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

[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..."