[ There are two things at the heart of all this: Aymeric's love of Ishgard, and an unfulfilled desire to be seen and accepted by his father. Of course, Aymeric has not voiced that thought to anyone, and he has barely begun to admit it to himself. But in his mind, he has begun to believe that he might be able to win the favor of his father by serving him and doing his best to help further his goals.

The voice in his head does not express outright approval, not just yet, but at least there is the absence of disapproval, and so Aymeric has decided to take what he can get. ]

It is not strange to me at all. There are those who cannot see the truth, and they will either have their eyes opened or perish. Only one has the ability to make those claims and turn them into reality: Thordan himself.

[ He would name him aloud as father, but something causes him to refrain. Perhaps he does not wish to tip his hand so soon, to allow Estinien to know why he has thrown his lot in with Thordan. He supposes that the other man might even suspect without being told, but for the moment, he decides to leave some things unsaid. ]

In times of war, are there not casualties? I would not see anyone with Ishgardian blood meet their doom, but before there can be peace, there are also the demands- the sacrifices of war.

[ He fixes Estinien with the stoniest look that he can manage. ] Have I not been clear? I do not require healing from anyone, least of all the person you have in mind.