#just think a lot about how held back graha is etween 5.0 and 5.3

[wildstar25]

once again thinking about graharshtola during 5.0 post-5.1 era where G'raha is still kinda hesitant about the whole relationship. Work is being done to send the scions home but he will remain. Maybe a part of him is worried Arsay wouldn't have a reason to come back once everyone goes to the source. It's not like the first is in danger any more. Arsay has Y'shtola already so if any thing /he's/ the addition. He's expendable. He's also just... not really seeing her as a regular person. not considering her feelings at all. To him she is still this amazing hero he is lucky to share a bit of time with. Even though Arsay is literally throwing herself at him, he just can't get it in his head how serious she is about the relationship. He maintains his reserved Exarch persona. He holds himself back to a frustrating degree, always cuts things short, keeps this feelings to himself. And because hes so in his own head about it, he takes Arsay's forced smiles at face value.

During one of Arsay's many visits to the greatwoods, Y'shtola clues into whats been going on. Arsay didn't say anything direct about it, but she seems upset enough when talking about having nothing to do around the Crystarium. Arsay never complains about having nothing to do so like... the vibes were definitely off enough that Y'shtola starts asking direct questions. and oh boy does y'shtola get peeved when she hears how Arsay feels even the slightest bit brushed off. Arsay's off to the source the following day, so Y'shtola takes it upon herself to have a polite conversation with G'raha about how he is fucking up big time. In typical Y'shtola fashion, she gets right to the point with that sharp tongue of hers. The most brutal call out you can imagine. Worse than the one she gave Thancred. She's quite frank about how he's being a complete and utter fool. Probably a remark about him getting blind with old age, too, since he can't seem to recognize how hurt Arsay is. She gives him some insight into just how hopelessly in love Arsay has been with him since they met during the tower investigation. After sufficiently making G'rah feel terrible about his actions, Y'shtola surmises G'raha's has been equally in love with Arsay this whole time as well. "Do you not care for her?" "I do, but-" "but what? You've been granted this opportunity by no small miracle. You'd do best to not squander it. I suggest, Crystal Exarch, you give some proper thought into that unwritten fate of yours; before the story repeats itself." G'raha hangs his head. Y'shtola, having said all she could, turns to leave the ocular. She is stopped by a question. "Why would you go to such lengths for me? Should I sacrifice my part in her life, you can return home with her all to yourself. Would that not be a more desirable outcome for you?"

Y'shtola glances over her shoulder with a simper, and answers without a note of hesitation. "For all that she has done for me, what I desire most is for Arsay to be well and truly happy. For reasons far beyond my comprehension, you factor heavily into that. Really, it's in my best interest for you to wake up already and see what's right in front of you." With that, Y'shtola takes her leave. G'raha ruminates on her words, loosing track of time in the process.