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synthneon2021-11-19 12:58 am
hobbitholmes) wrote in synthneon2021-11-19 12:58 am
Entry tags:
FF PSL | β for those we can yet save. β
AFTERGLOW
β hear, feel think. β
βοΈ HEAVENSWARD
β
Ever Heavensward (3.0)
β Ishgard Meetings, Part 2
β As Goes Light, So Goes Darkness (3.1)
β Unfleeting Emotions
β The Gears of Change (3.2)
β Heavy Hearts, Part 2
β Revenge of the Horde (3.3)
β Starlight Festival (Alkaid)
β Starlight Festival (KP)
β Ishgard Meetings, Part 2
β As Goes Light, So Goes Darkness (3.1)
β Unfleeting Emotions
β The Gears of Change (3.2)
β Heavy Hearts, Part 2
β Revenge of the Horde (3.3)
β Starlight Festival (Alkaid)
β Starlight Festival (KP)
π₯ STORMBLOOD
β
IC Permission
β IC Permission
β IC Permission
β IC Permission
β IC Permission
β IC Permission
β IC Permission
β IC Permission
β IC Permission
(fuk timelines, the last part of sb is UGHHH)
Her heart skips a beat as she sees the colors of the Alliance hanging beside Ala Mhigo. Not only because of the symbolism or the unison the flags together meant. It was reminiscent of the battle five years ago, and that alone make her heart swell. Regardless if she hadn't been there when the Scions originally formed and fought to save the star from the Calamity that Bahamut called for. No, what truly makes her heart skip is the realization of who will surely be there if the whole Alliance came together.
Of course, she is not the only one who missed someone. Alkaid had done her utmost to keep her heart to herself. Especially on the nights she could see when her sister would anxiously look out into the beyond. The mysterious stranger was apparently never far from K'thisru's mind and it troubled her. How can she openly lament missing the one she loves when her sister is so tormented?
The conversation had continued on with what the Scions might do, but her thoughts had long since taken her from the conversation. The thoughts swirl in her mind until they are interrupted by a soldier reporting the arrival of the Alliance Leaders. Her ears twitch. She stands there for a moment, then two, then three, as she argues with herself on what she wishes to do and what she ought to. However, the familiar sounds of Ishgardian horns announce the arrival of the representatives on Ishgard's behalf. Her heart wins and her mind can only try follow along with only but a glancing squeeze to her sister's arm. Then, she dashes off from the meeting table.
There is no explanation given for her actions, nor asking to be excused from the meeting. Alphinaud's and Lyse's voices calling out her name can be heard, but she does not stop to even entertain their questions. Her Doman styled armor and headpiece glimmer in the setting sun as she rushes off.
The sprint is longer than she expects, and already she is pushing through the small ocean if mixed soldiers. She finally comes to a stop as she slips through a soldier from the Flames and the Adder's. Finding the blue and black armor trimmed in gold and silver is hardly difficult. The armor stands out against the others, and, not to mention, its wearer is taller than almost all of the Alliance leaders.
Alkaid freezes for a moment as the reality of the moment begins to settle--he is there in Gry Abania. Only a handful of months has passed, but, the same feelings wash over her as they did when she first met him. Except, this time, awe is hardly going to hold her in place.
She pushes past the two soldiers she has snuck between and makes straight towards her husband-to-be. The armor on the robes is far from quiet, but she is far from caring. There is no warning as her arms raise and instantly wrap around his frame. Her face buries in what she can of his armor as the familiar textures and smells bombard her all at once.
He's here, with her, and it is no dream.
Four months of being away from the manor she called home; being so far away from her knight. Her face presses into the metal plates and hands curl into the fabric on his back. Oh, the handful of letters she wrote, detailing Kugane and the Steppe. They fail in comparison to hearing his breathing and the feel of his armor again.
Alkaid's shoulders begin to shake and she bites her lip to keep the sounds of relief, tears, and longing inside. She wants to shout his name and weep in joy in front of all of them. She has missed him so much more than she anticipated and very rarely shared it with words or tears. Now, she feels overwhelmed to the point all she can do is stand there and try not to cry. ]
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If the path leads to Ala Mhigo and this last great push, then surely that means he will cross paths with the Scions and the Warriors of Light once more. And while he always welcomes an opportunity to speak with the Scions and the Warriors alike, there is one person who he wishes to see and speak with very much. And, if he can manage it, he would like to hold this person as well, but he has not lost sight of his duty or of the situation at hand. There may not be time for such things, and he knows that he will have to accept that.
As the representatives from the Alliance gather, Aymeric exchanges greetings and brief bits of conversations with those who cross his path, making inquiries into their well-being and the well-being of the places they hail from. But all the while, he has his eyes and ears watching and listening for any signs of the one he has come to see, hoping that she is here as well. And if not her, then at least her sister might be, although why they would travel apart, he cannot imagine.
As fate or fortune would have it, she spots him first and is heading his way even as he is still looking around, hoping to spot her. It is not until he registers the sound of footsteps falling on the ground, followed by the feel of someone all but barreling into him that he realizes his search has ended.
He does not need to do such things as inquire as to her identity, because although she looks slightly changed from the last time he saw her, there is no doubt in his mind that this is none other than his betrothed.
When she buries her face in the drapery of his armor and he notices the way she begins to shake, he is quick to pull her in for a hug, not particularly caring who might witness this exchange. With his free hand, he moves it to stroke her hair, moving aside stray strands that have fallen loose to frame her face.
He wishes to inquire as to her well-being, and if she has any needs that he should do his best to meet, but he says none of this for the moment, choosing instead to pull her closer to him and give her a comforting hug. It truly does not matter that they are not alone, and that some members of the Scions, if not all of them, are looking on. ]
no subject
Finally, her head tilts back enough so that he might see her mint eyes looking up at him. Her ears have tucked against her head as it is quite obvious she struggles to contain her emotions. The golden headpiece shifts with how he brushes down her now slightly longer black hair. Her customary braid is still present on the side, with a off-white bow hanging in her hair decorate it. She attempts to say his name--or anything--but only manages another small sound before pressing herself against him further.
The errant thought crosses her mind that perhaps she missed him more than he missed her. He no doubt had his days busy back in Ishgard with their newly formed government sliding everything into place. There may have been no time to think or worry of her, save for the letters to grace his presence. The postmoogles had assured her that both letters reached him in due course and safely...
Her ears press further against her head as her eyes drop. An unspoken apology is written in her eyes for her display. The insecurity that perhaps she may feel things deeper than he once again becomes obvious on her face. He surely was busy gathering information on the engagement at hand, who had arrived, and what places to meet at. Yet, here she was, interrupting his time as the representative of Ishgard. Not only that, but, quite publicly displaying that they are not simply allies...
The squared shoulders drop as her head tilts down to stare at where their clothes touched. ]
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He holds her to her even closer, as if that is possible, and the hand that has gone to stroke her hair continues the motions that he hopes are comforting. ] Your hair has grown longer while you have been away. [ A gentle smile takes his face as he continues to gently touch her hair. ] You always look- well, I am always taken in by your appearance, but this suits you very well.
[ And in order to impress upon her just how greatly he has missed her, he adds quietly so that only they can hear the words: ] Borel Manor has been far too quiet with you gone. I look forward to the day when you are able to return and bring life and joy back to its halls.
[ He knows she will understand his meaning; he is not so deprived of his own life and joy that the manor becomes a place of gloom while she is not there, but when she is present, there is an extra measure of joy that lights up the entirety of the place. That is what he misses dearly. ]
I must ask, however: are you well? Your exertions thus far surely must have taken a toll, although I can only guess upon the details of what you have been engaged in. [ It is, of course, by design, because the operation that the Scions were involved with was of a covert nature. ] Is there anything you require that I might be able to assist with?
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A nod is given to his question. Well enough, anyways. She is certain he would not be pleased to lean of the various cuts, bruises and new scar she has obtained on this journey. Those are details she feels are better kept for when they are truly alone. She omitted them from her letters so he would not be kept up with worry.
Her expressions softens then. A smile can be seen in her eyes as she lifts her gaze to him, tail continuing to sway. ]
You look happier, ser knight.
[ She does not mean simply because he has reunited with her. While their parting had certainly been a note of unhappiness? It is more she can see how the lack of consistent looming war with the dragons has brought an air of peace and happiness to him. Something that she could not quite do by simply being there. ]
how's this for emotional whiplash?
Still, he is grateful that they can see each other at all, even surrounded by others as they presently are. His smile widens to further underline the happiness he feels upon seeing her. And yes, her observation about the joy he feels in the absence of the war and strife that loomed too long over his people is correct. ]
I suppose that I am, at that. [ Although he does not step back from her, his other hand that is not stroking her hair takes hold of one of hers, that he might give it a fond squeeze. ] And I only have you, your sister, and the Scions to thank for that. [ But the way he says that might as well imply that he offers the greater amount of thanks and gratefulness to her alone for all she has done for him. ]
[ hurts so good blasts from crystal tower ]
They may have given it to you, but you keep it. That alone makes it your own peace. [ Her head tilts to the side and her small smile is hidden behind the fact her face is still pressed against him. Only her eyes can be seen as her head is tiltes back to look at him. ] I...
My, I hope our presence is not an interruption.
[ Alkaid's ears stand perfectly on end at the sound of the Sultana's voice. Her gaze immediately drops as a hot flush takes her face and the reality of the situation comes crashing down. The war with the Empire's forces, why he is here. Her shoulders sad and her eyes close painfully at the knowledge their time together is already cut short. ]
so... we're taking a long fall then?
I must apologize. [ He inclines his head and offers a brief bow, while still holding onto Alkaid's hand. ] Your presence, and the presence of others in the Alliance, could never be an interruption.
[ It would be quite impolite of him to imply otherwise, never mind that he wishes they could have a moment alone, if time was not of the essence. ]
COME RIDE HEROES RIDE :smadge:
[ Alkaid tucks her head to the side as the redness in her cheeks continues to burn. Gods, this is embarrassing. She had done her best to keep the engagement a secret, save the two souls she spoke with outside her sister. Now, a head of state...
The Sultana simply smiles at the sight of one of the Warriors of Light becoming flustered so easily. Her gaze returns upwards to Aymeric. ]
Shall I tell the Alliance leaders and General Aldynn that you may be delayed?
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Nevertheless, I must apologize. We have gathered here to address important matters, and I- Well, I would hate for anyone to think that it was I who distracted our esteemed Warrior of Light from her responsibilities, and what is more, that I may have caused a delay in the proceedings.
[ He gives Alkaid's hand a squeeze and fixes her with an apologetic look. ] Nay, that will not be necessary, but I must offer my thanks for your consideration. I am certain that we shall be along presently.
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Her gaze catches his and softens at his look. Of course, she understands. They are in a war--and it is the only reason he is here. The Alliance had finally believed it time to help Gry Abania, and thus, they arrive with their armies. Her gaze drops once more before closing her eyes and nodding. She removes her other hand from around him and letting it drop to her side. ]
Very well, if that is what you insist. [ The Sultana glances between them with the smallest of frowns on her face. She too understands the stance Aymeric has taken. Although, lest she be considered one to not notice the details of peoples around her... ] Ere we depart for our meeting, I must say, the craftsmanship of Ishgard is truly and beautifully unique. Your ring is well suited, Mistress Alkaid, and certainly matches the look of the armor worn by our esteemed allies.
[ Alkaid's eyes shoot open as a sound of surprise leaves her. Her tail and ears stand on end as her gaze darts directly to the mischievous and gentle smile of the Sultana. Then, she checks her hand to see that the ring has been slightly dislodged from her glove... ]
Fear not, it is news I will not be sharing, as it is your own to share. [ Nanamo laughs then. ] And, I doubt many will notice and not think it apart separate of your armor, my friend. In my time wandering the streets of Ul'dah in disgusie, I have simply gotten used to looking for what precious things might be hidden. I will see the pair of you at the meeting shortly.
[ Nanamo gives a customary curtsy before striding off to the tent the meeting is to be held in. Alkaid stares almost dumbfounded, her hand curled against her to hide the engagement ring properly as her other hand remains in Aymeric's. ]
Oh, Gods... is it that obvious...
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So much of him is wrapped up in his various roles and duties, but he just wishes to be an ordinary man who gets to live a somewhat normal life.
Even though she nods and seems to understand, he feels as though there is an undercurrent of disappointment beneath the understanding, and he would give anything to be able to change that. For now, though, it seems that once again, there is little he can do. ]
I thank you for your understanding, Your Grace. [ But before he can continue, Nanamo also continues speaking, and once her words sink in, Aymeric's eyebrows lift. He had not realized that anyone had spotted the ring he gave to Alkaid, but part of him is pleased that Nanamo has seen it. He never intended for Alkaid to have to hide it, but he did not question her decision either, simply because it was her decision.
Once Nanamo has departed and the two of them are alone once more, he turns to her, reaching out to her and placing a hand against her forearm. ]
I would not worry about it overly much. Nanamo seems to have a certain gift of observation that others do not.
[ And then a gentle smile crosses his face as he rubs his hand comfortingly against her arm. ] Would it be so terrible a thing if it were truly obvious?
[ If he could, he would proclaim his love for her to the entire world, because at times, he feels as though he would simply burst because of all the love he has for her. ]
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Alkaid gives a salute as Nanamo leaves them to be their own once more. Her gaze drops further as her ears tuck to the sides once more. A simple nod is given to his observations on the Sultana. She would credit it to the many times Nanamo has gone and investigated her people.
She looks upwards towards him with a frown on her face. ]
No, not at all. I had simply thought... you would not wish it to be public knowledge yet. I had wanted to lessen the gossip as much as possible...[ then, she frowns. ] And I wanted one thing to myself that the Scions could not find a way to use.
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Oh, Alkaid, if no longer keeping the news to ourselves makes you happy, then I would open myself to all manner of gossip, even scandal. That is all I could ever want: to please you and give you all the happiness that I can manage.
[ And then, giving no mind to those who are still lingering and who may be watching, he wraps one arm around her and draws her gently into a fond embrace. He lowers his voice then so that only she may hear: ]
I have missed you very much, Lantaa.
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Alkaid steps into his hold, ears lifting at the motion. She hides most of her face in his armor once more so that only the expression in her eyes might be seen. They beam with nothing short of love for him. A small pleased sound escapes her at the sound of her real name. Her hands curl into the sashes on his armor to express the same notion in return.
Her ears give a small twitch at the sound of horns once more. This time they speak of summons instead of arrivals. Alkaid's mint-green eyes shut as she gives a frustrated sigh. ]
We should go. [ Even if she does not want to. ]
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