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

[ If she had told him that she did not like being carried nor picked up, he would have ceased immediately. But there would be no changing the fact that he rather likes carrying her, as it feels like an expression of his determination to protect her, to be her knight.

As for her continued assistance with his armor, there may well come a time in which he has to politely decline with respect to her health and her condition, but he is not in a hurry to speed that time along. For now, he intends to carry on as they always have, because truthfully, he likes the little things that they do for each other.

Once they are in their room, and she gestures to the bathroom, he heads there without hesitation, preparing their bath and the temperature and water level. As always, he smiles when he feels her hands curling around his, and his smile grows even more as she places their hands to rest together against her.

His smile remains even as he detects the tones of worry in her voice, and without dislodging their grip, he tries to lightly brush his fingers against hers to reassure her. ]

Am I happy? I am the happiest that I have been ever since our paths crossed. [ There have been many happy moments between them, all of which contribute to what Aymeric considers the happiest state of mind and heart that he can ever recall. And that has never faded, not even once, although certain events and occurrences put a damper on it from time to time. ]

How could this ever be unwanted? [ Having a child together, raising a family together- these are all things he has dreamed of but never imagined he could have before he met her. ]

[ She selfishly will never ask him to stop. There is something comforting about the notion of being carried when she is one of the heroes of the realm. That, and, it rather makes her truly feel like his lady. Not to mention he most certainly feels like her knight carrying her in such a way.

Her fingers return the gentle small motion. Worry does cover her expression as her eyes search his for some hidden meaning he may not be sharing. There is never a worry that Aymeric lies to her--but she is aware there are thoughts he does not share. Ones she can see plainly on his face when he thinks, although she has learned others are rather incapable of reading the thoughts plainly on his face.

A smile tugs at her face before her ears lower once more. ]

Because I'm... [ Alkaid's gaze drops as does the volume of her voice, ] ... me.

[ Not as a Warrior of Light, Champion of Hydaelyn, Savior of Ishgard. Not even as Alkaid, but as K'lantaa--a Miqote. She has always been aware of the whispers and gossip surrounding her relationship with Aymeric. From those women that are jealous, to those older who see a Miqo'te and an Elezen and are unsure of how a marriage could produce heirs. Of course, there is always the chance, but Alkaid has seen how those like Hilda have been treated by the elders of Ishgardian society.

Would Aymeric wish to deal with such a social bother when he is already the bastard son of the former Archbishop? ]

And, the baby, he or she will be like... me. [ She frowns. ] And, if the baby is a boy, they'll expect him to be the inheritor of everything because he's the first born, but Leon is our son...

[ While he is unaware of her thoughts concerning this notion, if he were privy to them, he would be glad to know that she has no intention of asking him to stop. It still feels to him that he has not done nearly enough to care for her or to treat her as a knight would treat his lady. At least in this small way, he might do that for her.

Perhaps he ought not hide or conceal so many of his inner thoughts from her. After all, they should have no secrets. But the last thing that he wishes is to burden her with his troubles and things that continue to plague him for one reason or another. They are, of course, intended to help each other, but he maintains that there is a difference between supporting each other and oversharing. ]

You are indeed you, and I would not have you any other way, my dearest. I can think of none other whom I love quite so much, save for our children- all of them. And you have brought much happiness to this house and to my life in ways that I had not thought possible. I intend to love you and our children without question, because there is no question at all in my mind that I should do anything but.

As for the matter of inheritance, I must admit that I do not yet know how best to proceed, but Leon is indeed our son, and that will not change with the baby on the way.

[ There must be a way to see that all of their children benefit from their inheritance, not just the firstborn. ]

All will be well, I am sure of it. [ And then having said that, he reaches for her hand that he might press a kiss to it. ]

[ The tip of her tail twitches at his pet name for her. Despite the anxiousness and worry in her expression, a gentle light shines in her eyes. She has always been fond of the nickname and hopes that he will continue to use it. While he may not use it as frequently as she uses hers for him? It is always special to hear him say it. ]

You've been through so much with the status of your birth...I... I don't want to cause any further harm. [ Her gaze drops once more with a gentle frown. ] I never have.

[ Gossip and rumors have only ever bothered her in the fact of how it would effect Aymeric in Ishgard while she was pulled so very far away. She is a Warrior of Light, and cannot shield him from the gossip and distaste that has plagued him in his life before he met her, but she does not wish to add to it now. While they do not seem to bother him? She sees it as something needless to add to his already long list of concerns.

Alkaid gently squeezes his hands once more before her ears raise as he pulls her hand up. A deep blush takes her face at the kiss, tail swaying side to side quickly. Her other hand presses the back of it against her mouth in an attempt to not seem like a child at the knightly motion. ]

See? You'll always find some way to surprise me. [ Although, admittedly, the words may seem slightly muffled behind her hand.

She leans in to press her nose to the side of his face affectionately before sliding her hand back and moving to help with the buckles of his armor and the robes in her customary fashion. Once he turns to remove the armor, her hand reaches out to gently grasp the edge of the tub. Another wave of nausea comes, but, there is also the feeling of dizziness with it too. At least now she knows the cause of it, and thus the worry has subsided. ]

[ He intends to continue using it, both because she is his dearest, and because she seems to like the name. If she said that she did not, of course he would refrain, but he can see from her reactions that she does. ]

You could never cause me harm, Lantaa. And rest assured that you never have, so far as I am concerned.

[ The words that people say about himself do not trouble him as much as they might have in his younger years. What does trouble him is the notion that people may speak ill of her, and that is unacceptable in his mind. He would not hesitate to intervene and ask any who speak unkindly about her to cease, regardless of the impact upon himself or his reputation. Preserving his reputation pales in comparison to defending Alkaid and her honor. Perhaps he has been remiss in doing so. If that is the case, then he resolves to put every effort into seeing that she receives the respect she deserves. ]

It seems to me that you surprise me far more often, but I intend to do my best to give you pleasant surprises as well.

[ He smiles when her nose presses against him, and his smile widens as she begins to assist with removing his armor. But in almost the very same moment that she reaches for the tub, that smile is replaced with worry. ]

Are you all right? You should sit. [ If he has to place her in the tub, or on a chair, he will. His needs will always come second to hers, at least in his mind. ]</small.

[ The smile on her face strains at his comment. Has she not caused him pain before? The state he was in while she had returned to the First. The agony he most certainly was in due to her presence in his tempered state. The turmoil his life had been after they defeated his father--and the fact they had to kill his father. She cannot understand how she has not caused him any pain with such a list of events.

But, instead of voicing the concerns, her tail simply sways and her gaze drops for but a moment while she works on the straps of his armor. ]

I should surprise you more often. [ Her hands brush along his, one finger gently trailing very the engagement ring she had gifted him. ] Although, I'm not certain how I could ever have more of a surprise than this one.

[ As it surprised even her.

She looks up to him at his concern and gives a gentle smile. ] I can sit in the tub once we are both ready. [ A gentle flick of her tail in a playful manner before she helps finish undressing now that his armor has been removed. She moves to untie the loose dress she wears, but, pauses once more to see if he would wish to aid her. ]

[ Aymeric is no fool. He knows full well that he has experienced his share of pain, but he will not have anyone place blame upon themselves for that, Alkaid least of all. He may not have known what becoming acquainted with a Warrior of Light would have brought, but he learned fairly quickly and he did his best to accept it and come to terms with it. As for his tempering, which he barely remembers, none of what happened was her fault but rather his own. He likes to believe that he has placed those difficult things where they belong: in the past, where they can have little or no bearing upon the present. ]

I think that I would enjoy your surprises very much, Lantaa. [ His lips turn up into a smile in response to her finger trailing along the ring he wears and refuses to take off. ]

I do hope that we have many more pleasant surprises to come.

[ He cannot help but examine her with worry in his gaze even when she gently rebuffs his concern. Pinpricks seem to cover his skin, and not because he has shed his own layers in preparation of the bath. But when he realizes she is preparing to remove her dress, he does not hesitate to take advantage of her pause, moving to assist with seeing it removed so that she can enter the bath as well.

If he had his way, he would place her in the bath and tend to her rather than sharing it with her, because her needs ought to come first. But he is certain she would frown, perhaps even puffing out her cheeks, and insist that he get in alongside her.

But lest he get ahead of himself, he reaches for the ties of her dress to help in the effort. ]

[ The matter is settled in her mind--she must certainly surprise him more. The protection charm he wears daily, engagement ring, and scarf from the First are all lovely tokens of affection. Yet, he somehow finds ways to surprise her with flowers or smaller things. Perhaps she should find ways to bring the dishes he enjoyed from Kugane and Thavnair home for him?

Then again, how could she ever do something that is more of a surprise than a child.

She finds it would be easier for him to care for her if they shared a bath. He can pamper her all he wishes.

Alkaid moves in order to be aligned properly for him to aid her in removing her dress. The gown is simple to remove as she had not felt well enough to dress overly fancy that morning. She then removes her under garments and slowly slips into the warm water. Her body practically melts against the tub, and she rests her arms on the edge of it with her chin reating upon them. The question in her eyes is if her current situation meets his approval. ]

[ To him, the small tokens of affection and love that he has given her seem inadequate somehow, although the sentiment behind them is as wholehearted as it is possible to be. He would pour all his love into her without question, but sometimes he wishes for more tangible ways of showing just how much he cares.

He imagines she has no doubts about that, but still, he wishes to spend the rest of their lives together showing how much he cares.

Once she is settled comfortably in the bath, he moves to join her there, stopping only when he sees the look in her eyes. A warm smile crosses his face and he gives her a small affectionate nod to communicate that everything about this is everything he could have hoped for. He hopes that it is the same for her.

The tub is not a small one by any means, and they can both fit inside it fairly comfortably, but he still moves carefully so as to not disturb her nor send water splashing out of the tub. ]

What shall I tend to first? [ If she has something in particular that she would like cared for first, then that is what he shall do. ]

[ Alkaid turns in the bath once he joins her. One arm moves into the water to rest beside him, while the other remains on the lip of the tub. Her ears twitch playfully as does her tail. Oh, she could tease him so very much in this moment. However, now does not strike her as the time to do such things. It is a calm and quiet moment between them. Something that is rather rare with children and the duties of the Lord Speaker and his lady wife. She would ask for more of them, but, finds it is not her place to. Not when she had traveled so very far from home so often. ]

What if I were to say whatever my lord husband would wish to see to first? [ She smiles sweetly at him before turning her back to face him so he might guide her how he wishes. Her head tilts back slightly to try and find his gaze. The baby has not begun to show and she imagines it will not for a few weeks yet. ] He is so very skilled at pampering and caring for me in a bath as it is. I would trust him to know what to tend to first.

[ The warmth of the bath is relaxing and soothing, and he feels no small amount of happiness to be sharing it with her. This could very well be a playful moment between them, or simply a relaxing one, and he knows he would do whatever she wants him to.

And evidently, she wishes him to do whatever he pleases now that they are both in the bath. ]

I do wonder how it is that I am evidently so skilled, as I certainly did not have the opportunity for practice before meeting you. [ But having said that, he takes a cloth and a scented bar of soap and begins washing her back as they continue talking. ]

Feel free to request what you would like tended to, if something does come to mind.

Hmm. Perhaps it's a hidden skill that only took meeting a woman you wished to marry? [ Her head tilts slightly to try and keep up the playful tone. She imagines he would have been as doting and caring with any woman he had finally married. Even with their ancient and now known bond? She supposes, in reality, he could have found another. ] You know very well what I enjoy having pampered, my love.

[ Alkaid gently tucks her tail around them before looking forward. She falls quiet for a moment. The idea that she is pregnant is still something that seems so very impossible. Not when she had believed so deeply that it could not happen. She had believed people like Emet-Selcht and Zenos had taken that chance away from her. So, what could have changed...

"After all, miracles happen every day, do they not?"

Her gaze wanders slightly. It seems far too fetched that Meteion or Venat could have... ]

Have--have you ever thought what you might name your children? [ As now they will need potential names. ]

Edited 2023-04-16 18:24 (UTC)

I rather think that it took a very special woman to remind me of that skill. [ Perhaps any woman could have done so, but he likes to believe that it was Alkaid herself who showed him how to be more open and caring and to trust people more as well. ] But you made it easy for me to learn what you like and how you want to be cared for.

[ He smiles at her, as he does so often when she is near. He does not marvel as to why, as he knows full well that she makes him so very happy, the happiest he can ever recall being. And now they are to have a baby, a thing that he had not thought possible. Perhaps they both did something good either in this life or another to have deserved this particular blessing. ]

Truthfully? I had not given thought to that. [ Perhaps it was far too doom and gloom on his part, or perhaps it was merely being pragmatic, but until it became a possibility that the Dragonsong War might end, he had not thought of such things as starting a family. It is all too easy for a soldier to fall in battle, after all. But he and many Ishgardians had resigned themselves to their lot: retaining hope, of course, but continuing their lives being mindful of their somewhat fragile situation. ]

Have you thought of what you might name your children?

[ Once more, she blushes at his compliments. The way her ears twitch are the sign of her blush, even if he cannot see her face. Her shoulders curl slightly as she looks down at the water. She does not feel special, even if the rest of the world sees it as such. A sentiment she is certain her sister and Ardbert share. ]

Oh. [ She shifts slightly, fingers coming to twist together. ] N-no... I, I haven't.

[ She pauses then and silence fills the room for a few moments as she works up the courage to say what she will admit to. Her fingers twist one another Hardee, her tail curls upwards slightly and her ears lower. ]

I knew--I knew I didn't want to marry in my clan. I didn't want to have the politics weigh my children down as they had with Thisru and I; mothers gossiping and verbally waring with one another. [ Although, now, Ishgard is a different sort of politics. ] Our surnames are our fathers name: another way to show who the leader of our clan was at the time of birth. S-so, if I had found another Miqo'te, it would have followed a similar convention... and when no one I met seemed interested in more than a healer, than even more so when Thisru and I became Warriors of Light...

[ Her gaze drops. She hasn't spoken to her parents since they left those years ago. Perhaps Thisru has maintained more of a standing and connection with home than she has. ]

I thought I'd never have a partner, or children, so I... I never gave much thought to the idea after my first Starlight in Gridania...

[ He smiles at the sight of what is certainly a giveaway that she is blushing. He finds all of her mannerisms endearing and quite charming, and he would be lying if he said he did not enjoy seeing them whenever they come about. Of course, he does not tease or compliment her solely to get a reaction. What he says and does is genuine, as are his feelings for her. The last thing he wishes is for anyone, including her, to doubt his intentions. ]

For reasons of tradition, I imagine. [ He has learned a little about Miqo'te society from speaking with her, but he is hardly an expert. And because of that, he falls silent while he listens to her explanation. ] Ah, the ins and outs of clan tradition. Of course, I do not mean to say that there are similarities between your clan and mine, for lack of a better word, but Ishgardians do have their own traditions, as you are aware. That is a pity that there is such strife within clans.

[ He feels regret that she and her sister have had to experience such strife. ]

I do hope that the change in your circumstances brings you happiness, and not further... [ He pauses in search of the right word to use here. ] Confusion, I suppose. But if it makes it easier at all, if you wish to use the conventions of your people in choosing a name, I have no reason to be opposed. And if you decide to not go that route, I am also fully supportive of that notion.

[ She falls quiet for a moment, eyes turning towards the water of the tub. Her heart already knows her answer and has known for some time. Yet, somehow, voicing it feels as if it would be shameful. Ears tuck to the side of her head as her shoulders curl slightly. Of course, Aymeric would most certainly agree either way, and yet... family seems to be so very complicated for both of them. ]

No. [ A shake of her head follows. ] I took your name. That means I joined your clan. As such, they should have the naming convention of your home. They are your child...and a child of Ishgard. Their name should reflect that. A-and, if they are found wanting in the future, then, I will share with them a name of my tribe.

[ She nods gently. Her parents and her family are far from unwelcomed in her home or with her own children. She merely does not believe they would wish to travel from their home. ]

[ He smiles, but he already feels words expressing slight disagreement forming, and he reaches for her hands so that he might give them a squeeze. ]

They are your child too. You should be able to give them a name that reflects your own background. [ It should not be about his wishes only, as they are partners, and married, and should make these decisions together. ]

What about a name that is a reflection of both of us? [ He wants to see her honored in the name they give their child, but if she insists, he also does not intend to push. ]

[ She leans against him as he squeezes her hand. While he could with no doubt see the troubled worry by her body language? Now, he can see the worried expression on her face. What if a name such as hers leads to their child being socially unaccepted? She changed her own name for the ease of others and to put distance between her and home. Would children not look down on them for being half-Miqo'te, and even more so, treat them poorly because of a name? ]

I don't want them to be shunned because of... what they would inherit from me. [ She glances up at him before turning in his arms. Then, she gently nudges his jaw with her nose. ] I want them to have a happier childhood than we both had.

[ Still, he is the leader of their clan, and his desire has been made known. Compromise and working together is key to any relationship. ]

Would... you rather a first name from my clan and then the name of Borel?

I would not allow it. Neither you nor any children that we have together will be shunned. And if such a thing does occur, then we shall simply find a way to start new lives elsewhere, away from such troubles. [ He speaks with his usual conviction, because while Ishgard will always be important to him, nothing is more important than the welfare and happiness of his family. ]

Perhaps finding a small village and starting a home there would not be so bad. [ It is difficult for him to imagine, given how he has lived for so long, but he could see how a simpler life could be quite a happy one indeed. ]

But I suppose there is no point in theorizing, as that may never happen. [ He smiles warmly at her, hoping to reassure her of his intentions. He pauses for a moment to think about her suggestion, and then he nods. ]

I think that would be a good solution, yes. [ He says, squeezing her hand once more. ]

[ A timid smile touches her face at his declaration. Neither of them can stop those from harassing their children if they so please. People's actions are their own, and no matter the amount of changes that occur in Ishgard, some people will simply look down to others. It is a trait spread far and wide in their world.

Then, a gentle laugh. ] I suspect you would miss Ishgard within months. Although, perhaps, I might be able to find a home we could visit for vacations? I'm certain that any place would accommodate us. All that would matter is the choosing--and where you would wish to be.

[ She nods slowly then to his approval. It will take time to think of a name. The easiest would be to name after one of her parents, but her proper name was difficult enough for many others to say. She would not wish her child to have to deal with the same frustrations. The name will also depend on if their child is a boy or a girl... ]

It will take time for me to settle on names. One for a boy, and one for a girl...

[ Perhaps it is only a fool's errand, but Aymeric knows he would move mountains if it kept people from harassing their children. And perhaps it would not come to that, but there is very little he would not do in the name of protecting his family. Shielding them from careless words and actions is the least that he could do. ]

Perhaps I would, as I have never lived anywhere else, but I would not hesitate to relocate if it was in our best interests. [ But, in a moment of levity, he offers a wider smile. ] I would not be opposed to raising our children near somewhere with water... and warmth. [ He may be accustomed to Ishgard's chill, but a change in climate would do them all good. ]

There is no rush in deciding on a name. [ He smiles warmly at her and squeezes her hand once more. ] I simply look forward to your decision. And of course if you wish for my assistance, it is already yours.

Then, I picked the perfect places for our honeymoon?

[ Alkaid gives him a gentle tease. She had thought the warmer climates would do well for his constant aches, and it was a marvel to see him properly relaxed for a time. Maybe she should reach out to those in far away places for a secondary home. Surely, Tataru may know of a place.

She nods to his statement. They have nine months to consider names, yet part of her is so accustomed to rushing about and seeing deeds done rather than letting them linger. It takes a mental adjustment every time for her to remember that they need not rush their life together. She very much wishes the opposite.

Alkaid leans her front against his, head resting on his shoulder. Her body feels lethargic, as if the recent excitement has taxed her and now her energy is quite low. Part of her scoffs at the idea, as she could travel great distances and do a great many things without becoming tired. Either being in the warm water, or having him be the one to dote on her has eased her so much.

An idea springs to mind, but it is so very selfish. Could she even ask...? ]

Aymeric. [ Her head tilts down slightly as she blushes. ] Could... would you be able to stay home in the morning?

[ With her.

Not only in the morning, but for the entire day. Preferably in bed. ]

You most certainly did.

[ He is considerably more relaxed, and his aches do not trouble him here as much as they do when they are at home. The absence of cold helps, as does the lack of matters that need his attention. Of course, he would not shirk his duty, but a part of him does wish that he could be there with her more and not called to the office for meetings or other matters that need his presence.

But at least they have this time together, and he is determined to make the most of it. And so when she leans against him and rests her head against his shoulder, he is quick to wrap his arms around her and hold her. She seems tired, and the idea occurs to him that he might carry her to bed when they have had enough of sharing the bath.

She says his name and he immediately turns his attention back to her. ] What is it? [ He knows already that he would do anything for her, and meet any wish of hers without question. Her request is met with a wide smile, and only the briefest of pauses while he considers it. There is nothing he wants more, and he is certain that he can take a reprieve from his duties to stay at home with her. ]

Of course. I certainly would be able to, and- [ His smile grows even wider. ] I can think of nothing else I would rather do more. [ And then he leans down to brush a kiss against her cheek. ]

I worried they were too foreign...

[ Alkaid settles into his hold like she has so many times before. In some ways, it always brings memories of their first moments together; the ones where they were truly themselves. Holding hands, sharing their first kiss tucked away in a corner of Ishgard. They seem so long ago now, even though she can remember them in perfect detail.

Surprise touches her face at his answer. Truly? He could take time to be with only her? Of course, the children will demand time with their father as well, but, she had expected him go say that he wished he could. Her hand raises to rest on his cheek once he kisses hers. ]

They don't need you to be there for planning of the festivities? [ A shy look takes her face as she looks down. Her tail sways in the water to betray how she tries to keep her happiness in check. ] The Starlight Season is so very important to Ishgard. It's the first one for the the residential district..

[ As well as the fact they have their own traditions to see to. The tree and the sitting room need to be finished, as well as making certain the children have proper attire for their first Starlight with them. Presents need to be made or ordered. Not to mention she needs to make certain the proper festive meals are able to be made, especially the ones she brings from gee traditions.

Alkaid glances down before looking back up at him. ]

Is... is it truly alright if we take a day to ourselves? [ She bites her lip then ] We still need to host House Foretemps for dinner too...

Too foreign? [ He pauses to think about that for a moment, but in the end, he simply shakes his head. ] I am the first to admit that I am not so well-traveled as you are, but there is a part of me that has wanted to see more of Eorzea than simply the borders of Ishgard. And, of course, I have been to other locations in the name of assisting our comrades with the various conflicts that have come up, but that was out of duty and obligation. To be here with you and finally have the chance to rest and relax is considerably different.

As for the festivities and their planning, of course I am expected to be there. But I am confident that they can manage without me temporarily. You are important to me too, after all.

[ The smile he gives her is a wide, fond one, and he nods once more. ] It is more than all right, I think. [ And in case she needs further reassurance, one hand moves to her ear again while he leans in to lightly brush a kiss against her cheek. ]

It would be nice to have more social gatherings held at the manor. I am not certain when the last gathering of that nature was, but it has been quite some time. Perhaps we should host others too, on occasion. [ He mulls over that idea briefly. The other high houses may not consent to come, but an invitation could at least be extended. Or perhaps there are others within Ishgard who would appreciate a cordial invitation. It is something to be thought upon, certainly. ]

Edited 2023-07-22 22:09 (UTC)

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

BOOK 5: OUR SONG

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/wraps this up for other threads!