ROUND N/A ;; AN OFFER - COSMOS ONLY

[lufenia]

[A voice will come to you, echoing softly in the air around you. It sounds sympathetic, like she sees and understands your every hurt.]

If you found yourself unable to match the strength of the enemy in the battle we've seen, I await you. Here. [For an instant, your communications crystal flashes bright, as if to get your attention. This image is

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[mountain_sage]

[The voice and the flashing crystal catch Saleh's attention immediately. After facing only one member of the Chaos faction, it was difficult to say that he was actually overpowered. He did consider himself lucky to have Princess Hildegard by his side, though. The spell tome he had on him was powerful, but still would eventually wear out. Regardless of circumstances, he did need a staff for healing.]

[Thus the sage follows the instructions to meet Cosmos at the Citro Plains. He looks around at the breathtaking scenery for a moment before slowly approaching the goddess in the flowers. He's unsure of how to address her, as he'd never stood before any god before. Though he had served the Great Dragon throughout his life, he has never had the honor of meeting him in person.]

…Cosmos?

[lufenia]

[Her eyes remain closed for just a moment more, then she opens them, turning her head slightly to face him. She's not smiling, but you can feel in the air itself that she's pleased that he's come. Like an old and cherished friend, though they'd not yet properly met.]

Saleh... I'd hoped you'd come.

[She sweeps a hand over the flowers beside her, in gesture.]

You'll join me, won't you?

[mountain_sage]

Yes... Thank you.

[He approaches her slowly, peacefully. He stands in front of her and then kneels, rather than sitting beside her as suggested by her gesture. He does not feel worthy of such a position.]

Cosmos...I'm sorry.

[He's not exactly sure what he's apologizing for. Possibly because he feels he should have done more in the battle, or possibly ashamed for feeling nervous in her benevolent presence.]

[lufenia]

[She shakes her head gently, reaching up for just a moment to brush her fingertips just beside his eye. With the contact much moreso than just in the air, she conveys a deep sense of pride. Not just in anyone: In Saleh. She knows he tried his best, and wishes for him to be content in the matter.

But the touch is just for a moment, and then her hands return to their former spot, folded loosely on her lap. Her head tilts just slightly as she asks:]

What manner of combat have you? [This is the part where you show her your weapon. She knows what you have, but she hasn't seen it up close and in person.]

[furorimperator]

[Any communication through the crystal - especially one with Cosmos' very voice - is of particular interest to ShinRa's General. Thus he follows the direction and emerges into the Plains, Nature's beauty only second to his eye.

Immediately noting the goddess Herself seated demurely some yards away, Sephiroth approaches quietly, respectfully, halting just shy of her flower nest, and inclines his head politely. Despite his ruthlessness in battle, he is, nevertheless, well-mannered.]

Deity.

[lufenia]

[She opens her eyes, glancing up to the general in question. The barest hint of a smile quirks the corners of her lips. Of anyone, he'd most eagerly sought to serve her, even if it was perhaps for his own gain. He'd tried to organize her warriors, and he'd tried to lead them with purpose onto the field of battle--and they'd won.

She greets him fondly, though calmly.] Sephiroth.

[furorimperator]

[Ever the soldier, he takes another glance about, a reconnaissance habit ingrained into him before he'd entered his teens. Spying no threats, he turns back to the goddess, responding to her greeting with another deliberate nod.]

Are you well protected here? Those underlings of Chaos wouldn't pass up such a chance, were they aware of it.

[Of course, were any to broach this sacred plain, he'd defend Her as was his duty, but he had to inquire nevertheless.]

[lufenia]

Worry not for my safety. Were there any way for the darkness to set foot amidst the beauty of the plains, I'd be gone in the span of a breath.

[After a moment, though, she inquires:]

Why have you sought me, General? It's not often that I find such strong potential--you're far from unfit, for this battle or any.

[renzokukens]

[Squall takes the opportunity as it comes. If anything to find answers. He doesn't mind helping Cosmos for a second time but if the war between Cosmos and Chaos is endless... He arrives just moments after the crystal flashes to grab his attention and sees no one else, only Cosmos.

It was always peace he felt whenever near her; even now, as he makes his way to where she sits.]

[lufenia]

[Though she knows it's him, she still turns her eyes up to her visitor to acknowledge his presence. Softly, almost fondly:] Squall.

[renzokukens]

[He comes to stand before her, uncaring of the flowers beneath his boots. Squall looks down at her, silent for the longest moment, taking in the goddess's features.] (... She died. We watched her die.)

... It feels like yesterday, that we were here.

[lufenia]

Yesterday, yet so long ago. [Said in a musing voice.]

[nogoodpeople]

[Tseng can't really say whether or not he'd be unable to match the strength of the enemies ranged against them - largely because he yet to fight them - but he's not about to miss a chance to meet the person they're supposed to be fighting for.

The more information he has, after all, the better and while figuring out the transport system takes a little work, he manages to arrive at the plains nonetheless. He takes a moment to look the place over, before heading towards the only other person he can see.]

[lufenia]

[He's a newcomer, and though she selected him herself, she'd yet to observe him long enough to greet him quite so fondly as the others. That's not to say her soft-spoken greeting isn't warm, however. Like a new member of the family, almost.] Tseng. [She opens her eyes, gazing up at him now.]

[nogoodpeople]

[It's a little odd to hear the fondness in her voice (most people aren't near so fond of Turks) but he hides the surprise well enough, and offers a polite nod.]

Cosmos, I presume?

[lufenia]

[The slightest of smiles.] You're correct.

[swearbymyname]

[She waits a small stretch before stepping into the area. When she comes within speaking distance, Hilde removes her helm and holds it under one arm against her side as she curtsies respectfully, bowing her head.] My Lady.

[lufenia]

[In respect for the courtesy Hildegard displayed, Cosmos inclines her head a moment in return, the faintest of smiles tilting the corners of her lips.] Hildegard.

[swearbymyname]

[She straightens up, looking for the first in a long time less like someone who's used to being waited on and more like a loyal soldier ready to wait in turn.] Pardon me... but I did not imagine that you would reveal yourself to us in this manner--not so soon, at the least.

[lufenia]

[A slight shake of her head.] Nor did I. However, it seemed the only way to ensure that my blessings are delivered to those for whom I gave them. Anything less, and Chaos's cursed slaves would find a way to intercept.