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

Of course. I may not be as well-acquainted with the Scions as you, but it does not take very much to see that they are quite resourceful and efficient. [ He is certain they have their shortcomings, as do all, including himself. Now, it seems as though he can focus on nothing else but his shortcomings, because from his perspective, they have caused nothing but trouble.

He is considerably lost in his own thoughts, as she has already guessed, but he is not so far gone into the abyss of his mind that he fails to notice the way her ears twitch. He can only guess that it must be because of the cold that she is standing in, because of him. ]

Once again, I must apologize. Here I am being so caught up in the gravity of my own errors that I am also causing you to have to tolerate this cold. [ He still maintains that he is accustomed to it, but she is not from Ishgard, and so for her, it must be absolutely bone-chilling. ]

I could not ask you to do that. [ Never mind that he has not asked for anything, but still: the fact remains that she must be exhausted after her exertions healing Vidofnir. Of the two of them, it seems more likely that rest will find her, if he might be as bold as to surmise that.

Perhaps it is a mark of how confounded he feels by everything that has transpired, but his customary brand of eloquence is seemingly fleeing from him the longer this conversation goes on.

Or perhaps it is that he is not accustomed to someone being so staunchly determined to offer aid, even though he is also determined to gently rebuff it.

When she steps in closer to him, he feels compelled to look down to meet that piercing gaze. It would be far too easy for him to look away, and so he does not take that route. If anything, he finds himself unconsciously stooping over just a little so as to make the distance between them not so great. ]

I have no doubts that you and others sympathize with the current situation. But this situation is because of my actions and my decisions, and I must be the one who sets it right again. Time is not on our side here, not with Nidhogg's threat looming as it is.

[ He must have some semblance of a plan before he can allow himself to close his eyes for the night. Is that not the responsibility of a leader in times of war? And if sleep eludes him, then surely he should use the time that would be spent resting for other pursuits. ]

You are already in that group of people. Your actions and the support you have given us thus far have made that quite clear. It is not a matter of not wishing to share what weighs on my mind with you, even though I am reluctant to saddle anyone with such things. [ Anyone save himself, that is.

And then, in response to her words, he gives her a small smile, the most he can manage in this moment. ] Ah, but you are a daughter of Ishgard and an honorary citizen; perhaps not a daughter by blood but by virtue of everything you have done for us.

[ But even as he speaks those words with firm resolve, a wave of what can only be called sheer exhaustion sweeps unbidden over him, and despite his wishes, his shoulders drop from their rigid posture and for a moment, he bows his head.

When he finally raises his head once more, he puts forth the question: ]

How would you help?

[ He hopes that she understands he is asking for her advice, and not implying that there is nothing she can do. ]

I am certain that you will say rest first, but what comes after? [ That is one thing among many that has so thoroughly tied him up in knots. The steps he has taken thus far have only caused more difficulty, and he cannot afford to have this cycle continue. ]

They have contacts and a way to get information to anyone they might need.

[ She shakes her head at her comment and his own apology. Neither are things she wishes to continue to discuss or find him at fault for. It is, also though, a protest at his slight rejection. Sleep may find her easier, but, she is not one to leave someone to suffer needlessly. He might insist that he does not need company in this moment--yet she insist otherwise. Just because he has suffered alone so much of his life does not mean he needs to now.

Her fingers gently dance forward until her palm cups his cheek as he leans down. Oh, Aymeric. Her stoic selfless knight. She might call him such in her mind, as she is not sure how he might feel of claiming one another. Much of what sort of relationship this is has been based upon the notion of testing and seeing if their assumptions were right. She loves him dearly and of her whole person -- yet he may not see it quite the same way. Now, however, is not the time to ask that.

The way the conference fell was not and is not his fault. She knows that he will not see it way in that moment. Not until he feels as if progress has been made to right a wrong that had even the smallest possibility to occur. Many may find Aymeric a hard man to understand, but truly, she has never had difficulty in it. The devotion to his people and his nation is what drives him. Anything that may make him feel he has failed either will clearly send him tumbling down.

Her eyebrows knit together as her dark fur tail sways side to side in worry. ]

Then it is all more the reason to have someone aid you in making a plan if time is short.

[ Alkaid's eyes widen at his declaration of her status. 'You are a daughter of Isghard.' She is certain many would disagree with the idea, and yet, she cant help the way her heart pounds at it. She had not expected to find anywhere to truly belong once she left her tribe. There is the hope her sister will find a place to call her own. Herself? All she can do his smile at him with tears prickling the edges of her eyes.

That smile disappears the moment his shoulders drop. Her ears stand on end in surprise, tail sticking out as well. No time to argue then. Getting him inside to a place that is warm must come first. ]

First, we retire to somewhere warm. Second, a hot bath. Third, something on the stomach to help think. Rest will come once we have discussed enough possibilities to calm your mind.

[ Her head tilts to the side as her tail returns to swaying once more. ] If you intend to take us to your home, then, lead the way. I wasn't given the pleasure of where you live during our grand tour of Isghard.

Of course. I can imagine that there are any number of people who find themselves envious of their vast net of connections. [ But he knows full well that forming connections is not only a vital task but a skill that can be learned if one puts in the time to do so. And he also knows that this topic of conversation is most likely not very high up on the list of ones Alkaid wishes to have, but it is providing him with a reprieve from having to dwell on his worries and regrets that are churning close below the surface.

In all honesty, any delay at all is welcome, because he wishes to delay the moment when he has to face what he considers his failure to lead and direct. It all went wrong beginning with the barmaid, Emmanellain's blunder, and of course, the ill-fated peace conference. Some have even whispered in the streets that the grand melee was a pointless and ultimately foolish gesture. As a rule, he does his best to not pay too much heed to the chatter he hears while traveling between places, but of late, he has had a harder time than usual following his own directive.

Scheming patricide, too quick to make risky decisions, and other doubts cast at his ability to lead are just some of the things he has heard over recent days. He can hardly refute them either, because like all things, there seems to be a grain of truth in each one, save for perhaps the first.

She would not leave him to struggle with his own doubts and reprisals, as she has already said, but he would not expect her to remain with him either. Simply put, he is not fit for company any more than sleep seems fit for him. And, well, although he can imagine why she would refuse to let him suffer alone, the part of him that is judging himself most harshly has already decided that, at least for the moment, that is a fitting punishment.

Still, her presence remains a comfort, as does the feeling of her hand resting against his face. He has grown to love her as well, although he still believes there are other more fitting candidates who would all jump at the chance for even a second of her attention. In fact, he would confess his true feelings for her if not for the doubt that is rearing its ugly head once more.

As to formulating a plan, he both welcomes her advice and wishes to decline it, if only because he knows she has enough on her plate without him adding to it. ]

I would not place yet another burden on your shoulders. It seems that is all any of us who are in positions of power do. [ He is aware that desperate times call for desperate measures, and yet it seems to him that they send the Warriors of Light anywhere and everywhere, scarcely giving them a moment to rest. ]

Discerning the next steps and putting them into motion is my primary concern, and one way or another, I will see it accomplished. [ As much as his thoughts are in disarray at the moment, he has already begun laying out the preliminary pieces of a plan: a desperate plan, but a plan nonetheless. And lest she or anyone else worry, it is a more decisive gesture than holding a peace conference.

But it seems that turning those pieces of a plan into a cohesive whole will have to wait. She is already laying out her plan for her next steps, and he presently lacks the will to counter them. ]

Very well, I will lead you to my residence. [ And at any other time, he would have been completely elated by the prospect, but those particular feelings have been tempered by regret and exhaustion, regardless of what he claims about being unable to rest. ] It is not very far at all from here.

[ There are those that are most certainly jealous or wishing they had what the Scions had. However, it was set in motion and in place far before her and her sister arrived within the Waking Sands. Heroes that followed before them and lived in in the time through the Seventh Umbral Calamity. She would not take away from them... yet she certainly wishes she might operate separate from them time to time.

Faith in Isghard has been shaken to her core by the truth after centuries of being taught not else but lies. It cannot be changed over night, and anything that might tip those others into belief of their new found path is false will most certainly happen. Aymeric is a man just as anyone else and it is no surprise to see the weight of it all bearing down on him now. She frowns deeper at his statement and shakes her head. ]

This is not the temporary Head of State needing someone to aid him right now. It is a man that I cherish deeply. [ Love is more apt of a term... yet she fears that it might only make him wish to turn away in that moment to admit it. She squeezes his hand tightly and steps away so he can lead the way. ] Let's be swift about it--you need not be in the cold any longer.

[ She lowers her hand from his face. It moves to the hand she already has in his hold, both hands squeezing over the one to try and warm it as they walk. ]

Edited 2021-12-13 06:13 (UTC)

[ He merely shrugs then, because what more is there to say? He has never truly agreed with the idea of using the Warriors of Light to handle all the oftentimes insurmountable challenges that arise, but it appears as though she has made up her mind.

The walk back to Borel Manor is brief, as he said it would be, but even so, he remains grateful that she did not remove her hand from his. Her touch is reassuring and her presence grounding, even as the storm in his mind continues churning.

When they arrive at their destination and the faithful manservant opens the door for them both, Aymeric wastes no time in welcoming Alkaid to his home. ]

Please, make yourself comfortable. Sit anywhere you would like.

[ Of late, there has not been time for hosting guests at his home, but he still recalls the niceties that should be observed. ]

[ She walks in stride with him, not once letting go of his hand. His lack of response does not go unnoted by her. Normally he might even point out that there is hardly a line where the Lord Commander ends and Aymeric begins. Now, it is merely a gesture of not having the strength to debate one way or another. It causes her to worry more of what exactly turns in his mind now.

Alkaid steps into the manor and her eyes widen. In truth, she was not entirely sure what to expect. Perhaps cold and daunting walls as the rest of Isghard was. Instead the walls were a blue inviting warmth as opposed to cold and sadness. It feels empty and perhaps lonely, but, it is more of an undertone rather than the manor in a whole. She nods to the steward that receives them. Once more it dawns on her how much she is not of the culture of Ishgard. How polite should she be?

She moves to answer him when the steward offers a hand for the coat she wears. That is where she hesitates. Her hands slip from his to curl the coat around her more. She would not wish to distress Aymeric further. While the blood on the dress she wears is not her own, no doubt it would act as more of a reminder of the events that took place earlier today. ]

N-no, it is unneeded. Thank you for the offer. [ Her voice is soft and withdrawn at the notion and her eyes dart to the floor. No doubt her reaction will cause only more questions. Her sister would insist it is better to be upfront of such things. She, however, does not wish to upset the man she loves more than he already is. ] You don't need to take it...

[ The steward sighs and turns to Aymeric then. ] 'Should I draw a warm bath and dinner, Lord Borel?'

[ His thoughts might well be scattered, and his worries threatening to swallow him, but he still manages to push all of that away long enough to take in her reactions to seeing the inside of his family home. It certainly is empty and at times, lonely, but it remains one place where he can oftentimes be himself.

The steward has long served House Borel, and while certain proprieties must still be met, around him, Aymeric feels that he does not have to stand so much on formality.

He watches as the steward inquires about Alkaid's coat, and his expression shifts once more to a look of clear concern when he realizes she is reluctant to part with it. Crossing over to her once more, he holds up a hand to his steward, silently asking for a moment of patience, because his question for Alkaid must be answered. ]

Alkaid? [ Her real name was only to be used when it was the two of them, and so he reverts to her more commonly used name. ] Is something the matter?

[ He does his best to will the fear rising inside him to subside; surely nothing is amiss. Perhaps all she wants is to hold onto the coat until she warms up once more. ]

Edited 2021-12-13 08:21 (UTC)

[ Her ears perk up slightly at her false name and the suddenness it had come on. Her tail stands on end in surprise as well. Mint-green eyes raise to meet his the moment he steps in front of her. She holds his gaze for but a moment before her ears press to her head and her tail curls against her. A moment passes before her head lowers and she starts to undo the buttons on the coat. Delaying it will only upset him further and she would not add to his troubles that already haunt him.

She slips off the coat to reveal the front of the dress that has been soaked in blood. All of it is dried now, nothing to be placed on the coat or anything she might touch. She brings the coat to rest in her hands in front of her as her gaze stays on the floor. ]

It's Vidnofir's, [ Alkaid clarifies it quickly in an attempt to make ease his worries. Her hands curl together underneath the coat in her arms. ] as I had to climb on her back to see how deep the wound went...it dried some time ago, so there is nothing to cause alarm or worry.

[ Formalities now. ] I did not wish to add more to your worries, Ser Aymeric.

[ His eyebrows draw together as his expression turns into a frown. Thus far, he has done as well as anyone could, trying to keep his tumultuous emotions from overflowing, but as he watches, eyes pinning Alkaid's coat with a pointed stare, it seems as though the dam is about to break. It seems strange that this should be what finally pushes him over the edge, but his attempts to hold it back are becoming increasingly less effective.

Finally, when she slips off the coat and his gaze falls on the blood that stains the dress, his hands clench into fists. Oh, he hears her explanation: it is not her blood, but Vidofnir's, but that does little to ease the storm that is presently gripping him.

Over the course of the Dragonsong War, so much blood has already been spilled, and Aymeric has witnessed more than his share of it. But something about seeing the consequences of Nidhogg's attack presented so plainly rocks him in a way he was not prepared for.

If he thought that he was having difficulty stringing sentences together earlier, now he cannot manage to give voice to words at all. Rather than attempt to speak, he moves to the chair across from where Alkaid is, and he all but falls into it. ]

[ She stands there, waiting for his response in anyway he might give it. Frustration, anger, a sigh at the circumstances at all. It feels as if an eternity has gone by as she twists her fingers together underneath the coat. Then, she hears his footsteps turn away. A sense of dread fills her and her ears twitch slightly. Her gaze raises in time to see him simply collapse into the chair that is closest to her.

The coat is instantly discarded as she rushes to the side of the chair. Doubts nag at her then--should she have shown him at all, or should she have insisted it was all fine? Has she been of help at all? Perhaps she should leave? Of course, she does not follow through in any of these ideas. Instead, her arms raise to embrace him around his shoulders and aptly miss the rather pointed parts of his armor. She rest her head against his, dark hair merging into his except where the ends are pink. Her shoulders begin to shake in fear of hurting him when that was never her intention. ]

I am sorry, I never meant to...

[ She shakes her head at herself and presses her nose to his hair. Alkaid does not move from where she is. All she can hope is that her presence helps somehow.

The steward himself picks up the discarded coat and quietly watches the scene. A gentle sigh to himself and his eyes close before he turns and disappears down the hallway. He gently calls for the head maid as well. It would seem Lord Borel is unable to make a decisive decision in that moment, and thus he will direct things to their needs instead of their wants. ]

Edited 2021-12-14 02:36 (UTC)

[ As his legs give way and he falls heavily onto the chair, he is thinking only one thing: one moment of weakness, that is all you can afford. And he means to hold to that.

He feels more than sees her rush to the side of the chair, and then he actually feels her wrapping her arms around him. For just a moment, he remains where he is, head resting against hers with his eyes closed, not wanting to think about anything but how it feels to have her so close to him.

But when she begins to try and apologize, that is when he opens his eyes to lock his gaze onto her, and the familiar posture of the Lord Commander surfaces once more. One moment is all he can allow himself, and it seems as though that moment has ended. Everything else must be funneled back into presenting himself as Ishgard's temporary ruler. ]

You have nothing to apologize for. I, however, must offer my own for this rather ungraceful display.

[ Still, he does not move from their pose, not wanting to disturb it just yet. He will have to shortly, just not yet. And later, he will have to apologize to the steward and the head maid for his temporary failure to act as a lord should. ]

I did not intend for anyone to witness it. [ Neither did he intend to have company this night, but he hardly begrudges her for coming across him and returning with him to the ancestral home. ]

[ She finds she cannot look away from his gaze. It is not piercing, calculated, or even sharp as it might be if the weight did not crush him as it was. He had never wished to be the leader of Ishgard; he merely wanted the best for his city-state. Now he is saddled with this responsibility and weight because he dare lead the charge on the truth. She will not let him bare it alone; even if she must be the Warrior of Light for him and not herself.

Her head shakes gently against his. One ear turns as she hears the footsteps of the steward leave the room. The hand with the mastery ring cups the side of his face once again. ]

Aymeric. You are a man--an extraordinary man--but still one nonetheless. All must have times where the mantle slips and they are themselves. You have no reason on this star to ever be anything but with me.

[ She tilts her head up in order to kiss the side of his head. All she desires in that moment is for him to stop holding the weight of Ishgard; to take off the mantle and be the person he finds himself so rarely being able to be. If he refuses, there is little she can do, but that is what she hopes for. ]

I would rather see your ungraceful side now and again. [ An attempt at a light jest to at least show him that she sees him no different. ] Menphina Herself could not change how I see you... nor Hydaelyn.

[ There is a part of him that wishes he could hide from her and the rest of the world so that no one should have to see him at what he feels is his worst. If the look in his eyes were to be described, perhaps the words involved would describe feeling lost and needing a helping hand to regain one's footing. And well he knows or suspects that that is what Alkaid wishes to do. So perhaps in that sense, he does need to meet her halfway.

He does pay close attention to her words, listening with great care to each one, and doing his best to let their meaning sink in. There is a wisdom to what she says, but even though he is more than willing to heed the advice given, there remains a part of him that struggles with balancing who he is as a person with the roles and responsibilities that he carries. ]

You know that I respect and value your opinion, and that I consider you a trusted and cherished friend, but I- [ An uncertain look crosses his face then before he continues. ] I must admit that I fear what may happen if that mantle slips once more. Will I only do a further disservice to Ishgard and to the people?

[ He shakes his head. ] I do not question all of my actions, or what I do when you and I manage to find a private moment. [ Truth be told, those moments are a rather sizable bright spot in his life. ]

It is what I do when in the public eye that I question, especially now.

[ He manages a small smile when she kisses the side of his head, but his doubts and fears still linger. ]

Can you say in all good conscience that my choices and my decisions were not done rashly and without thinking? [ Because given how badly everything turned out, he has a hard time believing that he truly examined all avenues before putting his plans into motion. ]

I am sorry, I am certain that by now you can tell I do not put aside that mantle easily.

[ In fact, it has become something of a shield for him when he does not wish to contemplate his more private feelings. ]

You will not let Ishgard down simply because your mask slips. Who is here but me to see it? [ Her tone is stern, but not of critique or reprimand. She simply wishes to make a point as she presses her face to the side of his head once more. ] Wear the mantle of the Lord Commander for them and for your Knights. Make it seem as if you are armor; able to take every hit for them. But, understand that is for them. Some small part of you must remain for yourself and for those you deem worthy of it. Otherwise...

[ The hand on the side of his face guides him to look at her. Her eyes are demanding his full attention and gaze sharp. Yet, even then, they seem to glow with nothing short of love for him. ]

Nothing of you will remain. Look no further than Nidhogg. He is so devoted to anger and betrayal that nothing but vengeance is left to drive him. Your father had nothing but his belief in his own self righteousness to lead your people. Do not let your duty of what you love most consume you until there is nothing left.

[ As to his question, she nods. ] Nothing you do is without careful consideration or being open to the opportunity for things to change the situation. We had no reason to suspect Nidhogg would know of the conference. What remains of his brood does not consort with the others. Vidnofir acted of her own will and choice. How, Aymeric, were we to know that he knew of it?

[ A small smile is afforded his next statement. Before she can answer, the sound of a man clearing this throat interrupts her. Alkaid turns slightly to see the steward waiting paitently with his hands folded behind him. ]

Baths have been drawn for Mistress Mercedes and you, m'lord. Might I suggest a continuation of this conversation afterwards? I shall see to it that a small meal is prepped and waiting for you. [ He half-turns to show the head maid, who bows, ready to lead Alkaid to a separate bath. ] Arrangements are already in motion to fetch a new dress as well.

Oh, no, you don't have to...

[ Although he would never voice this particular thought aloud, in this moment, he can hardly help but feel as though some years have been recalled and he is once again a younger man needing the counsel and wisdom of others. And yet a part of him fears what she may be feeling, even if she somehow does not realize it. ]

Ah, but when you see the Lord Commander of the Temple Knights in such a state, what manner of thoughts are going through your mind? [ Disappointment? A lack of trust in his leadership? Could this spell the end of their budding attraction? ]

Even so, I have no intention of ever following Nidhogg's path, no matter what comes and how I might seem to fall. I am aware that all are fallible, and perhaps I could be swayed as he was to a path of hatred and vengeance, but I would sooner fall upon my own sword than let that happen. [ Perhaps that is not reassuring enough, but he is resolved to never lose sight of himself, to the best of his ability. ]

We could not have known or predicted what he would do, but surely I should have realized that the possibility of Nidhogg disrupting the conference in some shape or form existed. Spies and tale-carriers are everywhere; should it not be assumed that the Dravanians have them as well?

[ Before he can continue, the steward returns, announcing that baths have been made ready for them, and what's more, a dress is being procured for Alkaid. In spite of the heaviness that still rests on his shoulders, he cannot hold back the smile that breaks free of the storm clouds and returns to his face. ]

Ah, the ever-faithful steward and head maid of House Borel have once again seen fit to carry out a request I would have given before I could even voice it. [ There is a reason he values the two of them as much as he does, and he sincerely hopes that the recompense he gives to both of them reflects that. They might serve him and what remains of his family's house, but he views them as more than mere servants. ]

Alkaid, I am sure that you will find the baths to your liking. [ Borel Manor might be old and some would say stodgy, but it is not lacking in comfort. ]

What manner of thoughts? I see a man who is tired. One who has carried the weight of his city on his shoulders and offered to willingly when none other would. I see a man who does his utmost and is far too harsh on himself when things out of his control transpire. The Lord Commander of the Temple Knights has his place, as does the man underneath.

[ She shakes her head. ] I have yet to see dragons work in the way of scouts as men would. Perhaps they have something similar, yet, none seemed aware when we went to the Aery. It would be a question to as Vidnofir once she is well enough to receive company again.

[ She had leaned forward just enough, perhaps to pull him into a kiss as a way to silence his doubts and simply focus on her. The act is never completed given the arrival of the steward and head maid. She - uncharacteristically - glances between the pair and Aymeric. While hospitality is certainly not lost or odd to her... she somehow finds the idea of being cared for as if she were a noble and not just and adventurer strange.

Finally, she nods silently and slowly pulls herself away from the Lord Commander. She tries to straighten her dress as if to insist that all is well and they need not worry over it. Yet, she can tell Aymeric will insist nonetheless, and thus she relents as well. One last glance is sent to Aymeric before she steps over to the head maid and led from the room in haste.

The steward turns his head to look at Aymeric. ] I don't suppose I should have a bed made up for company as well, ser?

[ He just falls silent as she begins to explain her thoughts and what she sees when she looks at him. Now he can admit that a good portion of his thoughts and reactions are stemming from the fact that he is actually quite tired, and after he has had a proper rest, if he can manage it, his confidence and ability to face whatever situations are still to come will return.

Perhaps it makes little sense to her, but he could go on at length about current events and discussions of Nidhogg and his plans, but when it comes to discussing himself and his needs? Words seem to fail him. Still, he does not wish for her to think that he is not listening when she lays out what she sees from her perspective, so he nods to indicate that he is still attentive. ]

It could have been merely a fortunate deduction on his part, meaning there is nothing to read into it, but- [ He already knows he cannot stop himself from picking apart all possible threads as he sees them. ] I would have another conversation with Vidofnir when she is ready and if she remains agreeable.

[ He watches as Alkaid leaves the room with the maid, feeling as though some of the light in the room has gone with her. But he turns back to the steward who is waiting for an answer. ]

Perhaps our guest will want to return to where her sister waits, but in case she decides to remain here, I would have a place prepared for her all the same.

[ The steward merely nods in response. ] Your bath is prepared and waiting for you to make use of it at your leisure. [ And with a second nod, he leaves the room to see to his other duties.

With nothing else that needs his attention for the moment, Aymeric sighs and heads off to where the bath awaits. ]

[ Alkaid smiles and pats her hand to her chest. ] I will speak to Vidnofir and see to it then.

[ Why not use her status of the Warrior of Light and a Scion of the Seventh Dawn if not to benefit others?

The halls of Manor Borel much reflect the main sitting room. Quiet, empty, but not uninviting. She takes notes of the various paintings of who she presumes are the various figures of the House. They inspire a sense of awe in her. After all, as varied and long as the history of her tribe is, she could never imagine them documenting the previous leaders and his wives. Her tail sways slightly as she looks at every face as they walk. It is painfully clear that Aymeric is not of their blood line... yet it makes her wonder why the Borels took him in. Even more so, how much Aymeric would look like a younger version of his father.

The head maid shows her to the room and offers to take the soiled dress. She hesitantly disrobes and holds her coat to her. The robe and shirt to the side are gestured to along with the explanation that the dress will be fetched in the morning. She nods once again and then is hurriedly left to her own devices.

Although, she caught a glint of happiness and also mischief in the head maid's eyes...

Alkaid slowly finishes disrobing before slipping into the warm bath. It makes the hairs on the end of her ears stand up at how warm it is. Perhaps that is simply how cold she has become. She situates herself to a point where she will not be too deep into the water. Then, after casting a glance around the room, she raises her wet hand to the back of her ear and presses on the linkpearl.

Better to inform her sister she most likely will not be returning to the Forgotten Knight... ]

[ While her sister is off checking in on the Lord Commander, K'thisru has retired to their shared room in the Forgotten Knight after having a bite to eat.

She can only imagine what might be happening wherever the two of them are, whether at Ser Aymeric's home or elsewhere in the city. Either way, she only has the best of wishes for the both of them. And, when she thinks about the two of them together, she has to work very hard to conceal a mischievous sort of grin. Now, however, she is alone, so she does not have to hide her smile.

It has occurred to her that she might scheme and plot to push the two of them further together, but it seems that her sister is already taking matters into her own hands.

Not knowing when or if her sister intends to return, she decides she will wait for a little while longer, and if she hears nothing, she will turn in for the night. But no sooner does she think that then the familiar sound of the linkpearl goes off.

At this hour, unless it was a dire emergency, she figures that no one but her sister would be contacting her. She could be mistaken, but she is willing to take the chance. ]

Lantaa?

[ Of course, she knows that her sister uses another name, but she will always prefer her given name. ]

...Thisru. [ Her voice is gentle and almost too soft. Sad, even.

Her other hand raises in the water to gently run her fingers through it. ]

I won't be returning tonight. Maybe in the morning. [ The tone does not suggest excitement or embarrassment. Worry, fretting, it is all there in her voice in some form of tone. ] Things are not well with Aymeric.

[ She sees no reason to call him 'ser' when it is just her and her sister. ]

[ When she hears that tone of voice coming from her sister, all teasing thoughts fly right out of her mind. Clearly something must be terribly wrong for her sister to sound as sad and worried as she does. ]

I assumed that you wouldn't, given who you went to see, but- [ Now it's her turn to sound worried. She does not remember seeing or hearing that the Lord Commander was hurt at any point during the chaos of the conference, but her attentions were focused elsewhere at the time. ]

Is he hurt? [ A pause. She does not wish to intrude on whatever is happening between the two of them, but she makes the offer anyway. ] Do you need me to bring you anything?

[ She sinks slightly into the water at that, feeling her cheeks turn red. Is it that obvious that she has more than just admiration for the Lord Commander? Perhaps it is only obvious to her sister out of all the scions. Not many else would think to look that closely. Nor has she heard rumors of the two of them in passing in Isghard... ]

It wouldn't have been like that! [ A small bashful protest despite the gravity of the situation. ] He is fine in body, but...

He blames himself for what transpired at the conference. I found him standing outside in the snow... Gods only know how long he had been looking up at the sky before I found him.

[ Truth be told, K'thisru is beyond elated that her sister has fallen in love with someone as kind and as good as Aymeric. He does seem to be a bit of a complicated man, what with leading Ishgard's knights and now being in an even greater position of power, albeit a temporary one, but she has no doubts that he will treat her sister as well as he can, and then some. Somehow, others have managed to miss the attraction between the two, or they keep it well-concealed for reasons she can only guess at.

But regardless, it makes her happy to know that the two of them can both support each other and draw comfort from the other as needed. ]

Oh, I have no doubt of it. [ She knows that was not why her sister went looking for Aymeric. ] But you would like it if it turned out to be that way, wouldn't you? [ As serious as the moment is, she can't help but ask that question. ]

Why? [ She shakes her head. ] Nothing that happened was his fault or his doing. [ Of course, she knows why he would take all the blame onto himself, as she imagines her sister does as well. ]

He shouldn't blame himself for any of it.

[ She lightly places one hand on her hip, although her sister cannot see the action. ] Well, you don't need me to tell you that he should drink something hot and then try and rest, if he can.

[ "If" being the sticking point here. ]

You should too, by the way.

Well... I doubt it would have... I'm not entirely sure he would wish to do certain things out of wedlock... [ as he is a bastard child himself. Her face turns redder as she presses her fingers to her face. While she would hardly mind it, she has no idea if Aymeric would wish to at all. After all, she may be the one that has more than a passing infatuation or emotions. ]

He puts all of the weight of Ishgard on his shoulders. He is the one one that brought the truth and questioning of traditions to the people and the Holy See. He spearheads this new era for his countrymen. But, I think he forgets that he does not do it alone.

[ Her fingers swirl in the tub. ] I walked home with him, and his servants insisted on a warm bath and food for the pair of us... which is where I am now.

I suppose not, but there is a solution to that. [ She does not even attempt to conceal the mischief in her voice. With the news that Aymeric is not doing very well, now may not be the time for joking, but she finds that she cannot quite resist the urge to slip in a little jest. ] But only when the two of you are ready, of course.

[ She is no fool; this prolonged war must end, and even when it does, she cannot help but wonder if a reprieve will come for any of them. ]

I see. [ She taps a finger against her chin as she ponders the situation. ] It must not be easy, being handed all the responsibility that he has. But I wonder why he is so quick to take on that weight as if he is alone. Surely he knows that he has friends who would happily help.

[ If she were in the same room as Alkaid, she would give her a pointed look, not that her sister needs any help or reminders. ] But at least he has you there to offer your support.

[ She nods, forgetting that Alkaid cannot see it, so she adds: ] Good. I hope that the combination of bath and food helps bring him, and you, some comfort.

[ And, of course, knowing her sister, she will be right there with him to offer what comfort she can. ]

Edited 2021-12-17 09:04 (UTC)

no letting him off the hook either, not that he expected anything different

he appreciates it in hindsight!

definitely in hindsight haha

sokay she wont gloat or ask for anything in return ;-;

ffft you know if she did, he wouldn't mind. and he'd give her anything she asked for

what if she just asked for intimate cuddle time >:(

intimate cuddle time is something he can give

oho *really* now?

yes, really~

they both might need it by the end of this

it certainly looks that way

welp let us roll them thatta way!

/ROLLS

dhwkqksjaoq FEELINGS

it's what we do best!

gosh good thread ;~;

very good thread ;;

at least they arent TOO dummy

they're just dummy enough~

;-; just you wait for kp and exarch dummies

oh I can't wait ;;

he's the BIGGEST dummy

oh but he's going to be KP's dummy :ruwu:

he appreciates it more than you knoooow (yet)

*soon*

oho really now?

soon