synthneon | FF PSL | ❝ for those we can yet save. ❞

Entry tags:

FF PSL | ❝ for those we can yet save. ❞

AFTERGLOW

— hear, feel think. —

❄️ HEAVENSWARD

★ Ever Heavensward (3.0)
    — Ishgard Meetings, Part 2

★ As Goes Light, So Goes Darkness (3.1)
    — Unfleeting Emotions

★ The Gears of Change (3.2)
    — Heavy Hearts, Part 2

★ Revenge of the Horde (3.3)
    — Starlight Festival (Alkaid)
    — Starlight Festival (KP)

🔥 STORMBLOOD

★ IC Permission
★ IC Permission
★ IC Permission
★ IC Permission
★ IC Permission

BEYOND

CODE BY TESSISAMESS

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[ In all honesty, he feels vastly unprepared for what is waiting for him in the morning, but he will do his best to approach the situation as he always does: with a calm sort of resolve in spite of whatever feelings might be lingering below the surface. It is not even that he doubts himself or the beginnings of plans that he has drafted. He fears that the people will sense that he is not as prepared as he should be, and thus they will turn against him.

Knowing that apprehension must show on his face, part of him wishes he could turn from her, hiding his eyes lest she see it for herself. But she has a way of bringing him back when he attempts to retreat inwardly, so he knows it would not last for long. ]

Again, I must ask that you not worry on my account. [ But his words are contradicted just slightly by the prolonged exhale that escapes him as the light flows from her fingertips and covers the healed wound.

It is almost as though the discomfort is seeping away and being replaced by something warm and comforting. And her hand stroking his hair only adds to the comfort that he feels. The injury might throb and ache but the dull pain is gradually lessening under her ministrations. ]

[ Perhaps it is a foolish thing to worry about, but he fears that his old friend will push himself too hard before he is ready. Where he, Aymeric, is perhaps too reticent, it seems to him that Estinien is too ready to act so soon after his possession and recovery. ] I suppose that at the end of it all, you know yourself best.

[ He shakes his head again. ] There might have been a time when I could have journeyed forth from Ishgard, even briefly, but now- My duties have not ended. In a way, you might say they have increased.

[ Noting that look on his friend's face, and guessing at what may be causing it, he adds: ] While I am still present, anyone who dares speak ill of you will have me to contend with. For what happened was not wholly your doing, and what is more, it was Nidhogg's wrath and desire to continue prolonging both a grudge and a war that led him to do what he did.

[ He will argue on his friend's behalf until he runs out of breath if he has to. That much is plain to him even as he falls silent to listen to Estinien's description of what he has been doing and will do next. ]

I see. [ He is well aware that Estinien has his own brand of nobility, of respect, and his words are proof of that. ] You spoke with Hraesvelgr? [ He recalls his own meeting with the great wyrm, an encounter that remains emblazoned i his mind. ]

The reports have come to me, yes. I hope that as you journey forth, you remain safe, my friend. [ He cannot bear to think of losing him permanently this time; what happened with Nidhogg was difficult enough for all of them, Estinien included. To even briefly ponder his friend's death is enough to render him speechless. ]

Would that my duties gave me leave to accompany you, even briefly. [ And, of course, to be alongside his betrothed and her sister, not that Estinien will know of that particular change in Alkaid's status just yet. ]

[ Well, he certainly has given her a lot to take in and think about. She still thinks of her sister as the more practical one between the two of them, but perhaps they both have a touch of idealism.

And as he goes on to talk about listening to her heart and trying to find her own place within the city, she pays close attention even as something inside her seems to shrink. Perhaps the real reason why she goes charging headlong into situations seemingly without a care is because she doesn't quite know how to listen to her heart.

Maybe he'll be the one who teaches her something too. ]

All right, I think that I can manage that. [ Feeling unsure of herself, she lets her eyes slide closed and does her best to let sight and sound fade. ] You won't let me trip, will you?

[ She manages a half-grin even as she takes her first steps forward. ]

[ While she has never led a city-state? She certainly can understand the fear and anxiety of how to lead people forward. The Scions all look to her sister and her for final decision making. That in turns dictates how they address city-states and so on and so forth. While it is not the same as what he will face? She can understand the emotions well enough to stand at his side. ]

Hmm. [ A small smile is given to him. ] Worrying is apart of loving someone, is it not? As is caring for then when they are in need of comfort.

[ The fingers at his scar begin to gently move in small circles. The purpose is so that the fraction of aether she expends will travel along the ache and as deep into the muscles as needed. The strands of his hair in her other set of fingers curl around them. She's never thought once of touching his hair... and finds it to be rather soft. ]

That is why those people cN being forth ideas into the Houses and then ask that you keep order. You may lay the path, Aymeric, but they are the ones who chose its direction and build it. If they speak I'll of your capabilities, then they too are very much found wanting.

[ She smiles fondly, and yet a tinge of sadness is in her features. ] If I am to be your lady-wife, I would ask you share some of them with me, and I share some of mine with you. Otherwise how can the pair of us move forward?

[ Her tail flicks slightly at his posture change--of only because their height difference makes it difficult to continue to touch him unless she changes hers. ]

Why would I settle anywhere else when this is the home that has been made for Thisru and I? The world may look brighter and greener, perhaps even filled with sand. Yet, struggle and harsh climates are everywhere. At least within this climate, we have been accepted and brought to join its people. [ A finger raises to gently tap his chin. ] I would prefer to stay here in your ancestral home.

[ Then, her expression softens. Her eyes close as she leans her head to his hand, encouraging him to touch the scar and move her bangs to the side to see. ]

From my greatest adventure I have had thus far--before becoming your wife. [ Alkaid raises her gaze to meet his, mint green eyes locking to blue ones. ] The battle with Nidhogg was not just with the wrym, but using Estinien's body and skills as his own. His claw grazed me during the fight.

My knight was rather occupied with other worries, and I thought it a small price to pay to return his best friend to him. [ Her head tilts to show the scar across her cheek. It is hardly large or deep, but noticeable in the right light. ] This came from the Empire's Black Wolf himself, Gaius von Baelsar. We fought him before taking on his ultimate warmachine, the Ultima Weapon.

[ He will do it because he must, and any other outcome would give him cause to view himself as less than fit to lead. In the morning, there will be a few short hours before he is expected to appear before the people, and he means to use that time to fine-tune his plans. For the moment, he only wishes to take in this time with her, letting nothing come between them. ]

Hmm? [ He finds it an interesting development that the more time he spends with her, the more he finds himself expressing himself a little more freely. Oh, he is still very much the same person who presents a very guarded persona, but the shell he has kept around himself for so long is beginning to break open a little bit at a time. ]

Of course, of course. [ He shifts just slightly so that he might further nestle himself into her lap and the comfort she offers. He is not accustomed to being cared for like this, because the last time that anyone offered this sort of care was when his mother still lived, but he finds that he likes it every bit as much as he must have when he was younger. ] The only thing that gives me pause is the notion that you will tire of it, and in time come to resent me.

[ It seems to him that one of his shortcomings is his tendency to take so many things to heart, and when he only had himself to worry about, he did not have to fear that he was being too much of a bother to anyone but himself. Now, with her by his side, he fears that she might grow tired of the role of comforter. She has not claimed that as her role in so many words, but her actions and other things she has said seem proof enough.

He falls silent once more, putting a halt to his musings as the aether seeps deeper into the muscles around the once-injured area and a sweeping sense of relief comes over him. The feel of her fingers in his hair brings a small smile to his face, and for just a moment, it feels as though the years have fallen away and he is once more the young man seeking comfort from his mother.

Of course, Alkaid is not his mother, but rather the one he loves, and so all of this is similar but different at the same time. Perhaps the path his thoughts have taken makes little sense, so he keeps them to himself for the moment, choosing instead to simply relax beside her.

But he does have one question for her, brought about by her ministrations. ]

Did your mother offer you comfort like this when you were younger? [ He wonders where she learned how to be so attentive, or if it was an innate skill that she had all along. That would not surprise him, if that turned out to be the case. ]

Not yet, but, I plan to. [ A long sigh leaves her, fingers continuing to brush down her sister's hair. ] There has been little time to write what I would like... and, I imagine he will get reports of what the Scions are doing regardless. What I wish to send him is describing the places we see, the people we meet. Why put into words what I know the Scions will say before me?

[ She has had too many disappointments with that. While he may wish to hear her recounting of events? Alkaid would prefer to tell him what he would not hear. There is enough tension between her and the rest of the Scions at the moment. Or at least, there is from her end. Perhaps they care not about her feelings in regarding the latest events. ]

Hope can do amazing things. Look at what the hope of the war ending between man and dragon has done for Ishgard. [ Alkaid gives her sister a smile. ] Tell me how he sounded.

Yes, hmm. [ The expression on her face softens as her tail flicks playfully just a tad. ] I take it to mean the Lord Commander does not often think out loud?

[ Anything that might lighten the atmosphere they are in should be done. She believes that it is what he needs more than anything. A small fraction of time where he might lighten his burdens in order to see them more clearly.

She shakes her head. ]

I've no reason to resent you for being a person, Aymeric. It seems to me that you haven't had enough comfort in your life. Which means you have quite a bit to catch up on.

[ She has always been a healer and a comforter; one who might take on burdens outside herself to help another. Her sister has as well. There seems to just be people in this world who would do that to the surprise of others around them. ]

She would if nightmares occurred or if something else frightened me. My mother is not one to have the art of conjury. [ Her head tilts to the side with a frown. ] Anything that might have happened as a result of watching over or adventuring with Thisru would be my own fault, thus I was expected to care for myself. It was the... agreement my father and I made to keep tensions between our mothers low. He disliked their arguing more than the pair of us did. So, Thisru and I learned to care for ourselves and one another out on our small little adventures to the cave.

You would have to ask her how her mother thought of it all. I stopped attempting to speak with her or bridge gaps when I was truly nothing more than my mother's child to her.

But...?

[ Her tail sways side to side in an attempt to edge him to speak of what is on his mind. ]

Thinking as you do is hardly a negative, Alphinaud. I mean no disrespect, but it seems the Scions attempt to operate so closely as they did underneath your grandfather. That was how Minfillia wished the organization to be and that is how they act. They wish to be comrades who are there at the aid of one another with no true bond between us other than academics and shared goals. That is not entirely how I would see a group of fellows act.

When I feel as if I am closer to those in Ishgard and have spent less time with them? Perhaps something is amiss.

[ She shakes her head. Perhaps it is a pointless to share her frustrations. The Scions will, after all, act as they will. ]

I see it as a home myself. More than the home I came from or Mor Dhona, to Tataru's dismay I am sure. [ A shrug then because she feels as she does. ] Maybe. Someday.

Most certainly not. If need be, I shall shout at the top of my lungs to keep you from a misstep.

[ If he were there proper, he would take her by the arms to keep her from harm. The sound of his voice instead will have to do.

The Exarch falls into step beside her, ruby eyes intently watching where she might lead the pair of them. He carefully watches as the move about the path, gently saying if she is close to walking into something. Then, as they walk from the Last Vigil, a deep pain surges in his arm. He bites his lip to keep from making a sound as his hand of flesh grabs his crystal arm. No change can be visibly seen, but oh, he can feel it deep inside himself. While it yet has to travel upwards on his arm? It is the inside of his arm that feels as if it might become rock solid.

A payment for an extended visit it would seem. One that he will gladly pay... and one she does not see as she intently attempts to follow his advice. ]

[ Aymeric is not wrong. While the apparent disconnected dragoon may not share it openly? He does find the care from his friend as irreplaceable. He simply rebuffs it at the surface out of habit. It was always best not to be close to others after his family were murdered. ]

Sulking does not become a politician, Aymeric. [ The comment is gentle muttering. No doubt his friend will understand its meaning. ] For your own bloody sake? Take the opportunity when it next rises. Do not enslave yourself to duty as I had revenge. You cannot always wait for an opportunity to present itself. Sometimes one must force their hand to make fate comply.

Hmph, would they listen? I think not. [ Still, there is a gentle look in his eyes that compliments the comment he gave but moments before. Appreciation. Aymeric is a good man, and he is all too glad the darker sides of the world have not swallowed him whole yet. ] Unexpectedly. The wyrm would rather his solitude. I do not think he would so candidly answer any hails that we might give.

[ His eys close in thought. ] I doubt much aether remains in those eyes after summoning such a beast. They will be destroyed this time, and put an end to this long lasting line of misery and hate.

Beyond that, the dragons would have me see. to any still affected by Nidhogg's song. One way or another. So, to the east I travel to seek remnants of our war.

[ A shrug. ] And what of you? Surely the new set of paperwork has not changed you as much as you claim.

[ Well, that is good, because so long as they remain friends, and perhaps even if their friendship should cease (an outcome he hopes does not happen), he will always be there to offer his care and assistance. And he understands full well his friend's actions; he has never taken his rebuffs personally, knowing that he uses them as something of a shield to protect himself. ]

Who said that I was sulking? [ He gives a small chuckle, knowing what his friend means by that. ] I will make no promises, because neither will I abandon Ishgard or my responsibilities for a lark. [ He is certain those words will hardly please Estinien, but he knows his duty, and he remains convinced that his duty must come before his personal desires. ]

Perhaps not, but what sort of friend would I be if I did not at least attempt to forestall those who would judge you unfairly? None of us are without faults or past errors, and so I see no reason why any one of us should feel as though they can look down upon you. [ And, really, even though he is fully aware that his position is biased, he does not see what transpired with Nidhogg as entirely Estinien's fault. Others will see it that way, of course. He is not naive enough to think otherwise. ] And that, too, is understandable. Interactions with others not his kin and kind have not been all that positive, regrettably.

[ Aside from a few interactions, of course, but on the whole, he is certain that Hraesvelgr and others do not look upon them with a very favorable eye. ]

I know that you will take care as you always do, but perhaps you should have assistance with this endeavor. [ Yes, he is worrying about him once again, although he never truly stops. ]

Changed me? [ He laughs once more. ] I do not think that it has, although it seems my responsibilities have more to do with diplomacy and mediation than giving orders for battle and defense.

[ And then, in hopes of injecting some levity at his expense into this conversation, he adds: ] I am certain that some would say I have become considerably stodgier since assuming the position of Lord Speaker. I suppose I will have to endure the fate of becoming a dull politician before my responsibilities are concluded for good.

Well, I appreciate that. If I tripped or fell, I would have to explain what I was doing to my sister, and more than likely, she wouldn't understand. [ But in case he gets the wrong idea about his sister, she is quick to add: ] She would laugh even as she patches me up, of course, and say that I haven't changed at all since our childhood days.

[ She continues making her way along, doing her best to keep her senses focused on the goal: finding a place that appeals to her mind's eye and to her heart as well. She only feels a little bit foolish as she goes about following his instructions, wondering what passersby might think if they spot her.

Of course, with her eyes closed, she can't see his actions and therefore, she has no idea that anything is amiss, but when he seemingly goes silent for what feels to her like a longer period of time, she asks: ] You haven't disappeared once more, have you? [ She could open her eyes, but she decides to ask her question first, and then if there is no answer, she'll temporarily pause this test of his. ]

I certainly mean no disrespect either, and Hydaelyn herself surely must be frowning at me for even thinking along these lines, but I cannot help but think that you would still be able to help others and use all your gifts and abilities even if you had not joined the Scions, or any organization, for that matter. [ He leaves this next part unsaid, but perhaps if that had been the case, then both Alkaid and her sister would have more freedom to go where they will while still giving aid when needed. ]

Perhaps if you said something along those lines to them, or perhaps to Y'shtola or Thancred. It might give them a moment of pause, and perhaps they would interpret your words as a needed reminder and thus take them to heart.

[ Of course, to do so would be quite decisively stepping forward, and he understands if she would rather not. ] Speaking for myself, I might not be so inclined to make such a decisive move, but it would certainly garner results one way or another.

[ He offers a tentative sort of smile, not wishing to offend her or otherwise negatively impact her mood, but he adds: ]

Perhaps we should consider relocating our base of operations to Ishgard.

[ The way her tail flicks also brings a slight smile to his face, and along with it comes a wish to touch her tail as he did her ears. But he decides that he should work up to that, rather than jumping in too quickly and too soon. He might be pushing past some of his reticence, but he has not yet put all of that aside. ]

Not typically, no. Put pen to paper and express my thoughts that way? Perhaps. Of course, I have had many discussions with Lucia about what our next moves ought to be, but I suppose that is somewhat different than thinking aloud.

[ And in the interest of attempting to lighten the mood, he says: ] Perhaps I feared being the recipient of curious glances if anyone should come across me speaking my thoughts aloud. As you know, I do have a certain dignified image that must remain intact. [ And while it has been many years since he displayed anything akin to childlike playfulness, he suddenly feels struck by the sudden urge to do something not so contained and rigid. Carefully, so as not to dislodge her with his sudden movement, he slowly moves into a sitting position, being also mindful not to move too quickly and undo the comfort she's giving him, and sticks his nose into the air, clearly a snobbish gesture.

He holds that pose for a moment or two, hoping to give her a moment of levity in return. Eventually, he resumes his position with his head in her lap, because he would be lying if he said he was not enjoying this. ]

I see. It seems to me, then, that the both of you had to grow up somewhat quicker than most, if you had to learn to care for yourselves from an early age.

[ It also seems to him that that is one thing that makes them similar, but he does not wish to be too forward by drawing that conclusion. ]

Now that you mention it, I would like to speak more with your sister and become better acquainted with her.

I'm sure that letters from you will be a nice surprise for him. [ She relaxes even further beneath her sister's comforting touch. ] He really doesn't get to travel very much, does he? [ It just seems that he has so many responsibilities that he has to remain in Ishgard, or at least close by. ] Anything you can tell him about the places we're seeing would be welcome. And you know how he feels about having to read so many... What did he call them? Arid reports?

[ Her expression shifts once again as she recalls her conversation with the Exarch and how she desperately wanted to do something right then and there to help. ] Hopeful, of course, but I think that he sounded a little desperate too. He has to lead his people, and he needs our help with something... [ She would shake her head if not for the fact that Alkaid is still brushing her hair. ] It seems like he has a lot that he's carrying.

[ He listens closely to every word that she speaks, knowing that there is wisdom to be found in her words, but while he does his best to keep his thoughts from showing too plainly on his face, something about what she says troubles him just slightly. He decides that it is merely his being human and every bit as fallible as the next person that causes him to worry. He is not doubting his leadership so much as he fears choosing the wrong path and bringing them to ruin, or at least trouble. But then, that is why there is a House of Lords and Commons as well, not just one man attempting to steer the city-state in any one direction.

With that thought in mind, he pushes away his doubts and tries instead to focus on the present conversation. ]

At times, I wonder why you consent to spend time with me, considering how often my thoughts tend to run away from me. [ Not for the first time, he notes how deftly she is able to bring him back when he becomes too lost in his own mind, letting his worries take the forefront once more. ] I cannot promise that it will be a simple matter, but I will do my best to share what is on my mind and not withhold my thoughts from you. And you know that you can always tell me what troubles you, and I will also endeavor to be attentive to your needs.

[ That will not be difficult for him, because he desires nothing more than to be a help to her however and whenever he can. ]

I suppose your own words are why I thought you may not desire to make Ishgard your home: we offered it to you as a place to call your home, and you came here by necessity, not necessarily willingly. [ Simply put, it was chosen for them, more or less, but he also recognizes that she and K'thisru became involved in their affairs of their own accord, not because they were compelled to. At least, it seems to him that the dedication they showed in their participation in the war and all other events that transpired spoke of this being more than another task in a long list of them.

He lightly brushes his fingers against the scar, even as the look in his eyes shifts to a mixture of worry and the barest amount of self-reproach for not being there to shield her from harm. ]

Occupied with other worries, and yet your welfare remains a significant one, even among all the others that I must see to. [ And when she draws attention to the other scar across her cheek, that sense of failing her only grows. ] Perhaps I should see to having a protection charm made for you as well, for those times when I cannot be present to aid you.

[ They both know all too well that those times will be many, and there is very little that either of them can do to alter that. ]

[ The worry crosses his face and she smiles gently at him. The hand with her mastery ring raises to rest against his cheek, fingers brushing along his cheekbone. Hopefully, soon, all of this will be behind them. He will go back to simply being the Lord Commander and their new system of government will take the decisions from him. She knows it has been a struggle for him, even with how he has risen to the occasion.

She leans forward to press a kiss to his cheek once more. ]

You have always met my needs, Aymeric. You don't need to strive so hard to impress me. [ Her smile spreads against his cheek. ] We may have come here out of necessity, but we chose to stay out of love. We truly do love Ishgard and her people. Sometimes, the best things can be born of necessity.

[ She smiles at his concern, head tilting with his hand to encourage him to touch the scars. The drive to comfort and mend runs deep within her, and she certainly would not shun him for wishing to return the notion for scars since healed. ]

I wouldn't stop you if that is something you would wish to do. Simply know that you needn't make yourself responsible for the scars and being able to prevent them. They are a small price to pay to keep all of you alive.

I imagine whatever travel he does is close within Corethas. Wartime would open the way for travel, yet it seems they are unwilling to let him go just yet. Maybe one day ... [ Her ears droop ever so slightly. ] Arid is certainly the way he likes to describe them. Would you like to send him something as well?

Desperation ... I hope it does not lead him to do something rash. [ Given what they have already seen in the world. Ala Mhigo is a prime example. ] If he leads a settlement of people then he certainly does.

[ While she certainly would not mind him touching her tail? She is also very aware that it would make her wish to do rather... unsavory acts. Things she is not entirely sure that Aymeric wishes to cross just yet. Maybe she ought to try and keep her tail still? ]

No wonder so many thought you so serious all the time. Sharing is, in this instance, most certainly caring, my ser knight. [ Alkaid smiles at him and raises her hand from his hair in order to tap his nose.

Then, she pauses as he moves and sticks his nose in the air. It takes the briefest of moments, but then she cannot help but laugh at the display. She had certainly never thought to see him act in such a way. Yet, she cannot help but feel it would be good for him in the long run. Ishgard and her people are in need of levity and smiles. ]

We were not without home at least. We simply learned that if we were to gain what we wished from life? Our days would lie beyond the confines of our clan. I think we were both ready to make the choice, even if it was a hard one to make at the time.

[ The smile on her face turns to a softer one. ] Should I arrange something?

I doubt She is frowning. Something tells me She prefers we live and chose as we would. [ A shrug follows her statement. She cannot explain how or why she has that feeling. Just... a little nudge in her mind that expresses it. ] I may still be able to help others. Yet, I can help even more being Her Warrior of Light and traveling with the Scions. Even if, as of late, I feel rather more like their errand girl than a member of the organization.

[ Her arms cross under her bust as she walks. She feels it may not be the best to inform Alphinaud of these things. Yet, he had once wished to lead a Grand Company of his own. A skill to lead and learn of how those under him think and feel would be valuable in the future. He is just so young. ]

I would think they are too set in their ways and operating as they have been in order to truly listen. Y'shtola now has things she needs to heal from, and Thancred has his own goals that blind him. [ Her head tilts to the side as she thinks, her tail swaying ever so slightly. ] And, I doubt Lyse would much see the point I make, and instead take it as a critique of her character. She is too far into the shadow of her father and her sister to truly see outside of that at the moment.

If anything? She is like Thisru when we left our clan. She has finally seen the world outside the narrow scope she understood it. Everything is new and exciting, and the thrill of it all will sweep her away until something forces her to stay grounded. I rather doubt that it is me.

[ The statement makes her pause. Her gaze turns to Alphinaud then. Of course, she realizes what he says without saying it. She, her sister, and him all see Ishgard as a home. Operating from Ishgard would mean returning home as opposed to an outpost that is out of mere convenience than anything else. Not to mention that Matoya is nearer to Ishgard... ]

What do you think the other Scions would say of such a proposal?

Ah, well, for both of our sakes? I certainly hope she might understand. Otherwise asking for your aid might be harder than I first anticipated... [ There he goes once more, overthinking quite a few things. But, this time, he manages to stop himself and merely smile at her even if she cannot see it. ] Have you changed much since your childhood--ah, step to the right. There is a small indent in the pavement...

[ He grits through the pain and clenches his fist. After a brief moment he raises his head and waits until his voice might not convey the sudden pain he experienced. ]

I full well intend to have proper goodbyes this time. I... should apologize for disappearing as such the first time we met. It was a combination of my fortitude failing me and an emergency taking the city.

[ Estinien sees no reason for their friendship to end. Why would it? Their paths may lead in separate ways but the direction has ever been the same. While his eye was focused on revenge? It ultimately, and truly, was the benefit of Ishgard to be rid of Nidhogg and have their lost history known. Aymeric's goals have ever been more transparent. ]

A lark is quite different from a visit to a faraway land. It would do you good to see the sister city-states. How else are you to understand our new allies? [ He shakes his head. ] Being with the Scions in meetings is one thing. Traveling with them and seeing the world from their eyes? That will open your eyes more than anything else in this world. It would do you good and you ought to.

[ Who would think that he would argue for the benefit of the Scions? Hmph. Things must truly change. ]

Should I come across the Scions in my travels? I might ask for their aid.

[ His gaze narrows. Aymeric has never been one to be coy, but he certainly will dance around matters that are close to his heart. Estinien believes he has embodied too much of their home city into his person. Hard stone walls to seal himself away, yet he wishes to be amongt people. ]

Do not be coy, Aymeric. There is something that has made you aglow that has nothing to do with politics. One could not enjoy the position of Lord Speaker that much. It is clear you wish to tell me something, so, out with it.

[ Whatever happens, whether he lives out the rest of his days serving as the Lord Speaker, or another takes the position and he resumes being Lord Commander once more, he is determined to do his duty to the best of his ability, however hard it might become to him personally.

But he finds he does not wish to dwell on these topics any longer, and when she leans in to kiss him once more, he simply lets out a contented sigh. ]

Is it striving to impress you, or is it wanting to give you all the love that you deserve, and more? [ It could well be both, of course. ] I, for one, am glad that necessity brought you and your sister to us. [ To him, he wishes to say, but perhaps that is far too arrogant. ]

You are, of course, responsible for yourself, but I would sleep much easier at night if I knew that there was something, regardless of how small it might be, giving you a measure of protection.

[ And suddenly, as if spurred on by a sudden burst of reckless inspiration, he throws all reserve to the winds and leans in closer so that his face is a mere few inches away from hers. As before, there is something he wishes to attempt, and it would be a simple matter indeed to just press a kiss against her cheek, instead of his original thought. But he has come this far already, so he completes the action, pressing a kiss against her ear instead. And, after a moment's hesitation, before he pulls back, he gives a gentle nibble on the tip of her ear. ]

[ At least inwardly, he has given thought to crossing that line, or at the very least, approaching it. But something always stops him before he can translate those thoughts into actions, and now is no different. Of course he has certain urges that are demanding satisfaction, but until they are wed, he cannot in good conscience go as far as that. He would hope that she does not change herself for him, or try to keep her tail still so as not to distract him. In fact, he rather likes it when her tail flicks about or otherwise moves. ]

Well, I shall endeavor to be more forthcoming with my thoughts, and it hardly needs saying that I value your counsel very much. [ He smiles when she taps his nose, marveling again at how easily she can get him to relax and momentarily forget about all the responsibilities that require his attention.

As for his silly action, it feels both foreign and yet amusing to him even as he carries it out. Surely there are those who would disapprove, but they are not in this room, and thus he is not thinking about them. ]

It seems to me that the pair of you are in possession of more wisdom than most. It is far too easy to choose the easier option, even if it might not lead to a desirable outcome, than to take the harder path and pursue what it is you want.

[ Simply put, his admiration for both sisters has only grown, and continues to do so. ] Perhaps you could ask K'thisru if she would consent to another dinner with the three of us. And this time, if all goes well, there will be no unfortunate interruptions. [ Not that he would turn a blind eye to any emergent situations, but he would like a second attempt. ]

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FF PSL | ❝ for those we can yet save. ❞

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