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

[ Her tail begins to sway despite herself. She feels her cheeks flush as he compliments her slightly changed appearance. Oh, the stories she has to share with him. Her letters could only detail a few places, but now... now she can tell him so many things.

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. ]

[ If only he could take her by the hand and lead her off to the room he has been given, for the duration of his visit here. He longs to talk with her privately, with none to overhear them, but now is not the time for such a thing. He does not resent his duty, nor the fact that they still have many tactical meetings ahead of them, but that side of him that is merely Aymeric, who is wholly in love with her, wishes for just a brief moment of reprieve for them both.

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. ]

[ Her hand uncurls from him once he reaches for hers. With no hesitation, her finger slip between his as it is where they naturally rest. In that moment everything but him fades away from her mind. Her eyes almost seem to sparkle in joy even as the water remains in them. ]

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. ]

[ He opens his mouth to reply, but before he can, someone interjects. He turns slightly, noting that their reunion has gone unnoticed by most, save for one person: Nanamo Ul Namo herself. Although he has not been a part of the Alliance for long, the brief dealings he has had with her have led him to conclude that she is quite the observant individual, and it seems that he has been proven right. ]

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. ]

[ Sultana Nanamo gives a gentle laugh at the display. A wide smile takes her face as she shakes her head. ] Please, Ser Aymeric. 'Tis good to see you here and more than acquainted with one of our mutual friends.

[ 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?

[ Even after hearing the Sultana's gentle and gracious response, Aymeric still feels a blush of red creeping up his neck and no small amount of embarrassment coming along with it. Surely the display he just gave is not fitting for an Alliance leader or for the Lord Speaker. ]

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.

[ Part of her screams in the desire to be distracted from being the Warrior of Light. It is all she has been for these months, and she would not lie in wishing to be selfish for but a few hours to be with he betrothed. Not that more than a handful are aware of the matter.

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...

[ If only they could just be themselves, with no titles that get in the way or responsibilities that constantly pull them away from each other. Still, in so many ways, they are married to their respective duties, but that does not mean that, at least for Aymeric, he does not wish to one day put all of that aside and simply be himself. He would not dream of assuming such things of Alkaid, but he cannot pretend to not have a dream that someday soon, they will finally be married and can begin to live as themselves and not as the Lord Speaker and the Warrior of Light.

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. ]

[ She would gladly put down the mantle of Champion of Eorzea and Warrior of Light when the time comes. Not that she has truly regretted it at all. Simply... the pull for what her heart yearns to do versus the idea of being the errand girl for political nation after political nation is disheartening to say the least. If she could but simply be a traveler and see any sight Aymeric may wish to? That would be more than enough for her.

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.

[ He smiles widely for her, reaching for her hands once more so he can take them in his and give them a squeeze. ]

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.

[ Her own smile in return is small and bashful. She has no care if the news is public or not. What she cares for is parties using it for their own benefit. If he wished the world to know if their engagement? Then she would be certain to share it with any who might ask as opposed to hesitantly changing the subject.

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. ]

[ continued here! ]

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

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how's this for emotional whiplash?

[ hurts so good blasts from crystal tower ]

so... we're taking a long fall then?

COME RIDE HEROES RIDE :smadge:

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