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"It's a bit difficult, but once you get used to it…" G'raha Tia falls silent as he concentrates, and a few seconds later a sword and shield materializes in his hands.

"I see…" Kris bends over to examine the aether-based weaponry more closely. "So I should be able to do the same with a greatsword?"

G'raha nods. "Well, yes, theoretically…" He frowns, deep in thought before continuing. "It'd take more aether to make and maintain a greatsword than a normal sword, but it should be possible."

"So how do I control my aether to do this?"

"It's… sort of similar to how you cast magic, just without a focus. You move your aether into your hands and envision it becoming a blade."

Kris frowns, then focuses on his hands for a moment. G'raha could feel the aether shifting, and eventually, a small dagger formulated. "Hm, not quite the right size, but it is a blade…" He shakes his hand with an annoyed grunt, then stares at his hands again.

Huh? How did he manage to make a blade already…? Channeling aether without a focus isn't easy… G'raha continued to watch as Kris tried to manifest a greatsword, and—while unsuccessful—he did manage to make a blade the size of a normal sword.

"Gods, this is tiring, and I haven't even done it right yet!" Kris sighs dramatically. "I don't know how you manage it so often, G'raha."

"The decades of practice helps."

Kris laughs. "Well, I hope I can learn to do this before I'm 200. I don't wish to carry a greatsword everywhere…"

"I don't believe it'll take that long—but try not to rush it, or you may feel some ill effects."

"Right." Kris nods, once again dispersing the aether, before sitting on a nearby crate with a huff. "I'll try again tomorrow, then." He warmly smiles at the Mi'qote. "Thank you, for trying to help."

"O-oh, it's—" G'raha faces away from the Warrior of Light, trying to hide a blush. "I know you came to the First with a greatsword, but I've always assumed you were more magically inclined, Kris." After all, he's able to control aether so easily…

Kris frowns. "I learned a bit of conjury, I suppose, when I was in the Resistance. That and Alisaie helping me with Red Magic when your summoning messed… something up, I don't know what."

"…Huh? That's it?"

"Yeah, but I can't seem to use Red Magic now that we're back on the Source." Kris waves a hand with another huff. "I guess some weird… dimensional thing?"

No, that's not quite it… G'raha knew the issue had nothing to do with where and when he learned Red Magic. While the influx of light aether left no physical scars, the marks on his soul from the light poisoning were permanent, and the aether he draws and uses will always be heavily aspected towards the element. But he truly doesn't seem to notice? Imagine if he did learn to practice magicks—

"Anyway," Kris leans back against the wall and continues, "I had been a dark knight for a while, to be on the frontlines and protect everyone, but… I've always been better with archery. I thought maybe it's better for others to take the lead—now that I have so many stalwart allies." The Viera flashes a grin at G'raha, and he feels his cheeks heat up again.

But then, Kris looks away and up to the sky, an unreadable expression on his face. "Besides, I have a reason to keep myself safe, now."

The Warrior of Light looks back to G'raha, the sudden intense glare throwing him off. "But that doesn't mean you get to keep pulling your self-sacrificial stunts. Don't make me have to… oh, I don't know." The threat and glare fizzled out as quickly as they came. "Don't make me have to think of something."

G'raha chuckles, and Kris gets up from the crate and stretches. "I have another engagement to get to, and I'm sure you're busy as well. I'll see you tomorrow?"

"Tomorrow, then." Kris waves to G'raha, and watches him head in the direction of the Studium. He's such a… strange, fascinating man.

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