[ Eventually, the time comes for everyone to retire, and although he imagines it may be somewhat different for the Warriors of Light, he also cannot imagine that she will be chained to that mantle and those responsibilities forever. He does not like to think of it, but so long as war remains and as long as people are fueled by hatred and distrust of each other, there will always be a need for warriors. Perhaps other Warriors will be called, and the reprieve that Alkaid desires will be given.

And although they have yet to truly voice their thoughts concerning one another, let alone determining what this relationship truly is, Aymeric has already begun to think that she is the one he wishes to have standing by him, being his partner in all things and the one that he shares his life with.

So while he may have to let her go in order to see to her duties, he will always be waiting for her to return, no matter how long a time it might be. ]

Thank you. You are too good to us here, even with all the demands on your time that we place upon you and your sister.

[ But privately, whenever they have the opportunity to meet, even if it is only for business, he still welcomes those opportunities.

As he watches, he can see that he has chosen the wrong sort of words once again. He spoke as the lord of this house would, not as himself, and he can see that doing so has disappointed her. Truthfully, he fears what might become of her reputation should this encounter be discovered, even though he knows no one within these walls will talk of it to others not part of the house. He has his own reputation to think of, of course, but that is not at the forefront of his mind just now. ]

Then... [ His mind is still giving loud and clear warnings about the foolishness of this, but he chooses to ignore those warnings and forge on ahead. ] Then that is what we will do.

[ He knows it is what he desires, and she has made her desires plain, so he sees no reason to continue lingering on the fence, wavering between right and wrong.

Without another moment of hesitation, he reaches for her hands and gives a light pull, hoping that she will stand and come with him. A stray thought enters his mind about merely picking her up and carrying her that way, but he wonders if she might push him away if he were to attempt such a thing.

Still, he waits with his hands on hers, watching for her reaction. ]