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| No title. |
| (2013-05-06 - Now) |
| No description. |
| Faruja Senra | Wutai is often not a welcoming place to outsiders, especially given it's troubles with Shinra. For one such as Faruja, this dips into outright racism for some. Having arrived in Wutai, the rat is forced to ignore the rising urge to issue challenges for duels and generally making a scene. For now, he'll simply have to deal with whispered words about vermin. After all, he's in theory here to rest, and see the state of the country. At least he can appreciate the architecture. Standing on one of the may bridges, he watches the water below flow by, the ratling wearing nondescript robes along with his spear. The only indicator of his affiliation is the necklace he wears, but at least today he doesn't scream Templar. |
| Maira | Maira has just recently arrived in Wutai and is set up in a nearby Inn. Rather than remain indoors and out of sight as she really should though, she's out and about exploring the city. She is however, slightly disguised? Maira wears a kerchief over her hair to hide the red-gold hue, and is dressed in attire that doesn't scream foreigner. Of course...she's still obviously a foreigner, but at least she's not just...running around on fire in her usual pink! Maira looks up toward the bridge, blinking as she spots Faruja there. Oh! Lucky! Maira hurries forward, smiling brightly as she approaches. "Faruja!" she says quietly once she's in range, throwing her arms around him in a hug of greeting. |
| Faruja Senra | Lost in thought at the rat is, he only realizes the woman's approach at the least minute. A squeak of surprise exits his muzzle, only for recognition to dawn. Turning about, he returns the hug, a grin flowering on his muzzle. "By the Lord, Maira! This is...hardly expected, but welcomed. How fare thee, my dear? Blending in with the locals I see." The rat looks the woman over, nodding approvingly. Indeed, that pink outfit would catch more attention than would likely be good! Especially given the rumors of the Heartless within their armies. "Looking in one piece at least." Oddly enough, he may just stare at the back of her neck, looking for any bumps left by a certain corporation-owner's rough handling back in Fluorgis. |
| Maira | Maira releases him, smiling widely. Indeed, she's greatly relieved to see him. "I didn't expect to find you here either! I was just so bored and Perci is in the stone sleep and...well, was /so bored/. But now that I've found you....we should maybe get out of sight more. I'm staying at the Inn, come and have lunch? I think I have a lot to tell you," she says. When the back of her neck is inspected, nothing is to be found. She'd been perfectly healed--but she still was terribly unfound of Souji Murasame. |
| Faruja Senra | Perking up considerably with no signs of permanent injury on the woman, Faruja leaves his water-watching post. An arm is offered in proper Burmecian fashion, the rat happily willing to revert to his home's customs rather than try to untangle local ones. The mention of Percival has him wincing. "I do so hope the good Squire is alright. Agonizes over his shortcomings far too much in my opinion." Slowly, he shakes his head, the gargoyle Squire both a source of frustration and admiration for the Templar. "Yes, no doubt. 'Tis been most unquiet as of late for thee. My dear, I would be honored. Come, let us go. My ears are at thy disposal, my friend." He'll let Maira lead the way! |
| Maira | Maira gladly takes the offered arm, for she makes no secret of really enjoying Faruja's manners. It always makes her feel like a--well.... Maira sighs at Faruja's words about Perci, nodding. "I have the same frustrations...you have no idea. I'd like to talk to you about him, among other things. Come on," she says, leading the way to the Inn where she is staying. Maira has their food sent up to her room, not really caring what anyone thinks as she wanders up stairs with a man. They just need privacy, and she's suppose to be staying mostly out of sight if she can. There is a small sitting area with a table and two chairs, where Maira eventually plunks down. "So...you know then, why Perci tortures himself like he does? He told you the story?" she asks. |
| Faruja Senra | Once up to Maira's room, after pointedly ignoring a few more rowdy locals, Faruja sets about attempting to untangle the local choice of utensils. Luckily, like any good medieval soldier, he never forgets a good knife. Soon enough, he's eating away with as much grace as can be done with the equivalent of an oversized steak knife. "Our dear Squire related the tale. To thyself, as well, then." A small smile flicks to his muzzle briefly, before vanishing. If anyone could possess the level of empathy and delicate touch required for /that/ tale, it's Maira in the rat's estimation. "Any knight...a real knight, no the ones of Manhattan's storybooks...possesses their share of demons. It is far too oft a bloody and painful job, but a necessary one. We all have our stories, however, dear Percival's is particularly tragic. He made a choice, and now he seeks penance. Yet I fear he shall never forgive himself." |
| Maira | Maira eats as well, using the utensils provided. She knows how to use chopsticks, luckily. The girl nods, looking extremely upset by this talk of Perci and what he'd done. "Yeah...he told me. Did he make a choice? It sounds to me like....like he kind of freaked out, and now he's going to make himself pay for it for the rest of his life. I understand....those of us who fight, we all hurt people, we all do things we wish we hadn't, don't we? I...I don't know. I won't just say that killing a young boy was /okay/ but...if he was old enough to hold a weapon and go to battle then...I don't know. Maybe I'm making excuses. Maybe I'm blind," she replies, looking positively crestfallen. "He's...really important to me. I can't let him live his life thinking he is a monster..." |
| Faruja Senra | Faruja keeps his face as neutral as possible, torn between a desire to calm his friend, and lay out his own thoughts. A deep breath, a small wince, and he nods. Hiding his muzzle beneath a cup as he gathers his thoughts, the rat finally opens his muzzle. "No, my dear, you are not blind. Indeed, I would say you've the right of things. Place any other being in such a position, 'twould be tragic. With the Gargoyle race's tendency to...pardon the expression, frenzy, 'twas almost inevitable. I have seen good men do horrific things when faced with the loss of those dear to them. At risk of sounding callous, losses happen in operations. Sparing a young man, enemy though he may have been...he did the right thing, in my estimation. The world could use more such as the dear Squire. His actions were of an inborn rage, a survival instinct. His choice was to save a boy. That boy's death was an accident, a crack in an otherwise noble species of person, a flame ignited out of some survival mechanism within his kind. Yet, he blames himself, as though it was he that lit the flame that consumed the boy." Faruja shakes his head, sighing, dropping all pretenses of neutrality. "Nor should he. A good man, the dear Squire. Yet, frankly, mayhap his skull is a touch too thick. Be delicate, show him how he has impacted thee, Maira. That his actions save lives and uplift those around him. That there is more to Squire Percival than one knight of blood, fate, and tragedy. And should that fail, wield the truth as a bat upon his skull until he realizes it as such. Forgiving himself would honor his dear, lost one, as well as that young boy whom he so valiantly and mercifully tried to save." |
| Maira | Maira's deep intake of breath is shaky, her food forgotten for the moment (which to any who know her really ought to say something) as she listens to Faruja intently, her eyes focused on his. She nods along with his words, in agreement, sniffling back her tears. "That is what I think. One moment of rage...it does not outweigh his kindness and all he has done. He has protected me at every opportunity, always ready to sacrifice for his friends. Ready to throw his life away...." "I'm trying Faruja...I'm trying to make him believe, to forgive himself. He's damaged from that memory, and when things get bad it seizes him again like a waking nightmare. Oh Faruja, you say it so well. You can't know how much it helps me to hear you speak of him like this," she says with a sigh. "I won't give up. If I can help him...I will. He's done so much for me, it is the least I can do." Maira takes a breath, then another bite of her food. "So...I hope you were not hurt too badly in that fight in Fluorgis. You probably have some questions, huh?" |
| Faruja Senra | A good Burmecian Knight always has a handkerchief, which is swiftly offered to Maira; silk by the feel of it. "And yet, he thinks himself unworthy of Knighthood, unworthy of the good name he has built through his actions. There is more to the calling than a title. Percival deserves it. 'Monster' is ill fitting. 'Tis an honor to fight at his side, even if our methods differ so." A fond smile creeps to his muzzle briefly. A small nod, and a hand goes to Maira's shoulder, squeezing gently. "Time heals all things, or so they say. You shall reach him. There is a light within you, a purity, a sort of warmth and love within that is precious beyond words. Even the most blind cannot help but see, to stare long enough into such radiance. For within his noble, scarred soul is the same love that would show care for the most wretched and lost, the hunted and the damned. Your light shall call to his, and in time, he shall come to see in himself what you and I both see, as do so many others. I believe in you both." Sip. The rat takes a rather long sip of his drink this time. "Quite. Whom was that armored person? Why was he after you, Maira? The corruption spread within that young man was..." The Templar visibly shudders, not quite able to hide a look of utter disgust. "...And yet, you purged him of it. 'Twas a most powerful use of magic. I always knew thee for an excellent mage with fire. Where did you learn such?" |
| Faruja Senra | A good Burmecian Knight always has a handkerchief, which is swiftly offered to Maira; silk by the feel of it. "And yet, he thinks himself unworthy of Knighthood, unworthy of the good name he has built through his actions. There is more to the calling than a title. Percival deserves it. 'Monster' is ill fitting. 'Tis an honor to fight at his side, even if our methods differ so." A fond smile creeps to his muzzle briefly. A small nod, and a hand goes to Maira's shoulder, squeezing gently. "Time heals all things, or so they say. You shall reach him. There is a light within you, a purity, a sort of warmth and love within that is precious beyond words. Even the most blind cannot help but see, to stare long enough into such radiance. For within his noble, scarred soul is the same love that would show care for the most wretched and lost, the hunted and the damned. Your light shall call to his, and in time, he shall come to see in himself what you and I both see, as do so many others. I believe in you both." Sip. The rat takes a rather long sip of his drink this time. "Quite alright my dear, between my own skills and Sister Fisher's, no overdue harm. Ahh, I truly must introduce thee. She is a good woman, pious and reliable when a foolish Templar requires a good patching-up." He pauses. "Though, please, I would recommend being careful with flame around her." Moving back on topic, the rat nods. "Whom was that armored person? Why was he after you, Maira? The corruption spread within that young man was..." The Templar visibly shudders, not quite able to hide a look of utter disgust. "...And yet, you purged him of it. 'Twas a most powerful use of magic. I always knew thee for an excellent mage with fire. Where did you learn such?" |
| Maira | "He thinks he in unworthy of love as well," she adds quietly. To the rest, she nods, flushing at all the compliments he heaps upon her. "Faruja...thats...I just want to--" she really had no words. She's too embarrassed. It takes her a long time to gather herself to speak again. "Please Faruja, don't put yourself in harms way for me again...I...too many people are doing that it seems," she sighs. "I know him only as The Dark Knight. I have yet to learn his real name. He was after me because of...my light. He called me Maiden of Light, and he just...kept coming. At first he tested me, then...he watched me for a long time as he went around, 'testing' others, killing and hurting and--it is very hard to explain Faruja, but I felt some sort of connection to him, morbid as that may sound. There was something wrong about him. Everyone had light and dark inside them, but his was different. He was like a shell, his real self locked deep inside of him. My magic just...reacted. I knew what I had to do like it was instinct. I felt the light in him, I saw they way mine burned through the darkness--I dove in and I dragged him out," she says quietly, sounding rather amazed herself. "Then I learned he was...a toy, to Emperor Mateus, the sorcerer who attacked you all. Now...it is quite likely Mateus will be after me, and I have been assured that he is extremely dangerous." "Avira and then....they think that I am one of those princesses of heart. We're trying to work on a way to confirm if this is so. With both Mateus and Pete apparently after me, I'm...hiding for now, until we can find answers. We're working on that." |
| Faruja Senra | Faruja realizes belatedly he overdid it. Rubbing the back of his head awkwardly, he manages a smile. "...Too much? I fear my tongue oft grows flowers. Forgive me, Maira. But do try to learn to accept others good thoughts, hmm? 'Tis catching of we knightly sorts." He balks, however, upon being asked to not throw himself in harm's way. His tail wraps about the chair's leg, squeezing tightly. "Maira, 'twould be a most grievous offense to my Order, my honor, and our friendship if I were to do anything less. No doubt the others feel the same!" Stubbornly refuses the Templar. In some ways, he and the Squire are all too similar. Clamping down on his indignity, he reaches over to tap her on the chin. "And besides. /Whom/ came to my rescue when I was wounded? /Whom/ stood so valiantly against overwhelming magic to defend me when I needed it, and indeed, saved my very life? Friends defend one another, with their lives and souls." Faruja quietly listens to the whole story, hands in his lap, occasionally kneading into his clothes. Barely contained rage bubbles on his features, at such an utter perversion of a person by another! "My, my, my. Maiden of Light...interesting. Never have I heard of such a thing, however, once before have I seen similar..." 'miracles' is muttered on the rat's muzzled, his rage dissipating in awe of the woman before him. Feeling a headache coming on, he rubs his temples. "Emperor Mateus of the Palamecian Empire. You are making dangerous enemies indeed, Maira. And this...Pete. He was the one from Manhattan's seige. The thread of fell Witchcraft links them both, it seems. You've the right idea. Stay low, stay inconspicious, and keep thy senses sharp. Be wary of strangers. And for the love of Faram, stay away from Palamecia's holdings. If you are truly a Princess of Heart...and frankly, your abilities fit what I have seen of such persons...Dark-aligned ambitious leaders such as he would benefit much from thy capture." Or death. The thought runs a chill down his spine. After a few moment's thought, he finishes. "We are at war, Maira. This entire patchwork spit of worlds is embroiled within a seige, so long as the Heartless exist, and there are evil men willing and able to pull the Daemon's puppetstrings. You, and others like you, may yet be the key to driving back the Darkness that would consume us all." |
| Faruja Senra | As a more practical matter, he finally adds, "If I may suggest, start with the young man that you purged. Toys rarely lack markings of their maker." |
| Maira | Maira winces at Faruja's reaction to her request, then sighs. "I'm sorry Faruja...I didn't mean to insult you, you know that. It is just...that man, the one who hit me and took me after I purged the Dark Knight? He told me...I was reckless and putting all my friends in danger because I couldn't take care of myself. I don't...want it to be that way," she replies, reaching up to wipe her cheeks with the handkerchief. "I did not mean to make dangerous enemies! I did not know the Dark Knight was tied to someone like that. I just wanted to stop him from killing people--put an end to his hunting me. I didn't know....and now everyone is still in danger. Probably even more so....I can't hide forever, that never works...but for a time, until we know more...it feels like the only thing I can really do," she says, leaning forward to rest her head in her hands. |
| Faruja Senra | "No, no, worry not thy head, Maira. 'Tis a weary Templar's pride, forgive me my friend." Responds Faruja, a small measure of guilt sinking in for nearly biting off her head. "Souji Murasame. /Reckless/, is it? From where I stood, I saw a woman trying to help a lost soul. One who /succeeded/. Do not lose sight of that, Maira." Reminds the Templar, before growing more thoughtful. "No, the blame rests squarely on the meddling performed by this Emperor Mateus. That is the root of it. Pay no attention to merchant-kings, Maira. The Lord has given you a /gift/ Maira. Ser Murasame would cast thee as helpless, yet that is not the case. Quite the opposite, you may be one of the few whom can protect those you care for against such a dangerous man." Leaning in, Faruja stares into Maira's eyes. "You've a path before thee. Use this time to ponder the power within. Hone thy gifts of flame and holy, grow stronger, more able to protect thyself and those you love. Do not give into despair, hmm?" |
| Maira | Maira nods, letting Faruja's words sink in. She doesn't know if she believes in god like Faruja does, but if this was a gift, no matter who it was from...she wants to use it right. Maira stands and moves over to hug Faruja gently. "Your words always give me heart Faruja. Thank you for being such a good friend. I won't give in. I'll keep fighting. I'll practice however I can, though...heh I need to find somewhere I won't risk burning a town down," she admits with a small laugh. |
| Faruja Senra | The hug is accepted and returned, a good pat on the back for emphasis added. "'Tis the least I can do, for the gift of true friendship. Be safe, and never lose whom you are; love and selflessness is all too rare these days. They are gifts greater than any amount of magic." Letting her go, Faruja stands. "Keep in touch, Maira. And yes, please. No burning down villages or forests. Rather difficult to remain unseen that way! If you will excuse me, I should find my own lodgings. Join me in the morning, we shall have tea, hmm?" |