It is magic. The source just comes from materia. Here-
[Aerith frees his arm and his hand as she continues.] -I'll show you. [Lifting her hands into the way she has her hair pulled back, she nips into her lower lip as she carefully releases the smaller materia that she hides beneath the pink ribbon she seems to constantly wear. Then she holds it up for him to see.]
See? This is materia. And magic can be used by using these.
[ Had he encountered such a sphere upon the street, he would think it to be a child's toy. Peering at it more closely, however, reveals that its marble-like surface is actually dynamic. There is some sort of power housed within, although perhaps dormant and inaccessible, after being brought to this realm from her own.
His eyes lift to watch her as she turns the materia over in her hands, showing it to him. Had she not taken it down from her hair, he wouldn't have known it was kept there. ]
[Probably, yes. Aerith doesn't quite know how it works. She has an idea, though and she's... seen how she imagines it'll be used. It's in that collection of various ominous future prophecies. She wouldn't call them that, but it's likely that's what they are.]
This one belonged to my mother. That probably makes it more different than others you might see. I know one of the people from my home world here had some when she arrived, but I think she said it vanished after she used it once. Not sure if anyone else from there has some. I could probably ask.
[She lets him get a full look at it as she moves her hand carefully.]
[She smiles, as if she appreciates the sentiment. He might not understand the full situation, but he doesn't have to. The subtle little input he has is good enough.]
It's another thing I was lucky to have in coming here. Most don't get to come with things from home. Since I have it with me all the time, it was already on me when I arrived.
[It doesn't take her too long to tuck it away before she reclaims his arm. And his hand. Well, at least attempts to.
Her head tips thoughtfully.]
Perhaps! Although I'm not sure what else I'd really want. I didn't have very much back home. At least, nothing really material. Mostly just memories, which isn't something that can be taken. I hope not, anyway. If you could have anything from home, what would it be? If you have anything, I mean. I bet you've got stuff you liked or were close to.
[She shakes her head at him.] Wants and needs are different. So is there anything you want from home? Anything that might be nice to have or anything that would make you feel more comfortable here?
[She laughs and after a moment's consideration, she dips her head to rest it to his shoulder. Something in his stoic demeanour remains a constant, a concept of stability.]
I'm going to find something you like sometime. It will happen. I'm determined.
[Aerith decides if he doesn't stop her, then he must not absolutely dislike it. Or knowing him, the truth is probably closer to Somnus doesn't have much of an opinion on it. Too focused on the fate of his star, perhaps.
This does not stop her from enjoying the moment. The quiet of the night. The idea that she's never really been to a masquerade before. The voice in the back of her head that says she values his company. To what extent that might be, she's not sure. But she's comfortable with him. And she feels safe without the need of asking if he'd play bodyguard or something else she doesn't actually need.]
Thanks for letting me spend the night with you. I think it's about that turn-in time, though.
[As he pauses and puts his attention onto her, she hesitates a moment and decides to relent upon the loose way she's curled her arm about his and taken his hand. His question makes her smile.]
You can if you want, but you don't have to. I'm guessing we're probably going the same way, after all.
[Unless he's relocated his home at this point. They might have arrived around the same time, but there's a chance that he's put any money he's made to a better use than what she has.]
[It reminds her just a touch of Zack. Surely he had said something like that in the past. And done it, too. When she was a younger Aerith, more uncertain of the world and herself.
She hides a small laugh. 'Allow me,' he says. So archaic. It's charming.
Aerith doesn't say much on the trip back, mostly caught up in her own thoughts. It's a little unlike her, considering she's often full of wordy conversation (even if only one-sided), but even she can't be ever infinitely talkative. It would be unrealistic to expect it of her.
And sometimes, it's nice just to think and to listen. To feel, when she gives herself the opportunity to do so.]
Oh, that's right. [She finally manages to say as she takes the time to properly navigate him. She's still staying in the original housing that was provided to her upon arrival.] You've never seen my place, have you? [No, of course not. Because she went to his the last time she was pestering him. Not long after that trip to the market they took together...
[ Whether he thinks about it or not, he doesn't show it. His expression remains as cool as ever. In fact, the only time his expression hasn't been composed had been that time. Which, of course, he's not thinking about, if not sooner wishing to forget entirely.
You can take a look if you want. It's nothing special, but if you're not in a hurry and want to stay around a bit. I did say it was late, though, so you might have other things you need to do.
[She eyes him thoughtfully, the same patience she's exhibited for him through most of their exchanges.]
No. Not... really. I was just offering. You don't have to accept it. I'm going to guess where you come from, that kind of offer might be weird. You're old-fashioned, right?
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Materia.... Yet it is not magic?
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[Aerith frees his arm and his hand as she continues.] -I'll show you. [Lifting her hands into the way she has her hair pulled back, she nips into her lower lip as she carefully releases the smaller materia that she hides beneath the pink ribbon she seems to constantly wear. Then she holds it up for him to see.]
See? This is materia. And magic can be used by using these.
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His eyes lift to watch her as she turns the materia over in her hands, showing it to him. Had she not taken it down from her hair, he wouldn't have known it was kept there. ]
Is this materia different from the rest?
[ She keeps it hidden, after all. ]
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[Probably, yes. Aerith doesn't quite know how it works. She has an idea, though and she's... seen how she imagines it'll be used. It's in that collection of various ominous future prophecies. She wouldn't call them that, but it's likely that's what they are.]
This one belonged to my mother. That probably makes it more different than others you might see. I know one of the people from my home world here had some when she arrived, but I think she said it vanished after she used it once. Not sure if anyone else from there has some. I could probably ask.
[She lets him get a full look at it as she moves her hand carefully.]
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It is important to cherish such things.
[ So, she shouldn't use it, if it'll vanish. ]
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[She smiles, as if she appreciates the sentiment. He might not understand the full situation, but he doesn't have to. The subtle little input he has is good enough.]
It's another thing I was lucky to have in coming here. Most don't get to come with things from home. Since I have it with me all the time, it was already on me when I arrived.
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Perhaps in the future, there will be more ways to receive more from your home.
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Her head tips thoughtfully.]
Perhaps! Although I'm not sure what else I'd really want. I didn't have very much back home. At least, nothing really material. Mostly just memories, which isn't something that can be taken. I hope not, anyway. If you could have anything from home, what would it be? If you have anything, I mean. I bet you've got stuff you liked or were close to.
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There is nothing that I need.
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[She shakes her head at him.] Wants and needs are different. So is there anything you want from home? Anything that might be nice to have or anything that would make you feel more comfortable here?
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There is no greater want or need than that of returning to our Star.
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[She laughs and after a moment's consideration, she dips her head to rest it to his shoulder. Something in his stoic demeanour remains a constant, a concept of stability.]
I'm going to find something you like sometime. It will happen. I'm determined.
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As you will.
[ ...He feels her head is against his shoulder as they walk. Truly, an odd woman. ]
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This does not stop her from enjoying the moment. The quiet of the night. The idea that she's never really been to a masquerade before. The voice in the back of her head that says she values his company. To what extent that might be, she's not sure. But she's comfortable with him. And she feels safe without the need of asking if he'd play bodyguard or something else she doesn't actually need.]
Thanks for letting me spend the night with you. I think it's about that turn-in time, though.
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Shall I escort you?
[ He doesn't have to, for she's plenty capable on her own. However, his offer stands. They live relatively close to each other, anyway. ]
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You can if you want, but you don't have to. I'm guessing we're probably going the same way, after all.
[Unless he's relocated his home at this point. They might have arrived around the same time, but there's a chance that he's put any money he's made to a better use than what she has.]
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[ And with that, he'll begin walking her back to her apartment building, wherever that might be. ]
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She hides a small laugh. 'Allow me,' he says. So archaic. It's charming.
Aerith doesn't say much on the trip back, mostly caught up in her own thoughts. It's a little unlike her, considering she's often full of wordy conversation (even if only one-sided), but even she can't be ever infinitely talkative. It would be unrealistic to expect it of her.
And sometimes, it's nice just to think and to listen. To feel, when she gives herself the opportunity to do so.]
Oh, that's right. [She finally manages to say as she takes the time to properly navigate him. She's still staying in the original housing that was provided to her upon arrival.] You've never seen my place, have you? [No, of course not. Because she went to his the last time she was pestering him. Not long after that trip to the market they took together...
She wonders if he ever thinks about it.]
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He replies curtly. ]
I have not.
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[She eyes him thoughtfully, the same patience she's exhibited for him through most of their exchanges.]
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Exactly what would he stay around for? ] Have you need of some assistance at your residence?
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[She hesitates and offers up a laugh.]
No. Not... really. I was just offering. You don't have to accept it. I'm going to guess where you come from, that kind of offer might be weird. You're old-fashioned, right?
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I will escort you home, and nothing more.
[ There is a finality in his tone. ]
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Yes, okay. That sounds good enough to me. I appreciate that you're escorting me home.
[Although she suspects he knows she doesn't really need him to.]
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Good night, Healer.
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