synthneon | FF PSL | ❝ two-toned echoes tumbling through time. ❞

[ Although lacking her normal strength in the gentle actions she nory does, her fingers do slide between his of her free hand. The motion is a quiet way of saying that she will always find her way back to him--back home. ]

Does she know where I am? Is she alright? [ The questions come rapid fire, but that alone seems to drain her. She leans against him entirely, not caring if the armor he wears is far from comfortable.

The hand on his sash curls into the fabric.]--No. Stay here.

[ Her dark bangs fall into her vision as she listens intently. Ishgard is quite the ways from the battlefield ... even Mor Dhona where the other Scions lay.

Ishgard-- ] Home.

[ Her fingers brush along his absentminedly. Keeping her thoughts in order is far more difficult than she first thought it might be. She drifts from one to another with only him to anchor her. ]

Whichever you prefer, Aymeric. Just stay here.

[ Preferably lying beside her in the bed. The ones in Ishgard were made for mostly Elezens in mind, not Miqo'tes. They are always so large... ]

[ Before Aymeric can speak, K'thisru stirs on the bed, the voices she is hearing causing her to rouse just a little. Of course, she has to labor to even push herself into a half-sitting position, but she needs to know that her sister is all right. Ignoring the way her head swims and her vision blurs for just a moment, she follows the sound of the voices until her head turns and she sees Alkaid and Aymeric.

Satisfied that at least Alkaid is speaking and capable of leaning against Aymeric, if nothing else, K'thisru returns to lying down once more. She imagines that if her sister has any injuries or other needs, Aymeric will do his best to see them cared for.

K'thisru's movements have not escaped Aymeric's notice, and he keeps a watchful eye as he sees her rise and then lie back down once more. Turning back to look at Alkaid, he nods. ] She knows you are here, and she is all right. Like you, she merely requires rest and time to recover.

[ At least, that is his understanding of the matter. The chirurgeons assured him that was the case, and as is typical of him, he made sure to personally give both girls a quick examination himself, looking for any obvious signs of injury. He might not have a healer's eye, and he certainly cannot see internal injury, but he contented himself knowing that at least externally, there was nothing glaringly wrong. Alkaid's scar concerned him, of course, but that wound has healed as far as he can tell.

Even so, he is resolved to continue insisting that the sisters rest until they are fully recovered. ]

I will not be leaving you. You need not be afraid of that. [ He has made it quite clear that his place is here, and barring the arrival of another Calamity, he will not be leaving. ]

Give me a moment, then. [ He sheds the armor with relative ease, even some of the harder to reach clasps not troubling him over much. Eventually, the armor is placed on the nearest table, and because he does not want to take up too much room on the bed, he merely sits on the edge of it, being mindful not to jar her too much and inadvertently cause her pain. ]

Are you certain you do not require anything? Something simple that you can eat, or I can give to you... A broth, or tea?

[ One ear lifts as she hears the rustle of sheets and turns towards the source. That must be K'thisru, even if Alkaid can hardly see her. She attempts to turn and move once more to her sister, but the pain from her side shoots up her spine. She muffles the sound that tries to break out from her. Her shoulders curl upwards and a trembling hand reaches for her side. ]

It shouldn't hurt... it's been healed, not reopened...

[ Yet, she can tell how her own aether knots and twists at the site. Had she taken a hit that she cannot remember? It would hardly be surprising. The entire encounter with Zenos--the Ascian wearing his body--is a blur now thanks to the mysterious man that reached out toher and her sister. Alkaid tilts her head down to look at the wound to see she is dressed in a simple, but light, Ishgardian sleeping gown. A frown comes to her face as she'll need to inspect her side to see what is wrong.

Her gaze raises the moment he sits back on the bed. K'thisru must be injured as she is then. Her instincts as a conjurer demand she pushes herself to see what has befallen her sister, but she also is aware that Aymeric will not let her leave the bed. A smile forms on her face at his words regardless of their situation.

Shaking hands raise from her side to gently rest on his arm and leg. Her head rests against the same arm as a deep shaking exhale leaves her. She should eat, but she can hardly hold onto anything, and would not ask him to aid her in that. ]

I need to remove the gown. [ Normally, such a statement might be playful, but there is too much pain for her to even jest of it. ] O-or, at least, to have it lifted so I might see why it hurts...

[ His brows lift and his mouth presses into a thin line as his concern for her rises.

There is so much he wishes he could do, but short of calling in the healers to have a look at her, he realizes he is not in a position to contribute much of anything besides his support and comfort and a hand to hold should she need it.

Still, there is one thing he can do for her, at least. ]

If you hold still for a moment, I will remove it for you. But I must request that you only examine the area, not attempt to heal it. I- [ His gaze drops for just a fraction of a second before his eyes return to look at hers. ] I fear that you do not have the strength nor the aether needed for such a thing, and I would not see you taxed even more than you already are.

[ Having said that, he places a hand on the edge of the gown, and another on the sleeve, as if waiting for her permission to remove it. ]

[ That is all that she might need. Although, she imagines his desire to comfort and support also turns into the need to protect them. Her gaze softens. Aymeric is always one to worry for them, but he no doubt must feel as if he has failed them in some manner.

She offers a playful smile to him. The best she can manage anyways. ]

A conjurer would have another heal her.

[ Still, she does as he has asked, only moving as she might need at his direction. Then, she raises her arm in order to look down at her side. Her lips press together at the unseemly sight of the large bruises decorating the side where the scar from Zenos lay.

It would certainly explain the pain.

Alkaid sighs and lowers her arm to look back at him. At least she can move easier now without the restraints of the fabric. Ears twitch once and she moves to sit beside him, feet hanging off the bed. Her hands move then to gently curl around his and squeeze them as best as she can. ]

I hope you do not blame yourself for any of this, my love. [ The thought that her sister might overhear does strike her. Yet, she imagines that all that might come from it is teasing. ] We may have found out what has happened to the other Scions...

[ She would be correct in her guess that he is worrying about them, but also feeling responsible for them. And because he feels that way, the fact that both of them are in the state they are only makes him feel as though he has truly let them down.

But he pushes those worries and thoughts down in favor of being strong for her and K'thisru as well. They need him to be strong and supportive, not consumed by his fears and guilt.

He purposefully keeps his touch light, but when she reveals the bruising on her side, he reaches out so that he can brush his fingers against the discolored area. If only he could heal her with the love he has for her, but alas, he is not gifted in that area at all. ]

Perhaps it is a selfish thought, but I cannot help but feel as though you and your sister would have been all right had I been there to lend you aid. And although I am well aware that I cannot always be present to defend and protect you, I- As someone who has proclaimed his love to you, and thus also extends a sort of brotherly love to your sister, I must admit to feeling as though I have failed in my duties to you both.

[ And that is all he intends to say on that subject, at least for now. Alkaid does not need to be burdened by his thoughts and his guilt, and so he will not be speaking about this again. ]

But you must not concern yourself with my thoughts. At risk of overstepping, all you need to concern yourself with is resting and regaining your strength, and in doing so, my fears for you will be lessened.

[ But he intends to act as their shield going forward to the best of his ability and as circumstances allow. He will not have something like this happening again.

And having said that, he addresses the second thing she said. ]

Have you truly gained information concerning them? Please, if you are able to relate it, I would hear of it.

[ But he will be keeping a close eye on her, watching for signs that she is growing weary. He will not be the reason she was pushed even further beyond her limits. ]

[ His worries and concerns earn him a gentle and reassuring smile. There has been times where she felt that she had failed him as a wife-to-be. She is not deaf and has overheard the gossip as she walks through Ishgard.

A lady of a house who is hardly present? Surely, the Lord Speaker could do better or at the least find a mistress!

Yet, if he would still have her despite that? Then his inability to be at the battlefield at her side all the time can be overlooked. ]

You could never fail me, Aymeric. It wasn't you who fought the Ascian who took on Zenos's body. Even then, they could hardly stand up to such a power for very long. [ She nuzzles her nose gently into his arm as if to illustrate her point. ] You're forgiven, if it helps at all.

[ Then, she nods. ] We met the one who has been Calling to us. Someone of the First reflection of Hydaeyln. Someone, who, speaks of doom regardless of how we fight the Empire. [ Her gaze drops and her ears twitch.] He mentioned another Calamity on the horizon...

[ He has long since resolved that they shall spend the rest of their days together, so long as she remains agreeable to the notion of marrying him. Should she ever change her mind, he will, of course, release her to marry whoever she will. But until such a time comes, if it ever does, his determination is to remain by her side as best as he is able.

And as such, he is resolved to protect her however she can, and that includes protecting her reputation as well. If he knew of the idle talk that occurred on the streets and wherever people gather, he would be quite incensed indeed. And what is more, he would view his inability to forestall such talk as a failure on his part. ]

You are kind to say such things, but I cannot help but feel differently. Still, I am determined to make up for this however I can.

[ The smile he gives her in response to her statement that he is forgiven is a small one, and there is a hint of sadness in it too. He only wishes to spare her and K'thisru from harm, but all his determined words aside, he wonders if he truly can do anything to protect and defend them. ]

I see. That does sound dire, but whoever this someone might be, they have caused no small amount of distress and worry here. I am not sure which is worse, the knowledge that so many of our companions have fallen asleep, or that another Calamity might be looming, if this individual can be believed.

[ And more than that, Aymeric fears losing Alkaid and K'thisru to whatever it is that has befallen the Scions. Should that happen, he will be at a loss for how to move forward. ]

[ There is, at no point, when Alkaid will decide to call off their engagement. There is no other that has caught her eye the way the once-Lord Commander did. No one else that, as soon as they walked into the room, made her eyes wide and her heart flutter at the same time. No one else she has felt shy around or even wondering how she might speak to them. While she has never been one to believe in the idea of it? She quite wonders if it was love at first sight.

Perhaps it is selfish, but, she has no intentions to ever let him go. She's chosen him--although, perhaps it is better to say that he chose her. ]

I can hardly call upon you to protect me all the time. [ The hint of sadness in his smile is mirrored in her tone. She would love to take him for an adventure, as she promised not only at the dinner he had with her and K'thisru, but in their several long talks afterwards. Just the two of them, visiting places in their vast beautiful world, seeing people of different cultures and different food. Her eyes close and she can almost imagine it. ] I do have one condition, however...

[ A small and gentle nod to their conversation that, in her mind, started the road to their relationship.

Her hands squeeze his gently as her head further rests on his arm. ]

I think... Thisru knows him; the one who reached out to us.

[ He considers himself beyond fortunate to have even caught her eye, and a part of him believes that she might look at their relationship and decide that it is not enough for her, that he is not meeting her needs. And that is why he is so insistent that he could be doing more. ]

Perhaps not, but I cannot help but feel as though it is my responsibility to at least make an attempt. I would be a poor sort of partner if I did not manage to lend my assistance whenever and wherever I can.

[ He tilts his head to one side, wondering what condition she has. And of course, he remembers that conversation they had so long ago now, and how he said something similar to her at the time. ]

And what might that condition be?

[ His expression becomes slightly troubled as he processes this bit of information. ] Do you think that he can be trusted?

You could never be a poor partner, my love. You have already done so much for me and Thisru. [ The sadness in her tone touches her face then in a smile. ] One day, I will take you far away from all of this. We will see the world and travel to your hearts content.

[ Despite the sadness in her tone and smile? A glint of playfulness shines in her eyes. ]

My condition is fairly simple, my knight. Even perhaps selfish. [ A tilt of her head and she nuzzles the side of her face into her arm. ] As long as I am forced to recoup here in bed... we should plan our wedding.

[ A sudden surge of emotion takes her throat at the idea. Perhaps it is not the best to do in the middle of war. Yet, she is always surrounded by battle. If the battle is to force her to stand a way? They may as well plan what they result want.

She shallows the sudden swell of emotions in order to address his question. ]

I think he intends well, despite poor timing. He seems sincere, and certainly confident that he has the answers to advert another Calamity. [ She sighs, closing her eyes as her mind wanders back to what she and her sister had learned with the twins within the Coils. Things they swore not to tell another. ] The Circle of Knowing aided in stopping the Seventh Umbral Calamity. Surely, we could stop an Eighth...

Edited 2022-03-21 18:13 (UTC)

[ He huffs out a quiet laugh, shaking his head once as if revealing the doubts he has on that particular score. ] Ah, but do you not think that a truly good partner would be so tied to his work and his duty that he cannot take even a moment to excuse himself from said duty to spend time with his betrothed? I feel as though I have yet to find the proper balance between seeing to my duty to Ishgard and seeing to the duty that I have to you and your sister both.

[ He has already resolved to make up for what he sees as his shortcoming. ] Nevertheless, I would love very much to travel alongside you as we see the world.

[ A questioning glance takes his face as he watches her, wondering what she might ask of him. He would give her the moon and stars from the sky if she said that she desired them.

But then she names her request and his eyes widen before a gentle smile takes his face once more. ]

I would like that very much. And more than that, I would like to hear of your wishes for our wedding and how you would have it be. [ Because he will do his best to ensure that anything she desires will be given. It does not seem strange to him to plan their wedding when in the midst of war. Happiness can be found anywhere, and it seems to him that in times like these, they need all the happiness that they can find. ]

How can he be certain? [ A serious look takes his face once more as he thinks this over. ] A Calamity cannot be stopped so easily, although I have no doubts in your abilities and that of your sister's.

...what sort of wife is tied to her own duties so much that she is hardly home? [ She poses the question honestly. She has her own doubts she is the best partner for him. How can she be a wife and lady to his house when at a moment's notice she is summoned away to another part of the world? Alkaid shakes her head gently, but does not dismiss his worry. ] I have wondered if there is no way to balance such a thing... and if we might be forced to chose one or the other.

[ Alkaid gently picks at one of the loose threads on his undershirt. Her head tilts against him and she gently rubs her face against it. ]

You still need tor tell me what place in the world you would like to see the most. I would take you there for our honeymoon. [ She smiles up at him, despite how her side aches. ] It should be in Ishgard--that is where our home is--and in the Church. [ Even if her patron goddess is not the same as his? She is joining his house and his city. It should be done with that in mind. ] I would prefer a small audience, but, I rather doubt we will be afforded the luxury. Not with our statuses.

[ Then, a shake of her head. Those are answers she does not have. ] Nothing is ever easy.

What sort of wife? The sort of wife that is Eorzea's champion and defender and who has far greater priorities that must be given proper consideration. I do not begrudge you in the least for what you must do, or for how often it takes you far from home. [ And from me. ]

I will understand if you conclude that you must choose your duty to Eorzea over anything else, and I will without a doubt be waiting for your return.

[ He makes a quiet humming sound as he thinks over her requests. There are so many places in the world that he would love to see, but where would be the most meaningful? ]

You wrote of Kugane, and I would like very much to see the places you described with my own eyes. As for a wedding between us, a grand affair is customary, but customs and traditions often shift and change, do they not? Perhaps not so with traditions, but with customs.

[ He is aware that he may sound naive here, but if a small audience is what she desires, he knows he will at least attempt to make that so. ]

You would have Master Alphinaud present, I imagine, and perhaps Mistress Tataru as well? [ He taps his chin with a finger as he tries to think of who else she would wish to invite. ] Your sister, naturally.

[ He is uncertain if she would extend invitations to the rest of the Scions or not. And as for their discussion of the mysterious individual who has been calling to them and this threat of another Calamity, Aymeric decides to leave that subject alone for the moment. ]

Who else would you wish to have present to witness our marriage?

... I don't wish to chose them over you or our home. [ Her gaze falls as her countenance changes: shoulders curl up as does her tail curl around her while the ears flatten to her head. ] I'm far from a wife or even the sort of partner you deserve. I'm... I feel as if I'm forced to be a shadow of one. These damn wars, the constant calls of the Scions, the threat of summoning, the Empire...

[ She closes her eyes as her hands squeeze his. ]

I only wish to travel and heal. I wish to be home and live a life outside of what the Echo and Blessing of Light make me have. I want the same for Thisru too.

[ A moment passes before she sighs. The frustration has to point. Things will hardly change. ]

One can't invite some of the Scions and not all. Alisaie deserves to be there as well. [ Alkaid frowns with a tired look in her eyes. ] They and House Foretemps would be all that I would invite--my sister will obviously have a place at my side. Estinien must be there as well; if we could but find him.

But, due to our status, we would need invite the Eorzean Alliance heads-of-state, would we not? Even the Doman ones... [ She bites down on her lip at the realization that her wedding may never be small. ] What of you? Who would you have at our ceremony?

Lantaa, please, listen. [ His hands tighten gently but firmly around hers as he tries to put into words what he is thinking and feeling. ] When I think about the two of us, it is quite clear to me that you are the one who is not getting what she deserves. I could spend a lifetime trying to be the best man for you, and hoping... Praying that I do not disappoint.

[ He has to pause there, for his emotions are getting the best of him. He knows that should she ever leave him, he will not detain her, but he will make one final appeal, and after that, if she still wishes to leave, he will let her. But a part of him will go with her. ]

If I could grant your wish, I would have done it already. You deserve to have the life you want, as does your sister.

[ And he also feels no small amount of frustration that there is nothing he can do to alter their current reality. ]

Of course, you are right. And the Scions are your allies, and I am certain they care for you as well. [ He feels as though it is not his place to comment on the relationships between the Scions, but a part of him thinks that Alkaid is closer to some than to others, for a variety of reasons. ] Naturally, House Fortemps and Estinien are more than welcome. [ He cannot imagine Estinien not being there, and of course, the representatives from House Fortemps have ever been staunch allies and friends. ]

As for the heads of state... Propriety demands their presence, but is that the sort of wedding you wish to have? [ He would suggest holding two ceremonies, a formal one and a more personal one, but perhaps she would not want that either. ]

But to answer the question of who I would have at the ceremony... Estinien, of course, but also Lucia, if she is inclined to come.

[ He has two other individuals that he would like to invite, but at the same time, he does not know them very well, and they would most likely be invited out of obligation anyway, so he decides not to name them just yet. ]

[ Despite the exhaustion written all over her body, Alkaid's grip on his hands tightens immediately. She raises her eyes to his once more with a set expression on her face. Ears tuck against her head and the rather messy tail curls beside her legs. ]

Aymeric, please. You already are the best man for me; the only one in fact. [ Water gathers in her eyes at the idea that he feels he has so utterly failed her when it is the farthest from the truth. ] We all might wish for lives we want but we must deal with the lives we are given. You've no reason to keep listening to my continue bemoaning of how unfair it might be... but you are in no way obligated to try to change yourself.

[ She gently pushes herself to sit up on her knees beside him with the intention of being at eye level. Her side protests at the movement, but this is far more important. Her hands leave his only to take his face in her hands to make certain she has his full attention. ]

I love you. [ A strain is felt in her side as she leans forward to gently kiss him. ] Please, please, do not feel as if you must change to meet some ideal you think I have of you. I simply need you as you.

[ As for his other question? A deep sigh leaves her. ] No... it is not the sort of wedding I would wish to have. But, could we have any other sort?

[ He feels no small amount of guilt for putting her through so much when she is clearly exhausted and should be more concerned with caring for herself and resting. And here he is distracting her and upsetting her. ]

Please, I am sorry. I should not be troubling you so, when you are the one in need of aid.

[ No sooner does he see her push herself into a sitting position than he stiffens, worry and apprehension showing itself clearly on his face. ]

Lantaa, please, lie down. You must rest. [ He protests even when she places her hands on both sides of his face. ] I assure you, anything that I do is because I have chosen to do so, and because I love you more than I have loved any other.

[ Romantically, that is. His love of country and the love he still holds for his parents is the other strongest feeling he can remember having. ]

If that is the wedding that you desire, I will do all that is in my power to ensure that that is the wedding we have.

[ She presses her body to his. Although, it is more accurate to say her weight gives way and she leans against him to keep herself upright. Her forehead rests against his and she exhales deeply. The twinge at her side has burst into pain, causing her whole frame to shake. She most certainly has strained herself and will never hear the end of it from the healers in Ishgard. The pain is in her eyes even as she attempts to ignore it and focus on him. ]

I would rather your distractions above all else. [ Her breathing becomes uneven the longer she stays in such a position.... but he must know... he must understand...

She nuzzles her nose against his again. Her eyes drift shut as she focuses on her words. Although, truth be told, she is merely saying what comes to mind in this instance. ] I don't want you to change at all. I want you to be you: Ser Aymeric de Borel... the man I love... the man I fell in love with the first moment I saw him...

[ Oh, yes, he had told her to lay down again. Her eyes open partway to look below her. Suddenly, the idea of moving in such a way seems all but impossible with the way her body shakes in pain. Her face scrunches up slightly. ]

...only if you lie down with me.

Edited 2022-03-30 04:19 (UTC)

[ No sooner does she lean against him than he tightens his hold on her while still being careful to be gentle. It is obvious to him that she is not well, and should not be moving nor disturbed, and here he is doing just that. ]

I will lie down with you, but please, you must keep still. You are not in any condition to be moving as much as you are, and I must ask your forgiveness for not being mindful of that.

[ He pushes aside the twinge of guilt that asserts itself, because his focus has moved to helping her lie down, and trying to keep from adding to her discomfort.

Whatever assistance she needs, he will give it, even if he has to place her down on the bed himself and arrange her limbs accordingly. He sees the way she looks down below her, and he asks: ]

Shall I settle you on the bed? That might be easier for you, and less strain upon your injuries as well.

[ He would grant her the chance to keep her dignity, so much as she is able, but he will not hesitate to move her himself if she asks him to. ]

[ A nod is given to his query. It might be for the best. Alkaid moves as she is directed and aided by him, turning her head at the last moment to steal a brief kiss from him. Then, she offers a playful but strained smile.

She looks up at him as he lays her down. Her hands immediately raise to grab onto the fabric of the undershirt. A silent plea that he not leave her and that he does stay with her. Perhaps she might have explanations for her sister or even a chirurgeon if they see her and the Lord Speaker in such a way. Unless, all of Ishgard knows their arrangement now...

Her hand raises to his face as she gently traces his features. Her head has started to swim once again, but the pounding has ceased for now. Instead, she sits in a place that is awake, but feeling lucid at the same time. Pain, but also numb. ]

There is nothing to forgive, my love. [ Her voice lowers so only he might hear. Her fingers trail along his jaw. ] Ser Aymeric de Borel, always able to find me no matter where I am... and bring me home.

Edited 2022-03-31 06:44 (UTC)

I must disagree, with all respect, of course. You and your sister may be Eorzea's celebrated Warriors, but so far as I am concerned, I do not see how that means you must forever risk your lives and stare down death.

But I will not cause you more distress by giving vent to my own thoughts on this matter. See, I am lying down next to you, and I have no intentions of moving from this spot.

[ Even should K'thisru wake and see this, or a chirurgeon enter. ]

I will always find you and be there for you, Lantaa. I promise.

[ His eyes slide closed for a moment as he relishes the feel of her fingers tracing along his face and jaw, but they are quick to open once more and focus upon her own eyes. ]

[ Her expression softens. She as well has no idea why was her or her sister that had been chosen by Hydaelyn. Why, it seems, they must be the one to start the change and cause fate's wheels to turn. The thoughts clearly cross her face as she continues to trail her fingers up and down his jawline. She did not wish for fate to surround them, or to dictate the way nations sway. All she has wanted is a life for her and her sister where they might travel and have a place to call home.

Of course, she supposes, without the Blessing of Light? She would have never met Aymeric... ]

...would we have met if it wasn't for the fact we are the Warriors of Light? [ Her gaze drops to the side and her tail moves along the bed underneath the blanket. ] What if we had never met at all...?

[ Of course, she can only speak for herself, even if her thoughts feel as if they are made of mud. She, of course, had never really known what she had been missing in her life. Just the idea--the dream--of a person that might be just her own. Perhaps the idea had never crossed his mind. Mayhap, even, he had never truly wanted a significant other, and was merely content being the Lord Commander of Ishgard.

The thought of not having met him causes tears to gather in her eyes. The hand at his jaw moves to curl against her chest. Without warning, she curls against him, regardless if he is not under the blankets as she is. It all hurts, and she feels as if everything is made of lead, but she does not want to be apart form him in this instance. ]

It hurts... which means Thisru is hurting... I-I should see to her...

[ His mind is turning with questions of fate and destiny as well, but when she asks those questions, his answer is immediate: ]

If we had never met, I believe that I never would have found the happiness that you brought into my life when you entered it. I would be an entirely different man, and I am certain that my days would be that much darker.

[ He gently takes hold of her hand and raises it slightly so that he might press a light kiss to it. ] And for that, I thank you.

[ But the smile in his eyes fades when he sees the hurt in her own eyes, and the tears as well. ] I am sorry, Lantaa. Sorry that you have been hurt and- [ There is nothing I can do, except to call the healers. ] If it eases your mind at all, I will bring her to you. I will be right back.

[ And having said that, he crosses over to the other bed where he and K'thisru exchange a few quiet words. She is not in any better shape than her sister is, and it seems as though speaking is hard for her, but Aymeric tells her what he intends and she gives a small nod. Being mindful not to hurt her, he lightly slides one arm around her back and the other beneath her legs so that he might lift and carry her over to her sister.

It only takes a moment, even though he purposefully moves as slowly as possible, and once he has returned to Alkaid's bed, he gently places K'thisru beside her. ]

I will gladly remain if you need me, but if you would like a moment alone, I will leave you two.

[ Her gaze remains removed as he speaks, but, her hands reach out again for the fabric of his undershirt. It is all too easy to imagine another becoming the Warrior of Light--another catching his interest. The frown on her face deepens with her hands curling further into the fabric. Someone else that makes him smile and glow the way she does. ]

... if someone else was the Warrior of Light... and they caught your eye...

[ Then, he is moving away, and her ears stand on end. A slight panic fills her eyes. She pushes herself up on one arm to watch--the best she can--as he moves to the other bed. One hand immediately reaches for K'thisru once he brings her to the bed. The other reaches out for Aymeric in order to keep him with her as well.

The two most important people to her on the whole star.

She rests her head in his lap. Her fingers begin to gently brush down her sister's hair to comfort her. Even Alkaid is not foolish enough to attempt to heal in her state. ]

BOOK 3: TWO-TONED ECHOES

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