[ video ]

[commandings]

[ The video isn't actually started by Aymeric, as one might expect. Considering he's less about making waves and more about adjusting it's not too surprising that he hasn't been bugging people yet. His newfound companion decides that it's been ignored far too long and that it's time to make a scene. Enter in one friendly neighborhood popplio! Whose taking up the video feed and instantly starts showing off. Blowing bubbles to juggle on his nose, clapping happily because look at him go! He gets to see himself and show off! What a wonder! Which means the noise has gotten the attention of his owner who comes over and sits down, taking popplio into his lap. ]

You've quite the energy to spare. I thought to wear you out yet here you are, a potential fount of energy. [ he shakes his head and grabs his device ]

My apologies for the disruption. It seems that idle hands are quite the problem. Which does bring the question how does one keep themselves busy enough not to dwell upon other concerns?

Comments

[corpsacorps]

[When the video was just Popplio, Gale couldn't help but laugh and enjoy its little show. Even his Braixen, Arden, was enjoying the little Pokemon's antics.

... but then its owner came on screen, and Gale felt his heart drop into his stomach. He seemed horrified for a moment, quickly shaking his head. No, no no no.]

Seven hells! You're here now too?!

[Arden seemed a bit spooked by Gale's sudden outburst, which Gale himself might admit was a bit over dramatic, but... gods, now him? Bloody Ishgard! Even in another world, Gale can't get away from bloody Ishgard!]

[commandings]

[ The reaction gets a odd almost worried noise from popplio because not many people expect quite so dramatic a reaction to a simple message. Aymeric, at least, doesn't seem particularly bothered by it. ]

For a day or so, yes. I take it then others are in fact here. [ A brief pause ]

Is my arrival here truly so disheartening?

[corpsacorps]

[Disheartening for Gale, maybe, who just wanted to go on living in Genessia without having to think about what bullshit Ishgard was about to do next, but Estinien put a halt in that. And now Aymeric was here. Were the spirits mocking him? Gale pursed his lips.]

Only Estinien. We are the only three of Eorzea, but I'm going to just assume you have no idea who I am.

[After all, Estinien had no idea, so why would Aymeric?]

T'is simply that I never expected familiar faces here.

[Sure, the spirits could have been worse. They could have brought an Ascian or something. Aymeric was probably the lesser pain from Ishgard. They must be trying to balance him out with Estinien.]

[commandings]

[ There's a worrying thought. His brows knit together as he debates the merits of getting up to make sure that the dragoon hasn't caused collateral damage. ]

Do you believe I would forgot of mine own friends simply over a change of location? Gale, I may be offended.

[ He's far too invested in the few friendships he has to ever do that. ]

I did not suspect neither of you to be here. Failing to do so was an oversight on my part. I should have tried to contact both of you.

[corpsacorps]

[Gale could almost feel his heart stop then, his eyes widening.]

You... you recognize me? Truly?

[Of course he did, otherwise he wouldn't know his name. The wash of emotion damn nearly brought tears to Gale's eyes. He was just lamenting the appearance of Ishgardians, and the possibility that no one would ever recognize him, and now he almost wants to cry about it? Damn it, Gale, pull it together! His mouth remained agape for a moment more, before Gale slowly shook his head.]

I- forgive me. Estinien... did not recognize me. He recalls another Warrior of Light.

[Shit, now he was all confused. And Aymeric referred to him as a friend? Gale had quietly accepted his position of just being an Ishgardian asset at this point.]

This realm is... complicated. Would I be correct in the assumption that you have read what archives there about this world?

[commandings]

[ There's some things in life that are hard to know how to handle. Without being there it's difficult for him to figure out how to respond when he can't actually be there. He offers a smile, small but genuine in its intent. ]

I do. I should like to later speak with Estinien on the matter. It brings forth a number of questions.

[ He taps his chin as he goes over a few details. He'd been buried in all information he could have found within the day he'd been hiding out. Far too much to go through in a short time but he's trying. ]

I have. It is...a unique situation that it places us in. I'm afraid that I'm uncertain on how to address it yet.

[corpsacorps]

["A number of questions" was right. Gale had many of his own, but after being here a moon, he'd done his best to just bury them and roll with it. Now he just had a load of other questions, like how he should feel about Aymeric being so... friendly. Sure, he and Haurchefant were easily the friendliest of the lot that he'd met, but still. Gale couldn't help but glance away briefly.]

Should you seek him, I heard he has taken residence on a maiden's rooftop. She lamented his lack of choosing to sleep in a bed proper.

[Which saying that out loud brought a brief, faint smile to his face.]

Then you are aware of the matters regarding time? Accounts claiming that time in our homes remains frozen whilst we reside here? [He paused.] And that we may have been brought from differing stages in time?

[He can only assume that Aymeric may be ahead of him, but it needed to be acknowledged.]

[commandings]

[ Somehow hearing that Estinien has taken to someones roof is the least surprising thing he's heard so far. So much so he has to keep himself from chuckling at hearing it. Somethings don't change regardless of time or space. ]

I shall endeavor to find and thank her. Assuming he has not caused any other trouble that I need send apologies for.

[ He nods, one hand idly resting on top of his pokemon's head to give him some distracting pets. It keeps him from fussing too much and popplio content and not causing trouble. ]

It is a matter that is, in truth, hard to fully accept as a plausible. Yet there is already proof- [ such as estinien and gale ] which leaves me no room to deny it. Would that it was a more comforting thought.

[invigorates]

( Oh, what a nice thing to see after her failures in Everglade. Lioriley responds with her own video angled up, like it's set on the ground with her in front of it. In her lap is a Dewott - the two of them seem to be clapping. )

Very well done! Your Popplio is incredibly talented. ( A smile, the lines across her cheeks bright. ) As for keeping busy - I suppose that starts with finding out what you enjoy doing. Plenty to amuse oneself with here, especially as of late.

Though I suspect you have already found that out, given your companion.

[commandings]

[ Well now popplio has gotten even more encouragement to pick up this behavior more. Which is done by making and bouncing another bubble off his nose. Aymeric can't help but grin between the responses. ]

He is energetic which has been something of a blessing. [ He'd be much more beside himself with concerns otherwise. ]

Most of what I enjoy is rather mundane especially when in comparison to others. While I suspect my new friend will keep me busy to an extent I am uncertain what to do with the time between.

[invigorates]

( Dewott claps excitedly, deciding now he should be doing some tricks too. He pulls the shells off his legs to start doing cool poses with them. Hell yeah. Lioriley laughs. )

Many find enjoyment in the mundane. I count myself among them, personally. ( A small shrug. ) I can make some recommendations, if your mundane activities include things like reading and general exploration.

[commandings]

[ Popplio claps in excitement which earns him a pat on the head from Aymeric. Oh, pokemon. They're small, cute and a good distraction. ]

To have even a moment to consider mundane ways to pass the time is a rarity. If you have any recommendations for books or reading spots of interest I would happily hear of them. 'Twould be better than sitting idle all day.

[invigorates]

( They're such good boys. )

A busy man, then? Such seems to be the case for most that are brought here - so unfortunate that we are taken from our homes when we have much to do. ( Well... she doesn't really, not any more. But knowing her luck she probably had something waiting for her back home she had to deal with. )

Genessia City houses an impressive library. I have been reading the history books there, as well as a few others when I have the chance. ( A small, thoughtful hum as Dewott wraps up his display and flops back into Lioriley's lap. ) The edges of Fayren are quite nice, and quiet enough. Have you traveled there yet?

[commandings]

I suspect those who know me would jest that I've no life beyond work. [ Actually he might even joke that in the right situation. Ishgard would likely fall apart if he ever truly left his post. ]

I have not the chance to do much in the way of exploring. I thank you for your suggestions. I shall endeavor to visit and find ways to keep myself from falling into the trap of boredom.

[invigorates]

Ah. Well, that does not have to be a bad thing, in some regards. ( walking a thin line there, on the merits of doing nothing but working. She knew enough people like that though. )

There are quite a few interesting things to see out in the wilds of Fayren. And should you decide to visit, I live close by. ( a beat. She laughs again. ) I suppose I should introduce myself first, though. I am Lioriley, and it is nice to meet you.

video;

[demonofbadluck]

Plenty of exercise, maybe getting into fights with others. They seem to love that.

[He was the type who would probably get into a load on fights.]

video;

[commandings]

I would not have placed fighting high among potential ideas. Mayhaps it is one that I should not have been so dismissive of.

[ Not that he's keen on the idea still but overly energetic popplio might be too tiring. ]

video;

[demonofbadluck]

I don't think a lot of people here do. But in order to catch more you kind of have to fight. So it comes to a logical conclusion that it helps.

closed to the house of idiots (lior, estinien and gale)

[commandings]

[ Knowing that his friends were here and safe brings a sense of peace. It also means he needs to visit and knowing both where to find them and that he owned a bit of gratitude to someone meant a productive evening. Picking up a small gift of a few blends of tea leaves before stores closed down for the night. Aymeric doesn't sleep much, opting for only a few hours during the middle of the night. As the sun rises is when he heads out, tea in a small bag and his pokemon asleep in his arm.

He does admittedly take his him on his traverse over. There's a level of curiosity that he indulges in, occasionally stopping to enjoy the different view. Though as he arrives it's still early morning, early enough that he can only assume Estinien is either asleep or too groggy to notice his arrival. He knocks on the door as he shifts his sleeping companion in his arm. ]

Mistress Lioriley?

[invigorates]

( Thankfully, Lioriley has no need for sleep and is thus wide awake and ready to go in the wee hours of the morning. She can't say the same for the Elezen that has taken residence on her rooftop, but she also hasn't bothered to check yet to see if he is still there. She likely won't have to either, once she hears the knocking.

Confused at first, the vaguely familiar voice sparks her memory. Oh right, Estinien's friend was meant to be visiting. Earlier than expected, but be it far from her to complain. She answers the door a few seconds later, her own pokemon nowhere to be seen while they are probably off sleeping somewhere in the house. She smiles. )

Good morning. Glad to see you found me so easily. Come in. ( A gesture with her hand as she moves out of the way to hold the door open for him. )

[commandings]

I might have arrived sooner yet I thought it beneficial to take a few detours.

[ He figured it was best to get acquainted with the area. To try an acclimate himself to the differences and try to get comfortable navigating through it. He bows his head at her, failing to do the sweeping and formal bow that he might have otherwise done. He takes a few steps in past her before he stops and turns to her with a faint smile. ]

You have my gratitude. Here, a small gift of appreciation. [ He lifts his hand, offering her the small bag. ] T'is not much but I could not come without having a way to repay your generosity.

[invigorates]

It is easy to get distracted, especially in this city. ( It's pretty, and it's the closest to home she thinks she will get while she is here. She can't blame him for taking his time in arriving - especially since he's so early anyway.

For a moment all she does is stare at him, then to the bag he offers. Instinct makes sure she isn't rude; reaching up to take the bag from him, but it seems she's almost having... difficulty processing what he just said. )

Thank you, but you - you did not have to do that. I have done nothing worthy of such gifts. ( And she didn't get him anything??? The lines across her cheeks brighten in embarrassment as she shifts uncomfortably on her heels, chancing a peak inside the bag just to see how much she will have to make up for this. )

[commandings]

It is a land quite unlike my own. [ Compared to the cold stone, wintry lands of Ishgard he can't help but enjoy visiting places of such greenery and brightness. It's opposite of what he knows and while he would not trade his land for another there is a sense of joy in being somewhere so different.

The bag only holds three small, somewhat decorative containers. Soft colors and little labels for each blend hidden somewhere on there. He shakes his head at her reaction. Aymeric knows not everyone would show up at someones house with a gift but for someone to handle Estinien, well, failing to do so would be a failure on his part. ]

To me, you have. To offer a place of rest to my friend, despite anything else, is a favor worth repaying.

[invigorates]

I am curious to hear what your land is like, in that case. Perhaps some other time. ( When he's not here on 'business'. Or whatever this would be called. Visiting, certainly, though not for idle chatter about their home worlds to her. He's here for the dragoon that has taken residence on her roof.

Also, there are three containers in there? Lioriley is about to have an aneurysm. She waves her free hand dismissively, like that will stop his words. It does not. )

It is not as if it were any trouble, and to be honest, I have enjoyed the company. ( Her own vaguely selfish reason for the invitation. She tentatively reaches into the bag to take one of the containers out, and despite her hesitant acceptance, she looks excited when she realizes what it is. ) Oh! I should start brewing this now - come, have a seat, and we all can have some.

( a beat. ) Should Estinien show himself, at any rate.

[commandings]

In brief summery, cold and snowy. [ There was much more to Ishgard then that and certainly one day he should like to speak of it. For all of the faults in his home it is both his home and heart. Though there will be much that needs to change it never erased the beauty of it. It would never destroy his fondness of it despite the occasionally bitter coldness that cut through it. ]

It brings me great joy and comfort to know he has not troubled you and even been pleasant company. [ It was a concern the moment he heard from Gale that Estinien was also here. As he moves to take a seat it crosses his mind to go rouse the other himself. Certainly it wasn't a bad idea, just not a good one either. ] He awakens at his own pace. Some morns he wakes early, seemingly ready to fight the whole of the world. Others he has been bogged by grogginess. Every morn is a question of when shall he arise this time and if he rises cursing the sun for disturbing him.