#did I make an entirely separate WoL to simp for G’raha

[nadana-vhet]

Remember

Rated General Audiences, Lite WoLExarch

Ahmi looked out at the Crystarium as she tugged on her armor, sighing to herself as she watched the crowds below celebrate their newfound night sky. She was happy to see it, but it was hard for her to stop thinking about him when she was so close to the Crystal Tower.

A bustling city at the foot of the tower, with people that took care of and relied on its protection. The way it shined in the starlight, the same way it did on the late nights she spent with the Sons of Saint Coinach instead of returning to Revenant’s Toll for the night.

Ahmi was so lost in thought that she didn’t even notice the Crystal Exarch until he was next to her. “Not enjoying the festivities?”

Ahmi jumped, though it took her but a moment to ease herself once she realized it was only the Exarch. “No, that’s not it. I’m just... thinking, that’s all.”

“May I ask of what?” the Exarch hummed, taking a step forward to stand next to her on the high-rise walkway that spanned over the upper half of the city. He placed a hand on the banister, his skin surprisingly wrinkle-free despite how old he claimed he was.

Ahmi nodded, “Just of some old friends, that’s all. They would have loved to see the Tower like this.” She smiled under her words, turning to look at the beautiful blue spires.

The Exarch’s grip tightened against the banister, though Ahmi didn’t notice. “I am full glad to know that friends of the Warrior would be impressed with it,” he hesitated, knowing that pushing further would only make him long for what he left behind, but he couldn’t help it. “What were these friends like?”

Ahmi smiled, turning back to look at the Exarch before leaning back against the railing. “I say they, as I’m sure the Sons of Saint Coinach would all be thrilled, but I think G’raha Tia would have been the most excited. I always felt so bad leaving him behind... he wanted to explore the tower more than anyone, be the first to see it. I felt as though I was undeserving to go in first compared to people like him, who dedicated so much time to uncovering the secrets of the tower.”

G’raha Tia. G’raha Tia G’raha Tia G’raha Tia-

His own name swam through his mind, in her voice, as she spoke of her time opening the Tower. He knew it all so well, of course, he was there. She was speaking about him so fondly. However, the Exarch simply cleared his throat to cover himself before speaking. “I’m sure he understood. I read that the Tower had many dangerous foes to battle before it could be properly studied, so I’m sure he was very appreciative of your efforts.”

Ahmi chuckled and shook her head, “I know he could have handled it, but I suppose I understand why Rammbroes wanted to keep him safe. We never would have gotten as far as we did without him, so in hindsight it was for the best.”

G’raha was thankful for the hood he wore, as he could feel how flushed his face was by now. His heart practically stopped at the notion of the Warrior trusting him enough to run into battle with her was almost too much for him to handle.

“Are... are you sure you didn’t find any sign of him in the Tower?” Ahmi suddenly asked, quieter than her normal boisterous demeanor.

G’raha’s heart sank as he watched her gaze drift away again. It would be so easy for him to reveal himself now, with no one else around. It would be so much easier to make them trust his actions, but... he knew it would only make the end harder for both of them.

“...No, I am afraid not. I apologize.” His hands shook as he steadied himself against the railing, trying to cover his nerves by pretending to look down at the crowd below them.

G’raha watched her ears flatten against her head momentarily, but her troubled frown didn’t leave her face. “Well, thanks for listening to me babble on. I think I’m going to get some sleep, though. Goodnight, Exarch.” Ahmi stepped away and waved slightly before turning around and leaving him, the soft thud of her boots hitting the metal of the walkway as she did.

When she was finally out of sight, G’raha gripped the railing and let out a quiet sob.

She remembers G’raha Tia.

She remembers me.