Work Text:
It had been rather a curious development, for when Aymeric arrived at the meeting, a scheduled event with the rest of the City State’s Heads and Leaders, he found himself greeted with some special guests, newcomers maybe, and a proposition that seemed to be brewing within Her Highness’ head. The new faces around seemed to be special guests for this iteration of their reunion, he could see some men that were absolutely from the Ilsabard Contingent and all of them chatting with a young man, his name apparently was Jullus, across him was Master Forchenault, surprisingly deciding to participate in something regarding Eorzea and the whole Star beyond Sharlayan, and a small Auri boy was next to him, apparently looking directly to him, which made him wonder had he done to get the attention of the boy.
It took him a bit before he realized the boy was too young to be there and based on Estinien’s letters and their dear friend, Meteor, telling him about the journey...this was Vrtra.
“...I didn’t expect to be able to meet such an esteemed personage so soon. But this does make me ever more curious as to why we’re blessed with such special guests.” He finally got closer towards the boy, taking a seat next to him, seeing him smile and nod.
“There’s no need to be so formal. Her Highness Nanamo did ask of me a favor and, after hearing her request, I couldn’t very well refuse to help. I believe we’re waiting on Lord Hien and other esteemed people, as you called me, before we can start to talk about my reason to be here.” Aymeric was surprised, not at all ready for the boy...no, for the Dragon to talk in their language. “I suspect you had expected something different from me?”
Aymeric had to laugh, and then do a small bow, or as much of a bow as he could do while remaining sitting down. “I apologize for my rudeness, and for my lack of...everything. Since my friends had already commented to me about your true nature, I was not ready for...hearing words, if that’s the proper way to say it.” Varshann, the name of the body he was using, smiled and then shook his head.
“No need. I am aware, I also have been curious about meeting you, Lord Aymeric...first of all, I must thank you, for helping my brother, and giving him peace, finally.” Vtra said, sincere and truly grateful knowing that Nidhogg had ben finally put to rest, leaving his revenge behind, and as someone who also was looking for his sister and ready to face anything that might come in front of him that could prevent him from getting to her, he understood, but his love for mortals had stopped him from joining or even acknowledging what had been happening. “I also must apologize, I tried to convince Estinien to join us today but, it seems he didn’t want to make the journey for one or other reason.” By the way Aymeric smiled, it seemed like it was not the first time.
Yet there was a lingering longing, perhaps the man wished to meet the dragoon, and as such, he would need to ask later about the reasons as to why Estinien avoided him. Regardless, before he could ask, the Sultana and Commander Hext joined them with Lord Hien, Miss Yugiri and Miss Tataru Taru. After all of them were finally reunited within the hall, all conversations ceased and they proceeded to take a seat and await the reason for so many people involved, yet, even if Miss Tataru was here, no other former Scion’s had been called.
As Nanamo took her place at the front with Lyse and Hien, they seemed to be smiling at the sight of the crowd they had been able to call. “Greetings and my thanks for being able to come. I know this was an unusual meeting for us, the Great Company of Eorzea, yet believe me when I say that what I have been talking with my friends present, and some of you, requires nothing less than this amount of support.” Taking a deep breath the small ruler looked around once more and then continued. “As we all are aware, it has been a year since the Scions and the Warrior of Light stopped the worst threat to our star yet, the Final Days.” The hall was filled with some voices, some were filled with surprise that it had been that long already, some were remembering the losses, but everyone had faced something, lost something, and had given as much as possible back then.
“As such, we have been thinking, it is time for us to commemorate not only their victory, but also to remember those we lost. To unite everyone once more, this time with less dire circumstances and, as a way to show our appreciation to both the Scions and the Warrior of Light.” Commander Hext had taken her turn to speak now, smiling. “After debating, we have settled for a festival. We shall held a celebration, to be thankful, to remember our losses in a solemn way and, well...frankly, in a joyous way, as I wouldn’t like to be remembered always with just tears and sorrow.” After a few moments of more mumbling, some of the people gathered in the hall started to send their questions.
How would they celebrate something across all these nations?
How would everyone be involved?
Were the former Scions informed?
And where was the Warrior of Light?
Every and all of these questions were being answered slowly, there would be several small celebrations across each nation, with some main events happening at set times so people could choose where to go, everyone would be involved in planning and choosing the venues for said celebrations and then, for the last two questions they simply referred to Miss Tataru, who said confidently how she was going to contact every single one of them, and already knew where the Warrior of Light was.
And so, the plan started to be set in motion.
In the middle of a forest, surrounded by nothing but nature, some animals and a lot of mammets, the Warrior of Light, Meteor, was cutting some wood, placing the logs by his side and every now and then smiling towards his small Crystal Exarch mammet who seemed to keep trying to climb onto the logs every time he made the pile bigger, he would then carry all that slowly onto a bag on his back, and starts to make his way back to the little camp or base of operations he had set up when Tataru first showed him the place. Regardless of what he might think about the mammet that oversees the entire operation, or how it was a little piece of shite, he simply enjoyed the calm, the silence, and how there was nothing in this island besides him and his mammets.
Which was, of course, the reason he was a bit surprised that, upon arrival, he could see the small woman in pink talking with the mammet, she seemed at ease, so there was nothing urgent to talk. “Tataru.” He said, and both the mammet and the lalafellin woman turned to see him.
“Meteor! I am glad to find you in good health and working hard as ever!” Tataru greets, smiling as is usual from her. “Felicitous Furball was telling me all about your latest developments.” Even if he didn’t want to hear what the mammet could ever tell Tataru, he was glad that his friend cared for this venture. “I was correct in entrusting this Island to you, and, even if it seems you and this mammet don’t get that well along, you’re doing a great job. Though I am here with a rather curious question...”
The warrior just tilted his head to the side, waiting for Tataru to continue as he was delivering the resources he had collected, making sure all the mammets were ready to keep working, not worried about having to talk for the moment, knowing Tataru didn’t minded...as she knew him, perfectly.
“Nothing like having to save the entire universe, but the Alliance leaders and some others are planning a little celebration given that it’s been a year since you saved all of us.” Meteor was feeling a bit bashful, he had seen this coming but had been praying it was not something that would happen, as much as he appreciated the joyous congratulations and reminders, he really didn’t feel like he deserved that much praise, not as much as the other Scions at least. “Oh don’t give me that face, I know you’re already thinking about evading this, but I assure you, you’re going to be part of the celebrations, not a guest...does that work for you?”
Meteor looked at her, a bit surprised, he was expecting some celebrations that involved him being awkward around and probably getting anxious within the crowds, but it seemed he was actually being invited to be part of the whole thing as helper. “What would I do...?”
“Well, we plan to have quite a few events, is there something you like to do? Besides crafting, no fighting, and I was told to prohibit you from asking to organize a coliseum or similar.” The pout in Meteor’s face said it all, he was not happy with the restrictions because, well, of course he would love to do any of those. “Aren’t you a bard?”
He nodded, sure, he was a bard but it wasn’t that common for him to sing or play songs besides when he went to visit Guydelot or his mentor, but all the same he took his bow out, which was an harp too, smiling at the small coinkeeper who raised her thumbs in approbation to him. “What song could I play? Where is this event going to be?”
Tataru’s smile seemed to tell him that she already had everything planned out. “That’s the neat part. I want you to compose a song.”
A few days ago, in Gridania...
Tataru had just arrived at the city, and was promptly escorted to the Serpent’s Headquarters where Sanson was waiting for her, as one who had traveled with the Warrior of Light and was aware of all the skills he possessed as a Bard. As such, Tataru had requested to meet him, and Guydelot but it seemed the Elezen was nowhere to be seen, yet she only offered a bow to the man who actually decided to appear. “I assume you’re Sanson Smyth? It is a pleasure to meet you, I am Tataru Taru, and I come in the name of the Grand Company of Eorzea.”
The hyur man simply smiled and offered her the custom Serpent salute. “It is an honor to meet you, Mistress Tataru. I was already informed you wanted to see me, and I must apologize for my former companion, it seems he...had troubles coming here.” The lalafell could tell that either Guydelot didn’t want to go or Sanson couldn’t convince him, and both were actually fine reasons, she had already heard some tales about them from Meteor so she was aware of such difficulties. “I do hope this does not hinder our talks.”
“On the contrary, perhaps I may take upon myself to find Guydelot later. Regardless, right now I come with some inquiries regarding someone.” As she spoke the smile upon Sanson’s face seemed to become softer. “I was told you traveled your fair share alongside Meteor, our dearest Warrior of Light, I assume you were able to witness his skills as a Bard as well?”
“I was fortunate enough, he always seemed to be looking nowhere and everywhere, playing some chords in his harp, I wish he would one day grace us with a song from him, Guydelot, I think...wishes to play a song from Meteor, but even as he asks, he keeps getting denied.” Tataru nodded, making a note of all of this, and smiling. “Why do you ask, Mistress?”
“I am planning to, actually, commission Meteor to make a song, and I just wanted to make sure he would be able to do such, some people simply like to play songs, not so much compose them, and I needed to confirm this...sadly, I cannot tell you what that particular song would it be, since I will leave the details to him, but...if you could aid him when the time comes, I would appreciate it, from the bottom of my heart.”
Sanson had no idea what to reply to this, but he smiled, oh, this was going to be a fun moment, a joyous occasion, to finally see Meteor harness his skills to the fullest. “It would be my utmost honor to help him with a song. What is this occasion that requires him to write one?” He asked, very curious now.
“We want to celebrate being alive.”
It was simple, he had been told by Tataru that he had around a month and a half to make a song. As such, he was free to compose anything, they wanted for him to express his feelings, his thoughts, to show to everyone something of him, even if it was just a silver of what he was. And that was fine, he assumed, people deserved to hear what he thought, about the Final Days, about Meteion, about...Hydaelyn. Yet he was in a blank state, he didn’t know what to do, but as he had told Tataru...he wanted to do this, not for the celebration, but because...
Really...
Had he mourned at all? Since that moment, since that day, those days, had he ever tried to let his feelings out at all? No.
“Finally deciding to take care of yourself?” A voice came from behind him, Meteor had no need to turn around, even if he was still on his island, all alone, he knew from where that voice came, with such kindness and worry, yet so much care and love. “A song. Might be a good option for you to actually let yourself express something besides that you’re fine, as you keep telling everyone.”
The warrior smiled, a bit sad, but Fray was right, he had evaded his feelings, his thoughts and remembering anything at all, for too long, for too much. “Venat...” He started. “I wish I could...have told her more, so much more.” He sighed, laying on top of the grass. “I regret, so much.”
“That regret is going to kill you one day.” Fray was never kind with his words, and Meteor appreciated it sometimes. “You have a theme, I assume?”
“Not really, I want to...say a lot, but I want to tell her so much, and also tell everyone, her words. Her feelings. Let everyone know that, she...She loved everyone, She loved us, more than everything.” After a grumble he took his hands up to his face and took a deep breath. “Can I even do that...?” Fray had no answer, at least nothing immediate. They simply remained in silence, looking towards the sky.
“Might be worth going on a little adventure, but do you want to go alone or do you want to have some emotional support along the way?” Meteor chuckled. “I am worried about you, you can go anywhere you want, but...alone with your thoughts, we both know how that goes.” The mind was something very strange. And Meteor’s mind was a mess, filled with everything from joy, regrets, guilt and thoughts that should never be voiced, not even for himself.
“Where could I begin? I don’t know how to start this, I know what I want, her words, her love and to give her...” Silence, he was meditating his words. “I need a place to start, where do I even get something that tells me ‘Yes, this is the best way to start my message’?”
“That’s easy. At the end.” Fray answered, looking to the sky and closing his eyes. “I think that's where we started, anyway.”
Meteor got up and went to get his bag, it was going to be a long journey, from the end to the beginning. “You get ready too. I will need some sleep.”
It was always so cold at Ultima Thule, or maybe he simply thought it was, there were moments when he could felt something akin to warm, and sometimes a gently breeze, even the sound of the ocean, but right now he felt nothing but cold, probably showing his own train of thoughts, his mood and everything. “So quiet.” A mumble came from him, but he walked on, smiling at the sight of the Dragons and the Omicron finally mending relations, at the Ea now taking care of some new life, and finally arriving at the cafe at the end of the Universe, being greeted by the patrons and asked some questions.
“I am going higher today, I have...some business to take care of for the day.” He apologized, but promised to everyone he would come back and visit soon, Jammingway had insisted he at least took a coffee for the road and he could not decline such an offer, so he took a coffee as he was walking up to the big cocoon at the top, and stopped once the field of Elpis’ flowers was in view. “Here we are...” Walking slowly onto the field, he finally arrived at the center and sat down, taking a deep breath and looking around.
It was time to reflect on all that had happened, and how to explain himself, but in a way that actually expressed everything he had wanted to say and never, never was able to say, in the heat of the moment. “She had asked about my journey...was it worth it?” He looked towards the flowers. “At the moment I was unable to tell her anything. Venat was looking at me all curious, all filled with wonder, so different to what she would later become, carrying the entire fate of not only this Star, but the shards, the hate of the Ascians who used to be...comrades.” Silence. “Was it worth it?” He mumbled to the sky. “Was it...truly?”
“Greetings and salutations.”
Meteor didn’t expected that, since the confrontation, Meteion had been absent, not appearing at all, but now it seemed she actually wanted to talk and as such, he turned around to look at her. “Meteion...I was not expecting you.” The small lady smiled at him and came closer, sitting to his side. “It’s been a while.”
“I have been watching, listening and waiting...but I was not expecting you to come here today. I was following you thinking you were on a wonderful adventure, but, are you here to think?” She had asked, probably both worried and curious for him, with those big eyes of hers and that soft smile.
“I was tasked with writing a song, do you like songs?” He asked, probably trying to get to hear what type of music Meteion liked, or even if she had any tips for him, who knew? Maybe he could come up with something right now and he wouldn’t need to go on a journey that would end with his emotional health destroyed as many times before. “I mean, I have an idea of what I want to do, but I don’t think is going to be...easy, to express myself.”
Meteion seemed to think, looking over the flowers and slowly placing her hand on top of one, then as she looked towards the infinite, endless Universe, she smiled. “I think you know how to express yourself just good.” She nodded. “You are just scared about what you’re going to say.” That was probably it, truly, he was scared about ever showing his feelings, or being a filter to tell anyone else’s.
Meteor was not one to let his feelings show, or at least not the very deep ones, any time he tried to show those he felt like something bad was going to happen, and closing his eyes he could remember the very first and last time he wore his feelings so out in the open that it hurt, so much, to the point that even after meeting the soul of his dear friend at the Aetherial Sea, he didn’t feel completely fine, not yet, just not yet. “Sometimes I feel like I want to scream. But you have seen it all, Meteion. You know my entire story.” He spoke, knowing that she knew so much, and even more than anyone could possibly understand, she knew his losses, his pain, his grief and his happiness, his joy, his unending determination to protect and to smile for a better future in spite of everything. She knew his very essence.
“That’s why I don’t understand why you are afraid. I am sure your feelings can hurt, and your words can be harsh sometimes when you don’t want to, but it’s always with the best intentions and because you know, and because you care, so much.” She was right, but this was a bit more complicated, or so Meteor thought, even if he was making a scene over a song. “What do you want to say?”
That was the crux of it, wasn’t it? What did he want to tell everyone? What did he want to say? What did he want to raise his voice for? There were so many times he wished he could scream, yell and cry, so many times he wished he could stop and just explain why he didn’t want to, or why he wanted something, why he thought something was unfair or why he thought something was not worth it. There were so many times where he simply wished to raise his voice...so his thoughts could be known.
And...that was it.
“I want...to let my feels, my thoughts, my emotions...known.” He settled on it, looking towards the infinite and vast nothing, filled with everything. “They want answers, every single one of the souls in Eitherys, and I don’t have them, as much as I would love to tell them everything, I don’t think even Venat knew anything. But if there’s something I know is that we all can find them, I know it’s hard...” And so, he stopped, forming something inside his mind. “Would you...?”
“I would like to see what you end up doing, yes. Is this an invitation?” She asked, all happy and smiling. “I will make sure to be there for you.”
Meteor smiled, a true and sincere smile, filled with nothing but his most sincere thanks, maybe all he needed was someone to talk to, maybe all he needed was someone who knew him, almost as good as himself, or even better, someone who also had gone through their own journey to find the true answer and figure that...it was in front of them all, since forever. “I would be honored for that.” He stood up and took out his harp, closing his eyes. “Might I trouble you then, to listen to the beginning?”
Meteion, clapping excitedly and happy, simply took a comfier position upon the flowers and looked towards Meteor. “I would love to hear it!”
“I say this is the beginning but, in truth, I am not sure which part this shall be. What I do know is that, probably, this is what I want to convey with all my heart, not from Venat, not from Warrior of Light, but from me...who has seen it all.” The little meteia nodded and smiled, awaiting for the first notes to start so she could listen and understand, once more.
Meteor’s fingers danced slowly through the chords, his eyes closed and after a moment of nothing but the music, he started to sing, some words, looking for a way to harmonize and before he knew it, his voice was raising a bit more and he opened his eyes and saw the entire space around him changing with colors, so much blue, then dancing with some pink tones, some yellow and some white, in the middle was a bit of darker colors but everything together seemed to create a whole prism, so beautiful as he kept playing but he finally got it, it was just a display of his own emotions as he was trying to figure how to say them, not only for himself but for everyone.
As he stopped and the show concluded, he looked over to Meteion who was simply smiling at him, both of them nodded to each other and Meteor sat down back onto the flower field, admiring his harp...maybe his feelings were too harsh sometimes, but if he was to talk about the beginning, to tell a story about how it felt to witness so much of the Star’s story and only being one simply mortal, maybe some sad truths needed to be told, after all...there was no happiness without pain, no joy without it’s sadness, and both simply made the moments of calm, and joy, those moments one could fill with laughter and love, be ever more precious and colorful.
I close my eyes, tell us why must we suffer
Release your hands, for your will drags us under
My legs grow tired, tell us where must we wander
How can we carry on if redemption's beyond us?
As he returned from Ultima Thule, he took a turn and requested permit to go down to the Aetherial Sea, no one seemed to mind and almost sounded like everyone had been waiting for him to ask, as such, he figured this had been set already by Tataru and others, given the request for the festival or carnival or whatever they wanted to call it, he probably was already authorized to go wherever he wanted and this was such an obvious place it was laughable he even took this much before figuring it out. Regardless, once he was down in the Aetherial sea, he started to walk forward and remember, slowly, those days, not the joyful ones, neither the ones where he had overcome impossible odds, but the ones where sadness and pain had been at the highest.
Yet the more he advanced he realized, in here, he had to look for one particular feeling, to continue his writing, his lyrics, and as such he moved forward with a clear zone in mind to which he wanted to arrive.
He could feel the warm presence of so many people, the inviting calls of others that might want to call him over and offer him rest, some of them were simply souls that wanted to rest and felt troubled by him arriving, once more, to them he apologized with a small prayer but he didn’t stop. Exactly as Fray had said back at the Island, he had never mourned, he never even accepted the fact he had to, or that he had lost someone once more, because it never felt like it. And while his negation skills were more than enough to keep him going, he was sure eventually he had to face a fact: Venat was no more.
Walking up the small crystal path unto the platform that led to the Mothercrystal or where it used to be, he simply stood there, at the edge, looking around and taking a deep breath, then he moved forward, so close towards the other edge, towards where he used to be able to see the crystal, the embodiment of all prayers and the very key to what had been the salvation of the entire Universe. There, he sat down, his feet dangling from the platform and his mind blank for a second. He had desired to come here, to arrive here out of his own will, to see, to feel, to think...to hear.
Looking towards his hands, the Warrior of Light thought about Venat and what it meant to be her. Not as an Ancient, but as a soul who had decided to wait, and wait, and spend almost an eternity clinging to one particular hope that, one day, someone would be able to push through the hardship, the pain, to find the joy in life and consider it enough, to find the happiness in the middle of despair, and shine and light bright enough for the embodiment of said despair to stop.
To entrust everything to the smallest of the possibilities.
Knowing you had taken away everything from your fellow man.
“She was stronger than I will ever be...” He mumbled, looking down towards the abyss of the Aetherial sea, oh, how he wished to talk with her. Just one more time. To have enough time to share stories, to tell her about the wonderful world she had protected, to tell her about the wonderful lifes she had taken care of. To tell her that, and more, and finally let her know that everything had been worth it, if only for the sake of letting her rest. Freeing her, telling her that it was finally okay to stop and to entrust the world to mortals. Because it had been enough.
It had been enough.
“’Tis not often that one can find someone like you so deep in thought, to the point that you’re unaware you’re calling for help.” A voice, so familiar and kind, so sweet and warm, filled with so much playfulness and yet carrying a solemn tone arrived. “My friend, I believe there’s no reason for you to be here.”
Meteor turned around slightly, surprised to find Hythlodaeus and...a very much grumpy Hades standing a few steps away from him, his confusion painted plain onto his face as Hyth chuckled and decided to come closer, finally sitting next to him.
“You called for us.”
“Quite rude of you to come here and simply call, as if we have any obligation to, even, come to comfort you anytime you feel down.” Ah, of course, the honorable Emet-Selch seemed to be worried about him, in his own ways. “Well, out with it, what are you doing here and why are you, once again, disturbing my sleep?” It had not been his intention, but he was thankful for both of their company now.
“I came here to think about Her.” He admitted, a topic that probably neither Hyth or Hades wanted to touch. “I didn’t mean to call you. You can go back to sleep...I know you probably don’t want to...”
Suddenly there he was, Hades, sitting to the other side of him, arms crossed and the biggest frown on his face, but he was there. “Thinking about which iteration? I feel there’s a need to make a difference. And if we talk about Venat, there’s no need for me to repulse the topic. We were once, after all, members of the Convocation and we were on relatively good terms.”
“Despite her always telling you to stop with the frowns? I am sure that, if she were here, she would poke your forehead and tell you about how your face will become like a dried grape.” Hyth was the one trying to make things less stiff, and succeeding as he, as usual, was the weak point for Hades, no matter the time, place or situation.
Meteor couldn’t help himself, he ended up laughing even if he was covering his mouth, not wanting to enrage his most esteemed Emet-Selch, but the damage was done. “I am here to think about both of them. Venat and Her.” He looked towards the empty space left by the absent Mothercrystal. “Though, I should probably give an explanation.” Hyth seemed to only smile and wait for it, while Hades was grumbling something about that being the obvious first step in any form of conversation.
After meditating for a second, he told both of them about his assignment and how he felt that, he had never mourned about the events that had occurred, though it had been mostly due to him having no time at all in the moment and later feeling too exhausted to even think about it and deciding to deal with it the same way he dealt with everything before, by ignoring it until it became too big. Needless to say, both of them were looking rather upset by his words and he could only mutter a soft ‘Sorry’ after finishing his tale.
Silence dawned upon them for a spell, and then it was Hades who sighed, deeply and tired. “You were never one to accept your shortcomings...that has always been both your best and worst trait.” He whispered, not to him, but to someone else. “So, what if Venat is gone? You might not be able to talk with her, or see her, but I believe she ever made it clear in her weird messages that she was to be with you.” It was strange, as much as Hades probably still disliked Hydaelyn, he was willing to help Meteor deal with his negation.
Hythlodaeus' voice left out a soft sigh too. “She asked you, two times, if your journey had been worth, didn’t she?” He nodded. “Well? Was it?” Seeing the confusion in his new old friend, Hyth closed his eyes and tried to make his point come across a bit more clean. “She watched everything, and most likely, everyone of Her Warrior’s of Light, she knew if it had been worth before she even asked, by the mere act of you arriving with her and deciding to save our Star from Meteion, you told her that yes, it was worth, every step.” Meteor wanted to say something and was unable to let a single sound from his mouth. “I think this is also something common in Azems. They seem to look over everyone and then neglect some of their own feelings, deciding that they’re better hidden. Venat was glad when you finally granted her rest, and she knew, finally...you could, the entire of humanity, stand on your own two feet.”
Hades was looking away, refusing to acknowledge anything that had to do with Hydaelyn, of course, but even so... “You told her more in those moments than you could ever say with words. Now that you understand your position in this tale, then, try to see from the other side.” After a moment of silence, he finally turned around to meet Meteor in the eye. “I will never forgive her for what she did. But I am sure she will never forgive herself either, do you understand that?”
To sunder a world, and all living beings within it into one and thirteen, Meteor could not imagine the guilty upon seeing what the sundered souls had to go through, and yet he could think about it very clearly, very vividly, as he was looking out into the abyss, into the nothingness.
To all of my children in whom Life flows abundant
To all of my children to whom Death hath passed his judgement
The soul yearns for honor, and the flesh the hereafter
Look to those who walked before to lead those who walk after
Without thinking too much, Meteor stood up and took his harp out, and while Hades seemed about to complain, the soft hand of Hythlodaeus stopped him the second it rested upon his shoulder, a soft smile telling him to let this happen, to let this flow, for an instant to become engraved within everyone present and for an eulogy to happen, a solemn goodbye to a friend for many, and to a dear Mother for one, for one who never knew and at the same time knew it all.
His voice echoed in a place vast as the sea, infinite as the sky, short of a lullaby to ferry those who wanted deliverance and still carried pain, an apology to those who had to fall in order for the Star to keep going, a voice filled with nothing but pure love and sadness, for no one else could comprehend the burden, the choice, the sacrifices and the absolute love two people held for all life in this Star, in the Universe, everywhere and how much they wished for every man, children and creature to thrive and keep going.
As his voice slowed down, and the lyrics from his soul stopped, engraved forever inside his head, he looked down and towards a pair of friends, two beings who would understand, barely, what those words had said, in the grand scheme of things, and even so, he felt guilty, for one of them carried such a burden and couldn’t accomplish his wish. “Do not pity me.”
Meteor’s head raised in an instant.
“Do not pity me. I stood by my ideals, inexorable and invincible, I would have never accepted otherwise, and for such, do not pity me. I will never pity you...because you do not need my pity. You’re strong...you have proved to me that mankind is strong enough to keep going. I have entrusted our legacy to you. Never think I want your pity or your sorrow.” But before their mutual friend could intercede, Hades’ face became softer, and a smile came to his features. “Yet, the fact that you suffer, that you wept, and you understand the price, the sacrifice and the burden...tell me I was not wrong. Yours is a song of this very Star, of its past and the future, of its present and hardships, but above all, you have to remember...” He turned to look towards Hythlodaeus, who chuckled and nodded.
“You could have finished that by yourself, but...very welll...” As he met Meteor’s gaze, and a smile adorned his face, he spoke. “Yours is a precious existence, and yours is also a terrible burden, yet, you’re never alone, as no one ever will be. This is the message you have to convey, for her...for Venat loved every single one of you so much, she trusted, everything, to you.”
Meteor rarely let himself cry in front of other people, even less common was for him to break down into sobs, yet here, deeper than ever in his life, closer than ever to his best friends in this and every life, he wept, not out of sadness, not out of joy, he simply wept, for right now all his tears were in name of Venat and for all those she couldn’t share, for all those tears she couldn’t let flow, for all that sadness, loneliness and pain she couldn’t share with anyone...and for all that joy and love she felt, and feels, for every single soul in this Star and all it’s shards.
Meteor wept.
Two shadows from the past standing by his side to comfort him, in their own ways.
And for a single moment, everything seemed to have returned to what it used to be, with the Traveler’s own smile being as bright as the Sun, for them and with them.
Frankly, he had no idea what time or what day was it once he came back up from the Sea, smiling as he gave his thanks to the scholars around that had helped him to get down he went outside, feeling the light of the Sun a bit too bright for his tastes, but soon getting used again to it. Before he could continue and, probably, go to Gridania to ask Sanson and Guydelot about how to refine the song and what else he could add, he took a turn once again and went towards the Baldesion Annex, finding outside a very distracted G’raha Tia reading a book.
That was just perfect.
He got close and then took the book slowly from his hands, making him jump and come back to reality out of nowhere. “What-...?” Once he was able to be seen by the miqo’te, G’raha smiled and relaxed, apparently thinking beforehand that it was a trap or something. “My friend! I was not...I had no idea you’d be coming to visit.”
“Have I ever told you beforehand about my visits...?” He never did, liking to see G’raha being surprised. “I wasn’t planning to.” Confusing the miqo’te, Meteor had to rethink his words, he had meant to say it was an improvised visit but somehow that came out wrong. “I was around. Decided to come here...” That did the trick and a smile was his answer. “What are you reading?” As he was checking the book, he found that it was not about the usual topics G’raha liked to read.
A soft chuckle came from the other, noticing his surprise surely. “I assume you know about this celebration around the Star?” A nod. “Well, Tataru came here and asked both me and Krile to do something, we went to the Forum to ask if it was true Sharlayan was taking part on this, after being told that, indeed, there would be celebrations here and some scholars would go out to actually oversee some of the others around the continents, we started to think about what we could do.”
That made Meteor look back to the book, it seemed to talk about gunpowder and some other techniques to make explosions. “I don’t know if you should explode anything...”
“Oh! Worry not, what we’re trying to figure out is how to make better types of fireworks! You see, I would like to...well...if possible...” He was fidgeting, that meant his idea was probably a cheesy one and as such, Meteor was already on board with it. “I would like to showcase some of the battles, in firework form...to tell your tale!”
“Our tale.”
That left the miqo without words for a second, then made him blush and ended with the poor man looking absolutely flustered, it was actually adorable how easy was to fluster G’raha, specially given that he should, by now, accept that Meteor won’t accept all that hero praise without telling him back about how much he also helped, and how much more he kept doing for everyone. “Yes...o-our tale.”
Nodding, Meteor accepted the correction and then walked closer to give G’raha a soft pat in the back. “I will look forward to seeing your studies given fruit.” He wasn’t lying, whatever G’raha and Krile put their minds to, was most surely going to become a reality. “But from where would you start telling the tale...? Don’t you need fireworks to be able to circle through?” It was a valid question, even if he was asking it knowing not really a lot about how fireworks or anything related to them worked at all.
He was promptly invited inside the Annex, apparently there was something he should see before his inquiry could be answered and so, they both walked inside. “Krile is here as well, so it will be a great time for you to greet her too.” That went without saying, he was going to go look for her regardless, so this just made things simpler. “Krile! I have returned!” As G’raha announced himself, the small lalafellin woman turned around from the pile of papers she was working on, on top of a desk.
Of course, behind the miqo was Meteor and upon being seen, Krile simply smiled and jumped from the desk. “My! I had not expected you to come by! Welcome Meteor, I trust you are in good health?” The warm welcome was more than enough to make him feel rather happy, and filled with a funny feeling inside, probably because he was feeling cared for, after a nod, Krile simply smiled back and then ushered him and G’raha inside and towards the lot of paper on top of the desk and so he looked over them, noticing how there were many drawings, some letters and a lot of magical calculations.
“As I was explaining before, my friend, we intend to tell you of your exploits-...” He had to cough and then correct himself. “Our, our tales. Yes. So we were making some examples of what kind of imagery we could use to show certain events and in what order, how could we show something coherent and that would be enough for everyone to understand but not reveal everything.” Krile laughed, delighted to have someone to put G’raha in the correct path, no doubt.
Within the drawings he could see some simplification of scenes that seemed to be from the battle against the blasphemies in Garlemald, some moments when they were about to go face Meteion and of course, their return, though there was one drawing that caught his attention and he reached for it while hearing something more about how they would implement some research into illusions to make the fireworks do their bidding. “Have you found something, Meteor?”
He raised a drawing of Hydaelyn. “I think this would shock too many people...”
The miqo’te by his side chuckled. “Just like we suspect, but, we shall go with a more common representation, the Mothercrystal...though, now that I think about it...” G’raha pondered. “Why are you here in Sharlayan?” He felt like he hadn’t actually answered that question the first time he was asked and, upon looking towards the drawing of Her, he smiled. “It is a bit of a long story, but, if you have time...”
He told them about his assignment, and where he had been, of course. Hearing how he had been looking for inspiration and what was his goal, what he desired to accomplish, Krile came closer to him and put her small hand on top of his arm, smiling softly and then nodding slowly, as if she approved his choice, and given what had happened with her and how close she became with Hydaelyn the last few times, he really appreciated it. “Short of getting her approval, I am grateful for yours...and if you have anything to tell me, I will welcome it. Anything you tell me, will make me happy.” Krile smiled a bit more.
G’raha and him simply took a seat and let the small woman start to tell them some of her interactions with Hydaelyn and how they had talked a bit before the whole ordeal about having to go to the moon, both of them listening attentively and with a smile, before Meteor looked away and thought about it, the infinite love She felt for the entire of humanity, for everyone and everything...and he had a thought, he finally had figured it. He knew what Her message was, the answer to everything he always wanted and what mankind needed to hear.
He stayed for the rest of the day with them, deciding that he wanted to enjoy the company, because that was what it meant to be alive, to enjoy these few moments of joy, to be able to look upon whatever simple and sincere moment filled with not a worry, not a thought, but only the companionship of those close to you, those that you loved more than anything, and in some cases, that love was more than just friendship, possibly too much, possibly too dangerous but something to enjoy, to treasure regardless, as he did, as he was doing.
As he was sure Venat would have told him to do.
Shining is the Land's light of justice
Ever flows the Land's well of purpose
Walk free, walk free, walk free, believe...
The Land is alive, so believe...
In the morning, he was greeted by the sweet aroma of coffee and a half-naked G’raha Tia already sitting down, apparently hard at work drawing something, he didn’t dared to move, not yet, simply wishing to admire him for a moment longer, thought it seemed like his breathing had changed and as such, the miqo’te had noticed. “Oh. Did I wake you up, my friend?”
Meteor shook his head and simply sat up on the small bed, then stretched. “...Missed you...” That did the trick to make G’raha look like a red apple, making him laugh. “Raha...” He offered his hand and soon the other was with him again at the bed, Meteor pressing his face against his neck and enjoying the small repreive. “I will go to Gridania today.”
“Hm, about to finish your composition?” He asked, softly, with his fingers going up to caress the messy bed hair of Meteor’s. “I shall miss you once more.” After a soft laugh he moved to press a loving kiss to the Warrior’s head. “From the lyrics you have shown me, and Krile, I am sure the song will be well received, your feelings and Her’s, both are so pure and wonderful...I am grateful for being able to see this piece before it’s performed.”
“You will be there?”
“I wouldn’t miss it.” His smile soothed any worry that Meteor could have, sure, there would be some scheduling to do to ensure he could be present but he was not about to start letting his beloved warrior down when he most needed him. “Please do take care, I will meet you again soon, my warrior.”
Meteor was smiling, like a little kid, but after hearing that...he simply raised his face, smiling. “If you’re going to say such things, you better get ready for me.” At Raha’s blush the warrior smiled, more sly, but it was more than assured that they both were not going to get out of the room anytime soon...and hopefully no one was going to need either of them for the next few bells.
In the end he traveled to Gridania until the next morning, honestly, he had to accept that anytime he was close with G’raha Tia or alone with him, time was not a problem and more of a nuisance, because they both had no issue with wasting their time doing nothing but each other, as Krile had said once upon a time. Leaving those thoughts behind, he already had contacted Tataru to meet him at the Airship Landing in the city and to inform Sanson about his imminent arrival, said arrival happened a bit into the night, given the distance between Sharlayan and Gridania.
As soon as he was off the Airship and walking towards the inside of the Canopy, he was greeted by three smiling faces, to them, he smiled back and got closer, leaving his adventuring back at the floor so he could hug the smiling coinkeeper and now basically a raising merchant. “Good to see you again, Tataru...I have a favor to ask.” The little woman laughed but pushed him to greet the other two present. He raised his face and offered a greet to both Sanson and Guydelot. “You came.” He was genuinely impressed by his presence, and the fact that he was actually happy to be present. “Did Sanson drag you?”
Even though the hyur crossed his arms a bit offended, the elezen bard laughed, “He wishes he could force me to do anything I do not want, but no, he simply told me you were coming and would need help with a piece of music. I feel I should be more than enough to help you...right?” Even if his words said that, the way he kept looking towards the other man told him everything, he didn’t mean that, at all. They were the most lovable boyfriends he knew, and he was dating G’raha Tia, which was a fair competition. “In any case, I am sure we would talk better should we move to a better location, with drinks.” Sanson looked over to him a bit annoyed.
“As much as I agree about the part where we need to relocate, we are not going to a tavern, we’re going to a more peaceful place. If you all could follow me.” That was the tone that said there was not going to be a change of plans and no matter how much Guydelot begged, he wasn’t going to do anything else. “It is good to meet you again, Meteor...what is this piece you’re writing, if I may start asking?” Maybe that was just to stop the elezen from being a whiny pest the rest of the way.
“I want to...” He thought about his words.
Suffer (Feel) Promise (Think) Witness (Teach)
He raised his face to look over to them, they seemed to be eager to hear what he, a master bard, according to many rumors, was going to perform. “A song of the land.” He said. “I know it’s a weird concept but, I want to express...something, so many people, so many of...us, needed to hear. Need to hear.” Tataru and Sanson seemed to be confused from his words, or maybe just taken aback by the tall order he had put upon himself.
Reason (Hear) Follow (Feel) Wander (Think) Stumble (Teach)
Guydelot on the other hand simply smiled softly and took his harp out. “Do you already have an idea about the melody?” Meteor didn’t miss a beat and immediately walked faster, not towards anywhere Sanson wanted to go, but to a place he knew they would be afforded peace and there wouldn’t be any curious people close: The Inn. As they all came inside the usual room Meteor rented, he took his own harp out and closed his eyes.
Listen (Speak) Honor (Speak) Value (Tell) Whisper (Tell)
As his mouth opened to start the first part of the song he already knew by heart, everyone remained in silence, his harmonies resounding as if the wind, the Sun, the earth, the very wood under their feet and around them were singing with the Warrior of Light, which in turn made Tataru look surprised and then as if she had an idea, a vision, or maybe it was indeed a vision, but Meteor didn’t stop, just slowing down to a part where he had no lyrics, at the moment, thinking as his fingers kept moving...having a moment to remember about his stay in Sharlayan, his stay now here, what he wanted to say to the people close to him, not only to everyone, but to those who knew. Who had always knew.
Mention (Hope) Ponder (Hope) Warrant (Wish) Cherish (Wish)
His fingers stopped, looking towards the other three people with him, “It’s a very...specific feeling I want to express, probably, but what I need from you all, is help so that I can make my message be even louder.”
Sanson closed his eyes and almost in an instant turned to Guydelot. “We will get the entire unit in this, and I would be much obliged if you could procure us some more instruments. An harp is good and well, but I fear we’re going to need more.” And while Meteor feared that the other bard might take that as something bad, it was far from that, he simply nodded and seemed to lower to murmur something to Sanson that made the hyur punch him. “In any case-...” said hyur was now looking at him. “You just leave that to us, we will make sure your words reach everyone, and beyond that.
Welcome (Roam) Witness (Roam) Listen (Roam) Suffer (Roam)
This time he looked towards Tataru who seemed awfully deep in thought, he approached her and kneels in front of her, taking something from his pocket and giving it to her, it was one of the drawings G’raha had made, depicting Hydaelyn. “Could you help me with this?” He asked, smiling softly. Tataru looked at the image and then chuckled.
“I already had an idea, but, this tells me everything I needed to know...you will look wonderful, I will make sure you are the very depiction of the will of this Star, Warrior of Light.”
“In this case I think he should be the Bard of Light.” Guydelot jokes, and everyone laughed, agreeing with him, it was a different kind of job, but it was a welcome change of pace that had made him, finally, confront things he didn’t wanted, he had avoided and that were not as painful as he had feared, he simply was scared, scared that pain would be too great, but it was not, it would never be again...because She had made sure of that.
Sanction (Sleep) Weather (Sleep) Wander (Sleep) Answer
Sleep on
Tataru left just a bit after they had a more detailed talk over some tea and a delicious pie made by Miournne, he appreciated the woman for all the help she was giving by letting him stay at the Inn for an unknown time, and allowed him to have Sanson and Guydelot around as much as he needed. Between the three of them they were going out and about revising different instruments and places, figuring out where and how his voice would be heard loud enough and yet just perfectly so that the music could do it’s magic, as Meteor was finishing the touches upon paper to keep the song saved for all eternity, Sanson and Guydelot helped with the harmonies and the notes so that he didn’t had too much to worry about beyond practicing how the lyrics went with the music, and to correct his vocals every now and then.
Being around them in Gridania brought him so much joy, beyond what words could possibly ever show, he was grateful for the help and he knew that this was also part of the message he wanted to show, to let people know. There was never someone alone, if someone paid attention they could feel it, in the air, the grass, the flowers, the trees, the people, the soil, the sky. She was not gone and would never be gone...because she loved them, so dearly to the point she gave it all, everything, all and more than she could ever give for them...and he, he agreed, he had given too much and often times asked why, for what reason and for what price.
But seeing everyone coming together, time and time again, proved to him that the price was less about him losing, and more about people who knew the answer, way before he could ever tell it.
Now open your eyes while our plight is repeated
Still deaf to our cries, lost in hope we lie defeated
Our souls have been torn, and our bodies forsaken
Bearing sins of the past, for our future is taken
Taking a deep breath, Meteor and Guydelot looked over the pile of paper they had finished editing, then put it together with the other small group that contained the lyrics and they smiled. “I’m more than certain that, this time, you have created a masterpiece.” Meteor moved his hand, not really considering his work to be anything close to a masterpiece, if it was good enough to convey his intentions and feelings, it was perfect for him. “Sanson and I will make sure to be there to help with the music, where is your next stop now?” He had to think about it, the next stop would have to be the place where he was going to perform and he had not yet decided.
Sanson had to comment this time. “No need to rush, you still have time and you have everything ready...so, please, feel free to travel some more and find the perfect place for this song. We shall await your call and then answer as fast as possible.” He was truly glad for these friends, and so he thought about where to go next.
While he indeed had more time, it was not as much as he could hope to have. So it was obvious that the next stop would have to be the place he was not going to choose, but one that could help him clear his mind. “Ishgard.”
“Of course...I’m sure there’s quite a few people there that can help you figure out the perfect place.” It was a true statement, if there was anywhere he could get information about all the venues there, and he could ask where he should sing, not directly but more as in a way someone looking for guidance could. As such, he gave both Sanson and Guydelot the most thankful bow and a hug, then he took his song and off he went again, towards Ishgard.
Towards home.
It took him longer to arrive to Ishgard than it took Aymeric to basically take him to his study to talk, he could say that it was a surprise but, no, it never was, specially given that the second he had met him he told him he was there to ask for some guidance regarding the festivities. Of course, now that he was safe inside the study and watching Aymeric drink some wine, because he was still not very keen into drinking most anything, they both started the topic that led Meteor here.”So, what kind of guidance can I offer to you my friend?”
“...Venues...” Meteor said, a bit shy but then he coughed, trying to clear his thoughts. “I wanna ask where would be a good place...with good acoustics, I guess. I am not exactly sure what I am looking for, but, maybe if you could tell me about some of the places where the festivities will happen.” Aymeric seemed to be smiling, regardless of Meteor’s awkwardness before asking, truth be told, it had been hard to ask because he was not really sure about what he was looking for.
“I understand, Mistress Tataru had told me about your performance, or rather, your wish to perform something rather special. I admit I am terribly curious about it and would love to hear it already...but if this is what you need from me...” He thought about it. “I think I have some suggestions, though is there a place in particular you’re inclined towards?”
That was the thing, he had no idea where to go or what, where, or anything he was looking for, and probably his face did send that much across as Aymeric nodded. “Maybe you could tell me about what you wish to accomplish?” That was a way to make things easier for him, and as such, he simply took the lyrics from his bag and offered them towards the Lord Commander. “Are you sure?” A nod. “...I am honored. Very well.”
He waited, Aymeric was taking too long to read simple lyrics for a song, yet it seemed as he was looking for something beyond the words in the paper, his eyes always had this special shine in them when he was focused on something or his mind was working beyond what he could understand. “Is it good?” The question seemed to take Aymeric barely back to reality, but before any reply could come, the man stood up and walked around the desk. “Uh...Aymeric?”
Suddenly he was being hugged, a bit shocked, he remained in place and looked both surprised and unable to say anything or move. “I am grateful for everything you have ever done for us. The Star and Ishgard both, so, I want you to hear my words and...let me tell you that, please, if you ever feel alone, or if you need some reassurance...you have a home, and so many people that care for you, not because of your titles and accomplishments, but just because who you are.”
“I...don’t understand...”
“Your words.”
“I am fine.”
“I know.”
Meteor looked towards the ceiling and then closed the hug, pressing Aymeric against his body. “I never wanted to be a burden...but I have learned to be better. I...care, so much, for all of you.” Before such kindness and warmth, he couldn’t help but let even more of his own thoughts and feels come through. “But I want to be able to let everyone know this, because they’re not only my own words, and I think...you figured that.”
“I have a place that would be good.” He moved back, letting the hug end and then going back behind his desk, taking some papers. “We plan to have a little venue set up in front of a place you probably would like to visit.” Giving the warrior of light a small piece of paper he awaited, and Meteor seemed to light up before the suggestion, he liked it. “I am glad I had a good idea for you, my friend.”
“I think this is more than what I was hoping, but yes, this would serve me very well...and...” He looked towards the commander. “Will you be there?” He understood if Aymeric couldn’t, he had too many responsibilities, yet, deep inside his heart he wished to have all the people close to him there, to hear everything from him.
He ignored the position he had left the poor commander in, asking such questions with such hope and looking so eager to hear a yes, Aymeric had a hard time explaining that he was needed elsewhere but, given the place where he was sending the warrior, maybe a small visit wasn’t as bad. “I will try my best.”
That was enough for a very joyous Warrior of Light to jump from his seat and go towards him to hug him once more. “I will be awaiting you!” Now it was like a blood pact, he couldn’t let down his dear friend, and while some scheduling was needed, heavily needed, he was going to make sure that he didn’t break his promise, by his honor. “I hope you like what Tataru is preparing for me...hope to see you there.” But it was impossible to say no to a very excited warrior of light.
“I look forward to it.” And not to the nightmare of paperwork to make sure he had the time to go.
War born of strife, these trials persuade us not
(Feel what? Learn what?)
Mor Dhona was always a place filled with sound, people and so much memories, sad ones, joyous ones and everything in between. Before going towards the place he had been instructed, he perused the markets and walked around, watching everyone hard at work already, preparing to be a venue for a big event already. “My, isn’t that my favorite adventurer?” Such a vice that dripped with greed with every letter belonged to Rowena, no doubt, as such, he turned slowly around and sighed. “I was right! What brings you here?...Is what I would say but, a small lalafell told me you should be left alone if you ever came here.”
Bless Tataru. “Sorry about that. Though it seems we are both...about to work on the same thing.” The smile that came to Rowena’s lip said it all, it was something she was doing for the coin and not for anything else, yet... “I had a mind to use the Crystal Tower scenario.”
“I believe that one is reserved for concerts or anything with music, you telling me you have a musical planned?” Rowena was not exactly all that versed in what he could and couldn’t do but, he preferred it that way. “If that’s so, you’d want to go talk with those in charge of that...I am just making sure we have more than enough products to sell to anyone that comes and, of course, space. But...if you need anything, you know how to pay me.” Meteor smiled, hollow and devoid of hope. “See you around, but, if you want to talk with the ones in charge, go to the east exit!” After she waved and walked away, leaving the warrior of light with a bit of a tense expression, he walked towards the exit.
As he was coming closer he could see one person he was not expecting. “Nero?” Said man turned around, stopping with his orders that had been going around with some of the Ironworks’ workers. “I had no idea you’d be assigned here...or, did you ask for this?”
A dramatic sigh later, Nero was talking. “My, our brave hero, blesses our eyes. And no, I was assigned here with Garlond, to make sure the Crystal Tower was more than usable in perfect safety for anyone who wished to perform there...if you ask me, only a moron would want to use something that far away from the city.” Meteor frowned. “Oh? Is one of your friends going to use the place?”
“I am going to use it.”
Words without sound, these lies betray our thoughts
Mired by a plague of doubt, the Land, she mourns
It seemed as if Nero cared little to nothing about how Meteor felt about hearing his honest opinions about the venue, yet as much as he wanted to complain about how that was a bit too sincere and uncalled for, the Warrior ended up smiling with something akin to warmth spreading through his body. Nero tol Scaeva, a former soldier of Garlemald that joined their cause in the weirdest way possible because this man didn’t cared about anything else but to follow Cid, running always towards him and the object of his affections, of his dreams, unaware and completely oblivious to what Nero wanted to say with all those challenges he issued to the man, with all those words that sometimes sounded so rash and a bit too hurtful all the same. “Well! For a moment I was actually…you know, worried you might have been upset with me for calling you a moron for wanting to use this venue but seeing that you not only have the face of a flustered goobbue, but are also looking at me with that face that always equals to you having those weird thoughts about me that you later let Garlond think, I will say good day to you and goodbye.”
And so, Nero went away, but Meteor remained behind laughing a bit endeared because he was sure he saw a hint of a blush, he had made the other man flustered just by the mere fact that he was, sometimes, easy to read for the correct people, specially when he was having a moment where he had decided to start reminiscing about the man, but no one could blame him…the day of the festival was coming close and all he had on his mind was a message, a very clear message that had started that day when Meteion had told him so many truths he had knew before but had refused to acknowledge.
Walking forward he decided to revise properly the scenario where he was going to perform and as soon as he found Cid there, he had a small idea about what he could ask for, smiling a bit playful and unable to hide the little spring suddenly coming to his steps as he was walking with renewed excitement and looking way more forward to this small event than before. As such, once he reached Cid, he simply waved at him and immediately spoke “May I ask something very suddenly?”
Cid seemed to be overjoyed about the idea of Meteor being the one to perform here out of all the people.
Judgement binds all we hold to a memory of scorn
The next few days were filled with nothing but work, but it wasn't work that made him feel like he had to fight for his life, it wasn't work that made him feel he was being forced to do something over and over until he got tired of it. It was something completely different that constantly made his soul feel light, his being felt warmth and as the days went by he was more and more filled with a feeling he was more than sure he hadn’t felt since the days before he had gone inside Ishgard and sometimes that made him take pause.
Sometimes that did make him stop and look towards the direction of Ishgard, knowing that the closest place before the Gate of Judgement was Camp Dragonhead and that makes his heart ache, because sometimes the thought of stopping for a moment and just taking his trusted chocobo there is a sudden impulse that seems to take over him, starting on his mind and then his body until he can only see the image of a broken shield any time he closes his eyes.
Is one of those days, the day before the performance of all days, where he gets a sudden visit from someone as he is checking the acoustics of the scenario, his song already burned inside of his memory so he doesn’t need his notes, his lyrics or anything to play it. He is finishing a small practice and about to go find Cid when footsteps can be heard, and given the hidden nature of the venue, Meteor assumes this is Cid until he can notice the sound of a cane, a familiar sound of slow steps with a rhythm so familiar that makes his heart both ache and then race.
When he looks to the side of the scenario he sees Count Edmont and his eyes suddenly become watery, and even if he wasn’t ever the type to cry on sight, or to really express his feelings all of this, the song, his emotions, his message and the fact that he hadn’t really had a time to go over the fact of the feeling that had come over his whole body that day, back at the Aetherial Sea, back when he was too focused on a mission.
Seeing the count simply opened the door to that particular rush of emotions he had kept bottled up even now. “Lord Aymeric had told me your song was beautiful. And I pray you can forgive this old man a little indulgence…but I wanted to hear it, before.” He could, he could always because this was a song that was as much for the entirety of Etheirys as it was a tale about himself, about the Ancients, about all the people who had loved this Star more than life itself. More than themselves.
Sometimes he had hated that, why so many good people had to give up life for the cause? Why did so many people have to die for something that was supposed to be the good choice? Why did he have to lose so many people? Just for a cause, just for a chance to win, and win they did at the highest cost ever. “I don’t think that’s too much to ask from me…please, take a seat and I will work on giving you a good rehearsal.” He was ready, even with a voice a bit broken by tears and sadness. “I hope that with you, I can get this song across to my very dear friend…”
Tell us why, given Life, we are meant to die, helpless in our cries?
Taking his harp up and closing his eyes he could almost see it, and a smile was painted over his features, even if it was for a brief moment he could imagine that his message, his voice and his song was going to be carried towards the very first person he wanted, he wished and desired that could hear it. As such, it came to him in a rush, there was an extra part he had forgot to add to his song and at this moment he finally felt like his message and her message were complete, because it couldn’t be just about his feelings, his difficulties, his way of saying things, it had to be also about both of them saying thank you. Thank you and please keep going.
When his little rehearsal stopped and he looked up, the Count was smiling and nodded, satisfied with this version of the song and approached. “I am sure your words will reach the hearts of everyone you wish to touch. Tomorrow is the big day, isn't it? I would suggest that you take a rest and get ready. There’s nothing more you can practice…and, in the humble opinion of this old man, it sounds perfect.” Meteor smiled, he knew the reason he kept practicing and checking everything was because he was still nervous and anxious, but it was true, there was nothing more he could do. There was nothing else he could do.
It was time to wait for the next day.
Tataru kept having him turn around to the point he was sure he was getting dizzy, but his attire was basically done. Here, at the backstage, which was nothing more than just a small zone covered by a bunch of wooden panels put up to give him some privacy before the event, Tataru, Sanson and Guydelot were with him making sure he was ready and also encouraging him. Sanson and Guydelot once more asking him if he needed to give any more instructions or similar to the rest of them, given that he was going to have some more bards helping him with the harmonies.
The Warrior of Light was sure there was nothing more or else he could do to make the whole experience better, he could hear the people already gathering, so many people in front of the Crystal Tower and somehow this made him feel like it was a sort of deja vu, like that time he had to come out of the Tower to tell the truth about Ardbert, but this time there wasn’t going to be anything grim happening.
Or so he hoped.
Things did tended to go awry every now and then when he was mostly sure nothing could ever go wrong again, but this time even if his mind, probably aided by Fray, was telling him to keep his guard up, something else, soft and warm, was telling him to not worry, to focus on his song and nothing else. And so…he started to walk up to the stage.
“Meteor.” Tataru’s soft and small voice came, making him turn around. “I just wanted to let you know that I am grateful.” The second he wanted to interject with anything, her small hand raised and her smile became wider. “No need to say anything. For once just let me thank you for everything you do and indulging me. And for helping my designs go to a wider public…I am more than sure that people seeing you play today will run to my small boutique in hopes to dress like you.” That did make the poor Warrior’s face drop a bit, making the small lalafellin laugh. “Now go outside and show all of us what you got ready.”
The warrior laughed and then Sanson and Guydelot gave him, both, a thumbs up.
He nodded, as usual, and walked up to the stage and suddenly he felt very different, it was one thing to face a horde of enemies, or to be at the front of a gathering of warriors, to guide people into battle. This was a battlefield he was not used to, being seen. Having everyone looking at him with expectations that were different, not looking for encouragement, not looking for a leader, but to hear what he was going to say…was daunting.
All these people, and in the midst of, he could see some familiar faces, his friends, his supporters and the reason he could keep going no matter what.
His hands moved before he could register them moving, giving a bow towards the audience and then took out his harp, closing his eyes. His fingers moving faster than his mind and the beginning of his song was starting to pour, to flow and become a reality. In this moment nothing mattered more than letting his voice be heard and to finally, after all this time, after facing the will of the Star itself. After going back to the past even, after seeing despair at the end of the universe…he could let mankind, the people of Etheirys, know what her, Hydaelyn, Venat, had always wanted to tell them.
Witness (Feel) Suffer (Think) Borrow (Teach) Reason
(Hear) Follow (Feel) Stumble (Think) Wander (Teach) Listen
(Blink) Whisper (Blink) Shoulder (Blink) Ponder (Blink) Weather
(Hear) Answer (Look) Answer (Think) Answer together
The melody became like the wind, like the elements, washing over every single person that was witnessing, that was there to hear what their dear Hero wanted to say, wanted to tell, wanted to recount. Hands that were only used or seen wielding a weapon now creating the most bittersweet melody of all, his voice, usually reserved for his closest friends, something he didn’t wanted to use a lot, something he never let be heard because he had forgot what it even meant, was being carried by his melody and then settled inside the hearts of the people.
A people Venat loved more than everything else. And as such, people he couldn’t help but love as well, even if they sometimes despised him because of different points of view, or because they had been on different sides of a battle, or because it was easier. But Meteor loved them, loved this Star, loved traveling and seeing so many different landscapes, every single one of them as breathtaking as the other.
So, as he opened his eyes, taking a small breath before starting the chorus, the breath, the heart of his song…he saw it, a small dash of blue and a long tail following behind the flutter of wings before it rested on his shoulder, everything happening so fast yet he was able to see it happen slowly, paying attention to everything, closing his eyes with a smile and suddenly his voice felt like it was not carried only by the wind, but by everything.
Maybe this was the power of Dynamis.
Thy Life is a riddle, to bear rapture and sorrow
To listen, to suffer, to entrust unto tomorrow
His song was harsh for moments, and his song was soft and warm like the embrace of a parent. It was like being told the reasons as to why they had to live in such conditions, it didn’t attempt to say there was a reason for everything, but it did give meaning to what everyone had felt even once: Loss. There was a reason for it, there was meaning in having to suffer, there were answers in their way of life. Such had been the reason as to why the Scions were able to stop the Ascians, not because one group was stronger than the other, but clinging to the past was not the solution…living in suffering was not the answer.
Moving towards the future was always the purpose of their life.
Meteion had seen his resolution, his conclusion after going all the way to her, after having to experience what it meant to lose everything and facing the daunting possibility that he might need to lose more, and more. And so much more. Yet he never stopped because the light of hope was always going to be bright, brighter than anything, because Venat was here, inside of him. Because his words were her words now.
In one fleeting moment, from the Land doth life flow
A brief moment of his eyes opening gave him the opportunity to witness his dear Scions at the edge of tears, he would need to apologize later, especially to Alisaie because he was sure this whole thing was painting him in a weird spot, emotionally and mentally speaking. But that was far away from his mind as suddenly he could see something at the back of the crowd, someone moving between the people that shouldn't be here.
Yet in one fleeting moment, for anew it doth grow
His hands trembled for a second and his eyes filled with the selfsame tears he was about to make fun of with the Scions, because the white hair, the white robe, the eyes blue as the very sky and the smile as soft and kind as he remembers, there was Venat, in the middle of the crowd, listening and looking proud. So proud to the point he couldn’t help but put more emotion into the last bit of his message, of their message, of their cry for people to understand, of their conclusion as to why despair would never win.
In the same fleeting moment…
But she shouldn’t be here. She couldn’t be here, and as soon as he uttered the last words, he ran, jumping from the scenario and towards here, seeing her move away and away, far away even if he suddenly seemed like a madman losing it completely. But their voices didn’t reach him, their yells mattered not. He simply ran and ran until he was away and in the middle of the path that connected the Tower back towards Mor Dhona.
And he saw her, an image from a memory almost, so faint yet so real.
He took a few steps before realizing that he couldn’t get closer.
“Did I…” His voice was at the breaking point. “Was I able…to convey your feelings?” He asked, eyes bright. The figure in front of him smiled as she was wont to do when she was pleased or simply happy. “I am sorry. I am so sorry I was never able to tell you how grateful I am…for everything.” Venat lowered her head and then tilted it to the side. “Please. Rest easy…we will be alright.”
She knew.
And she came closer, taking his face between her hands.
“My brave little spark” Her voice was so faint. “Thank you, for everything.”
Thou must live
Die
And know
Meteor smiled and then opened his eyes as his hands raised, there was nothing else there, but on his hands rested something like a spark, so white and pure, solid. Like a gem but more precious to him than any of those.
He pressed it against his chest.
This had been his answer.
It had been her question.
It was the Answers of the entire Star, united in song and coming forth from his mouth, as he had heard, had felt, had thought about it. Collecting every single memory inside of him until he was broken and battered, until he almost gave up and then raised once more, because…he knew.
He knew then.
Looking towards the small blue bird that was fluttering above him, Meteor smiled once more and then remembered, he should go back. “Let’s have more fun from now on.” It was fun, being alive, despite everything.
And Meteion agreed.