[ While Estinien is navigating his own suppositions, Aymeric's mind is racing as well. The voice of Thordan is doing its best to continue weaving the webs of entrapment in order to keep Aymeric under its spell.
Think of the peace that we could finally know: there will be no more wars, no more fighting. No one else need die, Aymeric. Yes, there will be a remnant who do end up passing beyond this plane, but everything that is worth having has its sacrifices.
As Thordan speaks, Aymeric's eyes seem to grow even brighter, and for just a moment, his vision blurs, obscuring Estinien from his sight.
What would you give to see the world entirely at peace?
Aymeric stiffens at that, hands moving to clench into fists. The image of Thordan in his mind smiles, as if knowing that he has succeeded in keeping the Lord Speaker of Ishgard fully in his grasp. But he has one more thing to say.
What would you give to finally win my approval, my son?
And then, as if to leave Aymeric to wrestle with that last thought, Thordan goes silent once more, and his vision clears once more, just in time for him to hear Estinien speaking about Thordan I and, to Aymeric's ears, casting judgment on his choices thus far. ]
You speak of what you do not know. [ Aymeric's voice is quiet, but his tone is hard, and the glowing in his eyes seems even brighter as he begins to address the dragoon. ] Everyone who is on this star will be made to see reason, and they will join our side. Those who do not... Their fate is unfortunate, but everything that is worth obtaining requires a sacrifice.
He promises peace, and I see no reason why we will not attain it.
[ His gaze zeroes in on Estinien's once more, and he gives a slow nod. ] Have we not always been frank with each other? There is no need for cushioning the truth in softer words.
[ That is to say, he would hear what the man he considers a brother would say, knowing that he may not like it or even accept it, but he would rather hear it plainly. ]
Ah, Estinien. [ Aymeric shakes his head and lets out a long sigh. ] You truly do not know, my friend.
[ Thordan chooses this moment to speak once more, sensing that what Estinien is saying might dislodge the hold he has on Aymeric.
Give no heed to the words he says. Have I not expressed remorse for my past actions and treatment of you? The two of us have a chance for a new beginning, and he seeks to put a stop to that. Will you let him have that chance? ]
Are you so confident that I will never see what he offers me? He has done wrong, and he admits to it without hesitation, and I see no reason why I ought not at least attempt to accept the hand that he offers.
[ At the moment, Aymeric's rage at everything Estinien is saying is merely simmering below the surface, but it is so close now that it would not take much for it to boil over. His eyes narrow as he waits for his friend's response, certain that whatever he will say, he will not like it nor accept it. ]
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Think of the peace that we could finally know: there will be no more wars, no more fighting. No one else need die, Aymeric. Yes, there will be a remnant who do end up passing beyond this plane, but everything that is worth having has its sacrifices.
As Thordan speaks, Aymeric's eyes seem to grow even brighter, and for just a moment, his vision blurs, obscuring Estinien from his sight.
What would you give to see the world entirely at peace?
Aymeric stiffens at that, hands moving to clench into fists. The image of Thordan in his mind smiles, as if knowing that he has succeeded in keeping the Lord Speaker of Ishgard fully in his grasp. But he has one more thing to say.
What would you give to finally win my approval, my son?
And then, as if to leave Aymeric to wrestle with that last thought, Thordan goes silent once more, and his vision clears once more, just in time for him to hear Estinien speaking about Thordan I and, to Aymeric's ears, casting judgment on his choices thus far. ]
You speak of what you do not know. [ Aymeric's voice is quiet, but his tone is hard, and the glowing in his eyes seems even brighter as he begins to address the dragoon. ] Everyone who is on this star will be made to see reason, and they will join our side. Those who do not... Their fate is unfortunate, but everything that is worth obtaining requires a sacrifice.
He promises peace, and I see no reason why we will not attain it.
[ His gaze zeroes in on Estinien's once more, and he gives a slow nod. ] Have we not always been frank with each other? There is no need for cushioning the truth in softer words.
[ That is to say, he would hear what the man he considers a brother would say, knowing that he may not like it or even accept it, but he would rather hear it plainly. ]
Ah, Estinien. [ Aymeric shakes his head and lets out a long sigh. ] You truly do not know, my friend.
[ Thordan chooses this moment to speak once more, sensing that what Estinien is saying might dislodge the hold he has on Aymeric.
Give no heed to the words he says. Have I not expressed remorse for my past actions and treatment of you? The two of us have a chance for a new beginning, and he seeks to put a stop to that. Will you let him have that chance? ]
Are you so confident that I will never see what he offers me? He has done wrong, and he admits to it without hesitation, and I see no reason why I ought not at least attempt to accept the hand that he offers.
[ At the moment, Aymeric's rage at everything Estinien is saying is merely simmering below the surface, but it is so close now that it would not take much for it to boil over. His eyes narrow as he waits for his friend's response, certain that whatever he will say, he will not like it nor accept it. ]