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

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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

[ No matter how many wounds he has taken, whether physical or blows to the heart, and no matter how he felt as though he lost a part of himself the day he requested that his father be put down once and for all, he did all of it with what was best for Ishgard in mind. A part of him doubted that, and there is still a remnant deep inside him that still wonders if that truly was the best decision, but whenever those doubts begin to take hold, he remembers that had Thordan lived, all of Ishgard would have been dragged into a holy war seemingly without end.

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. ]

[ Alkaid kisses him in return, successfully making her tail sways even more. There are times she dislikes how much her ears or tail might give away how she feels or thinks. Yet, that is not the case this time. She has come to realize how inadequate she is at describing her feelings for him. Love hardly seems to be enough of a word to encapsulate everything she feels, and even the depth she feels them.

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. ]

[ He has already realized that he loves everything about her, but he finds it especially endearing how her ears and tail move to accompany her emotions and what she is thinking or feeling. Still, he believes that he has grown accustomed to reading her various expressions and responses and knowing what it is she is saying, with or without words.

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. ]

Edited 2022-03-14 07:26 (UTC)

[ She practically beams at his words. There has always been a small dream or hope that he might join her outside of Ishgard. While she would prefer adventures and seeing the world? She will certainly settle for fighting along side him on the battlefield. Her tail practically wags at the idea and she nudges his nose with hers once more.

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. ]

[ He has long since realized that wherever she is, that is where he wants to be too: whether that is on a battlefield or at the manor that he already considers their home, or even in the middle of nowhere. She is his home, and he cannot imagine being parted from her for very long, even though their respective circumstances often cause them to do just that.

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. ]

[ If she could throw down anything that might bar their way of simply being together? She knows that she would. If she could throw down the mantle of a Warrior of Light to simply be his wife and await him when he is return from his hours at the House of Lords? Oh, she most certainly would.

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. ]

[ There is a part of him that wishes he could choose a successor who cares as much for Ishgard as he does, and then resign from his duties so that he might be able to simply be himself and be her husband, but at the same time, his dedication to duty is far too strong for that. Even when he was younger, it never occurred to him to shirk from his responsibilities, and that has not changed now.

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. ]

[ She longs for that day as well. A sinking feeling is inside her that perhaps that may not be possible until the Empire has been dealt with and the Ascians stopped in full. A day that may very well be far off, but she hopes for it regardless.

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. ]

[ If she were to do such a thing, he would have very little complaints on the matter. Any time that he is able to spend with her is nothing short of the most precious gift, and he cherishes each and every occasion that they have together. ]

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. ]

[ Her hand curls around his in order to guide it to her side. She has touched his scars, thus it is only fair that he touch hers as well. It has been healed thanks to the stubbornness in which Alphinaud has shown. The scar is long and thin, but quite obviously a wound due to a blade of some sort. Of course, she has no issue in telling him what caused it.

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?

[ Still being afraid that his touch will hurt her, he lightly ghosts his fingers along the surface, feeling his heart clench inside him as he takes in the sight of the long scar. What good is it if he considers them already tied to each other permanently, until the natural progression of time sees fit to separate them, if he cannot protect her from harm?

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.

[ Her head tilts as she waits for the question on his mind. Fingers brush over his to encourage him to continue to touch her side and scar. His touch does not hurt, nor is the area particularly sensitive. Alphinaud did a fine job, and she is tempted to further instruct him on healing magick. She decides she will tell him what happened once his question is asked and answered.

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. ]

[ Her encouragement is all he needs to continue, and as he mulls over his thoughts, he continues tracing his fingers over the scarred area. A part of him did mean to ask about how she and her sister are faring, and of course, he always wants to know about her adventures and the places she has seen. But another part of him feels as though they have much they must talk about, and the question he has voiced is one that has been on his mind for some time. ]

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. ]

[ They have all night to speak of adventures and the places she has been. Even more so, they have time after they have defeated Zenos and truly liberated Ala Mhigo. She wishes to return to their home in Ishgard for a time--her sister included. They are to be a family, and Alkaid wishes her sister to feel as if they are still one.

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.

[ Truthfully, she could talk about anything she wished to and he would listen with rapt attention. Even when they are not together, her voice fills his thoughts and even his dreams more than anything else. And, of course, that only accentuates how much he misses her when they are apart, but it makes the times that they can be together even more special. And like her, he wishes to spend more time with K'thisru as well, getting to know her better and making her feel as though she is part of the family.

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.

[ Simply being with him is pleasing. Leaning against him, holding his hand, laying beside him, kissing him. While she does wish to make love to him and be as a husband and wife should? There are times and places, and he wishes her to wait for their wedding night. She plans to adhere to that... unless he changes his mind.

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?

[ His eyes travel to meet with hers, and he does not bother concealing the intensity in his gaze. He loves her more than he thought he would ever love anyone, and he still finds himself marveling at the notion that the gods saw fit to bring them together.

It is mainly because he would do anything to show her how much he loves her that he is willing to set aside all his reservations and just be the man who will one day be her husband.

And at those words, he laughs, because it seems to him that both of their days are already quite troublesome. ]

I do wonder if either of us will ever find a moment's peace. Ishgard may well be on her way to obtaining that, but what of the rest of our star?

[ Perhaps she would find him silly if he were to admit that it is not only Ishgard's welfare that causes him to lose sleep, but the overall welfare of Eorzea as well. Because certainly, if there is a threat to any of the other city-states or peoples living on the star, he is all too aware that the rippling effects could travel to Ishgard as well.

Nevertheless, he is aware that all the tossing and turning he does will not protect anyone, but that tendency is something he cannot help. ]

There is, yes. How are you and your sister? As is a pattern for you both, you have been through quite a bit in recent days, if my understanding is correct.

[ The intensity of his gaze causes hers to widen slightly. Her heart skips a beat or two, and her tail straightens. Gods, he is so talented at distracting her, even when he most certainly means not to. The pull to encourage his hands surfaces once more, but she turns it down once more. It has been months since they enjoyed the sound of their voices. There has been so much to happen that she ought tell him of the places they have been. That insistent tug to be as close to that line as possible can surely wait.

Her hand raises to rest over his on her collarbone, gently trailing her fingers along the back of his hand. ]

Some part of the star will always be in conflict. Yet, at some point, they cannot rely on Thisru and I alone. We have lives to live.

[ A smile touches her face at his question. ] We fair well enough. Most of this mission has been a test of endurance and strength, as opposed to faith that Ishgard taxed us with. We have seen far more of what the Empire has done to those under its direct rule... the lives it has broken, and the broken lives they put in charge to oppress others.

[ Then, her eyes travel up to the ceiling. The thunder echoes beyond the room and the rain hits the windows harder. ]

Zenos... he's perhaps the strongest man I have ever encountered; by brute force alone. The Ascians wield magick beyond our abilities, and Nidhogg did as well. Everything about Zenos is made of his own training and gaining of power...

[ His gaze turns downward to where her fingers trail along the back of his hand, and a shiver forms at the base of his spine. Her touch always sets off little bursts of electricity, and he finds he is unable to suppress or hold back the rush of excitement he feels whenever she is near. ]

I could not agree more. I sincerely hope that a day will come when Eorzea is able to stand and fight on her own. I do not doubt that you and your sister will lend your aid should it be deemed necessary, but I hope that one day, you will be free to live your own lives and not have to constantly be ready to answer the call when it comes.

[ And naturally, his plans for the two of them include them spending the rest of their days together, and he does not wish to have to factor in orders from the Scions or anyone else for that matter. He may have responsibilities he still needs to see to, but by his reckoning, Alkaid and her sister have jumped when others said jump far too many times, and he only wants to see them be free of that once and for all. ]

I... Well, I see. [ He cannot help the pause that comes when he listens to all Alkaid has to say. Ishgard is hardly perfect; she too has her issues, but he cannot help but believe that when compared to the lives the people they presently fight for have lived, life in Ishgard is an idyllic existence.

Aymeric taps a long finger against his chin as he ponders this, not wishing to sound too glib. ]

He may well be a strong man, perhaps the strongest one who has ever walked our star, but he is only a man, is he not? There must be a weakness to him, something that will provide you with an opening. Or perhaps this is one enemy that requires giving you and your sister aid.

[ He finds he does not like the notion of the sisters fighting Zenos on their own. Surely there is something that he and the other members of the Alliance can do for them. ]

Edited 2022-03-24 07:35 (UTC)

[ They continue to trail along his hand, wrist, and lower arm even once it has pulled back to rest on his chin in thought. A small huff forms in her gaze at the loss of his touch but it is never verbalized. Their conversation has fate more importance at the moment! Even if his caresses leave her knees feeling week and where he touched feeling light.

Her other hand moves to the one at the small of her back. Then, she gently guides it to the long scar at her side. ]

Someday, they will need to learn it. [ Eorzea as a whole she means. She glances down at their hands on her side. ] Thisru and I have fought him twice before, but I imagine this will be the hardest encounter. We didn't have waves of soldiers between us and him, nor an occupied city.

[ Her eyes raze to his. Despite her best attempts, the mint green eyes have darkened very so slightly thanks to his touches. She does not push or ask for more. She only wishes to communicate in a look what his touch can do to her--and she has no issue or qualm about it. ]

I'm certain you read the reports of the attack to Rhalgr's Reach after it happened. His forces overwhelmed the resistance... and Thisru and I stepped in the fight to stop him. He overwhelmed us that first time. B-but, if I hadn't stepped in, then he would have killed Thisru...

[ The hand at her side with his clutches onto his then. ]

Alphinaud tended to me and did a fine job for an archanist; he truly needed little guidance.

[ Truthfully, he would rather fill their time together with touches and caresses and a little conversation in between, but there are some topics that are too important to simply push away because it is not what they wish to do. ]

Someday soon, I hope, for your sake. [ But he finds his thoughts are drawn in the direction of the threat that Zenos represents, and a worried frown takes his face as he considers the implications of this.

Even so, it does not escape his notice how her eyes have darkened, seemingly with pleasure, and even though his mind is turning with worries concerning Zenos, he reaches out again to continue trailing his fingers a little bit past her collarbone this time. ]

The report crossed my desk, yes. [ And he recalls how the information contained in it did not sit well with him then, and it certainly does not now. ] I- I had not realized that the threat you and your sister faced was so dire. Perhaps I am truly as naive as some say I am, to not have realized that before.

[ A strong wave of guilt washes over him then, as he has always felt some responsibility to the two sisters, and knowing that they had been in such danger only troubles him further. He makes a mental note to seek out Alphinaud at his earliest convenience and offer him his thanks. ]

I do not much like the notion of sending you off to another confrontation with him, knowing that doing so places you at risk. You are Eorzea's champions, but more than that, you are the one I love most dearly, and your sister is quite important to me as well.

[ His fingers continue to ghost lightly along her skin as he mulls this over. ]

There must be some way of ensuring that Zenos does not find another opening with which he might take you from us. That a confrontation with him is inevitable, I understand, but you should not be placed in such danger without assistance.

[ Despite her best wishes, her eyes flutter shut as his fingers return to her collarbone and just slightly below it. Her head turns in order for her to brush her cheek and nose along his chest affectionately. There are no intentions in stopping their important conversation. Although, she would be lying to herself if she did not wish that they might be close as they had been all those days ago after the Conference. Even with that idea in mind, she scolds herself, as they are quite a long way from Ishgard and there is a battle to be fought in the morning.

A content and pleased sigh escapes her without her notice as well. ]

Reports are different than retellings, my love. [ She decides to keep her eyes shut for now, enjoying his touch and trying to press down the shivers her body wishes to respond with. ] And, I imagine that Alphinaud had left out more distressing details.

[ Her head turns once more to press a kiss to his chest, as if she might sense his guilt. The fingers at her side caress his to ease him. ]

Then, my knight must certainly find me on the battlefield. [ The ears atop her head droop only slightly. ] I... had worried about what you would think of it all. The injury, the scar, how I managed it. [ Finally, her darkened eyes open to give him a smile. The smile itself has a hint of nervousness to it, and a dash of flirtation underneath it. ] Including the scars on my face, I may yet catch up to you.

[ He performed actions similar to these once before, allowing his fingers to wander wherever they willed, and now that he is doing them again, a voice in his head is telling him that perhaps this should be another occasion in which they get to know each other intimately, leaving nothing uncovered unless they choose to do so.

Armed with that thought in mind, but not intending to go too far without permission, he lets his touch travel lower to where her rounded breasts are. He also made it this far before but something caused him to pause at that time. Now, the only thing that might interrupt them is the looming battle, but perhaps there is no better time for an intimate encounter than on the eve of a great fight. ]

Oh, I am quite familiar with that notion. After all, a great many reports cross my desk even now, and it is no secret which I prefer more: a straightforward report or one of your fine retellings. [ He attempts to interject some humor to offset the guilt that he is feeling. ]

I shall certainly do my best to seek you out. [ He gives a solemn nod as if to punctuate that statement. ] What I think- Nay, what I wish is that you had remained whole and unhurt, because it saddens me very much to think of you being anything but entirely well and unscathed. [ He does not like the notion of her being injured and bleeding and of being too far away to offer her comfort. ]

I hope that you never catch up to me in that way, Lantaa.

[ And then having said that, he leans forward just slightly to plant a kiss against her scarred cheek. ]

[ She smiles at him again for his kiss, cheeks puffed slightly to rouse a laugh from him once more. Despite the darkened eyes or flirtatious undertones? There is nothing short of love in her gaze. Perhaps she clings far too much to him and how she loves him. Yet, she cannot deny that it was loving him that saw her through the vast nights of the Steppe, or even the lonely bustling nights of Kugane.

Her other hand raises to his, gently guiding it to rest over her breast entirely. Her breathing hitches and her heart pounds once more. The rain continues to hit the windows of the borrowed room in a frenzy. Thunder echoes in the mountains. It could be an omen for the day ahead. Not that it matters to her. All of her attention is on the man who has thoroughly captured her heart and perhaps her entire being. Her tail flicks once, twice, then curls against her as she realizes the motion and becomes embarrassed by it. ]

Then, just name the report, and I shall be accurate as possible in my retelling. [ She brushes her lips against his cheek. ] I may yet rival you at the rate this war is going. Regardless, you have me here now. If you find anything amiss? You will have the opportunity to make it well.

[ The smile turns far more genuine despite her suggestive remarks. ] However you would have me the rest of the night. Just like this, giving endless recounting of stories, or anything else.

[ And laugh he does, letting the sheer joy he feels from being around her wash over him. She could cling to him forever and he would not begrudge her nor push her away. All he wants is for them to one day be able to go home to Ishgard for good, or to wherever in the world she wishes to be, because wherever she is, that is home to him. He will always love Ishgard, but he only wants to be where she is happiest and most content.

He has been so focused on her and relishing their time together that he has paid little attention to what the weather is doing. When a particularly loud crash of thunder sounds, he looks up, and for just a moment, an apprehensive look forms in his eyes. The battle will go in regardless of the weather, but he knows it will not make for an easy time for any of them, not that a battle is a simple thing.

Still, his fingers brush against the soft skin of her breast as he wills himself to focus only on her: how she feels, how she moves, and even the light but pleasing scent that he has noticed when he is with her. He can't recall asking her if she wore a certain perfume or essence, but whichever it is, it is just one more thing that he is committing to memory about her. ]

Instead of a report, tell me more about the places you have seen.

[ His other hand raises to brush the strands of hair away from his face as he tries to put what has been in the back of his mind into words. ] What about how you would have me? Is there anything that you wish to have?

[ His mind has already begun to travel in a direction he never thought it would, and he is certain that she would not refuse if he were to make his suggestion, but he imagines she would be a little surprised by it. ]

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