As often occurred when Sylvari had shown him such affections, Videl's cheeks would find themselves taking on a deep red tone as she had tussled his hair. He hadn't wished to acknowledge it but this particular action was one that he had been incredibly fond of. It was the first time that anyone had affectionately played with his hair and quite honestly, it was the best feeling in the world. Something that he had likely let slip through the manner in which his gaze had melted upon the action.

"I know that, love, but I still feel as though my strengths aren't enough. When fighting against someone with your capabilities, I simply can't uphold myself as of yet. With time though, that'll change. And then I'll be the protector out of the pair of us. There's no way that I would simply stand by and allow for you to die for me, after all. Or die at the hands of another whatsoever. Not unless it was something that you had truly sought."

He had attempted to tease her a bit by sliding in the word love amidst his words, much like she had referred to him as darling from time to time. Aside from that brief moment of teasing though, he had been completely serious. If he had ever put her into a situation that demanded that she end her life to protect him.. Well Videl would never be able to forgive himself. So as to ensure that such a day would never come to pass, Videl would do all that he could to ensure that his power had grown. Not only his capabilities in the way of the spear but his magic as well. He would be the one to ensure her safety. It was the only way that he could repay her.

"I look forward to the time in which we test our strengths against one another. I promise to make it a day worth remembering at that..! For now though, I suppose that we should continue to enjoy the festivities that today has brought. There's no telling what may occur tomorrow but for today.. Today, Sylvari, I would like to just spend my time with you."

Sylvari gave Videl a quizzical look at Videl as he spoke, frazzled by the nickname he referred to her with in passing. She gave terms of endearment out as readily as the noonday sun shone upon everyone, a side effect of spending such intense time under Romarii's tutelage, but she knew such was not the case with Videl. True, he may have picked up the habit by being in her company, but he wasn't the sort to unconsciously lie. The waking mind speaks buried thoughts, and Sylvari's cheeks flushed at the implication of his words. She turned away in shyness as he spoke of the future, staying silent for a few moments afterward before realizing he waited for her input.

"Oh, uh, yes, right, of course. Well, there's no more skilled combatants to fight, and that administrator is giving me evil eye. Let's be off. I believe it's your turn to pick."

Sylvari quickly rose and began striding purposefully away, without waiting for him to accompany her, trying to hide her embarrassment with distance. Videl was like family to her, but she was beginning to see he wanted a deeper place in her heart than even that, a place she had locked away and thought sealed for good.

When it had come to the events that were occurring within the Ribbinynh village, Videl had felt as though they had completed just about everything that the could attend. The only function that was left at this point was the poetry jam and that wasn't something that Videl was sure Sylvari would enjoy. Then again, when compared to the majority of the other things that they had done thus far, Videl could tell that she had mostly enjoyed the combat aspect of things. Her tastes were rather different in that regard so perhaps she might enjoy this as well. She was a rather refined individual after all.

Not that he would have much of a chance to show her at first..! Sylvari must have understood the fact that there was really only one activity left because she had rather quickly departed from his side after saying that it was his time to decide. Seeing that she had been heading off, Videl would take the time to catch up to her before walking alongside her. "Right.. My turn. In that event, I suppose that we should attend the last real option that they are offering to us. After that, we can head out in search of Noe and Mercy. Can't imagine us heading off without them."

With Sylvari now at his side, Videl would lead her off in the direction of the poetry jam. Once they had arrived, Videl would motion for Sylvari to take a seat before joining her in doing so. Only a few moments would go by before the next Ribbinynh speaker would go onto stage and speak on a poem of their peoples past. "In the days of yore, when gods waged war, On Crescent Isles, a tale we adore. Ribbinynh of old, in whispers and rhyme, Spoke of Uminohashi, a tale through time. A small civilization, in peril they stood, As gods clashed on shores, an ominous flood. To escape the turmoil, they sought a new start, A journey on Uminohashi, a tale from the heart. The great sea turtle, a god in disguise, Salina they called her, a celestial prize. In oral history, mythology's embrace, A tale of salvation, a mythic grace. Charon's pantheon, a cultural shift, Salina and Uminohashi, spirits adrift. Translations of poems, tales, and song, A melding of names, where myths belong."

"Ribbinynh believed, with faith so pure, Salina transformed, her mercy to assure. A sea turtle's back, their vessel to be, Uminohashi, their deity in the sea. As history unfolded, cultures intertwined, Salina and Uminohashi, forever entwined. A belief so strong, through time it persists, In jewelries, paintings, in art that exists. In the Ribbinynh's world, a fusion profound, The Crescent Isle's influence, forever around. In architecture, language, cuisine's delight, In fashion, in music, in the soft moonlight. Salina, Uminohashi, names of the divine, In Ribbinynh's hearts, forever they shine. A tale of escape, of gods and the sea, A legend cherished, in eternity."

Sylvari nervous energy from the flush of confused feelings before manifested in tapping fingers and feet as she and Videl waited for the next poet to take stage. She had hopes that such would be able to draw her out of her intense introspection. She had always held the arts in great regard; in another life, she may have pursued mastery of a field or two herself. Things being the way they were, however, what with her oath and her curse, she resigned her only expression of artistry to be on the battlefield.

Sylvari was enraptured and soothed by the Ribbinynh that took the stage, presenting an oral history of their people set to rhyme. It was a tale told in reverence and respect, yet it was not without undertones of regret and loss. The justiciar closed her eyes and finally let her wandering fingers still as she listened intently, losing herself in the beautiful words. She couldn't help drawing parallels to her own life. Perhaps that is the true purpose of art. The artist shares ideas of significance for themselves, in the hopes that others will see and commiserate. It seems all peoples simply want company, even in the depths of misery.

A pang shot through Sylvari's heart at the painful truth of her thoughts. She may be a justiciar, but she was not an immortal. She needed companionship to be able to bear the trials of life, so much moreso because of her mission. Videl was surely a blessing from the gods then, a method that allowed her to press on. She wordlessly took one of his hands in hers, giving it a small squeeze as if to convince herself that he was still close.

As the Ribbinynh had spoken their poem aloud, Videl would listen with ever increasing fervor. When it had come to sharing the tales of their past, and their hopes for the future, both the Ribbinynh and T'saya peoples had held quite a bit in common. To hear such a story come from the descendants of the initial Ribbinynh had brought a warmth to his heart that he simply couldn't explain. One that showcased a sense of belonging and understanding. One that he could never had received back home. While the story had covered quite a few things that he had already known, to hear it in such a state was enough to leave the T'saya feeling as though he were blessed.

That blessed feeling would grow ever stronger as Sylvari had reached across her chair and grabbed a hold of his hand. With a soft squeeze of her hand, she would gift Videl with her warmth. If his cheeks could get any redder by this point, they most assuredly would have. Honestly.. The whole thing had simply left him feeling relieved. And thankful. That thankfulness was enough to prompt him to raise their clasped hands and to place a soft kiss upon the back of Sylvari's hand in response to her own actions. Something that he hadn't even realized he had the gall to do.

Just before he could find himself lost in his thoughts of Sylvari yet again, the speaker would open up the room to anyone that might be interested in participating. They seemed to alternate between speakers with each poem. Figuring that he had wanted to end things on the most positive note that he could, Videl would squeeze Sylvari's hand once more before raising his other hand. "I guess that I can go ahead and give this a go.. Never really got to participate in these things in the past but I've been working on something of my own for awhile now."

Although he was reluctant to pull away, Videl would soon rise from his seat before making his way towards the stage. As he had done so, in the moment that his hand was to pull away from Sylvari's, his fingers would find themselves gently pulling her along before ultimately letting her go. Once up on stage, Videl would take in a sharp intake of breath before slowly exhaling it. From there he would begin to recite the words that had come to mind. A story of one that he had come to deeply care for and how he had hoped for her to see her own worth.

"In shadows deep, a justiciar stands, A soul encased in curses, unseen demands. Amidst the dark, where shadows dance, She fights for justice, takes her chance. A cloak of night conceals her grace, Yet within her heart, a radiant trace. A lonely path, with burdens untold, A tale of courage, a story to unfold. In the realm of shadows, where demons dwell, She walks with purpose, breaking the spell. Cursed and shunned, misunderstood, Yet her heart beats strong, for the greater good. She deserves the love that moonbeams cast, Respect and honor, a love to outlast. For in her struggles, virtues persist, A justiciar's heart, a tender twist.

She battles not for fame or gain, But for the light in a world of disdain. Injustice crumbles beneath her might, A champion hidden, veiled in night. Let love surround her, a guiding light, In the darkest hours, dispelling fright. Her soul, resilient, an unwavering flame, Deserves the love that bears no shame. Respect her journey, honor her strife, For in the depths, she seeks a new life. The justiciar, cursed and pure, Longs for love, steadfast and sure. In the shadows, where curses entwine, A justiciar emerges, a love to define. For she is worthy, deserving and true, A beacon of hope in the darkness, anew."

Once his recital had come to an end, Videl would perform a deep bow before walking off stage and making his way back to Sylvari. He hadn't been sure how she was going to react to this poem of his but he could only hope that she enjoyed it. That it might get through to her in the way that his words simply couldn't. So long as she hadn't been upset with him for the act than he would be alright. He hadn't considered how such a public display might make her feel, even if the Ribbinynh hadn't known that it was about her, until after he had finished what he had done. The anxiety that had gripped his heart at this point was enough to even slow his approach as he made his way back to her, taking his seat by her side once more.

Sylvari was surprised to see Videl volunteer when the event was shifted to favor audience participation. She knew her friend to be well-spoken and charismatic, but she also understood his eminent modesty and shyness that must have overcome to be willing to share. This must be important to him. My duty as a friend is to support him without wavering. I will appreciate all you have to say, V.

Sylvari's resolve was quickly tested, however, as it became apparent from the first few lines that he was speaking of none other than herself. She tried to work through her mind why he spoke of her so highly, so nobly. For her part, Sylvari thought of herself as tarnished, blackened and hurt as the rest of the world. Her only distinction in justice's eyes was her willingness to commit to its pursuit, even if that damned her to a life of a blind woman leading the blind.

But Videl obviously felt very differently. He extolled her virtues in inspired prose, heaping upon her unabashed praise that was as heartfelt as it was unbelievable to the vampiress. By its end, tears were flowing down her face at the depth of emotion he bared for her. Unable to face him, Sylvari rose immediately as he began to make his way back to their seats and headed for the stage. She didn't know what she would say, she didn't even know her own feelings at this point: all she knew was that she had to speak.

She took the stage gingerly, feeling amateurish and juvenile for the first time since her youth. Nevertheless, she looked out to the crowd, with tears still running in twin rivers down her face as she spoke.

Rain drops fall like burning ice 
On my skin
As I walk the path set before me

A million souls traverse the same way
As invisible to me as I am to them

A pit in my soul, heavier than the silent screamed expectations,
Forms, as all around, others have found shelter

Gripping agony in my chest drowns out all other sensation

The mind within my mind speaks of the sunshine surely coming
But reason finds no purchase in the unscalable walls of my heart

For in the dark, talk of hope is the height of folly
And despair waits in ambush like a predator of the night

The guilt of fortune further obscures my form
Rendering transparency, a forlorn hope

For blessings in anguish serve only to chain me ever deeper in solitude

Were someone to save me from this prison of my own making
It would serve only to justify my shame

And so I sit, amongst those who would be friends
With loneliness as my only companion

Sylvari was too overcome to think as words from her heart poured out like an unblocked river over a chasm. She knew not what she spoke, only that it was true. Her recitation left her wearied, shaken and unsteady. After a few moments of continuing to stand on the stage, she realized that the audience was waiting to see if she would say more. She knew he was among them. But she couldn't face him, not now. Sylvari left the spotlight in a mad dash, running anywhere but here. 

Eventually she found herself on the outskirts of the city, where she let out great wailing sobs that wracked through her whole being. Soft snuffles of a horse's muzzle revealed that Mercy found her way to Sylvari, who hugged her partner fiercely and continued to cry.

Remaining firmly planted within his seat, Videl would watch as Sylvari had made her way to the stage. The crowd had just finished snapping their webbed and non-webbed fingers when she had taken the stage, tears still cascading down her cheeks. Before anything else could transpire, Videl had taken notice of these tears. The act of crying wasn't something that he had seen Sylvari really ever partake in.. It was only in the rare few instances that she had actually done so, from what he had been aware of. The fact that she had been crying now had left Videl simultaneously distraught and confused. Had his words placed a heavier burden upon her heart or had he made things easier for her to process?

Once Sylvari had run through the rendition of her feelings via poetry, the answer had come to him. The words that she had uttered had been entirely devastating. Such raw emotion was practically palpable and had only served to bring tears to the T'saya's eyes, as well as the eyes of many others within the room. While there were those amongst the crowd that hadn't quite understood what she had explained through her words, the majority of it had been relatable to an insane degree. If not to those within the Ribbinynh Village than at the very least to Videl. He had never felt so connected to another through pain as he had in this moment.

Sylvari would soon fall silent, once her recital had come to an end, only for the crowd to watch on in silence. It was by this point that Videl had wanted to rise from his seat but had opted against it, so as to not be rude in the event that she had chosen to continue. Before he had known it though, Sylvari would soon flee from the scene. Worry overtaking him in it's entirety, Videl would instinctively channel his mana through his silver circlet and coat his feet in a thin layer of frost ^{[Frozen Feet]}. There were those amongst the crowd that might have made a complaint if they had seen him conjure such magics but given that everyone's gazes had drifted towards the fleeing Sylvari, there weren't really any that had managed to catch wind of it.

His speed now enhanced by his glacial magics, Videl would chase on after his fleeing companion. He wasn't sure if it was the best idea, considering that she might want space, but if there was ever a time to show that he had been there for her in the darkest of times, now was it. It wouldn't take long for him to discover where she had ended up of course, considering how he had been trailing behind her at a rather quickened pace. From what he could see, she had managed to find Mercy. A relief to be certain. Still.. He couldn't exactly bow out now. Having witnessed how she was now completely sobbing, Videl would take the time to glide up behind her before wrapping his arms around her waist and hugging her from behind. There were no words to be offered. Nothing that he could say had come to mind. All that was there was the hug that he had offered. Everything that he could offer.

Sylvari knew Videl had trailed her, of course ^{[Chaos Touched]}. With his growing arcane prowess, he was beginning to shine like an omnipresent beacon to her. Most times, his light was a comfort, proof of a friend close by that shone like the sun. Here and now though, his presence was like an inescapable lighthouse spotlight blazing on her when all she wished to do was hide. She tried desperately to put him from her mind, but as he wrapped her up in an embrace from behind, she could only sob harder, cursing her fate for bringing a burden too heavy to bear.

Godsdamnit, Sylvi. Get ahold of yourself. You're overly emotional because you haven't taken care of yourself these past months. And now you're showing weakness to V. Some protector you turned out to be. You torment the poor boy day and night with worry and unrequited love that you know will never come to fruition. You claim to be a protector of the innocent, yet all you do is destroy those closest to you.

Between her fits of shuddering sobs, Sylvari turned back in exasperated hopelessness. "Tell me the truth, Videl. You'll do that for me, won't you? You love me, right?" Sylvari turned to despair again as she could see the answer plain in his eyes. "Why? Why do I torment the people I care for? Is it something I'm doing unconsciously? Is it part of my curse to draw people in so? Why can't I just allow myself to be swallowed alone? No, I have to drag others into the whirlpool with me."

She continued to cry, still speaking something, but too incoherent to make out.

As Sylvari's question had met the air, Videl would freeze in place, his mind trying to accept that this query of hers had been real. Even with how obvious he had been in his feelings, she had never really shown that she had accepted them. Not to the point of blatantly acknowledging them like this. And given the circumstances in which she had asked, as she find herself pressed against her frigid steed in tears, Videl could instinctively feel that there was something wrong with it. As though this wasn't going to play out the way that he had hoped they would. Instead, it had begun to play out exactly how he had expected it to.

Frozen in fear of his worries having met reality, Videl would say nothing. Not that anything more had needed to be said. This much was evident in the fact that she had continued on. What she had said next had done nothing more than deal a heavy handed blow to the T'saya's heart but this go around, he was sure to keep a neutral face in response. Even with his facial features remaining impassive though, nothing more than worry for her drawn within these features, it was his eyes that had given him away. Hearing those words had left him feeling more inadequate than ever before. More than he had felt when his family had cast him aside and more than when the two of them had initially fought. Rather than blow off his feelings or accept them, things had actually been far worse. She had believed his love for her to be a curse. His love was held in the same regard as her vampiric nature, from how he had interpreted it, and that was something that he wasn't sure he could easily get over.

What was so wrong with the love that he had held for her? Was it too much? Too little? A waste of energy that had left her with nothing more than despair? While she had claimed that she had wrought despair unto others, Videl had believed that she was projecting her own despair onto those that were outside of herself. To compare this pure and unfiltered love and acceptance to a curse.. It was perhaps one of the worst things that she could have done. And yet this love had remained untainted by her words even now. Despite the pit that once more linger in his chest, the void that had felt as though it were drawing him in to prevent him from seeing the warmth that accompanied the light of day again, Videl had subconsciously accepted her words and forgiven her for them. If she was simply projecting than this wasn't how she had felt. That was the excuse that he had give himself to accept her words and push on past them.

Rather than acknowledge that she had hurt him in such a way, Videl could only smile and extend a hand out towards her. If she had permitted it than he would softly brush her cascading tears away. If she hadn't than he would allow for his arm to return back to his side. Either way, he would speak to her in an attempt to dissuade these feelings of hers, in hopes of setting her heart at ease. "Of course I love you, Syl. You're my truest friend and the constant, the unwavering star that guides me through every twist and turn. You are more than a love; you are the sanctuary where my soul finds solace. In your presence, I discover a warmth that I have never felt before. A warmth that overcomes the glacial nature that surrounds me both within and without. In your smile, I find the melody that soothes my restless soul, and in your touch, I discover a language that speaks directly to my heart. Our journey together is not just a series of shared moments but a tapestry woven with threads of trust, understanding, and an indescribable bond. You are the poetry in the mundane, the music in the silence, and the muse that inspires the very best within me."

Rather than step in towards her, Videl would proceed to take but a single step back. So as to give her the space that she very likely would need in this moment. If she had wished to keep him close than he was sure that she would reach out to him. Whether it be through her words or her touch. "Throughout this journey of ours, I have come to discover that you might never share such feelings for me. That this oath of yours holds too strong a sway for you to ever accept the feelings that I hold. And I accept that in it's entirety. The only torment that I know is the one that rages within you and I have absolved myself to see this oath of yours through to the end. Until that day descends upon us, I shall continue to do everything that I can to show you that you deserve this love. For I would walk to the ends of this world and the next to absolve you of your sins and burdens. To ensure that you never have to face another moment alone. For you are loved. And as I have previously stated, you deserve every ounce of love that this world has to offer."

Videl's sweet words hit like hammer blows to the justiciar's heart, as it became apparent just how hurtful her words were. But she didn't cry: she couldn't. All her tears had been expended and in their place was a deep and abiding weariness of her soul that loomed like a black cloud, subtly filtering outside stimuli. As Videl retreated from her, she turned and slumped against Mercy's leg, falling into a sprawled sit as she leaned back against her equine companion.

She regarded Videl with dead eyes, staring at him in silence, as the quiet extended for seconds, and then minutes. She wasn't aware how long she sat there, doing nothing, but Videl never left, and looked back at her just as constantly as she looked at him. They may well have been on another plane, a timeless one: one of exceeding, personal turmoil. Finally, words leapt into her mouth, spilling out before she could consider them.

"You know I'll kill you one day, right? Maybe not today, or tomorrow, or in the next 10 years, but eventually. Traveling with me is a death warrant. I drag everyone down to the pits of the hells with me, and then plunge them deeper. I've shed all the tears I can. I've tried to convince you to choose life, rather than whatever image of me you've dolled up in your head. If you still choose this path, I swear, I will never bring up my feelings on the matter again. But I need you to know, no matter the saint, no matter the virtue, short of the gods, everyone will fail at some point or another. I am no different, but I will destroy everything around me when I do. When that time comes, I pray to every heavenly power you can end me before I devour you."

Sylvari's tone was as expressionless as her eyes. In some ways, these were the truest words she had ever spoken.

Silence. History had shown that whenever the pair had sat together in silence, that it would likely go one of two ways. Either everything would go to shit and the pair would depart from one another or Sylvari would say something completely absurd or hurtful and Videl would forgive her for it. He hadn't an inkling of which it would be this go around but Videl could tell that it would likely lean towards the latter. Especially after he had just forgiven her for calling his love a curse. At this point, he just had to stick with it and show her that she deserved the kindness of the world as well.

After several minutes had come to pass, Sylvari would finally speak what had been on her mind. Whether this was the truth or yet another diversion to drive him away mattered not. Rather than fight against these words, Videl would even go as far as to accept them. He knew that this was a fate that might befall him. He had known ever since the day that she shared her vampiric gifts with him. Since the day that the pair had met. And yet, now, after all this time, it hadn't worried him. He had grown stronger in several ways. Not to the point of driving her off but enough to see that there was a hidden potential within him. Potential that Ak'ka had seen all those months ago. Potential that he would tap into in the days to come, so as to ensure that Sylvari's words wouldn't come true.

"You may hold this belief, that such a day is to come to pass, but I refute it. While that might have been the truth in the past, it shall no longer hold any power over me. Whether it be today, tomorrow, or decades down the line.. I shall always stand by your side to act as your protector. Not from the outside world but from yourself. No one deserves such pains.. To hold such ill thoughts about themselves."

Rather than crouching down to meet her gaze, Videl would step in towards Sylvari and only stop when he had stood just above her. It was intentional this go around, Videl making himself taller than her on purpose. So as to show her that he would stand tall no matter the situation at hand. "Even if I don't like them though, these feelings are yours. They are real and they are your expression of self. So feel them. Speak on them whenever you desire. Shed all the tears that you feel compelled to. Revel in the pain while it lasts. For in time, I shall smite that very pain out of existence. Look to me as your beacon. Allow for me to serve as the guiding light, in a similar manner to how you serve as mine. And when you find yourself slipping to grasp of your vampirism? Trust in me to beat you down before raising you back out of that pit. Above all else? Know that, no matter what happens, this love of mine shall remain true."

Sylvari sighed deeply, an old habit, and slowly rose to her feet, mere inches from Videl's face as she stared down slightly at him. Her eyes had regained the spark of dangerous intelligence they usually held as she regarded him, staring into his eyes with her crimson orbs. It was unclear whether she found what she was looking for or not, as she continued to stare at him, unblinking, when she spoke.

"Then let us speak of it no more. What will be, will be, and on that day, the gods will direct as they dictate." Sylvari remained close, so close, for a few moments longer before turning to pet Mercy once again. She spoke with her back turned.

"I'm afraid I'm no longer in a festive mood today. I think it's time we move on." The vampiress turned once again and fondly stroked Videl's cheek. "Thank you for trying to cheer me up. Sorry I'm not a more receptive vessel."

The fond moment was broken like a spell, as Sylvari retreated her hand as quickly and suddenly as it came, striding past her companion back toward the village. "Let's collect Lumi and my armor and be off. We should be able to hit a campsite tonight if we ride at a clipped pace."

There was nothing more that he could say to her, in this moment, to get through to her. Her lack of an initial response as she had risen had made that evident. It was to be expected, given the current trend of things, but he had hoped that today would hold a special place in her heart nonetheless. While he might not have intended to make her cry with his words, he had managed to do so earlier. To the point in which she had fully broken down. She could try and push those feelings away rather than acknowledge them.. but he had truly hoped that she would learn to face them.

Much to his understanding, Sylvari had called a close to the events of the day. Seeing as there wasn't all that much left for them to do anyways, Videl would obediently nod along before preparing to trail after her. As he had been about to take a step though, Sylvari would reach up and gracefully rub at his cheek, sending the mans emotions afloat once again. She truly was his one weakness.. "It's.. It's okay, really." And with that, Sylvari was off. She had begun to head back towards the village, and much like the lovesick puppy that he was, he would trail along after her. From there the pair would collect Lumi before heading out. One thing to be noted was that while Lumi had not been all that thrilled to see Sylvari, she had indeed been jovial at the encounter held with Mercy after so long. And from there? The four would depart.

[EXIT]