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

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

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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[ 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.

[ 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. ]

[ 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. ]

[ 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?

[ 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. ]

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.

[ 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. ]

[ 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. ]

[ 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. ]

[ 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.

[ 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. ]

[ 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... ]

[ 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.

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?

[ 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.

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?

Edited (slight edit) 2022-09-24 11:17 (UTC)

[ 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. ]

[ 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.

[ What he feels is some measure of relief that he is able to finally care for her in ways befitting her partner. There is a part of him that believes he has been lacking in that area, and thus he has much to make up for. Furthermore, he is driven by the notion that he must continue caring for her, and if the chance does not present itself on its own, then he will have to take matters into his own hands. ]

Another family gathering would be good for all of us, I think. [ He means to encourage these gatherings as much as possible, provided everyone has the time and means to gather. It is as much for the benefit of the children as it is for the two sisters, and rather selfishly, for himself too, although he intends to keep that thought to himself. ]

I believe that Ishgard is well on her way to being more open to others who live and work far beyond her walls. And of course, we have you and your sister to thank, for none of this would have been possible without you.

[ He knows he has expressed similar sentiments before, but he must say them again, because he and his people owe them a great debt. ] If not for your aid, we very well may have been locked in prolonged war even now. That we are beginning to find hope again is because of you.

[ He leans in as much as he can given how close they already are, and he adds: ]

That, too, I attribute to your assistance. I would not have known how to reach out had you not reached out to me first.

Several family gatherings... especially as Starlight Festival grows closer.

[ Her gaze softens. It seems as if she has spent far too many of them away from Aymeric, but perhaps that is more her perception of time than anything. She recalls their first Starlight Festival in perfect detail and wonders what sort of gift she might find him this year. Now, however, would be the first year they would have the children with them. They will no doubt be the focus of this years celebrations.

Alkaid smiles gently at his comments. He is always keen to give credit to her and K'thisru for what they have done. Yet, Alphinaud, Estinien, Hilda, and Ysayle are to thank as well. In her mind, it is something they have all done together. She also is aware that Aymeric knows far more the stagnation that Ishgard faced than she would, so, perhaps his view on it is truly accurate. ]

And I would not have learned to be myself as well as Ishgard's Savior if not for you. [ She nudges his cheek affectionately once more before raising her hands to rest on either side of his face. Her fingers brush up into the hair that rests beside his ears, but do not travel further for now. That can be saved for once they have retired into bed for the night.

The water has started to cool, but she does not wish to admit that it will be difficult to push herself up from the tub. A part of her does not wish to ask him to pull her up from the tub. He has aided her enough as it is... surely having to lift her out of the water would be too much. ]

I'm glad you reached out in return. I'm not certain I would have survived all that I have if not for you, Aymeric.

Ah yes, Starlight Festival... a celebration that holds a very special meaning to me now than it ever has.

[ Of course, he is also recalling their first one together, but now they can experience it as a family. And that, in some ways, is something he long considered a distant possibility, although he certainly desired to have a family of his own very much. ]

Oh, I believe you would have come to that realization on your own before too long. Perhaps all you needed was a little nudge, and nudges can come from anyone, can they not?

[ He sighs once, and a contented smile takes his face as she brushes against him. But even as she does so, his attention is quick to focus upon her once more and upon what she might need. A question has formed on his lips, but her next statement gives him pause. ]

Our star would be a much grimmer place without the likes of you walking upon it. [ And lest he become too overcome by emotion, he quickly adds: ] The water appears to be cooling. Shall I assist you in returning to the bedroom?

[ While he is able to control his emotions in the moment, she is not. Her arms lift to wrap around his neck and shoulders as much as she is able. But, the moment he moves to raise her, she pulls him towards her. Not enough to pull him into the bath, but enough so he might lean against the porcelain with no space between them. Her forehead rests to his as she gazes intensity into his eyes.

Why is she unable to explain her emotions so he might understand her meaning entirely? Perhaps it is because he is a Lord and Knight of Ishgard, and she is merely a healer from a tribe who prefers to be left alone. Regardless, once his entire focus is on her, she presses her forehead against his further. ]

I may have kept some part of me that is "Lantaa", but not in the way I am ... the way I have been. [ Her gaze never leaves him, instead following along if he attempts to look away. ] I wouldn't have been able to be the woman who found her answers of countless Starlight Eves. If you hadn't... then, all I could be was a Warrior of Light always wishing to find ways to bring a smile to the face of the one she loves, but felt she could never be with.

[ She frowns then, eyebrows turning upwards at their edges. ] When all the Scions had gone? Thisru and I stood on the empty husk of a world long dead before Meteion had found it. It was so lonely, so empty. It was no surprise why Meteion had turned the way she did after encountering such emotions over and over...

But then, we could hear the prayers and thoughts from all of you here at home. Each wish, each hope, each worry. Even then, among the sea of voices and dim figures the dynamis took shape of? Yours was the one I heard the loudest. Your simple wish for peace to the home that had seen endless war; a desire to be at ease with those who wished an end to your people...

[ Her nose presses to the side against his again. ] And the even quieter wish to no longer be alone. [ Alkaid presses her lips together before closing her eyes, with tears slowly moving down her face. ] So, please, AymericI. Do not belittle yourself so much to me. You keep--you keep me who I am amongst all of the whirlwind of this life. You guard and protect my heart.

[ He does not resist when he feels her arms wrap around him, pulling him in closer so that they are leaning against each other. Truthfully, he never minds when they are as close as this; he is certain she knows that closeness with her is something he desires always, and so when the chance presents itself for it, he does not protest. ]

Often have you said those words, and I am honored that you think of me so highly. But along those same lines, what sort of man would I be had you not approached me in turn? Perhaps all I would have been then is a bastard son of a man who never truly looked upon me, and perhaps I would never have opened my heart as much as I have- thanks to you.

[ He was as she described him: desiring to reach out but being unsure how to, and being afraid to on top of that. Her own openness and warmth showed him how to be the same, and how to not be afraid to show that to others.

At her next words, his eyebrows raise as if he is surprised. Not shocked, exactly, but certainly surprised. ]

I do feel sorry for this Meteion. To have been confronted by such bleakness and despair... it is difficult for me to comprehend, and yet I can only imagine how it must have affected her. As for the rest... Our prayers and thoughts have ever gone with you and your sister, and all the Scions as well. And speaking more personally, you are never far from my own thoughts and prayers when your paths take you far from home.

[ Well he knows that his wishes were simple during the times of war that plagued Ishgard. He saw no reason to keep those wishes unspoken. The other wish that she speaks of is one he kept to himself, as she also knows, but he feels no embarrassment for having it. He does know that should all his friends and loved ones depart, he would find himself at a loss for what to do. Perhaps he would simply follow after them and ask what he might do to rectify things, as surely it was his error that compelled them to leave.

The very thought of having his home be empty and silent once more save for himself, the faithful steward and maid, and his cat is quite a sad one indeed, and one he does not like to dwell upon for any length of time. ]

Perhaps I have much still to learn about loving and being loved. [ That habit of his is a hard one to break, as they are both finding out. ] But Lantaa, you do the same for me, in so many ways.

[ And then he leans in even closer (quite a feat, considering how close they are already, so that he might gently place a kiss onto her mouth. ]

[ If she could spend every day in his arms lying in bed? She certainly would not mind. Simply being with him, talking, or more intimate activities--anything as long as it would make them close to one another. Perhaps now, minus the interruptions from the children, they could do such a thing. Lazy mornings before attending the services held in Halone's name...

Hergaze softens at his words. She would like to think that even if they did not find one another, he would have found one to love. The idea makes her heart ache and the ancient feelings inside scream, but, the reality is that he could have loved another. She glances down for a brief moment before nudging his nose with hers once more.

Then, a nod for the assessment of Meteion. Perhaps one day he will meet the small ancient blue bird--should she return from her heavenly travels. Alkaid believes she will, as their star is her home. Not to mention the star in which Hermes ultimately resides on. ]

Do you still carry one of my ribbons on you? [ The question is a gentle one. She is aware how he would when she was away on the First, and how much leaving has truly taken its toll on him. Her hands curl against his armor slightly. At least, now, she will not need to travel. ] I hope I have done well to protect it even when I was so far away.

[ She kisses him in return with her ears twitching. While it may not have the strength it normally may? It is not lacking in earnest. She presses one more kiss to his cheek before shifting onto her knees for him to raise her from the cooled water. ]

[ Now that she has no need to travel, or at least nothing dictating that she must, he hopes that she can finally have a life alongside him and the children. He intends to do whatever he can to give that to her, and to do his best to meet her every need and desire. He would gladly spend the rest of his life beside her and doing whatever it took to make her smile.

At her question, he nods, because it has become something of a habit to keep one of her ribbons on his person. Perhaps he will not have to now that she is home, but the sight of it and the feel of it was enough to remind him that she was still there in some way, and that she would find her way home one day.

With a slight smile that does not quite hide the lingering feelings of missing her as much as he had, he reveals the ribbon that he has kept with him, holding it out to her. ]

Of course you have. There can be no doubt of it. [ If not for how she had left her mark upon the house, even in the smallest of ways, and if not for the visual reminders such as her ribbon, he knows he would have not found the separation as easy to bear. It was not easy at all, even with those things, but it would have been worse had she not left those small tokens of herself and her presence. The memories of her that he carried with him helped take one day at a time, even when he did not wish to. '

And it is with those thoughts in mind that he brushes yet another kiss in return before he assists her in leaving the water and the tub behind. ]

BOOK 5: OUR SONG

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

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

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

she still luffs his one track mind

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