[ At some points, he finds himself wondering if perhaps he ought to feel embarrassment because of how much and how readily he soaks up the affection she gives him. And yet he finds that he can hardly help it, because as she has surmised, he has not been on the receiving end of very much of it in what feels like a very long time. To be kissed or even held as Alkaid has done so many times now causes Aymeric to feel a swirl of emotions that he knows he has not felt since before his parents passed.

When he is with Alkaid, he feels loved and cared for, just as he did when he had both of his parents with him.

She presses a finger to his lips, but he had no intention of objecting or expressing doubts. Perhaps it is simply his state of mind after the ordeal both of them have been through, but he realizes he wishes for nothing more but to remain close to her.

When he can speak again, he says: ]

Anywhere that you are, that is where I want to be. To see places I have only read about excites me, yes, but my true desire is to simply be with you.

[ He is also content to just hold her and rest with her as peacefully as they can. In a way, it feels as though this peace has been every bit as hard-won as the one he sought to obtain for his people. He does not wish to ruin this moment, but he cannot ignore the fact that that peace is being threatened now, a thing that is intolerable.

But they will address the threat at another time. Right now is a time for them to rest and enjoy each other's company. He moves his free hand to lightly toy with her ear, gently fingering its tip and moving back and forth in light stroking motions. And whether or not they recover those ancient memories, there is no robbing from them the emotions and the memories they are creating with each moment they spend together. ]