echoes of truth | ❝ tales of loss and fire and flame. ❞

[dragonssung]

song of hope

BOOK 3.5: EVER HEAVENSWARD

Tales of loss and fire and faith
Every word on our hearts engraved
In the dark you will not stray
Forge ahead, till the end, we prayCODE BY TESSISAMESS

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[thewayforpeace]

[ The first thing that Aymeric does upon having awareness return to him is to clasp a hand against his head. His recollection of everything that happened is sketchy at best, but if the aching in his head is anything to go by, someone must have struck him there and knocked him out. He slowly gets to his feet, and as he looks around, he realizes that he has been locked inside a cell.

What is more, his customary armor is gone, as is his sword. These realizations do little to improve his mood, which is already heading in a direction bordering on rage.

It is only once he is standing that he notes that the aching is not only in his head, but all over. It is as though he sustained several blows before being tossed in here, and now that he is thinking about it, he recalls being locked in some sort of violent struggle that seemed to last far too long.

A strong ripple of anger sweeps over him, and a voice, loud and overpowering, practically shouts: You must free yourself by any means necessary. You are needed, and there is no time for you to waste being kept in here.

Driven by the urgency in those words, Aymeric steps closer to the bars of the cell, wrapping his hands around them and shaking them as hard as he can. When he hears no sound from down the corridor just outside the cell, he lets out a growl of frustration.

Suddenly, rational thought is replaced by rage, and he steps back a few paces from the bars so that he might slam himself into them. If nothing else, the noise will surely capture someone's attention, and if they have even a lick of sense at all, they will let him out of this cell so that he might do his work. If he cannot attract anyone's attention, then he intends to look for any weak points in the walls that he might exploit in order to free himself that way. ]

[dragonssung]

[ Were he the man he once was, Estinien would wonder how he had been pulled into the myriad of twists and turns around the tale of the Warriors of Light. Now, however, he is a wiser man and can see that all those the sisters touch become embroiled in their story. Or--perhaps--the sisters become embroiled in the stories of those they touch. The point matters not as he once again found himself pulled into their ways and asked to be, for lack of a better term, a honorary Scion. Whilst the sisters were whisked away to to the area of Limsa to deal with suspicious towers that rose, Estinien was asked to oversee Ishgard.

Oversee he did.

A tower arose in the far north of Corethas and a striking sound had echoed the land. Estinien watched as several he once knew seemed to be possessed. He knew the signs of tempering, of course, and aided in evacuating those that had not suddenly become possessed by the choir like shouting. Chills ran down his spine as he realized that only one such primal could bring forth a response from Ishgardians. He moved to Ishgard only to find chaos outside her gates. There those that were tempered fought with those who did not become enthralled.

He is not too proud to admit that his heart sank upon seeing the glowing mark of eyes upon the man he calls brother. He is also not too proud to admit that it was more out of his love for his brother than the tactical idea of retrieving a tempered leader of a city-state that he singled Aymeric out. A single jump was all that was needed to dive onto the other man and render him unconscious. Then, he saw to it that those who could escape would, and they made for the southern areas. The Black Shroud opened it's gates to those who looked for shelter, while Estinien agreed to move Aymeric somewhere further from the primal's influence.

A cell made by pirates was not exactly his intention.

He stops at the door that leads to the row of cells that his brother has been placed in. They felt it too dangerous to place him near others. At least, not until the other Scions had been consulted. He closes his eyes briefly at the continual sounds of metal being rushed. Someone had finally come to, and it is all too clear that his senses have not returned.

Perhaps it best if he find a way to keep the Warriors of Light from seeing Aymeric in such a matter. Hmph, an idea, but one not likely to happen. Not when one is betrothed to the man he sees as brother.

Estinien adjusts the lance--Nidhogg--at his back before entering the row of cells. He catches the glimmer of glowing blue in Aymeric's eyes before he has even stepped near the cell. The dragoon comes to stand in front of the cell, eyes traveling down to the bars that Aymeric continues to rush. They will hold for a while yet. ]

You are likely to damage yourself before the bars that hold you, Aymeric. I would not believe you have been robbed of your intelligence as you have been robbed your sense of self. [ His eyes narrow. ] I would suggest you step away from the bars. None will come down to allow you leave from this cell.

[thewayforpeace]

[ Truthfully, Aymeric remembers very little of what happened before he found himself in this cell. All seemed to have descended into chaos, but what exactly transpired between the appearance of the tower and his apparent imprisonment, he could not say.

All he knows is that he must not spend another minute in this cell, and if anyone can free him, it will be his old friend. He completes one more frenzied rush at the cell bars, completely ignoring how bruises are already forming on his hands and forearms.

He turns his gaze, glowing eyes and all, to Estinien, and he wraps his hands around the bars as he addresses him. ]

Come now, old friend. Surely you will not leave me to languish here, not when there is much and more that I must see to.

[ He does not step away from the bars, hands clenching tightly around the cold material. If his friend does not release him, his anger will only rise. ]

[dragonssung]

[ With one long glance back, the dragoon wordlessly expects Alphinaud and K'thisru to follow him. It would seem that Alkaid is rooted in place at the front of the cell. He hopes that means he will not need to intervene for some time yet. Nidhogg settles to his back once more as he steps outside into the adjoined hallway only separated by a wooden door. He closes it once the other two enter the hallway with him.

He sighs. Where to begin? ]

Despite the scene, tis good to see the three of you returned from your mission unharmed. [ He raises a hand to brush off any concerns either--espcially Alphianud--may have for his person. ] Niether Aymeric nor I have been in Limsa long.

[ Then, he crosses his arms. ] did as I was bade by your order and kept my eyes towards Ishgard. I had expected to see one if your fabled towers toward that of the local beast tribes--Bismarck, or even Ravanna perhaps. What I had not expected was to see my own people enthralled.

Before either of you might ask. I was unable to enter the city proper. It would seem the primal who has taken the city wishes a stronghold made out of it, and battle to be made at the gates. I had mine own suspicions on what primal took hold, and had them confirmed by Aymeric himself.

Someone within the city has managed to resurrect the image of King Thordan from scriptures. But, for it to enthrall my oldest friend would mean it is not just the King of scripture... but perhaps the one that Aymeric's own father became. [ His eyes move from Alphinaud to K'thisru. ] And yet, only the Warriors of Light could confirm if it is indeed the same. Aymeric is under the impression that it is indeed his father returned.

[elpides]

[ K'thisru follows behind Estinien and Alphinaud, but if either of them are looking, they might notice that her attentions are not on the steps she is taking to follow them. Her gaze is still fixed on the cell, and on the two people who are now inside it. She is so focused on whatever scene might be unfolding behind them that she narrowly misses tripping on an uneven bit of flooring.

That brings her attention back to the present, just in time to hear Estinien begin to speak. Still, she is not wholly focused on his words, the worry she feels for her sister and the man whom she has fallen in love with drowning nearly everything else out.

It is not until Alphinaud reaches out and slips his hand into hers that she realizes her inattentiveness has not gone unnoticed. ]

Oh, I- I'm sorry, I was... [ Well, she certainly was not paying attention. There is little point in trying to pretend that she was listening this whole time, because she clearly was not. ]

[dragonssung]

[ Estinien had noticed her attention wandering during his brief report. He has no issue with it, save for when she quite obviously would need him to repeat it. An irritation crosses his face but he merely sighs it away for he cannot blame her truly. The sisters are almost one in the same person at times. One would think them twins such as Alphinaud and Alisaie. ]

As I was saying. There is no telling how much of Ishgard has fallen to tempering without infuriating it. Which would require the quietest of the Scions... and even then, the rest of us would be vulnerable, should the tempered realize that we are not of their ilk.

[ He shakes his head. ] Even the great wryms are not above being tempered by the right primal. Tiamat remains chained in self imposed exile in Azys Lla...

[ At that, an idea strikes him. His eyes close to briefly ponder it before turning his attention to Alphinaud. ] Alphinaud. The Allagans knew how to capture and contain Primals, did they not? One must wonder how they remained untempered through such a process. I do not suppose your order knows one who is an expert in Allag.

[crystallinedreams]

[ The gentle morning sun has graced The Crystarium, and all the better for it. Thanks to the endeavors of the Warriors and the Scions, Norvrandt and what remains of her people have been saved from annihilation. The Crystal Exarch, while forever grateful, knows that he took quite the gamble with it all of course. He also knows that the debt he has to the two sisters can never fully be repaid; nor can a thousand apologies be enough for what they've had to endure.

He simply hopes that they can understand he acted in the best interests for not only Norvrandt, but the people the Scions and warriors too wish to save.

The residents of the Crystarium cheer and wave, even bow when the see K'thsiru warp into the plaza. Smiles and well wishes are certainly the opposite of what she had just left behind in Limsa Lominsa. The large staircase that adorns the north of the plaza beckons to the Warrior, and the guards salute her as she joins them. ]

'Ere to see the Exarch, Warrior? No worries. He's been in that stuffy meeting with the newest Emissary all morning and would probably be glad to see you're here. I'll show you to the teleporter.

[ As... well, it would be quite ridiculous to expect the Warrior to traverse all the stairs ever upwards to the Ocular. It is, after all, the Crystal Tower.

The Exarch is indeed in a meeting with said Emissary once the door unexpectedly opens. With his hood down and his red to white aging hair on display, he turns to see who might interrupt. It is to say, a very welcome surprise when he sees K'thisru's face. He smile widens and his ears perk ever slightly. Not for the first time is he glad his robes hide the tail that twitches only a bit at her presence. ]

Ah, and here she is, hero of our time! Without a moment to spare, might I add. We had just finished our discussions for now.

[ He turns back to the Emissary with a smile, who casually shrugs and sees himself out of the room. The ruby red eyes follow him before finally returning to K'thisru. His smile lessens once he notes her countenance and part of him wonders if she brings ill news or if perhaps she has finally soured towards him. ]

Thisru! Is... everything alright?

[elpides]

[ When K'thisru warps into the aetheryte plaza, it takes her a moment to realize just what that sound is. To hear applause greet her as she adjusts herself after her arrival is slightly surprising, but she manages a smile and a wave to the people who are there in the area. To smile for them takes some effort, but she does her best.

And when she nears the staircase and is greeted by the guards, she nods to them and gives them a smile as well. Before she can protest and say that if the Exarch is busy, she can wait to meet with him but the guard escorts her in.

She wishes that she could smile for him too, but he is one person around whom she feels she does not have to pretend. His greeting would make her smile if not for the dire circumstances behind her arrival here.

Once the Emissary departs and they are alone, she does not hesitate to run towards him and all but throw herself at him, desperately seeking his comfort. ]

I didn't mean to come unannounced, but- [ Her breath hitches and her words catch in her throat, and for just a moment, she buries her face into his shoulder. ]

[crystallinedreams]

[ His ears move to stand entirely on end when she wraps her arms around him. A thrill always runs up his spine, and he considers himself blessed that she might even turn her eye towards him. The feeling is fleeting however, for he notices the pitch of her voice and the way in which she apologies. His stance settles to be able to handle her full weight as his arms wrap around her securely. ]

Thisru... [ His hand still made of flesh raises to gently test on top of her head. Part of him fears it is unseen trauma finally ebbing its way through her from all she has experienced--and there naught be a way he might help her. ] Has something happened? What's wrong?

[crystallinedreams]

( cont )

I think you have forgotten how truly gifted one must be to be a summoner, Thisru. You weave aether into a elemental form to do your bidding--created from the memories of what you have encountered. The soul crystals of summoners hail back to the days of Alag, and I would certainly say that you are a master of the craft. Visages of Bahamut and Phoenix are quite amazing feats. [ Perhaps the tone of awe in which he speaks of her is so quite obvious then. ] Mastering any knowledge from the Allagans is nothing to sell yourself short of.

[ He chuckles gently. ] We were very childish adventurers once. Well, an aspiring one, in my case.

[ The Exarch had always seen Alkaid as the doting elder sister figure. One who cares very much for those around her, and yet has difficulty sharing herself with them. His ruby eye turn towards K'thisru to watch her reaction to his rather long and complicated way of explaining how he has felt about her since they met. A tilt of his head shows he is rather taken back by how she seems to sadden at the notion.

He wonders if his advances and attempts to spend time with her in his younger years were truly never realized.

A gentle smile spreads on his face at her remarks. Then, he leans towards her by merely a fraction, leaving a gentle kiss to the side of her head. ]

I imagine if I was truly half as persuasive as you think of me, then, she might not be so intently staring at the floor beneath her.

[elpides]

[ In spite of the way something inside her seems to leap up in response to his words of admiration and even praise, her gaze remains turned downwards just as her ears remain folded flat against her head.

She knows full well that she took to being a summoner as well as anyone could, but she still thinks that there are far brighter minds out there than hers. Take Urianger for instance. He practically brims with knowledge, even if he is more cryptic than not. Y'shtola is equally knowledgeable, as is Thancred. And her sister... Well, she is one of the smartest people that she knows. And of course, now she can add the Exarch to that list of bright minds.

Compared to all of them, she is just ordinary, nothing special. She thinks her sister could have been an Archon, if she had the same education as the rest of the Scions. But there is nothing to be done about that; she just believes that she ranks lower than the rest in terms of being knowledgeable.

But at the Exarch's words, she raises her head just a fraction, a question in her eyes. She truly did think he was speaking about her sister and not her, but the way he said that seems to mean something else. But that's impossible... ]

You're talking about Alkaid, aren't you? [ A part of her doesn't want to know, doesn't want to hear him say what she believes he will, but she has to know for sure. ]

[thewayforpeace]

[ Several hours pass before Aymeric begins to stir, a frown crossing his face as he pulls lightly against the chains still binding him to the wall. It is almost as though he has forgotten where he is and what has transpired recently, but as awareness returns to him, so does the memory of everything that has happened and what has been done to him, against his will.

... Or perhaps more accurately, against the will of Thordan. It takes another few moments before consciousness returns and his eyes slowly slit open. Remembering now that Ishgard's former dragoon chained him up, and one of the two Warriors of Light has been sitting vigil with him, a glower replaces the frown he wears. There is not much else he can do, given the chains are as strong as ever, something he cannot say for himself.

Still, he retains the use of his voice, and considering that is more or less the only asset still left to him, he means to make use of it. For the moment, though, he seems to be alone, except for the Warrior of Light, who seems to have fallen asleep inside the cell with him, and he is unsure if Estinien is still lurking just outside the cell door.

A half smirk comes to his face as he surveys Alkaid, and he just shakes his head. While he would goad her and throw scathing words at her, it seems like a wasted effort, because she most likely would not be able to hear him anyway.

So for the moment, he just waits while his mind turns with plots and schemes he might attempt to put into play when the time is right. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ Alkaid had done her best not to fall asleep, but the emotional drain of the situation eventually tugged her down into the lightest of slumbers. While she wholly still believes that they will find a way to return Aymeric from his tempered state? She could not help but grant his silent desire to fall asleep at her side. The pain in her heart still remains even if it is now a dull ache that feels as if it would be a constant reminder.

Her eyes open first before she stirs in any other fashion. His breathing still hitches in pain, but it is clearly different than it was before he had drifted off. Her hands flex slightly at the realization of what it means. Then, slowly, she pulls her hands from around him.

Then, she pulls away and raises her head to look at him properly. She notes the glow in his eyes and that can mean only one thing. A weariness takes her own eyes then as she sits in front of him with her hands in her lap. ]

[thewayforpeace]

[ Aymeric's sleep was not particularly restful either, as it was filled with confusing images filled with crystals and a blinding white light and, inexplicably, the same person who continued walking away from him again and again with each dream he had. Now that he is awake again, he has not wasted another second on deciphering these pointless dreams, because he has more important things to do.

Lifting his head as best as he can, he fixes Alkaid with a stare. ]

So you are awake as well. [ His voice lacks its usual strength, but he is clearly not in the best condition ever. Dark circles can clearly be seen under his eyes, and his skin looks considerably paler than it would have normally. ]

What do you intend to do now?

[thewayforpeace]

[ Perhaps it seems strange, but Aymeric's mind has associated Nidhogg with further pain, and evidently that is distressing enough to cause him to cease making any actions at all. But with the lance put out of sight, the fear that temporarily gripped him subsides, and he resumes slowly eating the food that had been procured for him.

Before too long, he has finished what he was given, and aside from setting the tray down on the floor once more, Aymeric's movements cease once again.

With nothing more to do than sit there, Aymeric's eyes slowly slide closed, as exhaustion sweeps over him once more. The food certainly helped, although it will take more than one attempt at eating to restore his lost strength, and so for the moment, Aymeric remains seated with his back to the wall, half dozing but dimly aware of the man still seated across from him.

It isn't until some time has passed, perhaps a little over an hour, that a faint knock sounds from the door at the end of the hall. Aymeric fell asleep at some point during that time, and so the sound does not wholly register with him, but the hand that is resting on the floor twitches as if trying to stir its owner back to a state of wakefulness. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ Estinien sighs in slight irritation at her continual pleas before opening the door to the hallway. Outside are the twins, and Alisaie raises her head with her arms crossed. Her mouth opens to greet one of her fabled heroes, only to stop as and stare at the woman usually so refined. She kicks and yells at the dragoon before rather unceremoniously drops her on the ground.

Alkaid pushes herself up and immediately reaches for the door to the row of cells. It slams shut the moment she hits it. Her hand goes to the door knob to try and loosen it, but she realizes that Estinien has bared it from the inside. Her hands ball into fists as she raises them to slam into the wooden door, standing on the balls of her feet, trying to get back inside.

Alisaie looks to her brother in a rare moment of confusion and, quite frankly, shock. Then, she turns to look back to Alkaid and gently comes up beside her. Her other hand motions for her brother to join her on Alkaid's other side.

The Warrior of Light turns to look at Alisaie, then at Alphinaud. Her hands remain as fists on the door as she pounds it once again. Then, she places her forehead to the door and her shoulders curl. It takes everything she has not to snap at the twins who have no right to bear the brunt of her anger. Instead her fingernails dig into her palm as she hits the door again. ]

Alkaid... [ Alisaie raises a hand but stops short of touching her at the last moment. ]

[abrightertomorrow]

[ Alphinaud is waiting with her sister, awaiting the arrival of one of the two Warriors of Light, when a commotion draws his attention before her actual arrival. He looks up just in time to see Estinien unceremoniously depositing said Warrior of Light upon the ground. ]

Alkaid? Estinien? What in the- [ He does not have time to finish his surprised exclamation before Alkaid is back on her feet and slamming her fists against the door that the dragoon just disappeared through.

He exchanges a look with Alisaie before he moves to stand beside Alkaid, confusion clear on his face. ]

Alkaid, what- Are you all right? [ He can only imagine that this must have something to do with Ser Aymeric, because what else would draw such a reaction from his normally calm friend? ] Is... Is Ser Aymeric...

[ He does not wish to even consider the notion that the worst has happened to the Ishgardian, but he cannot pretend that he has had his fears concerning that. Still, he hopes that her reaction is only because she does not wish to be separated from him, and not something far worse and devastating. ]

[ azys lla fun place holder for someday ]

[crystallinedreams]

[shepherdtostars]

Aymeric. [ Her tone is gentle as she calls out to him. A hand raises to his arm to give it a comforting squeeze. Then, she moves her hand down to his hand and rests it there. ] Aymeric, I need you out of bed, dear. I'll help you if you need it.

[ Alisaie had come by once before, a day or so ago. They had found the cure they were looking for. It took work from all the Scions, some of the Ironworks, and even the Crystal Tower itself on the First to achieve it. She can only imagine what struggles the rest of them had gone through in order to make what even the Allagans could not.

The young Leveilleur had been ready to perform the cure on Aymeric then and there. However, Alkaid turned her down. She should focus on Ga Bu first, as that was who she had first promised. Not to mention that if Aymeric had ever learned that a cure was given to him before a child? He would hold the guilt till the end of his days. Alkaid would not put that on him nor ask him to carry it. He has fought as hard as he has so far, a day more could not hurt.

Now, however, the Leveilleurs, her sister, and Estinien all stand in the sitting room waiting for the pair of them. Alkaid intends to help Aymeric to them however she needs, but, her heart tugs with the sinking feeling he may not have the strength to leave the bed yet. Her hand squeezes his as she leans down gently to kiss the tip of his ear. ]

Or, would you rather stay underneath the covers today?

[thewayforpeace]

[ The hours and days that have passed have fallen into a sort of routine, and most of the time, Aymeric has spent it sleeping. He rouses when Alkaid needs him to, for various reasons, but a good portion of his strength and energy seems to have waned, and being awake for more than a few minutes at a time seems like quite the daunting task for him.

Still, his sleep has not been particularly restful either. His nightmares alternate between scenes of Ishgard being razed to the ground, or of Thordan venting his anger and rage upon him for failing to do as he was asked. At times, he curls up on the bed, as if that will protect him from the ire that's falling on him in his sleep. Other times, he twists and turns wildly on the bed as horror takes hold of him.

But even though his sleep is difficult and barely counts as rest, he is still there, just waiting for it to be his turn to receive the cure that Alisaie and all their other allies have managed to develop, whether he knows it or not.

Alkaid's gentle voice breaks through the harrowing nightmares his mind has conjured up, but at first he does not respond, other than a tensing up of his arm betraying the things he is being forced to witness.

Slowly, his eyes open, and it takes a moment for him to focus upon the woman who has ever been by his side through this whole ordeal. Even though he is beginning to wake, the bed and the blankets are warm, and he is just so very tired. Moving his limbs and trying to sit up seems impossible, even if he wished to leave the bed.

His eyes close again as she lightly kisses the tip of his ear, and he seems to sink back into the blankets that surround him. Although he cannot find the strength to speak, it seems as though he has neither the desire nor the strength to leave the bed. ]

[dragonssung]

[ Estinien had intended to check upon the sleeping couple once more. He had heard of Alkaid's semi-warrented panic after a day or more after Alisaie's ministrations. The Storm Private stepped to the side and he entered the room. His steel-ice blue eyes comb the comb the room to note that little had changed since his previous visit. He paused upon hearing voices from the room the couple share. They were hushed but emotionally charged... but nothing seemed to suggest that he would need to step in. Content with the answer to an unasked question, he turns and leaves the room. He leaves instructions to not disturb the two unless the Scions or Admiral demand it. Estinien knows Aymeric well enough to know the man not only yearns, but needs the company of the woman he has asked to be his wife.

His feet take him to a quiet bit of land at the waters edge. Estonian sighs deeply and takes his seat. He has managed some sleep, but, it would seem not enough to quell the churning thoughts in his own mind. While grateful he did not need to put his brother to the sword? There is an uneasy feeling inside him that dragoons he shared the battlefield with will need to be put down for their own good. In theory, it should be no different from dragons blood corrupting them. Yet, his heart says otherwise.

A gloved hand reaches up to punch his nose. He had not clung to Ishgard being home as Aymeric has. In his mind, home had been destoryed by Nidhogg's flames and carelessness of the then Azure Dragoon. Home did not exist for him, merely houses that he might stay, or tents he might have slept in. He had not expected the kinship with Aymeric--nor Alphinaud--and supposes that they are family in some way.

His gaze lifts up to the star filled night. Family. He had not considered marriage or any of the sort. Aymeric has been considerably lucky in his eyes to find a woman so attenetive and caring as Alkaid. Though, he does wonder who might catch the eye of the more abrashive sister. As for him? He had not bothered with the concept of long term relations. And, perhaps, only one woman has truly stricken his attention. First by sheer annoyance and common goals. A respect was earned, but, that hardly matters now. She had chosen one path and he another.

Estinien closes his eyes against the sea filled breeze of the late night. ]

[justanothersinner]

[ Time has a strange way of twisting and turning, moving in ways that none could expect. The trajectory of Ysayle's own life was far different than even she could have predicted, and although a part of her railed against the notion that she could have been so misguided, she had little choice but to accept the consequences of her own actions.

Lives had been lost, places and possessions damaged, all in the name of her endeavor to bring peace and an end to the long war. In the end, she did her best to try and make amends for her past mistakes, even going as far as to sacrifice herself for those who could truly bring about change and that long-sought-after peace.

A part of her welcomed the chance for rest, but another part of her still strongly desired to hold on, because there was something still unfinished. In her eyes, another soul walked the star not with a lack of purpose or unease, but with needs still unmet. Knowing not what she might be able to do for this particular soul, she has hesitated to even extend a hand of friendship and make herself known to him. Perhaps he would not even be able to sense her at all, in which case, she would be forced to ask why she still remains here even in a spirit's form.

Nonetheless, she finds herself drawn to the tall dragoon, watching him as he keeps up a silent vigil on the shore. She moves to stand not quite beside him, but just behind him, and she turns her head sideways to look his way. ]

Strange, and yet not, that you would remain awake when most others have long retired to their homes and beds.

[ Her tone is gentle, but there is a note of teasing contained within it even so. ]

Does so much turn within your mind that sleep eludes you? [ It seemed clear enough to her that the man before her carried no small amount of burdens and wrongs that he felt he needed to right, but she wonders what it is that troubles him now. ]

꧁༺ corethas. ༻꧂

[shepherdtostars]

[shepherdtostars]

[ Perhaps she simply needs to readjust to the climate, or perhaps it is because her aether pool is still replenishing, but Alkaid finds the Corethas Central Highlands to be colder than she remembers. Even though she is dressed for the weather? It feels as if the cold air bites through her attire. She curls her hands against her frame as she waits by the entrance of the small camp made near the border of Mor Dhona.

A handful of the Temple Knights had made their way to Revenant's Toll once the chaos erupted across Corethas and Ishgard herself. The group of Scions that had decided to visit Corethas to asses the situation made their way to Mor Dhona. They found the Temple Knights in the Waking Sands, hosted by none other than Tataru. In their numbers was included Lucia, who was overjoyed to see that Ser Aymeric was safe and sound once more. The situation was not entirely dire just yet, but certainly had not looked overly positive either. They had lost contact with Isghard and Camp Dragonhead. Their plan had been to see what survivors they could find and reconvene. From there, they needed to find what information they could and make a strategy to infiltrate Ishgard, and also investigate the tower. The Warriors of Light would quite obviously need to be the ones to take on King Thordan and the Knights Twelve once more. They were vague plans set in motion, but it as at least a starting point.

Alkaid elected to scout for survivors. She could heal those who needed it and escort them back to the base camp the others would make in Corethas. She had expected Alphinaud or even K'thisru to volunteer to go with her. Instead, it was Aymeric. The others were shocked to hear it--even Lucia--but Alkaid knows he has a burning need to see the state of his people. It takes convincing for Lucia and Estinien, but, it seems the two eventually relent. Estinien elects to take K'thisru and Alphinaud with him to Dravania to see the state of the dragons, and make sure that King Thordan has not raged war against them yet again. Alkaid gave her sister and Alphinaud a hug, wishing them luck, before moving to stand by the entrance of the camp to wait. She had decided to give Aymeric and Lucia the time needed to speak with one another privately. She is one of his closest friends, after all, if not apart of his family.

Alkaid's gaze drops to the snow below her as she waits. Her mind drift off to the events that she wishes to tell him of on the First and she wonders if it might comfort him somehow. He had said he wishes to know what is on her mind and burdens her heart. But, she does not want to pull his mind from the task at hand. Ishgard is his first love, and she dares not try to overshadow it or take it away from him...

She curls in on herself, debating internally as the cold wind continues to gently blow. There is a slight sound of shifting that comes from her pocket. Of course, she cannot forget to give him that. Estinien had returned the Borel family sword, Naegling, once they had settled into Mor Dhona. He had said the usual armor still needed repairs after the hit Estinien had given Aymeric. The other item, now nestled in her pocket, needed minor repairs that Estinien had seen to with a blacksmith from Ishgard in Mor Dhona. It still needs her final touch, but, she would rather see to it with Aymeric present. ]

( a timeskip later )

[shepherdtostars]

( cont )

[ A gentle smile comes to her face once the sigh leaves him. Comforting is her natural state, and thus she feels at peace when others respond to it. Especially Aymeric. He has always seemed so lonely to her, despite being surrounded by Temple Knights who adore him. Seeing how he relaxes and smiles truly does warm her heart.

Her gaze softens. ] I'm not entirely certain if you saw it as love. But...you knew that I loved you, and you asked me to stay with you.

[ Her ears tilt down to her head. She shakes her head back and forth then, curling into his arms as he pulls her closer. Her head rests under his chin and her hands fins their way back under his shirt to rest on his back. ][ Alkaid closes her eyes. ] I worry it is all so fantastical that it will become unbelievable. That, maybe someday, it will be so unrelatable that ...

[ I start to lose you.

She does not say the last words, especially given his own statement. What if her adventures as the Warrior of Light take her so many places he feels left behind? There had been more than once she had the thoughts on the First. They had left for a time, but, nearly losing him to tempering has unearthed them all once more. Her gaze lowers from his and she tilts her head down to rest her forehead on his chest.

Sleep. A deep fear strikes her then, almost uncontrollable. What if she wakes and Thordan has taken him again? Alkaid shifts and tries to find where there is no space between them. Her tail flicks side to side, still bristled from her own frustrations.

Eventually, however, the exhaustion and sleep wins out. Her eyes close, body leaning more into his as a deep slumber takes her. Her tail stills, minus how the tip will twitch occasionally. The ears atop her head, however, turn as she registers sounds now and then. The sleep is dreamless peaceful one for the first time since returning from the First.

At some point there is a knock at the door. Alkaid's ears twitch, her body tensing and pushing against him. A low muffled whine comes from her, but she does not wake. ]