Irhya Pendhula (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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starhuevalley2018-07-14 12:14 am
omnicrafter) wrote in starhuevalley2018-07-14 12:14 am
Entry tags:
[video]
[At this point, people have probably seen a few miqo'te by now. At first, Irhya keeps her face hidden, but seems to have a change of heart shortly thereafter, brushing some hair out of her face as she adjusts the frame. For coming from a world that is so technologically limited in the face of -- this... she sure has adapted quickly.
There is something apprehensive about the way her eyes dart back and forth, about the initial pause before she starts speaking, but it's easily forgettable once she finds her stride.]
Let me just preface this by saying that where I'm from, animal husbandry is forbidden. Fear of upsetting the forest and all that... though frankly I've always thought the Elementals need to stop being such temperamental little shites in the first place. Anyway, dairy is understandably scarce because of it, and imports are scarce as well as prohibitively expensive, so most of the populace lives on grown produce and wild game.
Which brings me to my problem. I have no interest in playing around in the dirt, but I suppose raising animals doesn't sound all that bad. Especially when I, personally, have a lot more use for wool and milk than most things that come from plants. But I also don't know the first damn thing about it.
[After she confesses, the top half of a sheep becomes visible at the bottom of the frame, and she leans down a little to stroke it. There also seems to be something black and furry skulking about on a hay bale behind her; a cat, most likely.]
So! I normally don't do this, but I would like to propose a trade. If there's anyone willing to help me with my little problem -- showing me the basics, hanging around to lend a hand, whatever works -- I can probably craft a few things in return. Tools, clothing, medicines... actually, it's probably easier just to pitch what you need from me and I'll decide case-by-case. I'm not yet familiar with what kinds of materials might be available here, but I think we can make something work out, right?
Just one rule: if you end up getting indecisive on me, I'm defaulting to cooking.
[She makes as if to end the recording, but hesitates, struck with a second thought.]
Oh, and one more thing. If anyone here happens to be a native to Eorzea, I have a few questions for you.
There is something apprehensive about the way her eyes dart back and forth, about the initial pause before she starts speaking, but it's easily forgettable once she finds her stride.]
Let me just preface this by saying that where I'm from, animal husbandry is forbidden. Fear of upsetting the forest and all that... though frankly I've always thought the Elementals need to stop being such temperamental little shites in the first place. Anyway, dairy is understandably scarce because of it, and imports are scarce as well as prohibitively expensive, so most of the populace lives on grown produce and wild game.
Which brings me to my problem. I have no interest in playing around in the dirt, but I suppose raising animals doesn't sound all that bad. Especially when I, personally, have a lot more use for wool and milk than most things that come from plants. But I also don't know the first damn thing about it.
[After she confesses, the top half of a sheep becomes visible at the bottom of the frame, and she leans down a little to stroke it. There also seems to be something black and furry skulking about on a hay bale behind her; a cat, most likely.]
So! I normally don't do this, but I would like to propose a trade. If there's anyone willing to help me with my little problem -- showing me the basics, hanging around to lend a hand, whatever works -- I can probably craft a few things in return. Tools, clothing, medicines... actually, it's probably easier just to pitch what you need from me and I'll decide case-by-case. I'm not yet familiar with what kinds of materials might be available here, but I think we can make something work out, right?
Just one rule: if you end up getting indecisive on me, I'm defaulting to cooking.
[She makes as if to end the recording, but hesitates, struck with a second thought.]
Oh, and one more thing. If anyone here happens to be a native to Eorzea, I have a few questions for you.
no subject
He cants his head and waits for her to speak. And the answer he receives is... confusing at best. And his brow furrows as he tries to decipher just what is being asked of him.]
If they remembered... [He trails off a bit before something he'd read on his way here clicks into place.] Are you speaking of the letters? [He eagerly hunts around for where he placed his.. Yes. There it is.] You speak of what was written, yes? Prime timelines. Many of us while from the same place remember things differently... or perhaps, experienced things differently. That was a bit perplexing at the time but I do think I understand. You're saying... ah, hypothetically, on your adventures you met someone who did all the things that I did but it was not me, yes?
[But... she knows who he is. Though she did say hypothetically. And she asked him what would he think of a situation like that. This does require some thought.
The knight places finger tips to his lips as he considers for a few moments.]
Hypothetically... I will use my dearest friend as an example then. The Warrior of Light! Should I come about in a place that they did not know me my heart would be utterly devastated. This I wouldn't even begin to deny. But... A friendship once earned can be earned again. I know it to be true. And I would support them all the more even if I do not earn their glance a second time. For it would be foolhardy to think I could be so lucky once again... to earn all their trust and support. Similar circumstances with slight variations... I do not believe that changes the core of a person. The Warrior of Light is the Warrior of Light wherever they go. Full of goodness and bravery. Full of hope and love. That's a person I could support no matter where I am. If they are different. Or if I am.
I think... I would be most lucky to see someone so dear again regardless of circumstances. Don't you think?
no subject
[For all that the proverbial knife is tearing her insides to ribbons, she holds fast. The pressure in her chest is unbearable. It's nothing she's not experienced before; it was like this on that day under the Coerthan sunset, too. But every time it resurfaces, the little girl who wanted so badly to redo things, to make everything right, batters herself bloody on the bars of her cage all over again.]
You already seem to have thought of the alternative yourself, so you'll have no trouble flipping things around. In fact, it is the very thing you're probably thinking right now. No one's forgotten you, I can assure you, but...
[She slouches back, glancing guiltily at the ground. To have to talk him around in circles like that was totally unnecessary, but she doesn't trust herself with the more succinct explanation. If many of them remember the same thing, there's little point in trying to establish herself like that.]
For what it's worth, I'm sorry for subjecting you to such a bizarre, roundabout way of explaining things... I guess I just wasn't brave enough to say it straight.
If you really mean that, I think I should at least remind you I am not special in that regard; I know there are others here like me as well, just as displaced as the next. And I have no proof of being the Warrior of Light, just a handful of memories and an abstract blessing, neither of which means anything here.
no subject
It's just as he was saying moments before. A Warrior of Light, though not his dear friend, still with the same core. The same divinity. The same spirit that had him spellbound the moment she walked into his office.
His dear friend...
And when he comes to that conclusion the Elezen utterly lights up in delight. For while he does not know this Warrior of Light personally she seems to know him. And the steps that he and the Hauchefant she knew cannot be so different. The essence must be the same.]
My dear friend! I feel a fool for not recognizing your blessing from here. The light and warmth are as radiant as they are from the Warrior I know. For truly you are something special and it is my dulled senses that stopped me from seeing it clearly. And it is clear. I see that now.
And though we do not know each other as personally as our... counterparts, I suppose, I trust the path is similar and that you have still done such fantastic things for me and my family and country. That cannot go on unsaid or unappreciated. Certainly not.
I am so happy... though it is not under the circumstances I am sure we'd prefer, to see you well. A Warrior of Light that is thriving makes my heart glad. For it gives me faith that the Warrior that I knew is also well. Although... I must say, my friend, your downtrodden expression is ill suited for a hero of your caliber. Upon meeting once more, surely a smile would be best. I couldn't fathom a frown at such an important revelation.
I am so truly happy to meet you again but also for the very first time. For one of the best days of my life was crossing paths with the Warrior of Light and now I get to do it once again. How fortuitous for me. It's simply splendid.
no subject
Another.
Irhya makes a noise in the back of her throat, reaching for the device... but she fumbles, dropping it face-down and leaving it there while her facade crumbles. It's faint as she tries to suppress it, but there is a brief series of keening noises that are probably stifled sobs.
After a moment, she pulls herself together enough to stem the flow, picking herself up and smoothing everything out before she retrieves the camera from the ground and puts it back where it was. There are still tears in her eyes, but at least this time the smile is sincere.]
No... you're right. I had nearly forgotten. It has truly been too long... hah, forgive me for underestimating you.
[She lets go of a breath. It's almost uncanny, how the reaction of each and every one of the people she has been forced to meet for the first time all over again is universally the same. But none have been quite so potent to drive the point home as Haurchefant.]
Hellfire, I really needed that. Thank you.
no subject
Either way there's nothing he can do until the warrior returns and he waits with near bated breath until she does.
There are tears that need to be dried but the smile is welcoming and he can only offer one in return, something bright and quite relieved.]
Much too long. [For any moment is too long for him. But... he is aware, to some extent, that the time that has passed between them is far longer and larger than he may care for.] But I am quite unstoppable. As you should well know. And my greatest successes are insuring that the light is always shining brightly in the darkest and most forlorn of times.
[For when the Warrior came to him when the world completely abandoned her. When there was nothing but concern for wrongly accused friends. And even at the end of all things.
The only thing ever capable of stopping him completely in his tracks would be the light itself. Not just from the Warrior who causes near fumbled steps of excitement and joy but from other less friendly sources as well. Ah well. He is here now. Back to serving his purpose however askew it is from the original goals.]
There is nothing to thank me for... As I have said should your heart ever waver you can always look to me. That will always hold true no matter how much time passes between us.
no subject
[By the slight shift in her smile, she's already far more comfortable slipping into humor. It's been ages since she's felt so light, relieved of an unseen burden in a way she'd almost forgotten was possible. The way it used to be, until everything went to shite.]
Oh, there is one thing I want to ask you while I'm thinking of it. What is the last thing you remember of home?
[...She's just making sure. If he already knows of his fate, either through experience or hearsay, then it will remove the need to dance around things. But if he doesn't... Irhya really, really doesn't want to be the one to tell him. Possibly ever, if she can help it.
Either way, it's clear she's angling for a certain answer based on the pensive way her tail thumps behind her.]
...If you don't mind answering, anyway.
no subject
There is no need to walk so delicately around the matter or be so cautious. The last thing I remember... Well, I remember it well. I was asking for a smile. I felt relieved that you were unharmed. But sad... because the expression you made was one I had caused. Things do not always go as we expect. Or fall as we would like. Things get lost and stolen unexpectedly all the time. And sometimes those things are most precious indeed. I did not intend to be taken away from you that day. I only sought your safety. As a knight and and as your dear friend. Too often did you throw yourself into perilous situations that I could not be there for. I wouldn't allow it this time. And because of that... I unintentionally inflicted more grief.
Not just on you. But on many, I think. I can never apologize enough, though... I do not regret those actions. I think, given the opportunity, and you may not like this, I would do it again. Because your safety means the very most to me. I would not let any harm befall you if I were in the presence to stop it. But perhaps next time... I would bring a thicker shield.
[He offers a helpless little laugh at the end of that. For it's nothing to laugh at, he knows, his situation has caused grief enough but he isn't looking to dwell on it. That they are both here in this moment is what matters. And though he may never be able to go back to Eorzea and rejoin the world that she knows it's important to be here now. In these present moments, strange as they are, the past can be unburdened a little bit... ah. Well, actually.]
Tis a great shame though... that when you return back to Eorzea you will not remember that we have spoken. I hope all the same that your heart is lighter for it even if the memories do not remain.
no subject
But imagine, even if you were to have somehow escaped from that situation alive... it's not just possible, but likely that your injuries would've been such that continued knighthood wouldn't have been an option. And knowing your feelings about that, I don't think I could have stomached watching that play out... nor your father, for that matter.
[And yet, Count Edmont's was the kind of wretched sobbing she never wants to hear again as long as she lives. Between the choices of surviving to give up the rest of his future, and giving his life to ensure the life of a friend, and perhaps the future of his homeland as well?
That choice is obvious. Even a heart aching for him still can see that.]
I don't know if that sounds callous of me. Maybe it's just that my feelings about death -- my own, and of those around me -- have changed drastically since then. But for the peace of mind hearing you say all that gives me, let me give you some in return: rest assured that everyone who ever held you in their heart has gone to great lengths to ensure it wasn't in vain.
no subject
And maybe he doesn't need to offer any vocal acknowledgment. Silence does speak for itself. This is too sad a thing to speak on anymore. He simply agrees. Too often he has heard the words: "At least you're alive." He is guilty of speaking them as well. Wounded soldiers that can never go back to their post and people who have lost everything to the dragons. There is some mercy to be found in death. Honor too. And...
The dismal train of thought slows to a stop as she starts speaking again. And the words are still rather sad to hear but it's the last part that has him perking up some. That's right... before he fell there was still so much left to do! And he does not know how that story ends.
Haurchefant brightens up considerably and offers nothing but a smile at this somewhat sad conversation]
I am ever glad to hear it. I take it then everything went as planned. There are so many things that I'd like to ask and learn. And I hope that all our dear friends are well. And I wish to ask about my family too. But... such grand adventures should not be told over these devices. It should be done in person. With food and drink and warm frends.
[A place that leaves lots of room for great reenactments and wild gestures. That's how he likes to tell stories best anyway. Though his Warrior of Light is not so eager a storyteller... maybe this one will surprise him.]
In the past I may have offered a warm hearth and drink to tell these great tales but I cannot think of anything less desirable than that at present.
[It's hot here. Absurdly so. And Haurchefant, who has lived for so long in nothing but ice and snow, is having a difficult time adjusting to a proper summer day. He never thought he'd ever actually miss chill but he is.]
I would not wish to rush you into meeting. I understand if my presence is still off putting and saddening to you. But... when the time is right there are so many things I would love to hear and know. You have so many stories and tales that I must know about. All this time you've been fighting so hard... I couldn't cheer for you then but I will do so now!
no subject
The gears in her head start spinning again. This gift is too precious to render meaningless; it isn't the sort of miracle she'll probably ever bear witness to again. A "miracle" may even be too generous a word, for no matter what, the fact is that he is still dead, and will probably just go back to being dead if he were to leave.
But there is time. Precious, irreplaceable time, if only borrowed from Althyk's personal and most forbidden stash. And while she cannot say for sure what will happen when that time ends, it is a chance to clear herself of what's been weighing her down for... moons? Or perhaps years? It's hard to say anymore; they count for little here anyway.]
What are you even talking about? "Off-putting" nothing; I'm not going to pull the curtain over my eyes just because it was a painful thing in the moment. However, I-- there is something I need to take care of first, before I can face you.
[Just a little inkling, that's all. Perhaps it's been enough emotional turmoil for one day, anyway.]
But it will happen... I promise you that. Once I've done what I need to do, I'll seek you out. And perhaps by then, a cold drink will be in order, too. Sound good?
no subject
And one day they were there once more. Fighting more of his battles. Fighting for his country that continuously turned their nose up to the cause she was so desperately fighting for. Fighting primals without him there to protect her!
She always comes back and returns when her duties are done. And he can wait. He's happy to. Overjoyed at the prospect of simply seeing his warrior again. She'll come knocking and saving the day even though there are no great dangers or battles to be found she'll still find a way to do it. Always shinning brighter than the sun that was so rare in Ishgard.]
I look forward to our meeting with baited breath. For it has been much too long. [And then not as all as well. For this is a first meeting along side a reunited one. He so greatly anticipates it.] My dearest friend... take as long as you need. I do not intend on going anywhere. [Honestly this time.] There are plenty more tomorrows while we stay here. Time is of no consequence so I could wait forever if you need me to.