Fare Well
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=<* A10: Temple District *>=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
No stars. No moon. No light save for that generated amidst the city from hearths, mana lamps, and the like. A type of evening that some might presume is idyllic in Aya's mind. Yet it is through the square between the temples that she travels; an area that may well be the most well-illuminated area of the city at all hours. Moreso, her path is not one merely passing through, as it carries her towards Eluna's Temple.
Instead of being inside the Temple proper on tis evening, Seldan has chosen a different path. He wears full gear, as if arriving or leave, but leans against a tree in the main plaza, studying his fingernails. It is nothing so much as if he was passingtime, waiting for someone to return.
Even with petitioners, clergy, and the few evening travellers, the square is not so heavily occupied. Thus the armed and armored man is somewhat conspicuous. Aya's course alters from temple to templar. Once near, she offers, "Good eve to you, Silverguard. Seldan. How fare you?" The latter is offered after a moment's delay.
Seldan's straightening is accompanied by the clank of metal, for not even enchantment can wholly silence such gear. He seems used to it, though, and bows politely as much as the metal will permit. "Her light upon your path, Mistress Aya," he greets formally. "I am well enough. What of yourself?"
Aya comes to a stop a step and a half from the straightening Seldan as she takes a moment to ponder the answer to that basic inquiry. "I am ... better than before. Better than I expected and perhaps better than I deserve. And I aim to improve it further. If She were to truly grace my path with Her light, I would be most welcoming."
"If She has guided you from the path you once followed, then perhaps She has already done so." Seldan remains standing, unconsciously assuming a parade-rest stance that accommodates his full kit well, and is steady even amid the snow on the ground. The cold outside does not seem to trouble him in the slightest. "For that shall I ever be grateful." The words are careful, and thoughtfully spoke, as if each one is tasted before it comes out.
"What brings you to the Temples on this evening? A warm fire might be preferable to many."
"The temples," Aya notes, adding a gesture of one hand towards Eluna's own, "and one in particular, was most likely where I might find you, Seldan." Her words pause momentarily as she considers them further; she eyes his rather formal 'business relaxed' stance in the interim.
"As I said, I seek better for myself, and others. A significant part of that is leaving this city, even this nation, behind. I would not simply vanish into the shadows," one corner of her lips curl in bemusement as she adds, "for once. Friends and allies deserve to be informed. I count you among them, Silverguard."
That comes as a surprise. Seldan blinks, several times, and draws a deep breath, then lets it out. 'Friends and allies' are not something that they had always been, even of late, although that had mellowed somewhat. Still, on thinking of it - 'allies' is a fair enough word, since her release from Eclavdran. "I see. Well do I understand the desire," he replies soberly.
"In truth had I thought to leave this place behind, more than once," he admits. "One task yet remains to me here, and when that is done, it is in my mind to do likewise. I wish you well, and I pray that She guides you to that which you seek. Walk in Her light, and She will guide you, do you need it."
Aya nods, deeply enough to make its respect known, if not a full bow. " You, your goddess, and myself may not have always agreed on many things," she admits politely (and perhaps rather understatedly), "yet I am thankful for your well-wishes and prayers all the same. For what it may be worth, I wish you success in your task. The city may be less for your eventual absence, but you are as deserving of peace and comfort as any others. Moreso, in fact."
A thought strikes and a single brow arches, pulling a lipcorner up with it rather wryly. "Perhaps the lack of your stewardship and absence of my poor choices shall somewhat balance, and all shall be no worse here than the present?"
"It is neither comfort, nor peace, that I seek." A very small smile comes to Seldan's lips, a gentle gesture, but genuine enough. "Still are your well-wishes well-taken, and it pleases me that though we have not always seen eye-to-eye, that you have cast aside the evil that once held you, and that we part in peace."
His eyes slide to the snow-covered cobblestones at his feet, and a gentle sigh escapes him. "In truth, this place holds few happy memories for me, and with this last task done, I seek to leave it behind, to seek another place in need of my aid. Perhaps one day shall I return home to her, but until that day comes, I shall not cease to serve Her."
The wry on Aya's lips softens and her half-smirk flattens and restributes to a full, if small, smile. The mention of the city and unpleasant memories turns the expression further melancholy; that is one experience in which they are both in solid agreement. "You would never shirk your duties and service to Her, that I know well. If not peace, then may you ever find happiness in that service, Seldan."
Aya then takes a partial step forward towards him. "I am also pleased we could part in peace. Should our paths cross again, I hope we will meet again as we parted." She then extends hand and arm towards him in offering of hand- or arm-clasp.
Seeing that she is without armor, Seldan removes the gauntlet that he wears, baring a callused hand and breaking the parade-rest stance, stepping forward to accept and return the armclasp of equals. "That do I also pray. Walk in Her light, and in Her path, and Her wisdom shall not lead you astray, Mistress Aya. Until we meet again. Travel well."
"Her light upon your path, Seldan," Aya offers, quite certain that it would never not shine there. she holds the clasp after a long moment before reliquishing. "Until our paths cross once more, fare well." She then retakes the partial step back before turning to depart.
When Aya releases it, Seldan does the same, taking that same half-step back and replacing the gauntlet on the bared hand. His eyes lower, and he murmurs quietly a small prayer. "Holy Dreamer guide her hand from here and henceforth." He makes no move to stop her, only raising his eyes then and watching her walk away with that same steady, even expression.