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synthneon2022-02-11 05:36 pm
dragonssung) wrote in synthneon2022-02-11 05:36 pm
Entry tags:
echoes of truth | ❝ tales of loss and fire and flame. ❞
Every word on our hearts engraved
In the dark you will not stray
Forge ahead, till the end, we pray
no subject
He raises a hand to press it against his lips as he thinks over everything that has transpired of late, marveling at the fact that none of them have left when most others would turn and leave. As Alkaid falls into a state of quietness, so does Aymeric as he tries desperately to make sense of the thoughts he has been having.
He still believes that he has been far from fair to Alkaid, even if all he has ever wanted is to treat her well and to give her everything she desires. His being tempered has changed all of that, and a part of him still believes that it broke nearly everything that he hoped for. Experiences that should have been happy ones that they would remember with fondness for the rest of their lives have been turned into upsetting ones, ones that he would sooner forget if not for the lessons contained in them.
Although he believes that his tempering was not his error, he feels as though he must take responsibility for it even so. After all, it was that very thing that has robbed them of so many of their significant "firsts".
When she looks up at him, he wills all the regret, doubt, and fears that he is holding onto to retreat to the back of his mind. She needs to see him being strong, not doubting himself, and so he pushes away those thoughts and squares his shoulders even as he straightens up into a more fitting posture. ]
I am glad to have you accompanying me. Or should I say, that you have allowed me to accompany you.
[ She could have opted to go alone, or with another, and yet here they both are. He relishes this moment while also feeling as though he is entirely unworthy, even as the one who would see himself joined to her. ]
no subject
Her hands curl around the straps of the bag on her back. Her eyes meet his only for a moment before they are down on the snow once more with her tail hanging low. She can tell the effort he is making and knows she should as well. Yet, it all pulls down on her in that moment. Her eyes shut tightly to keep the water that gathers on the inside and inhales to try and collect herself to answer.
She had wanted their first adventure to be filled with excitement, and joy, and enjoyment. Things he could find in Ishgard, but see how they were outside in the world as well. She wanted to take him to a citystate without their titles and pretense--to explore a place like the couple she had seen in Kugane. She wanted to do all those things for him, less so herself, so he might finally see things and experience what he has only ever read about. She feels the tears push onto her eyelashes and curls her hands further into fists. She hoped for a time in which they could simply be husband and wife and enjoy one anothers company...
Now all of it is contextualized within being a Warrior of Light and the Lord Speaker.
Alkaid keeps her head tilted down so the emotions on her face do not play out for him to see. She does not wish him to feel further guilt than he surely does. None of it is his fault. ]
You need to see the state of your people... and standing by letting others would only make you hurt more.
[ Her head shakes side to side, knowing how the tone must certainly sound. She does not mean it negatively--for she'd rather accompany him than he try to go into the wilderness of Corethas alone looking for his kin.
Alkaid slowly removes one hand from her bag and hesitantly reaches out to take his. Perhaps he does not wish to hold hands--or to even touch her at the moment. He might brush her hand away and ask she focus only on their mission at hand. But... ]
...I wanted you to come with me. [ Her voice is so soft that its barely heard over the snow crunching in their steps. ] I promised to take you on an adventure. Even if...
[ Even if this is not the one I wished to give you. ]
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But he knows the experience changed him just as Alkaid's experiences have changed her. And he fears that everything she has gone through has damaged her spirits and her heart to the point that even all the comfort he would give her won't be enough.
Still, even though his own heart feels raw and his mind is constantly turning with fears and worries for his people and for Alkaid both, he knows that he must continue moving forward, both for himself but also for his nation and for the woman he loves more than anything.
As for the yearning for adventures alongside Alkaid, he still wishes for them, but he has come to realize that what he wishes more than anything else is to simply be beside her. He does not need grand adventures nor the opportunity to travel the world, although he would not turn down either should the opportunities present themselves.
No, what he needs is to have a home, a place where it is only the two of them together, learning how to venture forward as husband and wife and simply being in each other's company. The thought occurs to him that perhaps that life would be too simple for Alkaid, but he cannot recall her ever expressing a desire for a grand life filled with adventure. She seems to long for the opposite, in fact, and her desires seem to imitate his in their simplicity.
At least, he hopes that is the case, that he has not misunderstood her thus far.
But for now, those dreams seem far removed in light of the stark landscape they are facing and the even starker knowledge that there could well be those out in the elements in need of help.
A storm of emotions is playing itself out on his face and he is doing little to hold it back. Perhaps he needs those feelings to further drive him, to remind him that he cannot let this go, as Alkaid herself as said. To shirk from this duty would only hurt him more, and thus, he cannot. ]
I am aware that I must do my duty and see to what has become of my people, but I...
[ His gaze lowers to the ground for a moment before his eyes lift again to meet hers. ]
At the earliest opportunity, I intend to ensure that the two of us will embark upon a true adventure, however that might look.
[ And a spark of hope rises inside him, spurring him on to smile warmly at her and take hold of her hands when she reaches out to him. ]
I promise, Lantaa.
[ And then, lest she continue to believe that this time that they have together is disappointing to him, he adds: ]
Just being by your side in any fashion is adventure enough.
[ Perhaps he has misread and misunderstood her feelings on this particular subject, but it seems to him that she still carries no small amount of sadness, but also a measure of apprehension that he is disappointed.
He is far from disappointed, not in her. If he is disappointed at all, it is directed at himself for his own follies and shortcomings. But he can hardly rectify those by standing still, which is yet another reason why he feels driven to do this task. ]
We will have our adventure one day soon. I am sure of it.
[ Only, do not lose heart or patience while we wait for that day.
He leaves those words unsaid because he finds he cannot give voice to them in this moment, not without losing what little composure he has managed to regain. A part of him fears that she will lose patience with him and leave, even though they have promised over and over again that neither of them will leave the other. His belief in what they have is strong, but his heart still holds some lingering fears.
Even so, he squeezes her hands gently as if to reassure her and himself. ]
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Even more so, she wishes to be his wife. What greater adventure could there be? K'thisru has always been the more of the explorer and the one to be in trouble. She, on the other hand, had always been more content with simply making sure her sister was well enough to go and adventure. While she certainly longs to see new things? Sitting at home with the man she would be married to fills her with a sense of completion. Even much to the point that most nights, her mind travels back home, no matter how far away she is. Her hand curls around his more and her shoulders sink slightly. Why can she not simply be with him?
Her gaze raises to his as he speaks once more. His observations are certainly correct. Try as she might, it is rather impossible to hide the heartbreak and tears in her eyes. A longing as well, but not for adventure or the far away cities, but for him. Would he still wish to be close to her? Either by touching or as a husband and wife know one another? Or, had the grip that King Thordan had on him and the rift he attempted to make destroy any possibility of that?
Her fingers hesitate, but, eventually find themselves between his as they always do. Her hands squeezes in return at his promises. Alkaid finds herself unable to speak in that exact moment as her throat tightens and the tears threaten to run down her face. Will they be able to have the adventure they so desperately seek? Or, will the world continue to conspire and pull them away from one another time and time again? It is not a lack of faith or trust in them, but the world around them.
Alkaid lowers her head and presses herself against his side. All she wishes to do is rest along side him. Why, after all she and her sister have done, is she not allowed that? Her eyes shut as she hides her face in his new shirt. One she finds she likes very much indeed. The colors compliment him, and she can feel it is a make of Ishgard.
Home.
Their home. The home she wants to fill will love and life just as he surely remembers it being when he was younger. Does it still stand? Has Thordan's thalls destoryed it? Her hands clutch onto his then even as hers shake.
A part of her chastizes her then. She is a Champion of Eorzea, Savior of Ishgard, and both a Warrior of Light and Darkness. There is no time to be sad, scared, and lost. Not when they all look to her so... ]
It's cold.
[ She does not mean just the temperature or the cold winds either. ]
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But truth be told, if they could simply be together as husband and wife, wherever their paths took them, he would be happy. Perhaps his own desires are too simple, but beneath all the titles and responsibilities, and even beneath the armor that he wears, he feels as though he is a far simpler man than most people realize.
As a younger man, his ambitions might have been lofty, but now he finds that he is more or less content with the lot that has fallen to him. Would he rather not hold a position such as the one he currently has? Perhaps. But duty cannot be ignored either, and he has no intentions of ever doing that. Still, he does not strive towards or wish for positions of power, and if it were possible for him to retire this very moment without feeling as though he has let his people down, he would.
But there is little point in entertaining these thoughts any longer. When Alkaid presses herself against his side, he is quick to wrap his arm around her, drawing her in even closer, intending that nothing should separate them now.
He does fear what could have happened to his home, but at the same time, for him, home is wherever she is. Naturally, he would see to the house steward and the head maid, as they have been with his family for so long, but a home is more than four walls and physical trappings that one has collected over the years.
When she speaks, he does not hesitate then either. ] Then let me keep you warm.
[ In every possible meaning of the word. Not caring about who observes them, he wraps both arms around her then and draws her deeper into his hold.
Their expedition is important, but something tells him that both of them need this moment and she needs this reassurance. ]
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Home, to her, is most certainly where he and her sister might be. Yet, she finds that Manor Borel is their home. Not simply because he inherited it from his true parents--those that loved and raised him--but it is the place that brings a smile to her face when she thinks of it. She remembers looking at the paintings of Lords and Ladies Borel past and quietly realizing that it would mean that she and Aymeric would have theirs added to the long line. While perhaps not direct blood, Alkaid could not remember having the same feeling of connection to her clan. Standing there with the quiet realization of the family line she would be joining and its legacy? That, to her, was enough to cement the idea that Manor Borel was to be their home. Their wedding would need to be in Ishgard under the goddess that they worship.
In a way, it felt more like a clan than she ever felt in hers.
She feels as if she is melting into his hold when he pulls her against him. She leans all that she has into him. A shiver runs through her body as if to demonstrate how cold she is on the inside and outside. ]
...Aymeric. [ Her voice is soft, but filled with unending love. Permission, consent, the word hardly matters as his name serves as a note that she needs his warmth. His strength, his love. Whatever warmth in whichever fashion is to be given she feels starved of.
Her eyes drift shut as she stands there then, only able to by his support. A tear or two manage to slide down her cheeks. She had been so afraid that his tempering would have damaged them to be like this--how they have been since the one simple conversation one night in Ishgard. However, it seems as Aymeric's stubbornness benefits them in this regard, and she thanks both their patron goddesses for it.
Her hands raise to curl into his shirt. They should continue to move before night sets in and it truly does become cold. She finds it difficult to move at all in that moment, as if her feet are sunken into the ground. Her face presses further into his shirt as wave after wave of heavy emotions seem to roll off her. She is trying to shed it all so they might go--so he can warm her as he wishes to. Yet, it feels there is so much and that it might never stop. Not until she can tell him more of the First and the people she left behind there.
Truthfully, she wishes to curl into his arms and be as they normally are. She knows they both have wounds on their hearts that, perhaps, can only be mended by them being as they are in more intimate setting. Touches, conversations, perhaps even being together as one again. Now is far from the time or place, but, her heart practically shouts in her mind.
Her eyes open as a realization comes to mind. She does not know Corethas as well as Aymeric, of course, but perhaps they might attempt to see there. Where else could those on this side of the region go to find shelter that is a distance from Ishgard? Alkaid looks up at him. ]
Monument Tower. [ A hand leaves his shirt to point westward, but never leaves the comfort of his hold. ] If there's anyone here... they would have gone there. The Vigils are too chaotic and dangerous.
[ And, in a cave near the Tower, stands the stone dedicated to Halone. Ishgardians are deeply religious. Where else could they turn to but their Goddess? ]
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But in this moment, it seems clear enough to him that it is not those fine things that she needs but rather his closeness and his support. It hardly matters that it was not all that long ago that he could barely stand without help; now the tables have turned and she needs his help, and he means to give it.
He reaches for her, intending to wipe away the tears that have escaped from her eyes, and once that is accomplished, he moves to lift her from the ground into his arms, one arm moving beneath her legs and the other beneath her back in one swift motion. ]
Monument Tower it is, then. And- if you will allow me to, I will carry you there myself. Of course, should you wish to not be seen in such a way, I will stop before we arrive at our destination, but only if you think you are able to walk the rest of the way.
[ The Warrior of Light does have a reputation to uphold, after all, even though Aymeric's inclination is to not let go of her even for a second. ]
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[ Her ears perk up as much as possible underneath her heavy hood when he bends down. A small gasp of surprise leaves her as he picks her up in a familiar way. While it is snowing, the circumstances are slightly different. Although it is exhaustion from a long string of events and not from trauma that makes her body feel heavy in this moment.
In an answer to his question, Alkaid rests her head to his shoulder. She adjusts slightly in order to be more comfortable in his hold. A moment later her eyes slide shut as the exhaustion from recent trials is evident on her person. ]
I think it would be more for their sake than mine. [ Her tone is soft, but she has clearly not fallen asleep, despite how she looks. ] If they were to see the Lord Speaker carrying one of the Saviors of Ishgard...
[ Well, she hardly needs to detail the reaction that would await them.
A nod is given for him to continue walking. They will need to arrive at Monument Tower before nightfall. ]
love your mood music btw
Before he responds, he pulls her in just a little bit closer so that he might lower his head enough that the tip of his chin is resting upon her head as well. Any contact at all between them is desirable, and that is what he seeks to achieve. ]
They would talk as they always do. It is nothing I have not heard, and I expect to hear more of it. What concerns me, as always, is preserving your reputation.
[ He does resume walking, as they must reach their destination soon; theirs can be a leisurely walk at least to an extent, and he knows he does not need to move at a burning pace. Still, the sooner they arrive there the better, so he does not linger too long either. ]
Should too many people heap insults upon you and your name, I fear that it would be yet another reason why you would consider me a poor partner.
[ But then, as if to counter the somewhat heavy turn this conversation has taken, he adds: ] I would hope that I will have many other opportunities to carry you and be close to you like this.
ruwu :3 I need a cozy hw playlist
Idly she wonders if how much they feel they must be in physical contact with one another is unusual or strange. It could very well be unique to them and what they need from one another. Then again, outward affection is not seen very much in Ishgard, so perhaps that is why she wonders what she does. Alkaid has no intentions of changing it. It has always been clear to her that Aymeric does not have nearly as much affection as he needs, and she is more than willing to give all that she can. ]
I am more concerned they would fear something had gone terribly wrong. [ Her head tilts slightly to look up at him through her bangs. The movement is not enough to dislodge his chin, as she wishes him not to pull away for any reason. ] As for my reputation? I'm quite certain all of Ishgard is aware of our engagement. Which, quite possibly, could be my own doing given our actions in the front lines of Gyr Abania. Soldiers talk....
[ A bashful smile takes her face. One that is laced with a hint of an apology. She does not wish to make gossip or his tasks harder by the nature of who she is. ]
You are far from a poor partner, Aymeric. I... [ she pauses for a moment. ] I fear I've let you down. There are others far more suited to give you all that you and your position calls for.
[ Although, that is a subject they have gone over again and again. There's no need to speak of it once more in great details. She smiles at his statement. ]
Should my lord wish to carry me more, I shall have to make the situations happen.
heheh all the cozies
If he thought that she would not vehemently protest the idea, he would suggest that he continue the search while she return to where it is warm and relatively safe. So for the moment, he refrains from speaking those thoughts aloud and focusing only on their present conversation. ]
You do raise a good point, and yet it would be a simple enough matter to reassure anyone who expressed concern that no grave accident has occurred. Still, I would not wish to cause alarm.
[ Had this not been a conversation that they had had many times over, he would protest, stating his belief that she has not let him down in any way, in the interest of ensuring that she does not continue to think along those lines.
Instead, he falls silent for a moment or two, continuing on their way even as he keeps his eyes peeled for signs of life. ]
I would humbly request that you do so, for I find that I rather like assisting you in this fashion.
[ He offers her another smile, but it is quickly replaced by a look of mild alarm. ]
I believe that I have spotted something ahead of us.
[ Or perhaps it is merely a cluster of rocks, but he wishes to make sure. ]
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Her cheek presses further into his shoulder as a response. Yes, they would need not to cause a panic. That does not change the fact she could drift to sleep in any moment in his arms, regardless of her own observations. He is so very warm...
Perhaps she had even started to doze by the moment he stands at alert. Alkaid opens her eyes and turns her head to where his own are tuned. She narrows her gaze for a moment, unable to tell herself. A hand raises to motion that he places her down on the ground.
A hand rests against the ground through the thick snow. Her eyes close. The aether she senses appears to be of man, now of beast or dragon... ]
There are two of them moving on duty.
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But the moment he spots movement, he is fully on alert, as if Alkaid, even though he noted she had seemed to doze off. He places her down swiftly but gently, a hand moving to immediately encircle her around the waist as he moves with her when she moves to place a hand upon the snow-covered ground. ]
Two of them.... Two too many who should not be out here wandering.
[ He tries to not heap the blame for this upon himself, but it is a hard thing to prevent. ]
Come, we must catch up to them before they move out of our reach.
[ And then his hand extends as if wishing to hold onto hers, at least for a short while, if she wishes to accept. ]
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Aymeric.
[ His name is said softly to gently pull his attention back to the moment. He'll find a smile is waiting for him with a slight sparkle in her eyes. She knows he may start to blame himself for not being able to care for his people, even if he was unable to.
Although, she imagines he became tempered in an attempt to save so many others.
Alkaid takes his hand and stands. Her other hand extends to summon her cane, holding on to it, in case they should need to battle. Her fingers slide in between his to hold his hand tightly. They'll approach this together, as they always do. ]
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His thoughts are beginning to swirl away from him when he hears her say his name. The hand that is holding onto hers tightens as a memory stirs unasked for.
It is little better than a flash of images, but he distinctly remembers seeing two Elezen children fleeing, and a tall man in white looming over them. He hears himself shouting at the children to run and hide while he moves to stand in between them and the imposing figure.
What happens next, he cannot tell nor recall, but a vise is gripping his heart and his breaths begin to rapidly increase until standing proves difficult and if not for his hand in hers, he would have dropped to his knees into the snow.
Seconds that feel more like minutes pass before his vision clears and he realizes he is still standing beside her. His other hand raises to pinch the bridge of his nose and he shakes his head as if trying to dislodge the sudden burst of unwanted memories. ]
I- I apologize, I am not sure what came over me.
[ Only, he knows all too well, and he supposes it will not take much for Alkaid to guess at what temporarily overwhelmed his thoughts. ]
We must keep moving and bring whoever it is that is out here to safety. [ Or to relative safety, at least. ]
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He will find no look of judgement on her face nor hint of annoyance. Simply a gentle expression and understanding in her eyes. Alkaid places her chin on his chest, head tilted back as far as she can, gaze locked on his. She will not inquiry to his state of being at the moment. That can wait for when they are together for the night and somewhere safer.
Her fingers slip between his and squeezes his hand. ]
Aymeric.
[ His name is said gently and with care, similar to the tone she had once used with their first night together. One spent learning one another and of the hurt that he buries down so deep. One that only happened because of Nidhogg temporarily disrupting an attempt at peace. She gently presses her fingers to his side as if to say that she will attend to him as soon as she is able. ]
I am here at your side, as I ever will be, even if I am far away.
[ Her head tilts then to nudge her cheek to his chest. Then, another squeeze is given to his hand. ]
Let us go quickly. Neither of us should be in the elements for long.
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What happened to them? Did they find shelter and safety, or were they turned as he was? The grip on his heart seems to clench even harder then and he has to will himself to remain still, lest he give away the hurt that has settled upon him once more. Now is not the time for him to come apart at the seams, and yet he is finding collecting himself quite difficult.
But as always, all Alkaid has to do is say his name with those comforting, gentle tones, and he finds himself latching onto her comforting presence as a drowning man latches onto his rescuer's hand. ]
I must have said similar things before, but it is all too clear to me that I could strive for a thousand years and still not deserve you and all that you offer.
[ The way her hand rests on his side where the scar remains and how she squeezes his hand while resting her cheek against his chest only adds to the comfort that he feels. How she can comfort him with just a touch and the way she says his name is still a mystery to him, but he does not question it very much. ]
Yes, of course. They cannot have gotten far.
[ And as if to confirm his words, Aymeric hears the unmistakable sound of a footfall on the snow, and he looks up to see two wary-looking yet somewhat relieved faces: the youngest son of Count Edmont and his manservant. To say that he is surprised to see them would be understating it greatly. ]
Emmanellain and... [ He ought to remember the name of Emmanellain's companion, and yet it is escaping him in this moment. ]
Honoroit, Ser Aymeric. [ Seeing that the Lord Speaker is having difficulty recalling his name, Honoroit is quick to fill in the gaps for him. ]
Ah, yes, forgive me, but your name had escaped me for a moment there. [ Aymeric casts a worried look over both of them, as if looking for any signs of injury or other distress. Surely Alkaid would have more experience in identifying those things, and in identifying whether or not one or both of them have been tempered as well, so he spares a sidelong glance for her, looking for confirmation or denial. ]
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[ However, whatever she might have said next is stolen as her ears twitch at the sound of crunching snow. She looks over her shoulder at those who would be joining them. In a moment, her heart leaps into her throat, and her tail stands on end. The youngest of the Foretemps and his faithful friend. With a final squeeze to her betrothed's hand, Alkaid quickly dashes the few steps needed to start looking them over. ]
Emmanellain! Honorit!
I say, old girl, it's been too long! And Ser Aymeric! [ The youngest, as always, seems to lose track of the notion that formalities would be implied by titles alone. Instead he leans back the moment Alkaid starts looking him over with her keen healers eye. ] Oh, come now, you don't think I would fall to such hurts in the weather...!
It is you, Emmanellain. [ Alkaid raises her eyebrows with a smile, but the look sent over her shoulder to Aymeric is meant to imply a double meaning. The pair of them are far from tempered. She stretches her hand back out for Aymeric to take and join at her side. ] Where is your brother? Your father?
[ At that, the youngest's gaze softens. He looks away, a frown settled on his face, and fists clenched. ] I've not seen them since the evacuation... not that I ordered it, of course! We had intended to stand our ground at Camp Dragonshead. I wouldn't dare let Haurchefaunt down...
I am more than certain he would understand. [ Alkaid moves her weight to her toes to reach up and gently ruffle his hair. ] As I am certain we will find your brother and father. Have you found any others?
[ Still downtrodden, Emmanellain turns and gestures to the way they had come. ] We've found who we can and huddled ourselves in Monument Tower. It's far from safe on the roads, as one could imagine, during the night.
[ Alkaid turns her head to look up at Aymeric and smiles at him. Some survivors are better than none. Her tail sways side to side just a bit. ]
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So he shakes his head briefly while giving her a fond smile as they turn their attentions to the two young men. ]
Well, you seem healthy enough, which I am very relieved to see. [ He knows now is not the moment to divulge what has happened to him and how he recovered, but he feared that those he knew and called friends would have fallen prey to the primal's influence as well. He knows that there may well be others who have done so, but it does him good to know that at least Emmanellain and Honoirot have been spared.
He does, however, send up a silent petition to Halone or whomever might be listening that Artoirel and Count Edmont remain safe and whole as well, knowing that if he were to petition for the safety of everyone he cared about, his petitions would never end. ]
I have no doubts at all that if Haurchefant is looking down upon us now, he is thinking only of how proud he is of you, Emmanellain.
[ A fleeting thought comes, and Aymeric is quick to push it away, but a part of him believes that Haurchefant would be so incredibly saddened but also incensed by the danger Ishgard and her people are presently facing. He does his best to not let his thoughts travel too far, but he wonders not for the first time if he could have done more to prevent this from occurring.
Still, he does not voice any of those thoughts or worries because now is not the time for it. ]
It does bring me no small amount of relief to know that there are those who have survived, and this news gives me hope that there may well be others who have taken shelter in other locations. It may take some time to locate all of them, but Monument Tower is a place to start.
[ He turns to give a smile to Alkaid as well, but his attentions turn back to Emmanellain and Honoroit. ]
Thank you both for all that you have done. [ His gratefulness and the relief he feels is all too plain in his voice, but he had feared that he would only find those who had been tempered, or worse, others who had been slain. ]
I will repay you for what you have done as soon as I am able.
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[ Alkaid's hand moves back to find Aymeric's once more, fingers sliding between his, and a comforting squeeze given. They all still feel the loss of Haurchefaunt in some way. While perhaps his passing hurt her sister more? Alkaid still feels the burden of being unable to save him. It is not a burden she will allow to consume her, which is why she is so certain they will save Ishgard now. ]
Please, Ser, you've no reason to t-thank me! Or repayment. W-well, I suppose informing my father might be a place to start...
[ They begin to follow the younger Elezen and Alkaid falls into step besides Aymeric once more. She still feels the cold, inside and out, but knows it must be pressed to the side for now. The time to deal with her own bone deep exhaustion can come once they are somewhere warm and have assessed the situation. Then, maybe, she might have enough time to speak with Aymeric... ]
I say, old lass. Are you often so familiar with our dear Lord Speaker?
[ Alkaid snaps from her thoughts to look back at the younger lord who thrives on gossip. Her ears lift under her hood and a smile forms on her face. Emmanellain glances between the pair of them with eyebrows raised and an expectation of a grand story. ]
I thought it was an open secret to all of Ishgard that we're to be wed, Emmanellain. Has your time in Camp Dragonhead removed you from the social circles? [ There is a familiar tease in her voice and the younger Elezen begins to stammer. ] I was fairly sure the first to even catch wind of it were the Temple Knights in Gyr Abania... not to mention I am housed with Ser Aymeric when I return home to Ishgard.
W-well, I... I would not presume the rumors were true! Are they?!
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He nods his agreement with Emmanellain and when Alkaid's fingers slide between his, he curls his own around hers without hesitation. He is not responsible for the welfare of every Ishgardian, at least not on his own, and yet when any citizen of Ishgard is hurt or worse and he learns of it, it becomes yet another burden that rests upon his shoulders. Haurchefant's loss is one he still feels keenly, because he was a good man, and he too feels as though he should have at least attempted to save him or push him out of the way.
Never mind that he was not the pinnacle of health at the time, but he feels that is no excuse even now. ]
On the contrary, I have every reason to thank you and to see about giving you and yours proper recompense. But yes, locating your father and brother both remains a priority, lest you begin to worry.
[ And as they walk, he is quick to drape an arm over Alkaid, hoping that what warmth he has will transfer over to her. She must be exhausted, not to mention cold, and the sooner they find themselves out of the elements, the better. But if it were up to him, he would see her brought to warmth and safety while he ventured out to continue the search.
At Emmanellain's question, he looks up, a little surprised, but not quite, at the same time. Their engagement truly is the worst-kept secret in all of Ishgard, after all. ]
I suppose that is only fair, as there have been quite a few rumors swirling about. What do you say to that, Alkaid?
[ He feels as though he could confirm the rumors himself, but he would rather let Alkaid make that decision, as he still believes preserving her reputation is of greater importance. ]
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She eases into his hold and leans into his side. In truth, she should have a few days of rest to gather her strength and aether back after the extensive trial that was Aymeric's tempering. Yet, that is not the reality at hand, and she will not beg for it to be so. Those she calls family and friends are under attack and she cannot sleep well knowing it.
Aymeric's question causes her ears to perk up once more. She looks between the Elezen. That is when she realizes it is not a need for gossip that the confirmation is being asked for. It is the searching for hope--something positive to hold onto during a time that strikes Ishgardians in their core. While she wishes their marriage to remain theirs and not of celebrity or fame...
How can she deny hope to any that need it?
Alkaid smiles at them then. She turns her head to look up at Aymeric. With a tug to get him to bend down, she pulls him into a far from chaste kiss. The younger Foretemps gasps at the confirmation and Alkaid cannot help but smile.]
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But with her looking at him in such a way, all of those thoughts fade entirely into the background.
And when she tugs at him until he bends down and then pulls him into that kiss, all he can think about is the feel of her lips on his and the love he has for her. He barely registers Emmanellain's gasp, because his entire body is tingling in light of Alkaid's kiss. A thought enters his mind that perhaps he owes the younger of the Fortemps an apology for the display, but that thought vanishes as quickly as it came.
It may well return later, when Aymeric's wits are about him once more, but for the moment, he only has eyes for his betrothed. ]
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The realization settles in her mind and she all but melts against him. Everything else fades away in that moment and all that matters is the knight that has so thoroughly taken her heart. She nudges her nose against his, trying to express the sudden all encompassing emotion of love she has for him. She had so worried that they could not capture this feeling again; that it had been far too damaged by Thordan. Yet, now as she opens her eyes to look at him, she feels as if there is no need to worry for that.
Her gloved hand comes to rest on the side of his face as a brilliant smile comes to her. She kisses the side of his mouth, giving him an affectionate nudge.
Then, with her voice only so low that he might hear: ] I love you, Ser Aymeric de Borel. My knight and lord.
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His voice lowers to match her tone, and he makes a mental note to apologize to the two who are watching this later: not an apology for kissing Alkaid, as he never would offer such a thing, but for keeping them waiting in this weather. Aloud but in a low whisper, he says: ]
And I love you far more than I have ever loved anyone. Lantaa, my dearest.
this one is a time skip ho ho
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