[phone call - Quistis]

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

[Ring, ring. There's a Judge Magister on the line, Quistis.]

Comments

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

[Phone call? Must be business.]

SeeD Trepe speaking.

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

[He smirks slightly.]

Quistis. It is Gabranth.

Are you well?

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

Oh! Hello, Gabranth. I'm doing fine.

[A bit of an awkward pause.]

... and how are you?

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

...I am actually calling on business.

Would it at all be possible to hire you, or perhaps one of your comrades, in order to aid in the capture of those who murdered Vayne Solidor?

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

[Her tone turns much more professional]

I'll have to run it by Squall, but I'm sure we could get one of us could do it.

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

[He can't help but be amused by her swap to professionalism. He still keeps his tone the same as always.]

Thank you. I am afraid that whilst I would rather find the person or people myself, I am occupied with caring for Lord Larsa...

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

[Her voice softens slightly]

How is Larsa doing?

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

He... is quiet, for the most part. He had refused to speak until I coaxed him into it... and even now he hopes that Vayne will be returned to life...

[Noah tries hard to sound as stoic as always, but this is affecting him, and his voice is weakened slightly.]

Yet, as always, I will remain at his side until he no longer needs me.

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

[There's a small sigh; she expected no less, especially after such a traumatic experience.]

I'm glad he has someone as supportive as you by his side.

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

There is no one else that could manage him in this situation...

[He sighs but decides they should talk about something nicer.]

Anyway; how has work been, as of late?

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

It's been... a bit slow. We've had a few missions trickle in, but my services haven't been required yet.

[No, that's not a hint of frustration in her voice.]

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

[Pft, he clearly picks that up and, yes, he's going to mention it.]

Then I take it you are rather frustrated with the lack of activity.

You are always welcome to visit Narshe, should you require a break. Though, I cannot promise the weather will ever be pleasant. It snows almost constantly.

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

[She's glad that this isn't a video conversation, as she's a bit flushed at having been caught. It was unprofessional of her to complain, especially to a potential client!]

A little bit. I'm just not use to such long intervals between missions, but I suppose it's to be expected-- this isn't home, after all.

[There's a bit of surprise at his offer.]

Snow? Sounds much more like Selphie's element. I'm not one to usually take vacations, but... I'll keep your offer in mind. Thank you.

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

Aye, 'tis rather difficult to simply have but one duty here, myself. I am used to running armies, not simply being a father figure to Lord Larsa...

[He pauses with a slight laugh.]

It isn't my place of preference either. Archades, of where I hail, is warmer due to its more North-Eastern setting on Ivalice.

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

It's odd when you think about it-- we should be savoring these periods of calm, but instead we just grow restless.

The snow can be beautiful, but it's also so cold. I've lived near the sea for years, so I'm use to warmer weather as well.

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

Indeed, though I suppose it is merely that we are more content when we have the work we desire to do. When we are needed.

Aye. I was actually born in a small republic between the desert land of Dalmasca and the forest-like land of Nabradia, thus it was always hot during daylight hours. To suddenly find myself in Narshe... it is unsettling. [He laughs lightly.]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

[She grows a bit quiet at his words, mulling over them. For some reason, they carry much more weight to her than she expected, but she shakes it off.]

Mm... sounds like the complete opposite of what you're use to. I take it that it's been difficult to adjust to?

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

It has, but as a soldier I am expected to adapt quickly.

You say you lived near the sea, Quistis? [Nudge, nudge. Your turn to spill, lady.]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

Oh-- yes, Balamb Garden was situated between the coast and a range of mountains. It was a nice location, since the mountains blocked out the cold from the north and the breeze from the sea maintained a comfortable temperature.

[A small sigh.]

I don't really remember much about my time before Garden, though.

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

I see. It does sound like a pleasant setting.

[A pause.]

Ah... you have lived a long time on Garden then?

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

I've been enrolled in Garden since I was ten, though my initial years are a bit hazy in my mind. I... don't have all my memories, unfortunately.

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

You... do not have all your memories? [Brain might be breaking...]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

Remember how I told you how we don't need armor in our world, because of the Guardian Forces we use? Their power comes with a price. Because they reside in our mind, they take up the space in our brain which stores memories, so they fade over time. It was always a theory which had never been completely proven until just a while back. In fact, I didn't remember I was an orphan until recently..

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

...I... I see. [Weeeeeird. But he's going to so be nice about this.]

It must be difficult to be unable to recall parts of your past. Especially when you are young still.

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

It... it's a bit unsettling, yes. Brief flashes of memories come back to my mind every now and then, but they disappear just as quickly. I had been junctioned ever since I became a SeeD, and since I was younger than most cadets I suppose I lost more than others.

[There's a pause as she composes herself.]

But since I'm not junctioned anymore, perhaps the absence of the Guardians will help me regain some of my memories.

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

[Aww, he just wants to cuddle her...]

Perhaps you will regain those memories, but whether or not, you are still the strong woman you have become. I have come to learn that while the past changes us, holding onto it can damage things far more precious.

Even if you never recall what you have lost, it does not change the woman you are now, Quistis.

[And now he's going to shrink back into his armour, even though you can't see, because he's a total awkward turtle.]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

[She's surprised by his words-- not only did he listen to her rambling, he's also actually comforting her. It was a foreign feeling, having been heard for once. Though he can't see it, there's a small smile tugging at her lips.]

... Thank you, Gabranth. Your words mean a lot to me.

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

I only hope they may bring you comfort, Quistis. I am afraid it was my brother that inherited the more... compassionate nature our father had.

[He clears his throat. Okay, so he might be good at giving Larsa advice, but this is the first time he has ever given anyone else advice.]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

[She gives a small laugh.]

Don't worry, Gabranth. Your words were comforting. And you're right-- what matters most is that I've become who I am, and knowing the past won't change it. I guess I can't help but be curious if something in my past shaped my personality.

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

It is quite possible that something might have happened to shape the way you are now, in fact I would like wager that it is so... and it is quite right that you should be curious, but even if you never find out what that thing was, it shaped you into a good, strong woman and that is what matters.

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

It just gets a bit frustrating at times. Sometimes I feel as though something is sitting on the edge of my mind, but if I think too much about it, it slips away.

[A sigh.]

But there's no use trying to chase something that doesn't want to be pinned down. It probably isn't anything significant, anyways. I'll have to just focus on the future.

[She realizes she's been rambling again, and clears her throat.]

Thank you for taking the time to listen to my problems, Gabranth.

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

I understand the need and desire to track down something that has escaped you and draw it near.

[Except, in his case, it wasn't a memory but his twin instead. And he framed him for treason, faked his execution and spent two years torturing him. Yeah.]

I am more than willing to listen should you ever desire a welcoming ear, Quistis. 'Twould be wrong of me to turn you away when we have such an accord.

[He'd say friendship but...]

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I hope you know that the sentiment is returned, if you ever need someone to talk to.

[empires-lapdog.livejournal.com]

Thank you, Quistis.

I have kept you for far too long. My apologies. I will let you return to your work.

[herownhero.livejournal.com]

Oh-- don't worry about it, really. I'll let you know if I find out anything about the assassination.

Have a good day, Gabranth.