[Thread; Closed]

[mademyresolve]

Characters: Delita and Ashe
Summary: Seeking closure, the pair visit the Farplane to say goodbye to their loved ones.
Location: The Farplane and Guadosalam
Date: A few days after their return to Warjilis
Warnings: Initial angst?

Not lightly had the choice been made. Even as they rode on chocobo back with a half-hour's journey behind them, Ashelia

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[lionwarhero]

Delita himself had mixed emotions regarding this trip to the farplane. For too long, he had sought nothing but the soothing of his conscience regarding his sister's death. He spared a glance to his side taking note of the woman beside him. Scarcely could he believe that she was joining him on this particular trek. It surprised him even more, that he knew she would accompany him before the question had even been asked.

Once upon a time he would have returned there solely to lament his lot in life, but this time his purpose was to move forward. He hoped to say goodbye once and for all to his sister, but he also wished to share this portion of his life with the princess. He knew not if closure would come for him, but he knew that both Tietra and Ashelia deserved more from him.

[mademyresolve]

Revelations had not been limited to the knight alone. For his surprise was shared and the princess had known, even without the possibility of facing Rasler's likeness, that she would have accompanied him nonetheless. Delita's oath to remain near so long as she needed - it was unspokenly returned. To an extent, Ashe understood the deep impact his sister's loss had borne upon his life. Such knowledge he had entrusted to her, the regret, responsibility and guilt which she herself had endured upon Rasler's death. In that sharing grew understanding, that loss had played a significant role in both their lives, moulding them into the people they were today and inevitably drawing them closer together.

Sight of their destination up ahead brought an unease she ought to have anticipated, yet Ashe refused to doubt, looking to Delita and finding herself strengthened by his presence.

[lionwarhero]

As they approached the farplane destination, Delita slowed his chocobo. He gave an appreciative glance to Ashelia. After so many years of held rage, it was time to put her to rest. Still it was a little scary, but he was thankful that she was along.

He looked down, apprehensive about going in drawing strength from the princess' nearness. It was solely his desire to share his sister's likeness that drew him on.

"I am glad to have your company this day Ashelia."

[mademyresolve]

Despite Guadosalam's close proximity to Warjilis, this was her first experience of the place, and even without entering she marvelled upon its construction, the huge tangle of oversized roots of the ethereal Iifa Tree within which the city lay nestled. Alongside his chocobo, hers matched the slower pace without command, prompting her to turn toward Delita even before words came to him. To someone without appreciation of the day's meaning, his statement was simple. For Ashe, it said everything, for she could no sooner have made this journey alone than he, and she nodded as they passed into the unfamiliar realm itself.

"As am I, to have yours."

Sensing her mount's sudden unease, the princess took the initiative and dismounted to secure the chocobo's reins to a branch. From there on, walking was necessary.

[lionwarhero]

Likewise Delita dismounted Ardi, leaving him beside the princess'. Having been to Guadosalam and the Iifa Tree twice before, he knew well the way. This day though, was the first that it was his decision, his choice to visit.

He stared for a moment at the fullness of the tree, before offering his arm to assist her up onto the first of the roots. For the first time, he noticed the greatness of the tree before them.

While not being withdrawn, Delita did not introduce conversation. He kept his gaze upwards, drawing attention to the hole that marked the entrance to Guadosalam.

[mademyresolve]

Having accepted the offered arm, Ashe had clambered with whatever grace the act allowed onto the root. The place lying within felt quiet, though this seemed right, somehow. The atmosphere spoke of great age and powerful magick, the princess breathing in deeply as she reminded herself of their purpose.

A purpose upon which Delita appeared to be focused, given the fixation of his gaze. Ashe clasped her hands together and stepped closer to him, nodding toward the open hole.

"... That is the way?"

[lionwarhero]

"The hole opens into Guadosalem."

His steps got smaller the closer they approached the hole. He wasn't sure if it was more difficult saying a final goodbye to his sister, or letting go of some of the past.

"Once we arrive in Guadsalem, it's a long spiral down to the platform that looks into the farplane."

His hand brushed against hers in accidence, drawing forth a strength that he didn't even know that he required.

[mademyresolve]

She felt his inner struggle, her reaction to the touch of Delita's hand almost calling forth one of her own. But she found focus, which likely came easier to herself since she lacked any first-hand concept of the Farplane, nor the experience. He, on the other hand, possessed that. Ashe wasn't certain which perspective felt easier, if at all possible.

"Then, let us go on," she offered quietly before carefully stepping up to the entrance, the decisive action meant as motivation for them both. There she waited for Delita to join her, gazed out across the tangled weave which formed Guadosalam.

"Amazing..."

[lionwarhero]

Delita followed immediately behind, the desire to share his life more important than any momentary discomfort.

The trip down to the farplane was still long indeed, and he felt compelled to share a little of what she might find.

"All who have passed this life are found within its borders, yet expect little from the visions. Nothing is said, only stoic non-moving apparitions."

He was ready to move at Ashelia's pace, for he knew that communing with the departed could be trying and emotionally draining.

[mademyresolve]

Although she continued on by Delita's side, Ashe very much relied upon him to lead the way onward or, as he claimed it would be, downward. To what he shared, she listened intently, trying to prepare herself for the manner in which she would see Rasler, and Delita, his sister. Very much akin to the Occurian form, then.

"The images... we only see those who were most important to us?"

Somewhat eerily, the city stood quiet, which enabled their conversation to come unhindered by greetings nor glances from the native Guado.

[lionwarhero]

The inhabitants were used to many a weary traveler seeking closure with loved ones. They would not bother the pair until they returned from its depths.

Delita was well versed in their ways after his initial visit.

"You can see whomever you deem worthy enough to see."

In his case, his attention was limited to his sister. It would also show any of Ashelia's loved ones as well. He led her deeper and deeper towards its entrance until they could see its outline in the distance.

[mademyresolve]

So far into the depths - Ashe had hardly imagined such was possible, and the path downward began to seem endless. Quietly she walked in step with the knight, slowing only when she caught sight of a great, glowing archway. The movement, it almost appeared alive, as what appeared to be fireflies drew her attention and curiosity.

From what she could tell, they had to pass through and onto the platform before them, amid the strange green glow... What had been nerves had passed. If anything, the princess felt drawn onward, wanting to look closer at the mystery ahead.

Yet she waited, knew it was important that Delita be the one to make the move and take the first steps within.

[lionwarhero]

Rather than break the sanctity of the farplane, Delita paused but a moment before entering. He reached out his hand in support to Ashelia should she wish it, before passing through the familiar archway.

Conscious of the other guests, he led them to an empty corner and stood there for a moment devoid of thought. He wasn't quite ready to face the fact that she was departed, never to return.

He simply looked down until a memory of he and Tietra blowing grass in the fields crept into his thoughts. As the vision formed in the pyreflies, he clung to the last few moments of denying her eternal death with a low murmer, "Tietra."

[mademyresolve]

Ashe made no conscious decision to take his hand, rather hers seemed to accept his out of instinct as they passed, together, beyond the archway. What lay within elicited no less than reverent awe from the princess; the platform seemingly floating amidst billowing cloud and green hue.

Sight of other visitors surprised her somewhat, but then grief's reach was far, and though intrigued, respect lowered her gaze to lend privacy to them - to Delita as he stood in silence. Ashe did not release his hand, not even when the figure began to form, a young girl, spirit-like. His lost sister.

She gasped, able only to gaze upon the image and know she had been the most important person in Delita's life. Coupled with feelings of intrusion came great privilege, for the significance of this moment was not lost on her.

[lionwarhero]

Delita held firm to the princess' hand, drawing strength from her warmth. He gives his attention to the living, focusing upon his friend.

"She was too young, but I'm glad for you to have seen her."

He let his gaze drift over to his sister, ready to finally accept her death. It pleased him that he was able to share this moment with Ashelia.

Finally at peace, his frown began to disappear even if he wasn't quite ready to smile.

[mademyresolve]

"Thank you..."

For what she expressed her gratitude Ashe couldn't be certain, be it his company or the sharing of so personal an experience. Perhaps both. Having drawn her line of sight away from the apparition, she met Delita's gaze with her own, calm and placid.

Hope that he felt that which he set out to achieve... it slowly gave way to wonder. Could she truly find peace for her prince? Thoughts of Rasler came to her, the lack of respect with which the Occuria had manipulated his image. His memory deserved no less than peace, and her acceptance.

Only when Delita turns back to the incredible skyscape before them did she follow, only for a more prominent gasp to escape her lips. For there, before her, floated his very visage.

"Rasler..."