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

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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

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[ He is completely aware that he should not push himself and ignore the warning signs his body is giving him, but he feels as though they may not have a chance like this again, and he is determined to not waste the opportunity.

When she moves to lie down, he follows, but he still has not fully resumed lying down himself. Encouraged by her response, he leans into the kiss, and this time, his tongue lightly grazes the tops of her teeth.

It's then that he realizes that any hurts he's sustained could protest as loudly as possible, and he would just completely ignore them in favor of sharing these intimate times with her. ]

[ The feline ears raise from her head slightly, briefly sinking down into the water with a look of confusion crossing her eyes. Part of her nearly jumps at the idea, but she is quick to temper the surge of excitement. She need not make him feel anymore awkward than her certainly already is.

How should she say her answer while biking back her excitement? ]

Of course, i-if that is what you'd like to do.

[ She sinks slightly more in the tub, just enough so merely her eyes and up are visible over the arms resting on the side of the tub. Her cheeks are flushed red as her tail sways under the water. ]

[ The slight hesitation, although it is barely significant, makes him wonder if perhaps this was a wrong supposition on his part. Perhaps she does not wish for his company while she bathes, and it was too forward of him to think that she might.

If you would rather have quiet while you bathe, I shall withdraw, of course. I merely thought that I would inquire, but if you are well and have everything you need, then I will see you at dinner.

[ Once he has found a way to settle his now very unsettled nerves. ]

[ His question makes her pause. There is no point in lying to the young man. He can clearly see she is struggling. Beyond that, however, there is a sense of responsibility when it comes to Alphinaud and Alisaie -- even if she may clash with the latter. She, K'thisru, and the twins carry a secret that no one else in Eorzea could ever know. One so deeply personal to the Leveilleur family that it makes lying to the twins - in any capacity - feel underhanded.

She looks over at him and manages a strained smile. ]

For the moment and helping him? Yes. Afterwards...

[ Alkaid forces a small shrug. They can change their eye to her needs and wounds once they have taken care of the survivor.

She moves the last rock that she can and looks down to see the young boy looking up at them. She smiles in return, her ears and tail lifting happily at seeing the boy seems to be in a decent shape. There is no telling just yet how long the boy has been under the rubble. ]

Hello, are you alright? [ Her smile widens as she uses her good arm to reach inside to offer some comfort. ] My friend Alphinaud and I are going to get you somewhere safe.

[ Her ears twitch at the end at his reply, given they already stand on end. ]

N-no! Please, I don't mind. [ She can feel her cheeks flush hotter. Why does she feel so shy when she was the one that originally posed the idea? Alkaid inhales and swallows her nerves. ] After all, we had decided on it already...

[ Though, now she feels as if she has over stepped by bringing their earlier conversation up. She presses her lower face to her arms, eyes on the door as she waits. Her ears lower slightly and her tail curls under the water as she waits. ]

[ She bends her leg, gently brushing it against the side that does not cause him aches. Then, she shifts so that her leg might help support his weight. While she is far smaller than him and it most likely does not help much at all? She imagines some must be better than none.

A pleased sound comes from her as he grazes along her mouth. The edge of her tail sways as her breathing hitches slightly. She shifts just slightly to nibble at his lower lip. The instincts at the back of her mind battle to take over, wanting to pull him in further and push the boundaries more. She tempers herself, of course, determined to let him set the pace and how far they go. ]

No, of course, of the two of us, I am certain that you have the lead on that score.

[ But his friend is not wrong in his suppositions either; Aymeric has had some dark days and darker nights of late, and they would have been darker still if not for a pair of sisters who brought peace and light along with them.

Perhaps that is one reason why he has thrown himself so wholeheartedly into his work once more. To have his days filled with reports and other responsibilities leaves him little time to think about how much he misses them, especially the one to whom he hopes to be married one day soon. And if, when he returns home and is completely exhausted after a long day, so much the better.

He does not wish for time to think too much, either while he is awake or when he is asleep and dreaming. ]

Have you not encountered moogles before, my friend? [ In spite of himself, he manages an amused smile, because he greatly likes the moogles, but he imagines that Estinien would be quite baffled by them. ] Friendly creatures, and useful as well.

[ He turns to give the delivery moogle a wide smile. ] I presume you come with a letter or other tidings. [ He expects it is some invitation or other missive of social importance. Of course he is obligated to come, because to do anything but would be seen as quite the social misstep. ]

[ Yugiri's gaze turns even more downward as she surveys her hands, using the time to gather her thoughts. ] It must be incredibly hard upon you both, to be so far away. Although I can scarcely imagine what it must be like to be in your shoes, I am certain that the fact you can pen letters to one another is a small comfort at best, as there is nothing like hearing another's voice.

[ She would not dare to presume any sort of familiarity with Alkaid or what she is going through, but she does know that she greatly misses her home and her parents, even though she left quite some time ago and with no small amount of resolve. Still, she does miss the sound of their voices as well, and even if the lines of communication were open to them, it would not be entirely the same.

K'thisru, meanwhile, listens to Yugiri's words, waiting for a moment when she feels as though she can speak without feeling as though she is interrupting. ] Excitement and nervousness about tomorrow, I suppose.

[ As far as she can tell, there is no way to know or predict what might happen tomorrow, even though she is still every bit as resolved as ever to see it through. ]

[ Estinien would admit that there is nothing quite like what Aymeric has to lighten his days. The burning sense of hatred and revenge is all but gone, leaving an ashen emotional scope of one who wonders what his purpose in the world must be now. What role will dragoons play? Not that he has a place in Ishgard--or had one much of ever outside of the Azure Dragoon. They are not thoughts to burden his friend with. He must find his own path before returning to truly aid Aymeric in what he would need. ]

Aye, I have. The moogles of Moghome were charged by Hraesvelgr. Had we not made contact with them, we would have never met with the great wrym. [ He turns his gaze back to the moogle. ] Being charged to protect the Zenith and being of a "mail network" are not the same.

Mognet has been based out of Gridania since the Seventh Umbral Calamity, kupo! We would be cousins to the moogles of Moghome. [ A paw raises in thought before the moogle's whole body sways side-to-side and a pleased sound echoes from it. Then, it glides over to the Lord Speaker and begins to ruffle around in its large bag. ] A letter for the Lord Speaker of the House of Lords, Lord Aymeric de Borel! Do all people in Ishgard have such long names, kupo?

Only those of nobility, the military, or of the Holy See. Ser Aymeric has the pleasure of listening to the other long named nobles debate about the laws of our city-state. [ He crosses his arms and smirks. ] He may yet garner more long titles.

[ The moogle spins the moment it pulls a letter from his bag, and wiggles inexcitement once more. ]

I'll make certain to remember, kupo! The other moogles implied more letters may come. [ With a nod, the Moogle extends the letter to Aymeric.

The letter itself seems as if it has certainly seen some amount of travel. While not damaged, the envelope has browned in ways. The envelope itself also does not seem to be of Eorzea. Instead of being addressed by a name, the front has a drawn image of the sigil of House Borel. On the other side, the envelope is sealed by a small amount of wax imprinted by a lily design. ]

It is bo harder than it must be for you. Or the others here that are separated by the Empire. Or, even the people in Gry Abania.

[ It mayhap look as if she is belittling her own struggles, but, Alkaid truly does not want her heartache to overshadow what those in Doma or Gry Abania suffer from. Aymeric still lives as far as she is aware. Her sister is beside her. War has yet to take the most important people to her. That cannot be said of those around her here.

She smiles at her sister. A hand raises and rests on top of K'thisru's sister. ] You would be excited for the Nadaam.

[ Being aware of how much smaller she is than him, he also tries to move in such a way that not all of his weight is bearing down on her, because- well, he might not have a wide range of experience with moments like this, but he imagines that would put a considerable damper on both of their moods. Still, he appreciates her assistance, because moving like this is probably not the wisest thing to do.

He continues his careful exploration, moving past her teeth and a little further in, but as always, the thought that this is not what she wants is lingering in the back of his mind.

Momentarily withdrawing, he asks: ] Is this all right with you? [ He supposes they should check in with each other along the way. ]

[ There is no pretending that a part of Alphinaud wishes he could both help the young boy and use what healing he can to help Alkaid all at the same time. But inevitably, he is forced to concede that she is right. Once they've freed the boy and gotten him to safety, then he can direct his attention to her.

He does not like it, but there is nothing else to be done. ]

Afterwards... [ He echoes her words, fixing her with his best determined stare before he also extends a hand to the boy. ]

Yes, it will not take us long at all, and we will make sure you are safe and looked after. [ He does not bother with words such as everything will be all right, because there is no way for him to promise that and live up to that, so he keeps his words limited to what he can promise and act on. ]

Now, are you able to move at all? [ He wishes to know if he is hurt and thus unable to move of his own volition. If so, then he will simply have to move more of the rubble and debris, while also keeping Alkaid from pushing herself too hard. He would be a fine friend indeed if he did not do his best to help the boy and her. ]

[ He has already halfway turned from the door, ready to retire to his own room, or perhaps his study, until dinner is prepared, but at the very last minute, he hears her voice, and he stops in his tracks.

He would be lying to himself if he said he did not wish wholeheartedly to sit beside her and talk with her more, so it is that wish that leads him to open the door and slowly step through it.

But now that he is in the room, what is he to say? He clears his throat once, hoping that the words will eventually come. ] I hope that your bath is to your liking.

[ How easily he falls into the role of Ser Aymeric, lord of this manor, when he is unsure of himself and what he ought to say. But if anyone can put him at ease again, he knows by now that it is her. Perhaps one day, he will not be so quick to fall back into his old formal ways. ]

Edited 2022-02-08 05:56 (UTC)

[ There is a smile of understanding that crosses her face. She knows all too well the feeling of wishing be able help any and all that she can. The more of war she sees, be with man or dragon, the more she wishes she could. ]

A-a little...

[ She nods and starts to move another rock. Her tail straightens in a sudden bolt of pain, but she manages to hide it well enough. At least, she hides it from the boy they are trying to help.

Once a few more rubble pieces have been moved, the boy tries to claw himself out. He manages the feat, and Alkaid helps guide him out of the rubble. He is covered in cuts, bruises, and dirt. ]

[ She cannot imagine a time where he will not default to being Ser Aymeric the Lord Commander. It is a deep part of him, habits or no habits. She loves him as the Lord Commander or simply Aymeric. All she wishes for is that he will be comfortable being either around her.

One hand leaves the edge of the tub and extends out to him. When he has accepted her hand, she curls her fingers around his and continues to hold it even once he has made himself a place on the floor beside the bath. ]

Of course it is. What of your bath?

[ At the very least, he would of heard her made a sound that he has never heard. Almost a kin to a cat's tail being stepped on.

Her eyes open when he pulls away, almost a dazed look of confusion in them. His question takes a moment to register in her mind. Then, her head tilts to the side as she wonders why be might ask it. Perhaps she has not been clear enough in her advances?

Their joined hands move as she directs them back to her chest. The night shirt is still pulled down on one side, exposing a fair amount of her breast. She then moves her hand to press his against the exposed area. A playful smirk takes her face as she cannot stop the edge of her tail from flicking side to side.

Well, she is certainly direct now. ]

This is very all right with me, ser knight. [ Her eyes flick to the side in a playful ponder. ] It may even be a situation in which I may find myself biting...

[ If Aymeric had even the slightest inkling that that was what his friend was thinking, he would be quick to change the direction of his thoughts and goals in order to ensure that his friend's days were lightened as well. After all, they are friends, and have been for some time, and what else are friends for if not to help shoulder each other's burdens? It would be wholly selfish of him to only focus on his present happiness, even though said happiness is tempered slightly by the absence of the Warriors of Light.

At times, he wonders if there is more going on beneath his friend's placid expression, but he has decided that it is better for Estinien to decide on his own terms when to talk about certain subjects than if he pushed him to open up about things that might be troubling him. ]

I suppose they are not the same, but both involve no small measure of responsibility. [ At least, that is Aymeric's observation based on the brief exchange between Estinien and their moogle visitor. Truthfully, he still has a lot to learn about the doings of moogles and their history, and if he had ample time to devote to the subject, he would certainly endeavor to educate himself. ]

If it is easier for you, simply Aymeric will suffice. [ There is a time and place for the use of titles, but he sees no reason for that in this present moment. ] I certainly hope that I do not garner any further titles, or I will have to use even more ink than I already do when penning missives and signing documents.

[ The notion makes him smile and give an amused sort of laugh. ] More letters, you say?

[ He takes the offered letter, giving the envelope a careful looking over, and it is not until he sees the lil seal that he realizes just who has sent this to him. ]

I certainly hope that I shall receive more of these letters. [ But at the same time, he will not be waiting up for them, given the responsibilities of the one who sent said letter. Hoping for them, yes. Expecting their regular arrival? Not quite.

A thought occurs to him then, and he asks: ]

I imagine you must have quite the journey ahead of you, so with that in mind, do you require anything before you leave?

Are we any less connected because the things that we face are different? I think that by calling each other friend, we all share each other's concerns and struggles, and speaking for myself, if I can even provide an ounce of comfort to you, of course I will try my best.

After all, you and yours have shown great kindness to me and my people as well.

[ Yugiri turns to offer a warm smile to K'thisru as well, even as she opens her mouth to respond to her sister. ]

Well, it's going to be a great challenge, from what I can tell, and you know I like a challenge. [ What she doesn't like is the idea that actual blood is shed in the process, but by now, she is more than aware that differences in culture and tradition exist, and it isn't her place to comment on it. ]

[ Alphinaud is quick to remain close by once the final pieces of rubble are removed, and the boy manages to free himself, but once again, his gaze is drawn back to Alkaid, because he hasn't missed the way her tail suddenly stands on end. Once he can properly focus on her after they have seen to the young survivor, he means to offer what assistance and healing he can.

For now, though, their attentions have to be on the young boy and getting him back on his feet again.

And in the interest of being on the same page and to make things easier for her and the boy, he asks: ] Would you rather see to his needs here or shall we bring him back to the settlement?

[ He does not seem to have any life-threatening injuries, but Alphinaud is well aware that sometimes, one cannot rely solely on sight in situations such as this. ]

[ He finds himself unable to hold back the smile when she extends her hand for him to take, which he does without hesitation. Positioning himself on the floor beside her, his smile only widens as he looks at her.

A slightly embarrassed expression replaces the smile, because he does feel some measure of remorse for this bit of trickery, but his desire to be alone with her for a little while longer was too difficult to ignore. ] Ah, well- I imagine that it is growing cold as we speak.

[ With his free hand, he rubs the back of his head a little nervously, but bath water can always be reheated if needed. However, he most likely will not trouble the steward or the maid to do so. ]

[ Should that happen, he would be quick to shower her with apologies and feel immensely guilty for being so ungraceful, so perhaps it is best that he not lose his balance.

He knows full well that her advances have spoken quite clearly, but he still remains apprehensive and almost fearful that either his actions do not line up with what she desires, or that they are simply inadequate due to his lack of experience and practice with such intimate things.

But before he can further explain himself, she moves their hands and places them atop her chest. And he cannot help but notice the way her clothes have fallen or what has been revealed.

She might notice a slight tremor in his hands, not because of displeasure or nerves (although they are certainly in an elevated state at the moment), but because his desire to just give full rein to his passions is stronger than ever. ]

Biting, is it? [ He marvels that he is able to respond without a stammer or a shake in his voice. ] I see.

[ Lest she think that he does not welcome such a thing, he moves carefully, being mindful of both of their respective positions, leaning down just far enough to plant a kiss beside where she has placed their hands. ]

[ They had arrived in the Lochs well after morning. What remained of the Resistance had gathered for one final push against the Empire--against Zenos. The remaining Scions had also assembled and met with Raubahn to talk of their next moves. The Scions would have their own role and part to play as the companies of the Eorzean Alliance pushed the front.

Her heart skips a beat as she sees the colors of the Alliance hanging beside Ala Mhigo. Not only because of the symbolism or the unison the flags together meant. It was reminiscent of the battle five years ago, and that alone make her heart swell. Regardless if she hadn't been there when the Scions originally formed and fought to save the star from the Calamity that Bahamut called for. No, what truly makes her heart skip is the realization of who will surely be there if the whole Alliance came together.

Of course, she is not the only one who missed someone. Alkaid had done her utmost to keep her heart to herself. Especially on the nights she could see when her sister would anxiously look out into the beyond. The mysterious stranger was apparently never far from K'thisru's mind and it troubled her. How can she openly lament missing the one she loves when her sister is so tormented?

The conversation had continued on with what the Scions might do, but her thoughts had long since taken her from the conversation. The thoughts swirl in her mind until they are interrupted by a soldier reporting the arrival of the Alliance Leaders. Her ears twitch. She stands there for a moment, then two, then three, as she argues with herself on what she wishes to do and what she ought to. However, the familiar sounds of Ishgardian horns announce the arrival of the representatives on Ishgard's behalf. Her heart wins and her mind can only try follow along with only but a glancing squeeze to her sister's arm. Then, she dashes off from the meeting table.

There is no explanation given for her actions, nor asking to be excused from the meeting. Alphinaud's and Lyse's voices calling out her name can be heard, but she does not stop to even entertain their questions. Her Doman styled armor and headpiece glimmer in the setting sun as she rushes off.

The sprint is longer than she expects, and already she is pushing through the small ocean if mixed soldiers. She finally comes to a stop as she slips through a soldier from the Flames and the Adder's. Finding the blue and black armor trimmed in gold and silver is hardly difficult. The armor stands out against the others, and, not to mention, its wearer is taller than almost all of the Alliance leaders.

Alkaid freezes for a moment as the reality of the moment begins to settle--he is there in Gry Abania. Only a handful of months has passed, but, the same feelings wash over her as they did when she first met him. Except, this time, awe is hardly going to hold her in place.

She pushes past the two soldiers she has snuck between and makes straight towards her husband-to-be. The armor on the robes is far from quiet, but she is far from caring. There is no warning as her arms raise and instantly wrap around his frame. Her face buries in what she can of his armor as the familiar textures and smells bombard her all at once.

He's here, with her, and it is no dream.

Four months of being away from the manor she called home; being so far away from her knight. Her face presses into the metal plates and hands curl into the fabric on his back. Oh, the handful of letters she wrote, detailing Kugane and the Steppe. They fail in comparison to hearing his breathing and the feel of his armor again.

Alkaid's shoulders begin to shake and she bites her lip to keep the sounds of relief, tears, and longing inside. She wants to shout his name and weep in joy in front of all of them. She has missed him so much more than she anticipated and very rarely shared it with words or tears. Now, she feels overwhelmed to the point all she can do is stand there and try not to cry. ]

Edited 2022-02-11 18:34 (UTC)

[ She certainly has little experience, even if it may seem the opposite. Most of her actions she has left up to instict--for which Miqo'te has many. The end of her tail sways as his eyes fall on her exposed breast, for which she cannot help but blush. A small voice in her mind has always thought but what if I am far from appealing if he saw me bare?

Her hand gently brushes along the top of his own as she feels the tremors. She does not mean to push or even demand he drop his barriers or step where he is not ready. All she wishes for him to know is that she desires him and hopes he does the same for her.

She moves to explain that very notion when his lips press against her chest. There is a sharp inhale, and he might notice how the knee at his side presses into his. Gods, how she would not mind him exploring her, but...

Alkaid swallow the sudden lump of desire in her throat. ] If you would rather rest...

[ Her gaze softens, and perhaps he can even tell the sort of small smile hidden behind her arms. She, of course, knows the answer before she even speaks her proposal. ]

The water in this tub is plenty warm, if you wished to join me. [ The look in her eyes says she knows he will decline. Why she had bothered to say it at all is beyond her. ] I invites Thisru to join us for dinner when she is ready. She... sounded upset by something.

[ To say that Aymeric's nerves are reaching their peak as he makes the journey to Ala Mhigo along with the other leaders of the Eorzean Alliance would be understating it greatly. Much is at stake here, with the liberation of Ala Mhigo on the line, and the prospect of putting the threat of Zenos and the Empire to rest for good. But that is not all that is causing Aymeric's state of nervousness, although he does his level best to keep none of his emotions from showing on his face.

If the path leads to Ala Mhigo and this last great push, then surely that means he will cross paths with the Scions and the Warriors of Light once more. And while he always welcomes an opportunity to speak with the Scions and the Warriors alike, there is one person who he wishes to see and speak with very much. And, if he can manage it, he would like to hold this person as well, but he has not lost sight of his duty or of the situation at hand. There may not be time for such things, and he knows that he will have to accept that.

As the representatives from the Alliance gather, Aymeric exchanges greetings and brief bits of conversations with those who cross his path, making inquiries into their well-being and the well-being of the places they hail from. But all the while, he has his eyes and ears watching and listening for any signs of the one he has come to see, hoping that she is here as well. And if not her, then at least her sister might be, although why they would travel apart, he cannot imagine.

As fate or fortune would have it, she spots him first and is heading his way even as he is still looking around, hoping to spot her. It is not until he registers the sound of footsteps falling on the ground, followed by the feel of someone all but barreling into him that he realizes his search has ended.

He does not need to do such things as inquire as to her identity, because although she looks slightly changed from the last time he saw her, there is no doubt in his mind that this is none other than his betrothed.

When she buries her face in the drapery of his armor and he notices the way she begins to shake, he is quick to pull her in for a hug, not particularly caring who might witness this exchange. With his free hand, he moves it to stroke her hair, moving aside stray strands that have fallen loose to frame her face.

He wishes to inquire as to her well-being, and if she has any needs that he should do his best to meet, but he says none of this for the moment, choosing instead to pull her closer to him and give her a comforting hug. It truly does not matter that they are not alone, and that some members of the Scions, if not all of them, are looking on. ]

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

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(fuk timelines, the last part of sb is UGHHH)

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