echoes of truth | ❝ to all of my children to whom.... ❞

[heranswers]

song of hope

BOOK 5: OUR SONG

Our song of hope, she dances on the wind
Higher, o' higher
E'er our hearts endure and remain forever strong
Standing tall through the dark do we carry onCODE BY TESSISAMESS

Comments

[shepherdtostars]

[ Alkaid tilts her head slightly. While he may not wish to speak of the things that trouble him? She is aware they will make themselves known in one way or another. Perhaps he fears losing her to adventure and whims, or he still finds himself unworthy of her... especially now, with how they have gone to such lengths to save their star. If only she could cement the belief for him that none other can turn her gaze or win her heart.

With her forehead still resting against his, she gently presses a kiss to his cheek. She has missed being affectionate with him as much as she has missed his touch and voice. So much so, that she once again nudges the side of his nose and brushes her fingers along his.

Her ears lower in a relaxed way as he continues to use his affectionate term for her and her tail sways more. Her lower lip trembles, but she forces herself to contain her emotions for just a bit longer. At least, as much as she is able. ] I have missed you so much, my knight.

[ While her eyes are already alight, they seem to have another glow about them at how he smiles. He never seems to smile enough in public and so she has made it a mission to see him smile more in their home. Alkaid tilts her head once more at his direction. Aymeric is far from wrong when it comes to her injuries, even if she wishes to just curl into his arms.

Her hands leave the sash and she pulls away in order to gesture behind her at the laces of the dress. It is not as form fitting as it could be, most certainly due to it being a design concept of her wedding dress and because of her bandages. Alkaid does her best to shift so he might tend to the back of her dress and sliding it from her shoulders.

Beneath the dress are the bandages he felt. There are ones that entirely circle her chest and back, while others that wrap around both of her lower arms. Once he had said that he does not wish to see her with as many scars as him. No doubt that once he sees the healing wounds on her arms that he will be disappointed. The bandages on her ribs at least are there to place a balm against the bruises that can be seen peeking from the edges.

As her arms slide from the sleeves, she feels a familiar warm and burning sensation. She winces slightly before lowing her arms and attempting to hide what surely has started to leak into the bandages. If only because she does not wish to get stains on the dress that she is still attempting to get out of.

How to begin to explain it all...? ]

Where do you wish to start? I can instruct you on what to do if needed...

[thewayforpeace]

[ So many thoughts are going through his mind, but above all of them is the notion that he must care for her. Strange as it may seem, although it has been some time since he was a knight on the front lines, and even longer since he was surrounded by friends and fellow soldiers all sporting injuries from the long skirmish with the dragons, in this moment, he finds himself flashing back to those times.

His smile remains but it becomes increasingly strained as he begins to take stock of her condition and what needs tending to first. As he gently slides the dress away from her shoulders and begins revealing the already bandaged areas, the smile disappears entirely, replaced by a worried frown. There are so many wounds, judging from the vast array of bandages wrapped about her person, and once again, the thought that he has failed to protect her breaks through.

An exhale of breath and a mumbled curse escapes him then as he realizes blood is seeping through the wrappings on her arms, despite her attempt to hide them. Surely her efforts with the children and also during dinner aggravated the wounds. He may not be a healer, nor a field chirurgeon, but he and others like him have carried out makeshift aid in the absence of trained healers.

This is not a battlefield, and thus supplies and warm water are not in short supply, and yet he finds a certain tension settling into his shoulders as he recounts in his mind what he ought to do. ]

Your arms should be tended to first, and then the rest can come after. [ His tone is not as soft as it was just moments ago, having been replaced by a steely sort of determination to see the bleeding stopped and bandages replaced. He does not mean to attack this as he might a threat, because he could not be so careless, but for the sake of seeing her cared for, he has to seal away his worries and fears, lest he become too distracted to be of use. ]

If you will wait here for a moment- [ He imagines she does not intend to leave, but he makes the request regardless. ] I must retrieve warm water for tending to your hurts.

[ And before he stands up to briefly depart, he leans in to place a kiss on the side of her face. He is back before too long with a basin of water that he sets next to him within easy reach. ]

Shall I begin removing the bandages? [ It is the next course of action, but perhaps she needs a moment before he starts. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ Alkaid watches his expression turn from one of happiness, to strained, to a drop entirely of his mood. She frowns in turn, gently raising her hand to rest her hand on his cheek. Her thumb brushes along his cheek even as he curses. If only he could have traveled with her. Perhaps, in the end, it was better that he did not. Seeing each Scion dissipate into thin aether to allow them to press forward was distressing enough. She does not even wish to imagine the same happen to Aymeric. It had been hard enough to attempt to fight his shade that Elidibus had created, and even then she could not...

She nods to his instructions. She leans into the kiss on her cheek and gives him a smile. While he is seeing to the familiar basin and cloths, she finishes removing the lovely dress. It takes a bit of work before she is able to lay it on the edge of the bed and settle herself back once more for him. In fact, she is in the process of doing such a thing once he returns. Now, she simply sits in her small clothes and the bandages around her.

Alkaid offers him a smile once more before raising one arm for him to begin undoing the bandages. After a moment of silence, her gaze drops slightly. He no doubt will wish to know how she received such wounds, and why K'thisru has a limp... ]

It took a very short amount of time to reach our destination: the nest of Meteion... the one behind the Final Days. [ She knows she has spoken to him already of their time in Elpis, meeting Venat and the others, as well as how Meteion had fallen. Thus, her gaze lowers. ] Her and her sister's domain was ruled by dynamis, and thus, they controlled every aspect of it. Their memories of each star they encountered was pressed into the dynamis there... and one by one each of us had to find an answer to the despair that destroyed their stars. Each Scion took up a battle against each despair, using their aether to create a path so we all might continue forward.

[ Even Estinien. ]

By the end it was only Thisru and I that remained to find Meteion... which we did, and, by using the crystal that contained our ancient magic? We summoned Emet-Selch and Hytholodaeus to our aid with their creation magics. It was enough to free the Meteion we had met, and return all of the Scions to our side.

But... [ she winces slightly at the memory and at the wound now fresh to see. The cut was obviously deeper at one point, but, has opened slightly once more. A wound that suggests the damage of a blade and, with his keen eyes, Aymeric could easily spot the matching scar on her other forearm. ] Thisru and I knew we couldn't face the Meteia alongside them... we had to keep them safe... and sent them back to the Ragnarok.

[ Her hand flexes slightly. ] Some how, Zenos found us there. He mentioned something of absorbing what was left of the aether of the Mothercrystal to transform himself into Shinryu once more... and took us to battle against the Meteia on his back. [ Alkaid shakes her head, as if in a notion she can hardly believe it herself. ] The only Meteia to survive was the one that we had met in Elpis. We shared all the hopes and prayers of all of you here, on our star, to help her find the answers she was so desperately looking for. She said she wished to sing a song through the universe of hope before returning home.

[ Alkaid's gaze drops further and her eyes close. Her hands flex. ] We meant to follow her back to the ship and great everyone before returning home. However, Zenos stopped us... he insisted that Thisru and I face him one last time in a battle to our limits... even if we had just faced the everything that was destroying our star, and helped destroy our ancient past. Even then... we had to fight him.

I had to fight him, to come home to you, and the children...

[ Her hands clutch tightly then. ]

[thewayforpeace]

[ Perhaps he is far too predictable, but each wound and bandaged area that he surveys seems to point to all the ways that he has failed her. Even her touch on his face does little to soothe the storm of upset that is beginning to grow inside him. Still, he must calm that storm and keep his rising emotions in check. It is quite the battle, but it pales in comparison to all of the battles that she and her sister have fought.

Focusing upon what must be done helps ground him, but he finds his calm shaken by her words and descriptions of all that transpired at Meteion's nest. He listens, and he is about to inquire about the individual battles the Scions carried out, but the pieces fall into place when she states that it was only her and her sister left at the end of all of it. That can only mean that in some shape or form, each Scion fell to whatever threats there were that barred the way forward.

His face falls even as his hands continue moving, carefully unwinding the bandages around her arms, and then dipping one of the cloths into the water so that he might wipe away any blood that has seeped through and soothe the injured areas as well. At least, he hopes that the warm water is soothing and not uncomfortable. Although he can hardly claim to have intimate friendships with each one of the Scions, there are those that he feels closer to and cares for. Estinien being one, and Alphinaud being another. Granted, he has not had many opportunities to converse with Alphinaud of late, but he remembers in full clarity the time he spent in Ishgard.

But by some design or favor from the gods, each of the Scions is still with them, and for that, he is grateful.

But then Alkaid goes on to say that she and K'thisru sent them all back to safety, leaving them to fight alone. He can understand why they chose to do so, but it causes no small pang of emotion, imagining the two sisters far from home and facing an enemy on their own.

He has barely begun to process this when she makes mention of Zenos, and that is when he all but snaps to attention, all but forgetting that he is meant to be easing her hurts and tending to her bandages. ]

Zenos did this?

[ His tone of voice is quieter now, but there is a hard edge to it, and a cold fury is blazing in his eyes at the thought of Zenos once again appearing to be a threat to the life of the person he loves most and her sister. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ Alkaid would have taken his face into her hands and kisses him to ease his worries if he was not so determined to see to her wounds. She does not protest or make light of the situation. So often is he there to shield her as he wishes. Instead, she welcomes him to care for her and see to her when she is home. She knows it is far from what he truly wishes he might do, but, now with the threats having been dealt wish? She hopes that they might enjoy a quiet life with their children and travel the world as they see fit.

Her arm relaxes against the warm cloth, causing her ears to drop ever so slightly. Ishgard remains cold, and while she might adapt to it? Any warmth her betrothed might offer is something she willingly takes to. Her eyes drift shut to find a sense of calm and almost relaxation--despite the tale she says--until he speaks once more. Then, her ears stand atop of her head and her eyes open to meet his gaze.

It has been some time since she heard the icy tone and anger in his gaze. Of course, she knows it is not directed at her or her sister. In this brief moment she is reminded why it was him picked as the Lord Commander of the Temple Knights. A stoic and kind man to be certain, but one that can recognize a threat that maybe no one else can. She lifts her other hand and gently places it atop his own on the wound he is caring for. ]

... Yes, he did. [ Alkaid knows there is little reason to hide the truth from him. Her ears fold down once more. ] He is the reason why Thisru walks as she does, and why it took the extra time for us to return to you and the children despite the fact we had returned home. He would not let us leave until the battle had concluded.

A battle that meant one of the three of us would not be returning home.

[ She looks down then as her hand atop his curls and the hair on the end of her tail bristles. While she has certainly caused the deaths of others through collateral damage? It has never sat well with her--especially on the First. One might think she could of easily taken the life of Zenos after all that he had done, but, it was still a life. One that she had to take with her sister. She is not meant to take lives. She is a mender, a healer...

Her gaze drops once more to her lap as tears once more form in her eyes. ]

We left him there... even if it was not our choice in so many ways. The Scions had found a way to bring us back to the Ragnarok, or perhaps it was Meteion in some way. But, he did not return home with us... his body is still there at the edge of creation. M-mayhap his soul has found it's way back to the our aetheric sea, but... even then...

[ She presses her lips together for a moment before a few tear slip past her closed eyes. We took his life. I took his life. ]

[thewayforpeace]

[ Rather than respond right away, he simply falls silent while continuing to tend to the wounds on her arm. Fortunately, there does not seem to be too much blood, but he does not wish to leave the site uncleaned. There are medicated ointments available, provided by the house staff, and he selects one of them to place upon her injuries before he binds them once more. He is making good progress, driven along by the anger he is attempting to cause to subside, but he pauses in his work when she rests her hand upon his.

The fire that was welling up inside him begins to fade, leaving behind still glowing embers, but as he gazes at her, the fury in his eyes also fades and is replaced by a look of apology. ]

I am sorry, I am meant to be caring for you and giving you comfort, and here I am being distressed and more than likely causing distress in turn. You need to be resting, and I ought to be reassuring you.

[ His back stiffens slightly as a thought occurs to him then. ] Does K'thisru need tending as well? [ He very nearly drops the formality of her name but catches himself at the last minute, as she has not given him permission in so many words to do so. ] I imagine that G'raha can manage, but perhaps I should ensure that supplies and bandages are provided to him as well.

[ But his attentions are distracted once more, as Alkaid goes on to relate more about the encounter with Zenos. He cannot read her mind nor her thoughts, but he suspects that having to put an end to the man once and for all is not sitting well with his dearest. ]

If I might ask... Do you feel guilt, or blame yourself that you were not able to bring him back with you? [ It is a strange circumstance, because he cannot stop himself from feeling no small amount of anger directed at the man who is no longer living. But he is not cruel enough to believe that even a man such as Zenos deserves to be left at what might as well be the farthest away point that it is possible to be. ] Or do you regret having to be the one to give the final blow?

[ In either case, he would say that she has very little to feel guilty about, but he knows full well that such thoughts are not easily uprooted once they have formed. ]

Tell me more about what troubles you.

[shepherdtostars]

[ She smiles gently at his apologetic look, giving him a small shake of her head. The fury and ice does not bother her. It has been some time since she has seen such an emotion, but, she does not rebuff or dismiss it. He has his reasons for feeling as he does. Zenos has already damaged her once, and they had thought they had put the matter to rest with the siege of Ala Mhigo. Learning that he was not only back, but hunted them to the edge of creation and demanded one more battle of them. Not only that, but he had left his mark on them once more. ]

Thisru would greatly appreciate the extra bandages, as would Raha. [ The gentle correction is followed by a playful smile and a nudge to his forehead. ] If we are to be married, my love, then they are family. Thisru certainly would not mind you referring to her as such. Raha... well, I think he believes himself removed from it all still. He will most certainly insist on tending to her. He has some knowledge of healing magic thanks to his long years on the First.

[ Her fingers return to brushing along the back of his hand so long that it is stilled. She smiles at him once more, nudging the top of his head this time. His question makes her pause and her eyes close. What is it that truly does bother her of it all? Zenos would not have a place to be buried in Garlemald as he is seen as a traitor and he had no love of his homeland. Perhaps where his body is would remain the best place, fallen on the spot of his glorious battle.

A sigh leaves before she rests her head against his. ]

What healer am I, if I've taken a life? It was Thisru and I, but... even then... [ Alkaid closes her eyes and nearly leans her weight into him. ] I don't recall most of what happened on our way home or even my time in Mor Dhona. Meteion's nest is ruled by dynamis, and so, things are created by emotional energy. Zenos pushed us straight to the brink. Had the transporter not arrived... all three of us may have been there... no matter how hard I pushed my body? It would not move more.

[ Her ears fold entirely to the back of her head. ] It was so much--I... [ Alkaid forces a long sigh to come forward to release the tension in her body. She is tired, yet she wishes nothing more to be in his arms and simply be as might be. ] I missed you. So very much...

[thewayforpeace]

[ Rare are the times in which he finds himself at a loss for words, and yet he seems to be just that in this moment. The knowledge that Zenos came for the two sisters once more, forcing them to kill or be killed, does not sit well with him at all. By rights, they are more than able to take their own revenge and to defend themselves, but the part of him that feels obligated and what is more, determined to defend them both, wishes that he could take up his own blade to strike Zenos down.

But as he has already been dispatched, there is no further need for that. He will simply have to find other ways to be the protector and defender that he feels he needs to be. For now, this is best put aside so that he can focus upon her as he ought. ]

Thisru and Raha, then: if you are certain they will not take offense. And I will pass on a request that bandages and supplies be brought to them. [ As soon as a moment presents itself, that is. He does not mean to leave her just yet. ]

Was there another way? With what little I know of this Zenos, I think that there was not. I do not think that all of you would have left in one piece, and I do not say that to cause you alarm. [ It seems clear enough to him that either the two sisters would have left alive or none of them would. But that hardly makes what they had to do any easier, and he knows that full well. ]

I am glad that fate, fortune, or the gods, or even all three, saw fit to bring you home.

[ He does not wish to imagine a world without the little family that he now considers his. And, with her added reassurance, he considers G'raha a welcome member as well, alongside the two sisters and the children that they have adopted. ]

I miss you every time your steps take you far from us. From me. [ But he is quick to lean in to give her a warm kiss, to further bring home the point that she is home. ] But you are here now, as am I, and I intend to keep it that way.

[shepherdtostars]

[ Her fingers continue to brush along the back of his hand to soothe him. While she is merely sensitive to aether, and cannot read minds, she knows Aymeric well enough to know what might upset him. He longs to fight along side her on the field of battle, not only because he is her knight but because he is a soldier at heart. Seeing one he revers, not just loves, be constantly hurt and scared cannot sit well with him. ]

Thisru will not, but if you worry, then perhaps you should speak to Raha himself of it. He may be embarrassed at first... but I'm certain he would warm to the idea. He rather things himself unworthy to be with us, despite reassurances from all parties. [ A small sigh leaves her. ] I admit that I am unaware of how deep the wounds for Thisru may go. I've been rather forbidden to perform any acts of healing.

[ Alkaid gently shakes her head to his question. ] I wished there was... but he would have none of it other than a fight to end all fights. He was insistent that we were the same as him: ever looking for new heights and stronger opponents to beat. I know such is not the case for myself, but he believed otherwise with every fiber of his being.

[ His next statement followed by his kiss makes the tip of her tail sway ever so happily side to side. A smile comes to her face. Her head tilts down to rest on his shoulder, raising her other arm so that he might tend to it. She has become cold to the touch due to merely the temperatures of Ishgard, and had not thought to ask the staff of the home to light the fire. If only because she is usually the one who tends to the warmth of the room when she is home.

Home.

Alkaid's eyebrows knit as the weight of it all sinks in. Home... without the worry or fear that she will soon be swept away to another errand from the Scions. She presses her lips together to keep her emotions reigned in, turning her head to press her forehead to his shoulder. She wishes to keep herself reigned in for just a bit more... perhaps she will finally allow her emotions to flow from her once he is asleep. ]

going to fast forward a lil bit to the bath because someone only has one thing on his mind

[thewayforpeace]

[ He has to will himself to focus on the touch of her hand, as her touch has always comforted and soothed him in the past. But now, he is even more worried for her safety and well-being, even if the threat of Zenos has finally been put to rest. What if she does not fully recover from these latest wounds? He means to spare no expense nor effort in seeing her tended to and healed, but he remains fearful regardless. ]

Perhaps I shall. I have not spoken with him for very long at all, but I cannot help but think that he has his own very valuable insights to give, should he be willing. And he should feel as though he belongs to this family- your family. If I might assist in making him feel welcome, then I will do my best. As for your sister, perhaps when you are settled and resting, if you will allow me a moment or two to see to it that anything she and Raha need is provided...

[ He could make further comments concerning Zenos, but he decides that they have spoken of him long enough. ]

Now, let me tend to your other arm so that we might move on to addressing your other needs. [ His fingers brush lightly against her skin and they instinctively recoil once he feels how chilly she feels. Of course she must be, as she is wearing very little at the moment, and the fire is not presently going in the fireplace. ]

Allow me to bandage your other arm, and then I shall draw a bath for you, as you seem to be chilled. It would not do for you to become ill besides everything else you are dealing with.

[ It does not take overly long for him to gently unwrap the existing bandages, cleanse the skin with the still warm water, then rewrap the hurts with new ones. With that accomplished, he gives her a questioning glance as if asking if he might lift her from the bed and carry her to what will shortly be her waiting bath.

If she gives her approval, then he will gently lift her in his arms, only setting her down long enough for him to see that her bath is prepared. Once he is satisfied that the water is just warm enough, neither too hot nor cold, he moves to help her settle inside the tub. Once she is comfortable, he means to help soothe away any other hurts or discomforts with the warm water and careful touches. ]

for once it's not just alkaid with a single thing on her mind

[shepherdtostars]

[ The worry of how damaging her wounds may truly be is something she understands well. While she does not worry as he does? She still has nightmares of their time on the First from time to time. While not frequent any longer, she is aware how taxing it must have been for Aymeric at the time. A worry of what this adventure might impress upon her for the next foreseeable future is warranted. However, Alkaid cannot shake the feeling that things will be more than alright in the end. ]

Of course, my love. See to them as you feel the need. [ Alkaid smiles gently at him. While many would find him aloof or even cold due to his stoic nature? She knows he cares so very deeply for those he considers his responsibility. ] Even if my sister might become annoyed at all the hovering.

[ She gently lifts her other arm so he might start tending to it even while her head remains rested on his shoulder. While part of her may wish to drift off then and there, she is still aware that he dons his armor. A frown tugs to her face at his recoil, as she had not realized how chilled she had become. Once he has finally settled on the bandages and is turns his questioning gaze to her? Alkaid gently wraps both of her arms around his neck so he might lift her.

She is able to stand, although shaking slightly, as he tends to the bath. She sets about removing the bandages around her chest expertly. The bruises have healed to a majority, but one can still see some of the darker places along one side of her ribs. A smile is given to him as he turns to help her into the bath. The thought crosses her mind that things are quite reversed this time.

Her arms gently rest on the lip of the bath while her eyes move to his. ]

Will you be joining me?

he intends to be one-track-mind for a little while longer

[thewayforpeace]

[ As far as he is concerned, his sole duty now is caring for the children and seeing to it that Alkaid is cared for and allowed all the time that she needs to rest and recover after all her many trials. And while it is not solely his responsibility to do so for K'thisru, he still intends to check in on her as well, so long as she is beneath his roof. ]

In this instance, I must insist that you both allow me to hover. You are still Eorzea's champions, and you are my dearest while your sister is a dear friend. I will not neglect either of you.

[ Once she is settled properly in the bath, he pauses for a moment as if deciding what he should start tending to first. Her question takes him a bit by surprise, as he has been so focused on her needs and only on them. ]

Well, I- I would not wish to disturb your hurts or jostle you by accident. [ He does take up more room than she does, and he does not wish to cause her to be uncomfortable. ]

she still luffs his one track mind

[shepherdtostars]

I think I would have no choice but to allow you to hover. [ Alkaid tilts her head playfully as she can. Her ears perk slightly at his term for her, a soft look coming to her eyes. She cannot recall ever hearing him use his lovename for her so often and candidly before. ] Thisru has never been one to accept hovering... in fact, I think she rather just tolerates it from me because she knows I will hover more if needed.

[ Her smile then turns gentle at his next statement. Where once she might have been disappointed or even rebuffed? Now, she simply looks at him lovingly and with understand. Her hands lift from the tub towards him, gently beckoning him to kneel down in front of her. Once he has, her hands hold his face. She then pulls him into a kiss. A tame one by her standards, but filled with intense love. Then, she nudges his nose with hers. ]

Tell me how you need me to sit for you in the tub, my love. I wish to make it as easy as possible for what you have planned.

[thewayforpeace]

[ By way of answer, a soft smile forms and with it, the rather stern and harder edges of his face vanish. He has not used his favorite name for her as often as he has tonight, and yet it feels right to him. But more than that, in some way, he feels as though his heart is opening more, bringing a certain ease and relaxation along with it. ]

Well, I shall not be overbearing, but while the two of you are still recovering, as I have previously said, I intend to do my part to ensure you return to full strength.

[ A part of him feels conflicted because his wants and desires are somewhat at odds with what he feels is the practical, most reasonable course of action. He wishes to settle into the bath with her, and yet while there is ample room, he fears he might inadvertently brush against her or jar her wounds, and that is what gives him pause. ]

If you would lean forward just a bit, if you can... [ He intends to carefully wash her back and anywhere else that is not as sensitive as the sites of her injuries. Bringing her comfort is his goal, and so he is trying to find out the best way to do so. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ Perhaps it is the knowledge that they might finally begin their lives as a married couple. Of course, they will need to plan their wedding and be wed, but now it is no longer a possibility or something that must be placed further and further down the road.

"A path where they might find happiness..."

Alkaid smiles more, nudging her nose against his cheek. She has certainly found that. The twins most certainly realized it as well. Her fingers raise to gently brush along his ear, but then her hand settles on his shoulder. She merely wishes to be affectionate with him.

A nod is given to his request. It takes a moment longer than she would like, but she shifts and then leans forward against the tub. Her head tilts down so he might see beyond her ears and head to see her back. ]

Tell me what I have missed while I was away. [ She glances up at him through her bangs. ] I only heard the briefest version of events from Thisru when she was asked by the representative to aid Ishgard with the blasphemy...

[ The fact that she was unable to help her home still stings in her heart greatly. She had promised over and over to take Aymeric on an adventure.. and in the end it was her sister that fulfilled it. There is no grudge she holds to K'thisru for it, as the circumstances were beyond them, it still upsets her greatly that she has failed to live up to that promise time and time again. ]

[thewayforpeace]

[ It certainly has a great deal to do with that. It may not have been very long at all, but to him, it feels as though they have waited a great deal of time for a day to come in which they might plan their wedding and finally have said ceremony so that they might begin their lives together. But just the knowledge that such a time may finally be waiting around the corner is enough to cause him to feel happier than he has in quite some time.

In a way, such happiness feels long overdue for both of them, and while he would never be so bold as to assume that her entire life has been filled with nothing but joy whereas his own has been lacking, but it seems to him that this has been a long time coming.

Once she has positioned herself so that he might have a better view of her back, he carefully wets a cloth and begins to gently wash her back, hoping that the action is as comforting as it is useful for cleansing the skin. ]

What have you missed? [ His tone quiets momentarily as he considers all that has happened in her absence. ] There has been so much, including the affair with the blasphemy. But rest assured, that matter has been handled and is no longer an issue.

[ The hearts and minds of the people and the church still have a long road ahead of them, but he is confident that they have taken the first steps towards a more hopeful future. Now if only he felt so confident and secure in himself. But that is not something he intends to bring up now. ]

I will say that it was certainly an adventure, and I was immensely glad to have your sister's help with it, as much as I would have been glad to have both of you there to offer your aid. I imagine that you had your own adventure to see to, perhaps more than one, as is often the case.

[ Her absence did not reduce his gratitude towards K'thisru for her aid; he simply missed her more than he already had, but there was nothing to be done but carry on and follow events where they led. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ There has certainly been times of happiness for thr both of them, apart and together. Moments of joy left their footprints beside hers in all of her adventures with her sister--even on the First or so very far away in Meteion's nest. He has had their children to be at his side, and the stepping stones of building an Ishgard free to move forward and not damned by her past. Perhaps now, however, they might truly recieve what it is they both seem to have longed for so much in this life. Mayhap in many lives over the cycles of their star.

Her ears fall slightly at his words. She imagines she has missed quite a bit outside of their dealing with the blasphemy. Perhaps school days, or the completion of Ishgard's residential district. So very much seems to move forward without her presence. Such is the nature of time, but she fears she may miss all she wishes to be apart of because of the calling of the ancient seat she shares with her sister.

Her gaze falls to the floor as she lowers herself enough to press her chin to her arms. It is not jealousy or even resentment that fills her heart. Simply the familiar sense of failure sweeping over her. If she cannot bear him children, then at least she might be able to be the first to take him on an adventure or a place beyond Ishgard that does not fall into the realm of his duties. Yet, both things feel as if they have been taken from her to share with him from circumstances beyond their control.

Alkaid closes her eyes and her ears fall entirely against her head. ]

Gyr Abania had requested aid of skilled healers, as what little they had was given in the front to Garlemald. [ She seemingly places all of her weight against the tub, as if the feeling of failure weighs her down entirely.] Then, Doma requested my aid in the skills I've acquired as a dancer...

Both of the blasphemies that plagued them were dealt with before we left for Meteion's nest.

[thewayforpeace]

[ He certainly is beginning to put the past behind him; not forgetting about it, because he could never forget the lessons that he has learned from it, but his intent is to set his gaze on the future that he now has with his family: with Alkaid and the children.

There are indeed many happy stories he could tell her, concerning Leon and Mélodie, and even more relating to the completion of the residential district that has been so very long coming. He might even relate to her what he has begun doing when he finds himself with a spare moment or two.

But all these thoughts flee from his mind the very moment he sees her gaze fall, and the way her chin presses to her arms. He is doing his best to not upset her, because what seems of most importance now is comforting and reassuring her, but the fear that he has done the exact opposite strikes at his heart as he watches her. Moving just a fraction closer, he reaches for her hand that he might give it a gentle but warm squeeze.

If only he knew what thoughts were going through her mind. He does not consider her a failure in any sense, nor does he begrudge any events that have occurred for how they turned out. They may not have been able to have all the firsts that they hoped for, but there will be many more to come, he is sure of it. ]

Were there many hurt during these encounters? [ Perhaps that is one part of what is causing her such distress. As a healer, every loss and injury must sting quite a bit. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ She squeezes his hand in return as it is not him that had caused upset. Her own mind and emotions towards the state of missions calling her away from home has. Ones that require her to fret as she cannot help the place that had become her home. While a great deal of help had been bestowed to Ishgard in ending the Dragonsong War? She feels that she has not kept up the task as a savior of Ishgard. ]

Many wounds that had not been closed; ones that had been left to fester from the occupation of the Empire. [ Her gaze drifts to the side as her eyebrows knit together. ] Thisru eluded to the same having fallen to Ishgard.

[ Yet one more wound I was not present to heal...

As he has ever been the expert at reading her, perhaps he might see that what troubles her is the notion that once again her sister is the true Warrior of Light. That she is the one who truly embodies the ancient seat of Azem. Oh, yes, Alkaid may travel and heal the hearts and bodies of many.

Yet... what good is that if she cannot help those she calls family? ]

The delegate did not seem to need a healer to return to Ishgard. Instead, she was far more fixated on making certain one who could cast offensive magic with ease. Perhaps that is the apt way to explain it: Ishgard is in no need of addition healers.

[ After all, they play home to the aastrologians... ]

[thewayforpeace]

[ He falls silent then while continuing to hold her hand as he recounts in his mind all that Deacon Clem and others within the church walls and outside as well had said. There were so many wounds that had not been closed, as Alkaid said, and although they have taken the first steps to seeing them mended, the road ahead still remains long for those within Ishgard as well. ]

I can imagine how uncertain and even lost those in Gyr Abania and Doma must feel. Indeed, I can imagine how people all across Eorzea must feel, as I have seen the look in the eyes of those who call Ishgard home. [ The Final Days and the chaos brought on by the blasphemies affected them all, and so it is easy for him to sympathize with those in far-off locations. ] It is all too simple a matter to become hopeless in the face of such obstacles and threats.

[ And he still chastises himself for not being forward-thinking enough to see that it was not so simple as seeing to the end of the Dragonsong War and assuming that all would be well going forward. But he has seen the error of his thinking, and he intends to not make such a mistake again. ]

Perhaps from a purely logical mindset, that may be true, but had you found yourself able to come, none here would have done anything but welcome you with open arms. You and your sister are still very highly regarded within the city, as I am sure you know.

[shepherdtostars]

Gyr Abania has always struggled with the idea of taking those who sided with the Empire back into their folds... with good reason. A revolution against their King sparked before the Empire had swept into their kingdom. Those wounds go deep, and for some, cannot be healed. [ Her fingers move under his to slip between them. ] Doma has had a similar effect, but, more of to what the Empire did by way of one they had discarded from society... and accepting Hien is their king. Memories of putting those lost have seemed to help both places.

[ But, even then, she had longed to be home to help the people she considered hers. Perhaps she truly is selfish. Two nations needed her, and even she was needed in the ancient past, yet all her heart could do was yearn to be home with her betrothed and her children. Perhaps it makes her not only selfish, but, far from a hero as well.

She wonders if such struggles existed for her ancient self... or perhaps they are a unique problem caused by mortal life. How can one be the Champion if Hydaelyn and yet also the Seat of Azem if their heart is not dedicated go the one task alone?

Alkaid leans into his touch so he might be aware that she has not forgotten why he wished her to be in the tub. The water is warm and calming, and her sides ache less. ]

I want to see the residential district, if it is completed. I want to walk along the streets once more to see how all the hearts here fair. [ Ultimately, she wishes she had been needed as a Savior of Ishgard. She wishes she could have been given a reason to return home so that she could see her knight and children. ] I want to plan our wedding, and be wed, and raise Leon and Mélodie.

[ I wish to be Lantaa without feeling the guilt of wishing for such a thing.

She raises her other hand to rest on his shoulder. ] What have I missed?

[thewayforpeace]

[ He falls silent then as he listens to her describing how things are with Gyr Abania and Doma. It all makes sense to him, even though he can hardly claim any level of intimate familiarity with either nation. The foundations of so many nations have been rocked, either because of war or internal conflict or both, and it seems to Aymeric that very few of them know how best to pick up the pieces and move on. The only thing they can do is take one step at a time. ]

I see. It seems to me that both Gyr Abania and Doma have a long road ahead of them as well. [ He leaves it unsaid that he wonders if perhaps she and her sister will be called upon again. He would not begrudge the leadership of any nation for calling upon the Warriors of Light. Should they have to depart once again, he will busy himself with caring for his children and his people and do his best to keep moving forward as well.

But at the heart of it all, he wishes he could take all of her worries and fears upon himself, and if he cannot do that, then he would see them all dispelled and put aside. Driven by instinct, he moves both hands to rest against her shoulders and he begins to carefully rub them, hoping to calm her and offer his reassurance. ]

That shall be the first thing we do, then, as soon as you are able. I will show you the residential district, and we shall plan our wedding. And of course, the two of us together will care for the children.

[ His expression turns thoughtful once again as his thoughts travel to the state of the church and the clergy. A part of him thinks she is inquiring about things other than the well-being of the city-state, but that is what he chooses to focus on over other, more personal things. ]

I imagine I do not need to tell you that the church and those who serve within the church have also had their foundations rocked to the core. They are resilient, of course, and I have every confidence in the likes of Deacon Clem and those he works alongside, but the road ahead will also be a long one, I am afraid.

[shepherdtostars]

Those in Garlemald certainly do as well. Their entire way of life has changed, their government has collapsed, as well as their military. I hope they continue to accept the aid of the Eorzean Grand Company.

[ Her head tilts as his hands touch her shoulders. The tension seems to instantly melt away. She gently leans her head against her upper arms and allows him to work as he wishes. There is a part of her that wishes to simply let it all roll off her person and she would worry not of it anymore. Yet, it seems just as the others of other nations, wounds and pains will still linger for some time. ]

Have they had the festivities for the opening of the district? [ Her eyes open and look up at him through her bangs. ] I'm certain that Leon and Mélodie would enjoy seeing and exploring it. Especially after what they have lost...

[ Alkaid nods gently to his next statement. Her ears lift slightly, but she holds back from asking the question in her mind. Has the attitude of the church shifted enough that they might see us wed under Halone's watchful gaze? ]

What conclusions have they come to?

[thewayforpeace]

[ He finds himself falling into a thoughtful silence as he continues to gently rub her shoulders. While the situation might differ slightly between Ishgard and Garlemald, he nevertheless feels as though there are some similarities between the two, and thus he sympathizes with those who call Garlemald home.

Soon enough, however, he pulls himself back to the present just in time to hear her question concerning the opening of the residential district. ]

Not as of yet, although I am told the plans are nearing completion. Perhaps the four of us might spend some time there together. [ Perhaps it is not surprising that he wishes to have some leisure time with his family. It feels long overdue, at least in his mind. ]

Well, there certainly needs to be reform, and less concealing the truth, for one. [ But he is certain that the days in which secrets were kept from the people will one day become a mere memory, even though it may take many days for that to truly occur. ]

I believe that at the very least, a much more forthcoming climate will be far more normal as we move forward. The channels of communication have hardly been open in the not-so-distant past, as I am certain you know. And perhaps there shall even be a relaxing of tradition; not throwing it aside, as none who dwell within Ishgard could, nor should they.

[ It seems to him that the seeds of communication with others outside of Ishgard have been planted, and if he can do anything to further cultivate those seeds, he will do so as best as he can. ]

[shepherdtostars]

[ While he is attempting to sooth her? Alkaid does hope that he is brought a sense of peace by being the one who is comforting this time. She watches his expression as he seems to pull inward--something he often does as he thinks deeply on a certain topic. She might ask in the morning what is on his mind, but, for now she decides to leave her curiosity alone. ]

I think the children would very much like that idea. And, when the festivities are announced, we should send word to Thisru and Raha if they have left. [ She slowly raises one of her hands to gently trail along his jawline. Perhaps it is odd to say or think that she has missed hearing his voice and being able to touch him. Alkaid had never thought herself a very physical affectionate person until she met him. Of course, she dotes on her sister, but she believed that to be merely be because they are family. ] A true family affair... to welcome Ishgard into the newest chapter of her life.

[ Alkaid smiles almost lazily at him. She still refrains from asking if they might be able to marry in the Church. Perhaps it is better to allow the topic to naturally come forward. She does not wish to come off as nagging or impatient for their wedding. Although, perhaps she is. He proposed so very long ago now... ]

I can't imagine Ishgard removing any tradition. Perhaps, more, offering tradition to others and inviting more into her walls. [ There have been so much lost in the wars as of late. Her fingers slip under his chin to tilt it up and she utterly relaxes into his hands. ] All of you smile so much now. I can recall walking into the city for the first time and seeing how hopeless so many were...

[ Alkaid then leans forward as much as she is able. Her forehead comes to rest against his, nudging his nose lightly. ]

And how very guarded and wary of accepting help from those on the outside you were. I always thought you wished to take the extended hand, but, were afraid of the retribution that might follow from it.