synthneon | FF PSL | ❝ for those we can yet save. ❞

Entry tags:

FF PSL | ❝ for those we can yet save. ❞

AFTERGLOW

— hear, feel think. —

❄️ HEAVENSWARD

★ Ever Heavensward (3.0)
    — Ishgard Meetings, Part 2

★ As Goes Light, So Goes Darkness (3.1)
    — Unfleeting Emotions

★ The Gears of Change (3.2)
    — Heavy Hearts, Part 2

★ Revenge of the Horde (3.3)
    — Starlight Festival (Alkaid)
    — Starlight Festival (KP)

🔥 STORMBLOOD

★ IC Permission
★ IC Permission
★ IC Permission
★ IC Permission
★ IC Permission

BEYOND

CODE BY TESSISAMESS

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Then, I will just need to formally request that the Lord Commander come see more of the world with me. For understanding Isghard's neighbors and reestablishing relations with them, of course. [ A smirk tugs at the corner of her face and her tail flicks slightly beside her on her seat. She is rather serious about the notion despite the playful tone in her voice. ] It cannot hurt the Lord Commander to learn of how the others fair in military strategy...

[ 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.

[ He tries to keep a smirk of his own from rising to his face, but he fails in the effort, although truthfully, he was not trying very hard. ] Of course, a formal request is all that you will need, I am sure.

[ 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. ]

Are you certain that is all I'd need? You make it sound rather easy. [ She shrugs slightly at his question. ] I have learned a thing or two from Alphinaud debate himself around the heads of city-states. You were hardly his first attempt at convincing one to join along with his plans.

[ 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. ]

Ah, so you have caught on to that, have you not? [ He laughs quietly then, shaking his head at his own momentary foolishness. ] Truthfully, more will be required than merely that, but I believe that your request, combined with an argument in favor of such a thing from myself, shall be granted without too much of a delay.

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. ]

[ Alkaid certainly has no intentions of letting go. It seems that indeed some of the feelings she has for him are mutual. She would not dare impose or assume what he feels. Either a passing attraction or something deeper -- she cannot say for which one. He is not the type that would simply wish the status of being seen with a Warrior of Light, a Champion of Eorzea. He is far too humble for such a grab at status and influence.

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. ]

[ "Some" of the feelings? Perhaps. Or perhaps it is more along the lines of all. When he first realized that he felt an attraction to her, he tried very hard to ask himself if what he felt was genuine or if it was just a flight of fancy. But as time went on, there was no ignoring the rush of excitement whenever he saw her approaching, or the way his affections seemed to rise when the two of them had the opportunity to converse. It never occurred to him to use her status to his political advantage; in fact, he has found himself so very distracted by her presence that he has had to remind himself that he simply cannot stand there and stare at her, captivated by her appearance and her every word.

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.

[ She had been equally captivated even beyond their first meeting. Of course his demeanor, character, and devotion to his ideals is what ultimately deepened her attraction to him. While his attempt to reason with his father may have been, in hindsight, foolish? She found herself realizing how much she had cared for him. He put his life on the line, of course, but he attempted to reason with a man who never saw much value in the life of his own son. Some may see it as no regard for his own life. Alkaid sees it as a pure devotion to his people and his city.

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.

[ Perhaps in that way, the two of them are not so different. Once, he had goals along those same lines, and at the time, he would have done anything to see them achieved. Alas, not all of them were meant to be.

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. ]

You are still quite the handful yourself, Ser! [ Her face scrunches up in a playful manner. ] Who else would think to confront the Archbishop himself on the matter of the history of his country? You may have learned to funnel it, but I am hardly surprised you would be more so when you were younger.

[ 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. ]

Yes, and you are not the first to say that. Lucia often reminds me of that on nearly a daily basis. [ He fakes an exasperated sigh, but it is solely for her benefit. He feels the slightest bit of a sting at the mention of the Archbishop, but he continues on as if nothing happened. ] I merely hoped to reason with him, to try and persuade him to see another perspective, but you and I both know how that turned out. Perhaps when I was younger, I might have had a different result.

[ 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. ]

I can only imagine that it would not. He was set in his ways long before your attempts, Aymeric. [ Her voice is gentle then, nudging his nose again with hers to be of some form of comfort. ] The Ascians may have persuaded him into what he did further, but they play on the belief and hopes of those they manipulate. The Black Wolf of Garlemald is a prime example of such things.

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. ]

[ His gaze dips and he casts his eyes downward as he reflects on his past actions. ] It was naught but a fool's hope that he might listen and heed my words. [ If there ever was an example of someone wasting their breath on those who could not hear, he imagines that this falls into that category. Still, he draws considerable comfort from her presence, and when he finally looks up at her again, his gratitude is plainly reflected in his eyes. ]

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. ]

It was a hope of a son to his father. There is nothing foolish of it. Even if, in the end, he may not have seen you the way you saw him.

[ It is a lost to Thordan in her mind. If he could not see the sort of man his son he dismissed had become? Then he did not deserve Aymeric to call him father at all. However, it is not something she shares out loud. Especially as she and her sister were the one who, in the end, killed his father. He was a threat to the world and Ishgard herself... but that does not change the fact that, in the end, Aymeric's father no longer walks the world because of her. ]

There will always be some threat. I merely hope that the Ascians will not be that threat much longer.

[ There is an edge of tiredness that touches her voice in that statement. Not that she will let it bother her in this moment. For now, it is only the two of them, and she would rather not think of Ascians, their plots, and the Scions attempting to foil them day after day.

Her hand reaches up to remove the broach encased in gem that sits at the base of her neck. It hangs off of one side, but it allows for the fabric to be pushed to the side for him. Her head tilts back to give him more space to explore. The other hand curls back into his hair. ]

Edited 2021-12-14 08:07 (UTC)

[ He merely shrugs, because there was a part of him knew that he was only wasting his breath and getting his hopes up for a lost cause. ]

Ever since the day that I attempted approaching him with my questions and was rebuffed, I knew that the chances of him accepting me were rather slim, if not completely nonexistent.

[ And now that he has been dispatched by Alkaid and her sister, that has all ended. But he cannot pretend that he wishes the outcome had been different. It seems clear enough to him that his father was set in his ways and in his thinking, and nothing he said was going to alter that.

He lets out a sigh then, because he too feels tired after everything that has been happening of late.

He pauses for a moment, takes note of their respective positions, and he carefully rests his head lightly against her shoulder. If at any point, he notices that she does not appreciate the gesture, then he will withdraw, of course. ]

One day I hope that you are able to properly rest and no longer have the number of obligations that you presently do. I must admit that I regret that a good portion of those obligations have come from me, and for that I apologize.

[ He still is of the belief that some of their present challenges could be addressed without having to trouble the Warriors of Light, but then he would have less of a reason to see her. It is truly a mixed bag of blessings. ]

You still gave him the chance. In case there's the was the smallest glimmer of hope that he would receive you and agree. Do not consider yourself foolish for giving someone the chance to turn from their given path. If we presumed all were lost, then we would be unable to save a single soul.

[ Forgiveness is a virtue that one should never tarnish. The hand in his hair begins to weave through the strands in an attempt to be comforting of some sort. She would never describe what Thordan became, as she is certain it would haunt Aymeric the rest of his days.

Then, a shake of her head. ]

The city-states will ask what they need of the Scions. As a member, it is mine and my sister's duty to aid when asked. As I've said, you received us when no one else would, and believed we did not aid in the Sultana's apparent murder. It was the least we could do in return.

[ She turns slightly to help shield him against the cold. ]

You should simply ask if you would like to see me informally. And, if you must apologize for anything, you could apologize for stopping...

[ He falls silent just long enough for her words to settle into his mind and the truth of what she says to sink in. And he knows full well that he tried his hardest to sway his father, possibly to the point that he became a nuisance. He certainly did not endear himself to him, if the way he was unceremoniously thrown into a cell for interrogation is any sort of example. But he has no desire to recall that nor to go into detail about it with her, as it is a very unpleasant memory. ]

Of course you are right, and I am merely being sentimental. Too sentimental, perhaps.

[ It still feels foolish to him, because he barely knew the man, and yet he still could not help but hope that one day, they might reach an understanding, and more importantly, that his father would see even an inkling of merit in what he said to him. ]

Well, for my part, so long as I have the capacity to do so, I will at least attempt not to trouble you or your sister more than is necessary. [ No one should have to go as long as they without a rest and a respite from their toils.

And, at that particular moment, an involuntary shiver creeps up his spine as a gust of wind blows over them both. He is used to Ishgard's climate, of course, but that does not mean he is invulnerable to feeling chilled at times. Still, he has no particular concern for himself, but he certainly does for her. ]

I suppose that would be the most straightforward of methods, yes, and I shall do so at the first opportunity. [ His mouth turns up into a smile at her words, and without even the slightest hesitation, he obliges by planting another kiss against her cheek. ]

Just sentimental enough. [ She nudges the side of his head to make her point. ]

If you do not trouble my sister, she might take offense. K'thisru has always been the more strong headed one. If she feels there is something she can help something with and nothing has been shared with her? She may just push the door down to your office herself and demand to know what is wrong.

[ Her eyes widen slightly at his shiver, ears twitching beneath the hood. Her head tilts to look at him with a small frown now on her face. ]

Will you? [ A tease with a smirk, but she kisses his own cheek in return. ] Or will I need to throw the doors open to the Lord Commander's offices? [ She pauses. ] Should we retire to somewhere warmer?

As usual, you are too kind. [ For him, it is a constant push and pull of carrying himself as one would expect a leader to while also retaining who he is as a man without all the titles and responsibilities. Sometimes it seems as though he must sacrifice his individuality to the demands of his positions, but he also supposes that he is not unique in feeling that way. Anyone who has a public and private persona must surely experience the same thing. ]

I have often wondered about the differences between the two of you, and yet at the same time, it is quite clear that you are simply different sides of the same coin. What's more, Eorzea is more than fortunate to have both of you with us and fighting alongside us.

[ He chuckles then, because the thought of K'thisru banging down the door to his offices amuses him. ]

I must admit that the thought of your sister coming to my offices in such a way would liven up my day and that of those with whom I work.

[ He nods then, because he wholeheartedly means to do what he said he would. ]

I assure you, I will, although if you wish to do so, I have no complaints on that score. [ The chill is settling in on him a bit, but he knows he would remain out here for hours if it meant having these moments together. ]

If you are growing cold, then yes, let us move inside. I will not have it said that I allowed you to take a chill.

Or, you are far too modest, as usual. [ Alkaid will insist on this, but she knows there is no changing this about him. He has for far too long been the stout Lord Commander of the Temple Knights. Too much of him has been set in the service of Ishgard. ]

She has always been the more brash of the pair of us; willing to run in headfirst and get her hands dirty in whichever situation is needed. I spent more than a handful of times healing scrapes and bruises so her mother would not notice. [ She hesitates then, only for a moment. ] Our mothers were not overly fond of one another. They often turned their noses at the idea of the two of us playing together. So, we would run off together and hide in our little cave. A few years later we decided to venture out into our respective studies. She went to Ul'dah and I to Gridania.

[ Alkaid would not mind regaling him of the stories of her younger years. Isghardians, after all, know little of the world beyond Dravania and Corethas. If it helps him feel as if he might escape the confines of his city? She will gladly tell him any tale he wishes. ]

I will have to tell her to drop by sometime. [ Her face scrunches up in a teasing smile. ] And maybe I ought to one day as well.

[ Her fingers twitch slightly at the mention of being cold. Only a few of them are covered in fabric while the rest are adorned with leather wraps to place gems on the top of her hands. Although, she often wears such things. ]

I could accompany the Lord Commander a little longer in the cold.

[ He merely shakes his head and quietly laughs. Perhaps he is too modest, but he sees no reason why he should behave any differently. He is merely one who commands soldiers, and often, those soldiers are the ones who put their lives on the line and therefore deserve the accolades. ]

Ah, so you knew from a young age that you wished to be a healer? [ He files everything she says about herself and K'thisru away, because he truly desires to know more about her and her sister. ] If I might say this, you and your sister are blessed to have each other, both then and now.

[ On occasion, he wonders what it would have been like if he had a brother or a sister.

As for the stories she would tell, if she decides to regale him with more tales of her youth, he will gladly listen with bated breath. So much of his time is spent in Ishgard, and on the front lines; occasionally, his duties take him farther outside of the city, but he never ventures too far away. In that way, he finds himself living a bit vicariously through the adventures that K'lantaa and K'thisru have. ]

Please feel free to do so, both of you.

[ He does not bother to hide how much he looks forward to the prospect of one or both of them visiting. But then he shakes his head. ]

I think it prudent that we venture inside, if that agrees with you.

[ He genuinely worries about her welfare, and so he has decided he must insist that they continue this conversation indoors. ]

I always had the natural gift. However, if one continues to channel the magic of healing without properly giving back... it could be rather disastrous. There was a young girl who the Conjurer Guild had to convince to join our ranks so she might properly learn to commune with elementals to heal. [ She shrugs gently. ] I'm certain our mothers would not have agreed with you. But, well, they've no need to know that we stayed in contact through our respective schooling. Or the fact that we travel Eorzea together.

[ All he need do is ask and she will speak until he wishes to know no more. Not in the way to brag or to boast. She has always had a wonderlust and will gladly share it with any. ]

Hmm, special privileges? Just think of the scandal it might cause, Ser. [ A finger raises to tap him gently on the nose with a wide smile on her face. ] Then, indoors I suppose we shall go.

[ She quickly refastens the jewel around her neck to keep the fabric in place. Since he very much insists on the pair of them staying warm. ]

[ Here, his smile shifts to something halfway embarrassed, as if what he is about to admit is something he has never told anyone before. ]

I must admit that I am grateful for the gifts that I have, but I have on occasion wondered what it might be like to wield magic as you and your sister do. But I have not the aptitude for such a thing, so I shall simply have to marvel at you and others who do have that particular gift.

[ But then he nods because what she is saying makes sense. ] One cannot simply take and expect to continue to do so without consequences, I imagine.

As for your mothers, I expect that they might worry and even disapprove, but you both are grown now and can make decisions of your own.

[ His smile widens once more at the thought of a scandal like the one she describes. ] Well, I suppose that my tenure could use something of a shaking the foundations, although I am certain Lucia would quite disagree.

[ When she taps his nose, his eyebrows lift, but he finds himself pleased and amused by the gesture. ]

Ah, but I should inquire: do you have any prior obligations that require your attention? [ It would be poor form of him to distract her from them, if they should exist. ]

It is merely learning to channel your aether, or the aether of the world around you. My schooling has had to learn to be reserved in its nature to... well, that might be a history lesson for another time. [ She is certain that even Isghardians have the knowledge of the other Calamities that have befallen their star. Even so, they are not things she would wish to discuss at the moment. ] The world should have a balance of mages and warriors. Your part is just as important.

[ After all, she could hardly heal and shoulder the hits at the same time. As silly as it might sound from the Warrior of Light? Even she needs a shield. ]

Several decisions that I care not if they agree to or not, in the end. Especially when it comes to matters of what it is right and of the heart.

[ Her mother most certainly would scorn the fact that she has fallen in love with someone that is outside the tribe. A loss of on her own fault, Alkaid thinks. She has no desire to sit in the cycle of her tribe for the rest of her life. There is far too much of the world to see... and she would quite rather see it at the side of the man she's wrapped herself around.

That, however, coul d be far too forward and far too much to say. ]

I am certain Lucia would say you have seen far too many shaking of the foundations as of late.

[ A shake of her head follows. ] No, you have my entire attention, Ser.

[ She moves as if to stand beside him to leave, but turns on it at the last moment. She shifts to stand in front of him atop the railing she has sat on. Alkaid now stands just a smidgen taller than him. A hint of a playful smile touches her face and her tail sways side to side. Then, she kisses him once more. ]

Ah yes, the mysterious aether. And yet it is not so mysterious, because as you say, it is present in the world around us all. [ He wishes that he had more time to devote to studying such things, but alas, nearly all of his hours are occupied by one problem or matter or another. ]

And again, there are two sides to every coin, even as it relates to the roles we find ourselves called to.

[ And as far as he is concerned, he will gladly be her shield and sword if she should ever need him. And even if she says she does not, he will still take on that role for her without hesitation. ]

That is how it should be, yes. [ He agrees entirely with her stance on that matter. There comes a time when everyone has to learn to stand on their own, not necessarily dismissing the advice of their elders, but taking in what they can and deciding from there.

He would remain with Alkaid for the rest of their lives, but he still cannot help but feel as though his way of life might be difficult for her to grow accustomed to. If it should turn out to be that way, he would gladly make whatever alterations he needed in order to put her at ease. It is hardly a sacrifice on his part; or if it is, it is a very vital and worthwhile one. ]

Oh, I am certain that you are right, as usual. Such are the times that we find ourselves in. [ Never mind that some of the shaking has been because of the choices he has made. ]

Excellent. I would hate very much to be drawing you away from any matters of importance.

[ He finds he does not have much time to speak after that, because she has moved to stand on top of the railing. For just a moment, he fears that she might lose her balance and come crashing down, but fortunately for the both of them, she seems to retain her balance just fine, and all thoughts fly out of his mind the minute that she kisses him again. ]

Does Ishgard not have schools for aether? I know there is a home of Astrologians here... [ she had been tempted to look into the matter, but, felt perhaps it would be a better endeavor for her sister to peruse. Just in case. ] Or were you never allowed to learn of it at all?

[ It would be difficult to grow accustomed to, however, she has never been one to shy away from a challenge. Especially one her heart desires so greatly. There will always be apart of her that wishes to travel and see the world. However, the idea of returning home after the sights is something of a dream. A whimsical one at that, because who would wait for her to return? She could not ask Aymeric to do such a thing. He was entitled to a life of his own, not simply one of waiting for a person to return to travels far from home. ]

I wouldn't hate you at all for it.

[ Which is, in fact, why she presses further to deepen their kiss. Part of her was almost daring the world to interrupt this small selfish thing she felt entitled to. Though, as soon as the thought sprung into her mind, the familiar sound of her linkpearl beeping goes off.

She, however, decides to ignore it. ]

FF PSL | ❝ for those we can yet save. ❞

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AYYYYY comment collapse

ayyy and our pattern of ridiculously long tags & threads continues

i am GRATEFUL FOR IT

<33

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