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.
[Sometime early in the week, Fray ended up in a situation that ended very poorly. The situation was "sparring" and now he's sporting a very nasty wound beneath his armor - as well as his armor itself sustaining a very rude cut down the chest. Oh well, he'll be able to fix that himself at some point, but fixing his own injury is a little beyond him without access to his magic... and so he's come here, to Argenti's door.
For a moment he stares at it as if deciding whether or not to do this. Asking for help doesn't come easily to Fray, just as it doesn't come easily to his student. He almost considers leaving and tending to this himself, as best he can, but a wave of pain hits him and leaves him nearly doubled over for a moment before he decides, no, he can't do this himself, and he needs help. So. Argenti it is.
Fray knocks on the door and raises his voice. Somehow, despite the pain, his voice is just as even as it always is.]
[ Argenti has been tending to his own business in his room at this time, fortunately! By that, we mean re-arranging some items, and occasionally giving praise randomly to the potted plant that has been there from the very beginning (it came with the room), but in essence he is not doing anything of real consequence. So, at the least, Fray's arrival is good timing.
It's a surprise โ but a very pleasant one! Argenti hurries on over to the door and in his quickness almost rams into the door...haha, good thing that didn't happen. Imagine having to explain that to Fray! Anyway, the door opens slowly and carefully, even if he's tempted to slam it open with excitement. Because, he wants to help him! ]
[Ah, just what he expected of Argenti. That brightness is almost too much to bear, but there's a reason why he sought out the Knight of Beauty, so Fray steels himself against it.]
A sparring session of mine went... poorly. Very poorly.
[He brings up a clawed gauntlet to gesture to the front of his armor - you can easily see that it's been cut into with a sharp blade, and that the fabric underneath is stained even darker than the rest of his attire.]
I cannot tend to the injury alone, so I seek your help. You still have the supplies we gathered, I trust?
[Fray still has some but going to his room to get them seems... ill-advised in his condition.]
Argenti's eyes widen, but he quickly steels himself so he doesn't just stand there. If anything, he is good at acting quickly. ]
โPlease, take a seat on the bed.
[ He gestures to his, not Schneider's, as he rushes to get out a large towel and lays it there. Then, he hurries to a section of the room before he begins to rummage through some items he's put away neatly in a corner. ]
I do. I brought some along into my room, as a just in case โ though I hadn't thought...you should've been more cautious. You were trying to be as cautious as you were when we fought, right?
[ Despite the fretting and worry settling in his tone, somehow, despite everything, his hands do not shake even once. He is thinking of the way the cut looks and hoping it isn't as bad as it looks, though he is steeling himself for worse. ]
[Good man. Fray enters and shuts the door behind him - should Argenti's roommate come in, he won't complain, but he'd prefer to keep this between the two of them. While Argenti gathers up supplies, Fray removes his chestplate and the shirt beneath it. His helmet stays on, of course.]
I was being cautious.
[The emphasis there likely says enough. He wasn't expecting a near-death blow from his opponent in a sparring match...]
Though regardless, the fault is mine for underestimating him.
[Fray takes a seat so that Argenti can get a better look at the injury. Like the mark on his armor, the blade's cut follows its path, leaving a bloody trail that starts close to Fray's collarbone and descends down his torso, stopping around the bottom of his ribs. The cut is something that can be healed from, surely, but it's bound to put a hamper in Fray's movements for some time until he heals. Also visible (but less important) - Fray's skin is tanned and very well muscled, clearly from lugging that heavy sword around all the time.]
[ Argenti takes in every exposed section of Fray before him, the wound and muscles included...he wonders, perhaps, for the first time in earnest what is under the helmet. There are a flurry of thoughts flittering through his head even as his movements are still well-coordinated when many would easily lose their head. He also takes in a breath at the response โ of course Fray had been as cautious as he could be, it makes sense.
Immediately upon discerning the look of the wound, as well as the entirety of it in earnest, he realizes that just deep enough, and it may as well have been a fatal wound.
The remembrance of fellow felled knights come swiftly, temporarily, yet painfully. ]
...I thank Idrila that you are yet still alive. It seems you were up against a skilled swordsman indeed, and underestimation is quite a deadly thing. Yet, I have to assume this is not a result either of you two desired.
[ But, if Fray's sparring partner did want this...no, he can't presume that. Even now. Though, Argenti does not think he would be so charitable if Fray were dead. He begins to bring up the antiseptic, because he knows how to use that. Sorry if this stings before he applies the bandages!! It is just a spray, but after that he will break out said things in earnest, easy to hold and apply in his hands. ]
It'd be a shame to not have the opportunity to have ridden with you if you had passed.
[The sting of the antiseptic doesn't even get a flinch from him. How could it, when it's necessary for the wound to heal? And besides, it's got nothing on the wound's pain.]
You really are eager for that.
[He thinks go-karting sounds very silly, but if Argenti's looking forward to it that much... well, he may as well try to make it a fun time.]
Try not to worry too much about me. It's a mistake I'll take care not to repeat.
[After all, he wasn't exactly expecting this outcome. Now that he knows such serious injuries are a possibility... Well, he'll be more careful.]
He did seem mildly worried about what happened, so perhaps he'll learn to control his strikes better.
Good. Seeing another dead knight...I would not like to witness such a sight once more.
[ The usual lightness in his tone is accordingly absent, even if that brightness can't ever be truly dulled out of him. He knows he is the type of person to show his emotions on his face, not hide it so he has no shame in showing his concern, because the thing is there is the fact that it was a near death blow.
But yes, he is hoping that Fray will still enjoy himself at go-karting. ]
I am quite glad he was at least appropriately concerned about the result.
...Once your wound is fully healed, my worries shall clear in earnest, my fellow midnight knight. But, fortunately for us, go-karting is a simple enough activity. And, well, my excitement about it is still present because I am very, very fond of racing. I also do tend to take part in intergalactic races and different ones.
But, I do hope you'll be able to enjoy yourself too, even after this.
[ And doubly fortunately, Argenti doesn't think reopening a wound in a very light-racing competition is going to be likely. ]
[ It's definitely enough and he thinks, that he will be content with that, at the least. Argenti has not paused in his bandaging, swift but efficient as they ease more into the topic he has sort of...started gushing about. ]
Truly? Then, yes, I shall most certainly provide my services to you as an excellent guide!
In general, racing in of itself can be quite the profound and enjoyable experience. The adrenaline, the feel of the surroundings passing you by at high-speed, and then the true exhilaration which may as well be another aspect of Beauty that can only be glimpsed on the racetrack.
Oh and as your guide, please if you have any questions before everything starts, I'll be happy to answer them!
[ Imagine if Fray somehow managed to become ejected from the go-kart. His bad luck would be truly legendary!! ]
[And there he goes again... Well, it's not like Fray really minds. Some people are yappers, he gets it. (He too is a yapper.)]
You'll have to teach me how to even make it move. When I say I have no experience with such things, I mean none. We'll have to find a time to practice so I don't hold you back from your true racing potential.
[There's a hint of humor to that, but he's not being sarcastic. No, let Argenti win all the races his heart desires!!]
Oh! I suppose it would not be surprising if you are not too familiar with racecars, or racing spaceships...
[ Not many are for spaceships in general, actually, but Argenti has hardly had the chance to discover that. That said, he almost goes to pose until he remembers what he's doing, and gives a note to himself to finish bandaging, then pose. ]
Very well then! I shall show you each and every step on how to operate such a vehicle. I also don't mind us practicing a great deal beforehand. Though, would bright, early mornings or the distant afternoons suit you best?
Oh, you have never seen them? Perhaps I should show you some images I've taken from the Galactic Race!
Do you wish to see?
[ Argenti asks after he goes to wrap another bandage, careful as he's tightening this one as well, as well as checking the general appearance of them afterwards given the state of the wound. Naturally, he thinks considering the wound, it is a natural consequence that changing them will be necessary but, he thinks he's done his best for now with what he's managed. Still, to be absolutely certain, he'll...just double-check his work as he's speaking: ]
Ah, I really wouldn't wish to disrupt your sleep schedule by having you wake up too early! And you do need proper rest to recover; I refuse to hamper that in the slightest. Therefore, I believe it will suit us best were we to aim for when that lovely, beautiful afternoon radiance makes its way over the city. Agreed?
[Thankfully, Argenti's bandaging work is perfect; not too tight, not too loose, and done well enough to support Fray's daily movements without fear of causing problems. Though he'll undoubtedly need a bandage change at some point, this is perfect for now. Fray lets him continue to double-check his work, though the words get a soft scoff from him.]
You worry too much about me. [fray you literally got sliced and diced today] But that will suit me just fine, regardless.
...Though, before I do, I will simply say that you are deserving of the amount of worry given. Even if I trust you will persist.
[ Argenti says gently, though firmly. At least he has faith now Fray will live, evidently enough, even if he does not let him make too lightly of what happened. ]
Now, with all affairs settled, please...feast your eyes on this!
[ Who even says that? ...Argenti, that's who.
The red-haired man brings out his cellphone in a mere heartbeat, lips upturned in a small smile. Of course, the phone case looks incredibly extra, and then he will show the other man the images displayed, indicating space itself but also images of individual people in spaceships getting ready to take flight. Or some already having done so; there's one of Argenti's hair color and thumb but he passes by that quickly. There's also a white and glorious-looking spaceship. ]
This is the One and Only, my spaceship, by the way. [ yeah he named a ship that ] The others that you've witnessed were participants in the Galactic Race.
[Something about that first part makes him feel... strangely more vulnerable than he does now, with his chestplate removed and Argenti fixing the bandages over a wound he should have been skilled enough to avoid. But that momentary uncomfortableness fades as Argenti retrieves a different device and as Fray begins working his coat back on and armor over it, he studies the images presented.]
So it's true. You really did manage to explore space.
[Not that he doubted Argenti's words, but seeing the proof of it... It's something else. He had never really thought about what space would be like if one were to explore it - that was more his student's realm of daydreaming, after all - but to see the pictures of these racers so eager and ready to race... It really does make it sink in that Argenti's home is so different from his own.]
I see. How did you obtain your spaceship? Was it built for racing? I have a great many questions I could ask about traveling through space as well, but I'll save you for now. We've nothing like this at all where I come from. The most we have managed is travel through airships.
Oh yes, certainly! Though, perhaps I should keep well in mind not everyone may have done so, as I am used to others having the opportunity. Whether it's from a mere passerby to more familiar people I have come into contact with, like the crew of the Astral Express.
[ Which is probably a bit more interesting. Though, as Fray goes to reclothe himself properly, Argenti is keeping note if he notices any movements to indicate that he may need to fuss over him again. Just for the sake of being vigilant.
But, for the moment he mostly focuses on truly still holding up his cell. He also doesn't mind that the other man spoke those words of his...it can be certainly surprising to contend with space travel if one is unfamiliar with the idea, let alone space-craft. Even if the idea of it being foreign to others here is an adjustment for him too. ]
I obtained my spaceship due to becoming a Knight of Beauty. We cannot expect to spread Beauty throughout galaxy by remaining on one singular planet, after all. But, I digress...it was not originally built for racing, though I had made modifications to it so it could be used more effectively as much. In many ways that hobby of mine has worked out for the best, since it means speed isn't an issue if I am called to somewhere where someone needs me.
[ There's an inevitable tingle of curiosity at the back of his mind. Excitement to learn more about Fray and his home world (and the tech), lowering the cell to smile at him as he sparkles radiantly. ]
Oh, it does sound like we truly have some major differences between our worlds, though I think it makes it all the more exciting! Are these airships vehicles that float with air magic? Is that why they are called that?
[You don't have to worry at all, since Fray seems to be doing remarkably fine despite the depth of that injury? Hmm. Regardless, he's able to get redressed properly and seems to be a little more at ease once he's settled into his full armor again.]
Fascinating... I suppose it is true that you would require a means to travel to spread your word and aid others, yes. I simply hadn't realized your scope was far larger than just one world - one planet.
[He uses the two words interchangeably, but that's obviously not the case in Argenti's world. How curious...]
Oh no. I have never learned how to properly pilot one and couldn't do it without the proper training. As for how they work... I couldn't tell you that either. I've made use of them several times, usually to get between the city-states of Eorzea, but I am hardly an expert.
[Sometimes you just accept that things work and you don't gotta understand shit. It's magic. It's also FFXIV so it surely has a detailed explanation of how it works, but thankfully I don't gotta know shit to play Fray.]
[ It's interesting, now that he thinks about it. But, Fray is moving quite decently for an injury of that depth, though as he ponders over that, and over the other man in general, he is of course keeping an eye and ear close to the conversation. ]
Quite so! Many may find it a little surprising, like yourself. Or I suppose some may think it daunting, though I've always considered it worth the effort. Though it is rare those of the Knights of Beauty cross paths with one another as we are scattered throughout the universe, at the least we are known to assist those in need. And be a beacon radiant figure of Beauty all throughout the galaxy.
[ Also apparently Argenti has an in-game fanclub, but he doesn't know that. Anyway, magic sure makes the world โ or rather, universe โ go round, right?? ]
It is understandable that there must be those willing to ferry others who are unfamiliar with how such machinery works for convenience's sake. Yet, even if space travel isn't exactly a feat as of yet on Eorzea, it sounds like a world that is teaming with its own beautiful splendors...ah. What do you like the most about your world? The people? The sunlight that rises in the day?
[Never change, Argenti. Fray pauses at the question, like it's something he's never really stopped and considered before.]
...The people, yes. Those that are wiling to fight with everything they have for a better tomorrow, in particular. Determination, the strength that certain people possess that allow them to continue fighting, no matter the odds. It isn't something exclusive to my world, of course, but it is what I've come to like most.
[Is he just describing his student...? Hmm, maybe.]
[ Surely Fray has other friends at home, right?? ]
...I can understand that. Someone's determination shining even in the worst moments; a radiant beautiful brilliance that follows them even from day to day like the brightness of the morning sun.
So, that must be a source of great Beauty to you. I too understand and acknowledge that wonderful quality in others as something to be admired.
But also because of people like that, the evils that dare to slink out are only ever truly conquered by those who never give up in ensuring that everyone can still see the light.
[ Argenti has met various people like that himself. In fact, that is kind of the pertinent reason as to why he joined the Knights of Beauty. ]
[ Well, Argenti is the type of person who definitely has a habit of taking action on his own, though it is also true he had help in cultivating the idea. Still, when he makes the offering, in a veritable place of worship, he isn't the type of person to act anything else other than respectful.
Though, he certainly isn't granting this goddess his true piety. All the same, he isn't the type to remain silent after the item is presented, as following that, he has a few words to impart. ]
Goddess Braphine, I have come before you now to make this offering and hope that it will prove to be satisfactory, as I wish to enter into a dialogue with you.
[ With that, he will simply await for a response. ]
[At first, nothing seems to happen. The table-like altar remains a solitary table faced towards the rest of the room, even if it's raised on a platform to showcase its importance as the seat of the Goddess herself, albeit with an ornate throne rather than the simple folding chairs scattered around the rest of the gathering hall.
But after a long moment of silence... something in the air changes. It no longer feels like the slightly dusty air of a largely abandoned hall of worship, but rather clear and strangely... charged, as if infused with some kind of energy.]
[And just like that, the throne is no longer empty - instead, a young woman sits primly upon it, golden hair to match the golden scepter in her hand, her eyes glowing in an unusual fuchsia hue.]
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