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

Entry tags:

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

AFTERGLOW

— hear, feel think. —

❄️ HEAVENSWARD

★ Ever Heavensward (3.0)
    — Ishgard Meetings, Part 2

★ As Goes Light, So Goes Darkness (3.1)
    — Unfleeting Emotions

★ The Gears of Change (3.2)
    — Heavy Hearts, Part 2

★ Revenge of the Horde (3.3)
    — Starlight Festival (Alkaid)
    — Starlight Festival (KP)

🔥 STORMBLOOD

★ IC Permission
★ IC Permission
★ IC Permission
★ IC Permission
★ IC Permission

BEYOND

CODE BY TESSISAMESS

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ 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. ]

[ He does not wish to admit it, because he is all too aware that that is yet another reason why she and her sister will be called away. ]

Yes, I would say that is accurate. But neither of you will be alone as you move forward, no matter what comes.

[ Once they are inside, he too nods to the steward as he walks with her towards the sitting area and the fire that has been stoked and tended, as if waiting for their return. ]

Please, sit. Is there anything that you need? If you are cold, there is tea, or if you are hungry, something can be brought out for you.

[ She will always have a place in his home, because it might as well be her home too now, but he will always want to make her feel welcome and that she was always treated well. ]

[ There is something comforting in the notion that she and her sister will not be alone in their further trials. So little of the population is blessed with the Echo, making it difficult for anyone but them to fight the Primals. It tempts her mind to go down paths once again revolving around Thordan VII, but she forces the thought to end before it can continue further. This joyous moment does not need to be ruined by the fact that no matter the circumstances? She and her sister both have Aymeric's -- her betrothed's -- blood on their hands.

She spares a glance at the fire, then turns her eyes up to him. They narrow playfully, quite wondering if he had all of this planned. Regardless, she takes a seat on the floor of all places and waits to see if he might sit on the couch or beside her on the floor. ]

I think we should eat or drink if my lord is in need of it. [ There is a mischievous flick of her tail, but otherwise, she extends her hand forward. ] Here, let me show you something about the gift I made.

[ He has already resolved to be there for both sisters whenever he can, because they should not face their fights alone. But even if he cannot be present, there are others who will most certainly stand with them if they are able. They are an alliance, after all, and where one may not be able to join in with a certain battle, there could well be another who can.

Any trials that he personally faces pale in comparison to the ones that they have seen and still lay before them. Even the thornier issues that he still wrestles with seem inconsequential when held up against what he has begun to see as a never-ending fight to put threats and evils to rest.

But for the moment, he wishes for the two of them to have a reprieve, as brief as it may be, and with only the briefest of pauses, he moves to sit beside her on the floor. It is something he has not done before, not that he can recall, but he would not stand on formality around her. ]

How odd, because I was about to say the same for you. [ He pauses then, glancing about as if to see where the steward and the maid are. They know a little of his intentions, because he did give them advance notice that he would be bringing a guest, but he has yet to inform them of their engagement. ] It would not do for the soon-to-be lady of this house to go hungry or thirsty, not when I could do something about it.

[ But at her next words, he is quick to bring out her gift once more and places it in her hand as requested. ]

[ Many of their battles will be fought beside their fellow Scions as they charge into battle first. Heroes to lead the way and inspire the Alliance behind them. No doubt rests in her mind of what comes first when duty is at hand. However, she simply wishes she could be at his side more when his calls.

Her expression lights when he sits beside her. She had expected him to take to the couch or the chair. The floor and the ground are no strangers to her, even before her days as the Champion of Eorzea. Communing with the elements as a conjurer, or even camping with her sister to rid themselves of squabbling family for a brief time.

She moves herself to sit against his body, turning to him. The temptation to swing into his lap is always there, but if he is to summon those that care for the manor? It would be poor form and certainly lacking manners that so much of Ishgard prides herself on. ]

It would seem you have plans in motion, Ser Borel. A dinner after a walk seeing your celebrations? You must be aiming to spoil me.

[ The pendant is placed in her hand. Her fingers press against the blue gem nestled in the dragons hold and it comes to life in a brilliant white glow. With a smile on her face, she takes it by the chain and places it over his head, nestling it to gently rest around his neck. ]

It is a small protection spell, but can also alienate minor aches and pains. [ Alkaid raises her mint colored eyes to his blue ones. Her hand rests over the pendant.] The magick will fade in time and will need to be re-enchanted. But, this way, some small part of me may protect you while I'm gone.

[ The attached note said as much. Yet, somethings are better spoken than left simply to the quill and parchment. ]

[ He wishes that he could be by her side always, with nothing separating them. If only there was a way for him to acknowledge his long-held allegiance to his people and his newly found but no less meaningful love for her. He cannot shirk from his duties, but there is a part of him that so desperately longs for the freedom to always be with her. But that feels like such a selfish thought that he dare not give voice to it, not even to her.

What he can do, however, is sit beside her, even on the floor, and enjoy her company as he so thoroughly does. He drapes one arm over her shoulders, smiling as she settles herself in next to him. If she were to move so that she was seated in his lap, he would be surprised but he would not rebuff her. His household staff are not inclined to carry tales, although he can imagine that they would certainly be surprised at the sight. ]

Well, of course I do. I would be a poor host indeed if I did not. And perhaps I intend to spend a good portion of my time spoiling you. [ A wide smile spreads across his face at the notion, because he knows he would gladly do such a thing, showering her with all the gifts and love that he has.

But as she begins to demonstrate how the pendant works, his attention shifts so that he is solely focused on her and her explanation. ] Forgive me, for I must ask: who will protect you while you are away on your various adventures? I realize that you can handle yourself, but that does not stop me from worrying about your well-being, as well as your sister's.

[ He reaches for her hand that he might give it a firm yet somehow still gentle squeeze. Again, he wishes that he could accompany her wherever she goes, that he might act as her shield should she need him to, and perhaps even if she does not. ]

[ If only she could take him on adventures to see the world beyond Ishgard. Then again, that opportunity may very well present itself now. Who was to say that their time after the wedding had to remain in Ishgard? She could take him to a multitude of places for their honeymoon. In fact, she has already begun to think of places he might certainly wish to see. ]

I admit that I am not used to being doted on or even spoiled. Usually I am the one doing that. [ She tilts her head slightly in thought before shrugging. ] Though, I suppose you'll insist that you be allowed to. What choice do I have to refuse a request from my future lord-husband?

[ His question leads her to fall quiet. Her gaze drops to his hand covering hers. She turns hers so that the they may be joined. Who would protect her and her sister? The Scions would certainly do their best to compliment and aid them in combat. Yet, not even the Scions can face the foes that she and her sister can. Lying will not provide either of them with benefits nor avoid sleepless nights. ]

None. [ Alkaid raises her eyes to his once more and can only muster a sad smile. ] Any wounds would be tended to and damages to weapons or armor prepared. Yet, there is little to be done in terms of protection when very few else have what allows us to fight primals.

[ She leans forward and gently presses her lips to their hands as a way to apologize for what he certainly has already guessed. ]

[ He would follow her anywhere she chose to go, simply because she has become a very important part of his world, and while he certainly would find ways to fill up his time again, he already knows that everything would seem a lot less bright if she were no longer with him. Traveling together with her is something he strongly desires, even if it is only for a brief period of time. ]

Well, neither am I used to having someone to dote on or spoil, but I think that I will enjoy doing so very much. [ He has already begun to think of small gestures and actions that he might do in hopes of making her smile. ] I will most certainly insist, yes.

[ He leans in so that he might plant a light kiss on her cheek. But when she quiets, his expression turns sober, because truthfully, he worries about her safety and that of her sister as well. ]

If I could accompany you on your adventures and trials, I would. I might not be able to stare down primals as you do, but I would be your shield, if only I could.

[ And he is finding it difficult to not look upon himself and his duties with no small amount of displeasure and even self-reproach, because to him, this is nothing short of a failure on his part. He might be able to uphold one side of his responsibilities, but what of his responsibility to her? ]

[ Above all else, she would first take him to places he wishes to see. Not all have the wonder lust she and her sister have been born with. Surely there must be one place above all that she has told him of that he'd desire to see with his own eyes. Of course, she wishes to take him to see what the Moogles of the Churning Mists have built. Now that he has met them, it should be easier...

Her attention snaps from her thoughts of all the places back to him when he speaks. Red takes her cheeks again. Who would think that a Warrior of Light, Champion of Eorzea, could blush so much? Ser Aymeric most certainly has the unique talent of making such a thing happen. His kiss brings a broad smile to her face and her ears tucked to the sides of her head bashfully.

Alkaid turns her head to press her nose against his cheek. ]

Shields require being mended and kept in top condition. Polishing, even. Which means that my handsome and daring Ishgardian shield would still need a protection charm now and again. [ The expression on her face turns fond. A finger raises to tap his cheek. ] I would be blessed to have the former Lord Commander of the Temple Knights of Ishgard as a shield. Yet, I could not ask you to be placed in a position where Ishgard would lose you as well.

[ She pauses. ] And, I could not stand to lose you as well.

[ Keeping him and the others they have met safe may mean she must sacrifice being the sort of wife he deserves. So long as the Empire plots and the Ascians scheme, she knows she will be pulled away. If she and K'thisru can end the plots of both so that they might return and be the people they wish to be outside of their near-military positions. ]

[ His only wish is to be wherever she is, but no amount of wishing will change the reality that is before them both. He did rather enjoy meeting the Moogles, so he would not mind paying another visit to them, and neither would he mind seeing what they have managed to accomplish. But anywhere in Eorzea that they might go would be just fine by him.

He hopes that the depth of his affections for her is obvious, because he has well and truly fallen in love with her to the point that he would sacrifice anything for her. Perhaps not his duty to Ishgard, because in his mind, that would be the ultimate betrayal, but if it came down to saving her and prolonging his own life, he would not hesitate to make that sacrifice.

Would he rather remain at her side for the rest of their natural lives? Of course. He does not wish to lose her or be separated from her for anything in the world, and yet if her life or that of her sister's was in danger, he would put himself on the line for them.

It is with that thought in mind that he leans in even closer to her, smiling as she presses her nose against his cheek once again. ]

How fitting, then, that I have such a gift from you. And might I say that you are a gift yourself, a gift that I scarcely deserve. And lest you begin to fret, I would not wish to be parted from you or from Ishgard. But if I had to shield you from harm, I would do it without a second thought.

[ It is the conundrum of being in love, or so it seems. He wishes for them to grow old together, to never be separated for long, and he is loath to place her in a position of needing to go through life without him. It would seem that there is no reconciliation between the two positions, and yet that is where he stands, squarely in the middle.

For the time being, though, there is nothing between them save for the eventual knowledge that they will eventually have to assume their respective positions once more. But for the moment, they can simply be Aymeric and Lantaa, and he means to relish this time without hesitation.

Where she might be thinking about how she must sacrifice being the kind of wife he deserves, he is thinking about how to be the husband she deserves. And with that thought in mind, he asks: ]

Is there anything you require that I might be able to give you? [ He is certain that she will say he has given her enough, but he would spend the rest of his life giving her everything that is in his power to give. ]

[ Despite the physical rift their duties give them? She would not wish him to abandon his duty to Ishgard. The city-state is his home and all the ideals and morals he has come to embody. He should never abandon his people. A time might come when another leader steps forward and the reigns may be passed. Until that day, Alkaid will insist he be where he is needed. She will return again and again until he tires of her presence entirely.

It remains a blessing then that she is a healer. Any blow he might take for their benefit could be mended. She has lost far too much as it is. Losing him is on par to losing her sister; a part of her would be gone and she would never be the same afterwards.

She laughs gently. ] I would not call myself a gift. A blessing, however, I will allow. [ She smiles and nudges her nose to his. Then, her gaze sobers and a serious look takes her eyes. ] All I ask is that you do not forfeit your life in acting as a shield. Thisru and I have already lost one Ishgardian in such a manner.

[ While she would not say she was the closet to Haurchefant? His lost hurt her greatly as well. It was one thing to feel that she could not prevent the pain and wounds inflicted upon Aymeric in his time in the Vault. It was another to heal all she might and Haurchefant still die. Perhaps that was a small reason as to why she was so insistent to heal Aymeric after the stabbing. Of course, at the core, she loves him and did not wish to lose him. Though her quiet musings make her wonder what else drove her into such an emotional state that night.

Her hand lowers to rest above the scar from said wound.

At first, she is quiet at his question. Her forehead presses to his as her eyes slip closed. ]

No, you must understand something, Aymeric. [ her lips quickly press to his to keep him from protesting for just a moment. Her hand presses to the scar underneath his shirt. ] Everything that you have given me and Thisru since the moment we stepped into Ishgard is more than I could ever ask for.

Thisru and I are half-sisters. Our father is the same, the leader of our clan. If a clan is large enough they may have multiple leads, but ours is not that size just yet. [ Alkaid keeps her forehead to his with her eyes closed. ] Despite how close we are? Our mothers were not. Whether one thought she was better than the other, or they simply clashed, I can't truly say. All I can say is that they often scoffed at the two of us together and would make known we were not to be close, despite our shared father.

Before I even left the clan, I had decided that I didn't wish to marry within my clan. Any children I were to have would not grow up the way I had. Then, once Thisru and I were chosen by Hydaelyn... and became Champions of Eorzea? I had figured I would never be married nor have a family. My time and days spent to serving those of our star and countries. [ Finally, her eyes open to look into his light blue ones. ] You have offered your home to be ours and by doing so given us a place to return to other than our clan. You have asked me to become your wife -- lady of the House you inherited, despite what may be called of me.

[ Her other hand raises to rest gently on the side of his face as her tail sways. ] No, Ser Aymeric de Borel. I would ask nothing more of your and would require even less.

[ Should he ever shirk from his duties, regardless of the reason, he would not be able to live with himself. Responsibility has become so ingrained in him that it might as well be in his blood. He does not mean to be dramatic in his thinking, but he is fully aware that to separate himself from his duty and obligation would be to open a sizable wound in his own flesh. It would be detrimental to his people, but to himself as well. Perhaps it is a stark sort of metaphor, but it is an effective one. ]

Oh, but you are gift and blessing both. You have brightened my days with your presence, much as your words and tales of your adventures provide a spot of brightness in what I once called a rather arid affair. [ At the time, he was speaking of the reports that he reads in the course of his work, but it applies to his entire life as well. ]

Should the worst happen to you, and I did not do everything in my power to protect you, I would not be able to live with myself. I would not foolishly throw my life away, but neither would I stand by knowing that you, the Champion of Eorzea and the hope of so many people, were in danger of being injured, or worse. Lest you fear that I would do so thoughtlessly, please know that I would never cause you hurt of that nature.

[ He knows all too well how hard a loss of a loved one is, and he would never place her in that position unless there were no other choice. She must live, not only because she is a Warrior of Light, but because he believes she has a bright future ahead of her. That is not to say that he thinks he does not, but there are some who are more vital to their world and their cause than others. ]

I am listening. [ He knows very little of the world she is from and of how she was raised, and so as she begins to relate the details to him, he falls silent so that he might listen. Her lips resting against his also forestalls speech, of course, but he has no complaints about her methods of momentarily silencing him. When she presses her hand against the spot where the knife hit its mark, the memory of that evening flashes back into his mind, but it is brief and he shakes his head once, hoping to drive the recollection away once more. There is no need to dwell on those events now. ]

That is unfortunate that your mothers were unable to reach an understanding. I imagine it would have made life somewhat easier had they been able to live peacefully alongside the other.

[ But she is not finished yet, and so he resumes his silence, although he is clearly riveted by every word. Eventually, she ceases speaking, and for just a moment, he remains where he is, taking in the feel of her hand resting against his face. ]

Lantaa, you would not ask anything of me nor require anything, but nevertheless, you have done me a great honor by agreeing to my proposal, and I merely wish to ensure that any needs or wants that you have are met.

[ And then he reaches for her other hand so that he might press a kiss to it. ]

A rather arid affair? That is quite the statement. [ She wonders how much her tales might continue to lift his spirits when she and her sister are called away. Will there come a time he wishes not to read them out of disdain for the fact she is far away? Worrying of it seems pointless, but she cannot help the emotion. What if the day does come when he might call off their engagement or marriage because she is unable to be there when he needs her? ] I may need to regale you more with them then.

[ The teasing smile forms into a sad smile at his comments. She would ask that no others take blows or protect her any longer. It is not out of the belief she could do better without them. It is a fear that those who would aim to kill her would instead kill them. The image in her mind of seeing Aymeric take a blow as Haurchefant makes her eyes water. The hand on his face presses is cheek then as her ears droop underneath her hat. ]

I could not bare failing to save your life as I did his. [ How might she call herself a healer if she cannot save lives? She cannot save them all, but what about the handful that are in her charge? ] Losing you or my sister would be far too much. Eorzea and the Scions may pile all they wish on me, but I could not stand a world in which the two of you are gone.

[ Her hand moves from his side and he presses a kiss to it. Alkaid closes her eyes and lowers her head slightly to place her forehead against the side of his head. ]

I would fight any and all who might dare take the pair of you from me. I would go to the ends of our star if it would keep you both safe. I would even stay here, in Ishgard, and forsake any duty as a Scion if it meant keeping you with me.

[ If anything, at least she has grown to be able to speak something of her mind and emotions. ]

Perhaps it is unfair of me, and certainly uncomplimentary, but as necessary as my responsibilities and the many reports which I must read are, nevertheless, at times, I find them quite dull and dry. But I will not have it said that I ever shirked from my duty or gave less than my all, no matter the task at hand. Even so, anything I might hear from you, either in person or otherwise, will always be worth the wait. [ His smile grows warm then as he adds: ] Please do so, whenever you find yourself with the time.

[ But then his smile is replaced by a look of concern, because he always worries about her and her well-being. She and her sister carry so much, and so many people's hopes hinge upon them. He wonders if it might be too much for them to carry. ]

Would I step into fire or into the path of a sword if it meant saving you? Of course. But neither do I wish to cause you grief, Lantaa. [ Similarly, if she were to be gone, he would also be at a loss for how to move forward. And although he has much and more to learn about her sister, she is no less important in his eyes. To lose one or both of them would be a tremendous loss indeed, and he means to do all in his power to keep them safe. He would place his own life on the line for them, but that action will always be a last resort. ]

Your words might as well be my own, for I would do the same for both of you. And although it would be a hard task to complete and nothing short of a betrayal in the eyes of many, even my own, if I could ensure your safety and continued presence beside me, I would forsake my oaths and vows, willingly taking on any reproach and disapproval that anyone saw fit to heap upon me.

[ Does he hope that it never comes to that? Yes. Because to betray the place and the people that he loves so much might as well be a death-blow to him, regardless of how deeply he loves her.

If she is going to make declarations of her thoughts and feelings, then so is he. ]

Edited 2022-01-16 09:14 (UTC)

You have never turned an eye from your duties in the time that I have known you. I doubt any in Ishgard would ever say as such. I would not allow them to speak as if you have ever once turned your back on your beloved home. Even if they try to say such things after learning of our engagement? I will make sure to correct them.

[ She nudges her nose to the side of his face once more. ] Tell me what sort of tale you would like, my ser knight. I will be sure to find one.

[ Of course she remembered the small comment he made the night after the disturbed conference. If he wishes her to call him it? She most certainly shall.

A kiss is pressed to his cheek then. The notion behind his words is felt. Yet, she would not wish it. She would not ask him to forsake his home or his people for her. ]

I would ask you never do such a thing. Forsaking the city you love would leave a wound that even I could never heal. I intend fully to return and live here in Ishgard. With you.

[ Her head tilts to the side. The firelight reflects on her face. Most the time her dark bangs with dark pink ends hide it, but now the scar that comes down her eye can be seen. A leftover of the battle with Nidhogg. Thankfully, most never noticed her injury while they focused on Estinien's recovery. ]

Edited 2022-01-17 08:30 (UTC)

[ He inclines his head just a fraction by way of acknowledging and agreeing with her words. ] I am, and have always been, a servant of Ishgard and her needs, in spite of any titles that I may have been gifted. [ Truthfully, he feels like his accomplishments are gifts, even though it is his actions that earned him those titles. ] But I am certain that even now, there are those within the city who consider me a less than ideal leader, even though I never aspired to be one. To lead the Temple Knights is one thing. To lead the city herself? Certainly there are others far better equipped than I.

Even so, so long as it remains my duty and my responsibility, I cannot turn away. So in that sense, you are correct. [ He just feels as though he has slipped more than once in recent days, and that is unforgivable. ] I would not ask you to carry more burdens than the ones you already have, Lantaa. I am accustomed to people carrying tales in the streets and gossiping amongst themselves about the various opinions that they have formed, for good or ill.

[ He straightens up then, squaring his shoulders, as if to suggest that even though the weight he carries often pushes him down, he will always stand up underneath it again. That is not to say that he doubts her ability to do the same, but these are burdens he is reluctant to place upon her, through her association with him. ]

Tell me of something you consider your greatest adventure, or perhaps your most memorable, recent or less so. [ He very much likes being called her knight, and while it is a highly silly notion to have, even privately, he knows that if he had a tail such as hers, it would be waving about with delight right now. ]

But I would do it for you without question. A life in Ishgard is not impossible, but it is harder than most are accustomed to. The climate is unpredictable and harsh, and not all who come here remain. I would not have you be unhappy here.

[ A look of resolve crosses his face then, knowing that he would take on such a wound without complaint if it meant ensuring her happiness. ] Wherever you wish to settle, that is where I will be.

[ And as he glances down at her, that is when he finally notices that mark down her eye. With some small amount of hesitancy bordering on sudden shyness, he raises a hand, fingers outstretched but stopping before they touch the spot. ]

When did this happen? [ And how did he fail to notice it? ]

That is why those people cN being forth ideas into the Houses and then ask that you keep order. You may lay the path, Aymeric, but they are the ones who chose its direction and build it. If they speak I'll of your capabilities, then they too are very much found wanting.

[ She smiles fondly, and yet a tinge of sadness is in her features. ] If I am to be your lady-wife, I would ask you share some of them with me, and I share some of mine with you. Otherwise how can the pair of us move forward?

[ Her tail flicks slightly at his posture change--of only because their height difference makes it difficult to continue to touch him unless she changes hers. ]

Why would I settle anywhere else when this is the home that has been made for Thisru and I? The world may look brighter and greener, perhaps even filled with sand. Yet, struggle and harsh climates are everywhere. At least within this climate, we have been accepted and brought to join its people. [ A finger raises to gently tap his chin. ] I would prefer to stay here in your ancestral home.

[ Then, her expression softens. Her eyes close as she leans her head to his hand, encouraging him to touch the scar and move her bangs to the side to see. ]

From my greatest adventure I have had thus far--before becoming your wife. [ Alkaid raises her gaze to meet his, mint green eyes locking to blue ones. ] The battle with Nidhogg was not just with the wrym, but using Estinien's body and skills as his own. His claw grazed me during the fight.

My knight was rather occupied with other worries, and I thought it a small price to pay to return his best friend to him. [ Her head tilts to show the scar across her cheek. It is hardly large or deep, but noticeable in the right light. ] This came from the Empire's Black Wolf himself, Gaius von Baelsar. We fought him before taking on his ultimate warmachine, the Ultima Weapon.

[ He listens closely to every word that she speaks, knowing that there is wisdom to be found in her words, but while he does his best to keep his thoughts from showing too plainly on his face, something about what she says troubles him just slightly. He decides that it is merely his being human and every bit as fallible as the next person that causes him to worry. He is not doubting his leadership so much as he fears choosing the wrong path and bringing them to ruin, or at least trouble. But then, that is why there is a House of Lords and Commons as well, not just one man attempting to steer the city-state in any one direction.

With that thought in mind, he pushes away his doubts and tries instead to focus on the present conversation. ]

At times, I wonder why you consent to spend time with me, considering how often my thoughts tend to run away from me. [ Not for the first time, he notes how deftly she is able to bring him back when he becomes too lost in his own mind, letting his worries take the forefront once more. ] I cannot promise that it will be a simple matter, but I will do my best to share what is on my mind and not withhold my thoughts from you. And you know that you can always tell me what troubles you, and I will also endeavor to be attentive to your needs.

[ That will not be difficult for him, because he desires nothing more than to be a help to her however and whenever he can. ]

I suppose your own words are why I thought you may not desire to make Ishgard your home: we offered it to you as a place to call your home, and you came here by necessity, not necessarily willingly. [ Simply put, it was chosen for them, more or less, but he also recognizes that she and K'thisru became involved in their affairs of their own accord, not because they were compelled to. At least, it seems to him that the dedication they showed in their participation in the war and all other events that transpired spoke of this being more than another task in a long list of them.

He lightly brushes his fingers against the scar, even as the look in his eyes shifts to a mixture of worry and the barest amount of self-reproach for not being there to shield her from harm. ]

Occupied with other worries, and yet your welfare remains a significant one, even among all the others that I must see to. [ And when she draws attention to the other scar across her cheek, that sense of failing her only grows. ] Perhaps I should see to having a protection charm made for you as well, for those times when I cannot be present to aid you.

[ They both know all too well that those times will be many, and there is very little that either of them can do to alter that. ]

[ The worry crosses his face and she smiles gently at him. The hand with her mastery ring raises to rest against his cheek, fingers brushing along his cheekbone. Hopefully, soon, all of this will be behind them. He will go back to simply being the Lord Commander and their new system of government will take the decisions from him. She knows it has been a struggle for him, even with how he has risen to the occasion.

She leans forward to press a kiss to his cheek once more. ]

You have always met my needs, Aymeric. You don't need to strive so hard to impress me. [ Her smile spreads against his cheek. ] We may have come here out of necessity, but we chose to stay out of love. We truly do love Ishgard and her people. Sometimes, the best things can be born of necessity.

[ She smiles at his concern, head tilting with his hand to encourage him to touch the scars. The drive to comfort and mend runs deep within her, and she certainly would not shun him for wishing to return the notion for scars since healed. ]

I wouldn't stop you if that is something you would wish to do. Simply know that you needn't make yourself responsible for the scars and being able to prevent them. They are a small price to pay to keep all of you alive.

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

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