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

[ 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.

[ He has not had much to laugh about in recent days, but with the advent of peace and the return of hope, he feels as though he can finally shed some of the tension and stress that comes along with war. ]

Of course not. All that means is that I will have to ensure that you and your sister are outfitted with warm attire. [ He will not have them freezing if they truly do decide to remain in Ishgard. ]

Could you now? I wonder what ways those might be. [ He is still smiling, but there's a curious look in his eyes now. ] You could do that, but a hood would be doing you a disservice. I will simply have to work on my ability to properly focus.

[ But then he realizes what she has just said, and his eyebrows lift in surprise. ]

Would you like it to be? [ He will be happy if he can spend any time with her at all, in any setting, even the bath. ]

I can only imagine. Thisru would rail against the idea of being bundled up as if she is in a thousand blankets. She enjoys being a free spirit far too much to consider having a multitude of layers.

[ Her serious expression molds into something mischievous then. Not quite a the level her sister may manage, but, something that could rival it if given the chance. ]

Well, a bath for two could certainly be distracting. [ Then, a tilt of her head with a shrug. ] Aymeric. I would spend time with you in whatever manner I am allowed. As improper or proper as you would have me.

Is that so? I must admit I did often wonder about that, as she seems to walk about with fewer layers than most. It is not surprising now that you mention it. Very well, then, surely there is a compromise that exists between standing in the snow for long periods of time and wearing a thousand blankets.

[ He does not have to devote any time at all to giving her an answer on this present subject. ]

Lantaa, none in this house will tell you how you can or cannot spend your time. Simply put, if you desire to take part in a bath for two, then that desire can be met.

[ He pauses for a moment for emphasis, and then he adds: ]

I, too, also desire that. [ And therefore, that means it must happen. ]

She would say "free spirit", I would say stubborn spirit. I do my best not to seem as if I'm mothering her... [ Alkaid shakes her head then. She can only do what her sister will let her do of course. ] Perhaps a just a few blankets would do.

[ She falls silent for the few steps that it takes to reach the outside of his home--their home? She quickly takes to the first few steps, then turns to face him. It at least makes up slightly for their height difference and places her below his chin. Her hands leave his only so that she might give a tug to the blue sash across his formal dress attire. Before he can even lean in properly, Alkaid shifts her weight to the balls of her feet to kiss him. A deep kiss with little to no thought given that they are out still in public and any one person walking down the street may yet see them.

Then, she presses her forehead to his. ]

It would take time for a bath to be drawn. The fire may very well be the best place to start, Ser Aymeric.

[ His smile turns gentle then as he watches her, doing his best to commit every detail about her and how she moves and talks to memory. When she is far away on her next adventure, he wants to be able to picture her in his mind's eye, and maybe then when he misses her, at least he'll have the memory of her to keep him company. ]

Ah, but the world needs stubborn spirits to keep driving things forward, while also requiring calmer spirits like yours to soothe and reassure when times become difficult.

[ When she pulls him in closer so that she might plant a kiss, once again, he feels all the weight and responsibility that he carries with him practically melt away. Oh, it will most certainly return at the earliest opportunity, but when she kisses him, he feels so light that he could practically fly if the wind blew just right. ]

Then, the fire it is. Come, we will go inside and I'll see to it that everything is prepared for us both.

[ He presses a return kiss against her mouth before he once more wraps his fingers around her hand so that he might lead her to the door and into the house. ]

One might say then - by your own definition - the pair of us are the ones Eorzea needs in the wake of the last Calamity.

[ She immediately returns the second kiss. If he were to pick her up on the spot and carry her away? She would melt into his arms. As it is, she nearly does. The fact his fingers wrap around hers pulls her from the sensation. She follows him without question, slightly dazed by how the night has gone. How might she tell her sister of all this...?

Her fingers slide between his. A smile and nod is given to the steward as they step inside. ]

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