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

[ 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)

Do I wish to know what you might be scheming? [ There is only the slightest hesitation in her voice. It is more drowned out by the sense of curiosity. Of course, now is not the time to try and test these certain schemes her sister may have, but, it might do well to keep it in the back of her mind.

So to speak. ]

He had no siblings and few friends, I gather. The status of being adopted is one thing, but the rumor of one being the bastard of the Archbishop is most certainly another.

[ She sighs and leans back in the tub with her eyes closed. ]

It is a rather nice bath...

What I am scheming? I'd think any schemes would be coming from you. [ But if her sister wants her help in anything relating to the one she's set her attentions on, she will gladly oblige. ]

Do you want to know?

[ The teasing tones in her voice fade just a little as she contemplates what must have been a lonely time for Aymeric. And it seems to her that he remains lonely even now, which just furthers her resolve to be his friend. ] That is hard to imagine, because we were never without friends or family around.

[ Sometimes it became a little overwhelming, but such was the life they knew with their clans. ] I suppose, when you think about that, it does make sense why he is like this.

[ It seems to her that Aymeric has put up walls around himself for protection, and although he wishes to let those walls down from time to time, he's not entirely certain how to do that.

That is why she hopes that her sister will be able to plant seeds in those walls and get them to come down a little bit more. ]

I'm almost envious. The Forgotten Knight is as comfortable as you'd expect from an inn, of course. [ Visiting a lord's manor might be interesting at first, but she knows she'd worry about accidentally breaking something or committing some other social error. ]

We both know you are the most mischievous of the whole clan. [ One might be able to hear the embarrassment yet curiosity in her voice. ] Of course I do, why would I have asked if I hadn't ?!

[ She sinks slightly into the water to hi de her face below the surface for just a brief moment. Perhaps if she makes it look like it is due to the hot water than no questions will be asked if the head maid returns. ]

We talked about home... why we left. Our mothers. He was interested in a sense I don't think he could ever really imagine it. [ Alkaid looks at the ceiling. ] He did say if we needed a place to stay, his home was open to us.

I thought it might be too forward if both Warriors of Light were staying in his home.

[ She tilts her head to one side, a mischievous look crossing her face at the same time as an amused chuckle escapes her. ] What can I say? I can't help who I am, although Mother certainly tried getting me to behave.

I wonder, will your Lord Commander ask you the question first, or will you?

[ She's certain she'll understand which question she means. She knows what the traditions surrounding such a proposal are, but traditions can be altered.

From over the linkpearl, K'thisru can hear the sound of water splashing as her sister moves, but she thinks nothing of it for now. ]

Oh, you talked about that? I can imagine that he didn't know what to make of it all. [ She can appreciate how such a thing might seem to those outside the clans.

And then she makes a "hmm" sound as she contemplates Aymeric's offer. ]

I don't think he would want two of us underfoot, although I have no doubt that his offer is genuine. I suppose I could come for a visit, but the inn really is more than enough.

[ She won't do anything that would cause a distraction or get in the way of the steps the two of them are taking. ]

Your mother did her best to turn you into me. Which, we both know was utterly pointless in the end. How dull would it be to have someone the same as I to grow up with? [ Teasing? She certainly can match the level of mischief with it. ]

The question?! Why would he--either ask or accept?! [ She is far from mortified, more confused on why her sister would even pose the idea. Surely there are better candidates Aymeric could have for a wife, the lady of his house, than her. She is an adventurer, a Champion of Hydaelyn, and a savior of Ishgard. Why would he wish ever for her to be more than a romantic interest? ]

He seemed... touch. Perhaps even wishful for such a thing. [ Her voice quiets slightly. ] Maybe if you stopped by in the morning with my things he could see what it is like to have the pair of us in close quarters?

[ K'thisru merely laughs at that, but there's a sound of something else in her voice, something that she isn't at all inclined to let her sister pick up on. ] I'm glad it didn't work, because that would have been too dull, but as far as I'm concerned, I couldn't have a better sister.

[ She lets her words trail off there for a moment, because really, she did idolize her older sister during her growing up years. And the way her mother kept trying to turn her into said sister only accentuated that. But that didn't stop her from looking up to and loving her sister, even though they were only truly half-sisters. ]

Yes, the question. He would ask or accept because- [ She pauses, wondering if she really should be saying this, but then in her usual fashion, she plows right on ahead. ] He really cares about you.

[ She smiles at the thought of paying Aymeric a visit. He is a good man; that much is obvious. More importantly, he makes her sister happy. ] If you think he won't mind, then I'll do that.

[ She falls quiet for but a moment. ] Do you miss home, Thisru? Enough to return once the business with the Scions is settled.

[ While she has no intention, perhaps her sister does. There were times that she felt homesick. Times where she had wondered what their father would have said about their adventures. Her mother never approved of the idea of her leaving -- even to learn conjuring.

A sigh and she shakes her head regardless if K'thisru can see it. ]

Caring about someone and wishing them to be your partner are different things. He has his position to think of, and the fact while smaller, he is of a noble house... I can't imagine that being tied to one of the Warriors of Light would be a good prospect...

[ Which, in so many ways, is to say that she very much doubts that Aymeric would wish to marry her. Maybe that she is even unworthy of the attention of a noble house. ]

Good. I'll see you in the morning then.

Sometimes. [ She admits after a moment's pause. ] Our home was- Well, it was home, but now we have new homes, don't we?

[ Truthfully, they travel about so often that they haven't really put roots down anywhere, but if she might be sentimental for a moment, she doesn't really need a home with her sister around. Even though they might not always travel together, their paths do tend to wind up coming back together. ]

I'm not certain if I would go back. Would you?

[ Homesickness is one thing. Returning to stay is another. ]

You know he doesn't only care about you. [ It occurs to her then that maybe her sister doesn't know that. ] You do know that, don't you? Haven't you seen how he looks at you?

[ But it seems that their conversation has come to an end, at least until the morning, so she too gives her sister a goodbye and wishes for a good night.

In the meantime, the head maid approaches the room where Alkaid is having her bath and announces herself from outside the door. ]

Mistress Mercedes, are you well?

There is no rush, of course, but she means to see how Lord Borel's guest is faring.

I suppose we do.

[ Has she seen the way he looks at her?

Of course she has. Yet, she cannot help but think he might find someone better suited for him. One that can remain in Ishgard with him instead of one who must run to all corners of the star. Her gaze goes up to the ceiling as she falls silent in thought. There could very well be a day in which he must find a wife in order to continue his adopted family line.

Which means it will very much be a day when she must let him go. And that thought alone is more paralyzing then staring down any Garlemald weapon or Ascian plan.

Then, the other voice snaps her to her thoughts. She turns in the tub towards the door with her ears perked on end. ]

Oh, yes. I'm fine... maybe lacking in fresh clothes, but, I can manage.

[ The head maid already has a solution for this; or rather, she has arranged something on Lord Borel's request. It is hardly usual, but he certainly did not intend to have a guest in his home this evening, and as scattered as his own thoughts currently are, he could not in all good conscience have her sleep in that bloodstained dress.

Seeing as how there are no other options, he tasks the maid with bringing clothes from his own personal wardrobe to Alkaid for her to use if she wishes. It certainly isn't proper, but he imagines no one outside of the house (except for her sister, of course) will learn of it.

With that particular task done, and his own soak in a warm bath completed, he retreats to his study. The steward placed a steaming cup of tea on one side of the desk, but as Aymeric tries to formulate a plan for his next steps, the tea remains forgotten and gradually becomes increasingly tepid until it is no longer warm.

He doesn't look up from the notes he is writing until he hears a sound at the door and notices that said door is now opening. ]

[ Alkaid stands in her towel for a moment as she debates if she should take the offered clothing. Of course, she ought to. He was providing for her as he refused to see her in a dress that was bloodied. In the end she relented and placed it on as well as the robe that was provided for her as well. The robe fit better than his shirt in all honesty. His shirt is large on her, but the robe help keeps it up.

She steps up to the desk and offers a bashful smile. Her ears are turned down slightly and her tail curled along her side. ]

Have any ideas come to you yet?

[ The cold tea does not escape her notice, nor does she comment on it just yet. Instead her eyes go from it to him. ]

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*

shoves shb at you

grabby hands

GIIIIIVES with no spoilers

aww ty ty

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no subject

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no subject

no subject

soon