sunflare | final fantasy xiv open post

[She shrugs easily as she crosses her legs in front of her, clasping her hands together and letting them come to rest against her knees.]

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?

[ Hythlodaeus just chuckles, shooting her an amused look. ]

I suppose answering 'everything' doesn't narrow it down for you, does it? Why don't you start with something important to you?

Simple enough.

[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 suppose Azem felt quite the same about you.

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.

[ His expression softens at that, his head tipping back as he peers up at the ceiling, even though his gaze is distant. ]

I wonder how many he had, in the end... What he would have done differently, had he the wisdom of hindsight.

I wonder the same, quite often.

[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.

Ah yes. [ He gives a thoughtful hum, tapping a fingertip against his chin. ] You said you met a memory of me, did you not? Emet-Selch's memory of me.

[She gives a solemn nod without looking up.]

I did.

[And later on, she'd met the real Hythlodaeus, had the opportunity to communicate with his very soul, though she doesn't care to impress the finality of his fate upon him any more than she already has.]

It was clear you care a great deal about him— about your people, as well, and that he remembered you in such a way... he really is rather sentimental.

[It's a compliment.]

[ That gets a quiet chuckle from him. ]

He'll not thank you for that observation, but you're not wrong. But I think it one of his better traits. [ He pauses to think for a moment, giving a soft hum. ] And now that you've seen him before this great tragedy... what are your thoughts? Have they changed?

If anything, my heart breaks for him all the more.

[She finally turns his gaze back towards him, somber.]

I understand more than ever what it is he fought for— he loves this world and the people in it, the same as I do my own. I could never agree with his methods, but my heart aches all the same.

[ Emet-Selch's methods... Hythlodaeus can imagine how those could have gotten out of hand without anyone else to temper him. They've spent so many eons as a sounding board for each other - Azem, too. Any one of them would have gone into this crippled without the others.

He gives a soft sigh, shaking his head. ] He would not have been his best, but he would have fought all the same. As you would, I assume. Me... I doubt I would have had the forbearance to last nearly as long as either of you.

Would that things could be different— for all of us.

[That she had to deliver news of their own fate had made her heart beyond heavy, a feeling she should be used to by now, but fears she never will be.]

I've no doubt that you would follow your heart, as well, regardless of how difficult it might be.

There's little else left to us, I suspect. [ He makes a face at that, because he hates having to say that. It feels far too much like giving up. ] Unless we can find a different path, although I know how carefully we must tread, for your sake.

[ A pause, as he stretches his hands out beside him in a shrug. ] It sounds a complicated mess all around. But it doesn't sit right with me not to at least try.

Does that mean I have your aid, then?

[She looks to him, questioning, her brow slightly furrowed.]

I know it is a great deal to ask— but I have no choice but to get to the bottom of this. If you would rather keep your distance from this situation, I would certainly understand.

It's already too late for that.

[ His lips quirk crookedly at that, but he inclines his head in agreement all the same. ]

Yes, you have my aid, for what little it's worth. Although I can't promise to be much help in the grand scheme of things.

I'm grateful.

[To say the least. Really, that's putting it mildly.]

And I wouldn't sell yourself so short. You've been nothing but a generous friend to me, each time we've met— that you've served as my escort in this place despite not knowing who or what I truly was only speaks of your character even more highly.

[ The smile he gives her is soft and crooked, but there is fond affection in his gaze. ]

You remind me so much of her. How could I not? Just as I would do all I could to offer her assistance in her time of need, so too will I offer the same to you. Whatever I may do to aid you - to aid all of us, isn't it? I will give it my all.

It would seem you always do.

[She smiles warmly, and in that moment, she seems a true echo of her predecessor.]

If you have any other questions, I will do my best to answer them.

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