shepherdtostars: ѕнєρнєя∂тσѕтαяѕ〘 ∂иѕ. 〙 (endwalker 🌸 04.)
𝓪𝓵𝓴𝓪𝓲𝓭 𝓶𝓮𝓻𝓬𝓮𝓭𝓮𝓼. ([personal profile] shepherdtostars) wrote in [community profile] synthneon2022-07-08 02:41 am
thewayforpeace: (💠14)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-07-15 04:12 am (UTC)(link)
[ If they could but stay this way tonight and for several more days besides, perhaps Aymeric would be contented by having that much time with her. But alas, there is no time, and it seems that all he has is what hours remain of the day before he must retire. The orders came somewhat unexpectedly, even though all Temple Knights remain in a state of having to be ready to leave with very little notice.

But where he previously marched off to fight without much hesitation, now he finds himself not only hesitating but regretting that he must take his leave of her. She will be in his thoughts while he is gone: not a distraction but someone that he has become quite fond of in seemingly a short period of time. ]


I think that when I am away and the only sounds are those of fighting and steel clashing on the claws of dragons, I will remember your voice and imagine you describing those places to me, even though I have yet to hear you speak of it. And I would tell you all that you wished to hear about Coerthas and Ishgard too.

[ Instinctively, and almost without thinking, he finds himself leaning against her for one brief moment. Perhaps it is odd, and perhaps improper, but he finds he likes her closeness and wishes to maintain it for as long as he might before she either pulls away or rebuffs him. Not that he imagines she will, given her own words and actions, but perhaps she does not wish to be attached to someone who must leave with very little warning. And, naturally, there is no assurance that he will return. Death comes for all of them, of course, but so many have already fallen in the course of this long war with the Dravanians. ]

Are you certain? Shall I- I mean to say, there are those that I could task with coming to look in on you and inquire as to your needs. It is the very least that I can do, and I fear that it is barely of use or significance.

[ His expression falls just slightly and for a moment, his lips press together into a thin line. ] I must see to my belongings and ensure that I am prepared to leave with the others. Aside from that, I am not sure.

[ He is sure of one thing, however, and that is that sleep will not be coming easily to him tonight. ]
thewayforpeace: (💠40)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-07-22 01:50 am (UTC)(link)
[ A man of his position... He is a knight, and a lord, by Ishgardian reckoning, but when he stops to consider himself, he knows that he is only a man, and not particularly impressive at that. After all, there are many knights and lords, some of whom have far greater accomplishments and come from greater stock than he does. And those others have the benefit of being wanted. The issue of his parentage does not consume all of his thoughts, and yet there is some small part of him that wants to earn the approval of his father... Both of his fathers, if he is being honest.

And as for her, well- If he allows himself to dream, he believes that he could see them together in the future, but he will not ask her to wait for him. Who knows how many battles there will be to fight? And who knows if he will return from all of them? Even if she were someone that he had known for countless years instead of a short handful of days, he still would not tie her down with an uncertain promise that he will return. ]


The fight is not only on the front lines, but here as well. [ He knows that they are in some measure of danger here, because what is stopping the Dravanians from bringing a direct attack on the city? ] If I could take measures to see you all protected, I would without hesitation.

[ But he manages a smile for her. ] They would gladly tell you anything you wished to know.

[ But then she asks that question, and his expression shifts to one of surprise. ]

I must admit that I had rather selfishly hoped for more of your company tonight, so should you wish to accompany me, I will not turn you away. [ He hesitates for a moment before continuing, as he does not wish to trouble her further nor cause her to worry. ] I have yet to eat, as I have been otherwise occupied. [ For lack of a better word. He finds that any appetite he might have had has seemingly fled for the moment.

But then a realization hits him, and he is quick to offer an apology. ]
I am sorry, my intrusion upon you must have interrupted your own dinner. It was rather ill-timed on my part, I must admit.
thewayforpeace: (💠28)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-07-24 07:58 am (UTC)(link)
[ Such a life is difficult for him to imagine. The trajectory of his own life seems clear enough to him, even though it was not always that way. Perhaps there is a part of him that wishes for a simpler life, a life in which he was not a lord but perhaps a mere soldier... or a farmer, or a horseman. Something different from what he is in reality. But such thoughts are foolishness, and he ought not give any time to them. ]

I suppose that I could do that, but home and hearth can be repaired and replaced. Friends and loved ones cannot. [ And she might note that his use of words implies that he considers her a friend already. For him, the distinction between a friend and a loved one exists, but it does not take much for him to begin to care for another, in a protective sense. He does not have many friends, but the ones that he does have, he intends to keep as long as possible. ]

Then perhaps that should be our next course of action.
thewayforpeace: (💠94)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-07-31 07:44 am (UTC)(link)
[ In truth, he would use another word to describe her, but to do so now would feel like he is only reaching, grasping for something that is not his to take. He wishes to have more time with her, to find out her likes and dislikes, her hopes and dreams... but it seems that there is no time. And even worse, he fears that if he lets her in, when they inevitably must part, it will be even harder for them both.

When she removes her arms from around him, he realizes that he already misses her touch, and yet carrying on in such a way might be seen as inappropriate by others, should they be spotted. And even if they are not, perhaps this conduct is unbecoming on his part. So for a moment, he falls silent even as he offers her a smile and does as requested. ]


As you wish. [ He walks along in silence for another second or two before he poses a question to her. ] Do you or any of the others in your delegation want for anything? Might there be something that those of us who call Ishgard home can assist you with?

[ They are there to assist them, of course, but in his mind, they have already helped the people so much that he wishes to do something in return for them, if he is able. ]
thewayforpeace: (💠113)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-08-01 06:56 am (UTC)(link)
[ He wishes to ask her if she might consider waiting for him, if she does not have to leave Ishgard before he can return, and barring that, if he might send letters to her while he is away. The truth of the matter is, he wishes to continue their friendship, or relationship, such as it is, in hopes that it might grow into something more.

And as for the night ahead of them, he finds he does not wish to be alone. But to ask if she would consent to remaining with him until the hour grows late and she needs to retire feels entirely too forward and inappropriate, and so he does not speak of it. ]


If I could offer up my own home for you and yours to use, I would without a doubt. [ But he imagines such an action would also be frowned upon. ] I know of many who are troubled by the prolonged nature of this war, and some of them grow disheartened of ever seeing its resolution. [ He has those moments himself, but his concern is ever focused on others, not on himself. ] Rest assured that your very presence here is a comfort.
thewayforpeace: (💠47)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-08-04 06:34 am (UTC)(link)
Can you not? I am, of course, aware that there are those who can and will talk, but I cannot help but feel as though I ought to give you something in return for your service. Nay, I want to give you something in return for the aid you have given all of us.

[ They may be only friends, but he does feel indebted to her already. And what is more, he wishes that they could be more than merely friends. ] Should the eye of the Heavens' Ward fall upon us, rest assured that I will not allow any discomfort nor shame to fall on you.

[ His lips turn up as if he wants to smile, but his expression remains wholly serious. ]

I will not allow anyone to cast you out, not when you have done so much good already. And, I hope that you will continue to do so. [ Not for himself, of course, but for his fellow Ishgardians who may need it more. Even so, he too does not wish to see her sent away from him either. ]
thewayforpeace: (💠59)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-08-08 02:39 am (UTC)(link)
[ He smiles once again, offering her a slightly wider one this time, even as he gently shakes his head. ] If conflict arises, we will handle it. Or I shall, as I feel inclined to extend all the invitations and hospitality to you and those who accompany you, so as to make all of you feel at home while you are here.

[ He is unsure why he feels so strongly about this, but they are here to help, and they have been nothing but kind to all of them. There is a part of him that feels compelled to offer kindness in return. ]

I realize I do not know very much about you. [ At least, not yet. ] Would you satisfy a simple soldier's curiosity and tell me something about yourself?

[ He is certain she will raise an eyebrow at how he refers to himself, but after all, he is but a mere soldier among many. He certainly does not presume to think their relationship, such as it is, will be a lasting one, what with the nature of war. But at the same time, should he survive and return home, he wishes to attempt to court her, if she is open to such a thing. ]
thewayforpeace: (💠42)

[personal profile] thewayforpeace 2022-08-13 10:22 pm (UTC)(link)
[ For his part, he is wishing for something that he feels he has no right to. It is not something he should wish for nor pursue, and yet there is a part of him that is reaching out for it, even if he is uncertain how to obtain it or ask for what he wishes.

The look in her eyes nearly undoes his resolve and determination to conduct himself as a soldier would, and as an Ishgardian would, because he very much wishes to tell her how he truly feels. And barring telling her so with words, showing her his true feelings. But alas, he finds that he cannot, as she might well find it improper and thus turn away. ]


You are right, of course, and I ought to have more sense than to speak as I have, and yet...

[ He shakes his head, clearly conflicted and pulled between his wants and more practical actions. ]

Oh, you have a sister? And she is your twin, no less. I imagine that you must miss her, and she must do the same. I suppose neither of you know when you will see the other again. [ He has no siblings, and so he cannot speak with any experience concerning the bonds between siblings, but he can imagine well enough that they look forward to seeing each other again.

His lips turn up into a smile as he makes note of the words she has said. It is a fool's hope, of course, to think that their paths might bring them back to Ishgard one day, but he know that should that happen, he would take steps to ensure that sweets of varying kinds and lilies are at hand to offer both of them. Never mind that he does not know Alkaid's sister, but if she is half as kind, he is certain he will like her just as much. ]


Is there a sort of sweet that you favor over others?