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

[ 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. ]

[ He imagines that were another to take up the mantle of Warrior of Light, he would be ever grateful to them, of course, but what he cannot imagine is loving them instead of her. Perhaps it would not be his choice but rather the choice of fate, but if so, then he thinks he would do his best to defy that fate. ]

They would not. I do not know if a man may throw off fate in such a way, but I have only one person whom I love, and I cannot imagine loving another. I would risk the ire of the gods or of whoever it is that pulls the strings, but it is you who has caught my eye, and I cannot fathom caring for anyone else.

[ Once he has brought the two sisters together, he considers leaving the room regardless of what they might say, but then he sees Alkaid reaching out for him as well, and he can hardly turn her down.

He sits in such a way that she might pillow her head in his lap, and his gaze surveys both girls. They are in quite a state indeed, but the healers seem confident enough that they will recover in time.

Even so, when he looks at K'thisru, he cannot help but worry. While Alkaid can sit up and move about, the same does not seem true for the younger sister. She seemed to have some pain in her eyes and legs, but the healers should have seen to that. Perhaps they did what they could, and now she just needs time to recover.

When Alkaid begins to brush down her hair, K'thisru lets out a shaky sigh and she moves just enough to pull her legs up a little further, curling up on the bed next to her sister and the man she loves so much. ]

[ She sinks into his lap. A sudden wave of relief washes over her and her heart grows warm. She wishes to believe, then, they would have somehow found one another if she and K'thisru were not called to be the Warriors of Light. Somehow, someway, their paths would cross, and they could share in a relationship. There is something about that idea that makes her heart sing joyfully. She nuzzles her face into his lap a bit more.

Her knight and her protector.

Alkaid gently moves to brushing her sister's hair. Her movements echo those of what she would do when she has a nightmare or was scared. ]

Aymeric brought us home, Thisru. [ She knows her sister had also seen Ishgard as home for some time now. There is a room made for her in Manor Borel as well. They've no need to travel to their clan unless they wanted. ] Once I've gathered some strength back, I'll take care of your aches and pains. Then... maybe we can spend some time here... at home...

[ Her gaze moves upwards to her betrothed. Would they be able to stay in Ishgard? Would he have to return to the frontlines as they recover? Eventually they would need to return to Mor Dhona and see Tataru and Krile. ]

[ Aymeric smiles at both sisters, although he isn't certain how aware of her surroundings K'thisru is in this moment. He still fears that the healers missed something, but Alkaid does not seem too troubled, and he trusts her judgment even though she is still hurt herself.

For the moment, he contents himself with sitting by their bedside and listening to them talk and watching for any sign that they need assistance from him.

K'thisru stirs again just slightly as if responding to her sister's voice, and although her own voice is faint, she manages to ask: ] ... home?

[ Ishgard is more of a home to her than anywhere she can remember, even their own clan home, and so the knowledge that Aymeric brought them here brings some ease to her face. He is certainly a good man, and she believes her sister could not have done better for herself.

Still, she would shake her head if she had the strength to, but she merely replies: ] I'll be all right. [ In time, that is. She does not wish for Alkaid to tax herself on her account.

Aymeric, meanwhile, catches sight of Alkaid's glance, and his face evens out into a warmer smile for her benefit. ] I have taken the liberty of making arrangements for you both to remain in Ishgard until you are well again. And- [ He shrugs his shoulders with a little embarrasment as he adds: ] I have also made arrangements to excuse myself temporarily, as my dear friend and her sister are in need of my aid.

[ He purposefully places emphasis on those two words in particular, so as not to leave any doubt that he made it clear that they are more than friends but family. And that extends to K'thisru as well. ]

Yes, home. Ishgard.

[ Her fingers continue to brush through her sister's longer hair. Well, long for K'thisru at any rate. They stop behind her ears where she then gently pets the bottom of them. She may not be able to aid the pain in magic, but she certainly hopes she can soothe her now.

At Aymeric's declaration, however, Alkaid turns her attention to him with her eyes wide. Would it be alright for him to take time away now? The Empire pushes for war with a deadly weapon... could he really take the time to simply be with them....? Should he? Nonetheless her gaze softens and she nuzzles her cheek against his thigh. ]

Then, we need to recovery quickly. We couldn't have the company of the Lord Speaker go to waste.

[ She gazes up at him with a smile on her face. Nothing but live for him shines in her eyes. The two most important people to her on their star in the same room. Not only so, but they may actually spend time as a family. How has she been so blessed?

Alkaid's hand moves from her sister's ear to her shoulder in an attempt to encourage her to move closer to them. ]

[ She doesn't answer, but she tries to summon enough strength to move closer to the two of them. All she really wants is to go back to sleep, but just lying beside them is comfort enough. Once she has positioned herself next to them, she curls up again as best as she can.

Aymeric, meanwhile, smiles at Alkaid even as he shakes his head. ] Recover at whatever pace you need. My priority and my focus remains on the two of you, for as long as you both need.

Too often have I wished that I could travel alongside you and help defend you against threats. If I am unable to do that, at the very least, I might sit by your bedside and give what comfort I can. And, of course, the healers are only a call away should you require them to visit once more.

[ And then having said that, he adds: ] Is there anything you require that I might do for you now? If there is something you need that I might bring to you, name it and I will do what I can. [ Or send someone to do the task, because he is reluctant to leave them. ]

Edited 2022-04-09 04:30 (UTC)

[ K'thisru curls in on herself, and Alkaid pulls the blankets around her further. Her hand returns to her sister's hair, gently brushing it until she has been lulled into a sleep. Then, she smiles gently, and kisses her forehead. A moment or two passes before her gaze moves back to Aymeric.

The hand atop her sister's head raises to rest against Aymeric's cheek. ] All I require is you here... if I am allowed to be so selfish in asking.

[ Of course, he has already stated that he has told others not to disturb them. He is there to help them and see to it that they are well again. That does not mean she wishes him to be the Lord Speaker when it is just the three of them--but the person he feels he can be around her. It is quite a tall order to ask for, especially as any might walk in and check on them, but that is all she can think to ask for. ]

[ Aymeric's gaze rests on K'thisru's for a moment before turning back to focus his attentions on Alkaid once more. ]

There is nowhere else on this star or any other that I would rather be.

[ Then, the worry that has been present this whole time breaks through his usual calm expression, although he has not been attempting to hold it back. ]

Is there truly nothing more that I can do to ease your burdens?

[ She smiles at him, feeling as if her heart goes a million yalms in a moment. Truly, she feels all may be right in the world when she shares a space with her sister and the man she loves with her whole being. It matters not that her body aches or that her vision has yet to fully return. The body will heal in time, but she is certain she would never be the same if she lost either of them. Her hand at her sister's side curls around her hand, and then the hand at Aymeric's face continues to brush along his cheekbones.

His question makes her pause. His meaning is very clear even if the words may not do so. He wishes to do more than idly sit and wait for them to heal. Aymeric may be a man of consideration before action, but he is certainly one who would be in the action and not forced to the side. Her gaze softens, because of course, there are things he could do for them. Perhaps she need not be selfish in this moment and give him direction on what might be done.

Alkaid lowers her hand to rest on her side. ]

... a hot press would help for Thisru's aches. And perhaps something to drink to dull my own. The healers should know what I mean by it.

[ A part of him very nearly went mad while waiting for news of the sisters' condition. And although he wants nothing more than to remain with them, to hold their hands and sit by their bedside as they heal, there still is that urge, that need to do something useful to help them right now.

He has done his best to be impassive and calm for their benefit, but also in hopes that doing so will ease the lingering fear he had that they might not wake up or truly recover. Now, however, his ability to appear calm has momentarily fled, and as he looks at her, he knows his rattled nerves may well be plain in his gaze. ]

Yes, of course. I will ask the healers for both things and return as soon as I can.

[ Before he does so, however, he reaches for her hand once more to give it a gentle squeeze. ]

Will you be all right? [ Part of him does not wish to be parted from her, not even for the briefest of moments that it takes for him to complete this errand. ]

[ The rattled nerves are certainly on display, which is why she reigns in what she would like. He needs to feel as if he can do something, even if it is the smallest thing, for Aymeric has never handled the idea of being powerless well. She forces a smile for him and a small nod. She squeezes his hand back tightly. ]

I'll be fine. [ She glances down to K'thisru. ] I'll make certain Thisru is comfortable and ready as well.

[ Her other hand returns to brushing down her sister's hair once more. She will push herself to sit up and offer her sister her lap. That way, she can place the hot press to K'thisru's aching side. She is certain neither of the pair will be pleased with decision. However, if she cannot simply lay down with the pair of them, she might as well do something productive. ]

[ He needs a task to do, some action that he can complete in order that he not feel so entirely useless. It should not be a surprise that he fears losing Alkaid and her sister, but to have it presented so plainly in front of him was a shock he was ill prepared for.

He is beyond relieved that both of them are still with him, even if they are both hurt; perhaps that is why he feels as though he would run himself ragged if it meant seeing them back on their feet again. Never mind that it would hardly help either sister if they had to then assist him following their recovery. But the point remains that there is very little he would not do in order to help them. ]

Then I shall return presently. [ He takes a few steps towards the door, only to turn back to look at both girls as if to reassure himself that they will be all right while he goes on this errand before he finally takes his leave.

Not long after, K'thisru stirs, responding to Alkaid's touch. She still needs more time to rest, but Aymeric's steps as he left the room registered in her mind, and although Alkaid's tread is far lighter than Aymeric's, she still needs to reassure herself that her sister is still there. ]

... Lantaa?

[ She would try to sit up, but moving at all is too much for her right now. ]

[ Alkaid watches him leave, her ears tilted up as her heart pounds. The moment he is gone from view makes her heart feel as if it is made of metal, despite how heavy it beats. Ears atop her head tilt down and her gaze drops to the bed below her. How silly it must be that she misses him the moment she can no longer see him, even if they are in the same building.

Her name catches her attention, and Alkaid tilts her head to look at her sister. She gently pushes herself to sit up against the headboard before guiding her sister to lay in her lap. One hand goes to her sister's darker dyed hair, brushing the strands soothingly. ]

Aymeric has gone to get us something to help your aches.

[ Similarly, no sooner than Aymeric leaves than a feeling of missing her even though she is not far away at all settles in on him. Still, he asked for an errand and now he has one, and he means to perform it as best as he can.

K'thisru, meanwhile, is still trying to reach for her sister and position herself into her lap. Movement is, of course, still difficult, and she accidentally lets a low moan escape before she can control it and hold it in. She feels nothing short of ridiculous, because she ought not to be lying here like this, and yet she can't seem to summon the strength to position herself differently.

She tries to shake her head, and she manages to, but the action makes her head swim, forcing her to stop. ]

I- I'm all right, Lantaa. [ Her words are hesitant and faint, but she is determined to make an effort. ] I must be.

[ Warriors of Light don't get knocked down like this. At least, that is what she's telling herself. ]

[ Her ears stand on end at the sound of the moan that comes from her sister. Immediately, she takes to brushing the hair by K'thisru's ears and holding her hand. A smile is given to the younger Miqo'te. ]

Of course... we both must be alright to everyone else. [ Alkaid tilts her head knowingly. ] But, to each other, there's no point in hiding it. Especially to the one who has healed you her whole life.

[ Alkaid's fingers move to her bangs then. ] Tell me where it hurts the most. I'll see to it that is where the hot press goes first.

[ Even with her sister's words ringing in her ears, she still feels as though she ought not to be acting like this. Whatever hurts she has will heal with time, or with her sister's care, and others have had it far worse.

She tries to pinpoint just what it is that hurts the most, but the answer seems to be everything: her head is pounding and her legs still seem to ache. Just where exactly she was hit, she is having trouble recalling. Her legs draw up again once more and she shifts just a little to curl up, her head still in Alkaid's lap.

Turning her head just a little so that half of her face is hidden in her sister's lap, she half-mumbles: ] Anywhere you want to put it is fine.

[ Because everything seems to hurt and even one place that hurts less will help. ]

I see.

[ The hand at her head continues to brush through the darker locks. Alkaid has always found it interesting her sister dyed her hair dark, for now the two of them do look like sisters instead of mispaired ones. She smiles gently at the thought and moves her fingers to brush the back of K'thisru's ears. The other hand moves down to her sister's back, attempting to find the source of most the pain by following her aether trail. ]

So, I take it to mean our mysterious caller is the one you have been seeing? [ She has already surmised as much, but, feels its best to get clarification. ] He looks rather ornate, doesn't he? And, he is most certainly mysterious.

[ To the First... to avoid the Calamity... ]

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

BOOK 3: TWO-TONED ECHOES

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