02: insert creative title here

[iustaegis]

[ There is no longer the warmth of someone beside her when she rises, no arm around her, no shoulder for her head to be tucked into, no quiet breath she can hear, no soft rhythm of a heartbeat she can feel beneath her palm, no trace of a magic and light that feels as if she's bathed in the stars. There is no greeting with soft, quiet eyes and and an even softer touch, careful, caring, no murmur of her name. No feeling of acceptance, no slow rise thereafter, no touch in return to correct a strand of her hair with warm fingers lingering upon her cheek.

Instead there is emptiness as deep and overwhelming as the sea, perplexing, disorienting, storming, and cold. She peers into its maelstrom and knows that she ought to be there beneath it all, surrounding her, sealing her. That is the tomb she had chosen for herself for centuries, after all, basking in the safety of emptiness thus keeping the world safe in turn.  How can emptiness feel so heavy and crippling, as if she's never experienced it before? Has she learned nothing?

No, she has learned something. It is the same lesson she has learned before-- ]

  For those of his family and Eos, and for those of you who knew him, Somnus is no longer in Havenwell. I may only hope that he has returned to his homeworld in peace.

Please, let's all work together more to restore this world, so that perhaps those of us who wish to return to our worlds may also have the opportunity to return.

[ --that she must do what is necessary to secure the future of her world. She must return to her world. To return where she must be, to return to the state she had originally been in, to return to her Father and beg him for peace at last. Somnus has returned to his world, thereby ensuring its future. She has not forgotten that she, too, has the very same duty. Her love and her loss, this hollowness, this numbness-- she knows, she knows, it is painful, guilty; she ought not harbor any of these feelings. Yet terribly against her nature as it may be to experience emotions at all, they have one use in their turmoil and admiration for the world and all those in it: that they are reminding her, inspiring her to do what must be done to ensure that the future of her world remains. ]

A: Falconing. Morning.

He's gone, little partner. We are sorry.  [ It's only Horus to whom she murmurs, the falcon unwittingly left behind by man who owned it. Presently the raptor is perched upon her arm, and she carefully strokes along the side of its neck as it turns its head side to side, seemingly awaiting a command. With a slight lift of her hand it takes flight, and a few moments later she tosses up bait for it to take.

To anyone watching her, she appears at peace. She is smiling and calm, watching the bird glide throughout the dilapidated buildings of the city. It circles her, awaiting its next morsel, and she throws another treat-- farther this time, and it dives after it.

It does not seem as if she notices that you may be approaching her. This may be odd to those who know her well enough to have noticed how normally attentive she is to her surroundings. ]

B: Returning from the Labs, Evening
[ For those of her who have known her throughout these months, they may also know by now that she is not shy to engage in contact.

Nothing has changed on that front, and so when you happen to join her on one of the streets, she will greet you with a pleasant, serene smile. As is also typical. ] Oh, are you heading this same way...?

[ Have a hand offered to you, fingers outstretched. Should you take it, her grip is light. To those who have taken her hand often before, this may seem odd. ] Let's walk together.

Comments

[carbungle]

[Upon seeing the message, Noctis immediately heads halfway over to her place before he realizes that his face, in particular, might not be one that she wants to see right now. He's not sure if she's checking her communicator either, and a text sounds too impersonal a way to ask... thankfully he has alternatives for that.

While she's working with Horus, Umbra trots up to her and sits down. Normally he's friendly, wagging his tail and barking for attention, but he's sensed the mood and is instead politely reserved. He ducks his head, and she can find a note bound up in the tether he wears from leg to back, in Noct's handwriting:

would it hurt you if I came over?

It might seem unnecessary to ask - it's Pyra, after all - but it feels unkind not to. He's well aware of the fact that they look uncannily alike, and the last thing he wants is to make her feel worse.]

[iustaegis]

[ As Horus flies above, Umbra's presence that catches her attention. She looks over her shoulder, recognizing the canine Messenger and his almost reserved, quiet behavior. Silently, she pats the space beside her, inviting him to join her so that she might take the message.  For all their technology present in this world, it's rare to see something handwritten and delivered. No name is attached to the message, but she knows it could be from none other than Noctis.

Would it hurt you if I came over?

Her fingers crinkle the edges of the paper, a tightened grip that comes with a quiet intake of breath as if it's meant to be steadying.

 She writes back: ]

Come hold my hand, Noct.

[carbungle]

[This time, as if he knows it's an affirmative, Umbra wags his tail at her before scampering off, disappearing around the corner of a building.

Noctis arrives several minutes later with the dog at his side, his expression sympathetic while carrying its own sadness. He hadn't known Somnus as well as he'd like - it was only a handful of months, and the man was often closed off about so much - but he was family, and he'd always had precious little of that. And he'd been so... encouraging, in those strange ways he had. About growth, about the future, about Noct's fate as the Chosen despite how long Somnus had already been waiting for his soul to be freed. He didn't really smile, but he was kind nonetheless.

Pyra saw him every day, though, she walked and talked with him more than anyone. She must be feeling this sting far more. Like Ardyn- someone else he ought to be checking on today.

As he approaches, for once he's the first to offer his hand out to her, wordless, unsmiling. What can he even say?]

[iustaegis]

[ She does not so much as move when he approaches, sending Horus off into flight again when he sits down beside her. She's smiling, still, and when he takes her hand her touch is slow to respond to reinforce their touch.

It's only after a few moments that her fingers curl into the gaps between his, tighten, then loosen a moment after. ] Eos hopefully has an Orcale and king returned. [ She asks quietly, ]

But, how... are you feeling?

[ Two losses of his family within a short period of time^{(Luna! counts!)}, gone back to his world. Who else can the world take from him? She can't possibly imagine; she's sorry he must hear this news from someone not even of his world. ]

[carbungle]

[He waits to see how she responds, and when she holds his hand back, he gives hers a gentle squeeze. The mention of Luna has him tense a little, but she's not wrong, so he says nothing. At least when he goes back he has the possibility of seeing her again; Pyra doesn't have that luxury.

Still.]

Feel like crap. How about you?

[iustaegis]

[ She knows as well has he does that he may be able to return to a world where the both of them are. Even knowing that, he still admits to feeling awful. Naturally, that they are not here with him at present isn't comforting, not when he has no control over when he might be able to return to his own world.

Then he asks after her, and she doesn't have an answer. Her gaze falls, turns, and she looks back out towards the city. ]

I am not sure.

[ In turmoil. Dizzying; if she had lungs, she wonders if this is what it would feel like to not be able to breathe. Her voice, however, is oddly detached. ] Guilty, perhaps.

[ She closes her eyes, letting out a breath. She sure sounds calm. ] I told him before, you know. That he should have been living with--.... those of Eos. It does not seem right, that your family learns of his disappearance this way. [ From an outsider.

It should have been Noctis. Or Regis or Ardyn. Anyone of Eos, really. Precious moments he could have had with his family in a world that provided the opportunity to do so, and she took that from them. How dare she. ]

[carbungle]

..Mm.

[Sounds like something she'd say, yeah. She's made similar comments often enough- asking if he should be spending time with someone else, or playing a game with someone else, or even if he'd rather be training instead of goofing off or working on their game, all so he can be stronger for his world. Like what they're doing doesn't matter as much. Like she doesn't matter as much.

He's not an idiot- the element shared between all of those strange queries is her, the worth of her company in comparison to whatever else happens to come up. And here it is again.]

What did he say?

B...!

[zapdope]

[ With spending the majority of March either doing basic training alongside his friend(s) and the latter half of the month helping out with the plants relocation, Zeintsu was pretty busy. While he's gotten a little more adapt with the communication device, it wasn't still a habit for him to constantly check the network. So he hasn't seen the annoucement post yet.

So when he sees Pyra and she offers the usual offer of her hand, Zenitsu gives his usual cheerful demeanor. ]

I'd be more than happy to, Pyra!

[ He does pick up on the oddity when he takes her hand, but Zenitsu decides against saying anything, at least for the moment. ]

It's such a nice day, isn't it? After all that rain, it feels so much more refreshing!

[ Ignorance is bliss... or something. ]

[iustaegis]

[ Bless him, his cheery demeanor knows no bounds, and his smile is as bright as his haircolor. She smiles in kind. While it may appear less enthusiastic than usual, it is no less sincere. She is glad to see him, and she takes his hand. ]

Mm... were you effected by the rain? [ She brings her free hand up to her lips to conceal a soft giggle. ] If only I could have seen you with long hair!

[zapdope]

[ His cheery side only comes out when he's talking to girls, really. When it's with guys his attitude is completely different. ]

R-really?? I'd have left it long if you wanted to see it! Maybe you'd have fun braiding my hair? Agh, why didn't I run into you last month??

[ Zenitsu is regretting immensely not having his hair long just so he could show it to Pyra.

But he does feel relieved when he hears the other giggle, though, and he decides he probably should mention it. ]

I'm glad you sound fine... At first I thought you were feeling down.

[ He gives Pyra's hand a light squeeze, to make a small point. ]

[iustaegis]

[ Words of concern, then a squeeze of her hand. It feels warm to her, his kindness, to someone he barely knows. It's too warm for someone like her.

There is no falter in her step or smile, but a pause does precede her words. ]

Zenitsu.

[ Her head tilts; her tone careful, as if carrying something fragile. ] You've... others from your world here, don't you?

[zapdope]

[ Zenitsu's cheerful demeanor quiets down as he hears what Pyra has to say. His smile is the one to falter as he blinks, tilting his head as if to mimic hers. ]

Uhm... Yeah. Just Tanjiro though. Why?

[ Come to think of it, while he enjoys Pyra's company, he doesn't know much about the other. He knows everyone's got at least one thing they'd prefer not to bring up, himself included, so it's gotten more of a habit for him not to initiate questions like that, especially back in his original world he'd pick up dark secrets with his keen ears without even asking.

But the question is out of nowhere for Zenitsu, so he's letting his curiosity speak for itself. ]

[iustaegis]

[ Of course she’s met Tanjiro before as well... which he would know.

She continues, her tone carrying an air of wistfulness to it. ] This world... gives you opportunities you wouldn’t otherwise have in your own.

[ Her gaze drops to their held hands before she resumes looking forward. For her, it gives her the opportunity to hold another’s hand. ] To interact with others, to spend time with them, ...even to speak with others that you wouldn’t have been able to at home.

[ The corners of her lips curve into a smile again, and she speaks as if giving a conclusion, one in which Zenitsu might already know. ] ...Your time here with Tanjiro is precious.

[this_loser]

[He remembers what it was like, to wake one morning to an empty bed. He spent that day in frantic denial before accepting she was gone. It had hurt, so much. He would never wish that kind of pain on anyone. Not on Noctis, when Luna had gone. Not on Pyra now.

He doesn't hesitate to send a message over.]

Is there anything I can do for you?

[iustaegis]

[ She reads the message as soon as she receives it.

Her response, in turn, is delayed. ]

Will you hold my hand, Prompto?

[ She clings to the hope that doing what she can for this world will mean that she will return to her own. This is her ultimate goal.

She may be entirely wrong.

But this hope is all she has to go by now. ]

[this_loser]

Of course. Where can I find you?

[iustaegis]

[ She shares her location with him over the communicator, which directs him to her residence. When he knocks or texts that he is there, she will respond with permission for him to enter— not through the front, but through the gate leading to the yard that opens into a small, overrun garden of white, red, and blue sylleblossoms and vibrantly pink juniberries. The enchanted plant-growing rain has ended, yet it seems the overflowing garden has yet to be properly tended to after all this time...

Pyra sits upon the low deck leading into the yard, and she raises her head in a greeting, a softer smile when he arrives. Even a small platter of tea is set out beside her with two cups ready to be filled. Comforting company comes first. Yet despite her smile, no glimmer dances within her gaze.

Still, she outstretches her hand to him to take, gesturing for him to take a seat beside her. ]

I see your hair is back to its usual length...

[this_loser]

[He finds her easily enough, and weaves carefully through the explosion of color to join her on the deck. She doesn't have to do that - smile. Not if she isn't feeling it. (He's isn't one to judge - he often smiles when he doesn't mean it.)

His hand finds hers as soon as it is in reach, the other brushing through his hair.]

Ah. Yeah. It was fun for a while, but not really my style.

[He takes a seat beside her. If she wants to talk, that's fine. If not, that's fine too.]

[iustaegis]

[ As he settles next to her, she turns her attention away from him, out towards the array of flowers, continuing to smile.

Her she replies airily, as if to indicate a jest, ]

Not even with all the flowers I weaved into it? Ah, I'm offended.

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Pyra's message has not gone unnoticed, though for such news to be delivered through text it is... difficult. Somnus is a stranger, but not Pyra herself; and while Pyra has never spoken of her relationship with the man beyond him being her roommate and thus her contact for important matters... there is concern, if Pyra is now alone, if she has any whom would see to her interests in any immediate way, whether or not the man had served that role for her at all.

But what could she say or do? No words could make up for a loss, and for what she knows of Pyra the message is being sent for the sake of others, not herself. Pyra was one who wanted for little from others and would surely speak lightly of herself even now if pressed.

The disappearance of others from this world is frankly, terrifying for Honerva. How it represents how much could be taken away in an instant, as much as they are all here by the whims of others. There is little to be done for that discomfort but to continue to study the world but she does not feel this news bodes particularly well. Were she faced with any sudden loss she certainly would not take to it with the grace of Pyra.

Still, a message she sends, after she processes this. ]

What are you in need of?

[iustaegis]

[ Her message is the same she's given others. ]
 
Come hold my hand, Honerva. I am at [ Insert coordinates to some temple plaza here. ]

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Succinct. A hand to hold was the expected request. Anything else... well. She hardly knew, herself. At the least, it was... providing company.

Enough for her to arrive at the location with little need for further confirmation, and she glances around.

Quiet she might be, though there's a crease of concern in her brow, questions unasked. Most of her hair is carefully bound back and tucked under her cloak, as though she were taking no chances with the length getting caught again.

Once she spots Pyra, she will simply make her way toward her and quietly offer her hand. ]

[iustaegis]

[ She takes her hand, her palm pressing into hers as her fingers curl around. As always, her touch is warm.

Welcoming, too, despite how light her hold is, the bare minimum of contact required to help this world... but not someone she cares for. Pyra wants to let Honerva she cares for her still, so it's only after glancing at her that her grip becomes something more solid, and she scoots to the side of the bench she's on to allow her room to sit. ]

It's been a few weeks, mm? How have you been?

[shroudedsecrets]

[ Honerva takes the seat once Pyra adjusts, that small line of concern creasing further at the notion that it had been weeks, but... perhaps it had been. She'd had some distractions of her own. ]

Perhaps, although it would be far more appropriate for me to inquire that of you, first.

[ Which, she hadn't to be fair--her intent is there but she does not often trust herself to inquire properly, but she also understands why Pyra might not be so willing to focus on such a thing, herself. ]

That is... why I am here.

[iustaegis]

[ She glances at Honerva, and then it's back to looking at Rawna's temple.

She's here to hold her hand. With a soft chuckle, ]

Mmm... That's unfair. I asked first, you know.