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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
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. ]
no subject
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?
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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?
no subject
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.
no subject
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...
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
Her eyes raise once his does, tips of her ears giving a twitch at the rain she has been dimly aware of. She does not pretend to know or understand how war is planned and fought, but, she cannot imagine it will be made easier with the weather. Alkaid sinks beside him slightly and presses a kiss to his chest once more to show that, despite the moment, she is aware of what the morrow might being.
Despite her attempts, her body shudders beneath his touch. A rush of pleasure strikes her, running from what feels as if the tip of her tail to her ears. Her body moves on instinct to press against his hand to encourage him further. Perhaps he might move to remove her small clothes or even kiss her breast and move his hand between her legs...
Alkaid focuses her thoughts back to the conversation. That is far more important than her instincts or her desires taking her by full force. Oh, but, he is so distracting and tempting. Gods, how pathetic is she to be so entirely smitten and devoted to him?
She has already decided of what to tell him of next. While Rhalgr's Reach is not as enchanting as other places she has been? It will give him an idea and perspective to the area for the battle. Before that, however, he had asked a question of her.
All of you. That is the first answer to her mind. Yet, despite his earlier sentiments, she holds it back in favor of a more... nuanced way of speaking. Her hands move to trail down his face and move to the back of his head. Alkaid then presses her forehead to his. ]
I would have you in any way you are comfortable in giving me. I know you wish me to not hold back, but I would not have you change who you are to believe you must to keep me. I am already promised to you... and already yours in so many ways. [ She kisses him lightly. ] I would ask that you simply be Aymeric de Borel, however you find yourself to be you.
[ Then, her head tilts. She leaves gentle kisses along his cheek, jawline, then pauses at the bottom of his ear. ]
I didn't speak of Rhalgr's Reach to you, other than what was in Alphinaud's report. I imagine it was highly lacking...
no subject
As for the weather, as far as he is concerned, it can continue to pour down rain and thunder can crash, but he chooses to not hear it, focusing only on what Alkaid might say, and if she says nothing, then listening to her heart beat.
The war is inevitable, but tonight there is just the two of them, and he intends to think of nothing else.
As for what he does next, he decides that they ought to move to the next level of being bare around each other. Her small clothes are not in his way, and yet he places a tentative hand on them as if silently asking permission to remove them.
If he knew the effect he was having upon her and how distracting he is, he would most certainly apologize, but it has not registered with him that that is what he is doing. ]
But is that enough?
[ He already knows that he has no qualms about giving all of himself to her, because he feels as though he is hers too, just as he has already begun thinking of her as his and part of his family. ]
Then consider me yours, for as long as you wish to have me.
[ And then he falls silent again, relishing the feel of her as she places kisses along his cheek and jawline. ]
Alphinaud's report was quite factual and straightforward as a report should be. [ He will not do the young Elezen such a disservice as labeling his report dry, because he certainly has read far drier ones. ]
Still, I would like to hear your version.
no subject
Her hand raises once more to rest on his over her small clothes. Mint-green eyes lock onto his to give permission for what he seeks to do. The color darkens further at his touch, tail beginning to sway once more despite herself. Her breathing deepens in anticipation despite how she attempts to reign herself in. In this moment, she will certainly take the distractions.
At his question, she shifts. A leg swings over him underneath the blankets, both knees resting beside either hip. ]
Yes. You are more than enough.
[ She returns to brushing her lips to where his jawline and ear meet. Slowly, she lowers her hips to rest against his, not moving forward until she can tell where he would wish to go from there. ]
Those that lived there were of the monks, training under the watchful eye of Rhalgr, their patron god. They carved the halls and deep arches out of stone themselves -- supposedly by their fists alone. [ Her head tilts to press a kiss to the bottom of his ear once more, needing to move forward with how she sits on him in order to reach. Even now, being so much shorter than him seems to work against her. She begins then to trace outer edges with it her lips. She has no idea if he may like the notion, but, she supposes they will both find out. ] After the fall of the Royal Family, refugees flocked to live there as well. They sleep in the beds carved out in stone or in the tents along the sand. Behind the great statue of Rhalgr is a large and beautiful waterfall that tumbles from the stone it is all carved from.
The people are friendly enough, even if they are not entirely trusting of those that are not their own. The Empire had broken so many of the spirits of Gry Abania that the Resistance was shunned in a way. It was... jarring to say the least. After all, Ishgardians kept the fight going, no matter the losses or the heartbreak. Yet the people here were broken.
no subject
I feel as though there is much and more that I could do and that I could be, but your belief in me... I value it more than anything that I possess.
[ And in his mind, that is no small thing for him to admit. But then he falls silent so that he might listen to what she is relating to him. ]
One day, I would see this Rhalgr's Reach. With you by my side, of course. I could tell you anything that you wished to know about Ishgard and our military history, but when it comes to other nations and locations in the world, I remain woefully unaware.
[ His expression shifts, turning sober and serious, concerned for the well-being of the people of Rhalgr's Reach. That concern is nearly disrupted by the way she begins to trace along the edges of his ear with her kisses, and for a moment, the usual tension in his frame lessens and his eyes slide closed. They are quick to open again, but he still remains relaxed even as he continues listening. ]
I imagine it was not by anything that we in Ishgard did that kept us from being the same as the people of which you speak. We could have broken as well, and I can hardly claim to know why it is we were spared that fate.
[ Some might say that it was their determination or their faith and their belief, but everyone has those things until circumstances choke them out. That seems to be what happened to Rhalgr's Reach, and he sympathizes greatly with the people who call it home, even though he has never met them. ]
no subject
[ How she wishes she might explain herself better. The small things she has wanted for herself are the ones he has promised to give her--or already has. Now, she is the one who needs to return it. He desires so much to protect her that she must find a way to grant it for him. Maybe she can purposely leave a trail or some sort to have him find her on the battlefield...
Alkaid pauses once his fingers undo the tie at her back to remove the small clothes that support her breasts. A content sigh leaves her then. The top is far from restricting of her breathing and chest, but, it still feels relieving to have it removed in this moment. The urge to press herself against him entirely is pushed down in favor of their conversation. ]
Nidhogg did not come into Ishgard and promise peace if you obeyed. Your people were not torn between citizenry of their birth or their occupiers. Families were not torn apart by an attempt to change to the new status quo. The Empire broke these people by breaking the fabric that held them together; family and tradition.
[ Alkaid pauses again as she feels him relax underneath her. Her gaze slides to the side to watch how he reacts and moves. Ah, so he likes it. She knows of the spot on his neck and between his shoulders that gives the same response. It is information to note to herself, but she wonders if it might stir that feeling inside him.
One hand raises gently around his neck to remove the protective necklace she made him. She places it beside the pillows, unable to reach the table beside them with her attention moving back to his oppsite ear. Alkaid reaches the point of his ear and gently nibbles on it as he had once done to hers. If she hurts him or he finds it unappealing? She will apologize for it. ]
Gyr Abania is very different in climate from what the calamity changed Ishgard to, isn't it? [ She lips brush along his ear as she continues to talk. ] Once the battle is over and we've beaten Zenos, let me take you to Rhalgr's Reach. It is between here and Baelsar's Wall... we can stop there before we continue home...
[ There is a sense of pleading in her tone at the suggestion. Just as Estinien surmised months ago, Alkaid yearns to bring Aymeric with her. She promised him to take him places to see the world. She still needs to show him the repair work done at Zenith... and now Rhalgr's Reach... maybe even Kugane, or Costa de Sol...
Alkaid closes her eyes. She presses her hips down on him when a spike of lonliness creeps up her spine. Her nose presses to the side of his head, tail slowly moving side to side. She missed him so much; more than she can truly describe. With each new place she snd her sister visited? The thought of needing him beside her to see the world stung again and again. They could travel and then return home to Ishgard...
Her shoulders shake at the sudden emotion taking over her. She can recall the exact moment when she truly understood how much she missed him. It was even in the letter she had sent from Kugane. Her feet had been rooted to the ground as if stone had been tied to her ankles, eyes fixed on the Ishgardian couple that were at one of the stands. They had minded their business and not even noticed that she was watching them. She felt so heavy and numb as she watched them move away arm-in-arm, discussing something privately between them.
Why can they come to this far away city, but we can't travel together?
Of course, she had already known the answer, and scolded herself immediately for the thought alone. They were not tied by positions or duties in the same way. They were not on a covert mission to usurp the rule of the Empire. The knowledge and the answers hardly changed how she felt... or how she feels now.
Alkaid had even debated adding it to the letter she had already written. What would the point of it all be? The letters were meant to fill him with joy and give him an idea of where she was and what she had seen. Not to fill him with remorse or longing....
She forces a shaking exhale to control herself. He is here with her now, underneath her even, in a place neither knows. This can be the start of being able to take him places--regardless of the war in the morning. ]
Aymeric. Let me take you there--not only there, but anywhere you might wish to go. Please. [ She realizes it may change the mood of the night. Yet, this is something she desperately wants him to know. Her voice becomes quieter as the emotions become evident. ] Our talks, being together like this, waking up and seeing you beside me. I missed it all. I missed you. My knight. Even if it's only for an afternoon? Let me take you somewhere you've only ever heard of...
[ She wishes she knew why she felt so strongly of it all. They will have the time to travel once they are wed on their honeymoon. Yet, something deep inside her does not wish to wait for then. She presses a desperate kiss to the side of his head, base of his ear, and neck. It feels that if she does not try to keep him here, with her, he may return to Ishgard without her. ]
no subject
When you were younger, did you not have dreams of meeting a man who met all your hopes and ideals, who would have done his best to ensure that all your dreams were also met? I wish to be that man, and I feel... I feel as though I could still do more.
[ He knows that he could spend his entire life trying to give her everything he believes she deserves, and he would not regret even one second of it.
Once the top his removed, he reaches for her now exposed breasts, but there is hesitation there along with the desire to just reach out and touch them. Is this too forward? She seems to have all but invited him to do the deed, but still, he cannot help but worry. Even so, he does his best to not let even a hint of his worry show, because regardless of his worries, he does want to cross this boundary.
So, he decides to let instinct take the reins for now and he lightly cups her breast with one hand even as they continue their conversation. ]
Of course, that is true, but what gives me pause is the notion that so many others are still fighting for peace and freedom, and although we are here now, present to take part in this fight... Surely we could do more. We should be doing more.
Ishgard has found peace, and we are rebuilding, slowly but surely, but I for one cannot rest knowing that others are still experiencing such struggles.
[ He knows that he will always be burdened with care for Ishgard, but he feels that his heart is big enough to have care for others who are in need, such as those who hail from this region. ]
Perhaps I need to look into how Ishgard might send some form of aid to the people here who need it.
[ He mulls over this possibility even as his body reacts to her touch as she removes the necklace from his neck and then proceeds to lightly nibble on his ear. A shiver forms at the base of his spine and works its way upwards until his shoulders seem to shake lightly with a pleased response.
If his voice comes out a little bit breathless with his next words, well... she certainly has garnered a reaction from him. ]
Quite different, yes. Have you been told of what Ishgard was like before the Calamity? I imagine it is documented in the annals of history, but not all know of it.
I would like to see it, and Baelsar's Wall, and anywhere else you might show me.
[ He hears the tone with which she speaks, and he raises a hand to place it lightly against her ear, hoping to give her some comfort in return. With each action that she makes, from the way she presses her hips against him to how her nose presses into the side of his head, he finds it difficult to concentrate on speaking.
The very moment that he realizes her shoulders have begun to shake, he looks to meet her eyes, a worried glance landing in his. ]
Are you well? Is it becoming too cold in here for you?
[ Perhaps he ought not to have undressed her so. ]
If you are uncomfortable, please, let me know so that I might see to your needs.
[ He would add more, but she speaks before he can, practically pleading with him now. ]
I would let you have the moon if that is what you desired, Lantaa. Traveling with you to anywhere on this star is more than I could have hoped for, because I have missed you greatly as well.
Not to make too fine a point of it, but when you are absent, it feels as though half of myself has gone away as well, and only when you are near do I feel complete again.
[ And then, having said that, he waits for her to complete her actions and her own series of kisses so that he might plant one on the side of her breast.
As for him returning to Ishgard alone, he can scarcely imagine it. He would want nothing more than for them to return home together at the end of all this, but he is not so foolish or selfish to think that they will be able to do that.
Their respective responsibilities will not end with one battle, but he still cannot help but hope for the briefest of reprieves. She has been far from home for too long, and he wishes only to bring her home, carrying her across the threshold of their home as one might carry his bride.
They are not joined together yet, of course, but that does not alter his thoughts one bit. ]
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[ His question has clearly caught her off guard. She had explained once that she did not want her partner to be that of her tribe. Her mate was to be hers and hers alone, after seeing the distinct level of dissatisfaction both her and K'thisru's mother had over sharing their father. How could she though, when the inclination of all those of her form of Miqo'te would bond into clans with one, perhaps a handful, of mating males? It served them well and saw their kind continue on for centuries... but... ]
All I had ever wanted was a mate to call my own. One I would not have to share with another. One that I didn't have to worry if my children would be accepted by another's. [ Her shoulders curl as a light pink takes her face. ] I... I'm fairly certain you have already made that dream come true.
[ She nods to his next statement, intending to continue along the lines of explaining the plight that Gyr Abania finds itself in. Anything she might have said blanks from her mind when he takes her breast into his hand. A bolt of eletricty seems to rush down her spine and into her tail. It straightens underneath the blanket and a pleased sound escapes her. It feels as if her heart is pounding a million yalms a moment and instincts take over her. Alkaid shifts forward into his hold, electing another pleased sound. She has to force her mind back to the conversation to keep her hips from rocking against him and being lost entirely in the moment.
Although, it is a welcomed distraction from her emotions threatening to spill out. A shake of her head is afforded to his query, being far from cold, and merely upset. Again, she moves to respond, only to find herself once again robbed of speech as he kisses the side of her breast. Her head tilts into the hand at her ear, practically rubbing into his hold on her person. If she had thought maintaining any sort of propriety was difficult that night so many months ago? Then this was certainly beyond returning to that notion.
She exhales unsteadily as she tries to focus her mind on their conversation. His hands where they are make it feel as if small twinges of electricity are running throughout her body, and she is not entirely certain what to do or say next. Save, perhaps, pushing her hips to his once more, but she does her utmost to keep some control. ]
Then, I'm taking you there... Rhalgr's Reach... t-the Wall. E-even to Gridania if desire. Anywhere as we move home. [ Her head turns to press kisses along the side of his neck. Each breaths he takes seems quicker but yet deeper at the same time. What can she do to make him feel the same way? She moves to pressing open mouth kisses along his body and collarbone. ] Where can we go where we can be together? So you can feel whole? Part of me stays with you when I go so far way...
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Truthfully, I cannot fathom such an arrangement. That is not to say that I look down upon it or look at it with disdain, only that it is difficult for me to picture. [ A troubled sort of look crosses his face then as her words sink in. He knows that what she speaks of is different from his own personal situation and from the issue of his own parentage, but it brings that to mind even though he does his best to push it back down again. ]
I assure you that I will wholeheartedly accept and welcome any children that we may be blessed with. [ Even if they wind up adopting and filling up the house with those who might otherwise not have had families, they will all be considered heirs of House Borel, and he knows he will love all of them equally.
He immediately notices her reactions and how she verbally expresses how she feels about his actions. Encouraged by her reactions and the noise she made, he continues his movements, even going as far as to cup her other breast with his other hand.
In truth, when he is touching her more intimate areas, it is harder to carry on a conversation with any level of clarity. Certainly, he is not thinking about propriety in this moment, and when she rubs herself against him, he too reacts with pleasure.
But she begins listing places that she intends to take him, and he finds himself nodding along with each one. ] For me to be whole... Our duties that separate us would have to end. Or, at the very least, I would resign from my duties that I might accompany you always and truly be your knight.
[ He has said as much before, but it seems to him that she does not approve of that idea. Ishgard will always be his home, and he will always love the life he has there, but she is part of his life now, if not his entire life, and he knows he would make any sacrifice necessary to stay with her.
His back arches with pleasure as she plants kisses along his collarbone and along his body as well. There is a stirring up inside him as her kisses cause a firestorm of sensations, all pleasurable but strong enough to make his head swim. He cannot stop the unmistakable moan of pleasure that escapes him as her kisses continue, and now it is his turn to find it difficult to speak. ]
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