venat (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
heranswers) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
synthneon2022-06-08 11:49 pm
heranswers) wrote in synthneon2022-06-08 11:49 pm
Entry tags:
echoes of truth | ❝ to all of my children to whom.... ❞
Higher, o' higher
E'er our hearts endure and remain forever strong
Standing tall through the dark do we carry on
he intends to be one-track-mind for a little while longer
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
[ 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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
"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. ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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... ]
no subject
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.
no subject
[ 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?
no subject
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.
no subject
[ 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?
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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.
no subject
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.
no subject
[ 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.
no subject
[ 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?
no subject
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.
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
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. ]
no subject
We should use this one tomorrow in my hair. [ Alkaid smiles at him then, meeting him once more in a kiss. ] I suppose now I can stride into the House of Lords if they are keeping my betrothed too late at night.
[ There is a playful smile to her face. Yet, she pushes herself up as he helps her. She steps from the tub, nodding to the nearby towel before moving her tail away and giving it a good shake to remove some of the water. Her arms still shake as she pulls the towel around her, but she does her best to keep him from worrying. Drying off even takes some assistance and a blush takes her face. Her shaking hands rest on his sash once more to indicate he can pick her up and take her to the bed as she is certain he would wish to.
Alkaid rests her head against his shoulder. Her head tilts into his neck as her eyes close. She's quiet until they reach the bed, then she nudges his neck affectionately. Before he places her down, a still shaking hand raises to rest on the side of his face. Next, her ears droop and her tail gently sways. ]
It's over. [ She pauses to give a shaking inhale. Then, her eyes raise to look at him through her bangs once more. ] All of it... it's finally over, Costas.
[ Her gaze softens as a shy smile takes her face. She had decided on her own to rarely use his ancient name--if at all on purpose--as the name itself feels something that is a precious secret. Yet, this time, she uses it purposely and deliberately. He will no doubt understand the meaning of using it now. The struggle that has plagued their star since the ancient days is at an end. The task that had surely pulled her and her sister away as the ancient seat of Azem had been resolved. Now, they can be together, as she feels they have always wished to be--and not only as Alkaid and Aymeric. ]
no subject
Yes, we should, and we shall. [ He realizes then that he has not had the opportunity to touch her hair, much less style it the way she does, and perhaps that is too bold a request, but it is one that he wishes to make. For now, however, he files it away in the back of his mind, because it can wait until the morning. ] What a stir that would cause. I have been, of course, required to remain there late into the evening, but I will make every effort to spur things along so that I might return home to you and the children with all haste. [ Duty and responsibility to his work is one thing, but now he has other obligations and other responsibilities that are of equal importance.
As they work together to move her from the tub, he is quick to react to whatever she needs, and when she nods to the towel, he takes hold of it and brings it over so that she might wrap it around her. A few drops of water from her tail land on him, but he pays them no mind. He does quickly give her a slight perusal, as if further looking for any signs of anything worrisome, but he finds himself distracted once again when she places her hands upon his sash, signaling that it is time for him to lift her so that he might bring her to the bed.
His heart seems to skip a beat when she rests her head against his shoulder, but his hold on her is solid and he does his best to step carefully so that he does not jar her unnecessarily. ]
Indeed, it is. You are home, and nothing... nothing will take you from us again. [ Once, he would have said "from me", but now there are others who need her there and most assuredly feel incomplete when she is absent.
They are now back at the bed, and while he does not intend to break the contact between them, he pulls back the covers of the bed before placing her down. And once she is settled and comfortable, he reaches for the covers again and carefully pulls them over her. Once that is accomplished and he is certain she is resting comfortably, then he sits beside her on the edge of the bed.
Perhaps if she falls asleep, he will simply remain there watching over her, should she need anything in the middle of the night. ]
no subject
I imagine Mélodie and Leon make quite the stir when they fetch you every night. [ She attempts to look stoic, but, the corner of her lips pull slightly into a smirk. ] I had only intended them to see to it on nights you stayed far too late... but I think they've turned it into something of a habit. A good habit.
[ Once he sets her down, she gently brushes along his cheekbone as if to say she is aware he means she will not be taken from him again. This certainly the children to consider, and the staff, but she would not see him squander his needs for others. She does that enough for the pair of them.
Alkaid glances down at the blanket, then looks up at him once more as the corner of her lips tug again. She intends to wait to see if he has noticed she remains in the towel and neither of them are dressed for bed. It is a struggle, but she pushes herself to sit up and lean forward so that her nose gently touches where his collarbone rests underneath the armor. When his confusion is still clear, the smile she tried to repress spreads across her face. ]
You certainly cannot come to bed in your armor, my love. [ Her tail sways gently under the covers as her ears give a playful twitch. ] If your intention was that I go to bed bare, you only had to ask.
[ Once the realization crosses his face, Alkaid cannot hold back the laughter that breaks through. She gently kisses his cheek while attempting to stifle the spurts of laughter--rather giggles--that continue to come. In fact, she cannot remember the last time she had laughed so easily and naturally. It takes another moment to compose herself before nudging his cheek and then tugging on his sash to gesture she wishes to help him remove what she can of his armor. ]
And, tonight, I think it best if you pick what I should sleep in. [ She gives an affirmative nod as to approve to her own idea. Then, her cheeks puff out slightly for him. ] As not only my healer, but my betrothed, I think it only fitting with our first night together again.
no subject
Oh, they do indeed. The first time that they arrived, there were many who were quite surprised and yet endeared. [ He offers a smirk of his own when he sees the way she tries to maintain a straight face but does not quite manage it. ] I am glad that it has become a habit.
[ He may be dedicated to his work, but he is also dedicated to his family. And he would venture as far as to say that his family is even more important to him than the work that he does. As always, a shiver creeps up his spine in response to her touch, and for just a moment, he leans into it as if seeking the reassurance that she gives him.
It has not yet occurred to him that he has neglected to see her properly dressed for bed, but it does not take long for that realization to reach him, thanks to the looks she is giving him and the smile that spreads across her face. ]
I have been quite the inattentive partner, have I not? [ He cannot remember such occasions in their entirety, but he does seem to recall a time or two in which she assisted him in dressing when he was not able to on his own. The memories are obscured as though he is viewing them from behind a foggy glass, but something seems to have stirred them up in his mind. ] That was not my intention, I assure you.
[ If he was not so determined to assist her as best as he can (and it seems as though he made a slight blunder), he would have a moment of embarrassment and self-reproach because of his error. But he can hardly stop to think up recriminations when she is laughing the way she is. It lifts his spirits considerably to hear her laughter and see her smiling, so he chooses to focus upon that, and not upon his momentary forgetfulness.
At the familiar sensation of her tugging on his sash, he moves closer while also bending just slightly so that she might have an easier time reaching out to him. ]
You seem rather fond of sleeping in pieces from my own wardrobe, so I see no reason why that particular tradition should not continue. [ Meaning he will choose one of his shirts for her to wear and to sleep in, when that time comes. He pats her hand lightly, as if to say that they will return to the notion of removing his armor once he has retrieved said shirt for her.
It takes only a moment for him to choose one and then bring it back so that she might approve of his choice, or not, if she deems it unsatisfactory. ]
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
(no subject)
/wraps this up