[ Perhaps it is a foolish thing to worry about, but he fears that his old friend will push himself too hard before he is ready. Where he, Aymeric, is perhaps too reticent, it seems to him that Estinien is too ready to act so soon after his possession and recovery. ] I suppose that at the end of it all, you know yourself best.
[ He shakes his head again. ] There might have been a time when I could have journeyed forth from Ishgard, even briefly, but now- My duties have not ended. In a way, you might say they have increased.
[ Noting that look on his friend's face, and guessing at what may be causing it, he adds: ] While I am still present, anyone who dares speak ill of you will have me to contend with. For what happened was not wholly your doing, and what is more, it was Nidhogg's wrath and desire to continue prolonging both a grudge and a war that led him to do what he did.
[ He will argue on his friend's behalf until he runs out of breath if he has to. That much is plain to him even as he falls silent to listen to Estinien's description of what he has been doing and will do next. ]
I see. [ He is well aware that Estinien has his own brand of nobility, of respect, and his words are proof of that. ] You spoke with Hraesvelgr? [ He recalls his own meeting with the great wyrm, an encounter that remains emblazoned i his mind. ]
The reports have come to me, yes. I hope that as you journey forth, you remain safe, my friend. [ He cannot bear to think of losing him permanently this time; what happened with Nidhogg was difficult enough for all of them, Estinien included. To even briefly ponder his friend's death is enough to render him speechless. ]
Would that my duties gave me leave to accompany you, even briefly. [ And, of course, to be alongside his betrothed and her sister, not that Estinien will know of that particular change in Alkaid's status just yet. ]
no subject
[ He shakes his head again. ] There might have been a time when I could have journeyed forth from Ishgard, even briefly, but now- My duties have not ended. In a way, you might say they have increased.
[ Noting that look on his friend's face, and guessing at what may be causing it, he adds: ] While I am still present, anyone who dares speak ill of you will have me to contend with. For what happened was not wholly your doing, and what is more, it was Nidhogg's wrath and desire to continue prolonging both a grudge and a war that led him to do what he did.
[ He will argue on his friend's behalf until he runs out of breath if he has to. That much is plain to him even as he falls silent to listen to Estinien's description of what he has been doing and will do next. ]
I see. [ He is well aware that Estinien has his own brand of nobility, of respect, and his words are proof of that. ] You spoke with Hraesvelgr? [ He recalls his own meeting with the great wyrm, an encounter that remains emblazoned i his mind. ]
The reports have come to me, yes. I hope that as you journey forth, you remain safe, my friend. [ He cannot bear to think of losing him permanently this time; what happened with Nidhogg was difficult enough for all of them, Estinien included. To even briefly ponder his friend's death is enough to render him speechless. ]
Would that my duties gave me leave to accompany you, even briefly. [ And, of course, to be alongside his betrothed and her sister, not that Estinien will know of that particular change in Alkaid's status just yet. ]