Have you heard of Idrila? I am one who follows them ardently, as a Knight of Beauty. If you ever wish to ask anything of me, I will gladly answer, and do my best to assist.
NOTE
The universe is filled with beauty. No matter where one is in the cosmos, this is a truth ingrained in existence itself. Therefore, I shall treasure every meeting between each and every beautiful soul I cross paths with.
...Well, more odd than usual. He's been keeping his distance from the group and even stopped wearing the new clothes in favor of his old armor. His answers to the others are short and irritable and if anything, he seems intent on avoiding Argenti as much as he possibly can. Texts will go unanswered and he leaves his room at odd hours, returning only to the dorms when he has no choice but to sleep. He spends most of his time in the Nekyia fighting, and even when he isn't fighting, it seems like there's always a dull glow behind his eyes, like he's mere moments away from losing the last of his composure.
You probably already know what this looks like, having been on the other side of it.
You can find him in the Nekyia today, having just finished off a group of enemies. He's breathing hard, though doesn't seem to be all that injured; and with a cast of Diarama, he's certainly going to be just fine. Still, this may be your best shot at actually catching him, for once this week.]
Argenti at first wondered if he had gotten into an argument with someone or a couple someones when it initially began, only to notice that this continued even when it shouldn't have.
And it only seemed to worsen.
The signs are clear, but Argenti hasn't grown complacent. Allowing his dearly loved one to suffer without trying to speak to him, without trying to help, even if he knows it will be highly ineffective is...not something he's going to abide.
When he catches Fray in the Nekyia, he's hurrying on over to him. ]
Dearest Fray! There you are. I had been hoping to spend some more time with you.
...I believe you are overdoing it. How about we head back to the dorms together? I could cook something up for you, or we can simply back in each other's presence. It's been awhile since we have spent time in the company of one another.
[ Stubborn as he is, Argenti isn't going to just immediately turn heel and leave. Perhaps if he were someone with far less stubbornness, with far less courage, and deep affection in his heart, he'd leave immediately. Perhaps even feel at a loss.
But, he's not like that. In fact, even at the flash of crimson, the Knight of Beauty steps forward, intending to close the difference between them. ]
...You are no danger to me. I know it. This place is not where you truly wish to be.
We have been together through much in these past months. So, I know, you would not wish to truly linger here. Please, return to my side, my dear midnight knight.
[ Perhaps the inevitable indeed will occur. But boy is he still on the 'going to try to bring him back even before that train'. ]
[ His words are soft, gentle, as he continues to step closer to the other man. Even garbed in all of that armor, even with everything being as it is, Argenti feels unafraid. Even with stark recollection of the dreaded nightmare incident wherein he saw Fray become twisted into the Omen of Evil. Even with the knowledge of what could happen. ]
...I know you hold concern for me, that is why you say this. But, I know you have remained steady, even in the face of difficulty. I know it feels as if you may be holding on by a thread. Yet, it is not too late. I can remind you of that beautiful gentle self that lies so firmly entrenched within your heart.
You do not have to suffer in silence.
[ Daringly, he even boldly reaches out with one hand to Fray. Proof of his ardent belief - his unwavering faith, and deep loyalty steeped unerringly with a vibrant love that he feels stretches unto eternity. ]
[This time he does flinch away, one hand darting up to his blade as though he means to draw it. Slowly, he relaxes, but he doesn't reach out for the touch as he so often does.]
This is exactly why you need to leave. You have far too much faith in me. You'll be hurt if you keep trying to reach out a hand to someone who can't - won't reach back. Leave me, Argenti.
[ Seeing him draw back like that is a surprise - and it shows on his face. He should've expected that...
But then it dissipates to something more determined, even as his fingers curl in on themselves. Still, he doesn't waver; he endeavors in keeping himself steady, ready to meet Fray's rebuffs head on. He refuses to give up, to give in. ]
...I can't! How could I abandon you? Why wouldn't I have faith in you?
You stood so firmly by my side, went through the trouble to rescue me. I have seen you work hard to save others. Your kindness, your loving heart...it is no illusion.
[ His words are soft, but he realizes that they are also desperate too. ]
And I believe firmly, deep down, you wish to reach back out to me.
[He doesn't react until the last part, which gets a soft sound from him as his gaze darts.]
Don't let me hurt you. If you persist in this folly, then at least ensure that you will still stand strong at the end of it all. You won't reach me. You won't be able to stop this. But if I can't persuade you to stop trying, then at least ensure you are prepared.
[ Now both of his hands clench into fists, and he just can't help it - he steps forward despite that earlier reaction. Despite that there could be a hint of danger to it all.
He does have an endless amount of faith in Fray, but even so, it isn't just well-wishes that carry this drive. ]
You would not hurt me. [ Not now. Though he knows from experience later is a certainty. ] And even if you did, it wouldn't be because I let you.
But...even so, this faith in you has not broken.
Yes, my dearest and beloved Fray, I promise to you that I shall not allow my determination to waver, nor break. Anything you say indeed will never deter me. [ Then he brings one fist to rest on his chest, eyes a blaze with passionate devotion and resolve. An indication of how much he is willing to persevere once more. ] Even if you should go far, far away, I will always be there to come and bring you right back! I swear it!
[ Argenti's gaze never drifts from Fray, focused on him all the while, not in grim determination - but beautiful, unerring strength of will. ]
[Radiant and stunning as always. Argenti's declaration gets his eyes to dart again, but he doesn't reach for his sword this time.]
You will be disappointed in what you find.
[It's a warning as much as it is a simple statement of fact. But even so...]
I cannot stop you from pursuing me, then. Very well. Do as you will, I won't attempt to deter you further. Just know that this path will not end where you hope it will.
[ Argenti steps closer, and closer, until they're not that far apart. He wants to show Fray that he is unafraid.
That he means every single word he has said. Even if he knows the true challenge in that - in making his every effort in rescuing the other man will be tested once he's found himself deep within the depths of his Palace. But, Argenti will not accept anything other than a victory for a result.
He will have his dearest back by his side. He will show him just how much he loves him, with each and every single word - with every action - with each part of himself he has to give. ]
I doubt I will be.
[ He says softly, but also somehow firmly. ]
...You may believe this for now. That it may be futile - but I will be there to open your eyes.
But, Fray, before you or I part [ Argenti is stubborn so he imagines it will be Fray who will need to leave first. ] and before this all ends with us facing down one another, can you grant me an opportunity to still reach out to your heart? For me to see your face, again, and give you a proper send off until then?
[ Argenti asks softly, yet audaciously, fixated on Fray. Will he let him give him a kiss? ]
[He doesn't argue. How can he, when Argenti is so steadfast in his belief? He's said all he has to say, and yet he lingers anyway, allowing the other knight to say his piece. That request, though...
Something in his gaze softens, then. His eyes dart once more, fixating on some point in the distance without truly seeing it.]
There is little point in it.
[And yet his hands come up to carefully remove his helmet unbidden. His hair is tied back in braids, similar to the ones Argenti modeled on him before, but much more clumsy; woven by hands that are unaccustomed to such fine work.]
Best make it count, then. You won't get another chance.
[The words sound empty, hollow. They aren't teasing or laced with the usual near-gentleness - after all, this isn't exactly Fray speaking anymore, is it?]
[ Argenti just knows that Fray's heart is deep in there. That deep inside all of that conflict stirring in the depths of his soul, that he is fighting to stay as himself. All of these little signs - the way he can't look at him, the way he even flinched away, even if his hand seemed to near his blade afterwards...like a warning.
But, he thinks he knows Fray well, and he knows that the man does not mean it all with any semblance of malice. He remembers his own reaction in turn.
He has given so much to Fray. Still, seeing him like that, removing his helmet, Argenti takes a breath. Not because of simply the action, but the sight of what lay underneath it, unveiling those braids - clumsily done, yet all the same. ]
...I shall claim my other chance when we have truly reunited, my dear.
[ Argenti's words are gentle, yet firm, as he reaches out, fingers rising to at first ghost along Fray's face, almost as if to cup it on either side, but they instead slide back against the skin, to gently ride atop the haphazard work. Then, he softly hums for Fray, wanting him to hear something from him - every Knight of Beauty knows how to sing, after all. Songs that are more ethereal than human, even if he plans to save the final performance for later, when Fray is back with him. ]
You are beautiful, like a spring flower that has just bloomed; your crimson Beauty is beheld by your dear lover. Enduring, everlasting, enrapturing.
Remember this moment well, my dearest Fray.
[ Then, Argenti presses his lips, soft and daring, against Fray's, as his hands far from that hair to lie still, against his back as he leans into him. It's not a chaste kiss. It's not the desperate parting of bittersweet feelings. It's not a symbol of resignation. It's an expression of undying passion, of unwavering devotion - of love. He seeks to impart it to Fray - to mark it deeply upon his soul - as he envelopes him by such an action an embrace that he intends to temporarily cause his heart to be unable to deny the flame it may rekindle in him. ]
[He doesn't look, not until Argenti's fingers are brushing against his cheek and then he simply can't look away. The feelings that rise within his chest are strangled, conflicted, and hesitant - because he shouldn't dare to feel them like this.
And yet.
Argenti hums and his melodic words captivate Fray; there's no denying that the look in his eyes has softened by the time Argenti kisses him - and for one brief moment, he returns that kiss. It's a reminder of what once was.
...It's a reminder of what once was.
He pulls back, shaking his head, eyes downcast.]
Then let that spur you to pursue me, if you won't listen to reason.
[His feelings settle back into something more familiar; his expression hardens into something downright cold.]
Until next we meet, Argenti.
[And with that, he's already moving to leave and put his helmet back on.]
[ It feels startlingly like a mirror image in some respects, of when he too had been under that influence of the darkness of his own heart. But, undoubtedly, a marked difference all the same, one that allows him to see the frigid nature of those eyes looking right back at him.
Still, despite that, and despite how troubling what the end of this encounter will spell out what needs to be done, Argenti doesn't feel completely at a loss. He doesn't feel that any of the drive he's felt is insubstantial.
If anything, he feels that those feelings have been stoked even fiercer inside of him. The emotional flames of resolve flare deeply within his heart, having already taken flight. So, even if there is a feeling of something bittersweet, that is not the only emotion that's come alive. ]
Fray...
[ He starts to say, the Knight of Beauty pausing for a moment, but then he shakes off whatever is holding him back from putting together the words he wishes to convey, his own bright, determined, yet loving gaze still meeting Fray's cold ones. ]
Yes, I shall see you once again. Until next time, my light of my life. At which time...I will guide you back to me.
[ But, Argenti will linger further, even when Fray begins to truly walk away. Perhaps waiting until the other man leaves in earnest.
And all the same, his heart is set. The words he's spoken today - the emotions he's displayed to him and shown to Fray - are all distinctive evidence of the promise he has made; a vow of his own, immense, powerful yet deep.
Which he will stop at nothing to make come true. To have Fray once again by his side...so they can claim their happy ending. ]
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linknet2024-07-25 09:10 pm
week 10
...Well, more odd than usual. He's been keeping his distance from the group and even stopped wearing the new clothes in favor of his old armor. His answers to the others are short and irritable and if anything, he seems intent on avoiding Argenti as much as he possibly can. Texts will go unanswered and he leaves his room at odd hours, returning only to the dorms when he has no choice but to sleep. He spends most of his time in the Nekyia fighting, and even when he isn't fighting, it seems like there's always a dull glow behind his eyes, like he's mere moments away from losing the last of his composure.
You probably already know what this looks like, having been on the other side of it.
You can find him in the Nekyia today, having just finished off a group of enemies. He's breathing hard, though doesn't seem to be all that injured; and with a cast of Diarama, he's certainly going to be just fine. Still, this may be your best shot at actually catching him, for once this week.]
no subject
Argenti at first wondered if he had gotten into an argument with someone or a couple someones when it initially began, only to notice that this continued even when it shouldn't have.
And it only seemed to worsen.
The signs are clear, but Argenti hasn't grown complacent. Allowing his dearly loved one to suffer without trying to speak to him, without trying to help, even if he knows it will be highly ineffective is...not something he's going to abide.
When he catches Fray in the Nekyia, he's hurrying on over to him. ]
Dearest Fray! There you are. I had been hoping to spend some more time with you.
...I believe you are overdoing it. How about we head back to the dorms together? I could cook something up for you, or we can simply back in each other's presence. It's been awhile since we have spent time in the company of one another.
no subject
Fray turns, eyes still glowing red, though after a moment they settle back into their usual gold.]
...You should stay away.
[His grip tightens on his sword for a moment before he sheathes it on his back.]
I am a danger to you - to all of you. This [he gestures, presumably to indicate the Nekyia] is a more suitable battleground for me. Leave me.
no subject
[ Stubborn as he is, Argenti isn't going to just immediately turn heel and leave. Perhaps if he were someone with far less stubbornness, with far less courage, and deep affection in his heart, he'd leave immediately. Perhaps even feel at a loss.
But, he's not like that. In fact, even at the flash of crimson, the Knight of Beauty steps forward, intending to close the difference between them. ]
...You are no danger to me. I know it. This place is not where you truly wish to be.
We have been together through much in these past months. So, I know, you would not wish to truly linger here. Please, return to my side, my dear midnight knight.
[ Perhaps the inevitable indeed will occur. But boy is he still on the 'going to try to bring him back even before that train'. ]
no subject
No. I'll not put you in any more danger, should I lose what control I have left.
no subject
But you have already retained so much of it.
[ His words are soft, gentle, as he continues to step closer to the other man. Even garbed in all of that armor, even with everything being as it is, Argenti feels unafraid. Even with stark recollection of the dreaded nightmare incident wherein he saw Fray become twisted into the Omen of Evil. Even with the knowledge of what could happen. ]
...I know you hold concern for me, that is why you say this. But, I know you have remained steady, even in the face of difficulty. I know it feels as if you may be holding on by a thread. Yet, it is not too late. I can remind you of that beautiful gentle self that lies so firmly entrenched within your heart.
You do not have to suffer in silence.
[ Daringly, he even boldly reaches out with one hand to Fray. Proof of his ardent belief - his unwavering faith, and deep loyalty steeped unerringly with a vibrant love that he feels stretches unto eternity. ]
no subject
This is exactly why you need to leave. You have far too much faith in me. You'll be hurt if you keep trying to reach out a hand to someone who can't - won't reach back. Leave me, Argenti.
no subject
But then it dissipates to something more determined, even as his fingers curl in on themselves. Still, he doesn't waver; he endeavors in keeping himself steady, ready to meet Fray's rebuffs head on. He refuses to give up, to give in. ]
...I can't! How could I abandon you? Why wouldn't I have faith in you?
You stood so firmly by my side, went through the trouble to rescue me. I have seen you work hard to save others. Your kindness, your loving heart...it is no illusion.
[ His words are soft, but he realizes that they are also desperate too. ]
And I believe firmly, deep down, you wish to reach back out to me.
no subject
Don't let me hurt you. If you persist in this folly, then at least ensure that you will still stand strong at the end of it all. You won't reach me. You won't be able to stop this. But if I can't persuade you to stop trying, then at least ensure you are prepared.
no subject
He does have an endless amount of faith in Fray, but even so, it isn't just well-wishes that carry this drive. ]
You would not hurt me. [ Not now. Though he knows from experience later is a certainty. ] And even if you did, it wouldn't be because I let you.
But...even so, this faith in you has not broken.
Yes, my dearest and beloved Fray, I promise to you that I shall not allow my determination to waver, nor break. Anything you say indeed will never deter me. [ Then he brings one fist to rest on his chest, eyes a blaze with passionate devotion and resolve. An indication of how much he is willing to persevere once more. ] Even if you should go far, far away, I will always be there to come and bring you right back! I swear it!
[ Argenti's gaze never drifts from Fray, focused on him all the while, not in grim determination - but beautiful, unerring strength of will. ]
no subject
You will be disappointed in what you find.
[It's a warning as much as it is a simple statement of fact. But even so...]
I cannot stop you from pursuing me, then. Very well. Do as you will, I won't attempt to deter you further. Just know that this path will not end where you hope it will.
no subject
That he means every single word he has said. Even if he knows the true challenge in that - in making his every effort in rescuing the other man will be tested once he's found himself deep within the depths of his Palace. But, Argenti will not accept anything other than a victory for a result.
He will have his dearest back by his side. He will show him just how much he loves him, with each and every single word - with every action - with each part of himself he has to give. ]
I doubt I will be.
[ He says softly, but also somehow firmly. ]
...You may believe this for now. That it may be futile - but I will be there to open your eyes.
But, Fray, before you or I part [ Argenti is stubborn so he imagines it will be Fray who will need to leave first. ] and before this all ends with us facing down one another, can you grant me an opportunity to still reach out to your heart? For me to see your face, again, and give you a proper send off until then?
[ Argenti asks softly, yet audaciously, fixated on Fray. Will he let him give him a kiss? ]
no subject
Something in his gaze softens, then. His eyes dart once more, fixating on some point in the distance without truly seeing it.]
There is little point in it.
[And yet his hands come up to carefully remove his helmet unbidden. His hair is tied back in braids, similar to the ones Argenti modeled on him before, but much more clumsy; woven by hands that are unaccustomed to such fine work.]
Best make it count, then. You won't get another chance.
[The words sound empty, hollow. They aren't teasing or laced with the usual near-gentleness - after all, this isn't exactly Fray speaking anymore, is it?]
no subject
But, he thinks he knows Fray well, and he knows that the man does not mean it all with any semblance of malice. He remembers his own reaction in turn.
He has given so much to Fray. Still, seeing him like that, removing his helmet, Argenti takes a breath. Not because of simply the action, but the sight of what lay underneath it, unveiling those braids - clumsily done, yet all the same. ]
...I shall claim my other chance when we have truly reunited, my dear.
[ Argenti's words are gentle, yet firm, as he reaches out, fingers rising to at first ghost along Fray's face, almost as if to cup it on either side, but they instead slide back against the skin, to gently ride atop the haphazard work. Then, he softly hums for Fray, wanting him to hear something from him - every Knight of Beauty knows how to sing, after all. Songs that are more ethereal than human, even if he plans to save the final performance for later, when Fray is back with him. ]
You are beautiful, like a spring flower that has just bloomed; your crimson Beauty is beheld by your dear lover. Enduring, everlasting, enrapturing.
Remember this moment well, my dearest Fray.
[ Then, Argenti presses his lips, soft and daring, against Fray's, as his hands far from that hair to lie still, against his back as he leans into him. It's not a chaste kiss. It's not the desperate parting of bittersweet feelings. It's not a symbol of resignation. It's an expression of undying passion, of unwavering devotion - of love. He seeks to impart it to Fray - to mark it deeply upon his soul - as he envelopes him by such an action an embrace that he intends to temporarily cause his heart to be unable to deny the flame it may rekindle in him. ]
no subject
And yet.
Argenti hums and his melodic words captivate Fray; there's no denying that the look in his eyes has softened by the time Argenti kisses him - and for one brief moment, he returns that kiss. It's a reminder of what once was.
...It's a reminder of what once was.
He pulls back, shaking his head, eyes downcast.]
Then let that spur you to pursue me, if you won't listen to reason.
[His feelings settle back into something more familiar; his expression hardens into something downright cold.]
Until next we meet, Argenti.
[And with that, he's already moving to leave and put his helmet back on.]
no subject
Still, despite that, and despite how troubling what the end of this encounter will spell out what needs to be done, Argenti doesn't feel completely at a loss. He doesn't feel that any of the drive he's felt is insubstantial.
If anything, he feels that those feelings have been stoked even fiercer inside of him. The emotional flames of resolve flare deeply within his heart, having already taken flight. So, even if there is a feeling of something bittersweet, that is not the only emotion that's come alive. ]
Fray...
[ He starts to say, the Knight of Beauty pausing for a moment, but then he shakes off whatever is holding him back from putting together the words he wishes to convey, his own bright, determined, yet loving gaze still meeting Fray's cold ones. ]
Yes, I shall see you once again. Until next time, my light of my life. At which time...I will guide you back to me.
[ But, Argenti will linger further, even when Fray begins to truly walk away. Perhaps waiting until the other man leaves in earnest.
And all the same, his heart is set. The words he's spoken today - the emotions he's displayed to him and shown to Fray - are all distinctive evidence of the promise he has made; a vow of his own, immense, powerful yet deep.
Which he will stop at nothing to make come true. To have Fray once again by his side...so they can claim their happy ending. ]