[ For the first time in what feels like a long time, Aymeric realizes that he has a chance of experiencing real happiness and of bringing that happiness back to Manor Borel. For him, having Alkaid in his life and having the opportunity to love her is what brings him joy, and no matter what separates them, nothing can take that from him now that he has found it.

As for the weather, as far as he is concerned, it can continue to pour down rain and thunder can crash, but he chooses to not hear it, focusing only on what Alkaid might say, and if she says nothing, then listening to her heart beat.

The war is inevitable, but tonight there is just the two of them, and he intends to think of nothing else.

As for what he does next, he decides that they ought to move to the next level of being bare around each other. Her small clothes are not in his way, and yet he places a tentative hand on them as if silently asking permission to remove them.

If he knew the effect he was having upon her and how distracting he is, he would most certainly apologize, but it has not registered with him that that is what he is doing. ]

But is that enough?

[ He already knows that he has no qualms about giving all of himself to her, because he feels as though he is hers too, just as he has already begun thinking of her as his and part of his family. ]

Then consider me yours, for as long as you wish to have me.

[ And then he falls silent again, relishing the feel of her as she places kisses along his cheek and jawline. ]

Alphinaud's report was quite factual and straightforward as a report should be. [ He will not do the young Elezen such a disservice as labeling his report dry, because he certainly has read far drier ones. ]

Still, I would like to hear your version.