the trip had been long and exhausting , his sore feet never getting a proper break from the continued journey , and he reflected that exhaustion : back hunched from fatigue , eyes a little bruised from terrible sleep on rocky terrain , and a worn down smile on his lips .
at least he was home , standing along the white pathways with the distinct scent of salt water misting the entire island -- a comforting smell which lead to a comforting thought : a salt water bath , steaming warm , perfect for his sore and protesting muscles .
but first , he had to see his father and then his mother , make sure they knew he arrived safely -- mainly , in all honesty , he wanted to speak to his father , but there was a sense of trepidation to doing that .
lovek’s journey was meant to be for research for the final stage of his diploma , something he had chosen , taking him far away from his home on an adventure . were he not unable to manipulate the aether for travel , things would have been much faster , but alas . he has to make due with the limitations of his true heritage , whether he liked it or not .
but it lead to seeing sights he didn’t expect to see , things of massive interest -- his research was meant to be a study in areas largely affected by the calamity and the aetherical imbalances that caused it , which lead him surprisingly near to ground zero .
right to dalamuds shards .
as lovek stood at his father’s study , sure that he must be here if his chronometer was anything to go by , before knocking and then sticking his head inside , a tired smile on his face .
“ hey , i’m home , “ he announced despite it being obvious , opening the door a bit more . “ are you free right now ? i can come back after if you are ... “
