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

[ Aymeric had every intension of remaining awake during the journey to their destination: a destination that Alkaid had been rather secretive about. Not that he had any reason to be suspicious, as he trusts her in all ways and then some. But his curiosity did threaten to get the best of him, although by the time he allowed sleep to claim him, he decided to leave well enough alone and let her surprise be just that.

When she comes to wake him up, he's in a fairly sound sleep, but he responds quickly enough to the nudge she gives him. His eyes slide open slowly and as his vision focuses once more, he can't help but smile upon seeing her. ]

What time is it? [ His voice sounds lower than normal, having just woken up, but he does his best to rouse himself, as he is certain she would not have woken him unless they had arrived at their destination. ] Have you been awake for very long?

[ A wide smile is awaits him once he opens his eyes. Her tail sways back and forth happily, gently nudging his arm once more. Then, she leans forward to gently nudge his cheek and press a quick kiss. ]

Evening, the sun will set in a few hours. We arrived a little later than planned. [ Then, she shakes her head to his question and kisses his forehead. ] Only long enough to speak with the captain. I imagine he would want us to leave sooner rather than later.

[ If not for her explanation that they have arrived, he would have been content to remain lying down for a few moments longer. But doing so would be inconsiderate to the captain, and to Alkaid as well, so Aymeric is quick to rouse himself. ]

Seeing as how this is his vessel, that is well within his rights. [ As he sits up, he poses a question to her: ] Were you able to rest at all?

[ She sits up as he does, ears alert on top of her head with her tail continuing to sway. Perhaps she seems more akin to a kitten than a full grown woman, but she can hardly help the excitement blooming in her chest. She had always promised to take him on an adventure. Something just the two of them, with their titles and duties put aside. Their adopted children did place a loving wedge in that idea... thus their honeymoon became something she decided to plot on her own. Regardless, now she feels as if she is able to truly act and fulfill that promise.

Her hands settle between her legs as she attempts to keep some form of her excitement in check. ]

A little. [ Alkaid gives him a bashful smile, as it is obvious why she did not rest as much as he would have liked. ] Our bags are on their way to the inn we'll be staying at.

[ She slides from the bed then. Before extending for his hands, she reaches up and places her hands over his eyes. ] Close your eyes and let me guide you off the ship. I want you to be surprised with our destination.

[ He can only begin to guess at where they are, and what she has planned, but that is indeed half the excitement of it, as far as he is concerned. And he knows full well that they have not always had much to be excited about, given their respective responsibilities and the paths they have walked. ]

Only a little? I would hate for you to be too deprived of sleep.

[ But before he can comment more, she has slipped her hands over his eyes, and instructs him to close his own eyes which he does without hesitation. ] All right then. I am certain you will not allow me to trip.

Then, my lord will just need to make certain I find time to rest on our honeymoon... although perhaps it is better to call it a vacation?

[ Alkaid beams at him, feeling his eyes close beneath her fingers. She leans for a quick but loving kiss, nudging her nose to his, before stepping back and reaching for his hands. ]

Of course not! I couldnt very well let the Lord Speaker be embarrassed on his first trip from home.

[ Alkaid gently guides him where to move, opening doors and instructing him up the stairs. A momentary pang strikes her heart at the memory of once guiding him through another city when he was far from himself. She pushes the memory away to focus on the here and now. Ishgard is safe, Thordan will not return, and the past has been laid to rest. Now is the time to focus on them and not the world. Despite how hard it will be for the pair of them.

She walks him down the airship landing and smiles at the confused looking captain and attending staff. The doors open and no doubt the sounds and smells strike her now lord husband as foreign and unfamiliar. Alkaid gives a tight squeeze of his hands as the crisp autumn air settles around them.

Then, she drops his hands to take a few steps back. nerves strike her that perhaps He will not like their destination nor surprise. However, she presses on. ]

Open your eyes!

[ The setting autumn sun sets a warm glow over Kugane as the lights begin to turn. Alkaid smiles, twisting her fingers nervously as her tail sways back and forth quickly. Her ears sit atop her head perfectly upright as a hint of shyness takes her expression. ]

Welcome to Kugane, Lord Speaker.

[ He resolves then and there to do his best to ensure that she does, as it would not do at all for only one of them to find rest during this vacation and honeymoon. He smiles warmly at her once more before they begin their vacation properly. ]

How could I ever be embarrassed when in your company?

[ But he allows her to guide him as she wills, and only for the briefest of moments does he feel something akin to unsettlement rippling below the surface, although he does not understand why. He does his best to push it aside as he only wants to focus upon this time with her and the sights they might see.

As they make their way along, he tries to use his senses to take in what is going on around him, taking in the sounds and what he feels on the way. Finally, they both come to a stop, he instinctively turns to try and look for her, although his eyes are still closed. Soon enough, she tells him that he can open his eyes, and he does so. It takes a moment for his eyes to adjust to the sunlight, even though it is setting, and once it does, he looks around him. He is not the most well-traveled of men, yet he can venture a guess at where they are.

Her words confirm it, and his smile widens. ]

Ah, I see. Kugane, your secret destination, and a place I have only heard of.

I'm certain we could find ways. [ She gives a rather devilish smile for the briefest of moments.

Nerves are on full display as she watches him take the scene in around them. No doubt he'll feel more impressed and in awe as they travel further into the city. Her smile tugs at the corners of her mouth before a shy expression overtakes the excitement. Ears tilt down and her tail slows as she twists her fingers more. Aymeric has never been one for more than subtle expressions, but she cannot help but worry that perhaps he would have wished to see another place in the world than the destination she picked.

It feels like it takes monumental effort for her to move to move closer to him again. Her hands finally untie themselves and reach for his once more, fingers curling around his. The shaking is rather obvious as her nerves are truly getting the better of her. ]

I thought it was somewhere fitting... given it was the first place Thisru and I went after the Dragonsong War that you hadn't seen. [ Given he had traveled to Gyr Abania and Ala Mhigo to face down with Zenos with the rest of the Alliance leaders. Then, her gaze drops to their feet for a moment as she feels tears threaten to prick the corner of her eyes. She can still vividly remember the couple from Ishgard that had managed to come to Kugane, while she and Aymeric were half a world apart. ] ...A-and selfishly... I wanted to bring you here... if others from Ishgard could visit... why couldn't you?

[ Alkaid closes her eyes briefly as she squeezes his hands. The memory of writing the letter to him is vivid in that moment, especially the fact she had tried to hide her tears. Of course, that hadn't been the case, and she frowned when she realized the tears were drying into the letter. Aymeric had never brought it up in conversation, but, she imagines he noticed and took note of it.

She release a breath she was holding before looking up at him once more. She smiles despite the lingering tears in the corner of her eyes. ]

Would you rather explore a little, or head to the inn and explore in the morning?

[ All he needs to be truly happy is to have her nearby and the knowledge that she and those that he loves most are safe, that he can protect them. And of course, he has long wanted to travel with her, to see parts of the world that she has been to and helped save. And now that they are here, all he can think about is not about what she has done as the Warrior of Light, but what they might experience as a couple. From what he knows of Kugane, there is much to see and more to do, and he hopes that they have the time to explore to their hearts' content.

Once her hands join with his, he is quick to wrap his fingers around them and give a warm squeeze. ]

It is so very fitting, and I am happy that you chose it as our destination. [ Sensing her upset, he pulls her in a little closer and holds her for a moment or two. ]

I remember the contents of your letter quite well. [ And the state of the paper on which said letter was written, although, he realizes now that they never properly discussed that. He does not intend to cause her any sort of upset, but he can only begin to imagine how very unhappy she was at the time. ] I fervently and earnestly wished that I could have joined you when you were here, if only to add to the ranks of familiar faces in hopes of bolstering your spirits and contributing to your efforts. Of course, that was not to be, but had it been, I would have made the journey without a second's thought.

[ He likes to think that he always speaks with sincerity, but he hopes that in this particular case, that quality is clear to her. He means every word he says, and he hopes that it helps to reassure her somehow. ]

Are you willing to explore? If you would rather retire for the evening, then I would just as soon do the same. [ Because they would naturally do so together, at least in his mind. To prepare for sleep apart from each other feels rather foreign to him now, he has to admit. ]

[ There are so many places she wishes to take him. Thankfully, most of them she can take him to if they can find the time. She would love for him to see the Crystarium or even the memory of Amaurot, but, such things are beyond her capability. Not unless, somehow, Y'shtola finds a safe way for them to travel through rift to the other worlds. Even then, the first in her mind to return to the First ought to be G'raha.

Alkaid leans into his embrace and closes her eyes for a moment. She hadn't been upset when she started to write the letter. Truthfully, it wasn't until she saw the Ishgardian couple that she realized how very much she missed him. Not only that, but, how much Ishgard and Borel Manor had truly become her home. All of it came crashing down on her at once, and she was never able to shake the feeling of loneliness until she had found him in Gyr Abania. ]

I had missed you.

[ Those words seem to have become a code between them. One that says something but implies all the emotions they truly feel.

Her hands curl around his tightly at the idea of traveling freely with him--as her sister and her love do. A part of her earns for it. Adventures and explorations side by side. Fighting together so he might protect her as the knight he is. Their lives are different and now they can have their own adventure in a way. ]

I want to show you everything and everywhere, my knight. [ The words come from her softly so none other will hear. She gently nudges his chest before twirling slightly to his side. One hand leaves his in order to wrap around his arm. The other slides into his hand and fingers find their home between his. ] I'll show you the harbor and sights along the way to the inn. That way, the whole city is open to us tomorrow to explore.

[ She smiles then and gently nudges his arm with her cheek. She cannot fathom the idea of preparing for bed withoit him, unless they are already apart. It had been what they have done since the early days of their relationship. It most certainly broke standards of Ishgardian culture, but, it felt right to share a bed with him and sleep beside him. ]

Edited 2023-02-05 20:42 (UTC)

[ He would travel the entirety of the star with her if only they could. If they could put aside all their responsibilities for a time and wander about as they see fit, that would be quite the adventure indeed. Perhaps if he had been born into this life as an adventurer like her, then they could have had those adventures. But he is resolved to not want for too much, nor to ask for too much, as he already has everything he could have hoped for and then some.

He is content to hear her stories and tales from her adventures, and imagine the sights and sounds in his mind's eye. And he is equally content to hold her and comfort her and be comforted by the notion that they are together. ]

As had I, in so many ways. [ It is indeed a sort of code between them that conveys so much without being said. ]

That is more than enough for tonight, given how far we have come to arrive here. [ And he is in no rush to explore, nor to see this trip end. Perhaps if they move at their leisure as much as possible, it will not go by so quickly.

And he smiles in return at her little nudge. Her small touches and nudges always bring a smile to his face, and he knows he would miss them if she ever stopped. Part of him cannot quite identify why he thinks she might want to retire separately from him, except that she might one day desire space, to do so on her own schedule. Or perhaps one day, she might find herself needing more rest and take to their bed early. He would prefer that they remain together, even when readying for sleep, but he at least wishes to give her the option of doing so separately. ]

Edited 2023-02-06 04:28 (UTC)

[ Their adventures instead have taken a different turn; he the leader of his nation and she the champion picked by the woman who crafted their mortal world. Their paths have split them, but they stubbornly return to one another despite all that says they ought to have given up. Now, they are married with two children who needed them as much as they needed the children.

She gently nudges his chest once more at his words. She imagined he missed her as much as she had missed him, which was the underlining reason they had decided to cross the intimate boundary that night in Gyr Abania. Alkaid has never regretted it, but, she has worried to herself that Aymeric may have found a later distaste as time went on. Given how they have come together as a couple? She doubts that now, but, at the time she worried for it.

Alkaid then glances to the side, attempting to decide the direction they should go. He will have no need of paperwork as she has already seen to it, but he may wish to attune to the aetheryte should anything lead astray. She glances up at him and then to the two large bridges again. She gently tugs at his arm and begins to walk towards the stairs that lead them down and eventually to a stone path. ]

The Kogane Dori. [ Alkaid gives a firm nod tot he streets lined in lanterns as the sun continues to set. ] This is the main market of the city. It's more condensed than the Jeweled Crosier, but, we can explore that more in the morning. [ She leans around him and nods to the large red bridge on their left. ] Past here will lead us to the aetheryte, and the Rakuza District, where our inn is.

[ She smiles once more at the colors and vibrancy the city has as the night falls on them. Her other surprises for the night may dwarf the skyline at night. However, if they spend all the day and evening exploring the next day? He will most certainly see it and be able to take it all in then.

Alkaid walks beside him along the large red bridge and then stands behind as he attunes to the aetheryte. She gives a brief explanation of the Shiokaze Hostelry, before gesturing to the smaller bridges ahead of them that lead towards the District with the inn. ]

[ Truth be told, he can scarcely imagine a life without her, as it seems to him that their paths are firmly intertwined and are not so easily untangled, not now. Perhaps they never were, although they may not have realized that at the beginning.

As for that night in Gyr Abania, he did not regret it then nor does he regret it now. It might have seemed hasty and rash, but he believes that they acted fairly reasonably given the unpredictability of their lives at the time. When one's time has limits placed upon it, he reasons, there is little use or practicality in refraining from seeking one's wishes and desires. And at that time, they both desired to finally be intimate with one another, and that is why he holds no regret at all.

When she tugs at his arm, he smiles and falls in step beside her. ] So many places with unfamiliar names. I shall, of course, do my best to learn them all, and to become more familiar with the layout of this place.

My thoughts concerning Kugane thus far is that it is quite a lively place indeed, and so very colorful as well. Ishgard is- Well, I will not say that it pales in comparison, as it has its own sort of life and color, but there is something very striking about the sights here.

[ Once he has attuned to the aetheryte, he is content to walk alongside her as she continues to explain. ]

The language of Hingashi is very different from Eorzea... it took time for me to understand it. [ She nods. ] If needed, I can find us a map that we can go over throughout dinner.

[ Alkaid smiles gently. ] They are very different. The people here are different as well, with different experiences. Kugane acted as a middle point between the Empire and others. Both sides of the conflict had to coexist here without bringing the war here. I would say the people are genuine here, yet, there are far more people willing to manipulate and pull your coin purse than there are in Ishgard.

[ Alkaid leads them over the bridge and down the street past a much smaller--yet homier--market. Then, to stone steps that lead to the second level of the city. At the top is a set of doors that lead to the quaint inn. The hostess bows to them in the traditional Eastern manner, in which Alkaid returns. The two discuss the room and reservations before the hostess smiles at Aymeric and wishes them congratulations.

She then steps in front of Aymeric, hands moving to his once again, to lead him down the hall after the hostess. Their room is one of the largest--quite obviously the honeymoon suite--with a tatami mat floor, a decently sized bed, and a rather tidy area. The windows are shut, leaving her able to surprise him further. Their luggage is by the bed. She lets go of his hand and takes a few steps back to make a gesture with her arms as if to welcome him home. ]

Welcome to our room for the few days, Ser Aymeric.

Indeed, the languages across Eorzea and beyond are quite different, although I do not consider myself an authority on the subject, merely an observer. If we could obtain a map, that would be useful, but it is not necessary. After all, we are here to enjoy ourselves, are we not?

I see. War affects us all, yet does so in varying ways given the respective climates in which a person lives. I may not be as familiar with Kugane and the people as you, and yet I can tell that there are differences between them and those of us from Ishgard. But where there are differences, there are also similarities if one knows where to look.

[ And Alkaid knows where to look, of that Aymeric is certain. With how far she has traveled and with how many people she has seen, there is no doubt of it in his mind.

As they make their way along, Aymeric's attention is divided between focusing on Alkaid and taking in all the sights that they pass. Kugane truly is a beautiful location, bustling with life even though it is a rather late hour. But once they reach their destination and meet the hostess of the inn, Aymeric follows Alkaid's leave and offers a polite bow as well. He gives his thanks in return for her congratulations, and then moves with Alkaid as they approach what will be their room as long as they are here.

He smiles widely, not simply at the appearance of the room, but the welcoming gesture that she gives. ]

I daresay we shall be quite comfortable during our time here. [ And having said that, he leans in to brush a warm kiss against her cheek. ]

[ She smiles at his surmise and nods. If he would rather learn by exploring? That is most certainly fine by her. No doubt Aymeric would find the smaller things not on tour. Something human and realistic, much like how he was as the Lord Commander.

Her face lights up at the kiss on her cheek. Then, she turns and gestures for him to explore the room. Her two-toned gaze follows him as he moves, watching what he decides to explore and contemplate over. Her hands fold together nicely, but then, a feeling she does her best to keep at bay gently swirls in the back of her heart.

No matter how much she wishes and pretends? This is not the first room they have spent together in a city far from home. It will not be the first time sharing different food, or bed, or even a bath. She might tell herself that Aymeric was hardly himself at the time, but the fact remains that Limsa was their first time together in a city filled with life. Even if he barely remembers it? She does.

Her heart sinks sadly as her tail comes to a stop. The ears atop her head lower slightly as her fingers curl on themselves. This may be their first time as a wedded couple--but it's certainly not their first time.

Somehow, Aymeric's father had succeeded in stealing that when he failed at all else. Well, what remained of his father inside the husk of King Thordan. ]

[ He would rather learn with her by his side, however that winds up looking. If they use a map to navigate, or they simply explore, he is content to have her with him. The method they use pales in comparison to that, at least in his mind. His enjoyment comes from sharing her company.

It always brings a smile to his face to see her light up like that, and so he resolves to give her more kisses to bring out that smile again. He continues having a look around, but it does not take long at all for him to see that something has caused her demeanor to change. Her smile seems to have faded, and he can see the way her ears and tail have lowered. Something has upset her, and he cannot quite tell what it might be.

He has always been fairly good at determining her state of mind, or at least venturing a guess, but now he is not sure.

Abandoning his exploration for the moment, he moves closer to her to take hold of her hands. ]

What's wrong?

[ Her eyes drift down to their hands and then back towards him. Eyebrows knit at the corner as she tries to keep the sudden rise of emotions inside. They are a mixture of beyond overjoyed they can properly share a place together and haunted by the fact that such an experience should be their first time period. She had wished to see his reactions to any foreign place with wonder outside the parameters of their titles. Of course, he was more prisoner and she more his protector in Limsa...

Alkaid forces a watery smile for him in an attempt to show that she is fine. ]

...I had hoped the first place I might show you as us would have been the Moogles in the Churning Mists. I promised you so long ago that I would take you there. [ Alkaid's gaze drifts down once more as she forces the smile to stay in place despite how her hands shake slightly. ] T-then, I had wished to bring you here for our first time away from titles together... just the two of us...

[ Her voice hitches for a moment, causing her pause to compose herself. ] But neither place is truly our firsts in those regards... a-and I thought it would not bother me now, but... [ Her smaller hands suddenly cling onto his. ] I-I'm sorry.

[ After a moment, she looks back at him with a few stray tears rolling down her face. ] Is being here truly a good surprise?

Ah. [ And just like that, her meaning is crystal clear. They had made promises about journeys they would take together and adventures they would have, but time and circumstance always got in the way. Still, he will not have her blaming herself for any of it, nor apologizing for something that is not her fault. ]

Lantaa, I know full well that it is not always possible to achieve everything that one hopes for and dreams of. [ He reaches for her to try and capture her attention and her gaze as well so that she might see the sincerity in his eyes and the smile that he wears. ] You have already given me everything I could have asked for simply by being you and by continuing to be here. You have nothing to apologize for.

[ His nod of affirmation is quick and decisive. ] It is the best surprise, and then some. [ And then he reaches for her once more, this time to gently brush away the tears lingering on her face. ]

[ A sudden need rises in her to make certain he is well. That in the morning it will be him looking at her with the eyes that she loves so very much, and not clouded by a light that does not belong to him. Her gaze might betray the emotions she attempts to present to him, but, perhaps he will not fully understand the meaning either. They have spoken very little of the time he was tempered. She would not have him remember that time if she can help it. Such things are truly far from her control, but, it is at least her hope that he would not remember it.

Alkaid tilts her head into his hand before gently rubbing her cheek in his palm. ]

I'm sorry. [ She repeats her apology as if that could make up for all the harm they have both experienced. ] I... I wish to make happy memories for you in places so far from home. Ones that, [ she pauses for the moment, ] ones that could replace our unhappier ones. Even if.. even if I can't bring myself to have us stay long in Limsa together.

[ She presses a gentle kiss to his palm as if to apologize once more. ] There is one more surprise I would wish to give if you don't mind.

[ Similarly, he looks at her with worry in his gaze. He knows full well what is troubling her, although there are details he does not know and things he does not remember. Rather, there are flashes of memories that stir from time to time, but they flee almost as soon as they have risen. Perhaps that is for the best, as whatever transpired during their time in Limsa seems to have left its mark upon her. It has upon him too, but he cannot see it as clearly as he can when he looks at her. ]

You have nothing to be sorry for. We have our entire lives ahead of us and so many opportunities to make new memories together. I look forward to those times with you, Lantaa.

[ He moves his hand to cup her face even as he offers her a fond, warm smile. ] Every day with you is a surprise. What more surprises could there be?

[ How pathetic it must be that she can fight against primal, creatures of ancient times, and even travel to the edge of creation, and yet still cannot face certain aspects of her traveling. His time as being tempered, Ardbert merging with her and K'thisru. They are things the pair of them ought to discuss, but, she no longer wishes to fall apart in front of him.

Her gaze raises to his with a watery smile. Aymeric always has a way with words, regardless if they are speeches to his people or the gentle reassurances he gives to her. Her hands lift to his on her face to give a gentle squeeze before taking them into her own. Then, she guides him to another sliding wooden door.

It takes little effort to open them, but when she does, she reveals a small pathway. Within a few more steps she pulls back a hanging cloth from the ceiling to reveal the outdoor entryway to the hotsprings. This was another reason she picked Kugane and their other destination. Warmer climates for his hurts and aches. While she has her fair share? His are longer and more bothersome.

Alkaid tilts her head back to look at him with a smile. Her ears give a gentle twitch as her tail sways. ]

[ He has never, not even for a second, thought of her as pathetic. How many trials has she gone through and come through a little bit worse for the wear but still very much with them? The things that she has seen and experienced would have caused a lesser person to give up, and yet she has not. No, in Aymeric's mind, she and her sister are the strongest of them all, and nothing will change his mind.

He smiles when she squeezes his hands, and when she moves once more, guiding them to their next destination, he follows after her without hesitation. When she pulls back the curtain and reveals the entryway leading to the hot springs, he looks at her questioningly. ]

I gather you had planned this all along. [ He smiles at her once more, warmth in his expression, and he squeezes her hand fondly. ] Consider me very surprised and very happy. [ And then he lifts her hand to press a kiss to it. ]

[ A smirk forms on her face at his question. Yes, she had very much planned it all along. The only change will be their second destination, but that is due to her latest travels. She wishes for him to see the world and all the peoples on it; ways to inspire him for Ishgard and the uncertain future they face. She is not a politician, so it is the only way she can think to help. ]

Good! We can go in whenever you're ready. [ A flick of her tail and a blush comes to her face as he kisses her hand. She looks down almost as she would when she was a kitten, trying to hide how girlish she feels at his romantic gestures that she adores so very much. ] I wanted to take you somewhere warm for your hurts, but also places you have always wanted to see.

Edited 2023-04-19 18:33 (UTC)

[ He told her himself that on occasion, he finds himself experiencing a touch of wanderlust, but his duties and responsibilities have mostly kept him from acting upon it. Nevertheless, he is quite content to hear her tell tales of her adventures, and even a small trip such as this one means quite a lot to him.

He gives her hand a warm squeeze, coupled with another smile. ] And what of your hurts? They should be tended to as well. And as far as places I wish to see are concerned, all I have to say is that where you go, I'll go too. [ He hopes she understands what he means. As long as her path goes places he can follow, he intends to do so as often as he can. And perhaps now, that will be more of a possibility for both of them. ]

BOOK 5: OUR SONG

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