For a moment, she was taken aback by the man that had exited the library. Not hooded, hidden away from a gaze, instead in full reveal for her, and her alone, to see. Soft red hair, an aged face tainted with weariness of running a city and crystal that crept up his neck, words died in her throat as she stared upon the Exarch. Truly, he was nothing more than a man, rather than some looming figure, and her heart lurched in her chest with moderate realization that should have been known from the start.
He was mortal, just as she, and had the weight upon his shoulders that she could not fathom.
“Uncomfortable is a word for it.” Azuna spoke finally, her gaze drifting down as he bowed, lips still pursed. “I feel as if they had done so only by your command, which is comfort, but also curious.” Of course it was simply that she was no more than a new resident, and he the ever so doting Exarch to his people.
Examining his arm, slowly she moved to hook her own around it, taking a small moment to press palm to skin. A brief glimmer of silver in her gaze, the activation of an innate healing asset, the woman sought to investigate the status of his being, yet found herself halted. The crystal encroached and hindered her, causing the Healer to look away.
“Aye, it does.” She remarked, allowing herself to tug him slightly, as if offering him to rest against her. “More than I was expecting. Your markets are fruitful here, and the soil is rich.” Her gaze, a resumed sandy hue, flickered back to his revealed face. “And the people seem to be rather fond of you, yet only hold you akin to a deity. Do they know of your face, as I now do, or is this somewhat of a special occurrence?”
He took in a long, tired breath as they stepped out of the Ocular and headed towards the interior of the Dossal Gate. The Exarch sensed her hesitation as she touched his arm. It was no great feat for him to sense the gentle movement of her Aether as she wrapped her arm around his. Having the power of the Crystal Tower in its entirety at his fingertips included some welcomed, but unexpected benefits. He relaxed his limb in hers, sensing her concern for his well-being. He had been both blessed and cursed by tempering himself with the tower. The opportunity to extend his life gave him access to untapped power, but also took its toll in the form of the need for sustenance and rest. On occasion he would feel the ebb of basic needs tugging at his body, and he would fulfill those requirements and then return to his inhuman routine.
He halted for a moment and blinked in disbelief and comprehension. It wasn’t often he was seen without his protective coverings, but it wasn’t rare for him to explore the Crystarium without his hood. They knew his face, most knew the toll the tower took on him, and they respected his privacy despite their curiosity. He smiled, realizing that the expression he was wearing must have appeared to be one of horror in reaction to her question.
“It is true, I have asked them to include the route to your abode. I assure you it is more out of protection than any need for deception. The few landscapes that remain of Norvrandt are still under the plague of Light and the Sin Eaters. It would not suit me well to welcome another into the solace and security of the Crystarium without ensuring that you and your home are safe.” He cleared his throat. It had been some time since he had last eaten, and he could feel the pit form in his stomach.
“I am glad you are finding comfort here. I know Kholusia was your home, and a change of scenery can be fraught with uncertainty.” He smiled, but the smile did not reach his eyes. He was tired, but he was always tired. So much work to be done, and even with the vast wells of energy the Tower can provide me, I still am left wanting for more... he thought.
“You think so?” Her comment raised his eyebrow. “Maybe Lyna hasn’t been truthful with me after all.” The Exarch offered her a toothy grin. It wasn’t often he joked anymore, but on the rare occasion it was a small boost his soul needed to continue about the day. “They do,” he nodded as they stepped out into the unnatural light of the day. “It is more a formality than to keep my identity a secret. How can they trust a man they cannot see? It is not for a want of privacy, but for my own comforts that I hide my face. The crystal that covers parts of my body is a great cause for concern for some, and I prefer they worry not about the state of my health. The people here have more pressing concerns than my appearance,” he sighed.
He treated the Crystarium and her people like a doting father. They all looked to him for guidance, and protection every day since he had arrived. Granted, it took him some time to gain their trust, but that was generations ago. It would break his heart to find if they had been following him blindly like the people that had flocked to Eulmore in recent months. Yet, Azuna had more apprehensions and suspicions than any of his current citizens. It was almost refreshing to speak with someone who did not revere him so highly.
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