A rather arid affair? That is quite the statement. [ She wonders how much her tales might continue to lift his spirits when she and her sister are called away. Will there come a time he wishes not to read them out of disdain for the fact she is far away? Worrying of it seems pointless, but she cannot help the emotion. What if the day does come when he might call off their engagement or marriage because she is unable to be there when he needs her? ] I may need to regale you more with them then.

[ The teasing smile forms into a sad smile at his comments. She would ask that no others take blows or protect her any longer. It is not out of the belief she could do better without them. It is a fear that those who would aim to kill her would instead kill them. The image in her mind of seeing Aymeric take a blow as Haurchefant makes her eyes water. The hand on his face presses is cheek then as her ears droop underneath her hat. ]

I could not bare failing to save your life as I did his. [ How might she call herself a healer if she cannot save lives? She cannot save them all, but what about the handful that are in her charge? ] Losing you or my sister would be far too much. Eorzea and the Scions may pile all they wish on me, but I could not stand a world in which the two of you are gone.

[ Her hand moves from his side and he presses a kiss to it. Alkaid closes her eyes and lowers her head slightly to place her forehead against the side of his head. ]

I would fight any and all who might dare take the pair of you from me. I would go to the ends of our star if it would keep you both safe. I would even stay here, in Ishgard, and forsake any duty as a Scion if it meant keeping you with me.

[ If anything, at least she has grown to be able to speak something of her mind and emotions. ]