[ Estinien hums lowly and closes his eyes to listen. Arms cross over his chest as he waits patiently for Aymeric to take in what Estinien can only surmise is a rather personal letter. He does not pretend to know how one might act when they are being courted or even into the stages of engagement. However, he knows the man he calls brother, and Aymeric always remains a private individual. If the Lord Speaker had not announced his engagement? Then it is most certainly a private and precious thing to him. There are times to tease Aymeric and times to let the man be.

The sound of armor shifting catches his ear, and Estinien opens an eyes to gauge his friend. Ah, there it is. A sliver of what he is sure Aymeric truly feels below that stoic mask. He draws no attention to it and instead counts it as a quiet confirmation. The Lord Speaker most certainly misses the Warriors of Light--and one in particular. A shake of his head is given at the apology as well as a raised hand to brush the concern away. ]

Hm. The Far East indeed. [ The dragoon tilts his head as he ponders it over. If his mission takes him to the sisters? He will most certainly check upon them... if only for Aymeric's sake. ] 'Tis little surprise we know nothing of the state of the world far away. Ishgard has ever only been concerned of her own borders until recently.

The way of words implies that there is an Imperial force stationed within Kugane, as well as the Syndicate of Ul'dah. Therefore a city that works between the two forces as a sort of parlay. I can only imagine how well K'thisru handles the presence of the Empire.

[ A smirk touches his face then in amusement. ]