[open] hydaelyn's house for wayward souls

[exarchal]

Who: Anyone!
When: All of November.
Where: The Haven, at the "classy" grade house maintained by some people from the FFXIV cast.
What: It's mingle time. Drop by for a visit, make your own toplevel, maybe ask who that weird old guy sleeping in the yard is. (It's probably crystal grandpa.)
Warnings: Mind FFXIV spoiler warnings in threads!

[ Located past the fanciest manor houses is something a little more modest. The most prominent thing one would notice about it is the front yard, which someone obviously spends some time in, though the cutting of certain bushes is a little close to amateur. More importantly, it looks a little messy but very inviting, and there's almost always the smell of something warm and delicious coming from inside the house. The lush and flowering garden in the back has a recently-scrubbed fountain and running water, as well as a near-permanent host of small birds. Is it magic? Probably. Most of the flowers are roses, though, which are a bit hardier than your usual flowers.

The interior is just as cozy, with a fire in the hearth that's almost always going, and plenty of books loaned or purchased from shops. Furnishings are occasionally sparse but the kitchen is fully-stocked, as is the family room where most people spend their time. The dining table exists and it's nothing fancy, but there's almost always a smorgasbord of fruit and other snacks left out for visitors.

New this month are tiny sigils drawn in faintly glowing paint along the windows and doors. Teleportation wards are in place, as well as soundproofing for each bedroom (ahem), so anyone teleporting directly inside the house will find themselves repelled.

There is a spare housekey under the mat, though, if someone gets locked out. ]

Comments

[exarchal]

Quite. Nor do we have any indication as to the source... but that need not be as obvious as, say, a giant tower made of crystal.

[He's quiet for a moment as he considers his words.]

... To be plain, anyone able to demonstrate such power could be considered naught less but a god.

[endsought]

I cannot help but agree with your assessment. We are dealing with something much more powerful than man.

[And perhaps more powerful than the very gods they worship. Though to say would be blasphemy, so he keeps such a thought to himself.]

Given that, I doubt we can do much without information. To act rashly would only end in our defeat.

[exarchal]

[He can sort of guess at that thought. It's the logical conclusion. What is more powerful than a primal, or a primal slayer, than a true god?]

Indeed. The best we can do, I think, is to make as many connections as possible. The Warriors of Light are ever charismatic, but they cannot do all the work themselves. And so it falls to us to work the finer points of diplomacy in the Coven and elsewhere, and see what we can discover.

-- At least, that is what I plan on doing. I would be interested to hear your thoughts, Ser Aymeric, as you are a practiced leader and commander. [A pause.] On the other hand, I never considered myself much a fit for the position, so I only led out of necessity.

[endsought]

[Those words. While they are words of praise, he also detects some words of worship. As if Aymeric was some political genius. Yet, he only sees himself as a man who was forced into the position by the public...]

Like you, I also led out of necessity. I am unsure of what you may have heard of me, however, such tales are likely exaggerated. [He shakes his head...]

Diplomacy was always my goal. I would rather not unsheathe my sword if at all possible.

[exarchal]

[In that they have something in common.] They were the memoirs of someone who had witnessed the end of the Dragonsong War from within Ishgard, so I do not doubt the veracity. You have a certain grace about you. I, on the other hand, was never the leader of knights or men-- a scholar, not a soldier.

[His lips curl. Aymeric is... certainly someone who can be trusted now, he thinks. And it is strange to continue hiding himself from someone who, by all accounts, would be an ally. The only issue is Emet-Selch. Would he pursue his housemates for answers...?]

Of course. I believe there are many like minds in the Coven and among the other Mirrorbound, but as far as how to move forward... I admit I am at a loss. 'Tis nothing that will be solved this day, at least.

[endsought]

[He doesn't really like talking about this but...]

Did the memoirs state my birthright?

[Because the way it's sounding, they have more in common than Exarch knows or wants to admit. Even if he grew up as nobility, he was always aware of the dark rumors around his heritage.

And chose to rise above them and not acknowledge such rumors. Neither affirming or dismissing them.

It makes him wonder what rumors the Exarch has chosen to rise above.]

I digress. For now, let us focus on what we can do. I am certain there are other Mirrorbound that have formulated strategies or know more than we do. Mayhap reaching out to them would do good. I believe the devices we were given allow for mass communication, however I must admit, I am hardly adept at it yet.

[exarchal]

They spoke of the rumors, but only when it became relevant. Truthfully, I am also somewhat... familiar with those sorts of shadows hanging over one's head, but that is a tale best saved for later.

[There was so much he didn't know until right before he closed the door.]

The more-than-watches are quite curious, are they not? But you do have a point. I should endeavor to make more of an appearance.

[endsought]

Then you understand.

[He leaves it at that. The wounds of being pointed at, being called a patricide, they still hit. However, it's something he's chosen to keep inside.

There are other matters his mind would focus us.]

As for such an endeavor, it is something we can both make. You are not alone in this.

[......he's pretty sure he's been chided with those same words against him many times. Such hypocrisy.]