think of eons and ages of hidden mysteries to discover and explore sounds like just the sort of challenge that would delight her. ]
Tell me about your friends. [ He hopes that this shard of his dearest friend has found the support she deserves. ]
That's how I've always felt. We hear quite often that those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it, but that's hardly the only reason to pursue such knowledge. The people who have been lost to time— their lives had meaning. Someone ought to remember.
[She averts her gaze, her smile faltering for just a moment.
"Remember us. Remember that we once lived."
There's not a day that's gone by that Emet-Selch's request hadn't made it itself heard in her head, her heart. She's quick to collect herself, her thoughtful smile returning and veiling that moment of melancholy.]
I'm fortunate in that my friends are many— though perhaps not as many as they once were.
[It's an occupational hazard, one she has never quite been able to make peace with.]
It's important to me that their dreams are seen to fruition, that their ideals are upheld. Of those I left behind before coming here, I think Y'shtola would have most liked to accompany me, if she could— the pursuit of greater knowledge and hope of discovery have ever driven her forward. Each and every one of them would have thought this place beautiful, I'm certain.
I can see how much they mean to you. Hear it. [ It makes him smile, even if the expression is a hint wistful. ] I'm glad. It's strange, to think of you experiencing all these adventures, so far away. Somewhere we cannot reach. But if I could wish for anything, it would be that you have trusted companions at your side, to share your adventures with you.
I've been quite fortunate, in that regard. They've become my family— for all that my title is bandied about, I accomplished none of the deeds in those tales all on my own.
[She wishes that they got rather more credit than they often do, but she also understands that the people need a hero to look to. She'd never set out to become anything of the sort— but there are few things she regrets. It has been a hard path, but not one she has to walk alone, and for that, she is grateful.]
I suspect she does. [ He doesn't comment on her use of the past tense, even though a shadow flits briefly through his gaze at the reminder. ] I hope she does. It has always been a joy, to be by her side.
[ He pauses, before chuckling and tipping his head back. ] She's certainly always kept things lively for us. And as much as Emet-Selch may gripe about it, it's been good for all of us.
I've no doubt. She is most fortunate to have you and Emet-Selch, as well.
[Her expression does fall again, just slightly.]
I think he's always been a bit disappointed in me, for not being her. It had always been apparent that the both of you are quite important to him, but now, it's clearer than ever.
[ His gaze flits back to her face a moment before he offers a crooked smile and shakes his head. ]
If I had to guess? He didn't know what to make of you. But I sincerely doubt disappointment had anything to do with it. Longing, however? Considering how long he continued on alone... [ His voice trails off and for a moment those shadows thicken, darken, an almost palpable sense of grief. He swallows, clears his throat, continues. ]
Were I to try and predict his reaction, my guess would be he would have sought any excuse to linger as near as he could get away with. While you are undoubtedly, uniquely you... you still shine so brightly with her light. He would have been drawn as a moth to a flame.
[She gives a solemn nod, her own gaze moving to rest on the floor, rather than remaining fixed on him. She's well-acquainted with Emet-Selch's grief— and though they had been opposed, she has never quite been able to think of him as her foe. It was unfortunate circumstance that brought them blows, but the shadow of his grief has stayed with her in the time since his passing.]
Ours is a complicated friendship, at best.
[Was, she supposes, but it doesn't feel as though it exists solely in the past, especially not here. After everything, it feels strange, to look at him and have him not recognize her.]
Longing...
[She echoes him, but her tone implies that she's hardly surprised to hear him use such a word.]
I said earlier that I have few regrets, but that things could not have played out differently is certainly among them.
[She frowns, curling her fingers into a loose fist and bringing it to rest against her chin as she keeps her gaze focused downwards.]
But I cannot bring myself to begrudge him his beliefs. I know that he was not always what he became. You told me, yourself— but I could see it even before then.
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Perhaps she should have.
She doesn't expect the knock that comes at her door, and she tips her head to one side as she narrows her gaze, even as she rises from where she'd been sitting cross-legged on the bed to approach it in stockinged feet. She honestly can't guess which of her 'new' acquaintances might be on the other side, and given the possible exchanges she might have with each of them, she braces herself for the worst as she opens it.
In some small show of fortune, she's greeted by the sight of what might be the most personable man she's ever had occasion to meet.]
Hythlodaeus?
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I didn't wake you, did I?
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I would have to be able to sleep for that to be true, so no worries in that regard. I take it something's on your mind?
[They all have a great deal on their minds, she's certain.]
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So we're both having that issue tonight, I see. [ He steps inside at her invitation, offering her a slight nod.
Which leads to a soft chuckle, his tone wry. ] There are so many things on my mind this night that I scarce know where to even start sorting through it. Although I suppose you are well familiar with such things.
[ He'd underestimated the extent of just how special she truly was, when they'd first met. Even now, he suspects he's barely scratched the surface. ]
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[It's become quite a familiar feeling over the last handful of years, one that continues to weigh on her now. She feels worse for having burdened these souls with what she knows, as well— these past friends, if she can call them such, though in telling them, she has perhaps increased their chance of being able to find a solution together, provided there was one to be found.
This place was the key. Of that much, she was certain. Hydaelyn— Venat— had made that quite clear.]
I know a great deal of it must be difficult to believe, if not all.
[None of them are about to forget the way Emet-Selch had stormed out, offended, declaring her tale 'preposterous.']
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It is. [ He's not going to bother trying to lie. ] It doesn't mean I don't believe you, however. It's just... a great deal to take in. And little of it comforting.
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[If she hadn't lived it, she would be struggling to believe it, as well— and it brought her no joy to have to lay that burden upon others.]
I wish I had come here bearing better news. I'm sorry that it had to be said at all.
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Although I suspect if your tidings hadn't been so dire, we never would have had such a fortuitous meeting in the first place. And make no mistake, I do not regret that fate has brought our paths to cross, even if it is under such circumstances.
[ He pauses, glancing down as a single finger taps absently against his knee. ]
Emet-Selch will help, once he calms down. Even if he won't let himself believe you. He will still pursue even the possibility of this threat. He could not, in good conscience, let such a thing stand.
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No, I don't think he could. We came to blows because his beliefs and convictions were invincible. ... I understood well what he fought for.
[Even if they had been unable to agree. Alisaie had said it best: in his position, could any of them say that they would not have done the same?]
For what it's worth, I'm also glad we've had the opportunity to meet. I've regretted that we wouldn't be able to for quite some time— or that I thought we wouldn't.
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That sounds like him, indeed. Azem, too, often has most heated debates with him, when their purposes or ideals are at odds.
I think it's worth a great deal. As strange as all this is, I confess I'm still fascinated by it. And curious. Tell me about you, Amri of the Source.
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Where to start?
[She gives him a reserved, almost self-deprecating sort of smile.]
It's been a long time since anyone has asked about me, as opposed to the Warrior of Light.
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While I'm sure the Warrior of Light's legacy has grown impressive [ - as Azem's had, for very different reasons under various owners - ] I think the source of such tales is far more interesting. You are more than just your title. And far more than you show the rest of the world at large, I suspect.
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Many of those tales were the result of simply being in the right place at the right time— or so I once thought.
[Given what she now knows about Azem and who she had once been, she's not quite so sure, anymore.]
What would you like to know?
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I suppose answering 'everything' doesn't narrow it down for you, does it? Why don't you start with something important to you?
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[She smiles warmly, tipping her head to one side as she considers.]
It seems too easy to say 'my friends,' but helping them is what brought me to where I am now. When I first met the Scions, I had no family left... I thought by aiding them, I might be able to make a difference.
[That turned out to be underselling it.]
I've always wanted to learn all I can about the world that was— visiting ruins, finding relics of the past to see what they might be able to teach those of us in the present. Needless to say, learning what I have of your people has made every such expedition pale dramatically in comparison.
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[ Probably not a common sentiment among some of his peers, but Hythlodaeus had always loved accompanying Azem on her many adventures. Learning more about their beautiful star. To think of eons and ages of hidden mysteries to discover and explore sounds like just the sort of challenge that would delight her. ]
Tell me about your friends. [ He hopes that this shard of his dearest friend has found the support she deserves. ]
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[She averts her gaze, her smile faltering for just a moment.
"Remember us. Remember that we once lived."
There's not a day that's gone by that Emet-Selch's request hadn't made it itself heard in her head, her heart. She's quick to collect herself, her thoughtful smile returning and veiling that moment of melancholy.]
I'm fortunate in that my friends are many— though perhaps not as many as they once were.
[It's an occupational hazard, one she has never quite been able to make peace with.]
It's important to me that their dreams are seen to fruition, that their ideals are upheld. Of those I left behind before coming here, I think Y'shtola would have most liked to accompany me, if she could— the pursuit of greater knowledge and hope of discovery have ever driven her forward. Each and every one of them would have thought this place beautiful, I'm certain.
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[She wishes that they got rather more credit than they often do, but she also understands that the people need a hero to look to. She'd never set out to become anything of the sort— but there are few things she regrets. It has been a hard path, but not one she has to walk alone, and for that, she is grateful.]
I suppose Azem felt quite the same about you.
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[ He pauses, before chuckling and tipping his head back. ] She's certainly always kept things lively for us. And as much as Emet-Selch may gripe about it, it's been good for all of us.
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[Her expression does fall again, just slightly.]
I think he's always been a bit disappointed in me, for not being her. It had always been apparent that the both of you are quite important to him, but now, it's clearer than ever.
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If I had to guess? He didn't know what to make of you. But I sincerely doubt disappointment had anything to do with it. Longing, however? Considering how long he continued on alone... [ His voice trails off and for a moment those shadows thicken, darken, an almost palpable sense of grief. He swallows, clears his throat, continues. ]
Were I to try and predict his reaction, my guess would be he would have sought any excuse to linger as near as he could get away with. While you are undoubtedly, uniquely you... you still shine so brightly with her light. He would have been drawn as a moth to a flame.
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Ours is a complicated friendship, at best.
[Was, she supposes, but it doesn't feel as though it exists solely in the past, especially not here. After everything, it feels strange, to look at him and have him not recognize her.]
Longing...
[She echoes him, but her tone implies that she's hardly surprised to hear him use such a word.]
I said earlier that I have few regrets, but that things could not have played out differently is certainly among them.
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I wonder how many he had, in the end... What he would have done differently, had he the wisdom of hindsight.
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[She frowns, curling her fingers into a loose fist and bringing it to rest against her chin as she keeps her gaze focused downwards.]
But I cannot bring myself to begrudge him his beliefs. I know that he was not always what he became. You told me, yourself— but I could see it even before then.
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