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

"If I have learned only one thing, See Aymeric, it is that these sisters find a way to achieve everything even if the odds are against their favor." [ Krile smiles at him before shaking her head. ] "I am only making one stop before seeing myself to Sharlayan. I think I will be able to make the trek even with the temperatures. I thank you for your concern regardless."

[ Alkaid turns her hand from his sash to only lightly squeeze his hand in return. As always, her true thoughts will need to be revealed when it is only the pair of them. Instead, her attention shifts to focus back on the adopted Elezen that she sees as her own children. She gives a gentle notion for Aymeric go place her back on the floor. Then, she turns to face them with her hands folded in front of her.

Before she can speak a word, Leon opens his mouth to speak. He is, however, interrupted by his sister. Mélodie lets out a small cry before immediately rushing over to the pair. Her arms drape around Alkaid's waist before clutching onto the fabric of her adopted mother's dress. ]

Don't send us back! Please, we'll be good! I'll do everything you need, Momma! [ Mélodie stiffles another cry before trying to make herself taller and more therefore more like an adult. ] I'll do whatever Papa asks--Leon will too! Don't send us back to the orphanage!

[ Alkaid feels her heart break on the spot. While the orphange Khloe runs certainly is not in dire straights now? She imagines it is more the fear of being homeless and without a family once more that has driven her daughter to tears. Alkaid slips down to her knees and places both of her hands on Mélodie's arms. ]

Mélodie, hush now. You and your brother are not going anywhere. You belong here, with us, even if we aren't your original parents. [ She gently brushes the tears away from her daughter's face. ] You are still our daughter and Leon is still our son. A baby doesn't mean you're no longer ours. It only means you will be a big sister, just as Leon is your big brother.

[ The younger Elezen stiffles her cry once more and tries to dry her face to no avail. Alkaid smiles gently before pulling her into her arms to hold her. Then, her hand lifts to motion Leon to join them. For once, he does not argue or roll his eyes. He instead joins them and looks up towards Aymeric with his
own apphrension and worry. ]

You really want us to stay? [ Leon frowns slightly. ] Even though you'll have a first born?

Leon... [ Alkaid's ears drop slightly.

She supposes succession means far more in Ishgardian society than it would in Miqo'te traditions. Leon would stand to be the next one to hold the title of Viscount, unless their first born is a boy. Alkaid makes the note to speak to Aymeric on how he would see it proceed. Although, she still believes the pair of siblings worry far more of being without family than titles and wealth. ]

Edited 2022-12-14 04:07 (UTC)

[ The words that Aymeric wanted to say to Krile, and then to Alkaid and the children formed on his tongue but disappeared in almost the same moment that he realized just what it was that Mélodie was saying. His own situation is not the same as that of Mélodie's and Leon's, and yet he still feels as though he can relate to them in some way.

To feel unwanted is a feeling he has had to confront and come to terms with, even though he knows without question that the family that took him in loved him also without question. And that completely overrules any lack of consideration from the once archbishop.

Rather than speak when his emotions are threatening to spill over, Aymeric moves closer to Mélodie and slips his arms around her and Alkaid both. No children of his will ever be turned away, or returned to the orphanage they came from, for any reason. All three of them will be considered their children, and any issues concerning parentage and inheritance may as well not exist in Aymeric's mind. The rest of the world may not see it that way, but it is not the rest of the world that concerns him. ]

Why would we not want you to stay? This is your home, and you are our children, and therefore this is where both of you belong.

[ Having said that, he extends one arm as if welcoming Leon to join his sister in what has become something of a family embrace. Of course, it will not surprise him if Leon declines, but the offer remains open should he wish to accept it. ]

[ Alkaid tilts her head up only slightly in order to catch a brief glance at Aymeric's face. She can sense the turmoil that threatens to boil over, but as always, his stoic personality of putting others first comes clear. A note is made in her head to speak to him of it when it is merely the two of them for the night. She quietly moves into his arms and makes certain to pull their daughter with her, holding her close as she can.

As for Leon, he hesitates before finally joining the family properly. He awkwardly positions himself within the family embrace. He tilts his head down to hide some form of reaction to the scene. Not out of shame or believing he must be emotionless. Instead, perhaps, it is he does not wish to show how deeply the death of their parents has affected him. He raises a hand and brushes along his face quickly before attempting to hide his own emotions.

Krile smiles gently before taking the steps backwards to leave the family to the moment. She can always attend to her business and then head back to Sharlayan on her own. This moment seems to be the one they need, and she would not interrupt it a moment more. A bow is given to the staff on her leaving and she makes her way from Borel Manor.

Alkaid gently tilts her head against Aymeric's. Mélodie's cries stiffle and Leon has returned to his stiff posture, despite the expression on his face. Her poor family. The Dragonsong War ended some time ago, and yet, she truly wonders if the scars of that war will ever heal. Her fingers brush into her daughter's hair and her other hand squeezes Leon's arm. What can she do to heal all their wounds and help them be the best that they might be? ]

I know it must be difficult... especially with all that has happened. But, as your father said, you are our children. Nothing will ever change that--unless you would wish to leave. [ She smiles down at the girl in her arms and then at Leon. ] But, I wish for the two of you to be apart of our lives and be an example to any children that may follow you: ours or adopted. You both have come so very far since the end of the War, and even further since your father first met you. I think you both would be lovely older siblings--if that is what you would like.

[ A storm of sorts is brewing, but now is hardly the time for him to let his inner thoughts and feelings take over. The focus ought to be on their children and ensuring that their concerns are put to rest.

All he truly wants is to hold both of their children and reassure them that although they will be adding one more to their number, nothing about their living arrangements will change. This is their home, and they are a family, and he means to ensure that he cares for all of them as best as he can.

He nods his agreement with Alkaid's words, and he adds: ] Is there anything that either of us might to do reassure you? [ He knows that there is a difference between saying the right words and actually demonstrating the meaning and intent behind them. Leon and Mélodie may be young, but that does not mean that they are any less perceptive. ]

[ Alkaid waits for the reaction of the two siblings. Leon simply shifts on the spot and shakes his head. Mélodie on the other hand buries her face further into Alkaid's chest. She frowns slightly at her daughter and continues to brush her hair down. It seems all the children wish to have in reassurance is to be close to their parents. A simple thing, but one that Alkaid is more than happy to attend to.

Dinner is brought to them by the staff, and Alkaid has the children sit with them on the same couch. That way they are all together and able to be close to one another. The conversation is light through the meal. However, once the attention returns to decorating the tree? The mood from earlier returns for the duration of their evening together. Alkaid then accompanies the children to their room thereafter, tucking them in alongside her husband.

Once they are settled (and several kisses to the forehead for their young daughter), Alkaid closes the door behind them. She then tilts her head back to look up at him with a tired smile. ]

[ Perhaps it is unsurprising to some, but Aymeric has just begun realizing how having a family causes one's priorities to shift. His responsibilities as Lord Speaker remain, but now he has a responsibility and an obligation that comes from love to think about. He may still need to work long hours and arrive home far later than he would like, but he has already begun to think of ways that he might avoid that. Perhaps some of the reports he needs to write can accompany him home so that he can finish them there. It certainly is something to consider.

For now, however, his focus remains with his wife and their children as they progress through dinner and seeing them settled into their beds. Once that has been accomplished and Mélodie has been reassured by both of them, he looks down to see Alkaid looking back at him with her usual smile, although he notes that it is a tired one as well. ]

Well, now, what shall we do? [ He knows what he wants to do for her, but he supposes he ought to ask first. ]

[ The idea of having her husband home more is something that truly makes Alkaid smile. While she is not one to bemoan his duties? There have been times where the late nights before their children made her feel lonely. Of course, Alkaid would never complain or voice such things. She has made him wait far longer than anyone should have ever had to wait for their partner. Knowing that, how could she ever voice the long hours he is away?

Her ear turns towards the door to make certain the children are not moving around (although they most certainly must be). Then, she leans forward and places her chin comfortably on the drapery of his armor in her familiar fashion. Her tail sways gently side to side. ]

I think it best if we retire to our room. [ Sometimes she still marvels at calling it "theirs", despite the fact they have shared a room for some time. ] Perhaps a warm bath for the pair of us and then enjoying each others company until the morning...?

[ As far as Aymeric is concerned, the separation between them was due to both of their responsibilities, not solely hers. That his work requires such long hours is something he has often railed against, if only in his mind, as he knows that what he does is important. Yet it is not the only thing that is important. Even if she expressed her unhappiness with how long he is away, he would not begrudge nor resent her for feeling that way.

He has already resolved to rectify the situation as best as he can within the boundaries of practicality. But that is something to address at a later time. ]

I believe that would be best, yes. [ His lips turn up into a smile as he glances at her. ]

I think all of that sounds quite perfect. [ Even if they skipped the first step and merely enjoyed each other's company, he would be content. But the warm bath would surely benefit both of them, and help them become more relaxed as well. ]

Shall I assist you in preparing for the bath?

[ Ishgard will always need Aymeric so long as he remains her steward. It is a position she will not ask him to step down from. She will support him if he continues to be the Lord Speaker or if he chooses to step down. He stood by and waited while she ran to the edges of the world, other worlds, and even the edge of creation. How could she not at least stand at home and wait for him to return after he has shown such faith in her?

Alkaid smiles widely at the sight of his own smile. Her hands raise to gently rest on the fabric of his armor, signifying he may carry her if he so wishes. Otherwise she most certainly does not mind walking to their room. It is not as if the path is unknown to her at all. ]

If you would like to. [ And, once they are far away enough from the children's room, she gives him a playful smile. ] Does my lord need aid in removing his armor for the evening?

[ Perhaps a day will come when he does step down, either of his own volition or because he is no longer able to carry out his duties effectively. But until then, he is determined to serve Ishgard and his family as best as he is able, knowing that he will not hesitate to put his family first if he should ever have to choose between them.

As for whether or not he wishes to carry her, the answer is clear even before he has fully realized it. It may not be sweeping her entirely off her feet, but he lifts her just the same. ]

I would like to. [ And after a moment in which he pretends to consider her question, he nods. ] Your assistance would be, as always, more than welcome.

[ She smiles happily as he scoops her up, comfortably leaning into his arms and chest. The thought that she might come to love the motion never crossed her mind before he had started to pick her up. Yet, now, she finds it is something for the two of them to enjoy--and something to help him see how much he cares for her already.

As for Ishgard? The city will always need her Knights.

Alkaid puffs her cheeks slightly. Oh, she knows he does very much like her assistance in removing armor at night. She merely wonders how long he will allow her to now that she is with child. She is already much smaller than him, and helping with the heavier parts of his armor is a challenge now. She doubts he will ask her for her aid in that regard once she begins go show.

Once they are in their room, Alkaid gestures to head straight to the bathroom. She slips down from his hold and begins to gather what they will need for their bath--but letting him handle the temperature of the water and how much.

Then, she turns to him once the items are settled and the tub slowly filling. Her hands curl around his and not the straps of his armor. After a moment, she guides their joined hands to rest against her belly. Her ears fold to her head as she frowns, letting the worry and minor sense of anxiousness show now that it is merely the pair of them. ]

I-is it alright that...[ Alkaid looks down with a frown as pink takes her cheeks.

Is he truly happy she is with a child even after adopting the siblings? She has said she has always wanted to give him children, and he has always wanted a child of his own. Yet, now, she finds herself worried he may not be pleased with the turn of events.

Her voice falls to a more quiet tone: ] Are you happy... or is it unwanted...?

[ 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...

BOOK 5: OUR SONG

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject