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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
no subject
She squeezes her sister's hand as the meeting adjourns. Alkaid is certain K'thisru and Alphinaud are quite aware of where she is headed. While an area has been assigned for the Scions so they might rest? Her eyes are elsewhere on the matter. Unfortunately, no matter where she goes in the camp dressed however she might, any and all would recognize her. Thus, she does not bother hiding her appearance.
What she does not pay any heed to is how an Temple Knight and a Twin Adder glance at one another as she heads to the Alliance leader quarters. The Adder holds their hand up, and the Temple Knight sighs in annoyance before handing a handful of gil over.
Alkaid shakes her head as she enters the building and eventually comes to stand at Aymeric's door. She's already drenched in water from the sudden rainfall, so she doubts he would wish her to linger. Her hand reaches up to knock on his door as the other moves her dark bangs from her face to move the water from it. ]
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But what to do? He can hardly fall back upon his usual task when sleep escapes him, as there are no Ishgardian reports for him to see to, not while he is here. It is while he is mulling this over that a knock sounds upon the door, and without hesitation, he crosses to it and opens it, thinking that it must be a representative from the Alliance or perhaps the Scions with some unfinished business from the meeting.
Instead, he realizes that it is none other than Alkaid, and she is completely soaked in water. ]
Alkaid! [ He is so surprised that he does not use her usual title as he does when he thinks others might be present to overhear. ] What are you d- It is hardly important; you must come in and dry off.
[ He steps back from the doorway so that she might enter, all the while thanking Halone or whoever it was that led Alkaid to his doorstep tonight. ]
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Her hands fold together in front of her as she begins to twist them in her nervous habit. The proper thing would be to simply see if he has settled well and leave him to his own given what will come in the morning. Even when she would far more gladly stay the night with him and simply be with him. Not as they were after the first attempt at the Conference--even if part of her always desires him. No, she simply wishes to be with him, hear his voice, and hold his hands. Alkaid motions to share just that when he is stepping back after declaring the state she is in.
Alkaid looks down at her soaked robes with a simple shrug. She has had far worse and has been in worse conditions. Although, she is certain that Aymeric would hear none of it, and slowly steps inside at his instance. Once inside her tail gives a gentle shake to free the water in it. The golden head ornament remains in her hair as she had quickly made her way to his quarters after the meeting. ]
This may be the wrong time to mention that I have slept in dirt, mud, and the snow. It's only water. [ Although it is clear she is uncomfortable in the heavy coat and the rest of the state of her. ] More importantly... now that we might speak openly... how does Ishgard fair? Your home, the staff... how have you been?
[ Her fingers continue to twist but her gaze softens. She has missed him a great deal and been unable to hear back from him in letters. Of course, he would not know where to send them as their mission had been covert. That is why she asks what she does at first. Now that she is no longer clinging to him on the verge of tears. ]
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His head tilts to one side as he watches the way her hands twist together, and a look of worry forms in his eyes. At times, he wonders if she truly is well, if all the burdens she has had to carry have left deeper wounds that are not so easily healed. And with those worries, he begins to wonder if he is truly equipped to support her, to be the partner that she needs. All he has to offer is his love, his home, and his very life, but is that enough?
Pausing to listen to her explanation that she has seen worse, and has slept in varying conditions of undesirable weather, he nods to show that he is listening, but then he shakes his head as well. He will not leave her to linger in those wet clothes, nor risk that she might catch a chill or something worse.
Before he answers her questions concerning the state of Ishgard, he moves to quickly take hold of the towels that have been left for his use. Holding them in one hand, with the other, he works to remove her coat that is already heavy but made even moreso with the water that soaks it. ]
I do hope that you will not mind if I ask you to remain here at least long enough for me to see you dry and warm. [ Once the coat is removed, he sets to work using the towels to dry her off. ] And I would be forward enough to suggest that perhaps you remain here for the night, as the storm is only growing worse.
[ He knows that such a suggestion may not be well-received, and if any saw Alkaid venturing to his quarters, surely the gossip mills will be active and turning in no time at all. But he cares little for the idle chatter of others or what aspersions they might make about his character.
He does, however, care about what they say about her, so no sooner does he make that suggestion than he retracts it. ] Nay, perhaps that would be unwise. I will not knowingly open you up to being the topic of conversation. But at least remain here until you have dried off, and then I will escort you to your quarters myself.
[ It is not what he wishes to do, and the look of desire to have her remain with him tonight is clear, but he must do what is right. ]
As for Ishgard, all is well. The people are working to restore their lives and their homes, and I would even go as far as to say that happiness is returning to everyone. And all is well at home and with the staff. I will make sure they know you have inquired about them.
[ Then, he uses one end of the towel that is rapidly becoming increasingly soaked to wipe away the droplets of water that are clinging to her face. ]
no subject
Though, if he truly has no issue with the world knowing...
The ears atop her head raise to a high point as he sets about removing her armored coat. A blush takes her face, and she has to wonder why she is embarrassed when they have been far more intimate in the past. The off-white coat practically peals off her skin to reveal a white under coat and a blue pleated skirt beneath. Two straps of leather with a gem act as the necklace while her conjurey master ring is on the opposite hand as her engagement ring.
Her face scrunches playfully as he dries her off. She feels almost as a kitten again, and purposely puffs her cheeks slightly to rouse a laugh from him. He ears bend underneath the towel, only to pop back up the moment the towel moves away from them. Then, her head tilts slightly at the fact he retracts his offer. ]
I am glad to hear they are well. Maybe, once this has been concluded, I might return home for a time. [ Her voice quiets as she speaks, gaze dropping, as it is clear that is what she would want. No sooner had the cloud washed over her, Alkaid raises her gaze back to his with a playful glint to them. ] The Lord Speaker has me halfway un-dressed and offers a place in his room to me? How very scandalous.
[ She smiles then, purposely leaning her cheeks into his hands with the towel still draped over her head.]
A scandal I would rather have. As I have missed my betrothed dearly. More than letters of any sort could truly describe. [ The playful glint turns fond as her hands raise to brush along his wrists before lifting and finding their way to the sash of his unfastened armor. ] I would like nothing more than to spend the night with my love and tell him everything I could not in written word.
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As he continues working on drying her off, he laughs when he sees her puff out her cheeks. A wave of joy crests over him as he watches her and notes how her ears flatten then pop back up. He reaches for the closest one and gives it a light stroke. ]
You will always have a place with me wherever we are, as long as you wish to stay.
[ His hands lightly caress her cheeks, a warm smile crossing his face. ]
If you wish to stay with me this night, I will not put you out, because- I wish to not be parted you, that we might make the most of what time we have together.
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Her ear gently twitches underneath his touch and her eyes fall shut. Alkaid all but melts at the touch, tilting her head into his hand so she might nuzzle her nose against his wrist. The overwhelming sense of relief that he is present strikes her once more. He brings with him the feeling of home, and she has most certainly missed it despite the awe and thrill of seeing new places. The tail that had been swaying side-to-side happily comes to a stop as her eyebrows knit together. ]
Then, I'll stay here. [ All the gentle teasing and flirting leaves her voice to reveal something much gentler and vulnerable. ] Did my letters reach you? I know that there weren't nearly as many as I wanted to send! I wanted to describe every place I went, and tell you about the people and their customs! But, time... we had to move place to place so quickly...
[ She presses her head further into his hand before kissing the inside of his wrist. ]
I missed you.
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But in this moment, it is not those thoughts he wishes to focus on. Rather, he wishes to focus upon her, to give her all the love and attention that he can. He has missed her greatly, and he is certain that their time together will be short. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance that he make use of every second that they have. ]
I say this not to bring to mind regret, because I understand full well that our respective responsibilities must separate us at times, but the manor has been very quiet without your presence. [ It is too quiet, and missing a certain spark that her being there brought to the place. Even the steward and the head maid have felt it, and all three of them look forward to when she might return there again. ]
I did receive your letters, and I was glad for them. They brought a smile to my face, and I was beyond gladdened for the chance to see the different places you visited through your words and your eyes.
[ His own eyes soften as he looks at her, and when she presses her lips against his wrist, a contented sigh escapes him. ]
I missed you more than you could possibly know.
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She smiles up at him and her tail begins to sway again. The possibilities, of course, are quite low due to their difference of race. Yet, she hopes that somehow, she might be able to at least give him a child one day. Alkaid has kept the thought to herself so that one day it might be a surprise for him. A chance to have a relationship with his own flesh and blood that he was never able to have with his father. She cannot heal that wound on his heart. Giving him a son or daughter is the only thing she might be able to do for that wound. Of course, she is aware it will never fully heal that wound or replace that longing Aymeric most certainly must have. It is also her duty as the future Viscountess of House Borel to provide an heir... isn't it?
Her gaze softens at his statement. She does not take it in regret, but instead, the gentle reminder that the manor is truly her home now. While using different names due to cultures, she is now a part of his clan and those of it have welcomed her with open arms. It strikes a chord deep down inside and she wishes that K'thisru might one day feel the same. ]
Then, I will certainly need to return home once this battle is over and Zenos is stopped. [ Her voice is softer and she takes a step closer to him. Of course, she had already wished to return to Ishgard, but now the idea is firmly planted in her mind.
There is a certain light in her eyes that comes to life at the news her letters were received. Not only that, but that he could see something of the world beyond Ishgard. While he may not physically go to those places? He can at least visit them in his mind. Relief passes over her face once more as she briefly nuzzles her nose against his wrist. ]
I believe I have an idea of how much.
[ For it certainly must be as much as she missed him.
She reaches up to remove the golden headpiece on her head and drop it on top of the off-white armor on the floor. Next, she removes the blue pleated skirt beneath her white slip and leaves it on the floor as well. Her boots can come off once she is sitting down. Her hands settle back to the sash of his slightly undone armor. Mint colored eyes flick up towards his to ask if she might help him out of the rest of his armor.
If they are to spend the night together, she would have them as bare as he would allow them to be. She would remove all her clothing down to her undergarments or even be entirely bare if he would wish it so far from their room in the manor. ]
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The moment that she smiles and as her tail begins to sway, he feels the love that he has for her welling up inside him, and it is without even a second of hesitation that he leans forward to place a kiss upon her. He may not be privy to everything she is thinking, but he knows that he has found a family with her and her sister as well, and that is more than enough for him.
Should they be blessed enough to have children of their own, he will, of course, be beyond thrilled, but he considers himself a lucky man indeed to have met her and to have earned her love and affections. ]
Your home will be waiting for you, as long as it takes. [ But then, the unbridled happiness that is plain in his face fades a little as his own regret that he was unable to stand at her side during all the battles she has seen thus far and may not be present for the ones to come pulls at his heart. ] Would that I could be at your side for the fights to come.
[ He would gladly be her shield and her sword and defend her to the best of his ability. His duty to Ishgard has never wavered, not even once, and it certainly does not do so now, but still, he knows he has a new duty now, an additional one, and it is to her.
For a moment, he falls silent as he watches her remove her various articles of clothing, depositing them onto the floor before her hands land again on the sash of his armor that he has yet to finish removing.
His eyes look down to meet hers, and he smiles once more and inclines his head once as if to say he would appreciate the help removing his armor. A part of him has wanted a moment like this for some time now, but of course, there never was an opportunity for it until now.
His hands move until they rest on hers where she has placed them. ]
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A softness takes her eyes at his next statement. Home. A home that was always waiting for her. There is a layer of tears that forms then at the mere idea. Her clan--K'thsiru's clan--would always have open arms as well. Yet, that's far from the life she wants. She wants a mate only for her and to give him everything she might be able to.
Alkaid smiles against his lips and kisses him once more. ] It sounds as if my brave knight need only find me on the battlefield in the morning. Surely, it would be better to storm the Palace with you there...
[ A small blush takes her face as his hands join hers. Well, he will need direct her, as she has never removed armor of this kind herself. Her fingers trail up the sash in search of where the armor hinges together. Once located, she starts to unhook and undo the armor.
Her fingers work and she gently brushes her lips over his again. ]
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As for the notion of home, he knows that the manor has become considerably less of one in her absence, and he cannot wait for the day that she returns, even if it is only for a little while. But that time is still far off, and at the moment, their thoughts must be elsewhere by necessity. ]
I have often wished to fight by your side, to defend you from any harm that might come your way. When morning comes and the fight begins, I will do my best to find you.
[ He has a duty to his soldiers, but he also has a duty to ensuring that she is protected. The fighting may well be unpredictable, spreading wherever it wills, so he is hopeful that their paths will cross.
Of course, his hands mesh with hers, and although it seems to him that she does not require his assistance, he is certain to guide her hands to the joints in the armor that she might remove them. Perhaps it is unsurprising that it takes more time to put the armor on than it does to take it off.
But even though she appears to be making good progress, he is determined to relish this moment and commit it to memory. ]
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However, her ears give an inquisitive twitch as her hands are guided by his along his armor. She, quite obviously, only wears robes and armor attachments to it. His usual armor attired is a tad more involved than she had expected, but she eventually finds the clasps to undo them. Then, her ears perk up as she moves to catch the armor that slides off his frame easily. It is certainly heavier than one might think, which only speaks more to the strength in his frame and build. She gently lays his armor out on the nearby table, caring for his more than her own.
She is back at his side in a moment, hands going to his once more. She takes a step back to admire the layer of clothing underneath his armor. Her eyes land on a familiar piece of jewelry that she had gifted him during the Starlight Celebration. Slowly, her eyes raise to meet his and widen slowly. It must be obvious to his keen sense of reading her as to what she means to say. She did not expect him to wear the protective charm at all in any circumstance. She smiles shyly and dips her gaze down to the floor.
How is she so blessed to know him? Let alone be the one he chose to have as his wife. ]
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Part of him is surprised at the ease with which she removes his armor. For him, it is simple enough, but there are several clasps that need to be undone, and each piece is not very light at all. He has grown accustomed to carrying that weight, even if his armor has been designed to provide as much protection as possible while not weighing him down too much. The thought slips unbidden into his mind that the armor did not protect him on one unfortunate occasion, but he pushes that thought away as soon as it forms. Now is going to be a happy reunion between them both, and he will not have it ruined by his own lingering uncertainties.
When she returns from placing his armor on the table, he watches as she surveys him and his eyes soften as a gentle smile crosses his face once more. He can see the moment she realizes that he is wearing the protection charm she gave him, and his smile widens even further. ]
Whenever I wear this- and I wear it every day... It makes me feel closer to you, no matter the distance there is between us.
[ He is certain that even when the protective spell upon it fades, he will still continue to wear it, because it reminds him of her. ]
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Maybe someday--when the war with the Empire is concluded.
A blush takes to her face at his words and she looks bashfully down at the floor between them. Her tail sways once more as she fights off the rather girlish reaction she feels she has. Of course he would wear it! It was a gift after all. Still, she cannot help but feel a certain sense of joy that he does wear it. ]
The protection spell on it is woven of my own aether... [ Implying that she most certainly hopes he may sense her particular magick upon it. The blush on her face increases and she squeezes his hands. There will be no fading of the protective spell as she intends to recast it if ever needed.
Alkaid finally looks back up at him with that bashful smile still on her face. ] Is this dressed down far enough, or should I remove a few more pieces?
[ Her question is nothing more than a way for her to test how... proper he wishes them to be. In her mind, she would have no issue in removing her slip and his under-shirt. After all, she does have her undergarments on underneath her remaining article of clothing. However, she still thinks it is best to let him set the rules and the pace. ]
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But he hopes that a day will come when they can be themselves and enjoy each other as husband and wife with nothing coming between them. ]
I see. Well, that certainly makes it even more special in my eyes. [ He also counts it among his most treasured possessions, simply because it was clearly crafted with love, and that means he will value it always.
At her question, he gives himself a quick looking over before shifting his gaze to her as well. By way of an answer, he reaches for her slip and gives it a brief tug.
He has no rules that he means to enforce, deciding to let instinct take them where it will, but he does wish for them both to be a little less clothed. Perhaps not entirely so, but at least her slip and his shirt can be removed. ]
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Mayhap she must force fates hand and push to remain with him for a time after the battle in the morning.
The shy smile remains on her face even with his notations on the charm. When next she weaves the enchantment, she will be certain to not hold back the love she feels for him. She had done so out of worry of how it may come across. Now, she is to be his wife, and she would shower him I that love if he wished for it.
Her instincts, however, should and will need to be tempered to some degree. She is quite aware how proactive she can be; driven by her needs and desires. Therefore it is best he decide how far they go and where he is comfortable at. That way she knows how far to reign herself in--even if he would have her not hold anything back.
She moves them to the bed in the quarters they have give him. Alkaid then helps him remove the undershirt, smiling at him all the time. Then, she sits on the bed in the middle of the bed. Her hands pull from his only so she might pull the slip over her head and then tossed to the floor. She is not embarrassed, per say, but she is aware that he will see the newest scar on her side and jump into a fury of questions. ]
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I do have one question for you, Lantaa.
[ It is one that has come to his mind before and fled when other things demanded more of his attention. But even as she goes about removing his shirt and her slip, a part of him wonders if his words will be enough to put to rest what he thinks he sees turning in her mind.
He very nearly forgets about what it is he wishes to ask the moment that his eyes land upon her scar, and he reaches out, fingers outstretched as if he wants to touch the spot where she has clearly been injured. At the last moment, he pauses, not wanting to agitate what he imagines might be a tender area. ]
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Once they are sorted proper in bed.
Alkaid reaches out and gently takes his other hand. There is a small tug and a particular look in her eyes that invite him to join her. While she would say she is far from alluring, provocative, or even tempting? She attempts to garner his attention and express things without words.
She pulls the covers back for the pair of them to slip underneath. Once he is underneath the blankets, she returns his hand to her side and smiles up at him. ]
What was your question?
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Even as he gives into his desires, unable to resist the look she is giving him, and even as he slides in beside her, his guilt rises to chastise him.
It takes a moment of effort to pull himself back together so that he might focus on her once more, and the question he wishes to ask springs to the forefront of his mind again. ]
What might I do to reassure you and convince you that no matter what you do, regardless of how unseemly it might appear, I will never begrudge you for any of it? Our moments together are private, and none shall ever hear of what happens behind closed doors unless you choose to divulge that to whoever you decide, and so I would hate very much to see yourself hold back simply because of the expectations of society.
I have no expectations or restrictions, and whatever you might do, there is no audience here and none to judge you. And even if they did, I would be quick to silence them.
[ And after a moment's pause, he adds: ] If I have placed undue pressure on you in any way, I apologize. You need only be yourself, having no need to act according to anyone's expectations, not even mine. After all, it was you that I fell for, and I would do it again without hesitation.
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Of course, Aymeric always has a way of surprising her. The question--and explanation--is far from what she expected. In fact, she rather thought he might ask of the places she has been, or her and her sister's true wellbeing. Not... the concern on her state of their relationship. Rather, how she conducts herself.
Had she been rather obvious in it all? She had thought that holding herself back would be appreciated and not concerning. Her ears bend down slightly as she looks down in surprise. She doubts he will be satisfied with her own explanation. For a brief moment, her eyes travel to the window as the rain meets glass with more force than it had. ]
I... [ Her gaze drops slightly at her own inability to ever really truly express herself. ] I didn't want to seem overbearing, o-or even disrespectful of your stance on certain acts before we wed... a-and I'm very aware of how stubborn I can be, or even seem to be.
[ She curls her hands together and beings to twist them once more. Perhaps, also, she did not want to be disappointed if what she would want would be rebuked... again. But, she understands, and a relationship is both parties meeting one another equally. ]
I had thought it simply best to do as you would be comfortable with.
[ And, well, she still believes it. ]
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I cannot say that I do not appreciate your consideration, because I am certain you have observed by now that I am not... Shall we say, as knowledgeable in the area of certain things. And one might even say that the traditions and expectations for proper behavior are shields that I hide behind as much as they are things that have been ingrained in me.
[ He tilts his head to one side, mind still working to form a proper answer even as he speaks. ]
I came to love you as you are, and I welcome everything that makes you who you are with open arms. I would not have you change yourself or hold back parts of yourself for my benefit, Lantaa.
[ And then, using his other hand, he traces his fingers along her collarbone, intending to let them begin there and wander where they will. ]
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She gives a small, and uncharacteristically shy smile at his own words. He hardly needs to be knowledgeable in certain areas. What one person likes another may not. She imagines it would be an exploration for each new person. There is no intention on her side to ever leave him and find another to learn with.
A shiver runs up her spine that makes the tips of her ears twitch. She is certain that he would only need look at her and she would feel the same thrill. The smile on her face turns from shy to loving.
She pushed herself to sit up. Then, she moves to lay her head on his chest. It is a rather awkward position, she imagines, as she is sprawled over him, legs stretching out to be underneath the pillows. But, this way, she can hear his heartbeat and he can better see where he might be wandering.
Or, she thinks at least.
Her small clothes do not leave much to the imagination. ]
Even if it might be for the best? [ Her tail shifts under the blanket. ] Not for reputations or society... but what you feel you would wish to do.
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Perhaps one day soon, he will be able to but these things into motion.
As for the present, he cannot help but feel that he is a less than suitable partner, despite the reassurances she has given him. But at the very least, he has learned that touching her garners a reaction, and he has zeroed in on that, in hopes that he might be able to please her by doing so.
His eyebrows lift with surprise when she places her head on his chest, but then his face softens into a smile. He places his free hand on the small of her back, leaving it to rest there as his fingers move in light patterns around her collarbone. He would allow them to wander further, but then he might become distracted and lose track of the conversation they are presently having. ]
I would think that you holding yourself back would not be for the best, not for you. [ His eyes briefly shift to where her tail moves beneath the blankets, but he is quick to return to looking at her. ] My sole objective is ensuring that you are happy and having your needs met, and when thought of that way, I find I do not care overly much about what society might think of me.
Of you, however, that is another matter entirely. [ He knows he has expressed not wishing to harm her reputation before, and that has not changed. ]
Still, it is your happiness that concerns me most.
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Her eyes flutter shut at his touch. She leans her head further against his chest, another shiver running up her spine once he places his other hand on the small of her back. Aymeric has always been good at distracting her. Either by his voice or his touch--sometimes even a glance is enough to make her feel as if she could melt on the spot.
The tip of her tail gently moves back and forth as he continues to draw patterns. ]
I am happy, my love. Truly. [ She nuzzles her nose against his skin to demonstrate it. ] My reputation is either one of a hero or a slayer, by the way the wars have gone. I am far more concerned by your days being made troublesome, as mine already are.
[ Her eyes open slightly with a smile. She almost encourages him, but decides better of it. Instead, her hand raises to trace along his jaw. ]
Was there something else you wished to ask?
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