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

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[shepherdtostars]

[ The ears atop her head twitch and stand up as he moves to dry her tail. A deep blush takes her face as she moves for him to work easier. While not insecure on her appearance, she is always very aware of how different she is from others in Ishgard. Whenever he gives attention to those physiological differences it touches her heart and she can't help but be shy about them. Yet, he's never once complained about her tail, ears, or even her little Miqo'te quirks.

Although she imagines he must tire of dealing with her consistent need and desire for intimacy. ]

Certainly after Ishgard's first Lord Speaker comes from it. [ She imagines it may give House Borel a tip of power, but Aymeric is not the sort to wield it in such a manner. ] We could always schedule it for after the holiday, my love. House Foretemps we should see to before then--given how close you and Artoriel are. I imagine the Count still sees us as family.

[ She had not failed to notice the way the Count quietly referred to Aymeric as one he sees like a son. ]

Ah, I imagine I won't have the need... and I doubt they would want to tend to a hero of Ishgard in such a way. [ She glances to the side then with a puff to her cheeks. She will always be a Warrior of Light first in the minds of many after all. ] You would be the sort that would offer to carry your wife to any destination even if she could walk.

[ Alkaid gives him a cheeky and playful smirk. ] I think my lord husband has become rather fond of carrying me about.

[thewayforpeace]

[ He views caring for her as a way of showing how much he cares and how much he loves her, and he would do just about anything for her, from drying her tail to brushing her hair to anything else that she might want.

He loves every part of her, and every Miqo'te that she has only makes him love her more. As for growing tired of her needs and desires, he knows he will never do so. ]

Ah, I imagine that has only a little to do with it. I am hardly deserving of recognition or accolades. [ He refrains from making a comment about her deserving them, because he knows how she feels about that particular thing. ] Perhaps after the holiday would be for the best. And time spent with House Fortemps is always welcome.

[ He does truly enjoy the company of those from that house, the Count notwithstanding. ]

Oh, I am certain that should it come to it, they would gladly see to your needs. [ He smiles a bit bashfully, because she is not wrong in the least. ] I would carry you great distances if it happened to be necessary. And perhaps I am fond of it, and therefore would not pass up an opportunity to do so.

[ He means it as a tease, but of course there is an element of truth there as well. ]

And speaking of your needs, do you require anything before we retire for the evening? [ They may take to their bed, but he hopes sleep does not claim them too quickly once they do. He relishes the quiet moments they have together before they fall asleep, and he would venture to guess that she does as well. ]

[shepherdtostars]

Aymeric, my love. Of course you are. [ She playfully sways her tail into his hands as if to make her point further. ] If not for your determination and direction? The Dragonsong War would still be ongoing. Your father would have used his power as a primal to ensnare all of you. Thisru, myself, Alphinaud, Estinien and Ysayle may have done the footwork and deeds, but it was by your direction and ideas. Your desire to see a better future. Your will to see a war ended so that Ishgard may no longer be beholden war.

[ Alkaid turns then towards him. Her hands take his before placing them against her bossom. She smiles then, a bright one, despite her exhaustion and changed features from her own extended war against the Ascians. ]

You deserve the praise and the accolades. Why else would they have picked you for their first Lord Speaker to continue to guide Ishgard in her new chapter? [ She squeezes his hands. ] That steadfastness, determination, ability to see a better future... they were the reason I fell in love with you. Even if our souls were not together in the ancient world? I would have fallen in love with you regardless. Those traits are what makes you who you are, and why you garner the respect you do.

[ She then kisses his hands. ] Traits that I know you had in our ancient lives, and why I fell in love with you then.

[ The rest of the conversation feels of little importance compared to those facts. She knows he will not embrace them as she will not embrace the notion she is their savior. Yet, at times, they need to be stated. She gives a gentle nudge to their hands with her nose. ]

As to what I might require of my lord husband... perhaps to be carried to bed and lay beside him for the rest of our waking hours?

[thewayforpeace]

[ He likes to believe that he does not spend more time than necessary wool-gathering or letting doubts and worries creep in, but he does wonder at times if the Dragonsong War could have been resolved by another. He simply happened to be present as the events unfolded, but he is hardly unique in his capabilities, and that is what he chooses to respond with. ] I may have played a part in it, yes... [ He smiles as her tail sways against his hands, as he finds the gesture comforting. ]

But anyone could have stepped into that role if I was absent or incapable of it. Perhaps Artoirel could have led the charge. [ He believes that both of the young lords of House Fortemps have a wealth of potential; they just need the opportunity to tap into it. ]

Even with all of that, I do not regret any of the events that have happened. I would most certainly regret never having met you, nor having had the chance to speak with you and be allowed to spend time with you. [ Although truthfully, if any one person or circumstance had prevented them from being together, he realizes that they most likely would have moved mountains to find ways around that. ] But, I can also speak with the same level of certainty and conviction that I would have loved you even if you were different than you are now. [ And he is equally confident that he felt the same in their ancient lives, and will continue to hold that same confidence. ]

I believe that your lord husband can manage to do that, if that is what you wish. ]

/wraps this up for other threads!

[shepherdtostars]

Played a part? Aymeric. It would jot have happened without your determination to see a brighter future. We may have been taken in by the Foretemps by Haurchefaunt's good will, but, the rest would not of happened without you to set in motion.

[ Still, she plants a gentle kiss to his hands and nods that she is ready to move to bed. She only moves out of his hold in order to be placed down at the bed and dress foe it. Then, she lays down at her side and curls against him underneath the thicker blankets.

Given he will be staying home, they have all the time in the world to discuss things. Until the children awake that is. ]