ᴇsᴛɪɴɪᴇɴ ᴠᴀʀʟɪɴᴇᴀᴜ. (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
dragonssung) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
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
[ 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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
[ 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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
[ 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?!
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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
Emmanellain clears his throat. It serves to break the momentarily moment between them, and Alkaid quickly realizes just where they are. Her eyes widen slightly before turning back to the blushing Elezen. She smiles bashfully at him, knowing her point has rather been made, but also wishing that they could continue in such a way. Emmanellain offers his formal congratulations and gestures that they ought to be on their way before the night truly settles in. Alkaid's hand finds Aymeric's once more as she starts after the younger Fortemps who explains that they had rushed out to see if they could find any others.
They arrive at Monument Tower and find that Handeloup has also taken refuge there with a handful of Knights. The Temple Knight is elated to see that the Lord Speaker is safe, and if not for his military training, would have rushed to Aymeric's side. Well wishes are offered to Alkaid as well, and Handeloup wastes no time in asking Alkaid to look over those that are injured and could use a visit from a Savior of Ishgard. Alkaid agrees, of course, and gives a smile to Aymeric before following a Temple Knight. Emmanellain is quick to then inform Handeloup that the Lord Speaker is truly engaged, but the older Elezen hardly seems surprised by the notion at all. Instead, he directs attentions to plans and informing Aymeric of the situation at hand with the amount of people they have, injured, those able to fight, and if they will be able to cross to the camp outside of Mor Dhona.
Alkaid takes to the injured naturally. She offers ministrations and balms where she can, tending to wounds, and listening to the stories of those who managed to escape the outskirts of Ishgard and Camp Dragonhead. A large sound had echoed through before a voice seemingly calling down from the heavens itself. One that spoke of war to truly set Ishgard free of her foes of any sort. Alkaid frowns, noting how it matches what Aymeric had said in his tempered state, before soothing the injured down and lulling them into an easy state.
Hours go by until the healer in charge approaches her and seemingly dismisses her. Alkaid's ears raise with a frown, moving to insist otherwise, but t he elder healer can tell the state Alkaid is in herself. Her aether stores are truly low and it is beginning to show on her person. A Savior of Ishgard must also be ready to fight, and thus she implores Alkaid to take a leave and rest for herself. Alkaid reluctantly agrees and moves to the room that has been set aside for her and the Lord Speaker.
She removes the thick coat and hood, draping it on a chair, before sitting on the simple bed. A few more moments pass before she takes off her long boots, lays backward on the bed, and rolls over to her side. She pulls a pillow closer to her, burying her face in it. Being dismissed hurts, even if she is aware that they are in the right. She truly is in no condition to heal as she normally might.
Alkaid shifts the pillow to hold against her person with her face still hidden by it. She would much rather hold onto her beloved. However, he has waited long enough for her several times. She can wait hours for him to join her if needed. ]
no subject
Naturally, he falls right back into the role with ease, listening as Handeloup explains the situation down to the very last detail. That there are injured at all is a concern, but he is somewhat heartened to know that there is still a decent number who are able and willing to fight.
How far they might get is another concern, because as far as Aymeric can tell from what Handeloup said, the threat of being tempered has not lessened at all, and he wonders if he ought to risk soldiers' lives knowing what is lying in wait out there.
Handeloup continues along with his commentary on the state of things, and Aymeric is following along when abruptly, all sound fades to an intelligible buzz as a sudden wave of dizziness threatens to overtake him. Even though he tried to be careful to not push himself too much, knowing the added difficulties of maneuvering in such cold weather, he wonders if perhaps he did unintentionally overexert himself. He thought himself as well as anyone could be following his tempering and curing, but perhaps he thought wrong. ]
Ser Aymeric, are you well? [ Handeloup's voice finally breaks through to him, and Aymeric quickly shakes his head once as if hoping to dislodge the lingering dizziness. ]
Of course, of course. Please, continue. I am listening with rapt attention.
[ He can ill afford to appear less than healthy before Handeloup and the other survivors. Although the unsteady feeling and the dizziness remains, he does his best to focus only on Handeloup and his explanations.
Still, the other Elezen senses that all is not well with Aymeric, and while he does not leave out any details, he attempts to shorten his explaining in hopes that the Lord Speaker will be able to find a moment to rest. It could be that the rather foggy environment is only adding to the sight, but Handeloup cannot help but think that the good Lord Speaker appears rather pale. His strength and wisdom is needed, yes, but not at the cost of his health.
Finally, when Aymeric is satisfied with what he has heard and seen, and with no small amount of urgings from Handeloup to go and take a moment's rest, he consents and retreats to the room that has been provided for him and Alkaid both.
The door opens and he steps inside, and for just a moment, he has to grip onto the frame to steady himself. But his thoughts concerning himself flee the moment that his gaze lands upon Alkaid, his Lantaa. If he did not know better, he would think she was asleep, and perhaps she is, but something about her posture makes him wonder.
Still, intending to be sure that she has fallen asleep so as to avoid accidentally disturbing her, he carefully makes his way over to the bed to see for himself. The way she is holding onto the pillow causees a frown to come to his face, as he thinks it points to a certain upset that is plaguing his beloved, but perhaps his thoughts are reaching too far.
He stands there wrestling with himself and if he ought to say something to see if it garners a response, or merely remain silent and join her upon the bed. ]
no subject
Aymeric?
[ Alkaid pushes herself to sit up on the bed properly, ears standing up atop her head and looking over him properly this time. She wears a long sleeved shirt accompanied with simple cotton pants. Her hands reach immediately to his. She tugs him to sit down on the bed. Once he has complied, she slips from the bed and goes about removing his boots and hat. A hand raises and gestures for him to lie down. Before he can worry, she joins him by sitting beside him. ]
If you are tired, my love, please rest. Sleep if you need it. [ A brief pause happens before she tentatively speaks an offer. ] ...Is there anything you need attended to?
no subject
Short of striding out into the cold in search of them this very moment, there is little he can do to aid them at the present time, but to him, it feels wrong that he should be warm and comfortable with his beloved by his side when so many are not. That unsettled feeling only adds to the unsteady way with which he stands, and although he is sure it would attract undue attention, he considered using Naegling to lean upon to better balance himself. ]
Nay, it is not rest that I require. [ At least not entirely. ] Have you managed to take some rest? I apologize for keeping you waiting. Handeloup had much to report, and I fear there is still more he did not relate to me.
[ If not for his display of weakness, he is certain he would still have been with the man, listening to more of his reports.
To further reassure himself and her that all is as well as possible, he straightens up to his normal, full height, ignoring the way the old wound in his side protests, having been aggravated by the cold and his efforts. It would give the game away entirely if he doubled over, and so he manages not to do that, but there is no concealing the brief grimace that flashes across his face before disappearing once more. ]
The only thing I need is to be with you for whatever time we have before we are needed once more. [ Because they will both be needed, he is certain. Her to heal and encourage, and him to address any threats that arise with the intent to harm his people. ]
no subject
[ She glances to the side with a brief look of guilt taking her face. It was more akin to sulking, she supposes. Lying about uselessly in her own hurt that she is in such a state they dismissed her. It brings to mind memories of being bared from healing her beloved and the fact he now bares a wound he can never be rid of.
Instead she turns her attention back to him and what he might need. With him lying on the bed, she shifts where she sits beside him. A motion is given for him to rest his head in her lap. Then, in an all too familiar motion, her hand gently sits atop his healed stab wound. Her fingers gently move along the scar beneath the fabric. There is no healing magic present, merely a soothing motion. Although, should she need to attend to his aether, she most certainly will. ]
What is the state of affairs?
no subject
Still, he does not hesitate to lie down and then move as he has been asked to position his head in her lap. He would be lying if he said that it did not feel good to lie here in such a way with her tending to his wound that seems destined to be a permanent thorn in his side. ]
There are many who are safe, as you have seen. And fortune seems to have been with them for the most part, in that nearly all of them are whole and unhurt. But there are still those who are not so fortunate, as you have seen.
Handeloup and I fear that there may be casualties out there in the elements, and if not that, then there will certainly be injured. [ Not to mention those who are enthralled by the primal.
If she is looking, she may very well note fear in his eyes. He may not remember every detail of his curing, but it is not difficult for him to imagine that it took a great deal of effort to rid him of his enthrallment. ]
I would see all who are still lost and not yet brought to safety taken care of, enthralled or not, and yet I fail to see how they might be cured as I was. To cure one person, or even two, is considerably different than attempting to cure a multitude.
[ And although he cannot be sure just how many Ishgardians may yet be lost out there, he fears the number will be too great for them to manage. The thought that they may have to be slain rather than restored to themselves only causes his simmering distress to rise. ]
Tomorrow, as soon as I am able, I mean to resume the search. You ought to remain behind where it is safe and where you are within reach of those who may yet need your gifts. Provided, that is, that you also have rested and recovered sufficiently.
[ Because it has not escaped his notice that she also is not well. ]
no subject
[ As, truth be told, she felt as if she has not slept beside him in some time. It has only been over a week, closer to two, since this ordeal began in Limsa. That hardly stops her from feeling as if it has been an eternity since he rested in her lap and her hand at his side.
The hand in his hair shakes slightly at the mention of his tempering. The ordeal is far from being behind them, and the memory of him being himself and yet not himself is still upsetting. The fear in his eyes is met by the apprehension in her own. She had come so close to losing him--again. First an assassination attempt and then his enthrallment. The first time he was not hers to lose, regardless of what her heart may say. This time, however... ]
Should Master Matoya remain safe, we will need to speak with her of how to best go about such a task. Alisaie and Angelo would not be enough. [ Her voice is barely above a whisper and the tremor in it is obvious. ] I am certain there is something that can be done... there must be...
[ Her eyes widen and her ears press to her head. Why should she remain and he leave? Can she not travel with him? She is useless to those here as a healer. It would take far too long for her to regain the levels of aether needed to heal them all. Which means she must find a way to move forward as the Savior of Ishgard they see her as. ]
I-in the meantime... w-would you stay with me tonight? [ The shaking in her hand only grows. What if he merely wishes to check upon her then be on his way? ] I... there are things I wish to tell you. A-and we have not been together as we might normally. Through no fault of your own! I... I simply...
[ Her eyes close and her head tilts down. She misses him. ]
Should you wish only to sleep in order to be well rested for your search in the morning? I will not keep you awake.
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)