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

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

AFTERGLOW

— hear, feel think. —

❄️ HEAVENSWARD

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

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

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

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

🔥 STORMBLOOD

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

BEYOND

CODE BY TESSISAMESS

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[ He can't help but frown when he sees the all too visible signs of someone who is growing weary. Perhaps she is not tired of everything, at least not to the point of no longer wishing to be who she is, but it seems clear to him that she needs a reprieve, and a long one at that.

He wraps one arm around her and pulls her in closer, hoping to provide her with some comfort and support. ]

Well, how about this for a solution? If it agrees with you, you can remain with me tonight, and if they should ask, you merely tell them that I required your counsel on a matter concerning the war. Our discussion took longer than both of us anticipated, and by the time our business was concluded, it was far too late for you to meet with them.

[ He does not condone lying, but there are times that call for obscuring the truth just slightly. This seems to be one of those times. ]

You do not even have to remain in my company. Regardless, I shall gladly be the reason for your being occupied.

[ Is this breaking protocol and propriety? Perhaps. He still is resolved to do it, if she wishes him to. ]

[ The head maid already has a solution for this; or rather, she has arranged something on Lord Borel's request. It is hardly usual, but he certainly did not intend to have a guest in his home this evening, and as scattered as his own thoughts currently are, he could not in all good conscience have her sleep in that bloodstained dress.

Seeing as how there are no other options, he tasks the maid with bringing clothes from his own personal wardrobe to Alkaid for her to use if she wishes. It certainly isn't proper, but he imagines no one outside of the house (except for her sister, of course) will learn of it.

With that particular task done, and his own soak in a warm bath completed, he retreats to his study. The steward placed a steaming cup of tea on one side of the desk, but as Aymeric tries to formulate a plan for his next steps, the tea remains forgotten and gradually becomes increasingly tepid until it is no longer warm.

He doesn't look up from the notes he is writing until he hears a sound at the door and notices that said door is now opening. ]

[ At that statement from her, Aymeric smiles. ] Well, I am glad to hear you say that, because I would like to request a little more of your time so that we might get to know each other better. [ He notes how she said "a friend or more", and that is what encourages him to go through with what he has planned. ]

I must admit that I was a terror, perhaps even worse than that. [ He chuckles at the fond recollection and how he often exasperated his poor parents with his youthful antics. ] I am certain that my parents understood, as it was a festive occasion and I found myself caught up in the excitement of it all. Still, I can only imagine how great a headache both of them must have had.

[ As for her thoughts concerning him and his appearance, with the war finally having ended and the arrival of the Starlight Celebration, he feels something he has not felt in a long time: a feeling of lightness, no longer being weighed down by the stress of war and needing to direct the affairs of his city with thoughtfulness and wisdom. Of course, he still needs to do that, but a good portion of the stress has passed for all Ishgardians, not only himself. So in a way, it is not surprising that she thinks he is all but glowing. ]

In good time, as showing you those would involve leaving the scene of the festivities, and I would not deprive you of the sight. Now, I believe our path requires us to go this way.

[ There is a spot in the decorated area that is filled with many brightly and festively decorated trees, each one different from the last, and he means for them to survey each one individually. ]

[ Alkaid stands in her towel for a moment as she debates if she should take the offered clothing. Of course, she ought to. He was providing for her as he refused to see her in a dress that was bloodied. In the end she relented and placed it on as well as the robe that was provided for her as well. The robe fit better than his shirt in all honesty. His shirt is large on her, but the robe help keeps it up.

She steps up to the desk and offers a bashful smile. Her ears are turned down slightly and her tail curled along her side. ]

Have any ideas come to you yet?

[ The cold tea does not escape her notice, nor does she comment on it just yet. Instead her eyes go from it to him. ]

And I'll hold you to that. [ To whatever end, whether good or bad. She can't help but wonder if the knowledge that he has and must withhold from her is something less than pleasant. He's been so mysterious and vague that she has already begun to think that that must be the case.

But whatever it is, she knows she and her sister will stare it down just as they have with every other challenge that's come their way. It might test their will and their strength, but that isn't really anything they aren't used to. ]

And again, you only make me more curious. [ She tilts her head to one side, surveying him, or rather, what she can see of him, given the hood and drapery that he wears.

But it seems as though there's nothing she can do about any of this at the present, and there is even less that he is willing to tell her, so she decides to focus on the celebration and things she can control.

She doesn't even attempt to hide the happiness she feels for the Ishgardians and that she and her sister are here to see all this unfold. ]

Can you walk with me, or will that interfere with your- [ She waves a hand at his projection. ] Whatever it is you call it.

[ When she asks him about his progress, the hand that's holding his pen tightens around it momentarily before he lets out a long sigh and places it down on the desk. ]

Nothing that will prove useful. [ He looks down again at what he has written on the page and shakes his head. The time he spent putting thoughts on paper seems to have been for nothing, because of his own lack of focus. ]

But never mind; is there anything else that you might need? [ He notes the borrowed shirt and robe that she is wearing, and he nods his approval. Clearly his staff have done their best to ensure that Alkaid has what she needs, starting with the bath and ending with the clothes, but if there is anything further they can do, he wants to hear of it. And there is still the matter of ensuring that she is well-fed. ]

Are you warm enough? [ He can't help but think back on how long they stood out in the cold; he might have been there longer than her, but he still worries about her well-being nonetheless. ]

[ She practically melts in his hold once he has wrapped his arm around her. The tension leaves her body, allowing her to rest even if it is but for a moment. Her dark hair can be seen from the bottom of her hood as she turns her face to hide it in his neck. ]

I would much rather spend the night with you. [ Her voice is barely above a whisper, as if she is admitting a secret that should never be heard. ] Only if you would wish my company for the rest of the night.

[ Her eyebrows turn slightly at the sight of his hand. For a moment, she feels as if she has asked the wrong question. Her hand stretches out tentatively to ask permission to see what it is he has written. If anything, she may be able to help him think of something to put his mind at ease for the moment. ]

No, no. I'm fine. I promise.

[ A smile turns on the corners of her mouth for him. She does not lie, nor try to hide anything from him. If anything? She wishes that he might sit on the couch and relax as much as he might be able to. ]

...Are you?

I would certainly give it to you with no hesitations.

[ They are certainly more than friends... one mayhap even call them lovers. However, she will not use such a strong label given his position. Not merely as the Lord Commander, but as how his own parentage has surely branded him for so long. Now, of course, they can look past the title of bastard or merely the adopted son of House Borel. He is a man who helped lead Isghard to peace.

Yet even then she is aware that titles like that are not easily shed. ]

I would think that is merely a part of aging. I know for certain that my sister and I often stressed and annoyed our mothers. [ She leans against him ever so slightly. Her head tilts against his arm. Onlookers may not see it, but he will certainly know. ] Although, our celebrations were nothing quite like Isghard's.

[ Then, her eyebrows raise and the playful glint changes into something more gentle. Soft. ]

Of course.

[ He would be lying to himself if he said that he hasn't dreamt of being able to hold her like this. Whenever he allowed his imagination to roam and come up with more hopeful thoughts, he found himself wishing such a thing could be possible but quickly dismissing it as an impossibility. Why would she want to pass the time in the company of someone like him?

He is hardly a great romantic, only an occasionally foolish dreamer, and the rest of the time, he has to be the Temple Knights' pragmatic Lord Commander.

But her actions are seemingly speaking very loudly right now, and while a part of him is cautioning himself not to get too far ahead, another part of him wishes to believe that he could be the one she has chosen to love.

For a moment, he remains silent, merely holding her in his arms before he finally finds his voice. ]

Then consider your wish granted, because you have granted mine as well. [ He hesitates to state such words so plainly, but if he was not so concerned about her true feelings, he would say that he would gladly open his home to her whenever she wishes. And if he had the courage to take action, he would open up his home to her permanently, if she was agreeable.

The last thing he wishes to do is speak too soon and too forwardly and cause her to pull away. ]

[ Her question is a fair one, and he wishes that he had a better answer for her. He notes how she holds her hand out as if wordlessly asking if she might view his writings, and without hesitation, he slides them over to her for her perusal.

It all feels lacking for one claiming to be Lord Commander and the one temporarily directing affairs, but at the same time, he supposes he should be glad he even managed to write down anything at all, given his present state. ]

Well, that is good. I would hate for you to leave here thinking that your reception here was lacking in any way.

[ Although he still feels weighted down by all his responsibilities, he still manages a smile in return for her benefit. He may not be inclined to relax on the couch, but he will surely encourage her to do so, as one of them should be able to find comfort tonight. ]

Of course. [ He knows that she'll think he answered too quickly, and she might chastise him for trying to rebuff her, but his answer is a truthful one. ]

The steward does his best to keep a fire in the fireplace going for as long as there is need of it, and I can manage to stoke it if the hour grows late and he has retired.

[ He knows that isn't entirely what she means, but he is warm enough, so it isn't an untrue statement. ]

And again, I must say that you are far too kind. [ Too kind to someone like him, is what he leaves unsaid. It is not that he feels undeserving of her attentions, although he would hardly be so bold as to claim that he does deserve them, but rather that he imagines she could choose to be with anyone, and yet she has chosen him.

Privately, he has already begun thinking of the two of them as lovers, but to state that aloud, even for her ears only seems far too much. Perhaps once he has done what he intends to do, then they can use another sort of label, if a label needs to be used at all.

As for how he views himself, he only sees himself as one of many who helped steer Ishgard to this hard-won peace. The victory does not belong solely to him, but to all of them, present company included.

Truthfully, if he could shed all titles and merely be Aymeric, he would. But everyone has their own destiny and path to walk, and he would not be so selfish as to abandon his so soon, despite what his heart might want. ]

One day, I would like to hear more about your early days and your celebrations, among other things. [ He would listen attentively to anything she chose to tell him, of course. ]

There are many things that I appreciate about the Starlight Celebration, but the sheer amount of effort and variety that goes into the decorating remains at the forefront of it all.

[ To further illustrate his point, he gestures to the collection of trees before them, careful not to move too much lest he disrupt her positioning against him and prematurely sever their closeness. ]

Edited (words are hard) 2021-12-22 09:16 (UTC)

[ Her eyes graze over the plans. They are rough at best, but that hardly means the intent or their basis is wrong. She might suggest bolstering defenses of Ishgard, using dragoons as scouts, even setting a safe harbor for those who cannot fight. All spring to mind but are left unsaid when she sees the look on his face.

She glances to the fire still crackling. Then, she turns on the balls of her foot and walks to the couch. There is a bit of feline grace as she quickly sits down. Once more, her gaze locks to his and a hand raises in silent gesture. She bids him to join her. ]

It would be easier to stoke the fire here than from your desk, Aymeric.

[ While still restrained by the hood draped over her, one can tell her ears attempt to stand on end at his words. She remains silent for a moment, then two. A beat passes before she leans all but hee entire weight against him. Whatever tension may have remained in her body fades and her eyes shut to keep the sudden water that threatens them at bay.

Had the scene been different as well ot circumstances, she may have allowed the relief to swallow her. It is a quiet declarations of feelings and intent, yet part of her cannot help but worry it would be fleeting. Her hands curl further into the fabric if his armor as her face presses to his neck more.

A response slowly tries to make it's way from her lips-- ]

Alkaid! There you are!

[ Then, in a sweeping moment, it comes crashing down. ]

[ Throwing almost all care about propriety and who sees them to the winds, he leans in, intending to give her another kiss, perhaps a briefer one this time, but it turns out that they never get the chance.

He hears someone's footsteps approaching, followed by a voice calling out to Alkaid. To him, this signifies the end of their intimate encounter and perhaps a more lengthy end to any time that they would spend together. Of course, he fervently hopes that this summoning from the Scions, for that is the most likely explanation for it, is only a summons to a meeting, not a call meant to send her off to some far corner of the star.

Even if it is, however, he knows that he will wait however long it takes for her to return. For now, though, he tightens his hold on her for just one more brief moment before he very reluctantly releases her.

Straightening up, he glances at the approaching messenger. ]

It would seem as though your presence is required elsewhere. [ He is of half a mind to insist on accompanying her, but he assumes he would be barred from entering, even if he is the Lord Commander. He has no sway over the Scions and thus no right to be present during their meetings. It was only a fool's thought. ]

[ The plans are merely a combination of thoughts about who to dispatch where, in an attempt to both organize and prioritize the right aspects of Ishgard's defenses. But given his own presently scattered state of mind, his writings lack their usual customary neatness and precision, but that seems to be where she comes in.

He is about to ask her for her opinion on one aspect of the rough plans he's written down, but he realizes that she's moving towards the couch and beckoning him to join her. Ordinarily he would jump at the chance to sit beside her, but he finds himself hesitating. There is still so much he could do before he allows sleep to find him, if it will come to him at all, and so he remains where he is for just a moment more. ]

The plans for Ishgard's defense will not decide themselves. I should at least have a better idea of what orders to give the Temple Knights before morning comes.

[ He hesitates, knowing that this is not what he necessarily wants, but it is what needs to be done. ]

I would ask your indulgence on this, but also, you do not need to remain with me while I work. By now, I am certain that a bed has been prepared for you and that you will find it quite comfortable.

No, they will not. [ She is in utter agreement with him on such a thing. ] However, the scattered thoughts will not do Isghard any good either. Bring the ink and quill over. I will write down what you have in mind as you rest.

[ Her hand remains extended out towards him. She has once been bared from helping him and she will not let it happen again. Even if all she might do is simply her sitting down and helping him clear his thoughts. ]

My sister, myself, and the Scions helped in attempting to stop this war. The outcome of the conference is a responsibility of ours as well. So, I will do my part in helping sort your plans. [ She pauses for only a brief moment with hesitation. ] Both as a Scion and as me.

[ She sighs loudly in protest, ears bending back against her head underneath the hood as he has to pull away from their attempted kiss. Her eyebrows turn up in something of a pout before turning her head to look at it is who interrupts her time with Aymeric.

Tataru stands a level below them with her hand raised in greetings. Alkaid cannot help the scowl that takes her face. ]

It would seem so.

[ Her gaze goes back to him, as if to ask if he wishes to interject one last time. ]

[ His statement merely makes her smile fondly at him. He would be so humble to say such a thing. Regardless, however, she has fallen in love with him. She is merely a regular woman underneath the lofty titles given to her the world over.

Part of her wonders if he could truly shed his titles. So much of them has woven themselves into his person. She would love him no differently. Which, she hopes he understands by how she squeezes his arm gently and presses the side of her head to him. ]

I will gladly share them, you know that, Ser.

[ Her gaze moves to the trees that he gestures to. She steps forward, slightly dragging him with her in order to inspect each tree individually. A silence takes her as she looks over the decorations on one in particular. Moving one of the branches with her hand she cannot help but smile.

Tucked away behind a string of treats is a handcrafted ornament of a dragon. It's clear that irs made by a child. In that moment, it feels as if the whole struggle to end the Dragonsong War has been worth every moment and every heartache. Her tail sways side to side as she looks up at Aymeric with her fingers holding the branch to the side for him to see. ]

[ He wishes he could reach for her hand, to at least maintain some form of contact, but he decides to refrain, resolving to make up for this separation at a later time.

He glances at Tataru, offering her a friendly smile before he asks: ]

Is something the matter? [ Of course, he is not privy to all that the Scions do, so he does not expect nor demand an answer, but he merely wishes to inquire if something is amiss, and if so, if there is anything he might be able to do. ]

[ He sighs heavily, because his personal wishes and what he feels is his duty seem to be warring with each other at this precise moment. This time, however, he decides to listen to his own desires, even though he is reluctant to place more burdens on top of her. He rises from his position at his desk, bringing with him the pot of ink, his quill, and additional papers should they require more.

Once he has crossed over to where she is sitting, he joins her in sitting beside her. ]

I am sure that you would rather discuss something else other than the war and the tactics that we must engage in.

[ He truly does not mean to bar her from helping, and he fervently hopes she does not take his words that way. It is only that he imagines she would rather spend her time with him relaxing and speaking of more pleasant topics.

After a brief pause while he lets her words sink in, he looks up to meet her gaze. ] Lest you think me wholly ungracious, I am grateful and thankful for the help you, your sister, and the Scions have given us.

[ That does not change the fact that he still feels that he will be unable to rest even with her help, but he chooses to leave that unsaid. ]

[ He can't help but feel as though he could spend a hundred years trying to find ways to express how he feels about her, how much he loves her, and it still would not be enough. Regardless, he means to start with that particular endeavor this evening, as soon as the chance presents itself.

And perhaps he will never be able to fully shed those titles, but just as he dreamt that one day, peace would return to Ishgard, that seems like a far-off dream to him. Only, unlike the arrival of peace, that might not ever be realized. ]

And I await that time quite eagerly, Mistress Alkaid. [ He has grown used to not using titles to address her, but there are times when it just seems to feel right, and not only because they might be being observed by people passing by.

When she drags him along as she moves to look at each tree, he follows willingly and without hesitation. This is one of his favorite things to do during the celebration, and it is even more special now with her there to enjoy it with him.

His face lights up when he sees what she is pointing out to him, and one hand carefully reaches out to lightly touch the dragon ornament. Even Ishgard's children have seen too much of war, and with its ending, he remains hopeful that they have a chance for a real childhood and a future with peace and no more fighting. He would move mountains to make sure that future remains intact for each individual person who calls Ishgard their home.

Not even bothering to hide the joyous look on his face, he turns to look at her, beyond glad to see a similar look on her face as well. ]

I would not expect anything else. [ A smile shows on the lower half of his face. He is very aware of her rather determined nature. It is bolder and louder than her sister's, but nonetheless it is there.

There is no doubt the pair will stare down the very ends of the world if needed. Yet, by divulging certain information, they may seek to change things too early. That cannot be. It is only at a certain juncture may they change what is needed. ]

A curiosity that, no doubt, keeps you on your toes in the meantime. I am aware I have withheld much of my person and my purpose to you. When the time is right, I shall share my story.

[ He gives her a chuckle. ] I sat with you in the inn in Ishgard, did I not? I could walk.

[ By way of an answer, she just tilts her head at him, further indicating her curiosity about him and his apparent mission.

He is completely right about the lengths that she and her sister would go to if it was necessary. K'thisru herself is of the opinion that if a wall is in her way, she will either run right over it or knock it down, because she has no patience for obstacles in her path.

And as if to confirm his statement, she gives him a wry grin and actually stands on her toes, knowing it makes no significant difference to her height, but her goal is to make him laugh. ]

Well, good, because I want to show you around the city. [ Specifically the decorated parts, but she isn't picky about where they go, actually. ]

[ The smile on his face turns something into one of fondness. He can vividly remember the pair of Warriors of Light from his youth. While their adventure may have been short? He always knew they would continue forward and change the world. All he need do is see the cheer in the air of Ishgard to see that he was not wrong.

A small chuckle does come from her notion. She always was the more outright playful of the two. ]

Is...there somewhere in particular you wish me to see?

[ Were he a young man again, he would leap at the chance to travel the star with her and her sister. Now, he must settle for simply watching the pair and making sure that their adventures are seen through. He may not be the hero he had always dreamed of becoming, but he has done his utmost to live by the lessons they have taught him.

And, continue to teach him, it seems. ]

I must admit that I am not very familiar with Ishgard. At least, not as intimately as you must certainly be.

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