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[luciing]

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[inemeraldfaith]

That...

[She looks a little sheepish as she turns to better face him, clasping her hands together.]

That's a good question. Whenever I heard voices back home, it wasn't just one or two, so it's not always easy to tell. When I was younger, I couldn't decipher much of what was being said at all. I still can't say with a full certainty that I know now. Most of the time, it has to do with protecting the planet. I think that's all they wanted, really. To be protected and saved.

[luciing]

[ Somnus continues to watch her for a few beats after she finishes.

To be protected and saved, she says of her planet. ]

Do you rise to their Calling?

[inemeraldfaith]

I've done what I can. And I started to make what I suspect was progress before coming here. Knowing that our worlds are frozen back home makes relieves me a little. I can go back to it when we find our ways home.

[Her head tips as she eyes him.]

Did you have anything like that back where you come from? A greater calling, I mean. Something you knew you had to do?

[luciing]

[ "I've done what I can."

He makes a soft sound of what may be approval-- in the end, the floras' plead to be protected and her answering their plight is a noble one. One can only do only as they can, and nothing more.

As for her question... His eyes return to the flower, falling silent once more. A substantial amount of time passes like this. Does she wait for him to speak? ]

[inemeraldfaith]

[He does not evade her question. She has learned enough about him that if he were to evade, he would do so by asking her something else. By saying something else to distract her. To attempt distracting her. That he says nothing means he has something to say.

So she is patient. She takes some steps away, though, not many. Just enough to sit on whatever closest thing she can. In this case, it's a stone divide between flowers and walking path.

Her gaze is imploring. Not expectant, but curious. And as ever, understanding. Nurturing, perhaps, given that Aerith seems to wield that effortlessly.]

Take your time.

[She reassures him gently.]

[luciing]

[ Her patience is what allows him to speak. After what seems like another long moment, his lips part. ]

Preserving the future of our Star... [ He says, his voice low and respectful, monotonous as if reciting both an edict and mantra. ] ...To usher in its Dawn.

That is our Calling.

[inemeraldfaith]

[The future of their Star. Emet used that term too. 'Star.' And Somnus has used it in the past. She assumes 'star' must be something very similar to 'planet,' if not the same thing.

Hands atop her lap, she thinks about the way he puts it. So he's saving his world, too. Or trying to.]

Preserving the future. [She repeats quietly before she continues.] Is it hard for you to be away from home? I'm sure you'd rather be back there to do exactly that. Future preservation.

[luciing]

[ The end is nigh. So close to the Dawn, he is, only to be brought here.

The shadows upon Somnus' expression shift as his lips turn slightly down. ]

Do you not feel the same, a need to return to your own Star?

[inemeraldfaith]

I do.

[Of course she does. Aerith does, in fact, miss her home. She handles things here with a stunning amount of composition, but it doesn't mean that she's not bothered by being what's essentially a 'free' prisoner in this world.]

No amount of my own hurrying, however, is going to get us returned to our homes any quicker. I'm trying to make the best of the situation while I'm here. Not just for me, but for others around me, too.

[luciing]

[ He watches at the flowers rustle by the calm breeze of the night air.

"I'm trying to make the best of the situation... for others around me, too." ]

Your efforts supplant trying.

[inemeraldfaith]

I... I don't know that I'd say that.

[She can't help but feel a little sheepish at what seems to be praise. In truth, she's powerless, so helping at least make others smile seems important.]</small Hopefully I'll be able to make things here better for you, too. Not sure how to do that yet, but I'll keep trying.

[luciing]

[ His attention shifts from the flower to her, noting her sheepish expression. ]

Healer...

[ There seems to be some sort of puzzlement flitting across his expression, as if he questions why she would bother. Perhaps it is in her nature simply to be kind. Still, it makes little sense why she would happen to focus any efforts on him. ]

[inemeraldfaith]

[She prevents herself from correcting him this time, though it isn't easy. She'll get him next time because there will likely be a next time.]

Hm...?

[As she studies his expression, she's quiet before she smiles a little wider.]

You're not used to that, are you? Someone caring about you, what you want. What you feel. I must seem really weird to you.

[luciing]

[ He remains silent for a moment longer, lips pressed together as if slowly picking out what to say, what words to use, and how to attenuate his tone.

Finally, he speaks. ]

You are gracious.

[inemeraldfaith]

[She wouldn't call herself that either, but... He's being very complimentary. Aerith wonders if they have grown any closer since first meeting.

Maybe she just wants to believe that.]

I'm- [She laughs quietly before she manages to continue.] I'm just trying to help. Are you trying to make me blush?

[luciing]

[ He exhales through his nose.

There would be, perhaps, merit in commenting that her efforts are wasted on one such as him, for what has he done to deserve any of this graciousness? ]

Take it, as you will.

[inemeraldfaith]

I'm going to take that as a yes. Believe me, you already have my attention. You don't need to make me blush to accomplish that.

[She rises from where she's sitting and casts a look around.]

But seriously...? Everyone here not native is going through the same thing. Not knowing when we'll get to go home. Some people are here on their own. It could be very lonely. I've been lonely before. I don't want others to feel that way if I can help it.

[luciing]

[ His head lifts as she stands. ]

...Are you lonely, now?

[inemeraldfaith]

[There's a long pause. Consideration. She has Tifa here, the others. She shouldn't be lonely. She supposes she isn't, though...

Maybe she is in her own way.]

Not really. You're here, after all. And I have other friends here, too.

[luciing]

[ Once more, puzzlement crosses his features. Once more, it settles. She has others here. Still, somehow, perhaps as an act of charity for him, because she feels sorry for him, or because she gracious, she chooses to walk with him in this garden.

What more can he say to that. ]

Then you have my company, so long as you wish.

[inemeraldfaith]

["Then you have my company, so long as you wish."

What a thing to say. Her immediate reaction is that he must not know her at all to make that offer because he'd know she'll never leave him alone. That never actually comes out.

Maybe it's the environment or the flowers, which are impressive in size. Or maybe it's the emotional turbulence of the night accompanying their conversation. Whatever it might be, Aerith does actually colour a little. Well, a little by her standards.]

That's generous of you. [A stupid reply, but better than nothing while she fights being speechless.] Uhmmm. It's the same with me, too. If you ever feel lonely or just want the company, I'll be here for you.

[luciing]

[ If he notice the soft, new color to her cheeks or not, he doesn't comment.

But he does turn slightly, and-- after a short pause-- he offers his arm to her. ]

[inemeraldfaith]

[As she puts herself together, her gaze swaps between his face, ever hard to read, and the arm he offers for her benefit. It might not be an occurrence that happens all the time back home, but similar things have happened enough that she it's not like she doesn't know to take it.

A bit thoughtful as she approaches, Aerith loosely weaves her arm about his and after a momentary dusting of her touch over his forearm, she attempts to take his hand.]

How's this?

[luciing]

[ He had offered his arm, and she goes the extra length of both taking that and his hand. Somnus stills, but after another moment, he takes a step forward. They can continue on a walk like this. ]

Very well.

[inemeraldfaith]

[She's giddy. For a breath at least before she tones it down.]

You feel like talking about your home a little? I know you've said some things here and there. [More than he usually does and that's quite an accomplishment for someone like Somnus who isn't really much of a conversationalist.] I've been curious what it's like. If it's something like Camelot or different. Not that you have to.

[Patiently, she falls in step at his side, content to match whatever he might set.]