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

It is, but only a little, and of course, only to me. [ Sometimes she feels as though others such as Lucia and Tataru might suspect, but Lucia isn't one for idle gossip, and Tataru... Well, her work with the Scions does keep her busy.

Still, she is certain that Aymeric liked her sister from almost the first time they met, but that he was unsure how to bring it up or even if he should. She is absolutely thrilled that things worked out the way they had, and she is beyond happy for the two of them.

As for G'raha Tia, when they first met, she wasn't sure what she thought about him. He seemed a little bit like her, restless and looking for adventure, but she didn't have much time to get to know him. Nevertheless, she counts everyone she's met, even briefly, as a friend or an acquaintance, so at least he gets that designation.

She never noticed his covert glances in her direction, or else she might have revised her opinion of him to be a little bit different.

Eyeing her sister curiously, she asks: ] Why wouldn't I want to be there?

Hm. So, the others still haven't noticed?

[ Her tail curls slightly and she nods. She'd rather it be that way. There is too much of her time and life that the Scions take as it is. They've no need to know of her relationship with Aymeric. Especially if all they would do is use it for their advantage. ]

You didn't seem very much interested in him beyond the excursions of the Crystal Tower. [ Alkaid leans back on her hands. Ears perk up slightly at the sounds below and that smirk remains on her face. It is a little sad to see that her sister is quite clearly oblivious to the impact she made on the young adventurer. ] I'd say you were far more excited for the adventure itself than the company around us.

If they have, they're doing a very good job not talking about it. But then again, when there's something they don't want to talk about, they really know how to keep it quiet.

[ Still, like her sister, she imagines they would see Alkaid's relationship with Aymeric as something they could potentially benefit from, so she hopes that the Scions still remain none the wiser. ]

Can you really blame me, though? Seeing the Tower, hearing about the Allagans and what Unei and Doga had to say... And of course, the battles. [ Of course she remembers him being present during all this, but she was a little distracted by all the goings-on. ]

But I remember him sealing himself inside the Tower and saying goodbye.

[ Her tail flicks as she thinks things over. ] Do you think he would have woken up by now? [ He had a specific condition for when he would awaken again, and she isn't certain if that condition has been met. ]

Hm. Well, maybe they'll know what it's like to have secrets kept from them.

[ The hairs on her tail bristle once more as she sighs. She means it. The fact they refused to tell her anything truly does cut deep. Especially since Lyse was one of the two who recruited her into the Scions. They will send her into certain death but not tell her the identity of someone? Well, in her book, they rather deserve to know how it feels. ]

We have learned quite a bit about the Allagans, haven't we? Especially after Azys Lla. [ Her eyes close as the scenes of their final encounter with Thordan cross her mind once more. In truth, they often do. They killed Aymeric's father. While they had his blessings and outright permissions? Part of her cannot help but worry that one day he may turn a sour eye towards her for killing the only blood relation he has ever had. ] "Make a brighter future" was the sum up of the promise he had us make, as I recall.

[ Her eyes open as she stares into the stars above. ]

Do you think we are now at the level the Allagans were?

Exactly what I was thinking. You know that I'll keep your secrets for as long as you want me to. No one, not even the others, will know until you're ready for them to.

[ And if she never is ready, well, then K'thisru will just continue holding her silence. Never mind that at some point, she imagines that Aymeric and Alkaid will have to let someone know that they are engaged. Unless they intend to keep their marriage a secret, which in her mind, is far more work than it's worth. ]

We have. [ Like Alkaid, she recalls that confrontation with Thordan and how it ended. She would be lying if she said that it did not still trouble her. Thordan was Aymeric's father, and they killed him. It is a hard thing to come to terms with, and she isn't sure she ever will. ] I remember him saying that.

[ She glances down at her hands before she looks back at Alkaid, a question of her own in her eyes. ]

Now? I'm not sure. [ To her, even though only remnants of Allag remain, they still seem miles ahead of anything they in Eorzea have managed. ] Do you think we could ever be like them? And... have we made the future brighter, even a little?

[ They won a victory in Ishgard, but what about the bigger fight? As long as conflict still remains, it seems to her that they still have a long way to go. ]

Maybe I'll never tell them. We... didn't discuss how to announce it. We didn't have the chance to.

[ Any and all planning was immediately stopped the moment the news reached them of Aymeric being elected as the Speaker or the House of Lords. Lord's. It was none surprising to her? Her heart broke at the news realizing that duty had once again stepped into play with their relationship. Then, she and her sister were called away. Now she finds herself a top a structure in a forgien land wishing she could go home. ]

I expect you'll be there. Who else is going to be my maid of honor? [ She smiles then, a little sadness creeping over her. ] If he believes this is all worth it and still wishes to be married...

[ Eyes close once again as the smile turns into a frown. Mayhap one day will tire of the waiting and the pause that they must have due to her calling. While she hopes against it, she can't deny that she has had more than one or two dreams that is the case. What if he finds a woman in Ishgard and becomes taken with her? Especially if she can be with him at all times...

Alkaid let's out a lonely and painful sigh. A hand raises and gestures for K'thisru to lay down and rest her head in her lap. ]

I think struggle and strife will always be here. We cannot eliminate war entirely. Once the war with the Empire ends, surely there will be something else. But, if anyone can make a future with technology that rivals the Allagans? It is surely Cid and the Ironworks. Freedom through technology, isn't it?

[ Her hand rests on top of her sister's head. Then, she starts to smooth the hair down. ]

What about you, Thisru? Has anyone caught your eye yet?

If not telling them is what you want to do, then I think you should. They might find out eventually, but it should be up to both of you when you tell them. [ And if it turns out that they never tell anyone, then that is also their decision. K'thisru knows she will support them either way.

She wishes there was something she could do, either to take on more responsibility and thus free her sister up to spend time with Aymeric, or convince her that it is all right to take a pause from her duties with the Scions. Of course, she's certain her sister will never do either of those things, but she can see how sad she is to be apart from him and away from the place that has become her home. ]

I would like to be there! [ She gives Alkaid a grin that is perhaps a bit too wide, but all she really wants is for her sister to be happy. If she can manage to lift her spirits even a little, then she's going to try. ] And to be your maid of honor... [ Her ears twitch with excitement and her tail waves back and forth a few times. ]

Why would he change his mind? It's obvious that he loves you and wishes to be with you.

[ To her, it's quite clear that Aymeric would wait a lifetime for her, and that nothing would cause his gaze to slide to one side. ] I think he only has eyes for you, Lantaa.

[ She can't imagine that he would look at anyone else, or even be tempted to. If he did, however, she wouldn't hesitate to confront him about it.

It has been some time since the two of them had a moment like this, so when Alkaid makes that gesture, she scoots over just a little bit and lies down, head in her sister's lap.

For right now, they are just two sisters spending a quiet moment together with no one to see them but the stars overhead. ]

Of course. Cid is one of the smartest people that we know. [ But even with that, she still wonders if enough advances have been made to put them on equal footing with the Allagans.

When Alkaid's question comes, she pauses. She has met someone, but it's not exactly a conventional meeting. And more importantly, she has yet to fully determine what she thinks and feels about him. ]

Well, I- [ She decides she should just blurt this out, or she might never say anything about it at all. ] I did meet someone. Just not in the way anyone might expect.

I think it would be best to ask how he wishes to proceed before making any actions. While he'd most likely insist that it's my reputation that might take more of a beating? I don't need to worry about the political grumblings and undertides it'd bring.

[ She smiles at her sister's reaction. ] Why would I chose anyone other than you to be my maid of honor? You're the one who knows me the best out of anyone on our star.

[ Her fingers continue to smooth down her sister's hair as she grows quiet for a steady beat of moments. How much of her doubts and her worries should she burden her sister with? Oh, K'thisru would say all of them. Yet, how much should she truly share? ]

We have no idea how long we will be here in Ala Mhigo for. [ Alkaid's gaze softens as it drops to the stone they sit on. ] They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, but, we both know that loneliness grows in place as well. There may be someone in Ishgard who could be at his side whenever he needs it. Someone who can play the politics of the great houses. Someone who... won't be called away at the whim to fight Primals or wars...

[ Her fingers curl slightly in the hair, but she does not tug or pull. ] But, you don't need to hear about my worries or insecurities of it all. Tell me about this mysterious someone you met in an unexpected way.

All the more reason for you to go back and see him, even if it's just for a little while. [ Although, knowing how much the two of them care about each other, the temptation to just stay there and not return to Rhalgr's Reach would most likely be strong. But she still thinks that they would manage if Alkaid decided to remain in Ishgard. If only she could do that without feeling as though she is abandoning her duty. ] The two of you have much to talk about, and as you said, you were both interrupted.

[ She shifts just slightly, a relaxed smile crossing her face. Somehow, her sister knows just what she needs to calm her. Except right now, she feels like she should be the one comforting and calming Alkaid, not the other way around. ]

You know that I couldn't have asked for a better sister, right? [ She could tell her that a thousand times over and it still wouldn't convey how grateful she is for her. ]

But he knew that when you parted, didn't he? That there was no telling how long you would be away. Why would he have proposed, knowing that you would be apart for long periods of time if he didn't love you more than anything?

[ Sometimes she is too much of a romantic, but she believes that Aymeric truly loves her sister and none other, so she remains certain that he will wait for her to come back. ] He loves you, I'm sure of it, and he'll wait for you.

[ For just a moment, she closes her eyes, wishing that there was a way to solve her sister's problems and bring her and Aymeric back together again, with nothing keeping them apart, not even war or their respective duties. ]

Well, it was not long after... After we lost Haurchefant. I was in the Forgotten Knight having a drink when he appeared. And I do mean appeared, not simply walked in through the door.

Given the situation at hand? I'm certain Aymeric would prefer if I see to matters here first. [ A sad smile touches the corners of mouth. However, it never fully spreads. ] We are always interrupted. Either by his new position or by the needs the Scions deem you and I need to care for.

[ Part of her believes she and Aymeric may never be together as they would like, even joined, until they can somehow retire their services. ]

Oh, I'm certain you could have asked for one that fits your rambunctious side more. [ There is a gentle prod to the back of K'thisru's head, but that is all. A teasing gesture at the most. ]

He did. But, knowing it in one's mind and the heart experiencing it are different. [ She shakes her head. ] He loves me, yes. I wouldn't be so bold to say he loves me more than anything. If anything? He loves his city and his people more, and it should be that way. The man he is today is thanks to that devotion and love for Ishgard. I wouldn't take that away from him.

[ Alkaid raises an eyebrow at her sister's next statement. ] As if out of thin air? Who would have thought a mage would turn your head...

I know you're right, but I just hope that one day, you won't be interrupted by anyone or anything and finally get the time together that you should have had all along. [ Her ears twitch and lift just a little bit, as if indicating her displeasure with the whole thing. Just because her sister is a Warrior of Light and a Scion doesn't mean she should always have to put herself second all the time. The same goes for Aymeric. Of course she understands duty and responsibility, but in her mind, they've all made too many sacrifices too many times to not be allowed a little selfishness once in awhile.

Still, she won't be saying that to anyone, because all she'd get is disapproval. And even she doesn't mean to shirk from her duties. What she really wishes for is a little balance, a compromise. ]

Truthfully? [ She has thought about this a little bit when she has had time to mull things over. ] I could have asked for that, but I don't think that I would have. [ A chuckle escapes her when she pokes the back of her head. ]

I can't really speak for what he's thinking, but isn't it possible for him to love his city and you equally as much? If he said that the most important things in his life were you and Ishgard, would you disagree?

[ All she has to go on are the looks she's seen Aymeric give her sister, but they seem telling enough to bolster her confidence in what she's saying. ]

So I suppose it's not that unusual, because isn't that how aetherytes work? But he appeared inside the building, not by an aetheryte. He's... He's really curious, and, well, I hope that I get to meet him again.

As do I.

[ Her hand continues to ease her sister's hair down around the ears. She can easily recall the memories of being elated on planning the ceremony--even how to convince the Orthodox Church to wed them if needed. It is difficult to pinpoint and explain why the news of Aymeric's sudden rise in position deflated all the momentum of their union. Perhaps the realization that their relationship would always be defined by their duties. Or, the fact that it was a reminder that Ishgard needed him at the helm even if he had been ready to leave her fate to herself.

Alkaid's eyes close as she tilts her head back. ] I wouldn't put myself on the pedestal he holds Isghard in. They are his people, his kin. We are adopted into their city and their people. Yet, that is still different at the core, despite what idealistic thinking might be. We have not known a lifetime of war and loss. That could very well be why it was us and Alphinaud that could help end their way. Regardless, I know that his heart is very well defined by Ishgard's needs and wants.

[ She pauses before addressing their other topics. ] A sister like Lyse or Alisaie. Imagine the havoc that would cause along side you.

And what makes him so curious? Other than his apparent ability to disappear and appear without aetherytes.

[ She might not be able to feel everything her sister feels or even know the entirety of what she is going through, but she feels terrible that they never had the chance to plan their wedding, or even have a wedding. If she could just make everyone around them leave the two of them alone long enough that they might have the wedding they both deserve, she would do it without a second's hesitation.

Despite her sister's comforting gestures, she can't help the tension that forms in her shoulders as she feels her own emotions threaten to spill over. ]

Why can't his heart be defined by his love for you and for his people? He can still put their needs first and love you at the same time. [ Maybe she is far too idealistic for someone who has never been in a relationship, and the closest thing she has to it at the moment is a jumble of confused feelings for someone she has never met in person, only by way of a projection. ] I think that he didn't just adopt the two of us into their city; he wanted to make you part of his family but he wasn't sure how to ask.

[ Of course, when she first met him, she thought him far too aloof and standoffish, but she certainly didn't miss the way his eyes were drawn to her sister from the start. And neither did she miss how he seemed to light up every time they were able to meet, even if there were others around. ]

I know you won't put yourself on that pedestal, but I think he's already placed you there, Lantaa.

[ She has become so worked up about discussing her sister's relationship with Aymeric that she nearly forgot that she was relating to her sister about the curious stranger she met. ]

Well, for starters, he wasn't physically present. He said it was some sort of projection, but that wasn't the strangest part. He said he was from our future, that he has been trying to find us, but for some reason, he keeps arriving too early.

[ She shakes her head. ] I almost didn't believe him at first, because doesn't that sound too far-fetched?

[ Her fingers move from behind K'thisru's ear down through her lengthening hair. She can feel how the strands are gaining lengths. Has her sister noticed, or has she finally decided to grow it long? She smiles gently. Alkaid quietly wonders just how much their adventures have changed each of them. ]

Perhaps that is a conversation you should have with him. [ Alkaid shakes her head. ] I will say though, he has always been insistent on a home for the pair of us. It is not just me. He made it a point to include you in every offer.

[ Alkaid tilts her head further, an eyebrow raising. Why is she not surprised to hear her sister has had her interest taken by a mysterious adventurer? ]

Our future? [ She makes a sound of thought at that. ] So, he is looking for us at a certain time--not us as a whole.

We've fought gods conjured by beastmen and men. How would that sound so odd?

With Aymeric? [ Her ears twitch as Alkaid's fingers move through her hair. She shakes her head, feeling her nerves rising as she considers the idea. ] He is- Not frightening, but I would not know what to say to him.

[ But then she raises her eyebrows, surprised by that. ] He did? But- Why? You know I don't mind staying wherever there is room. An inn room is not the worst place to stay in.

[ K'thisru sighs then, because a lot about that conversation troubled her. ] He said that he was not able to tell me very much, because events have to happen a certain way and at the right time, and he would not even tell me his name.

I really don't understand why or how, but he is turning to crystal. His whole arm and his neck... He wouldn't lower his hood, so there could be more.

You've spoken with him plenty of times, Thisru. Talking to him as Aymeric is truly no different than speaking to him as if he were still Lord Commander. Even if, now, he wears the mantle of Lord Speaker. You would think that he would carry or hold himself different behind private doors. Yet, he truly doesn't. So much of him is the Lord Commander, the Lord Speaker, Ishgard herself. Speak to him as you would if he still fought on the battlefield as a knight.

[ She continues to brush her sister's growing hair. ] You'll need to learn how to speak to him if you're to become his sister by marriage.

You have said it yourself. He wishes to make us his family, and that means you are included in that. Aymeric has had no siblings - no family outside of his adopted parents.

[ Her eyebrows knit together at such a comment. ] Crystal? He is becoming the gemstone as opposed to being crystal-like?

I know I have, Lantaa! [ If she were standing up, her hands would be on her hips right now. ] That doesn't mean he is any less intimidating. And besides, when I've talked to him, it was always about the war or the next task. [ Except for the dinner that both of them were invited to, but that's most certainly the exception.

The idea of being his sister by marriage is not a bad one by any means; in fact, she's already thought that it might be nice to have someone somewhat like an older brother. Still, her tail practically stands up straight and a hint of color rises in her cheeks.

Why she is suddenly so nervous about speaking with Aymeric, she truly doesn't know. ]

Well... Well, now he does. [ She tries to inject as much confidence into her words as she can, because she does feel that it's high time that the Lord Speaker have family around him again.

As for her mysterious visitor, she sighs. ] He is. Of course, I couldn't actually touch him, or even see very much of him because he wouldn't lower his hood, but... You should have seen his arm, Lantaa. It looks as though all the flesh has been taken over by crystal. How long until it takes him over entirely?

[ Of course she knows that her sister won't have an answer for that, both because she hasn't met him, but also, to her knowledge, they haven't seen anything quite like this before. ]

[ Alkaid pauses for a moment, ears perking up at the sudden outburst from her sister. One would think she would be used to such things given the nature of their dynamic. Still, it does often take her surprise now and then. ]

Would it be better if I was there with you for the first few times? [ Her voice drops to a soft and hesitant tone. ] Just to help break the ice.

[ The description of the mysterious stranger does cause her to worry. The how and why he is looking for them is more of a concern than the fact his body is turning into crystal; yet that too is a worry within itself. What could cause that? ]

Did he give any explanation as to why such a thing is happening to him?

[ Honestly, she isn't entirely certain why she responded that way, but there is something about the notion of speaking with Aymeric about more personal things that gives her pause. Perhaps because he seems so well put together, and she knows full well that sometimes, she isn't. ]

Would you really? [ Part of her knows she is being ridiculous, because Aymeric has never been anything but kind to them both, but she can't help but feel a little bit intimidated by him. ]

I think he said that he needs to use older magick to accomplish his goals, whatever they are, but to compensate for using that magick, somehow, it takes from him too. He said the longer he uses it and the more he needs, it keeps taking more.

[ She frowns, not liking this any more than she did when she first learned about it. ]

He said that he's resigned to whatever happens, but- I thought there must be another way that doesn't end with him turning completely to crystal.

[ With the benefit of seeing both behind closed doors? Alkaid can certainly say that whenever Aymeric is not well put together? He is just as any else would be. However, he has crafted a perfect mask of a military and political leader. She understands why her sister might be intimidated, but she had merely thought that after their time in Ishgard and dealing with the Lord Speaker, her sister might feel more at ease.

Regardless, she nods. ] Of course. While we are to be part of his family? You are still my family by blood. How am I to wed someone that you are not comfortable with? We only have each other from our tribe.

[ Alkaid firmly still has no intentions of returning to their tribe. Even more so now that she is engaged. While she is certain Aymeric may wish to meet her parents? She would rather not have to deal with the scolding of breaking traditions and finding marriage outside of the tribe. ]

When one uses white magic, it must be seen to do well. The elementals are protective of who learns it for what purpose. It is why the soul crystals of white mages are so rare to be found. [ Her head tilts in thought. ] It may yet be similar for him. Except that instead of dealing with elements, what he uses requires a considerable amount of aether...

[ Even that still feels lacking and wrong. Perhaps they are missing more information to the problem this mysterious stranger faces. ]

The surest way would be to have him cease using the magicks all together. However, it sounds that is far from an option.

[ She knows that Aymeric loves his city and everyone who lives there, and that he would do just about anything to protect it, so it is crystal clear to her that he is a good man and will treat her sister right. She will just have to work through her nerves about approaching him. ]

I mean, you love him, and that is good enough for me. I just need to get to know him like you did. [ As friends, of course. But Aymeric seems to only have eyes for her sister, as it should be. ]

The way he talked, he made it sound as though he has to continue doing whatever it is that he does, because the future of Eorzea depends on it. He said he couldn't tell me more.

The best way to do that is to make time and speak with him. [ A gentle poke to the back of her sister's ear. One that is meant to encourage. ] I think we should aim to have another dinner with him. One where we can all shed our titles and enjoy one another's time.

[ A small hum of thought comes from her then. ]

He is willing to give his life for Eorzea, as so many others are. I wonder if they think more of what benefit their lives would bring if they simply did the opposite. Live.

[ Her ear wiggles when Alkaid pokes it, and a giggle escapes her before she can stop it. ] Another dinner with him would be nice, and I'm sure he'd love to pick up where the other one ended. [ And not to tempt fate, but maybe there won't be any interruptions this time. ]

I know he is, and I understand why he is so willing to do that, but- If there weren't any wars or fighting, then maybe everyone could get to just live.

[ Everyone dies at some point, but she can't help but feel as though she is tired of people she knows, and even those she doesn't, dying. ]

[ The wiggle makes a broad smile spread on her face. She is glad to see that despite it all, her sister can still smile. Her head can be lifted and laughs can come easily from her. While Alkaid may push forward? Her empathy can almost be a negative. She truly does not know what it would be like without her sister on this grand adventure. ]

I will be certain to ask for a dinner when I write to him. [ Oh, had she mentioned she would be writing Aymeric? ] We could even make up for the breakfast that was interrupted when we tried to plan the wedding...

[ Her eyes close. People would die of wounds or illness. Yet, she understands what her sister means. The wars ending would mean less dying. ]

Do you wish to save him so much? Even though he is a stranger?

[ Part of her still wishes for a world where there are no wars and everyone exists side by side, peacefully with each other. Even so, she's certain she might never see such a world, no matter how much she wishes for it. But if nothing else, at least she and her sister can try and bring hope with them wherever their paths take them. ]

You've been writing to him? [ She hadn't known that, but she supposes that she should have guessed. ] I'd like that, and I'm sure he would too.

I do want to save him, and his people. You should have heard the way he talks about us. He's counting on us, and... [ She lets out a quiet sigh then. ] To hear him talk about it, his people just push forward every day, but they just have what must seem like a far-off hope driving them.

Will that be enough? [ That last question is said quietly, more to herself than anything, but there are no answers for it. ]

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

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