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

Entry tags:

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

AFTERGLOW

— hear, feel think. —

❄️ HEAVENSWARD

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

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

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

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

🔥 STORMBLOOD

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

BEYOND

CODE BY TESSISAMESS

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

[ While her sister is off checking in on the Lord Commander, K'thisru has retired to their shared room in the Forgotten Knight after having a bite to eat.

She can only imagine what might be happening wherever the two of them are, whether at Ser Aymeric's home or elsewhere in the city. Either way, she only has the best of wishes for the both of them. And, when she thinks about the two of them together, she has to work very hard to conceal a mischievous sort of grin. Now, however, she is alone, so she does not have to hide her smile.

It has occurred to her that she might scheme and plot to push the two of them further together, but it seems that her sister is already taking matters into her own hands.

Not knowing when or if her sister intends to return, she decides she will wait for a little while longer, and if she hears nothing, she will turn in for the night. But no sooner does she think that then the familiar sound of the linkpearl goes off.

At this hour, unless it was a dire emergency, she figures that no one but her sister would be contacting her. She could be mistaken, but she is willing to take the chance. ]

Lantaa?

[ Of course, she knows that her sister uses another name, but she will always prefer her given name. ]

...Thisru. [ Her voice is gentle and almost too soft. Sad, even.

Her other hand raises in the water to gently run her fingers through it. ]

I won't be returning tonight. Maybe in the morning. [ The tone does not suggest excitement or embarrassment. Worry, fretting, it is all there in her voice in some form of tone. ] Things are not well with Aymeric.

[ She sees no reason to call him 'ser' when it is just her and her sister. ]

Just sentimental enough. [ She nudges the side of his head to make her point. ]

If you do not trouble my sister, she might take offense. K'thisru has always been the more strong headed one. If she feels there is something she can help something with and nothing has been shared with her? She may just push the door down to your office herself and demand to know what is wrong.

[ Her eyes widen slightly at his shiver, ears twitching beneath the hood. Her head tilts to look at him with a small frown now on her face. ]

Will you? [ A tease with a smirk, but she kisses his own cheek in return. ] Or will I need to throw the doors open to the Lord Commander's offices? [ She pauses. ] Should we retire to somewhere warmer?

As usual, you are too kind. [ For him, it is a constant push and pull of carrying himself as one would expect a leader to while also retaining who he is as a man without all the titles and responsibilities. Sometimes it seems as though he must sacrifice his individuality to the demands of his positions, but he also supposes that he is not unique in feeling that way. Anyone who has a public and private persona must surely experience the same thing. ]

I have often wondered about the differences between the two of you, and yet at the same time, it is quite clear that you are simply different sides of the same coin. What's more, Eorzea is more than fortunate to have both of you with us and fighting alongside us.

[ He chuckles then, because the thought of K'thisru banging down the door to his offices amuses him. ]

I must admit that the thought of your sister coming to my offices in such a way would liven up my day and that of those with whom I work.

[ He nods then, because he wholeheartedly means to do what he said he would. ]

I assure you, I will, although if you wish to do so, I have no complaints on that score. [ The chill is settling in on him a bit, but he knows he would remain out here for hours if it meant having these moments together. ]

If you are growing cold, then yes, let us move inside. I will not have it said that I allowed you to take a chill.

[ When she hears that tone of voice coming from her sister, all teasing thoughts fly right out of her mind. Clearly something must be terribly wrong for her sister to sound as sad and worried as she does. ]

I assumed that you wouldn't, given who you went to see, but- [ Now it's her turn to sound worried. She does not remember seeing or hearing that the Lord Commander was hurt at any point during the chaos of the conference, but her attentions were focused elsewhere at the time. ]

Is he hurt? [ A pause. She does not wish to intrude on whatever is happening between the two of them, but she makes the offer anyway. ] Do you need me to bring you anything?

[ She sinks slightly into the water at that, feeling her cheeks turn red. Is it that obvious that she has more than just admiration for the Lord Commander? Perhaps it is only obvious to her sister out of all the scions. Not many else would think to look that closely. Nor has she heard rumors of the two of them in passing in Isghard... ]

It wouldn't have been like that! [ A small bashful protest despite the gravity of the situation. ] He is fine in body, but...

He blames himself for what transpired at the conference. I found him standing outside in the snow... Gods only know how long he had been looking up at the sky before I found him.

Or, you are far too modest, as usual. [ Alkaid will insist on this, but she knows there is no changing this about him. He has for far too long been the stout Lord Commander of the Temple Knights. Too much of him has been set in the service of Ishgard. ]

She has always been the more brash of the pair of us; willing to run in headfirst and get her hands dirty in whichever situation is needed. I spent more than a handful of times healing scrapes and bruises so her mother would not notice. [ She hesitates then, only for a moment. ] Our mothers were not overly fond of one another. They often turned their noses at the idea of the two of us playing together. So, we would run off together and hide in our little cave. A few years later we decided to venture out into our respective studies. She went to Ul'dah and I to Gridania.

[ Alkaid would not mind regaling him of the stories of her younger years. Isghardians, after all, know little of the world beyond Dravania and Corethas. If it helps him feel as if he might escape the confines of his city? She will gladly tell him any tale he wishes. ]

I will have to tell her to drop by sometime. [ Her face scrunches up in a teasing smile. ] And maybe I ought to one day as well.

[ Her fingers twitch slightly at the mention of being cold. Only a few of them are covered in fabric while the rest are adorned with leather wraps to place gems on the top of her hands. Although, she often wears such things. ]

I could accompany the Lord Commander a little longer in the cold.

[ Truth be told, K'thisru is beyond elated that her sister has fallen in love with someone as kind and as good as Aymeric. He does seem to be a bit of a complicated man, what with leading Ishgard's knights and now being in an even greater position of power, albeit a temporary one, but she has no doubts that he will treat her sister as well as he can, and then some. Somehow, others have managed to miss the attraction between the two, or they keep it well-concealed for reasons she can only guess at.

But regardless, it makes her happy to know that the two of them can both support each other and draw comfort from the other as needed. ]

Oh, I have no doubt of it. [ She knows that was not why her sister went looking for Aymeric. ] But you would like it if it turned out to be that way, wouldn't you? [ As serious as the moment is, she can't help but ask that question. ]

Why? [ She shakes her head. ] Nothing that happened was his fault or his doing. [ Of course, she knows why he would take all the blame onto himself, as she imagines her sister does as well. ]

He shouldn't blame himself for any of it.

[ She lightly places one hand on her hip, although her sister cannot see the action. ] Well, you don't need me to tell you that he should drink something hot and then try and rest, if he can.

[ "If" being the sticking point here. ]

You should too, by the way.

[ He merely shakes his head and quietly laughs. Perhaps he is too modest, but he sees no reason why he should behave any differently. He is merely one who commands soldiers, and often, those soldiers are the ones who put their lives on the line and therefore deserve the accolades. ]

Ah, so you knew from a young age that you wished to be a healer? [ He files everything she says about herself and K'thisru away, because he truly desires to know more about her and her sister. ] If I might say this, you and your sister are blessed to have each other, both then and now.

[ On occasion, he wonders what it would have been like if he had a brother or a sister.

As for the stories she would tell, if she decides to regale him with more tales of her youth, he will gladly listen with bated breath. So much of his time is spent in Ishgard, and on the front lines; occasionally, his duties take him farther outside of the city, but he never ventures too far away. In that way, he finds himself living a bit vicariously through the adventures that K'lantaa and K'thisru have. ]

Please feel free to do so, both of you.

[ He does not bother to hide how much he looks forward to the prospect of one or both of them visiting. But then he shakes his head. ]

I think it prudent that we venture inside, if that agrees with you.

[ He genuinely worries about her welfare, and so he has decided he must insist that they continue this conversation indoors. ]

Well... I doubt it would have... I'm not entirely sure he would wish to do certain things out of wedlock... [ as he is a bastard child himself. Her face turns redder as she presses her fingers to her face. While she would hardly mind it, she has no idea if Aymeric would wish to at all. After all, she may be the one that has more than a passing infatuation or emotions. ]

He puts all of the weight of Ishgard on his shoulders. He is the one one that brought the truth and questioning of traditions to the people and the Holy See. He spearheads this new era for his countrymen. But, I think he forgets that he does not do it alone.

[ Her fingers swirl in the tub. ] I walked home with him, and his servants insisted on a warm bath and food for the pair of us... which is where I am now.

I always had the natural gift. However, if one continues to channel the magic of healing without properly giving back... it could be rather disastrous. There was a young girl who the Conjurer Guild had to convince to join our ranks so she might properly learn to commune with elementals to heal. [ She shrugs gently. ] I'm certain our mothers would not have agreed with you. But, well, they've no need to know that we stayed in contact through our respective schooling. Or the fact that we travel Eorzea together.

[ All he need do is ask and she will speak until he wishes to know no more. Not in the way to brag or to boast. She has always had a wonderlust and will gladly share it with any. ]

Hmm, special privileges? Just think of the scandal it might cause, Ser. [ A finger raises to tap him gently on the nose with a wide smile on her face. ] Then, indoors I suppose we shall go.

[ She quickly refastens the jewel around her neck to keep the fabric in place. Since he very much insists on the pair of them staying warm. ]

[ Here, his smile shifts to something halfway embarrassed, as if what he is about to admit is something he has never told anyone before. ]

I must admit that I am grateful for the gifts that I have, but I have on occasion wondered what it might be like to wield magic as you and your sister do. But I have not the aptitude for such a thing, so I shall simply have to marvel at you and others who do have that particular gift.

[ But then he nods because what she is saying makes sense. ] One cannot simply take and expect to continue to do so without consequences, I imagine.

As for your mothers, I expect that they might worry and even disapprove, but you both are grown now and can make decisions of your own.

[ His smile widens once more at the thought of a scandal like the one she describes. ] Well, I suppose that my tenure could use something of a shaking the foundations, although I am certain Lucia would quite disagree.

[ When she taps his nose, his eyebrows lift, but he finds himself pleased and amused by the gesture. ]

Ah, but I should inquire: do you have any prior obligations that require your attention? [ It would be poor form of him to distract her from them, if they should exist. ]

I suppose not, but there is a solution to that. [ She does not even attempt to conceal the mischief in her voice. With the news that Aymeric is not doing very well, now may not be the time for joking, but she finds that she cannot quite resist the urge to slip in a little jest. ] But only when the two of you are ready, of course.

[ She is no fool; this prolonged war must end, and even when it does, she cannot help but wonder if a reprieve will come for any of them. ]

I see. [ She taps a finger against her chin as she ponders the situation. ] It must not be easy, being handed all the responsibility that he has. But I wonder why he is so quick to take on that weight as if he is alone. Surely he knows that he has friends who would happily help.

[ If she were in the same room as Alkaid, she would give her a pointed look, not that her sister needs any help or reminders. ] But at least he has you there to offer your support.

[ She nods, forgetting that Alkaid cannot see it, so she adds: ] Good. I hope that the combination of bath and food helps bring him, and you, some comfort.

[ And, of course, knowing her sister, she will be right there with him to offer what comfort she can. ]

Edited 2021-12-17 09:04 (UTC)

It is merely learning to channel your aether, or the aether of the world around you. My schooling has had to learn to be reserved in its nature to... well, that might be a history lesson for another time. [ She is certain that even Isghardians have the knowledge of the other Calamities that have befallen their star. Even so, they are not things she would wish to discuss at the moment. ] The world should have a balance of mages and warriors. Your part is just as important.

[ After all, she could hardly heal and shoulder the hits at the same time. As silly as it might sound from the Warrior of Light? Even she needs a shield. ]

Several decisions that I care not if they agree to or not, in the end. Especially when it comes to matters of what it is right and of the heart.

[ Her mother most certainly would scorn the fact that she has fallen in love with someone that is outside the tribe. A loss of on her own fault, Alkaid thinks. She has no desire to sit in the cycle of her tribe for the rest of her life. There is far too much of the world to see... and she would quite rather see it at the side of the man she's wrapped herself around.

That, however, coul d be far too forward and far too much to say. ]

I am certain Lucia would say you have seen far too many shaking of the foundations as of late.

[ A shake of her head follows. ] No, you have my entire attention, Ser.

[ She moves as if to stand beside him to leave, but turns on it at the last moment. She shifts to stand in front of him atop the railing she has sat on. Alkaid now stands just a smidgen taller than him. A hint of a playful smile touches her face and her tail sways side to side. Then, she kisses him once more. ]

Do I wish to know what you might be scheming? [ There is only the slightest hesitation in her voice. It is more drowned out by the sense of curiosity. Of course, now is not the time to try and test these certain schemes her sister may have, but, it might do well to keep it in the back of her mind.

So to speak. ]

He had no siblings and few friends, I gather. The status of being adopted is one thing, but the rumor of one being the bastard of the Archbishop is most certainly another.

[ She sighs and leans back in the tub with her eyes closed. ]

It is a rather nice bath...

[ The Starlight Celebration has begun in full, and a celebratory mood has come upon Ishgard in full force. There has not been much to celebrate of late, but even when war was stirring and crashing upon the city and its people, they still made time for this particular tradition.

This time, Aymeric has plans of his own, and while he intends to take part in the customary traditions of the celebration, there is something else that is drawing his attention, something that he has been preparing for some time now and has been attempting to work up the bravery to do it. It seems strange that he can stare down dragons and other threats without showing too much outward fear, but now when it comes to what he wishes to do, he finds himself more than a little afraid.

Still, he cannot know what will happen if he does not act, and so, as usual, he moves forward to the designated place where he and Alkaid (K'lantaa, as he has begun to think of her) are supposed to meet.

For the occasion, he has shed his customary heavy armor, opting instead for robes accented with his usual colors and the sigils of his house. Concealed somewhere on his person are two very special gifts which he means to reveal when he feels the time is right.

For now, though, he has seeing Alkaid and participating in the celebration with her to look forward to.

... Now if only he can find her. ]

Ah yes, the mysterious aether. And yet it is not so mysterious, because as you say, it is present in the world around us all. [ He wishes that he had more time to devote to studying such things, but alas, nearly all of his hours are occupied by one problem or matter or another. ]

And again, there are two sides to every coin, even as it relates to the roles we find ourselves called to.

[ And as far as he is concerned, he will gladly be her shield and sword if she should ever need him. And even if she says she does not, he will still take on that role for her without hesitation. ]

That is how it should be, yes. [ He agrees entirely with her stance on that matter. There comes a time when everyone has to learn to stand on their own, not necessarily dismissing the advice of their elders, but taking in what they can and deciding from there.

He would remain with Alkaid for the rest of their lives, but he still cannot help but feel as though his way of life might be difficult for her to grow accustomed to. If it should turn out to be that way, he would gladly make whatever alterations he needed in order to put her at ease. It is hardly a sacrifice on his part; or if it is, it is a very vital and worthwhile one. ]

Oh, I am certain that you are right, as usual. Such are the times that we find ourselves in. [ Never mind that some of the shaking has been because of the choices he has made. ]

Excellent. I would hate very much to be drawing you away from any matters of importance.

[ He finds he does not have much time to speak after that, because she has moved to stand on top of the railing. For just a moment, he fears that she might lose her balance and come crashing down, but fortunately for the both of them, she seems to retain her balance just fine, and all thoughts fly out of his mind the minute that she kisses him again. ]

What I am scheming? I'd think any schemes would be coming from you. [ But if her sister wants her help in anything relating to the one she's set her attentions on, she will gladly oblige. ]

Do you want to know?

[ The teasing tones in her voice fade just a little as she contemplates what must have been a lonely time for Aymeric. And it seems to her that he remains lonely even now, which just furthers her resolve to be his friend. ] That is hard to imagine, because we were never without friends or family around.

[ Sometimes it became a little overwhelming, but such was the life they knew with their clans. ] I suppose, when you think about that, it does make sense why he is like this.

[ It seems to her that Aymeric has put up walls around himself for protection, and although he wishes to let those walls down from time to time, he's not entirely certain how to do that.

That is why she hopes that her sister will be able to plant seeds in those walls and get them to come down a little bit more. ]

I'm almost envious. The Forgotten Knight is as comfortable as you'd expect from an inn, of course. [ Visiting a lord's manor might be interesting at first, but she knows she'd worry about accidentally breaking something or committing some other social error. ]

[ The holiday, of course, is celebrated Eorzea over. However, Alkaid had no true idea of how it originated in Corethas. Indeed, she had no idea how serious the Ishgardians took it until she heard the excitement through the city. Not only was this Starlight Celebration, but it was also the first in an era of peace. Nidhogg was no more and the Dravanians tentatively placed their trust back into man.

She had already decided to make a present for the certain Lord Commander who had her heart. Yet, seeing how special this Starlight Celebration was to be... she decided to place even more care and effort into it.

Of course, getting to the designated meeting place is easier said than done when you are one of the Saviors of Ishgard. Many people step in her path and wish her the season. It would be rude to refuse them, and so she makes certain to treat each of them with respect with her sister. She finally manages to slip away and quickly head to the place she is meant to meet Aymeric.

Alkaid tugs her white skirt up gently and shifts the red over robes to look as presentable as possible. A matching red hat covers her ears from the cold. She finally moves to call out to him as she sees him, but finds herself breathless for a moment. It is the first time she has seen him in dress garb outside of his armor. Oh, she's seen him in less formal clothes of course, but this is the first time she's seen him dressed such as this.

Her tail tucks to her side as she slowly approaches him, hands slipping back into the fur warmer she has concealed his gift in. She smiles brightly at him, even if a shy expression has still taken her face. ]

I'm sorry for being late, Ser. [ As they are in public. ] Apparently all wish to see my sister and I as celebrities, and as such... well, everyone has their wishes for the season.

[ He might not be one of the celebrated Saviors of Ishgard, but nevertheless, people do stop him along his way to give him their well wishes and to also offer their best wishes for the season. Truthfully, he is merely relieved that peace has finally come to them, and so he chooses not to remember how many only had looks of disdain and disparaging comments for him not all that long ago. This celebration is a special time, and as far as he is concerned, any ill feelings or thoughts have no place here.

As he makes his way along, winding through the throngs of people, he looks for any sign of the person with whom he is supposed to meet. But given the sheer numbers of people who are milling about the city, he imagines that he won't see her until he reaches their agreed upon meeting point.

Upon his arrival, he casts a look around hoping to spot her, but it seems as though she has yet to arrive herself. He is in no particular hurry, so he has no issues with standing in a slightly out of the way spot to wait for her.

If she is breathless upon spotting him there waiting, then he is completely lacking in breath, because she truly looks beautiful to him. He knows she will always look that way, regardless of what she wears, but tonight she is practically glowing. A wide smile crosses his face when she makes her approach and offers an apology. ]

It is quite understandable, and I have not been waiting long. After all that you have done, I am certain that all of Ishgard wants to offer their thanks and well wishes to you and your sister this evening. And, of course, I include myself in that.

[ He would pull her in for a hug, but they are in public, as she has already clearly realized, so instead, he holds out a hand, intending to give her a formal yet no less genuine thank you by way of a handshake. It does not convey everything he wishes to say, but it is a start. ]

[ Alkaid smiles sweetly in return, pulling one hand from the fur muff and taking his. Her hand is warm and her fingers brush on the inside of his wrist. Just as a sign to show that she wishes to say and do. Though, she has more concern for his public image than her own. He is the one who has to remain in Ishgard even once she is called off to whatever whims the Scions are in need of. ]

I do wish all of Isghard would allow me a moment or two to myself! [ Her tail bristles slightly in a playful manner. ] How do you find yourself this evening, Lord Commander?

[ Her mint eyes move to look at the sight in front of them. All sorts of manner of people mingling for the festivities in the decorated area. The hat upon her head shifts slightly as her ears twitch underneath it. ]

Even Gridania is not as decorated as Ishgard. [ The comment is soft and almost meant to be to herself. ] I have never seen a Starlight Celebration so festive...

We both know you are the most mischievous of the whole clan. [ One might be able to hear the embarrassment yet curiosity in her voice. ] Of course I do, why would I have asked if I hadn't ?!

[ She sinks slightly into the water to hi de her face below the surface for just a brief moment. Perhaps if she makes it look like it is due to the hot water than no questions will be asked if the head maid returns. ]

We talked about home... why we left. Our mothers. He was interested in a sense I don't think he could ever really imagine it. [ Alkaid looks at the ceiling. ] He did say if we needed a place to stay, his home was open to us.

I thought it might be too forward if both Warriors of Light were staying in his home.

Threaded | Top-Level Comments Only

Page 4 of 26

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

they're just dummy enough~

;-; just you wait for kp and exarch dummies

no subject

⚜ post 3.3 — revenge of the horde.

❄️ starlight celebration.

no subject

oh I can't wait ;;

he's the BIGGEST dummy

no subject

oh but he's going to be KP's dummy :ruwu:

no subject

he appreciates it more than you knoooow (yet)

no subject

no subject

soon

no subject

shoves shb at you

❄️ starlight celebration.

no subject

no subject

grabby hands

no subject

no subject

no subject

GIIIIIVES with no spoilers

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

they're just dummy enough~

;-; just you wait for kp and exarch dummies

no subject

⚜ post 3.3 — revenge of the horde.

❄️ starlight celebration.

no subject

oh I can't wait ;;

he's the BIGGEST dummy

no subject

oh but he's going to be KP's dummy :ruwu:

no subject

he appreciates it more than you knoooow (yet)

no subject

no subject

*soon*

no subject

shoves shb at you

❄️ starlight celebration.

no subject

no subject

grabby hands

no subject

no subject

no subject

GIIIIIVES with no spoilers

soon