Welcome to Gaia! ::

Caedus nodded. "Some means. But they were not entirely the reason we were able to grow trees. We had to import the plants, and water and oxygen to breathe. The crystals help us maintain things, like gravity. To ensure a clear atmosphere. To maintain weather. We use crystals to power many of our buildings and tools. To maintain life functions, sometimes. But they cannot create life forms. We had to trade with many locations for the resources we needed, but because we had none of our own we relied on synthetic products to trade. We were fairly successful and had many trading resources. They were interested in sharing our technology. But,"

He shrugged.

"We never shared all of it."

He seemed almost smug.

Caedus seemed thoughtful for a long moment. He closed his eyes. He did not speak of life, and crystals, but instead sighed softly to himself. "I would forgive you if you asked," he said, instead. "We had a limited relationship with the Moon. They had some very interesting crystals that we wanted to examine, however the Moon Queen was very protective of them. I understand, of course. But we had not been able to come to any agreement with her."

He shrugged, and then seemed to think a bit harder. "We may have traded for materials. It is a star, yes? Lush, and full of life. Though, I recall they were not particularly friendly towards outsiders. But the need for trade inspires all sorts of relationships. I cannot recall much of the place. Other dignitaries were likely sent there to maintain negotiations if we ever had more than one. Why have you not been to see it yourself? What if your homeworld is alive and well?"

"Doves are birds, are they not?" Caedus asked after a moment. "I should think that to be an honorable sphere. Birds are unique creatures. You should not be ashamed of that. You have a power others do not. I hope you can find strength in that. But, I suppose I can see where you may be worried. You should let go of that, though. Who you were is a part of who you are. Perhaps we did know each other. Or, perhaps this is the first time we are meeting. I am not so good with faces. I can barely recall the faces of those closest to me."

He seemed saddened by this, and sighed.

"…But you talk of carrying something inside you that is over a thousand years old. Perhaps it would be easier to grasp if you had something outside of you that was of the same age? Perhaps…"

His voice trailed off and he moved, reaching into the folds of his robes. He fished around for a moment before producing a weathered bag. It took him another moment to dig through here, but when he did he withdrew a glistening crystal.

It was unique in it's coloring—a pure white, almost pearlescent crystal. But its shape was even more so. Either carved or by natural means, it resembled a bird's feather.

He held it for a moment, admired it, and then held it out to her.

"I think it suits you."

"It is no problem," Caedus assured. He seemed pleased with her response. "I am not entirely fond of physical attention, and I am sure if you could see my face, you would regret it. Besides, I reek of youma and dirt."

He seemed apologetic, and embarrassed, but it had been posed as a jest. When she had taken the crystal, he retracted his hand and resumed concealing the bag. "I have many," he confessed a moment later. "When I was younger they would tease me for constantly filling my pockets. But I cannot help it. I have many treasures. I am grateful I carried them with me on my last trip, though. If things had gone any other way…"

He shrugged. "I am sure my sanity remains only because of them. As silly a thing as that must sound. But they kept me grounded."

…Mostly.