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

[ She looks up to him with a tilt of her head. A question and wanting to do something he has wished to do? A sort of nervousness washes over her then. Why, she can't properly say, but there is a sense of electricity and sudden urge to move that takes her then. Alkaid places her other hand on the one she holds and takes a few steps, tugging him along the way. They may not find entire privacy, but a bit further into the decorated trees may at least give them something.

Once further in, she stops and turns to look at him. The hand in her fur muffler clutches the small box she holds. An uncharacteristic amount of anxiousness takes her. What if the gift was the wrong choice? What if she should have never gotten one? What if, now that the war is over, he wishes to part ways after this night? Surely, there are better prospects now that he is a revered man. One must surely be waiting that will not always be whisked away by the plans of others...

Alkaid looks at the ground with her tail curling around her, closing her eyes to muster up the courage to give him what she has made. How utterly pathetic. She can look down Primals and the politics of men, but quiver at the idea of the man she loves dismissing her. ]

Please, before you ask, allow me...

[ Her hand leaves his in order to pull a small packaged gift from the inside of the fur muff. She holds it out to him, allowing him to take the palm sized gift. Then, she places both of her hands in the muff with her eyes cast downwards. Fear, excitement, embarrassment, it's all a mess on her face as he opens the gift.

Inside the package held together by a single ribbon is an emblem on a chain. The emblem is his adopted house's sigil with a dragon winding around it. A gem as blue as the earring he wears is nestled between the two. Once removed, it is clear a small note is tucked away inside.]

Dearest Aymeric,

This note is written in case you must open this present after our meeting - and so rarely can we speak out loud as we would wish.

My skills as a goldsmith are quite lacking, so I cannot take the credit for melding this gift. What I can say is that it is not merely a trinket to wear in front of the other houses or on the battlefield. It has been imbued with a protective spell as well as a healing spell. Merely wish for either and the enchantment will take place. I cannot always be with you to heal or protect as I so deeply wish -- thus I hope this will suffice in my stead.

Isghard will always be the home to my sister and I. No matter where the winds blow us, the sights we see, the people we meet? We always long to return to the city that sheltered us when none would. Even more so, there is one person in particular I wish to return to.

In our travels, we have found that very few feel things as we do. The love for our star, the empathy for those that we meet, the desire to help any in our path. It seems only as if people we meet understand this once we have aided them to the fullest. As such, it would not surprise me if the feelings I hold for you are not returned in equal measure, nor do I expect them to be.

I love the care you have for your countrymen, the adoration and faith you have in your city-state. The respect that you have for all life - not just that of your own kin. The desire to see the world beyond your borders, but the quiet acceptance of where you are most needed. The man and the Lord Commander both are one in the same. One I love deeply and would hope to continue to come home, should he so wish it.

Yours lovingly,
K'lantaa.

[ Should he wish to return his gaze to her, he will find her staring at the ground. Her eyebrows turned upwards as her hands twist and entwine her fingers in and out again within the muff. She quite obviously does not expect an answer... ]

Edited 2021-12-27 03:31 (UTC)

[ He too is beyond nervous, and he is about to fold his arms in front of him when she reaches out with her other hand and gives a good tug. He would follow her anywhere she wished, so of course he moves along with her without hesitation. As he does, he supposes this works better for what he has intended, because he does not desire an audience any more than she does.

When she finally comes to a stop, he looks at her, a question in his eyes. He also reaches with his free hand for the small box he has concealed inside his pocket, wondering if he ought to bring it out now. But before he can, he realizes that something is amiss with her. She appears nervous, and then she looks away from him, and that is when he begins to wonder if perhaps he misread her intentions and her words and she does not care for him after all. Perhaps she has found another that suits her better, and that is what she intends to tell him.

He steels himself for what he knows will surely be a blow, because he truly loves her and he intended to tell her just how much, and to ask her perhaps the most important question that he will ever ask anyone. Perhaps tonight will be the end of their time together, and he will have to let her go, regardless of his feelings for her.

Before she speaks, his gaze drops to the ground as well, but only for a moment because soon enough, she is speaking and handing him a small gift. This does not seem like a rejection, but the thing she is holding out to him could be a parting gift. ]

K'lantaa?

[ He can't help but look worried even as he opens the small box and takes in the sight of the beautifully crafted object inside. ]

K'lantaa, this is- It is beautiful. [ He holds it carefully, fingers lightly ghosting over the surface, taking in each small detail. As he does, he eventually makes note of the note tucked inside and he unfolds it, wary of what he might find.

As he reads, his face goes slack, mouth falling open just slightly. He takes in every word that she has written, and although he is not customarily given over to certain physical displays of emotion, something glistens at the corners of his eyes, but he pays it no mind.

He comes to the last paragraph in which she lays out her affection for him, and his gaze lowers even further. The words contained in her note are not a rejection or a dismissal, as he feared, but rather a proclaiming of her love. And that makes him beyond happy, and tells him that what he plans to do this night is not a misguided action.

Finally, he comes to the end of the letter and looks up to find her not meeting his gaze, instead staring at the ground. Her hands are presently held inside her muff, or else he would reach for one of them so that he could hold it, but there is something else he can do instead.

Looking around to ensure that they are quite thoroughly alone, he reaches for the small box that he has been hiding, and with the other, he extends a hand to her, hoping that she will take hold of it. ]

[ Thank the Gods he cannot see how she twists her fingers inside the muff. He might think she intends to break them. Even as he compliments the gift, and speaks her name, the feeling in her chest bubbles. She has no true understanding of why she feels he might reject her after all of it. Perhaps it is the knowledge that she will be pulled from Ishgard time and time again -- or the fact that he might need a more dependable partner now that the war is over. Perhaps she has failed to live up to some sort of standard or ideal that his culture would insist on.

Her ears are hidden by the hat she wears, but they are pressed to the back of her head as her tail curls further up against her. Tears have already gathered in her eyes at the thought he might dismiss her outright. Or, if his feelings were hardly close to her own. Logic and reason would say one thing, however, mankind has never been one to operate entirely on those two alone.

With the box now in her view, her head raises ever so slightly. Her fingers wrap around the box in his hand, gently taking it within her own. A few moments pass before she musters the courage to look to him, tears in her eyes and confusion obvious on her face. He need not give any gift to her that he has not already given her. Yet... ]

[ If he could see the way she twists her fingers together, he would only worry even more. But all he can see is the one he loves more than anything, and now he knows that she loves him in return. If he had even the smallest amount of doubt, he would refrain from doing this, but he feels confident that he is ready to take this next step forward, and more importantly, he believes that she is as well.

He had prepared words for this moment, but now he pays them no heed, letting the words come as they will. ]

K'lantaa, I realize that you may wonder if I have been reading too many dusty poetry books, but I... [ A smile, somewhat shy but no less loving, replaces the one of unrestrained joy from moments earlier. ] I do not think it is too much to say that your arrival into Ishgard and into my life has brought the sun and light itself back into a place that has long been darkened.

And so I sincerely hope that you will accept this gift and all that comes with it.

[ She already has the box containing the ring in her hand, so he smiles at her and says: ]

Please, open it.

[ Dusty poetry books. Had the mood been different, she might make a joke at the expense of the Library that Master Matoya had sent them to. Instead, her ears lift slightly underneath her hat as she finds herself between a frown and a state of confusion. Her arrival? Certainly he means the arrival of both her and her sister. She has done nothing extraordinary separately from being a Warrior of Light. All she has done is what any who might care for another would...

Her gaze drops slowly back to the small box with her fingers trembling. The box hinges open and her eyes widen. The faintest of gasps escapes her as it all clicks at once. Her mind immediately wants to deny the possibility that he would even bother with such a thing. She's far from nobility and farther from being what Isghard might consider an appropriate companion for a noble house - small or large. Her heart, however, sings loudly at the idea. It beats faster and causes the tears in her eyes to escape down her face.

Perhaps it is the first time he has seen her cry.

In an instant, Alkaid is pressing herself against him with her face in his chest. The box is still open and secure in her hand as she nods fervently. A sound of happiness and yet tears escapes her at the same time as she tries to answer him with her voice and yet fails. ]

[ As he waits for her reaction, he notes how it feels as though his heart has lept up to lodge itself firmly in his throat. With one word, she could cut down all his hopes and desires for the future- their future. But with another, she could make him the happiest man alive. The letter she wrote him seems to confirm that she desires a future with him, but he still cannot hold back the fear that threatens to firmly grip onto him as he waits.

He notices immediately that she is crying, and he fears that he has offended her, even hurt her somehow. ]

If this is not what you wish or what you desire, you... You do not have to accept.

[ He imagines not for the first time that perhaps someone whom she truly loves is out there waiting. But how does that explain the words she wrote to you? A small voice counters that thought. She strikes him as far too honest to even consider trying to placate him with pretty words and false promises. That does not seem in keeping with her nature, and so he refuses to accept it. ]

If I have upset you, I am sorry.

[ He does not have time to respond further, because suddenly, she is pressing herself against him, face buried in his chest. He sees her nod, and that is the precise moment when his heart leaps up yet again, not into his throat, but simply out of sheer joy and exhilaration that she has accepted. ]

K'lantaa. [ He takes one step back, but only so that he might reach for her to attempt drying her tears. ]

Please, if you will allow me the honor. [ He reaches for the box still holding the ring as he lowers himself to the ground until he is resting on one knee.

If she relinquishes her hold on the box, then he will reach for one of her hands so that he is holding it with one hand and the ring with the other. ]

[ In truth, she had never thought that this moment to be capable of happening with anyone. Not unless she returned to her tribe and settled for the idea of sharing her mate with others. She had resigned herself to traveling and enriching the lives of others, and in return, finding fulfillment in that. It is not an empty or hollow experience at all. The things she has seen, the things she and her sister have done...

Despite the tears, she tilts her head back to smile up at him. He hasn't upset her at all. She may yet find the words to share why she has reacted the way she has. It may not be instantaneous, but, she is certain she will before the end of the night. He is owed that.

Her smile widens as he places the ring on her finger. She does nothing to stop him of course. Her fingers are stretched out so he can easily slip the ring on her finger. Part of her wonders how he had it sized--did he look to see what size her rings were when they sat on the table stand? She may need to ask him that later as well.

Alkaid lets out a shaky exhale as she forces the emotions in her throat down. ]

Lantaa. [ There is no correction in how he says her name or it at all. Instead, it is more like permission given. ] The "K" is our tribe. Family has no need for it.

[ Another smaller way of her saying 'yes.' ]

[ Similarly, he never dared dream of a moment like this or even that he might love someone like this before he met her. Oh, he always knew that the time might come when he would meet someone and come to love them, or enter an understanding with another, so as to extend his family's line. But what has happened between himself and Alkaid is far more than he ever hoped for. Part of him still feels as though this all must be a dream, and that he will awaken to either find her gone to her next adventure or realize that he imagined her affections for him.

Either thought gives him pause, and he thanks Halone that this is not the case. ]

Lantaa. [ As before, he tries out the name, finding that he loves the sound of it and how it feels to say it too.

But then his hold on her hands tightens just slightly, and a question spills out before he can stop it. ]

Does that mean, then, that you accept both my proposal and me and what gifts I can offer you?

[ He holds his breath then, a part of him still believing that she could recant her words and her decision if he so much as lets one exhale escape. ]

[ The sound of her proper name - no titles or tribal traditions attached - makes a warm smile spread on her face. Her heart all but flutters as her fingers curl around his hand. A gentle laugh comes at his question. ]

Aymeric, you've no need to give me gifts. You've given my sister and I a home in your city. You've asked me to join your family. All that I would ever dream to ask from you would be your time and affection.

[ She laughs again -- this time at herself -- before reaching up and trying to brush away the remainder of her tears. Then, in one graceful and gentle motion, she leans forward to kiss the corner of his mouth. ]

If you have need to hear the word, then, yes.

[ He has long since realized that he much prefers her proper name to the one she uses on a daily basis. Of course, without her express permission, he would not dare use it, because it is clear that it is more than a name. It has meaning attached to it, and that is part of what makes it special. ]

Oh, but I do. I could spend my entire life telling you how important you are to me, and showing that to you with actions and yes, gifts, if needed. It cannot be said that such things are undeserved.

[ His smile widens, and he adds: ] I would give you the entire world if I thought that it would give you cause to smile. You shall always have my time and my affection, and all the love that I can give.

[ When she leans forward to plant that kiss, he does the same, wanting to pour all his love and adoration into that one gesture, while also knowing that there will be many more gestures like it to come. ]

[ She trusts him and his judgement to use her name. Even if he slipped once or twice and called her by name in front of others? She would not care. He has chosen her not only as his lover--but his wife. How could she berate him for something as simple as her name? ]

I've no need for more than what you've already given me. [ She smiles then. ] Although, I may relent if your gifts are kisses.

[ As she makes it quite known that she very much enjoys kissing him. Her arms wrap around his neck as she meets him in a proper kiss. She has to wonder what else he might have had planned for the rest of the night. ]

[ Still, he resolves to be careful with the gift she has entrusted him with: revealing her true name to him, and allowing him to address her by her familiar name besides. ]

How could I not give you them? [ He will not be saying this because they do not need the reminder, but their time together may well be brief, and therefore he means to fill every minute with as much love and displays of it as he can. ] I would give you as many as I could, until you grow tired or I run out of breath.

[ He can't help but smile with amusement even as they come together for yet another shared kiss.

As for his plans, well, he has a few of those up his sleeve. ]

I doubt no amount of telling you that you do not need to will keep you from giving them anyways.

[ A small smirk touches her face and her tail flicks side to side playfully. She is all but certain he would give her gifts no matter what she says or does. Ishgard as a whole seems so very starved of not only happiness but affection. Now with the war over, they are able to share and give all that they may have always wished they could.

She presses her forehead to his once the kiss ends and keeps her eyes closed. Her gift almost seems to pale in comparison to the gift of saying 'yes.' Something tells her he certainly has more planned for the night, but she can hardly tell what that might be. Other than, perhaps, showing her more of Ishgard's time honored celebrations. ]

You would truly not mind the fact I may not always be able to be at your side... as your wife?

[ Truthfully, he would give everything he owns to the people of Ishgard if he thought that it would help. And now that she has consented to marry him, what is his also belongs to her now. Even on top of that, there is nothing that he would withhold from her for any reason. ]

I am not sure if you are aware of this, but I can manage to be quite stubborn when the mood takes hold of me.

[ He keeps a straight face, but he cannot keep the teasing tone out of his voice as he says those words. As for what he intends to do as the night grows later, well, he would like to bring her to his bed that they might lie together, either in silence or exchanging words. They do not even have to do anything but allow sleep to take them both, if that is what she wishes.

Before that, perhaps, they might sit by the fireplace and share a warm drink. His plans are rather simple, perhaps surprisingly so. But he hopes that she does not mind. ]

I do not. The very knowledge that we two are forever linked, regardless of where your duties may send you, is more than enough to sustain me. I will not pretend that I shall not miss you, of course. Every day that you are gone will seem quite empty indeed.

[ And since he must know her thoughts on this matter, he asks: ] And what of you? Does knowing that we shall most certainly be parted trouble you?

Oh, I'm very aware. Who else would insist to meet with a great wrym to convince him to fight against the shade of his brother?

[ She teases in return, her tail flicking side to side. Then, she steps back only enough to motion that he stand. He may be used to the bone chilling cold, but that is no reason for him to remain kneeling in the snow.

Her hands take his then and give a gentle squeeze. ]

I already miss you when we are apart. I miss the sound of your voice and simply being with you. That will hardly change being bound to you.

[ Alkaid kisses his hands then. ]

I would have done that and more if it meant saving the lives of innocents and doing what I could in hopes of bringing the war to a conclusion. [ He is all too aware of what he would have sacrificed in order to bring peace to Ishgard, and now that it is over, he is relieved that he did not have to make that terrible choice. ] I imagine that I shall not quickly forget that particular occasion nor how it felt to be face to face with Hraesvelgr.

[ If anything, it made him all too aware of his own mortality and of how easily the wyrm could have eliminated him where he stood. Still, he says none of this, choosing instead to focus on this lighthearted moment that they are sharing. ]

And I too miss your closeness, the sound of your voice, and even the sound of your steps as you walk. I can scarcely imagine being apart from you for even a moment, but I know that cannot be helped for either of us.

[ His home- Their home, now, will feel so very empty without her to share it with him, but he is confident that she will return when she is able.

The feel of her kissing his hands makes his heart ache and brings a smile to his face all at the same time. ]

I consider myself so very honored that you said yes. [ As the Warrior of Light, she could choose anyone that she wishes, and yet she has chosen him. He feels undeserving and yet so very grateful and thankful.

And now that she has said yes, he cannot help but think how their future together might look. They will be separated, of course, but they can still begin to build a life together. ]

You have done enough--all that one man can do. [ She squeezes his hands affectionately and to also reassure him. ] You should see Midgardsommer. He is even more a sight to behold than his son.

[ That is, of course, the dragon in his fullest. The smaller version she rode into Ishgard on. Although, Mor Dhona is quite the ride from where they are now. She notes it as just one of many places she wishes to take him. It seems like a never ending list until she can present them and have him eliminate places. Would he wish to travel? Surely, he doesn't have the same desire as she or her sister.

She certainly hopes her sister finds one who can travel freely with her. ]

I am honored that the Speaker of the House would even look to an outsider for his ... wife. [ A blush takes her face as she had almost said mate. ] You know the sound of my footsteps, do you? I suppose that would make it hard to surprise you then.

[ A playful look takes her place as she returns to his side, hand interlocked with his. The notion is for him to continue forward with their walk or his surprises. Whichever it is that he has in store for them . ]

[ The part of him that places his people and his home above himself still disagrees, and while he knows that may very well show on his face, he decides against voicing that aloud. By now, she ought to know that he will always place the needs of his people and of Ishgard as a whole far above himself, and that there is no such thing as too far when it comes to his duty and responsibility. ]

I would very much like to see him, yes. Even beholding Nidhogg's shade, as loathsome as I deemed him at the time, was enough to render me speechless. Despite the fact that I ought to despise the Dravanians for the prolonged war that we both were embroiled in, I find that when it truly comes down to it, I do not. Mayhap I did once, but I do not anymore.

They are fearsome and powerful, and it is not surprising in the least that they command respect and instill fear in those who would confront them. So yes, if an opportunity to meet him properly were to present itself, I would not hesitate.

As for that, there is none other whom I would rather have beside me than you. I have little qualms about admitting that I have- Well, I have become quite in love with you, if I might state that so plainly.

[ And then he laughs, unable to hold back the burst of mirth that takes over him. ] Oh, I believe you will find many ways to surprise me even so, and I look forward to every one of them.

[ As for what he intends to do next, he poses a question to her: ] Would you like to retire to the manor, or would you prefer to remain outside for a bit longer?

It is hard to place the blame when both sides are guilty for bloodshed. While your ancestors may have drawn first? The dragons did not keep it to merely taking those responsible. But! [ Her hand squeezes his. ] The war is finally over. Now, the both of you can rebuild into something even greater.

I might see if I can arrange such a meeting. Now that you've officially met the Moogles, I can hardly see why arranging something with Midgardsommer would be difficult. You have met already on the one occasion.

[ Her head tilts into his arm once more as a gentle smile takes her face at his feelings so plainly stated. It may have been a silly thought to put hers down to a letter as opposed to using her words. ]

If I may be so equally as forthcoming? I have been in love with you for some time. A very long time, in all honesty. [ Her hand squeezes his as she looks up to meet his gaze. ] The manor might be best before the night gets to cold.

[ He means to say something to address the now-concluded Dravanian conflict, or perhaps comment upon the notion of properly meeting with Midgardsomr, but surprising even himself, he does none of those things.

What he does do is carefully lift her hand so that he might place a kiss upon it. ]

For me, I must admit that I felt the sparks of attraction during our first meeting, but I told myself then that surely your affections were already claimed, and if not, you would never be fond of or even love someone like me.

[ He imagined that she would most likely seek out another Miqo'te, someone familiar with her traditions and her background. Or if not that, then surely there would be another who caught her eye. ]

And considering how unhelpful I most likely was to you and Master Alphinaud both, at least initially, it seemed likely that I had no chance at all. And yet here we are.

[ He would pull her in for another kiss, but there will be time enough for that once they return to the manor. ]

I hoped that you would say that. [ He squeezes her hand in return as he takes a step forward before glancing back at her. ] Are you ready?

Edited 2022-01-04 22:16 (UTC)

[ The kiss causes a spark of excitement to run through her body. Her ears perk against her hat and her tail straights at it. A blush takes her face. He manages to strip away all the pretense of being a Scion, Warrior of Light, Champion of Eorzea, Savior of Ishgard in one swoop. Yet, she feels she still struggles in all her attempts to alleviate his titles if only for a short time. It takes only a moment for her to fall into step beside him and her hands curling around his once more. ]

It was politics, Aymeric. We were strangers asking for you to join the Alliance when your own people struggled with their own issues. Why would I think you unhelpful or cold? [ Alkaid's head tilts against his arm again with a smile. ] What I did find you was very handsome and noble. Distant, but, wanting to reach out without knowing quite how to do it.

[ Her posture finally relaxes once more as they walk. ] Although, if I were to be entirely honest, I don't remember much of what was said. I was rather distracted by a certain Lord Commander.

[ Truthfully, he is glad for the times when he can see her as she is, apart from all the titles and the responsibilities. And at the same time, he remains all too aware of how difficult it is to separate him from his own. He maintains that who he is as Lord Commander and who he is as Aymeric have become so closely intertwined that there is no separating them, not anymore.

But if anyone could manage to separate the man from the titles and the responsibilities, he believes it would be her. He just hopes that she does not grow tired of her efforts to help bring Aymeric back to the surface or come to resent him for who he is. She told him that he did not have to be anyone but himself when he is with her, but some habits are just that difficult to break.

Still, when he is with her, he feels as though he can be himself, even though it is still difficult to shake off the mantle that he carries. He tries to make an effort to do so, however, in order that she might not feel that her own efforts are in vain. ]

Even so, you would have not been wrong if you thought of me as a cold and detached man based on my conduct and my words alone. [ His head tips downwards just slightly as he thinks back to that first meeting. He rarely speaks so openly about himself and his inner thoughts, but he feels as though he must be open with her lest she come to resent him for failing in that regard as well. ]

Handsome and noble? [ A warm smile spreads across his face, even as he lightly shakes his head. ] You are, as always, far too kind and complimentary. But you are not wrong in saying that I did not know how to reach out, no matter how much I desired to.

[ He remains uncertain as to whether it is rejection he fears or what might happen if he opens himself up to others. Still, he does not regret opening himself and his heart to her, so that might be all the encouragement he needs. ]

I certainly did not intend to distract you from the proceedings.

[ Here, he pauses, wondering how forthcoming he should be. He has already resolved not to withhold his thoughts from her, and so he attempts to further voice what is on his mind. ]

Truthfully, I found it rather difficult to remain focused on Master Alphinaud's requests, as my gaze kept straying over to where you stood.

[ Full well does she know that much of being Ishgard's defender knight is apart of Aymeric. He has embodied it for so long that he can't simply place it to the side and pretend to not be it to some degree. All she wishes is that he eases the burden from his shoulders for if only a few hours. ]

Well, you are only cold because you stand out in the snow for so long!

[ She gives him a playful grin with her tail wagging slightly. Her head tilts to rest her chin on his arm as she looks up at him. For a brief moment she ponders the idea of calling him her knight out loud, a she has longed to do... but ultimately does not. At least, not at the moment. ]

You are very handsome and noble. Have you never seen how many heads turn when you walk about Ishgard? I'm surprised more people have yet to flock in an attempt to try and try to seduce you.

[ Her fingers stretch along side his as they walk. If she were to be honest? She has yet to notice how far they have walked or if they have turned any eyes. All of her attention is on Aymeric in that moment. For once, one of the Warriors of Light does not let the thoughts of tomorrow or the burdens she will have to face. Everything that matters is the Lord Commander in front of her. ]

Hmm. I had more hair then. [ Her hand around his arm raises to flick at the dark bangs with pink edges that brushes her forehead. ] More braids as well. I'm surprised it even caught your attention to some degree at all. Especially with how commanding Alphinaud can be.

[ He opens his mouth to respond, but then she comes out and says that, and rather than actual words, he tilts his head back and out comes the largest laugh he can remember having in a long time.

When he regains his composure again, or at least long enough that he can properly talk, he replies: ] Well, those of us who call Ishgard home are all too familiar with doing just that. You might even think that all of us were born on a snowy day, or in the midst of a snow-covered field.

[ He speaks in jest, naturally, but he cannot help but be amused by the notion. ]

Would it surprise you if I said that I have not? [ Of course, now he is more aware of those whom he passes on the street, as he should have been from the beginning. But that knife that slipped through the openings in his armor to hit its mark reminded him that not everyone who walked along Ishgard's streets had the best intentions. ]

I am aware, of course, that there are those with aspirations of going to bed with me, but I have never paid them very much attention. [ Simply put, he has never had the time or inclination for such dalliances or for those who sought to use his position, such as it is, to some supposed advantage. ]

And now, I have even less reason to do so, because you have quite thoroughly distracted me, Mistress Lantaa. [ He tries to keep a straight face but only manages it for a few seconds before a smile breaks out again in full. ]

Braids or no braids, or however your hair may look, I will always consider you the fairest of all. And Alphinaud is quite commanding, but when you are present, the competition for my attention is quite steep indeed.

[ They are not too far from the manor now, having made decent progress even though they continued to trade words back and forth along the way. ]

Once we are inside, what would you rather do? Warm ourselves by the fire, perhaps? Or shall I have a bath drawn for you?

[ Her eyes widen at his laugh and for a moment she feels as if the star itself has stopped turning. It dawns on her in that brief moment that she has never heard him laugh. At least, nothing more than a brief chuckle or a faint wisp of laughter. Once he turns back to her, he will see wide mint eyes staring at him, but brimming with happiness. ]

Are you saying that I will need to adapt a mindset of being used to standing out in the cold? If Ishgard is to be our home. [ Meaning, their union of course, but also her sister as well. He had opened his home to them. ]

I'm certain I could find even more ways to distract the ever dutiful Lord Commander of the Temple Knights. [ Her lips press together as if she is wondering a dare. ] Hmm. Perhaps I should wear a hood as to not distract you so from important business from the Scions!

[ Alkaid turns to face him as they continue their path. Her expression turns serious at his own question. ]

That entirely depends if the bath is drawn for two, Ser.

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject