And now my heart stumbles on things I don't know

[ofnovalue]

Who: A queen and her knight
What: New arrivals
Where: Melai Temple entrance
When: Before the Brugh begins
Warnings/Notes: None

The journey to the Temple itself had been largely silent, save for Agrias' occasional notes to remain low, to watch her step, or take her hand. Ovelia had been pouring over in her mind, over and over and over again, just what to say to Agrias beyond the simple platitudes of greeting and expressions of happiness that she was safe. But there was so much more to tell, so much more that remained locked away deep within Ovelia's soul, words she found herself too weak willed to even mutter. So instead she remained quiet, passing off her silence simply as watchfulness, a noble in a strange land trusting in her knight to keep her well...

But now they had reached shelter, and apparently found others, she could no longer keep up that pretense. She had to find a new distraction, something to peel her mind away from what she'd left behind. And the Temple provided just that, draping the monarch in its quiet reverie as she wandered past the main entrance and stood within its grand hall.

"Tis as beautiful and yet... more ancient than any holy place standing still in history's Ivalice...," it felt so strangely familiar to her, as if there was a part of her existence that stretched back thousands of eons to touch this hallowed ground before in some spiritual way. Something that seemed to extend even beyond Ivalice's own Great Cataclysm, into truly ancient times. She could feel the presence here of God... but what name this God held was still unknowable to her. And in a soothing way... she didn't have to know their name.

"My thoughts go to Orbonne, and I feel almost as if my prayers would reach them..." she continued wandering into the hall.

[[ feel free to either respond to Ovelia or to Agrias in her top level posted on this post! ]]

Comments

[cleansingstrike]

[Closed to Ovelia]

"Are you certain you'd rather not take a moment of rest, my lady?" Naturally, she was concerned.

Of course she was.

There was Agrias, finally reunited with her charge. While there was initially a great deal of relief, the reality of their situation quickly set in. They'd been sent to a strange and unfamiliar land, cut off from friends and allies while gaining countless new foes. She did not appreciate the expectations that had been forced upon her so suddenly, even less knowing that Her Majesty had been enlisted as well.

Though if saving this land would in turn save Ivalice, then she was bound by duty to assist.

And at the very least, Ovelia had finally been taken away from those that would see her used for personal gain.

Rather, it was the evils she knew that were no longer within reach.


[Open to All]

With Her Majesty requesting some time for herself, Agrias had been left to her own devices. She scouted the area and took the time to get a personal account of the lay of the land. The temple and the grounds surrounding it seemed secure enough, and while not providing much in the way of comfort, there was plenty of room to sit down and rest.

There would be no rest for this knight, however. There was still much to do.

Introductions were in order.

"Well met. My name is Agrias Oaks, knight of the Lionsguard, in service to the kingdom of Ivalice."

[ofnovalue]

Ovelia gave Agrias a clearly exhausted smile as she turned to her voice, unable to really argue her point. As much as the reverie of the temple held her in a gentle clutch, her body was definitely at its limit...

"I find your suggestion sound, Agrias. Be kind, and find me a place to lay myself for the moment," because standing was definitely proving to be difficult...

[cleansingstrike]

"As you wish, My Lady. I'll only be but a moment." She bowed her head and went off in search of appropriate resting quarters. There was a brief moment of hesitation, as Agrias looked over her shoulder to make sure that Ovelia remained well. After being separated from her for so long, she simply couldn't help herself.

A few moments later and the knight returned.

"If Her Majesty will allow me, I have suitable quarters ready." Agrias extended her hand, ready to lead Ovelia. The room itself lacked a proper bed, in addition to furniture as a whole, but she had located several blankets. Not only had she dusted them, but laid them out across the floor one on top of the other.

Hardly fit for a queen, but it would simply have to do.

[ofnovalue]

Even so, it was better than sleeping in the mossy grass outside.

"You have done well, Agrias," she was already unfastening her cape, intending to use it as a cover itself, since it still kept her nicely warmed...

"Ah, but... Where will you be resting, then?"

[cleansingstrike]

"I needn't rest just yet, My Lady. Truthfully my intention is to stand guard as you recover."

A knight was to remain ever vigilant.

Familiar threats may have been out of their reach, but the unknown dangers remained ever present.

[ofnovalue]

Okay, she couldn't say she didn't feel that answer coming, but she still couldn't help a small scoff at it. The journey had worn down some of her practiced politeness, and of course she always did feel more comfortable being blunt with Agrias.

"I would think not, Agrias, you speak of silliness. You've traveled the same road I have in this strange place and you think to convince me you are not also tired?"

[cleansingstrike]

Agrias sighed. There she was, a hardened warrior and a seasoned veteran, cornered and bested by her charge. It was impressive, in a way, and it did speak towards the level of closeness they had with one another.

"I'll not make a liar out of you, My Lady."

She had simply pushed forward regardless of limits, pushing aside the need for rest as long as her body would allow.

[ofnovalue]

"I do not mean to be harsh...," she shook her head, reaching once more for Agrias' hand.

"But you are allowed to sheath your blade. I sense nothing ill in this hallowed place. There is space enough for us both here to lay and rest..."

[cleansingstrike]

Agrias had come to expect moments of rest as being few and far between, especially when considering the road ahead. Often times she had gone above and beyond what was expected of her, simply thinking it to be part of her duties.

"How long have we found ourselves here, in these strange and unfamiliar lands, that I'm already conceding to you, Your Majesty."

She grabbed the Queen's hand with her own, offering Ovelia a brief smile.

"It does my heart and spirit good."

[ofnovalue]

Ovelia returned the smile, small, delicate, but still warm.

"And it makes my own heart glad to know you'll set aside your duties for a moment. I am certain one of the kind strangers here will wake us if we tarry too long in slumber."

[cleansingstrike]

Agrias nodded, herself and Ovelia settling and making themselves comfortable on the blankets. All the while, she refused to let go of the Queen's hand.

"My Lady."

She squeezed Ovelia's hand gently.

"Not a day passed where you did not occupy my thoughts. Where I did not yearn to return to your side."

[ofnovalue]

While Agrias' words weren't particularly surprising, they still inspired a worried look in Ovelia's face, carrying through to her tone, though it was gentle.

"Agrias... Do not feel guilt for being apart from me. Ramza had more than earned my trust to care for you, and your sword was needed in his quest..." And there was no way the Duke, much less Delita, would have allowed Agrias to live, either.

[cleansingstrike]

"It's as you say, My Lady." Never once did she come to regret joining Ramza's cause. The Church's corruption extended further than anyone could've ever imagined. The solution was to remove it at its origin, though even then, there remained more to be done.

"My sword was needed. And now my sword is once again yours, as it has ever been."

[ofnovalue]

"Should you find a way back home, know that I will still return you to his service, Agrias. I... I am honored by your pledge, but...," her grip tightened.

"Many things have changed... since last we met in Ivalice proper."

[cleansingstrike]

"My Lady's words ring true. I shall see your will be done. The good people of Ivalice shall continue to want for succor in the months and years to come. But I ask of you, My Lady, knowing that I am but a knight in your service as well."

Agrias paused for a moment, eyes locked forward.

"To please allow me to remain by your side until that day arrives."

[ofnovalue]

... It almost hurt, how earnest Agrias' desire to be with her was. How much it harkened her to a more innocent time in both their lives. Days spent at the monastery, making flower crowns with Alma, watching Lavian and Alica train...

It was all so far away now, literally and figuratively. She could never go back. But in that moment, looking into Agrias' eyes, hearing her plead with her to allow her to continue to serve her... She wanted, desperately, enough to choke, for those days to return.

This world was no Heaven. But she knew that she couldn't return with Agrias, all the same. And that was what wounded her the most. It took every ounce of mental fortitude she possessed to fight back her tears.

"Of course... I would not see you turned away here. You are the bridge which connects me still to Ivalice..."

[Open to All]

[greyerrant]

"A knight, eh? Good to meet you. I'm Garviel Loken."

The pale giant, clad in a simple grey chiton offers his hand as a way of greetings. He doesn't offer his own affiliation. Better that she simply know him by his name than as an agent of the Throne, and the silent war which was even now being fought so far away.

[cleansingstrike]

She shakes their hand in return, locking eyes with them as well. Agrias appraises them momentarily, taking note of their size and build. While she has no qualm about travelling with a group, one can never be too careful, especially with her queen being kept in such close proximity as well.

"Might I ask you some questions?"

[greyerrant]

"Certainly. You may consider me at your service for this purpose for as long as you need."

He nods his head, and shifts his weight slightly, trying to look as receptive as he can to questions.

[cleansingstrike]

"I would ask you what you know so far." A bit of a general question to start with, but Agrias would not be selective with the type of information she was looking for.

"Of our role, and the lands we're to act in."

[greyerrant]

"From what I understand, we're interlopers brought here to save this place, and the people of this world. Beyond that, I haven't ventured too far out into it. To my shame, I would day. Information is victory, after all. Perhaps once those who we must travel with are all gathered here I will, however.

His shoulders sag a bit, "It's not the first time I've been seen as a savior. I hope this time we're able to push back the darkness a bit, and not let fratricide steal our happiness in the hour of our victory."

[cleansingstrike]

"A favorable opinion from the people would be preferred, but not always possible. 'Tis far too easy for the influential few in power to sway that very opinion."

Who would history see in a more agreeable light?

They heroes intended to be seen?

Or those who knew the truth?

"Information is victory, and misinformation no less effective."

[greyerrant]

"Yes. I know all too well the power of lies and treachery. They tore apart the Imperium of man, and turned my brotherhood against each other."

He sighs, and says, "We must carry the light of truth with us as far as we can, and hope our word prevails when it is tested against the lies of those that would oppose us."