adventures in space and time

[undauntedspirit]

[It's a difficult thing to tell the truth about her situation- as illogical as it might sound, Sapphire's somewhat concerned it might affect her connection back to the time and place she came from. It sounds like a small thing, but- if they know, then something could change. Couldn't it?

More immediate, of course, if the way Emet-Selch takes offense- understandable, as her view of him is hardly kind. It's been strange, meeting him here with that in mind- meeting Hythlodeus as the person he was, too, no shade or memory. She can't blame either of them for finding it strange, or unbelievable, and so she stays at the table. Best to let them think it over, and come to their own conclusions- she couldn't force them to feel anything, even were she to wish to.

It bothers her, still- she wants to trust them, and to be trusted. Venat is understanding, much to her relief- giving her a moment to think, and plan. And Sapphire thinks-

-well. Her connection to the aetherytes here seems to work well enough- it doesn't seem impossible to go back, just for a moment, and remind herself of the home she's fighting for. The places she loves, and wants to protect…

It's a habit to head to the front of the house- less rude to teleport out from there, hopefully. She concentrates, the world around her falling away, and feels for the present, reaching for the beacon of Limsa Lominsa's aetheryte. The spell takes hold- perhaps a little more sluggishly, but Sapphire attributes that to the distance and time being travelled. It works, at any rate, Sapphire materialising in the plaza. She does her best to shake her strange feeling off, glancing around. Nothing seems truly abnormal- nothing of the Final Days, much to her relief, except-]

Hythlodeus? How?

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[ktizo]

[Hythlodaeus had only followed after Sapphire to ask her something. Which quite promptly left his mind, as one would expect, when he was teleported to somewhere entirely foreign to him.]

Hm?

[He turns this way and that, eyes taking in the oddly dim souls and strange clothing of those around him, before his eyes land on Sapphire again. He opens his mouth, closes it. Looks around again.]

How peculiar. Pray tell, where are we?

[Something has gone awry, he can tell. Wherever Sapphire was going he wasn't supposed to come with her, that much is for certain.]

[undauntedspirit]

[She can but imagine it must be a sight- even Venat's robes seemed to be much the same style. But they're not getting too many strange looks for these robes, as far as she can tell- though she's still a little shocked.]

It's- ah, this is one of the city-state of Eorzea- of my time. …I didn't expect you'd come with me.

[ktizo]

Of your time...

[Troubling- he touches a hand to his mask, still set at his chest.]

That certainly explains a lot, but it also raises more questions, I fear.

[The bustling nature of the area isn't much different from Amaurot, at least. He's used to the people. Just... not in quite such a colourful array of fabrics and styles, and the shapes and sizes of the people besides is something to behold. He's caught very obviously staring at a Lalafell, and is surprised (and embarrassed) when he's reprimanded for being rude.]

[undauntedspirit]

It must. I'll do my best to answer them as best I can- though perhaps we should go somewhere else.

[It is a little awkward- so perhaps somewhere where people-watching is more expected would be good.]

Perhaps the Drowning Wench, upstairs- there's tables and food. I doubt we'll be taken too much notice of.

[Besides her own reputation, perhaps- but she thinks, too, the better to signal to Baderon and others that Hythlodeus is a good person.]

[ktizo]

[The... Drowning Wench. That's certainly a name! Hythlodaeus nods anyway, trying not to stare at any more people.]

I will follow your lead, friend.

[He trusts her well enough, and as she's the only familiar being here... he's quite inclined to stick by her side right now, lest he get lost or run into trouble.]

[undauntedspirit]

[Sapphire gives him a smile, warm and bright.]

It's not too far, just on the floor above us. This way.

[She would hate to see him lost- much as she's sure she'd find him again!- so she goes at a steady pace, through Bulwark Hall and up the stairs. The Wench is fairly bustling, but Sapphire leads the way towards one of the tables closer to the walls, claiming it with a smile.]

Would you like to order anything? Food, or drink?

[ktizo]

[Hythlodaeus sits down opposite Sapphire with a smile- he's taking this in stride as best as he can, despite how strange this world is to him. Souls don't shine half as brightly here as they did back home, and although he can still make them out it's just strange to see the aether so... dull.]

Let us see what's on the menu...

[He picks it up, scans it, then shakes his head.]

Water will suffice. Thank you.

[Tapping the table with his fingers idly, he looks around again.]

Emet-Selch will be wondering where we ran off to. I promised him I'd be but a moment.

[undauntedspirit]

[That is probably safest- if she thinks about it, the names most likely don't look familiar to him. Sapphire tries not to look too obviously worried, but- it does worry her. Not that it's permanent- it shouldn't be. She hopes.]

That's quite alright.

[She does order some oranges, as well as another glass of water for herself- considering they're here, it seems only fair.]

Perhaps we'll be lucky and the moment we arrive back won't be so long after we left… But I must apologise. I'd not thought my spell would bring you with me.

[She hesitates a moment, but- she is wondering.]

…I know you haven't seen very much, but- what do you think of it?

[ktizo]

[The questions gives him pause, and he mulls it over. Yes, their aether is dull, but all the colourful people make up for it. And this place is quite charming, besides.]

So far, I would say that it is... strange, but mayhap in a good way. It's very different to what I'm used to, but it's charming in its own right.

[It isn't home, but it's... certainly an experience.]

Why do you ask?

[undauntedspirit]

[Sapphire folds her hands over each other, worried- at least until Hythlodeus replies. Her shoulders relax, and she settles back.]

I'm glad to hear that. I would love to show you more, but- I worry for the time it might take, besides.

Why…? [She tilts her head for a moment.]. Well- it's my home. I want to protect it, and… I hope you can see why.

[ktizo]

Of course. I understand completely- I would do anything to protect mine, too.

[Ah... but she knows that, doesn't she? After all, if she's to be believed- and Hythlodaues believes her- he sacrifices himself to Zodiark in an attempt to stall the Final Days, along with so many others.]

And though it would appear the efforts of my brethren are in vain... that doesn't mean you have any less right to live in our stead.

[Unlike Emet-Selch, though, he hasn't been worn down by thousands of years of pining for the people and the home he lost. Maybe he would feel differently in his friend's place... he can't honestly say.]

[undauntedspirit]

I wouldn't have thought otherwise.

[There's no doubt in her mind that Hythlodeus and Emet-Selch care about their home, after all. After seeing them before the Final Days came, she's even more certain of that.]

It's a relief to hear you say that…. [she grimaces, reaching up to rub her neck.] But- I don't think you're wrong to make those efforts! I would rather yours not be lost, either…. I am very glad to have seen it as you have known it- and most grateful forthe opportunity to meet you.

[Before the Final Days happened, and pain and sorrow touched them both.]

[ktizo]

Alas, mine must be lost to pave way for yours.

[He wouldn't be angry at her for being secretly somewhat glad how things turned out, is his unspoken point. His expression softens, though.]

I'm glad to have met you, too. And to have come here to see your world... a pity I could not see more of it.

[But it ignites hope in him, that even after something as terrible as the Final Days mankind will endure. As it always has done.]

[undauntedspirit]

…As one generation passes to the next.

[It's still sad- but if she thinks about it that way, less so.

She hums, but- her expression rises after a moment.]

Perhaps- we might make one more detour, before returning, if you'd accept it. There's a good view from the Anchor Yard- and I'd hope it would be a memory to keep with you.

[ktizo]

We shall see, hm?

[He hopes he can cherish the memory for a good long while. That would be ideal.]

I'd love to come with you to see Anchor Yard. Have you finished with your food?

[He sips at more of his water, because leaving it full would be impolite, he's sure.]

[undauntedspirit]

[Something they hold in common- she certainly means to treasure her memories of Hythlodeus and Emet-Selch as long as she can.]

Aye, I'll keep some for later. [One more piece for the road, first, before she tucks a couple of oranges into her pockets.]

It's a bit of a walk- hardly anything to worry about, though! Whenever you're ready.