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

[ 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. ]

[ While a wanderlust has always struck her and her sister? She has come to discover she truly wishes to explore the world with her sister and her husband at her side. Otherwise a part of her always feels missing. Yet, K'thisru now has her own journey with G'raha, and Alkaid has her own as well.

Which means she must see to it that Aymeric will see the world. ]

I suppose you must see to them, my lord. [ A cheeky smirk tugs on her face.] I want nothing more than our paths to continue forward... together.

Oh, I very much intend to. After all, you have looked after me more than once, and I still have much to do to see us on an even footing. [ If he ever does reach that goal. ]

And I intend to do whatever I must in order to see that happen. Our paths should continue together as much as possible, barring your responsibilities or mine. [ But perhaps this time, if her path takes her far away, he will insist on accompanying her, if reason and logic allows. ]

So, shall we go?

[ Her hand slips into his with fingers threading in between his own. The moment almost feels surreal. They have waited so long to be wed that now she wonders if she might wake from the dream at any moment and find herself far from home. Thankfully the look in his eyes Grounds her to reality. ]

You don't need to repay me, Aymeric. You never have to. [ She steps closer and gently nudges his chest with her nose. Then, her eyes close. ] Your duty is to Ishgard and her people. While mine... mine and Thisru's is to shepherd all of you.

[ The shepherd to the stars.

While their ancient stone may be in the hands of her sister at the moment? She is aware that her ancient duty will never truly be over. No matter the life, or the shard, it is what she is meant to do. ]

We will need to change first. Then, the hot springs are yours to explore.

[ He purposefully keeps his tone light lest she think him displeased or otherwise put out, when that is not at all the case. ] Respectfully, I must disagree. Not only did you aid us in ending the long drawn-out war, but you have shown me great kindness and patience, where others might not have been so willing.

[ His gaze softens once more into the special sort of fond smile that he reserves for her. ] I must say that you and your sister both do your task admirably well. Would you like my assistance with changing?

[ He tips her a wink and offers a wider smile. ]

[ Her eyes open and lift slightly up to his own. While she understands the awe, reverence, and heroic stature that the Ishgardians place on her and her sister? She also wishes more would see them as the women they are. Aymeric was one of the first people to do so, but a certain discomfort always seems to settle in when he reminds her of it. Still, she does not argue, and merely nudges her nose to him once more.

She smiles almost bashfully at his wink and nods. How she can remain bashful when she is the one that usually instigated the romantic moments does baffle her from time to time. Yet, Aymeric always finds a way to surprise her and remind her of the woman she is underneath the titles and adornments. Alkaid merely hopes that she returns the favor to him.

She tucks to his side and grabs his hand to lead him back to their room with a playful smile. It doesn't take long for her to aid him in undressing before undressing herself. Then, with directions on the towels to use and how to wear them appropriately for the hot springs, Alkaid leads him back outside.

She picks a pool far from the building so they might have some manner of privacy. It remains close enough for him to see the skyline of Kugane as dusk turns into night and the lights of the city all come to life. She smiles at him and directs him to sit down before standing between his legs and draping her arms over his neck. Her wild blonde hair hangs over one shoulder. ]

[ For him, the truth of the matter is that in his eyes, she is his hero and savior, as overwrought as that may sound. She and her sister helped save Ishgard, of course, but she has saved him in so many other ways, and while she has said she dislikes the notion of him owing her a debt, he still feels that way at times. Still, when he says such things, he does not do it to unsettle her, but rather to express how much respect and gratitude he has for her.

Having her with him, and especially when she tucks herself against him as she has, feels like the most right thing in the world. And as far as he is concerned, it is. They belong together, and they fit together, and he can hardly imagine not having her at his side now that they have come this far and become so close.

He follows her when she leads him from the room and to the hot springs, being as quick as ever to hold her hand as they walk. And when they finally are seated in the hot springs and she positions herself in front of him, he tilts his head slightly so their eyes meet and a warm smile takes his face. ]

If I might be so bold as to say, the location and the weather seem to agree with you. You look even more beautiful than ever, Lantaa.

[ While she is unsure of her sister's feelings on the matter? Alkaid never aimed to be a hero or one that is referred by all around her. All she ever wished was to travel and see the word; to help those in need and to find the one meant for her. She never truly thought she'd find him, but, some part of her had known the moment she met Aymeric. That part of her insisted on loving him--even if it was from afar and never returned. No one else in her travels has ever been like Aymeric, and no one ever truly will be.

After all, how can anyone else be her soulmate?

Her mind wanders slightly as they settle in. Perhaps it is rather ridiculous and a tad childish how they simply slipped into a relationship after kissing one another. Almost as if they were merely waiting for the confirmation from one another that it was alright to be in love. Once they knew that, then...

Alkaid's full attention moves back to him as he speaks. Her ears stand atop her head and a deep blush takes her face. Her tail gently moves side to side in the water as she bashfully looks down once more. He is so very talented at surprising her. ]

A-and, I enjoy seeing you relaxed and smiling. [ She blushes over at her own admission. ] It's good to see you like this... and I ought to make sure this can happen more often. Seeing you in your armor and your dress stire is dashing and handsome... but, I also wish to see you like this more.

[ Although, a unique appreciation is given to his dress uniform... ]

Edited 2023-05-01 00:05 (UTC)

[ Perhaps he ought to be more like her and take steps to ensure that the focus remains upon themselves as the people they truly are, apart from all the titles and accolades and responsibilities they carry. But all he knows and remains certain of is that they belong together, and there will never be anyone else like her, nor anyone else for him.

Intending to give a proper verbal answer after he has done what he wishes to do, he leans in so that he might give her a deep kiss on the mouth, hoping that all the desire and love he has for her is communicated in the gesture. It is nice to be with her like this, with no one to interrupt or disturb them so that they can be themselves with no pretenses or need to act a certain way. ]

[ She meets him in a kiss, and in old fashion, melts against him. Only Aymeric truly has a way of removing all of those layers to see the woman below the heroine and the adventurer. He always has. Perhaps he could even see it within just their small time together when they first met. They never truly talked about it in length, only expressed how they felt at the time. Now may be the time to speak and reflect on it, as they are now not only wed, but bound under the eyes of his patron goddess.

A true member of Ishgard and her people...

She tilts her head slightly to open her mouth for him. There is no need to hold back passions or desires. They are wed, and bound together once more. It is normal to share passions on their honeymoon and wedding night. She merely does not wish to push him into anything uncomfortable... ]

[ He would be lying to himself if he said he did not feel aroused simply from looking at her. But the invitation that she so readily gives only furthers that arousal, and without even the slightest hesitation, he leans in to press his mouth to hers, and punctuates+ the gesture with the barest brush of his tongue against her lips.

And simply because he enjoys the feel of her and being able to hold her, he presses against her lightly, shifting just once up and down as if to hint at something suggestive. Of course, he would not attempt anything without permission, but as always, he can at least make the beginnings of an attempt and she can accept or rebuff him. ]

[ She shivers in his hold with a familiar spike of adrenaline rushing up her spine. Her heart has already begun to race. When he bold and acts in command, it always touches something particular in her. Perhaps it is the fact her branch of her race has been driven by men in control, or perhaps it is simply because she is so very attracted to the Commander in him. Perhaps both. Whichever is the case, Alkaid truly melts against him at his movements.

Her lips part for him and she sits to press her hips to his. It was supposed to be a relaxing moment, but now, she hardly cares if they end up shedding or moving the towels they wear. Her hips gently rock against his once as a gentle sound makes its way from her. Now that she thinks on it? They've not been able to be intimate as they would be due to her injuries from Zenos.

And, she imagines that face might strike a certain cord in him. ]

[ That is all the encouragement he needs to continue his movements, but even then, he is careful to not be too forceful or too fast. They are supposed to be having a relaxing moment together, and while they can still indulge their passions, he sees no need to rush this moment either.

Anticipation can be built by taking things slowly, and that seems to be his intention as he rocks against her again, followed by another motion, but there are clear pauses in between. Perhaps as the momentum and the emotion builds, neither of them will want those pauses, but for now, there is a purpose behind them.

As for Zenos, Aymeric does consider him a key source of their troubles, and although he is out fo reach and beyond being dealt with, there is a part of him that still wishes he could enact some kind of retribution upon the man. He himself is not vengeful, not generally, but in the case of Zenos... He knows he would make an exception for him.

But rather than let any feelings of anger rise and sully this moment, he chooses to press another kiss to Alkaid's mouth and revel in those feelings intead. ]

[ Her arms tighten around his shoulders as another shiver climbs up her spine. Aymeric has always been skilled at knowing how to twist her around his fingers, even if he never knew it. Now, however, he is very aware of how to move the right way and the motions best to make her dizzy. Even as she's melted in his arms, she cannot help but moan into his mouth at their kiss. Her tail twitches in that particular way and she falls into the motions of their kiss.

He always surprises her. She hadn't been expecting such bold movements so far from home and in a semi-private area.

Her dazed two-tone eyes open to meet with his as they pause in kissing. Then, she gently rocks her own hips in return before kissing the corner of his mouth then his jaw. ]

[ She thinks that, but she is also quite skilled at eliciting reactions from him in ways he never imagined possible. The Ishgardian reserve is somewhat well-known, but she has managed to break through that more than once.

And perhaps it is because they are far from home that he feels emboldened to act. Here, he can be himself: just Aymeric, with no titles and no expectations except for how to please her.

When she rocks against him and presses those kisses against his jaw, it becomes his turn to moan, head tipping back slightly as pleasure sweeps over him. He might as well be putty in her hands for her to do whatever she pleases with. ]

[ She glances upwards as his head tilts back and she smiles against him. A gentle press is placed to his neck, then a nudge from her nose. There are many things she can think to do for him and with him. Yet, she wonders if such acts should be performed here or left to their adopted bedroom for the trip.

Alkaid shifts forward, raising her hips, and setting her hands on the rocks behind him. She uses the leverage to lean slightly over him--which still does not work the same due to their heights. The smile remains on her face, but slightly curled on one side. ]

I do believe, Ser Aymeric, I may have been a rather horrible influence on you. The stoic once Lord Commander being rather scandelous with his wife. [ Her tail flicks at the idea still of officially being named his wife. Then, she pressed her nose to the side of his and kisses his chin, then cheek, and forehead. ] Is there anything that Ishgard's most prestiged Lord Speaker would have me do?

[ Alkaid tilts her head and glances down at him before meeting his gaze again. She is aware he rather likes it when she is in control, and perhaps she has been rather selfish in expecting and asking him to lead the dance. As it is their honeymoon, perhaps she should let him indulge in his preferences. ]

Perhaps I ought to feel... embarrassed. Someone of my position should not behave this way, and yet who is here to observe but you? Unless, of course, some hidden observer is in fact watching. In which case, I have most certainly compromised both of us.

Perhaps then we should move to a more private location before we continue. [ Even so, he cannot help but offer her a teasing smirk. ]

A horrible influence, or the best one? [ As always, her kisses leave him somewhat speechless, but he retains enough of his senses to continue a conversation. ]

What would I have you do? [ He also knows that she likes it when he takes the lead, and so perhaps he ought to be acting more like the leader in this dance of theirs. ] I would have you return wtih me to our quarters, and then...

[ He smiles the most mysterious smile that he can manage. ]

Well, no one has joined us outside...

[ She brushes her lips across his in a slow tantalizing way. Then, one hand moves from behind him. She trails her fingers slowly down his neck, chest, midsection, and then rests the tips against the scar that always bothers him. The one that was the main reason in why she picked where she did for their honeymoon. Fingers trace the outline to hint that part of why she had taken to the baths was for his aches. ]

And I find my lord husband is rather skilled at knowing how to wind his lady wife around his fingers. [ His smirk is met with that certain look in her eyes. ] Some may say the best, other may say the worst. Perhaps it's a personal preference, Lord Speaker...

[ Her gaze focuses on him as begins to allude to his plans. He trails off with his own smirk and she feels her heart pounds and catch in her throat. Oh, he is very talented at twirling her around his fingers. Alkaid nudges his cheek before kissing his jaw, neck, and collarbone in light kisses.

Her fingers move from his scar to his covered hip. A glance is given upwards to him from underneath the messy blonde bangs tinged in pink. ]

Our quarters are a walk away, ser...

Is that so?

[ It seems that both of them are determined to tease the other, by words and actions both. The touch of her fingers against his skin as she trails them down leaves shivers behind, especially when she comes to a stop at the scar that still troubles him on occasion. It still remains sensitive even when the cold isn't causing it to become uncomfortable, but he finds her touches comforting, especially when it comes to that particular spot. ]

Is it being skilled at such a thing, or is it simply because I have observed you and learned what it is you seem to like, and acted accordingly? [ He has spent no small amount of time watching her to learn about what it is she likes and what causes her to respond. Some would call that a skill, but for Aymeric, it is simply a product of being in a position that requires observing others and drawing conclusions based on their behavior. ]

Shall I carry you the rest of the way, then? [ He is reasonably certain that isn't what she was asking, but he would gladly carry her if she wished him to. ]

Would your skill not come from that of observation then? Either way, you are very skilled, my lord. [ She nudges where his jaw and neck meet before slowly trailing her nose along his jawline. ] I would say it equals to the same amount.

[ Her cheeks puff out slightly. She would rather they tend to one another in the now, but she is very keenly aware how private Aymeric is as an individual. Not just in their relationship, but him as a person. She is also aware how much he enjoys carrying her. As such, her arms drape around his neck and her knees pinch at his sides. ]

I also think my lord enjoys carrying his lady. [ A nod for him to continue his desire. ] Shall we continue the bath in the morning then?

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

BOOK 5: OUR SONG

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