[ closed ] Life is a series of journeys, my friend

[afflatusexarch]

Who: G'raha Tia & CR
Status: Closed
Where: Various
What: Catching up and conversations regarding more recent events back on his star

Warnings: SPOILERS :)





[ If you would like to have a private conversation with G'raha regarding his involvement as events unfolded in Dawntrail, hit me up. ]

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Zack Fair | Seventh Heaven

[afflatusexarch]

[ It is... Actually quite disorienting, to find oneself returned to a place where there had only been vague dreams of. Though to realize that those vague dreams had not, in fact, been dreams at all makes his heart ache. There is a shame in him, for to not recognize the fact that there had been a separation is weighing on him. Heavily. While this particular journey has not quite yet seen completion - there is many and much more to do still - there is no denying the fact there is a lull. Matters are settled, for the time being, and now he is aware of what Krile may or may not have been hinting at.

Or perhaps she is unaware of what had transpired in Tural?

No matter. He would see to having a conversation soon enough. Instead he uses his ring to transport himself to the Seventh Heaven, where someone special is surely waiting. After all of those promises...

G'raha pushes the familiar door open now, feeling the grain of the wood against his fingertips. It opens with an echoing creaking sound. Here, G'raha would wait for Zack. Or, perhaps, the man is already there. His aching chest requires this man's warmth. ]

[activatingcombatmode]

[It had only been a couple of days. But it had been the longest days of his life. Since his life here consists of seeing or talking to G'raha every single day in some capacity going a few days with total radio silence feels like an eon. No messages. No calls. No answers.

He hadn't reached out to G'raha's crew just in case they were simply out on a long voyage or something along those lines but the longer the days went the longer they felt to Zack. He worried. And he worried hard.

There was no way that G'raha was... gone. Right? At least not gone for good? Zack feels like if that were the case then he would somehow know. He would feel it. Or G'raha would find some way to tell him so. But there is a pinch of doubt in the back of his head.

He's sitting on the edge of the bed, hand rubbing slowly over the shared bracelet he wears. Its missing partner is nowhere to be found. And yet, the moment that the door starts to creak open the bracelet seems to flicker with a signal and-]

Raha!

[There he is. In all his redhead catboy glory. The immense rush of relief that Zack feels nearly winds him.]

[afflatusexarch]

[ All of this things had still been in his room or on his person, like he had never truly left at all. Perhaps that had been the intention behind the magic? It is hard to say, for no one really understands how the magicks have been woven for them to arrive here. Upon this star. G'raha might be one of the few that truly understand the complexity of such a thing.

He knows that Zack would have worried. They talk every day, even if they do not see each other. Though most nights are spent here than not, truth to be told. That had been the very reason that Raha had taken care to upgrade the ring.

Hearing Zack's voice makes his ears stand up. A smile quite readily finds itself on his features and his throat feels tight with emotion. ]

I... I have returned to you.

[ It has only been a few days for Zack and yet he sounds like that. How difficult it is for G'raha not to simply run to him. ]

[activatingcombatmode]

[It isn't difficult for Zack. As soon as he hears G'raha's voice and sees his face Zack is up on his feet and practically dashing for him. He scoops his arms around the other man and pulls him into an unbearably tight hug. He inhales G'raha's hair slowly, taking it in as fast as he can.]

Where did you go?! It's been days!

[He sounds happier and relieved more than anything else.]

Could have left me a memo or something...

[afflatusexarch]

[ Oh! Zack certainly isn't one to hesitate, no. It puts Raha at ease. So as Zack scoops him up into a hug, G'raha wraps arms around his shoulders. Yes, the tightness of it will make his body sore, but he is latching onto the other with all of the strength he can muster in kind. ]

Apologies, love. Had I known that I would be disappearing, I would have been sure to do just that.

[ Yes. This familiar warmth is nothing short of a balm. ]

It would seem that these rifts can sweep someone back home temporarily as well.

[activatingcombatmode]

[He takes a good long minute just to hold G'raha very tight and close. Enjoying the shape of the man's body back in his arms like he hasn't felt that in months. It's only been three days, but it feels so much longer. Maybe it's because G'raha did go back to his star. Holding him feels like liquid sugar warming in his veins. And it's only after he's satisfied that he loosens his hold so he can reach up to hold G'raha's cheeks in his hands. He checks over his features, same bright red ruby eyes, two fluffy cat ears, same lips.]

So you did go off on an adventure without me. [He gives G'raha a relieved smile.] I'm glad you're back and you look like you're in one piece too. I was worried about you.

[afflatusexarch]

[ G'raha allows Zack this, gently lowering himself from standing on tiptoe to flat on the floor. He leans into the touch at his cheeks. Keeps his eyes open long enough for Zack to gaze into them before Raha closes his eyes. Breathes in. Sighs out.

Yes. yes this is a place that he wishes to be. ]

Only half an adventure, love. The majority of the time was spent taking care of paperwork and sorting ourselves out. Though I did help in mounting a cannon on a train.

[ He opens his eyes once more, smiling in return. ]

I thought you might, yes. 'Tis why I wanted to be sure to find out as soon as possible.

Krile Maya Baldesion | Eltrut

[afflatusexarch]

[ Of course after Zack, there is another person of import that must be told of what is going on. Or, rather, why he would have been unreachable for several days had anyone tried. Thus a quick message is sent to Krile, asking her to meet him at one of his favorite little cafes on Eltrut.

Why here? It might have something to do with the pastries and the treats but also maybe the drink selection. It is entirely a mystery. Still! When Krile does appear, she'll see him waving. ...And several things to try on top of a drink already ordered and waiting. ]

I apologize if I have interrupted your schedule for the day.

[lalasass]

[Over the past few days she had attempted to contact him, but having been busy with her own matters, she had not given it too much thought. She firmly believed that her friend would respond whenever he was able to. And that time did eventually happen.

She was thankful for clear directions to the cafe. Krile was able to arrive only a few minutes after the appointed time. Upon spotting G'raha in the cafe she made a beeline for the table, offering a wave in greeting. ]

No need to apologize, my schedule has been quite flexible for the time being. [ As she manages to hop up onto the chair across from her friend, her eyes are already alight with joy at the delicious goodies on the table. Her fondness for sweets was well and truly no secret. ] My goodness! Whatever is the occasion, Raha?

[afflatusexarch]

[ A smile touches his lips. Her fondness for sweets is no secret and G'raha himself had found a new love for simply enjoying all manner of food. ]

Aye, so it is for the both of our schedules.

[ Hopefully she doesn't find the feline themes a little too on the nose. It can't be helped. He thought that the creativeness of the staff should be shared. ]

As for the occasion, I might have just returned from a visit home. Well, mayhap not Sharlayan, per se...

[lalasass]

[ So long as the pastries taste delicious and not of, Twelve forbid, Archon Loaf, there is no reason for her to mind the choice of cat-themed delights. She wastes no time in helping herself to one of the cream puffs with strawberry slices and allowing herself a quiet chuckle at the cuteness of it. Held delicately in her small hands, the dessert requiring her to use both to keep it steady, his words make her give pause as she was preparing to take a bite of the fluffy, sweet treat.

Her brow furrows for but a moment as the implication sinks in. But as if to make sure she was understanding him correctly, her response was soft spoken and careful. ]

You visited home... as in, you were able to return to our star? Our timeline?

[afflatusexarch]

[ The pastries are of good quality. Make no mistake about that. As if G'raha would want his sweets to taste anything remotely close to Archon Loaf - though he appreciates it like most who come from Sharlayan do...

When she mentions "able to return" he gives a wry grin. ]

Aye, indeed. Now I am most curious about what you thought I would discover when I did.

[lalasass]

[ At the sight of his grin, Krile knew immediately that they were now standing -or better yet sitting- in reverse from when she had first arrived here. Now it seemed to be her turn to be the one a few chapters behind in the story. ]

Well, when we last spoke of home it was about the mysteries of the Twelve and of the upcoming trip to Tuliyollal.

[ She had been so excited to set sail. The chance to discover the mystery behind the missive her grandfather had received from the Dawn Servant tucked away in the annex. Without thinking, after having set the pastry down already, she touched the clover earring that hung from her left ear. Already she felt the beginnings of eager anticipation begin to grow. ]

Were I a betting woman I would wager that, perhaps, you've learned something of either? Or even both?

Kaveh | Dendro Haus

[afflatusexarch]

[ It's quite humorous for him, really. There are so many people that care about him. He supposes he shouldn't find that altogether funny, considering that it isn't something NEW or anything like that. Though he still feels like he should... At least visit?

Thankfully, G'raha does give Kaveh an advanced notice that he will be visiting. Mostly he wants to know how the other is doing, though no doubt that Kaveh will fuss as well.

So when he knocks, he thought to bring something with him. Something he hopes will potentially appease any nagging that might follow. ]

party at dendro haus

[empyrean_mirror]

[Giving Kaveh advanced warning was a good move, because it does mean he can set aside the other...goings on in the house and come open the door. It had been some time since he'd heard from G'raha, and of course he'd been worried, but right now, he's just glad to have heard from him.

So the door opens quite quickly after G'raha knocks, Mehrak having beaten Kaveh to the door with a cheery beep.]

Oh, you made it! Come in, I wasn't sure if you'd prefer tea or coffee so I hadn't started any yet...

[afflatusexarch]

[ You know... He probably doesn't need to know about what "other goings on" there could be. G'raha is perfectly content staying in the dark. So let's just focus on the fact that the cheerful little machine has come to greet him before Kaveh.

There is a chuckle as he presents his gifts to Kaveh proper. ]

Something sweet would be my preference. Though I might have that part covered myself.

[empyrean_mirror]

[wdym g'raha he just took in a smaller redhead after a messy breakup and adopted a cat?

Kaveh laughs, and takes the gifts, Mehrak balancing them.] So I see...but I can't be so poor a host to allow you to provide everything. Come, let me see what I can find, make yourself comfortable.

[And to be fair, Kaveh has a very comfy looking couch!

And a banana-shaped couch. Don't. Don't worry about it. Or the collection of Fish Statues on a shelf in the wall.]

[afflatusexarch]

[ Stop being such a parent Kaveh! G'raha is going to follow him and Mehrak either way, tail flicking. ]

I also cannot be a poor guest that would invite themselves over and expect you to provide.

[ Even though it seems like his friend is insisting upon it. G'raha merely smiles and... Stops. He just stops dead in his tracks looking at the couch and the fish statues.

What on... ]

Ah. Does being an architect not include interior design?

[empyrean_mirror]

[Kaveh stops. And sighs so, so tiredly.]

G'raha, if I couldn't convince him to not buy these things and bring them home before we got married, what makes you think I could now?

Dongfang | Raiders Ship

[afflatusexarch]

[ His head hurts. That's the first thing that G'raha takes note of when he pulls himself out of the ocean waters and onto a ship. For a moment, he has to lean against the railing, feeling entirely disoriented and strangely overwhelmed. Such a thing doesn't oft happen with G'raha, in truth. At least not too often - usually only when someone goes out of their way to make him feel appreciated. Right now it is not one of those scenarios, but rather trying to get his bearings.

For the briefest of moments, he knows not where he is. The scenery is unfamiliar to him. He doesn't know the design of the ship nor the sails. And then it is as though he is being punched to the gut - only mentally. Assaulted with memories of people and places. It's enough for him to turn around on the railing and empty the contents of his stomach.

How long... How long has he been gone? It feels like years to him... ]

[yuezun]

[The call goes out across the ship as G'raha is pulling himself up - 'man overboard' - and within moments of his climb beginning there are hands trying to grab him and help pull him up. To get him onto the deck and check him over. The crew gives him room as he stands and then empties his stomach. A medic is called for while the men and women crowd a bit too much before suddenly the space around G'raha is emptied and a specific, singular presence makes himself known.]

G'raha-!

[He grabs at the man's shoulders, pulls him around to face him, and starts checking him over - more than a little frantic as his hands squeeze perhaps a bit too hard on G'raha's upper arms before moving along.]

Get him clothes!

[The order is tossed over his shoulder at the crew now scrambling to give them space and then his attention is back on his zhiji.]

Are you injured?

[afflatusexarch]

[ Honestly, having so many people around him, at first, is too much. His ears are picking up too many sounds. Nose detects too many scents. Initially, it is as though he knows everyone here and yet he does not at the same time. G'raha's mind is working overtime in truing to make sense of all of the information that is suddenly consuming him.

Everyone leaves save for one person. Only one person and that, oh that is so much easier for G'raha to manage. It doesn't feel as though there is sensory overload going on, even if as Daqiang first begins his examination, those red eyes are still somewhat glassy. Hazy.

Eventually his hand does come up - to the man's shoulder - to get him to stop fussing so. ]

A-a moment, if you please.

[ He just needs everything to STOP for a brief moment so he can put all of these tumbling pieces back together. So he can make sense and comprehend what is going on here. ]

[yuezun]

[The hand to his shoulder doesn't really stop him from fussing (he never stops fussing when he's worried), but he does allow his hands to come to a stop when G'raha requests a moment. He held himself still - so still, nearly a statue, hands on G'raha's elbow and not quite holding a breath but very close to it - and murmured softly.]

As many as you need.

[afflatusexarch]

[ At the very least, this isn't quite like the time where one soul had started to blend with the other. That had been over nine decades of memories - terrible and delightful ones - hitting him all at once. This time it would seem that there are only a handful of moons. Much more readily digested than his previous experience.

Now it might take a few moments all the same. But eventually his breathing evenings out. His head begins to hurt less and the world is no longer spinning.

And yet one question remains: ]

How long have I been missing?

[yuezun]

[He wasn't actually sure. G'raha had many places he liked to be and not all of them were near enough for Daqiang to feel his spiritual presence at all times. He could only assume G'raha had disappeared while Daqiang was not near enough to feel it. It was the lack of contact across several days that had made it clear something more than simply hanging out with his other friends - or spending time with his lover - was going on.

And since he didn't know for sure, he left it at a simple:]

Long enough to be missed. What is the last day you remember being here?