slavecrowned | empatheias: mailbox

[Though it's been some time now since Gem's influence has faded from her, Terra has taken great pains to make herself scarce around the house— at least in a social sense. Many of her housemates will find that their chores are done before they can get to them, and there's often something freshly-baked (if questionable in appearance) in the kitchen by way of a wordless apology.

Of course, she can't avoid her housemates forever, and she freezes in place as Alphinaud descends the stairs just in time to catch her leaving the kitchen with a feather-duster in hand.]

O-oh— hello.

[She knows she hadn't left him with a very good first impression. They've crossed paths since then, but Terra has made certain to keep those encounters brief, limited.]

[ Very brief; he still couldn't say how she's like without the effects of the fog. Their initial encounter had left him entirely too confused, but eventually the cause of such behavior came to light, and so...

Well, seeing her again in those short moments (in their own living space, of all places) left an odd feeling, but Alphinaud knows better than to fault her for it. She isn't the only one around with guilt on her conscience, and he isn't about to make it worse for her.

This time, though, he hadn't noticed her presence until she speaks up with a meek greeting. Alphinaud is quickly jerked away from his thoughts, pausing mid-step, and lifts his head from the papers to blink dumbly her way. ]

—Ah, Terra, good afternoon. Do excuse me, I had believed the house empty. [ He flicks a quick look at her duster. ] Are you busy cleaning?

[She nods once, drawing in a sharp breath to steel herself. She's faced far more frightening things than this, and yet shame and remorse for her behavior, outside influence and all, still weighs upon her heavily.]

I— yes. I've been trying to get as much done as I can while everyone is busy going about their day. I'm sorry, I thought the house was empty, too— where are you headed? I'll take care not to get in your way.

[She can only imagine what he must think of her.]

[ She's definitely still uneasy; it's as plain as day. Alphinaud takes a moment to look her over, as if he must carefully consider her question first, before folding over the papers in his hand. ]

On the contrary, I do believe it is time we cease tip-toeing around one another like this.

[ He gets she's uncomfortable, but they're housemates for Twelve's sake. ]

[She pauses for a moment, very still before she nods a second time.

Of course. He's quite right.]

It is. It's getting silly at this point, isn't it?

[That said:]

I apologize for the way I behaved before. I know it wasn't entirely my fault, but... it's still important to take responsibility.

[ Good, this is much better. ]

Indeed, 'twas not. I recall how troubled Alisaie grew ere you three set off in search for Gem.

[ And that was telling enough. ]

Unfortunate our first meeting were under such circumstances, but, should you be willing, I do say we have ourselves a do-over. I am eager to meet the true Terra I have heard so much about, after all.

[It is— already, a marked improvement.]

We were all troubled. [She nods in agreement, her brow furrowing slightly.] For any one person or thing to hold that much sway over anyone else, to be able to influence them in such a way... it's not right.

[It reminded her uncomfortably of her own past.

His offer earns a genuine smile from her in reply, shy though it is.]

I would like that very much— I feel as if I know you already, from all I've heard, but I really would like us to be friends.

[ No, it very much isn't right. There's much Alphinaud could say on the subject, but rather than speak at length on the topic, it's best that they remain on the more pleasant ones for the time being.

Instead, he gives a single nod in agreement. ]

So oft I have been spoken of, have I? [ Offering a smile back, Alphinaud then makes a small, polite bow. ] A pleasure, in that instance, and full glad I am to have this matter settled between us.

Of course!

[Her answer almost comes a little too quickly, enthusiastic.]

Your sister has told me a lot about you, and Y'shtola has told me about so many of her friends and family from home— I was a little sad when I thought that I might never get to know any of them, but I'm glad that's not the case with us.

[Even if it means being kidnapped to another world. It's probably fine.]

You have a natural affinity for magic, too, don't you?

[ Well, good to know Alisaie can speak fondly of him; she's rather chatty about those dearest to her, so long as they're not within earshot.

Yet the topic quickly changes. Funny it should be brought up, and the way Alphinaud briefly flicks a glance at his folded notes might be a hint as to why. ]

Indeed, I consider myself something of an accomplished arcanist. I do recall you conjuring up the magical arts for yourself—something of an interest of yours, I presume?

[Between the notes and the bits and pieces Terra has heard about some of his exploits back home, this is something she's been keen to talk to him about for some time, though shame regarding her behavior shortly after his arrival had delayed it until now.]

Yes! That is— most people where I'm from can't use it, so until I came to this place, I never really knew anyone else who could, at least not naturally.

[There was Celes, but even that situation had started out forced, even if Terra considered her a friend now.]

Coming to this world and finding there were so many people who could use magic in so many different ways was incredible.

—Truly?

[ He sounds a touch surprised. While there were some back on Hydaelyn who lacked the ability to attune to their own aether, or simply did not walk the path of magic, the fact is that you would not be hard pressed to find someone who knew something of it. ]

The nature of our home worlds must vastly differ. The peoples of mine own have been able to manipulate aether since... well, beyond recorded history, most likely. I would assume your own lacks an ample resource such as aether to draw from, in that case.

Y'shtola and Arthur have both told me some about magic in your world— it must be nice to come from a place where almost anyone can use it.

[It means that their abilities are viewed as talents, rather than a curse or a weapon.]

For a long while, the only people who could use magic back home were Espers— some of them seem to have parallels with the primals of your world, although they're not nearly as destructive. Magic is something most people have to be born with.

[ Parallels with primals... That earns some raised brows, but they don't last long. Maybe that isn't quite as bad as it sounds. ]

Such as yourself, I presume? [ He chuckles softly. ] Ere we delve too deeply—fancy yourself some tea in the meantime? Concern yourself not over the cleaning for now.

[She nods— yes, such as herself, but he's right. This could end up far too heavy a conversation for the hallway at the bottom of the stairs, and her smile turns just slightly sheepish.

The cleaning will be there later, she reminds herself, shoving down the urge to protest. Now that they've resolved to move forward, it seems like as good a time as any to take the time to get to know one another better.]

I'd love some— you're sure it wouldn't be interrupting your work?

[She glances towards the papers he'd been looking at on his way downstairs.]

[ He waves his free hand dismissively. ]

'Tis nothing on a deadline, rest assured. Come now.

[ Without missing a beat he walks past, heading into the kitchen. ]

Have you any preferences?

[There's only a brief moment of hesitation before she scoots after him, cleaning forgotten for now as he'd suggested. They've spent so much time being careful around one another that she's eager to make up for her own efforts not to engage. Once in the kitchen, she goes to put the kettle on even as he asks about choice of tea, which she's able to answer without giving it much thought.]

There's one Y'shtola made for me early on that I've become very fond of— it's lavender and vanilla, although of course if you don't like those, there are plenty others...

[She has difficulty speaking of what she wants with confidence in most situations, really.]

Whatever you like is fine!

empatheias: mailbox

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