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synthneon2021-11-19 12:58 am
hobbitholmes) wrote in synthneon2021-11-19 12:58 am
Entry tags:
FF PSL | β for those we can yet save. β
AFTERGLOW
β hear, feel think. β
βοΈ HEAVENSWARD
β
Ever Heavensward (3.0)
β Ishgard Meetings, Part 2
β As Goes Light, So Goes Darkness (3.1)
β Unfleeting Emotions
β The Gears of Change (3.2)
β Heavy Hearts, Part 2
β Revenge of the Horde (3.3)
β Starlight Festival (Alkaid)
β Starlight Festival (KP)
β Ishgard Meetings, Part 2
β As Goes Light, So Goes Darkness (3.1)
β Unfleeting Emotions
β The Gears of Change (3.2)
β Heavy Hearts, Part 2
β Revenge of the Horde (3.3)
β Starlight Festival (Alkaid)
β Starlight Festival (KP)
π₯ STORMBLOOD
β
IC Permission
β IC Permission
β IC Permission
β IC Permission
β IC Permission
β IC Permission
β IC Permission
β IC Permission
β IC Permission
no subject
He cannot allow that to happen. He will not. That, more than anything else, is what drives him to move forward, even to ignore wounds given to him by those with a grudge. And he can hardly blame them, for he knows how things must appear from the outside. But now is hardly the time to begin sorting through his thoughts. ]
It hardly needs to be said, but he will be missed by all. [ He may not be able to claim particular closeness to the fallen of whom they speak, but any loss at all is significant. ] As for that, it is the least that I, and all others who call Ishgard home, can do. Of course, if there is ever anything more that you or your sister need, all you have to do is ask.
[ And in that same vein: ] Is there anything that I might do for you now? How are your accommodations? Your efforts must be tiring; do you have all the sustenance that you require?
[ If not, then he shall do his best to ensure that she and K'thisru have everything they need, even if he has to dispatch his own personal staff to see to the two of them.
As for the matter of her name, he accepted the name she gave him in their initial introductions. Of course, it does not fit with the traditional names of other Miqo'te, but he never thought to question it. Still, now that he knows her true name, he finds that he likes it even more than the name she uses most often. ]
Consider me at your disposal, Mistress. K'lantaa. [ That will be a particularly difficult habit to break, but he shall manage well enough.
To punctuate his statement, he even gives her a small bow, as if to further indicate that if she has any other requests to make of him, he will happily oblige. ] Anything that you ask of me, I will do my best to fulfill.
[ He feels as though that is a very small measure of payment for everything she and her sister have done thus far, but it is a start. ]
no subject
Her tail still sways side to side even as her jesting demeanor changes. A hand raises from being crossed to gesture shortly to the inn they sit in. ]
We decided Tataru and Alphinaud should stay with House Fortemps and we took to the inn here. We're used to staying in various inns and taverns...
[ They may have been taken in as wards of the Great House, but she would not take a room. Not when it would cause more strife at the time.
She smiles gently at his self correction of her name. Habits and manners can't be broken in an evening. And so, she leans forward and places her hand onto of his. While she may be the one of the two who is more reserved in running into battle and danger head first? She is forward in her own right.
If she cannot speak what she wishes to say, then she hopes small actions might say it instead. Now, if he can see and listen to the unsaid is something yet to be seen. ]
What if I had asked to see Ser Aymeric's favorite place in the whole of Ishgard?
no subject
And truthfully, he wishes to ensure that both sisters are as comfortable as they can be, but he finds his thoughts traveling more often to Alkaid... K'lantaa, as he is attempting to think of her. ]
I see. From my reckoning, that was a sound decision, and yet if either you or your sister grow ill at ease with finding your repose in the inn, it will not be difficult to find rooms for you. [ He already knows that he would gladly offer up his own house for the two of them to use.
When she leans in and rests her hand against his, his eyebrows shoot up and a surprised expression crosses his face. To be this close to her, to have her hand resting atop his, is more than he could have ever hoped for. And he has hoped for such closeness, even if he knew he would never dare to ask for it.
Exactly when his affection for her became clear to him, even he is not entirely certain. What he does know is that he cares for her, and whenever she is nearby, regardless of what duties and tasks lie before him, he thinks of her more often than not.
Could it be possible that she does the same for him? He believes that he sees a look in her eyes that could be translated into a positive affirmation, but again, does he dare to hope for something that is not his right to possess?
Nevertheless, he keeps his gaze fixed on hers, not wanting to look away for even one second. ]
I should say that Ser Aymeric would be delighted to show you to his favored place within Ishgard. [ He can hardly keep the mirth out his face and voice, even as notes pointing to the love he has for Ishgard and the people make themselves known. ]
Would you be inclined to follow me? [ He wonders, not for the first time, about what, if any, repercussions she might experience as a result of being seen with him in this way.
But at this time, even though reason says he should comport himself in a way fitting for the Lord Commander, he chooses not to listen to reason. He shifts his hand so that hers is resting in his, and he carefully lifts their joined hands together so that he might plant a light kiss on the back of her hand.
There is more that he would like to do, but it seems as though he should work up to that first. ]
no subject
Well, she will gladly meet him halfway then and pull him alongside her however far he is willing to go.
If that is what he wishes, of course. ]
I'll need to speak with K'thisru on the matter. She might tire of the inn's feather beds.
[ Which is to say -- in so many words -- that the beds in the Forgotten Knight are far from the most comfortable. The rooms also tend to be dim and cold. However, it is what they have been given, and she is not one to speak ill of that which is given freely. Nor would she expect or demand Aymeric give anything to them after all he has done for them already.
She had hoped the meaning of saying his name in a certain way would show the implications of what she meant. She wished to see more of him without his titles or duties; a place that he as himself holds dear regardless of office. Still, the gentle jest he gives is one she will take instead. She would have continued the the notion if what words might have come from her did not freeze in that moment.
Her eyes widen at his gesture, finding herself suddenly rooted to the floor. It feel as if every inch of her has frozen except the ability for her eyes to move to their hands. Hers rests in his. She does not pull away or even make a show that his gesture is unwanted. The butterflies and nerves come to a freeze as well. In that brief moment she's taken back to when they first met.
Of course, she was intent on the discussion of a potential alliance between Ishgard and Eorzea, and Alphinaud carried on his duties of attempting to sway the behemoth of a nation to their point of view. If she were to be honest? She hardly remembers the exact words or what her sister had said. She had been completely taken aback by the Lord Commander the moment he first spoke and remained such a way until the knight had interrupted due to the followers of Ysayle striking the caravan. Now, she finds herself in a similar situation. The noise of the inn has faded away and the potential prying eyes and mumbles have ceased to reach her senses. All of her attention, in every sense, is singled on the man in front of her.
Something reminds her that he will need a proper answer. Her gaze not leaving his own and her hand curling around his is hardly an answer or inclination. Alkaid swallows the sudden lump in her throat and she nods slowly. ]
... Yes, of course. [ Anywhere, she nearly says. Some part of her mind must realize that certain things must remain unsaid, for the thought never leaves her mind. ] I would be very inclined.
no subject
Now that he has become more acquainted with her, and dare he say, even fond of her, his desire to lower even more of his walls has grown stronger, and yet he finds himself hesitating even so. His actions have always had the potential to bring harm to others, and that is the last thing that he wants.
Even so, he intends to at least attempt bridging the self-imposed gap that he has made between himself and other people. He has always had allies, of course, but in moments of reflection, it seems to him that he has always kept people at arms' length, even when he does let them into his life a little. It does make for somewhat of a lonely time, even if it still feels to him like a necessity. ]
Yes, and please let me know how she responds. It is no trouble at all to make other arrangements for you both.
[ As for her efforts to see the man beneath the titles and responsibilities, part of him did recognize the attempt for what it was and appreciates it. But for as long as he can remember, ever since he set his sights on doing what he could for his nation and his people, he has always put duty first and his personal desires second. Or fifth, depending on the need.
He would maintain that he has not lost sight of who he is, but being the Lord Commander of the Temple Knights is a major part of his identity, and he would also be the first to admit that at times, it is difficult to separate that person from the young man whose chief desire has been to serve where he can and protect those who require it. The two sides of him seem so closely intertwined that perhaps there is no separating them.
But he halts his musings because there is someone who deserves his full attention, and he means to give it to her without reservation.
He too can recall their first meeting, and how he was compelled to decline the request put before him because that was the response he was told to give by the Holy See and those in higher authority than him. It is easy for him to imagine that he did not make many friends that day, but he felt as though he had no other choice.
Now, however, he does have a choice, and at the moment, his choice is to let his heart lead. ]
If I might say this, I am glad that we have had this opportunity to meet and converse in relative private. [ Is it too soon for him to make this proclamation? His smile remains where it is, but a hint of apprehension creeps into his eyes as he considers what actions he should take. But he will never know unless he takes the chance, because who knows when they might have an opportunity such as this again?
And of course, this meeting is not wholly private given where they are, but he imagines that a place like the Forgotten Knight has enough hustle and bustle to allow for a somewhat private conversation. Still, he is not naive enough to believe that people have noticed both of their presences here. ]
But if you are ready, I know just the place that I would be honored, even delighted, to show you.
no subject
[ She is certain that if she misses the intial meeting with her sister that Thisru will more than understand. Especially when it is mention that she spoke with the Lord Commander. Oh, she is certain a litany of questions will follow. Ah, well. Such is the way when a younger sister keeps insisting that the elder does what she can to find some form of companion outside their small working group.
While she has not served as Hydalaen's Champion as long as he as Lord Commander, Alkaid must wonder herself how much of who she is is one in the same as the Warrior of Light. Is it who she was as a natural person that grew her to the role? Or, has the role eaten more and more of the person who bears the name of K'lantaa? It feels neigh impossible to tell as they become more and more embroiled into the wars of dragons and men and then Eorzea and the Empire.
Mayhap this conversation with Aymeric might shed some needed light on her inner questions.
His statement makes a certain light come to her eyes and her tail sway more. Truly? A part of her, while perhaps childish, cannot but hope for the idea that it is more to share time with her than merely because he wishes to hear more of reports of Moogles and dragons. She is inclined to believe so as neither have taken their hand from the other...
She nods, swallowing the sudden lump of emotions caught inside her. ]
And if I am allowed to be equally as forward... I have hoped for a meeting like this for some time. [ Minus, of course, her uncharacteristic emotional moment. Not that she is nearly as guarded or stoic as he. She simply tries to project the put together perfect Warrior of Light as much as possible. ] Please, let the way.
[ She would not lie - if asked - that the prospect of going somewhere more private is exceedingly desired. Alkaid takes a step back to allow him to stand and quite literally tower over her. Her hand, however, stays in his with no intention or sign of removing it. Her other raises to readjust the hood atop her head. No doubt where they are going is outside. ]
no subject
[ Any further communication with Alkaid and her sister is a welcome thing in Aymeric's book. He would be the first to state that he has fondness for both of the sisters, but in the case of Alkaid, his fondness has begun to grow into something more, and he is hopeful that they will be able to explore that something more. If she is agreeable, of course. The fact that her hand is still where it is seems encouraging, at least.
And if she comes to him with questions, he will do his level best to answer all of them. That sudden light in her eyes and the swaying of her tail stirs something inside him, something he has never truly allowed himself to feel before. And, lest anyone think that he has completely lost his senses, it is not only her appearance that stirs up those feelings in him. Her kindness and bravery and willingness to help others are all things that have caused him to look upon her with admiration, and if she gives him even a fraction of the kindness she gives to others, then he considers himself a very fortunate individual indeed. ]
I can also echo that sentiment. I cannot place a finger on when it was that I began to so thoroughly look forward to meeting with you, but there can be no doubt of it: I am glad for every opportunity that arises.
[ And then he smiles once more and nods, noting how she still does not remove her hand from his. The gesture further pleases him as he stands to leave with her to their next destination.
From the Forgotten Knight, their path takes them to the Pillars and past a number of places, including his own personal house, but also Dzemael Manor and House Fortemps. Finally, they arrive at a square in the Last Vigil that is surrounded by towering spires and in Aymeric's opinion, has a rather impressive view, especially when the clouds have parted.
It might seem like a strange location to deem one's favorite, but it is a good place to go and think, and he has done so many times. Once they have arrived, he turns to look at Alkaid, wondering what she might be thinking. ]
no subject
Her hand never leaves his, even as they duck out of the Forgotten Knightand into the streets of Ishgard. Her fingers shift slightly at one point--as if to ponder the idea of slipping between his. The motion remains incompleted, however, given she would rather not do anything that could cause him to pull away. Part of her cannot help but wonder if he will deny this ever happened. She does not not believe that he is the sort of man that would. Still, a worry remains that she is far too forward and he is merely following through as to keep the Warrior of Light happy.
She notes that they pass House Fortemps and the plaza of the Last Vigil. When they come to a stop she cannot help but smile. Of course he would prefer a place tucked away from all prying eyes. A place he might be himself and not only the Lord Commander of the Temple Knights, temporary head of Isghard. ]
It suits you.
[ Then, she nods as if to confirm her statement.
Alkaid turns then, pulling her hand away for only a fraction of a moment. She sets her hands on the railing and pulls herself to sit upon it. Once her balance is centered, her head tilts up to smile up at him. The hand she had pulled away reaches out to find his again as her tail curls neatly at her side and her ankles cross. ]
What led you to this place the first time?
no subject
[ It will not do at all for her to think that the Lord Commander and acting authority in Ishgard resents his duties.
His lips turn up into a smile when she states that his favored area suits him. Of course, he knows that it does, as he is the one who picked it, but part of him is glad that it seemingly meets with her approval.
When she removes her hand from his, even for the briefest of moments, a thought occurs to him that his hand feels empty without hers in it. But soon enough, it is replaced as he watches her settle herself on the railing.
He thinks back to the first time he came to this spot, and he voices his thoughts about it aloud. ]
It is quiet here, and peaceful. For all her wars and strife, Ishgard does have her moments of peacefulness, although they are rather difficult to find. Here, at least, the solitude mostly remains untouched. And, although they are presently obscured, at times, one can see the mountains from this vantage point, and I do find myself appreciating those moments when I have naught else to do but stand here and look upon those peaks.
[ Those moments are rare, but that is what makes them even more special in his mind. He glances sideways at her, hoping that his description makes sense and that she does not dismiss him for being a sentimental fool. ]
no subject
Her head tilts as he explains. Then, she looks over her shoulder to the view that fills him with such peace. The buildings can be seen as well as the landing for the airships. The mountains frame the city as one can no doubt see those who call it home wander through the streets. It is a place that is removed from others but yet still in reach. Very fitting for the Lord Commander of the Temple Knights. Then she tilts her head back to look skyward. ]
There was a small cave that K'thisru and I would hide in when the arguing and the clan dynamics became too much to stand. You could see the world through the other end. It had always seemed like a doorway to travel through to a place larger than our clan and it's constant shifting of .... everything. [ Her nose curls up slightly at the thought of it all. ] We spent nights there sometimes, discussing where we might go when we would finally leave. She always had the natural arts of speaking to things that she could conjure. While I had the natural arts of healing. She went to Ul'dah and I to Gridania for our respective studies.
I don't believe either one of us ever has the intention of returning to our clan. [ She looks back at him with a smile, leaning forward towards him despite her seat. Her ears give a playful twitch. ] And I have no intentions of living in Mor Dhona with the Scions for the rest of my days. They are friends and comrades, but, the idea of having a home to return to... mayhap I will look at Ishgard.
[ Alkaid shrugs with her free arm. ] It may not be the same, but, certain things make it more appealing than that small cave.
no subject
Now as she begins her description of the place she once shared with her sister, he falls silent so that he might drink in every word and imagine the picture that she paints as she speaks. ]
I must admit that there is a part of me that wishes for the chance to see such places, even a place that seems... Dare I say as chaotic as the scene you describe.
[ Of course, he imagines that is impossible, not only because he has no place there, but because she has plainly stated she has no intention of returning to the clan home. Perhaps selfishly, he finds himself feeling thankful for this. ]
I must admit that I have often wondered what it was that led both of you to the paths that you have chosen, but of course, it only makes sense that your innate aptitude did the leading, at least as far as your gifts are concerned.
[ If his smile has diminished or dropped off a bit through the course of this conversation, suddenly it returns in full, but spreading across his face slowly until it finally reaches its peak. ]
You cannot know what sort of feeling those words of yours stir up in me. [ Perhaps he is speaking too plainly, his words bordering on inappropriate. ] The idea of having you residing in Ishgard is pleasing to me, nonetheless. Forgive me if saying so is too forward, but I ask for your indulgence for this one thing.
So long as I am present here, and perhaps even if I am not, you shall always have a home in Ishgard. And that applies to your sister as well.
no subject
[ Alkaid sighs. She prays he might not find it silly or childish. However, he has wondered, and she sees no reason not to tell him. ]
I had no desire to have my potential husband, mate, father of any children of mine be decided. There is one mate for the tribe until another takes his place. I won't speak ill of the custom, as its an ancient tradition that has kept us going. However, I wish to chose my own.
[ She leans forward further, now being able to rest her head against his chest if she wishes. Though, that might be too forward. She has already been quite forward as it is. Her ears tilt up at his words as doubts and insecurities began to rise. He would be honored--happy--to have her remain in Isghard?
Truly? ]
Would that be because I share the title of Savior of Isghard? Or... perhaps something else?
no subject
I also wished to travel and see the world once, although that feels as though it might as well have been a lifetime ago. [ Now his focus and his duties remain solely on Ishgard, and on this war and bringing an end to it, if they can manage to do so.
And nothing she says feels silly or childish to him. In fact, he can identify very clearly with what she is saying. ]
Ah, yes. The freedom to choose one's own path and- [ He hesitates, but only briefly. ] Of course, one's own partner.
[ His thoughts have often steered towards that subject of late, but always something that needs his attention and his direction finds a way to come up. He has his own hopes and wishes, of course, but he wonders if he will ever have a moment to properly pursue them.
If she were to rest her head against him in such a way, he would not pull away, nor would he dismiss the action as too forward. Truthfully, he wishes to have her close to him, as close as she wishes to be, but he feels it might be improper for him to state that so plainly. ]
For me, I would see you remain in Ishgard because I feel as though you have made a place for yourself in all of our lives, and if I might speak selfishly for a moment, I can scarcely imagine going about my day and... [ He hopes she does not find this too out of turn or too forward. ] And not seeing you.
[ He would look away, because a sudden apprehension and fear that she might rebuff him is creeping into his thoughts, but he refuses to give it even the smallest of footholds. ]
Of course, I know full well that your responsibilities will take you from Ishgard, and thus you may not wish to remain here. Surely there are other locales more conveniently suited to you and your travels, as Ishgard is not the easiest place to travel to.
[ But I wish that you would stay. The remark goes unsaid, or at least, not spoken aloud, because he is certain his sentiments already imply that rather selfish desire on his part. ]
no subject
[ A hand raises to rest on her chin as if she is truly thinking the matter over. Of course, Alkaid has already decided she might try to sneak the Lord Commander away whenever she might be able to. The matter merely lies in how to do such a thing and it not seem too conspicuous. Although, she imagines any who might see them at the moment would already think such a thing.
Then, she snaps her fingers as if to settle on an idea. Her hand goes to one of the fabrics draped on his armor in order to give it a good tug. Not only for his attention (which she already has) but also to tell him to step closer. ]
That settles it! I'll just need to figure out what places to take you. [ This time, she does rest her chin on his chest. Her head is tilted back to still be able to look up to him. Oh, she wishes she was a few inches taller to properly reach him. ] So, you should invest in a list of places and things you want to see. I'll personally take you there.
[ The smirk on her face then turns into something more gentle. ] And, in return, you can suggest the best place one should make a home in Ishgard. Even if it is out of the city such as Falcon's Nest or another gate...
[ Which, is to say in so m any words, that she very much intends to remain in Isghard even if her business takes her elsewhere. Having a home to return to is a tantalizing idea... one made better by the fact that the man she is quite taken with would wish to see her day-to-day. Perhaps, she might even learn how to surprise him upon returning to the city. All things, of course, are not set in stone until the war has concluded. Once they have brought Estinien back to his comrades and have finally put Nidhogg's vengeful soul to rest.
Her head tilts slightly and her gaze softens. ]
You should speak "selfishly" more often.
no subject
[ He is speaking in jest, of course, because there is more required than merely that. ] However, if you use those exact words, the chances of such a request being approved only increase. Are you quite certain that you did not also have training in political strategy and leadership?
[ Because from where he is standing, even though this conversation is mostly in jest, she has the instincts required for being an effective leader.
When she gives the draped fabrics yet another tug, he does as requested, stepping just a little bit closer to her. ]
Places, you say? It sounds as though I will need to clear my schedule of quite a few obligations and appointments if that is the case. Surely Lucia can manage the day-to-day in my absence.
As for the best place in Ishgard for making a home, I certainly have some suggestions for you.
[ A mischievous sort of glint comes into his eye then. If only he could put into action the one thing, second only to securing peace for Ishgard, that he desires the most.
Until that time, however, he supposes he will have to settle for this, if he can manage it. ]
And what of acting selfishly? [ It is a tease, of course, because unless he is sorely mistaken, what he is about to do is something both of them want very much.
It takes a bit of movement on his part, shifting position and bending over, but he manages to brush a light kiss against her lips. It would be more ardent, but as this is
their first time, he decides that they should work up to that. And besides, while the city streets are seemingly empty, he supposes that some displays of passion should be carried out behind closed doors. ]
no subject
[ She has absolutely no intentions of ever being a politician. However, it is quite obvious that Scions must play some part of politics and errand girls and boys. Learning some of it to navigate a room is far from a horrible idea. Still, that does not mean she wishes to be in a room filled with people like the Heavens Ward or even the Lords for longer than she need be. ]
Well, one place will not be nearly enough to satisfy curiosity for someone who has never seen beyond Isghard's borders. You will most certainly have to have a list. [ She blinks. ] What places would you suggest?
I certainly believe you need to act in your own interests more often, Ser Aymeric.
[ Her eyes narrow playfully and wonder what it is he is thinking of. Her tail flicks side to side quickly again once he leans over her. Oh, well no, he wouldn't think that--surely. Then, his lips are on hers, ever so gently and she feels as if a spark runs up her spine. Her ears attempt to stand up entirely from under her heavy hood, tail straightening in surprise. She leans back ever so slightly to return the notion. It proves a little difficult as she is not in the best position herself.
Without a sign or prompt, her hand pulls from his only so that she can wrap her arms around his neck. She leans up to return his motion, moving to press her lips fully to his. It truly doesn't matter if they are in public, tucked away, or not, as his assumption is extremely accurate. She has wanted to kiss him for some time. ]
no subject
If not, then- [ Here, he pauses and his smile widens. ] Perhaps I shall have to do something I have not done or even considered since my younger days. I am sure that it will cause quite a stir, so it is something of a last resort, but I have no doubts that should it become necessary, it will have been worth it if it means obtaining our goal.
As for young Alphinaud, he does display a remarkable amount of prowess when it comes to navigating this world of politics and maneuvers. I imagine it is not overstating things when I say that he strikes me as a very quick study.
[ He taps one finger against his chin as he mulls this over. ] No, I imagine one location will hardly be sufficient, so I shall create a list and present it to you for your approval.
[ That is strangely ironic, as he is most often the one receiving reports and lists and the like and needing to give his approval of them. ]
Well, it is only one place, but I imagine that it could potentially be to your liking.
[ He may very well be getting ahead of himself here, but he can hardly help it. She is, of course, free to refuse him at any point.
Still, it seems that refusal is not a response he shall be getting from her, if the way that she places his arms about his neck and returns the favor is any indication. For just a moment, he allows his eyes to fall closed as he takes in this moment with her.
Now that this bridge has been crossed, he is finding that he has no interest in letting go. ]
AYYYYY comment collapse
She breaks their kiss and only pulls back enough so she might look into his sky blue-eyes proper. Her heart is pounding a million yalms a minute and color touches her cheeks. What he has said has hardly gone unheard or unnoticed. Though, she finds she would much rather not talk in this moment and merely kiss him again. Yet, there are manners, and she is not sure if he would wish to again... even if he was the on who had initiated it. ]
What was this mysterious act that you did as a young lord? [ A smile is on her face, her voice just above a whisper as they are so close. ] And what might be this this mythical one place?
[ While her sensibilities tell her not to press further, she can hardly help herself. She nudges his nose with her own and her fingers resting behind his neck turn to find their way into the bottom of his hair. They are in public and even this alone is far too much for the reserved religious views of Isghard. Yet, she wishes to kiss him more and bring him closer to her.
She presses her forehead to his, ever careful of the metal hat hangs from her hood. Permission or searching if he would wish to kiss again... it is hard to tell what exactly she desires for him to tell her. Perhaps both things. ]
ayyy and our pattern of ridiculously long tags & threads continues
So yes, what he feels for her is much deeper; now if only he can find the time and the words to convey those sentiments.
When the kiss ends and she pulls away, he finds himself missing her closeness already, even though part of him is relieved for the opportunity to catch his breath. ]
Well, it is hardly a graceful move, nor a very polite one, even though at the present, very few would question it. [ He smiles, and this time, it is clearly an embarrassed sort of smile, the one a person would wear when recalling something he would just as soon forget. ] There was a time when I was not as... Well, refined, I suppose you could say. I certainly did not run wild or unchecked, but before I absorbed certain lessons, you can be certain that I used my position to my advantage.
The house that I am a part of might be an older house, and minor in the grand scheme of things, but that did not stop me from showing my youth and foolishness by pretending my family had much more influence than it did, and attempting to convince someone of that, and all for a flight of fancy. It did not work, in case you might be wondering, and what's more, it landed me in some considerably hot water.
[ Not literally of course, but even so, the memory causes him to shake his head. ] I know better now, I assure you, but there are times when I consider employing a version of that ruse. Now, for instance.
[ The smile he gives her should indicate that he is merely speaking in jest, because he is too well-known among the noble houses for such a thing to work. ]
As for the place, there is only one location that I can speak of: Borel Manor, of course. [ He then glances at her, wondering how she might react. Perhaps he intends to use her reaction as a gauge to discern how she feels about him. Regardless, his suggestion is no less genuine.
He does not miss the way she nudges her nose against his, and lightly twines her fingers into the hair at the nape of his neck, nor how she has pressed their foreheads together.
If she is wondering if he would kiss her again, well, he is wondering the same, and thus he says, falling back into a more formal approach: ] I would very much like to kiss you again, if that meets with your approval.
i am GRATEFUL FOR IT
Her eyes light up at the tale of his younger self. A noble who believed himself more than he was, for certain, but one who wished to make himself known amongst the sea of noblemen. It was something that she could relate to. While she did not want to make a name for herself in her tribe? She did wish to make a place for herself in the world. Someone more than just a member of the clan. Someone who could make a difference in the world around her. ]
It would do you good to take some notes from your younger more brash self. Sometimes politics and situations need... a little push. [ The smile curls at the corner of her lips. ] Especially if Isghard is to better know her fellow neighbors going forward.
[ Borel Manor. Her ears twitch in surprise. A faint blush touches her cheeks at the notion of visiting his home as she has all but wrapped herself around him. Still, she is not about to let the light tone fade. ]
That is indeed a mythical place I've yet to discover. [ Her eyes drift to the side as she pretends to think the matter. ] Certainly a place that might yield some interesting secrets and stories of Isghard's famed Lord Commander of the Temple Knights. Think, an adventure that my sister wouldn't share...
[ The playful smile, however, does fade into something more suggestive. She would hardly call herself seductive or even a woman with those skills. She would say she is someone who moves towards what it is she desires. Traveling, helping people, and now attempting to show how much she cares for the temporary head of Ishgard. ]
I would be slightly offended if you did not kiss me again, Ser. [ Her tail starts to sway beside her legs where she has tucked it. ] I would prefer several times over.
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She, however, seems to be well on her way to making a difference in the world, and for that, he can only applaud her. ]
Ah, on that score, I remain unsure. That young man was quite a handful, if you are able to believe it. I am told that many were well and truly relieved when I turned a corner and became more serious-minded and aware of the consequences of my actions.
But, that being said, I believe that I have learned when to push and when to refrain. It is rather a delicate dance that we who are involved with politics must perform.
And I assure you, it is not so exciting as that, and neither am I. [ He maintains that he is only a man, and a fairly commonplace one at that. ] However, if you look around long enough, you may find yourself learning bits and pieces of House Borel's history.
[ Noting the slight shift in her smile, he returns the favor with one of his own. ]
Well, I can hardly disappoint you, now can I? [ He leans in once more, and this time, the kiss is deeper and considerably more than a light brush against her lips. ]
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[ A shake of her head. She does not need him to be exciting or dangerous. Her life is filled with such things already. No... what she may need most is a firm and solid foundation; unwavering and unmoving, made of stone. Perhaps it is a good thing Isghard is made of such qualities, and her Lord Commander as well. ]
I will need to remember this when I see the wondrous Manor Borel.
[ She would say he is far from a disappointment in any means. His countrymen may say otherwise and his father might of, but she can see the value as clear as Lucia can. His notion is met with a wide smile and tight embrace. Her lips meet his again and she leans against him fully. Her fingers move from his hair to rest around his shoulders. That in itself is no small mater as his armor is quite large and sharp. Thankfully she merely wears robes--several layers of fabrics that is. One must keep warm in Isghard somehow. ]
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[ But he shrugs his shoulders, because those days are gone and are not able to be recalled even if he wished for them. ]
Now, as fond as I am of the family home, I would so hate for you to get your hopes up and then be disappointed. [ Once again, he makes mention of disappointing her, but he does have a genuine concern: a concern that rapidly flies right out of his mind when she gives him a smile and that tight embrace.
Right in this moment, it does not matter who may be watching and what they may say. He only wants to drink in this moment for as long as it will last. And while they are sharing in it, a fleeting thought occurs that perhaps he should invest in some armor that is not quite so sharp. This could become a regular occurrence, and he would hate for her to hurt herself on it in the process. ]
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I very much doubt it would be a disappointment.
[ Any home he might have come from must be similar to him. Warm and wishing to be welcoming, but hesitant and unsure how to open the doors. Although, it would seem, once they were open there is no stopping them. Or, at the least, that is how it seems to her.
She pushes against him. Either to be closer or in order to try and find a way to slip under his armor. It could quite honestly be both as she has no intention of ending their exchange ... or stopping for that matter. ]
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In an ideal world, we would not have threats such as the Ascians, but it is hopelessly naive to think that one day, all threats will have ceased to be.
I suppose you will have to see it and draw your own conclusions. [ And of course, he means to have her visit at the earliest opportunity.
For now, though, he wants there to be only this, and only them sharing this rather intimate moment. Again, he has to adjust his position to do what he wishes, but it is no trouble at all, and he slowly begins planting a line of kisses along her neck. ]
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