hobbitholmes: γ€π•žπ•–γ€‘ (Default)
𝓼𝓽π“ͺ𝓻𝓼. ([personal profile] hobbitholmes) wrote in [community profile] synthneon2021-11-19 12:58 am

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

AFTERGLOW
β€” hear, feel think. β€”
❄️ HEAVENSWARD
β˜… Ever Heavensward (3.0)
    β€” Ishgard Meetings, Part 2

β˜… As Goes Light, So Goes Darkness (3.1)
    β€” Unfleeting Emotions

β˜… The Gears of Change (3.2)
    β€” Heavy Hearts, Part 2

β˜… Revenge of the Horde (3.3)
    β€” Starlight Festival (Alkaid)
    β€” Starlight Festival (KP)
πŸ”₯ STORMBLOOD
β˜… IC Permission
β˜… IC Permission
β˜… IC Permission
β˜… IC Permission
β˜… IC Permission
BEYOND
CODE BY TESSISAMESS
thewayforpeace: (πŸ’ 130)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-03-10 11:14 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He gives the shirt one more tug before he finds himself very thoroughly distracted by what her hands are doing. The hand that has curled itself into his hair elicits a sigh from him, as he has found he enjoys it very much when she touches his hair in any way.

As for the hand at his back, the sensation of her fingers lightly digging into the skin there sends tingles up his spine. It is already a sensitive area, at least for him, but the presence of a healed scar from an old injury has made it slightly even more so. It does not hurt, not anymore, but still, a touch in just the right place always sends shivers traveling up his spine.

The slight whine that she makes causes him to look at her with a mixture of amusement and surprise, but regardless, he is quick to carefully lift the night shirt over her head and off, and once that is complete, he presses his hips against hers once more, giving her a light rub before he pauses to see how she might react.

A stray thought enters his mind then about how far they ought to go with respect to propriety, but even though what they have done so far is skirting that thin line, he knows it still has yet to be crossed.

Now that he has removed her borrowed shirt, he allows his hands to wander, one hand coming to rest at her hip while the other reaches around her to trace lines with his finger down her back and side. Her skin feels smooth beneath his touch, and he slowly begins to trace small circles as he makes his way down. ]
shepherdtostars: Ρ•Π½Ρ”ΟΠ½Ρ”Ρβˆ‚Ρ‚ΟƒΡ•Ρ‚Ξ±ΡΡ•γ€˜ βˆ‚ΠΈΡ•. γ€™ (shadow 🌸 35.)

/rounds this as done!

[personal profile] shepherdtostars 2022-03-11 10:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Some part of her mind that has not been entirely distracted and taken over by the sensations of what he is doing to her notes the scar her fingers are on. She might ask him of them the next time they find time alone with one another. Yet, that could be some time, considering the threat Nidhogg brings looming over them.

With the borrowed night shirt removed, Alkaid finds herself blushing despite everything. Her top is entirely bare underneath it, and she hopes that he finds her attractive with all of the armor and robes of the Warrior of Light removed. But, then he trails his hands along her, and she feels the last ounce of withholding she had fluttering away. She turns herself into his hold more and kisses him open mouthed.

All he need do is bring them to a point of release, however he might decide.

How had all this happened when all she intended was to keep him company so he might not drown in feelings of failure?

The two, however, do find that peek and fall asleep shortly after. A good thing as well, considering what will be awaiting them and the others. ]
abrightertomorrow: (012)

[personal profile] abrightertomorrow 2022-03-12 05:33 am (UTC)(link)
[ Even as she speaks, Alphinaud shakes his head. He does not disagree that they needed to help bring their young friend to safety, but he has as much duty to Alkaid as he does to anyone. ] I cannot say that your words lack truth, but I have a responsibility to you as well, as a fellow Scion and as your friend. And I am sorry.

[ But he knows better than to waste any more time arguing what is already decided in his mind. She needs his help now, and he will not keep her waiting any longer. ]

In words alone, that sounds simple enough, perhaps deceptively so. [ But he is certain there is enough overlap between the disciplines that this shall not be an insurmountable task.

He holds out a hand, momentarily closing his eyes for focus, doing his best to encourage her aether to travel to where the wound is located. ]
thewayforpeace: (πŸ’ 62)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-03-12 06:42 am (UTC)(link)
[ His smile remains in place as he surveys her. ] Like you, I am certain that when the time is right, everything will fall into place exactly how it should. Surely K'thisru will catch someone's eye, or the other way around.

Perhaps G'raha will be that someone, or perhaps it will be someone she has not even met yet. Either way, I am certain it will be quite an exciting time for both you and her.

[ He continues to hold her, realizing not for the first time just how much he likes having her in his arms. He keeps one hand positioned where it is, while the other reaches over to her ear so that he might begin to stroke it.

And when her fingers curl into the shorter hairs at the base of his neck, a shiver climbs up his spine. He is no more sensitive to touch than anyone else, and yet there are certain places that she has found that render him quite relaxed indeed. The back of his neck is one such place, and now it is his turn to have to fight to remain focused and not distracted. ]


Especially those. [ He knows it might not be becoming of someone in his position to tease her the way he is, but he finds that he cannot quite help himself. Of course he knows full well that he means to not cross certain lines, not yet, but he can still have a moment of levity without fear that she will be offended by it. ]

But I suppose that I best save some of those for our first night as a married couple. I would hate to disappoint you, after all.

[ And try as he might to keep a straight face so that he does not give away the ruse, the corners of his mouth twitch in spite of himself. ]
thewayforpeace: (πŸ’ 137)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-03-12 08:04 am (UTC)(link)
[ No matter how many wounds he has taken, whether physical or blows to the heart, and no matter how he felt as though he lost a part of himself the day he requested that his father be put down once and for all, he did all of it with what was best for Ishgard in mind. A part of him doubted that, and there is still a remnant deep inside him that still wonders if that truly was the best decision, but whenever those doubts begin to take hold, he remembers that had Thordan lived, all of Ishgard would have been dragged into a holy war seemingly without end.

The moment that she smiles and as her tail begins to sway, he feels the love that he has for her welling up inside him, and it is without even a second of hesitation that he leans forward to place a kiss upon her. He may not be privy to everything she is thinking, but he knows that he has found a family with her and her sister as well, and that is more than enough for him.

Should they be blessed enough to have children of their own, he will, of course, be beyond thrilled, but he considers himself a lucky man indeed to have met her and to have earned her love and affections. ]


Your home will be waiting for you, as long as it takes. [ But then, the unbridled happiness that is plain in his face fades a little as his own regret that he was unable to stand at her side during all the battles she has seen thus far and may not be present for the ones to come pulls at his heart. ] Would that I could be at your side for the fights to come.

[ He would gladly be her shield and her sword and defend her to the best of his ability. His duty to Ishgard has never wavered, not even once, and it certainly does not do so now, but still, he knows he has a new duty now, an additional one, and it is to her.

For a moment, he falls silent as he watches her remove her various articles of clothing, depositing them onto the floor before her hands land again on the sash of his armor that he has yet to finish removing.

His eyes look down to meet hers, and he smiles once more and inclines his head once as if to say he would appreciate the help removing his armor. A part of him has wanted a moment like this for some time now, but of course, there never was an opportunity for it until now.

His hands move until they rest on hers where she has placed them. ]


shepherdtostars: Ρ•Π½Ρ”ΟΠ½Ρ”Ρβˆ‚Ρ‚ΟƒΡ•Ρ‚Ξ±ΡΡ•γ€˜ βˆ‚ΠΈΡ•. γ€™ (shadow 🌸 39.)

[personal profile] shepherdtostars 2022-03-12 10:35 am (UTC)(link)
[ A gentle, but short-breathed, laugh comes at her. A smile follows it before she raises her unsoiled hand to tilt his chin up. The smile speaks levels of appreciation and yet also a sense of pride. Alphinaud had come such a long way from his early days in the Scions. ]

You are helping me now, doesn't that count? [ She shakes her head and gently pats his shoulder. A shaking breath leaves her then as she changes how she sits to aid him further. ] A-alright, now for the trickier part... it can take a student of conjurey years, b-but...

[ She breath hitches and a low hiss comes from her. The difference between a patch job and something more detailed. The stray thought comes to her that perhaps it is a good thing she was not the one to heal Ser Aymeric. ]

You must listen to what the... the aether wants. Where it wants to go, w-what direction it needs from you. That'll encourage it...
shepherdtostars: Ρ•Π½Ρ”ΟΠ½Ρ”Ρβˆ‚Ρ‚ΟƒΡ•Ρ‚Ξ±ΡΡ•γ€˜ βˆ‚ΠΈΡ•. γ€™ (shadow 🌸 30.)

[personal profile] shepherdtostars 2022-03-12 11:21 am (UTC)(link)
[ Has everything fallen perfectly into place? How much had to happen--how much pain had to occur--for it be to the point it is now? She certainly wishes it had been easier, and their losses not so great. Still, as she sits in the water, looking up at him, she cannot help but agree with the statement. She never would have thought she would be betrothed to--let alone sitting naked in a bath with the Lord Commander of the Temple Knights those months ago. Her gaze softens. ]

I hope she does. [ Even if G'raha may never see them again, merely read about them in history books. ] And, it would be an exciting time for you as well. You will be apart of her family too.

[ She wishes she might find a way to bring the pair of them together in a more friendly manner. That can only happen on their own time and pace. Still, she hopes that her sister may one day not be so awkward in a non-formal setting with Aymeric.

Well, if she hadn't melted in his hands before, she certainly is. Her head tilts entirely into his hand and she also leans into the hand at her back. His comment makes a gentle laugh come from her. Especially those, is it? She can certainly meet his teasing. Even more so if he continues to stroke her ear and press his hand to bare back. ]


Some, but not all, I hope.

[ She tilts her hands so the tips of her fingers gently brush along the back of his neck and the end of his hair. She uses her elbows to push herself up in the tub. Alkaid leans forward, elbows on the rim of the tub, and pressing a kiss to his lips. He may be in too proper of a mindset to look downwards at her exposed top, and that is certainly alright.

At the moment she would rather focus on kissing him and making him feel as happy and ...well, good, as he does for her. ]
shepherdtostars: Ρ•Π½Ρ”ΟΠ½Ρ”Ρβˆ‚Ρ‚ΟƒΡ•Ρ‚Ξ±ΡΡ•γ€˜ βˆ‚ΠΈΡ•. γ€™ (shadow 🌸 34.)

[personal profile] shepherdtostars 2022-03-12 11:40 am (UTC)(link)
[ Alkaid kisses him in return, successfully making her tail sways even more. There are times she dislikes how much her ears or tail might give away how she feels or thinks. Yet, that is not the case this time. She has come to realize how inadequate she is at describing her feelings for him. Love hardly seems to be enough of a word to encapsulate everything she feels, and even the depth she feels them.

A softness takes her eyes at his next statement. Home. A home that was always waiting for her. There is a layer of tears that forms then at the mere idea. Her clan--K'thsiru's clan--would always have open arms as well. Yet, that's far from the life she wants. She wants a mate only for her and to give him everything she might be able to.

Alkaid smiles against his lips and kisses him once more. ]
It sounds as if my brave knight need only find me on the battlefield in the morning. Surely, it would be better to storm the Palace with you there...

[ A small blush takes her face as his hands join hers. Well, he will need direct her, as she has never removed armor of this kind herself. Her fingers trail up the sash in search of where the armor hinges together. Once located, she starts to unhook and undo the armor.

Her fingers work and she gently brushes her lips over his again. ]
dragonssung: <lj user="alreadylost">. (pic#15468790)

[personal profile] dragonssung 2022-03-13 07:50 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Estinien hums lowly and closes his eyes to listen. Arms cross over his chest as he waits patiently for Aymeric to take in what Estinien can only surmise is a rather personal letter. He does not pretend to know how one might act when they are being courted or even into the stages of engagement. However, he knows the man he calls brother, and Aymeric always remains a private individual. If the Lord Speaker had not announced his engagement? Then it is most certainly a private and precious thing to him. There are times to tease Aymeric and times to let the man be.

The sound of armor shifting catches his ear, and Estinien opens an eyes to gauge his friend. Ah, there it is. A sliver of what he is sure Aymeric truly feels below that stoic mask. He draws no attention to it and instead counts it as a quiet confirmation. The Lord Speaker most certainly misses the Warriors of Light--and one in particular. A shake of his head is given at the apology as well as a raised hand to brush the concern away. ]


Hm. The Far East indeed. [ The dragoon tilts his head as he ponders it over. If his mission takes him to the sisters? He will most certainly check upon them... if only for Aymeric's sake. ] 'Tis little surprise we know nothing of the state of the world far away. Ishgard has ever only been concerned of her own borders until recently.

The way of words implies that there is an Imperial force stationed within Kugane, as well as the Syndicate of Ul'dah. Therefore a city that works between the two forces as a sort of parlay. I can only imagine how well K'thisru handles the presence of the Empire.

[ A smirk touches his face then in amusement. ]
thewayforpeace: (πŸ’ 137)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-03-14 07:13 am (UTC)(link)
[ But if they had come to this point without experiencing all of the pain and the loss, would it still feel so meaningful? For his part, Aymeric remains certain that it would not. After all, one can hardly live in the world and not experience difficulty, even pain and loss. It is the balance between hardship and happiness that he, like so many others, has had to find. ]

I am certain that she will, even though I cannot explain what it is that makes me feel that way. And I would consider myself quite fortunate indeed should I be considered part of your family. [ He considers himself quite honored that she and her sister even gave him a second look. ]

Oh, of course, not all. I must do my level best to ensure that you do not grow disheartened or discontent while we wait for that occasion.

[ When she presses a kiss to his lips, his eyes close as feelings of pleasure and happiness sweep over him. Something is stirring inside him, a feeling he has not felt before, and it is clear that she has succeeded in making him feel both happy and good, although aroused might be a more accurate term. ]
thewayforpeace: (πŸ’ 110)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-03-14 07:26 am (UTC)(link)
[ He has already realized that he loves everything about her, but he finds it especially endearing how her ears and tail move to accompany her emotions and what she is thinking or feeling. Still, he believes that he has grown accustomed to reading her various expressions and responses and knowing what it is she is saying, with or without words.

As for the notion of home, he knows that the manor has become considerably less of one in her absence, and he cannot wait for the day that she returns, even if it is only for a little while. But that time is still far off, and at the moment, their thoughts must be elsewhere by necessity. ]


I have often wished to fight by your side, to defend you from any harm that might come your way. When morning comes and the fight begins, I will do my best to find you.

[ He has a duty to his soldiers, but he also has a duty to ensuring that she is protected. The fighting may well be unpredictable, spreading wherever it wills, so he is hopeful that their paths will cross.

Of course, his hands mesh with hers, and although it seems to him that she does not require his assistance, he is certain to guide her hands to the joints in the armor that she might remove them. Perhaps it is unsurprising that it takes more time to put the armor on than it does to take it off.

But even though she appears to be making good progress, he is determined to relish this moment and commit it to memory. ]
Edited 2022-03-14 07:26 (UTC)
shepherdtostars: Ρ•Π½Ρ”ΟΠ½Ρ”Ρβˆ‚Ρ‚ΟƒΡ•Ρ‚Ξ±ΡΡ•γ€˜ βˆ‚ΠΈΡ•. γ€™ (shadow 🌸 35.)

/starts to wraps this one up as well?

[personal profile] shepherdtostars 2022-03-14 05:28 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Suffering will always bring strength and love that will last longer and survive more. She simply wishes there had not been as much. Was losing Haurchefaunt necessary to her and Aymeric finally coming together? It is a dangerous thought process to tread and certainly not one she wishes to focus on at the moment.

She deepens the kiss for only a moment. Then, her forehead presses to his as her gaze softens once more. Her eyes have darkened with her own desire and arousal, but unlike the night following the first attempt of the Conference? Alkaid does not rush after it. She intends to respect his wishes to the utmost. Another kiss is pressed to the side of his mouth and her nose nuzzles his. ]


It wouldn't hurt for me to hold back. [ Her smile turns a tad guilt ridden. While she would love more nights as the intimate one they had? She won't push for it. ] I would rather that than push you away.
shepherdtostars: Ρ•Π½Ρ”ΟΠ½Ρ”Ρβˆ‚Ρ‚ΟƒΡ•Ρ‚Ξ±ΡΡ•γ€˜ βˆ‚ΠΈΡ•. γ€™ (stormblood 🌸 04.)

[personal profile] shepherdtostars 2022-03-14 10:19 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She practically beams at his words. There has always been a small dream or hope that he might join her outside of Ishgard. While she would prefer adventures and seeing the world? She will certainly settle for fighting along side him on the battlefield. Her tail practically wags at the idea and she nudges his nose with hers once more.

However, her ears give an inquisitive twitch as her hands are guided by his along his armor. She, quite obviously, only wears robes and armor attachments to it. His usual armor attired is a tad more involved than she had expected, but she eventually finds the clasps to undo them. Then, her ears perk up as she moves to catch the armor that slides off his frame easily. It is certainly heavier than one might think, which only speaks more to the strength in his frame and build. She gently lays his armor out on the nearby table, caring for his more than her own.

She is back at his side in a moment, hands going to his once more. She takes a step back to admire the layer of clothing underneath his armor. Her eyes land on a familiar piece of jewelry that she had gifted him during the Starlight Celebration. Slowly, her eyes raise to meet his and widen slowly. It must be obvious to his keen sense of reading her as to what she means to say. She did not expect him to wear the protective charm at all in any circumstance. She smiles shyly and dips her gaze down to the floor.

How is she so blessed to know him? Let alone be the one he chose to have as his wife. ]
thewayforpeace: (πŸ’ 106)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-03-15 05:28 am (UTC)(link)
[ He finds himself taken by a sudden pensive mood, as if his mind is attempting to determine what the Warriors of Light might be doing at this very moment. Of course, even if he allows his mind to wander as it will, he knows he will not be able to determine that. Still, he wishes that he could speak with both of them, to learn if they are well, and if he could, to have a private word with the woman he wishes to wed.

But such things cannot be, at least not at this present time, so he wills his thoughts to turn elsewhere. ]


I can hardly pretend that a part of me does not wish to travel there, even for a brief time, that I might see what they are seeing and speak with both of them again. But theirs is a covert mission, if I am understanding things correctly, and I will not jeopardize the success of said mission, no matter how much I wish to see them.

[ He knows the foolishness of such thoughts, and how he would potentially bring danger to them should he do what his heart wishes. ]

It is enough that I have this letter. I shall content myself with its contents.

[ And then he offers a smile to his friend. ] I am certain that she would charge full speed ahead to confront them if only she could. But I am also certain that her sister does much to call her back when her thoughts and desires run away from her.

[ He has seen examples of how the sisters complement each other and fit together as if they are two sides of the same coin. ]

But, my musings aside, what will you do now? [ He is sure that Estinien would rather not sit here and listen to his pensive wonderings about the two sisters. ]
thewayforpeace: (πŸ’ 09)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-03-15 06:18 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He has long since realized that wherever she is, that is where he wants to be too: whether that is on a battlefield or at the manor that he already considers their home, or even in the middle of nowhere. She is his home, and he cannot imagine being parted from her for very long, even though their respective circumstances often cause them to do just that.

Part of him is surprised at the ease with which she removes his armor. For him, it is simple enough, but there are several clasps that need to be undone, and each piece is not very light at all. He has grown accustomed to carrying that weight, even if his armor has been designed to provide as much protection as possible while not weighing him down too much. The thought slips unbidden into his mind that the armor did not protect him on one unfortunate occasion, but he pushes that thought away as soon as it forms. Now is going to be a happy reunion between them both, and he will not have it ruined by his own lingering uncertainties.

When she returns from placing his armor on the table, he watches as she surveys him and his eyes soften as a gentle smile crosses his face once more. He can see the moment she realizes that he is wearing the protection charm she gave him, and his smile widens even further. ]


Whenever I wear this- and I wear it every day... It makes me feel closer to you, no matter the distance there is between us.

[ He is certain that even when the protective spell upon it fades, he will still continue to wear it, because it reminds him of her. ]
shepherdtostars: Ρ•Π½Ρ”ΟΠ½Ρ”Ρβˆ‚Ρ‚ΟƒΡ•Ρ‚Ξ±ΡΡ•γ€˜ βˆ‚ΠΈΡ•. γ€™ (stormblood 🌸 02.)

[personal profile] shepherdtostars 2022-03-16 09:21 am (UTC)(link)
[ If she could throw down anything that might bar their way of simply being together? She knows that she would. If she could throw down the mantle of a Warrior of Light to simply be his wife and await him when he is return from his hours at the House of Lords? Oh, she most certainly would.

Maybe someday--when the war with the Empire is concluded.

A blush takes to her face at his words and she looks bashfully down at the floor between them. Her tail sways once more as she fights off the rather girlish reaction she feels she has. Of course he would wear it! It was a gift after all. Still, she cannot help but feel a certain sense of joy that he does wear it. ]


The protection spell on it is woven of my own aether... [ Implying that she most certainly hopes he may sense her particular magick upon it. The blush on her face increases and she squeezes his hands. There will be no fading of the protective spell as she intends to recast it if ever needed.

Alkaid finally looks back up at him with that bashful smile still on her face. ]
Is this dressed down far enough, or should I remove a few more pieces?

[ Her question is nothing more than a way for her to test how... proper he wishes them to be. In her mind, she would have no issue in removing her slip and his under-shirt. After all, she does have her undergarments on underneath her remaining article of clothing. However, she still thinks it is best to let him set the rules and the pace. ]
abrightertomorrow: (01)

[personal profile] abrightertomorrow 2022-03-16 06:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Instead of answering her, Alphinaud's head tips lower for just a moment, as he is still chastising himself for his role in this. But he can hardly focus on healing her if he is so caught up in his regrets and guilt. ]

Well, I have not attempted something like this before, but I shall do what I can.

[ He is not unfamiliar with the notion of listening to aether, and so he allows his eyes to remain closed and his hand still outstretched as if doing his best to listen to what her aether might say. It is a curious sort of push and pull, but eventually, Alphinaud settles into a sort of rhythm, feeling where the aether wishes to go and acknowledging that while also encouraging it to move towards the wound and begin repairing the damage. ]
dragonssung: <lj user="alreadylost">. (pic#15428526)

[personal profile] dragonssung 2022-03-17 01:28 am (UTC)(link)
[ Estinien remains quiet as his friend's mind is quite obvious;y miles away. Not that he can blame the man. It was always obvious Aymeric had been taken by the Warriors of Light as heroes and people to look up to; ones who would help regardless of stigma or national borders. Now, it is quite different with the fact that one of those heroes is to be his wife. Estinien would presume an emotional shift happens at the point of heroes unto family. He would almost say he is certain, yet, he is not sure he would call the young Lord Alphinaud family.

Perhaps not yet.

The once-Azure Dragoon hardly knows the notion of family other than the blood oath between him and the man across from him. ]


Perhaps if you were to ask unofficially, your woman might find a way to bring you along. If you were to allow her. [ The statement is gentle and he truly means it in a kind way. ] I would imagine her thoughts go to you quite often.

[ A chuckle comes from him at the idea of K'thisru charging straight to the Empire's front door. She certainly would. ]

My trip to the Far East can be postponed till the morning. It would seem that you are in need of company more than I am in need of going to my next destination.
thewayforpeace: (πŸ’ 144)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-03-17 08:49 pm (UTC)(link)
[ There is a part of him that wishes he could choose a successor who cares as much for Ishgard as he does, and then resign from his duties so that he might be able to simply be himself and be her husband, but at the same time, his dedication to duty is far too strong for that. Even when he was younger, it never occurred to him to shirk from his responsibilities, and that has not changed now.

But he hopes that a day will come when they can be themselves and enjoy each other as husband and wife with nothing coming between them. ]


I see. Well, that certainly makes it even more special in my eyes. [ He also counts it among his most treasured possessions, simply because it was clearly crafted with love, and that means he will value it always.

At her question, he gives himself a quick looking over before shifting his gaze to her as well. By way of an answer, he reaches for her slip and gives it a brief tug.

He has no rules that he means to enforce, deciding to let instinct take them where it will, but he does wish for them both to be a little less clothed. Perhaps not entirely so, but at least her slip and his shirt can be removed. ]
thewayforpeace: (πŸ’ 144)

<3 they're just gonna be there awhile kissing lbr

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-03-18 02:54 am (UTC)(link)
I can scarcely begin to imagine anything you might do that would push me away.

[ He is content to just spend the rest of their time together enjoying each other's company doing whatever it is they feel like doing. ]

I would have you be yourself and not have to worry about anything, including the need to hold back.

[ And he chooses that moment to plant a kiss on her cheek, followed by several others in succession. ]
thewayforpeace: (πŸ’ 107)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-03-18 03:29 am (UTC)(link)
[ In some ways, he is still working out how to bring together the two parts of his life: the Lord Speaker and the man who wishes to be Alkaid's husband. There must be a middle ground, but he would be lying if he said he was still uncertain how best to bring that about.

As for Estinien's suggestion, Aymeric looks up with an expression suggesting surprise. ]


That she might spare some thought for me, I would not dispute, as my own travel to her just as often. But would she truly wish for me to come along? I certainly miss her presence, but perhaps if I were to join her, I would only be a distraction from her duties. Given the nature of what she does, I imagine she can ill afford to be distracted. Still, I would ask such a question of her, even if I expect to be rebuffed.

[ And, even as he says that, a fear arises that she might only say yes to his request out of obligation, and not because it is what she truly wants. ]

If you must go, I will not have it said that I detained you, Estinien.

[ He can hardly fathom the notion of being so incredibly selfish as to delay his friend, even if it is only until morning. ]
shepherdtostars: Ρ•Π½Ρ”ΟΠ½Ρ”Ρβˆ‚Ρ‚ΟƒΡ•Ρ‚Ξ±ΡΡ•γ€˜ βˆ‚ΠΈΡ•. γ€™ (stormblood 🌸 04.)

[personal profile] shepherdtostars 2022-03-18 05:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She longs for that day as well. A sinking feeling is inside her that perhaps that may not be possible until the Empire has been dealt with and the Ascians stopped in full. A day that may very well be far off, but she hopes for it regardless.

Mayhap she must force fates hand and push to remain with him for a time after the battle in the morning.

The shy smile remains on her face even with his notations on the charm. When next she weaves the enchantment, she will be certain to not hold back the love she feels for him. She had done so out of worry of how it may come across. Now, she is to be his wife, and she would shower him I that love if he wished for it.

Her instincts, however, should and will need to be tempered to some degree. She is quite aware how proactive she can be; driven by her needs and desires. Therefore it is best he decide how far they go and where he is comfortable at. That way she knows how far to reign herself in--even if he would have her not hold anything back.

She moves them to the bed in the quarters they have give him. Alkaid then helps him remove the undershirt, smiling at him all the time. Then, she sits on the bed in the middle of the bed. Her hands pull from his only so she might pull the slip over her head and then tossed to the floor. She is not embarrassed, per say, but she is aware that he will see the newest scar on her side and jump into a fury of questions. ]
thewayforpeace: (πŸ’ 102)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-03-19 07:40 am (UTC)(link)
[ If she were to do such a thing, he would have very little complaints on the matter. Any time that he is able to spend with her is nothing short of the most precious gift, and he cherishes each and every occasion that they have together. ]

I do have one question for you, Lantaa.

[ It is one that has come to his mind before and fled when other things demanded more of his attention. But even as she goes about removing his shirt and her slip, a part of him wonders if his words will be enough to put to rest what he thinks he sees turning in her mind.

He very nearly forgets about what it is he wishes to ask the moment that his eyes land upon her scar, and he reaches out, fingers outstretched as if he wants to touch the spot where she has clearly been injured. At the last moment, he pauses, not wanting to agitate what he imagines might be a tender area. ]
shepherdtostars: Ρ•Π½Ρ”ΟΠ½Ρ”Ρβˆ‚Ρ‚ΟƒΡ•Ρ‚Ξ±ΡΡ•γ€˜ βˆ‚ΠΈΡ•. γ€™ (stormblood 🌸 02.)

[personal profile] shepherdtostars 2022-03-19 08:15 am (UTC)(link)
[ Her hand curls around his in order to guide it to her side. She has touched his scars, thus it is only fair that he touch hers as well. It has been healed thanks to the stubbornness in which Alphinaud has shown. The scar is long and thin, but quite obviously a wound due to a blade of some sort. Of course, she has no issue in telling him what caused it.

Once they are sorted proper in bed.

Alkaid reaches out and gently takes his other hand. There is a small tug and a particular look in her eyes that invite him to join her. While she would say she is far from alluring, provocative, or even tempting? She attempts to garner his attention and express things without words.

She pulls the covers back for the pair of them to slip underneath. Once he is underneath the blankets, she returns his hand to her side and smiles up at him. ]


What was your question?
thewayforpeace: (πŸ’ 143)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-03-19 09:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Still being afraid that his touch will hurt her, he lightly ghosts his fingers along the surface, feeling his heart clench inside him as he takes in the sight of the long scar. What good is it if he considers them already tied to each other permanently, until the natural progression of time sees fit to separate them, if he cannot protect her from harm?

Even as he gives into his desires, unable to resist the look she is giving him, and even as he slides in beside her, his guilt rises to chastise him.

It takes a moment of effort to pull himself back together so that he might focus on her once more, and the question he wishes to ask springs to the forefront of his mind again. ]


What might I do to reassure you and convince you that no matter what you do, regardless of how unseemly it might appear, I will never begrudge you for any of it? Our moments together are private, and none shall ever hear of what happens behind closed doors unless you choose to divulge that to whoever you decide, and so I would hate very much to see yourself hold back simply because of the expectations of society.

I have no expectations or restrictions, and whatever you might do, there is no audience here and none to judge you. And even if they did, I would be quick to silence them.

[ And after a moment's pause, he adds: ] If I have placed undue pressure on you in any way, I apologize. You need only be yourself, having no need to act according to anyone's expectations, not even mine. After all, it was you that I fell for, and I would do it again without hesitation.

Page 24 of 26