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

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[ By the time Aymeric returns to the quarters that have been provided to him, as an Alliance leader, it is late in the evening and he wishes for nothing more but to retire and rest while he still can.

He pauses at the doorway to his designated room, as if wondering where the Warriors of Light presently are. He shakes his head at that thought, because they surely need their rest as well, and he would not dare bother them, not this night.

And so, armed with that thought, he opens the door and steps inside, but before he closes the door behind him, he turns back long enough to look outside at the clouds forming in the sky above him.

It seems as though rain is coming, and perhaps it might even turn into a storm. It seems fitting, on the eve of what will surely be a great and monumental battle. He lingers there for a few moments more before he finally closes the door, turning from it and stepping back inside the room. ]

[ continued here! ]

[ The meeting had run later than Alkaid had expected. Not simply the one with the Alliance leaders, but the ones the Scions held thereafter. It was the finalization of plans and what was expected of them to infiltrate the Royal Palace ahead of the rest of the Alliance. They would strike hard and fast at Zenos and bring a swift end while the Alliance fought with the Empire's forces. It would require traversing under the salt lakes... to which Alkaid could already hear her sister bemoan loudly.

She squeezes her sister's hand as the meeting adjourns. Alkaid is certain K'thisru and Alphinaud are quite aware of where she is headed. While an area has been assigned for the Scions so they might rest? Her eyes are elsewhere on the matter. Unfortunately, no matter where she goes in the camp dressed however she might, any and all would recognize her. Thus, she does not bother hiding her appearance.

What she does not pay any heed to is how an Temple Knight and a Twin Adder glance at one another as she heads to the Alliance leader quarters. The Adder holds their hand up, and the Temple Knight sighs in annoyance before handing a handful of gil over.

Alkaid shakes her head as she enters the building and eventually comes to stand at Aymeric's door. She's already drenched in water from the sudden rainfall, so she doubts he would wish her to linger. Her hand reaches up to knock on his door as the other moves her dark bangs from her face to move the water from it. ]

[ As is customary for him, Aymeric's mind is turning far too much for him to find sleep so easily. With the battle looming on the horizon as well as the tactical strategies still chasing themselves around in his mind, he decides he needs to find a way to settle his thoughts before he can find rest.

But what to do? He can hardly fall back upon his usual task when sleep escapes him, as there are no Ishgardian reports for him to see to, not while he is here. It is while he is mulling this over that a knock sounds upon the door, and without hesitation, he crosses to it and opens it, thinking that it must be a representative from the Alliance or perhaps the Scions with some unfinished business from the meeting.

Instead, he realizes that it is none other than Alkaid, and she is completely soaked in water. ]

Alkaid! [ He is so surprised that he does not use her usual title as he does when he thinks others might be present to overhear. ] What are you d- It is hardly important; you must come in and dry off.

[ He steps back from the doorway so that she might enter, all the while thanking Halone or whoever it was that led Alkaid to his doorstep tonight. ]

Ser Aymeric. [ She smiles at him regardless, tail swaying side by side, betraying her attempts at being rather formal and hiding her emotions.

Her hands fold together in front of her as she begins to twist them in her nervous habit. The proper thing would be to simply see if he has settled well and leave him to his own given what will come in the morning. Even when she would far more gladly stay the night with him and simply be with him. Not as they were after the first attempt at the Conference--even if part of her always desires him. No, she simply wishes to be with him, hear his voice, and hold his hands. Alkaid motions to share just that when he is stepping back after declaring the state she is in.

Alkaid looks down at her soaked robes with a simple shrug. She has had far worse and has been in worse conditions. Although, she is certain that Aymeric would hear none of it, and slowly steps inside at his instance. Once inside her tail gives a gentle shake to free the water in it. The golden head ornament remains in her hair as she had quickly made her way to his quarters after the meeting. ]

This may be the wrong time to mention that I have slept in dirt, mud, and the snow. It's only water. [ Although it is clear she is uncomfortable in the heavy coat and the rest of the state of her. ] More importantly... now that we might speak openly... how does Ishgard fair? Your home, the staff... how have you been?

[ Her fingers continue to twist but her gaze softens. She has missed him a great deal and been unable to hear back from him in letters. Of course, he would not know where to send them as their mission had been covert. That is why she asks what she does at first. Now that she is no longer clinging to him on the verge of tears. ]

Edited 2022-03-01 10:24 (UTC)

[ As always, his smile widens and a nearly overwhelming flood of happiness washes over him. He loves her dearly, and upon every occasion that they are allowed to see each other, what with their own respective schedules, each one is filed away in his mind and heart as something truly precious and memorable.

His head tilts to one side as he watches the way her hands twist together, and a look of worry forms in his eyes. At times, he wonders if she truly is well, if all the burdens she has had to carry have left deeper wounds that are not so easily healed. And with those worries, he begins to wonder if he is truly equipped to support her, to be the partner that she needs. All he has to offer is his love, his home, and his very life, but is that enough?

Pausing to listen to her explanation that she has seen worse, and has slept in varying conditions of undesirable weather, he nods to show that he is listening, but then he shakes his head as well. He will not leave her to linger in those wet clothes, nor risk that she might catch a chill or something worse.

Before he answers her questions concerning the state of Ishgard, he moves to quickly take hold of the towels that have been left for his use. Holding them in one hand, with the other, he works to remove her coat that is already heavy but made even moreso with the water that soaks it. ]

I do hope that you will not mind if I ask you to remain here at least long enough for me to see you dry and warm. [ Once the coat is removed, he sets to work using the towels to dry her off. ] And I would be forward enough to suggest that perhaps you remain here for the night, as the storm is only growing worse.

[ He knows that such a suggestion may not be well-received, and if any saw Alkaid venturing to his quarters, surely the gossip mills will be active and turning in no time at all. But he cares little for the idle chatter of others or what aspersions they might make about his character.

He does, however, care about what they say about her, so no sooner does he make that suggestion than he retracts it. ] Nay, perhaps that would be unwise. I will not knowingly open you up to being the topic of conversation. But at least remain here until you have dried off, and then I will escort you to your quarters myself.

[ It is not what he wishes to do, and the look of desire to have her remain with him tonight is clear, but he must do what is right. ]

As for Ishgard, all is well. The people are working to restore their lives and their homes, and I would even go as far as to say that happiness is returning to everyone. And all is well at home and with the staff. I will make sure they know you have inquired about them.

[ Then, he uses one end of the towel that is rapidly becoming increasingly soaked to wipe away the droplets of water that are clinging to her face. ]

[ Those explorations have most certainly divulged such information. The part of her mind still capable of objective thought makes a note of where to direct her comforting ministrations next time it seems he is tense. For now, her fingers instead move to the base of his neck and begin to stroke the lines of tension there. Small motions that, after a moment, fall in line with the way their hips shift.

She had intentions of asking if he was truly alright with this. His culture and standings aside, she wonders how intimate he would prefer to be out of wedlock. Yet, that query flies from her mind the moment he begins to shift up and down.

Her fingers press into his skin on reflex of the motion. All at once her lowe back arcs to press her front to his. Her body shivers with a sudden wave of pleasure that comes from deep inside. Her legs wrap around his to encourage the motion further. ]

Aymeric, [ His name slips out breathlessly and her eyes meet his. She'd throw away that last shred of propriety if he permit her to. Although, if he keeps his motions going... ] Please...

[ Keep going, is what she means to say. Instead she shudders again and tilts her head back. ]

[ Her smile that forms is still hidden by the edging of the bathtub, but it is certainly obvious by the way her eyes seem to sparkle. Much sooner? It is certainly a wide net, but she cannot imagine it would have been before the ill-fated first attempt at the conference. Which, in hindsight, is rather ironic considering how he wishes to remain proper. ]

I had often wondered if I fell in love the first time I saw you. [ Her ears bend back only in embarrassment, as is obvious by the red that can be seen creeping over what is visible of her cheeks. ] I thought it was childish to think it... and convinced myself you would have no interest other than that of an ally.

[ Which, now, she can see was clearly wrong.

She gives a small tug to his hands for him to lean closer. Then, she captures his lips with hers in a kiss. ]

[ Most of why she twists her fingers so is the fact she finds herself nervous and worried. She fears causing too much trouble for him--to the point that whispers of their snuck away meetings may become bothersome. It was most the reason why she hid their engagement.

Though, if he truly has no issue with the world knowing...

The ears atop her head raise to a high point as he sets about removing her armored coat. A blush takes her face, and she has to wonder why she is embarrassed when they have been far more intimate in the past. The off-white coat practically peals off her skin to reveal a white under coat and a blue pleated skirt beneath. Two straps of leather with a gem act as the necklace while her conjurey master ring is on the opposite hand as her engagement ring.

Her face scrunches playfully as he dries her off. She feels almost as a kitten again, and purposely puffs her cheeks slightly to rouse a laugh from him. He ears bend underneath the towel, only to pop back up the moment the towel moves away from them. Then, her head tilts slightly at the fact he retracts his offer. ]

I am glad to hear they are well. Maybe, once this has been concluded, I might return home for a time. [ Her voice quiets as she speaks, gaze dropping, as it is clear that is what she would want. No sooner had the cloud washed over her, Alkaid raises her gaze back to his with a playful glint to them. ] The Lord Speaker has me halfway un-dressed and offers a place in his room to me? How very scandalous.

[ She smiles then, purposely leaning her cheeks into his hands with the towel still draped over her head.]

A scandal I would rather have. As I have missed my betrothed dearly. More than letters of any sort could truly describe. [ The playful glint turns fond as her hands raise to brush along his wrists before lifting and finding their way to the sash of his unfastened armor. ] I would like nothing more than to spend the night with my love and tell him everything I could not in written word.

Edited 2022-03-03 07:11 (UTC)

[ If he could take all her worries away, he would. No matter what happens to him or what disapproval is leveled at him, it does not matter. What matters is having her with him; even now, he marvels at what fortune led him to meet her. He certainly has not done anything to deserve someone like her, and so he thanks whoever it was that gave him this blessing.

As he continues working on drying her off, he laughs when he sees her puff out her cheeks. A wave of joy crests over him as he watches her and notes how her ears flatten then pop back up. He reaches for the closest one and gives it a light stroke. ]

You will always have a place with me wherever we are, as long as you wish to stay.

[ His hands lightly caress her cheeks, a warm smile crossing his face. ]

If you wish to stay with me this night, I will not put you out, because- I wish to not be parted you, that we might make the most of what time we have together.

[ Practically speaking, perhaps he could not have put forward his proposal any sooner than he had, but if he could have thrown around practicality, he is certain he would have done so at his earliest opportunity. ]

Certainly, you did manage to catch my eye at that time, in a way that none other has done; I believe that had I not been so reticent and convinced that surely, the Warrior of Light either had her eyes drawn to another or had no desire for such entanglements, I might have approached you sooner, at least that we might have a conversation or two.

[ But he hesitated, even though he knew that she had captivated his attention and his thoughts. And looking back, he wishes that he would have acted differently. ]

You always find ways to surprise me. [ And then he leans willingly into the kiss, arms moving with little regard for the tub that separates them as if wishing to wrap themselves around her frame. But he pauses at the last moment, a question forming in his eyes as if asking permission to touch her. She presently is unclothed as she is, of course, in the bath, so perhaps she does not wish for him to place his hands upon her right now. ]

[ Perhaps strangely, the only thing he is thinking about in between sweeping waves of pleasure elicited by her motions in return is that they are far too clothed for this. In line with those thoughts, he reaches up to tug on the edge of her shirt, as if to communicate the question of whether or not she minds if he removes it for her.

It certainly is a daring request, at least by his way of thinking, but if they are going to be intimate in this fashion, it stands to reason that nothing should be in their way.

For now, though, he contents himself with gradually increasing the speed of his movements, complying with her request that he interprets as asking him to continue and not stop. ]

[ Alkaid gives a small smile. ] He was called to a higher position himself. That, before anything else, is what hindered our wedding plans and announcements. The incidents at Baelsar's Wall only followed and escalated the rest.

I'm not certain how public he wishes the engagement to be. [ She looks back down at her engagement ring and twists it on the finger slightly. ] I simply don't want to cause rumors to spread or to cause him a harder time than he most certainly has...

[ Then, she pauses and smiles just a bit. ] Surely though the two of you have someone who has caught your eye. It can't be just me!

Our young friend is far more of a priority than me. Neither of us could of barred the thought of harm coming to someone when we should have been able to help. [ Alkaid gives him a knowing smile despite the winces. ] You've no reason to be sorry at all.

[ Once she is up to her feet again, she gestures to a small sitting arrangement that is separate from the others. She stumbles only a few times before they reach their destination and she takes her seat. She pulls the hand lightly covered in blood from her side and inhales sharply. ]

I can't imagine healing is different between many practices. You will need to redirect my aether to the wound and encourage it to come back together. I-I doubt there is much resistance, but...

Then, I shall bother you for a time longer. It has been far too long since once gave you advice on the other gender. [ A small smirk settles on his face as he leans comfortably back into the couch beneath him. His legs cross at the ankles as a hand raises towards the letter. ] Not that I expect you will disclose the information written in it. She went to great efforts to keep it secret.

[ He idly wonders why their engagement has not been made public, but does not voice the question. The pair of them seem completely head over heels for one another--why would they not proclaim it loud enough to hear? Aymeric has always been one of a quiet man of personal affairs, yet, Estinien believes his best friend might burst at the seams if he does not dote on about it in some form. ]

Although, I would ask where she and her sister might yet be.

[ The letter, as Aymeric will find it, is most certainly Alkaid's penmanship. The paper has browned around the edges to merely show the fact that it has traveled quite far indeed. ]

Dearest Aymeric,

I hope this letter finds you well. The postmoogles assure me that it might reach Ishgard regardless of how far away it might be. They have already set their paws and footholds inside of the city we are now in, as it remains a neutral party in the war between the Empire and the rest of the world.

Where to begin?

We have had to cross the Ruby Sea and enter Kugane. Perhaps you have heard of it? It remains a city that is open to trades of Doma and Eorzea alike. It is a port city in Hingashi. The architecture and food are like nothing else I have seen before. Thisru, myself, and the few Scions with us have arrived safely and have been set with a place to stay despite our rather opposed nature to the Empire. I am certain that by now the Scions have given reports to the leaders of Eorzea, so you no doubt are aware of at least the basics of what our path is.

I do not want my letters to be filled with details and notes you will most certainly read in reports. I want to be able for you to see the places in your mind as best possible. Until there might be a day in which I can show you them myself.

Kugane is made of stones and wood, with inverted roofs with tiles. The people here are used to travelers from all over the world to sell goods, so it is certainly welcoming to business and trade. They dress in garb known as kimonos in the cold and yukatas in the warmer months as we are now. They are colorful with so many different sorts of patterns. Their inn even has a public hot spring!

The city, somehow, falls quiet at night outside of certain places. It is not the same quiet that finds its way to Ishgard. Instead of the still peaceful quiet that accompanies snow? It is a light quiet that could burst into life at any moment and yet finds itself not chaotic at all. The moon often looks down on the city with clear skies with so many stars. Kugane is certainly a place in which I will take you to someday.

I am far from the best artist. Alphinaud has been kind enough to draw certain places in the city for me to include with this letter.

Thinking of you always,
Lantaa

[ The two following pages are indeed sketches that show a few places in Kugane.

However, once Aymeric shifts through the papers, he will find one more note tucked inside between the pages. It is gently places alongside the sketch of the market way. ]

While walking the streets of the market today with Thisru, I spotted a couple that had come all the way from Ishgard. They were still wearing the thick coats and clothing of the colder climate in a place where the sun is high and warm, but the sea breeze can be felt at any point.
All the way from Ishgard, can you believe it? Any from home can travel so far now
It reminded of how cold and quiet the city is
Kugane is so far away but they're here regardless
I realized how much I miss the city that gave us a home when we had nowhere else to go.
I wish I were home, regardless of the wars with the Empire.
I miss you.

[ The words are struck out several times as if Alkaid could not properly put what she wished to convey into words until the very end. The second letter is unsigned and unmarked, save for the water stains that decorate the bottom of the letter. Ones that may certainly resemble drops of tears. ]

Edited 2022-03-07 17:40 (UTC)

[ She would argue that all he has done for Ishgard has made him more than worthy of anything he might ever find. While she does not see herself as such a prize? She would suppose that would include her as well.

Her ear gently twitches underneath his touch and her eyes fall shut. Alkaid all but melts at the touch, tilting her head into his hand so she might nuzzle her nose against his wrist. The overwhelming sense of relief that he is present strikes her once more. He brings with him the feeling of home, and she has most certainly missed it despite the awe and thrill of seeing new places. The tail that had been swaying side-to-side happily comes to a stop as her eyebrows knit together. ]

Then, I'll stay here. [ All the gentle teasing and flirting leaves her voice to reveal something much gentler and vulnerable. ] Did my letters reach you? I know that there weren't nearly as many as I wanted to send! I wanted to describe every place I went, and tell you about the people and their customs! But, time... we had to move place to place so quickly...

[ She presses her head further into his hand before kissing the inside of his wrist. ]

I missed you.

[ She laughs gently. ] Well, if you had eyes for my sister, you would have been right. I'm not certain she will wish to settle down for some time yet.

[ Alkaid shifts against the tub as well, her front pushing against the porcelain. There is a brief thought of pulling him further into the tub. However, she discards that thought. He has already made his position clear and she will not push him from it. There is nothing wrong with her meeting him at his level of what he is comfortable with.

She gives him a smile, nudging her nose to encourage him. He has, after all, seen her practically naked once. ]

... I hope those surprises are good ones.

[ Her gaze moves back to his after he tugs on the shirt she wears. A slow and very welcoming smile forms on her lips. There is a jest somewhere in her mind of how it is his nightshirt and he should be the one to decide if she wears it or not. Instead, she slips her other hand underneath his own to press both of her hands to his back and neck, using the slightly leverage to change how they angle ever so slightly. That seems to be enough to make what little rationale she had fade away as she presses her lips to his ear and another low sound comes from her.

Her breathing deepens as her fingers curl into his back and hair. Thankfully, her nails are short and shouldn't leave marks or hurt at all. Instead, she leaves kisses along his jaw and up to his ear. She maneuvers however he directs her to be able to rid the nightshirt from her, even if a slight whine comes from her as she has to pull her hips from his to do so. ]

I have no complaints with this, my friend. [ He values any time that he gets to spend in Estinien's company, with or without advice about the opposite gender. ] As to the contents of her letter, well- You know as well as I that I do not keep secrets from you, as much as I am able. I imagine if there is sensitive information contained in her letter, that should be kept close, but unless you intend to go travel to far-off places alongside her and her sister, a thing I would not begrudge you for, I suppose there is no harm in divulging her location to you.

[ And he trusts that Estinien will keep whatever he tells him to himself, not revealing the information to any who will listen.

But then he falls silent as he opens the letter and begins to read it. His expression remains as impassive as always, but as he reads, a smile slowly forms on his face, but there is a sort of longing in his expression as well. He can see the places she describes in his mind's eye, but oddly, knowing that those are places where she has walked only adds to the loneliness he feels but has yet to disclose to anyone.

But still, he smiles, even if it takes on a little sadness as he continues to read down the page until she closes the letter. And then, just as he is about to fold up the letter and turn his attentions back to Estinien, his eyes spot another smaller piece of paper tucked inside the larger pages.

His eyebrows gently lift as he pulls it out and begins to read the words written in Alkaid's neat hand. His movements are subtle, but as he reads how she spotted Ishgardians in Kugane and then goes on to say that she misses him, his shoulders drop and his head lowers, eyes momentarily sliding closed as his emotions begin to swirl.

It did not miss his notice that the page is dotted with what he is certain are teardrops. He places her letter and the shorter note down so that he does not inadvertently damage either piece as his fingers curl inward and his gaze lowers to look at his hands. He is all too aware that Estinien is still there looking on, but in this moment, he cannot hide behind the stoic mask that he so often wears.

He misses Alkaid more than he can put into words, and reading the words she wrote on the page has only amplified how keenly he feels their separation. After a moment, he raises his head once more, and he fixes Estinien with an apologetic smile. ]

My apologies. I- Well, I can hardly pretend that her words did not strike a chord. She is well, or at least she was at the time this letter was penned, and I remain grateful for that. It seems that their path has led them to Kugane, in Hingashi, across the Ruby Sea. I have heard of it, but my knowledge is superficial at best.

[ He knew of this, from the reports that they have received, but there is a difference between those dry, factual reports and Alkaid's letter, and it is no secret which one he prefers. ]

Edited 2022-03-08 07:22 (UTC)

[ He maintains that it was not him who brought peace to Ishgard, although he is aware he played a small role in it, just as he is aware that she and others would call his role anything but small. Still, that the long war has finally concluded is not a laurel that should rest on his shoulders, but upon the Warriors of Light, the Scions, and countless others who fought and sacrificed to see the war come to an end.

But in this moment, it is not those thoughts he wishes to focus on. Rather, he wishes to focus upon her, to give her all the love and attention that he can. He has missed her greatly, and he is certain that their time together will be short. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that he make use of every second that they have. ]

I say this not to bring to mind regret, because I understand full well that our respective responsibilities must separate us at times, but the manor has been very quiet without your presence. [ It is too quiet, and missing a certain spark that her being there brought to the place. Even the steward and the head maid have felt it, and all three of them look forward to when she might return there again. ]

I did receive your letters, and I was glad for them. They brought a smile to my face, and I was beyond gladdened for the chance to see the different places you visited through your words and your eyes.

[ His own eyes soften as he looks at her, and when she presses her lips against his wrist, a contented sigh escapes him. ]

I missed you more than you could possibly know.

Ah, but that is part of the experience, is it not? Finding one whom you are drawn to and becoming better acquainted with them, perhaps even coming to the conclusion that you wish to spend the rest of your days with them...

[ He does not bother concealing the smile that spreads across his face. ] I consider myself very fortunate indeed to have met you, and might I say, even blessed that our paths crossed as they did.

[ And having said that, he ceases his hesitation, moving forward again and this time completing the action of gently wrapping his arms around her, paying no heed to the water from her bath nor the water that is clinging to her skin. He only wishes to touch her, to feel her, however she might allow. ]

They are only the best ones, of course. [ His tone has lowered several notches, growing deeper the more his desire for her grows. If not for his own reticence, he would join her in the bath, because he wants nothing more than to be as close to her as he can manage. ]

[ He has fought and sacrificed as well. He has his own wounds and his own internal struggles because of it. Even more so, he had to order an end to the only blood relation he had. She knows that the Borels were truly his family and the parents he ever needed. Yet, she also knows that a part of Aymeric always wanted that connection to his birth father.

She smiles up at him and her tail begins to sway again. The possibilities, of course, are quite low due to their difference of race. Yet, she hopes that somehow, she might be able to at least give him a child one day. Alkaid has kept the thought to herself so that one day it might be a surprise for him. A chance to have a relationship with his own flesh and blood that he was never able to have with his father. She cannot heal that wound on his heart. Giving him a son or daughter is the only thing she might be able to do for that wound. Of course, she is aware it will never fully heal that wound or replace that longing Aymeric most certainly must have. It is also her duty as the future Viscountess of House Borel to provide an heir... isn't it?

Her gaze softens at his statement. She does not take it in regret, but instead, the gentle reminder that the manor is truly her home now. While using different names due to cultures, she is now a part of his clan and those of it have welcomed her with open arms. It strikes a chord deep down inside and she wishes that K'thisru might one day feel the same. ]

Then, I will certainly need to return home once this battle is over and Zenos is stopped. [ Her voice is softer and she takes a step closer to him. Of course, she had already wished to return to Ishgard, but now the idea is firmly planted in her mind.

There is a certain light in her eyes that comes to life at the news her letters were received. Not only that, but that he could see something of the world beyond Ishgard. While he may not physically go to those places? He can at least visit them in his mind. Relief passes over her face once more as she briefly nuzzles her nose against his wrist. ]

I believe I have an idea of how much.

[ For it certainly must be as much as she missed him.

She reaches up to remove the golden headpiece on her head and drop it on top of the off-white armor on the floor. Next, she removes the blue pleated skirt beneath her white slip and leaves it on the floor as well. Her boots can come off once she is sitting down. Her hands settle back to the sash of his slightly undone armor. Mint colored eyes flick up towards his to ask if she might help him out of the rest of his armor.

If they are to spend the night together, she would have them as bare as he would allow them to be. She would remove all her clothing down to her undergarments or even be entirely bare if he would wish it so far from their room in the manor. ]

I very much doubt that is an experience and journey she has even considered. [ Still, she smiles as he does. ] I have no doubts that Thisru will find someone when the time is right. I simply hope she does not let the opportunity pass her by again.

[ There has always been a small sting in her heart that K'thisru had never noticed the interest G'raha Tia took in her. While he was certainly a tad childish and dreamed very big? She could tell the affections the man had for her sister were genuine. Yet, Alkaid felt it was not her place to try and push them together, and instead hoped it might have happened naturally. Instead, he chose to reign his budding emotions in and use it as a driving force. It is so very bittersweet in so many ways. ]

I would have liked very much to see G'raha and Thisru together.

[ Her hands finally leave the edge of the tub and raise to drape around his neck as he wraps his own around her. She tilts her head back with her black hair but brightly tinged pink ends shifting to frame her face. She would have him touch her in any and all intimate ways. For now, however, she will settle for him simply touching her bare back.

Gods, he is so very talented at distracting her. His lowered tone causes her heart to skip a beat and she all but melts into his hold. Aymeric needs to do very little in order to stir her own desires, no matter how much she attempts to temper them for what she understands are his own wishes. She nudges her nose against his, then his chin, fingers tilting upwards to curl into the hair at the bottom of his neck. ]

Even the ones that may be inappropriate for our status? [ Even if in her mind, he has already claimed her as his and she has claimed his. A ring only represents that to everyone else. She has considered herself his ever since the night of the first failed attempt at the Conference.

Now, her voice lowers and she presses down those stirring desires. ] I can't imagine the requests are very seemly for a bride-to-be.

I see. That is unfortunate, and I wish that there was something I could do to bring you both together once more. Everyone should have the opportunity to find happiness, and I believe you deserve that opportunity more than most. And that goes for you as well, K'thisru. [ Yugiri's smile is for the benefit of both sisters, as is the wish in her heart for both of them to find happiness however that might look. ]

I am certain that the time will come when you both feel it is the right time to share your happiness with others.

[ And in response to Alkaid's statement, a hint of color creeps up K'thisru's neck even though she remains silent. Yugiri, however, casts her gaze down at her hands as a more pensive look crosses her face, although she also remains silent, feeling as though she ought to keep these particular thoughts to herself. ]

[ A fond smile touches Alkaid's face as she realizes what the answer to her question is. Yugiri certainly has her eyes for someone, but feels it is not her place to say. The elder of the two Warriors of Light nods in understanding before turning her eyes back to her sister. If she understands right, K'thisru has an interest in a certain mysterious stranger.

A stranger that has apparently not shown his face for some time.

Alkaid squeezes her sister's hand in a gentle reassurance. They will certainly find this stranger when the time is right and they might be able to help him.

For now, however, the three sit by the campfire as the night turns to the very earliest of hours of the morning. Alkaid looks down a the unfinished note in her hands with a small frown. The letter will have to wait until after they survive the Nadaam and finish the plan Hien has set in motion. ]

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

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/wraps this one up for done done/