These were words she heard all too often prior to her venture; these were the words that played as a plea for reconsideration. At first, they had the strength of daggers, but after so many attacks to the heart, one was able to build armor that could endure the guilt and tears of having to say GOODBYE. 

But this was different. This plea was coming from her most treasured friend, someone Yuna built her entire childhood around. For some reason, hearing her words spoken into existence justified that this was REALLY happening. It didn’t help that when the words finally trembled from her friend’s lips, they inadvertently made her halt in her tracks. Fantasies and training never prepared her for how uncooperative her heart would be in the parting process.

Despite her solemn countenance, a glimmer of a smile could deftly highlight her natural grace. A recollection of memories shared with the jubilant Rinoa played once more before she forcefully shook herself from this trance. There was no way she could give up now, not before she took her FIRST STEPS. 

There were no rhythmic sequence of words that could comfort her dear friend or make her believe that the events that were to ensue would be OKAY. Rinoa wasn’t one to fool, this Yuna understood all too well. However, it would make things a bit easier if she were able to mend her friend’s pain, if only slightly. 

        ❝ Do you remember the PROMISE we made? Together, with Angelo? 

                                                            — Back when we were nine? ❞

libervtor:

@nulshock

— Hmph… The expression she wore was strange, a mixture of amusement and confusion, conflicted and foreign, even to herself. It was not often that she met a summoner so young yet so successful, truly talented. It was even less often that she met one who carried, in essence, her name.

She did not need to be told it. Her scent was familiar. But, that was not all. Perhaps that was some weird twist of fate or irony for, in truth, as her eyes ran over the young woman, Yunalesca noted that she reminded her very much of herself at that age. She wore that same expression, a subtle determination, strength, that had carried her so far, so long ago.

But, it had not carried her far enough.

     “ Welcome, summoner. ”

A tinge of disbelief was painted on her porcelain visage, eyes resting on the silver locks of Yunalesca in awe. To stand before someone with such a notable reputation— someone so GREATLY admired in Spira, all words FLEETED from her knowledge. She was truly fixated by the reality, the reality being that she was HERE, in Zanarkand. She made it so far, she had to give herself credit for that— but HERE would also determine the end of her pilgrimage.

A BITTERSWEET feeling it was, to make it to Zanarkand, to rise above all the trials and tribulations that followed, and to especially overcome the grief that was well awaited.

But, she was HERE— and she stood HERE without fear nor regret.

❝ Lady Yunalesca… ❞

solsigil:

@nulshock

                                             _{feet  had  began  to  DRAG  hours  ago  when  the  sun  had  been  perched  at  its  peak  in  the  the  sky,  now  she  was  falling  yet  again  to  rest  on  the  horizon        &        to  bathe  the  whole  land  in  a  SOFT  orange  glow.  they  had  been  walking  all  day,  and  though  the  party  had  insisted  that  they  were  almost  at  their  destination  the  boy  from  Zanarkand  is  all  too  ready  to  take  a  rest  stop.  by  this  point  he  has  ALREADY  forgotten  where  exactly  it  is  they  are  going  and  why.}

    ❛     _{so,  uh,  where  what’s  this  place  we’re  heading  to  again?}     ❜

Easy breaths were fit to undertake the task of falling from tender lips, GLORIOUS disparate orbs scanning the vaguely familiar land that was Moonflow. Upon absorbing the serene atmosphere, a wave of nostalgia crashed from beneath her, BEGGING her to recall on times where she travelled to Moonflow once with Kimahri. A smile tugged at her lips as she settled her eyes on the mighty shoopuf, holding back a gentle laugh— held and CAPTIVATED by the faraway memory.

❝  — we rest here. ❞

inartibus:

         ^{❝ PERISH the thought, my Lady––. ❞ An apology for an apology; how archaically COURTEOUS of her— mayhap common chivalry between unforeseen companions had not yet withered & crumpled unto arid dust. The brunet seemed POSITIVELY genuine; as did the counsellor in their exchanged words. Her unbridled spirit does seem uncannily AKIN to the one that the bespectacled male had become meticulously accustomed to in Lucis—. Still, his sworn liege & the chosen betrothed are more oft than naught the harbingers of utter CHAOS. Thus the origin of his patronizing mannerisms; not that it is an appropriate EXCUSE for stoking her initial anxieties.}

         ^{❝ I would simply find it DISDAINFUL for someone with a profound sense of benevolence to be utilized for war––. ❞ Not that the young woman should’ve avoided the prelude of battle nor choose to avoid whatever it was she deemed SIGNIFICANT unto her own heart. However, the current status of this world made it seem as though rancorous CONFLICT was inevitable. Combat, paranoia & ample bloodshed are not an uncommon sight to behold; a particular fragment of his stagnant unconscious URGED him to remain at her side. For the time being, of course—-. ❝ Might I keep you some brief company to repent for my previous offense––? ❞}

Astounded by the stated remark left the elegant visage of the Summoner in a mere state of bewilderment— her brow raised at it’s slightest. It was as if the man carried a bag of faces on him, switching from each— yet they all carried the same courteous, refined elements that one would reckon to be heavenly divine.

There were no doubts that swayed the brunette to judge that the stranger was DANGEROUS, rather she felt he was INFLEXIBLE. To say this aloud would be out of her conduct, so instead she dwelled on the odds that bygone teachings had engraved their firm stringencies on the man. He seemed TOO inerrant; too gracious to the point it almost intimidated the Summoner.

Yuna was not one to let her manners slide— yet they were not nearly as enhanced as the other’s. Hesitant to respond, she found that stammering with her words elapsed timid seconds. She didn’t fear of him, not at the slightest— instead, flustered by his generous offer.

❝I’m flattered by your eager will to keep me company. Although… I’d hate to keep you— You seem like an awfully occupied person.❞

fightism:

_{The cadet nod and followed after the brunette. It was apparent that her company was not liking him to tag along but it seems that this female is in control of this group. None protested against his coming, so could he assume that the situation around here is not bad as it in his world? If this was reversed, things might be more complicated.}

_“Hm? —

_{(Temple of Yevon…? As it sounds perhaps some cult involved. People of Spira. Is this the name called for the people around here–no. if so then she would be…unless this is again the same concept in my world. Four nations whatnot. One thing clear, I am kind of in the safe side until my tongue slips.)} 

_{Ah, yeah. It made so the wearer can be more flexible.”}

_{He cannot possibly go with ‘ yeah promoting new outfit’ if this is some kind of religious group. Does not add up. It was evident in the brunette voice how much she is excited– simple as it is about clothes. The monk cleared his throat before introducing himself.}

_{“Nice to meet you, Summoner Yuna, everyone. My name is Eight. Ah, it is okay. Anywhere is fine as long as I can get in touch with my people. May I ask what kind of pilgrimage is this?”}

Withdrawn from the words that had poured from the other’s mouth immediately surpassed the brunette’s cordial aura, and in result her tracks met an abrupt halt. A lingering moment elapsed and still the mismatched orbs of Spira’s Hope remained lifeless; achromatic.

To ask a question such as the one Eight felt obligated to unveil not only vexed the brunette, but also allowed her to return to a sullen state of mind. Feelings she thought she’d toss aside long ago FOOLED her, as they eagerly returned once more to dull the young Summoner’s mood. It was a fact, that people in Spira, children especially, were enlightened by the adversity of a Summoner’s pilgrimage.

Once soaking up the incredulous question, that probably wasn’t intended to trouble the brunette, Yuna forced the slightest of a smile, continuing onwards and letting his question drift aimlessly along with the heavy silence. Just then, in this silence, did she begin to question if Eight was really from this world.

❝ The inn should be just up ahead. ❞

The Daughter of Lord Braska noted optimistically, though her forced enthusiasm could easily of been drawn out by anyone if they took a swift glance at her delicate visage. As she followed the remainder of the path, Yuna’s thoughts still curiously wandered on Eight’s home, if Spira wasn’t his own. 

inartibus:

^{❝ You should remain WARY of strangers, ❞ he does not necessarily mean to scold her; not in particular, at least—-. But he has always been otherwise FORTHCOMING in his commentary. She seemed a genuinely compassionate young lady; a lot like the one that’s been betrothed to his liege. Perhaps it was that same source of SENTIMENT which had brought about his initial concern for her welfare. ❝ —-My SINCEREST apologies, dear lady, ❞ he revoked the prior statement due to his abhorrent behavior. ❝ I did not mean to appear so INTRUSIVE—. Some latent instincts tend to resurface at the most INOPPORTUNE time——. ❞}

_{@nulshock ♡’d—-!}

         Taken aback by the stringent introduction, the brunette was prompted to retaliate, until she considered it would be best to simply LET IT GO. With disparate hues that were blanketed by a genuine notion, underneath stung with slight vexation. To regain her composure and tame the fury sealed within the confinements of her physique, was without a doubt, REASSURING. Patience was something Yuna was well equipped with— although it would be unwise to mistaken this trait of her’s as a weakness, since she never had a problem disarming her well mannerisms for ascendency.

Upon receiving the profound apology, Yuna had allowed her lips to curve into the slightest of a smile, still a tad bit uneasy from his reprimand.

❝ It’s all right..  I—.. apologize if I brought you any TROUBLE.. ❞

_{It was not obvious that he was out of this place, wasn’t he? Good thing that the good quirk of his is to stay calm no matter what. Chestnut hues darted around before they return back at the brunette.}

_{Mulling over the idea to whether accept the female’s suggestion or turn it down. If he was to accept it, then he needs to stay on guard all the time. However, if he refused then he would wind up alone and without any lead. Best course of action is to follow her and see what he can uncover in this journey.} 

_{“I am in your debt. I have a hard time remembering my way let alone read a map, heh. Not to mention my guide kind of bailed out on me.”}

_{Yosh. That seems like a good excuse to be alone in this place. Let’s just hope that this kind of circumstance can actually happen in this place. Either way, it is a possible one, right? If this failed, somehow, a plan B is to commence immediately.}

Confounded by his reasoning of abandonment brought the Summoner to raise an eyebrow in wonder, yet her face was still planted with concern and well mannerism. In response, the young brunette that had set off on her pilgrimage simply nodded, kindly gesturing the other to follow. 

Despite her guardians’ skepticism and hesitation, they continued onwards, refusing to question Yuna’s naive moralistic ways of displaying gratitude to the fellow Spirans.

Walking alongside the taller male, Yuna began to catch her eyes observing and admiring his differentiated attire. 

❝ I’ve never come across that type of array on the people of Spira…Tell me, is it a new design funded by The Temple of Yevon? It’s absolutely.. Beautiful! ❞

In slight embarrassment, the fascinated brunette averted her vision and focus elsewhere, in fear of upholding an intrusive approach. 

❝ My apologies… I.. My name is Summoner Yuna... And I’m traveling with my guardians, you see.. To complete my pilgrimage.. Although.. I do hope we can help you return to wherever it is you’re from. ❞

aeristheancient:

   ❛ hm, i’m not sure i did this the right way. the spheres don’t really look like they are in the right places.. i think the machina sphere should be on the other pedestal. ❜ it’s obvious that she is beginning to grow more frustrated. if only there was someone who could help her, no turning back now though. aerith was not a quitter. 

@nulshock​

❝ Aerith? ❞

A greeting that could have been interpreted as stained bewilderment, withal overlaid substantial incredulity that momentarily set the young Summoner in a state of shock. What was Aerith doing in the Macalania Temple, and most importantly what motivated her to begin the Cloister of Trials; a test only built for summoners and their guardians? Peering over the brunette’s shoulder, the daughter of Lord Braska began to veer her head indifferently, reaching for the Macalania sphere that was held in Aerith’s hands. Praying to Yevon the Summoner didn’t disrupt the brunette’s heavy concentration, Yuna placed the sphere on the pedestal, giving it the slightest of push. In effect, the pedestal shattered the frosted barrier located only a few feet north of the pair and paused from the damage. 

❝ There! Now push the pedestal forwards so it slides along the icy ramp and down to the bottom floor!  ❞

 fightism:

_{Vast crystal clear blue sky stretched before the young cadet. A scene that rarely comes by even for Rubrum’s weather due the war aftermath. The cadet was astonished by his unfamiliar scenery. He messed up, didn’t he? This does not look like near where he was–speaking of weather and geological wise. Inwardly sigh at this rookie mistake, he spotted a brunette walking by the area. Whether she is alone or not, the monk kept his guard up. But due his situation, he needs information since the COMM is not reacting at all. Slow steps towards the other, Eight need not to alarm the other. Walking to her and asking for information is a bit risky.}

_{“Excuse me, Ma`am. It seem that I have lost my way around here. Can you guide me to the nearest town?”}

 _{| | @nulshock liked for a starter.}

A pair of quiet clicks sounded as Yuna climbed up the stone steps that ascended to the viridescent, ruined trail. Once the pads of her boots surfaced the ground, bi-colored oculars peered at the ahead sighting; a display of amiable and well behaved chocobos, few Spirans, all blanketed by the prominent aroma of the Mi’hen Highroad. 

Hesitantly continuing and absorbing the route she’d follow for the remainder of the day’s bring, unknowingly set the Summoner behind her guardians. Catching herself from the mere distraction, Yuna walked a few feet to deem her place back beside her guardian, Lulu. 

Along the thirty minutes that had passed of following the prolonged trail, the brunette seized to catch an unfamiliar’s eyes that had settled upon her own. Inquisitive she was, the acclaimed Summoner paused in her tracks to be confronted by the other. 

Nearest Town? Odd. In Spira, most, if not everyone knew their way around. A face coated in slight bewilderment, yet still glazed with her accustomed courtesy, Yuna tilted her head.

❝ The nearest town? Well it seems you may be heading towards the direction of the Djose Temple, although the city of Luca is only located south of here... It isn’t too far, although I’m afraid the transportation and hospitality there is a bit pricey… If you’d like, you may follow us to the end of this trail, where a travel agency inn is located. ❞

☾ @lazuliss

LET IT BE that eyes blessed in resplendence settled yonder of the port that made up the one and only Besaid. Watching the flickering of stars that reflected upon the cerulean expanse of endless seas began to trigger her thoughts once more. Always at an hour such as this late one would her thoughts come into play and eat away at her very being. FUNNY it was, to battle these CARNIVOROUS animals just as she’d begin her pilgrimage.  

SHE KNEW what lay ahead of this journey; this was her calling. Despite the tears that may have formed beneath her oculars, the young Summoner took this moment as an opportunity to say GOODBYE to the place she grew up in. She inhaled the salted waters that made up Besaid for the last time, reminiscing on days where she’d once play alongside the port with her sand buckets, watching Wakka and Chappu practice blitzball. (when they were actually suppose to be babysitting the young daughter of Lord Braska)

Although the memories seemed distant, Yuna allowed herself to freely smile at the times where she was HAPPIEST. That was until, quiet footsteps from afar overruled and concluded these mere memories that clouded her focus. Alerted and in wonder, the woman draped in her summoner’s garment turned her head to meet the azure of one’s eyes: NOEL.

Loss of words and without a reasonable excuse to stay awake at such an hour was the effect of a lingering moment passed. Yuna averted her eyes back to the ocean, letting her words pour out naturally, as they typically did with Noel.

 ❝ I needed… To say goodbye. ❞