[ As she speaks, she might notice how his expression shifts the longer she talks. ]
Estinien and I look out for each other and help each other whenever we are able, that much is true. There is very little that I would not do for him, and I am confident he feels the same. I may have acquaintances and those with whom I am friendly, but that only goes so far.
[ His closest friend is Estinien, although he is reluctant to rely upon him too much lest he begin to resent him.
When he opens his eyes once more and takes in her appearance, e finds himself somewhat puzzled by her reactions and the way her eyes widen with what seems to be surprise. Well, truthfully, he is surprised himself, as he did not anticipate being soothed so easily by her touches. But again, individuals like himself are not frequently sought out, and many look upon them with distrust. In Aymeric's opinion, they are seen as necesssary, but not particularly trustworthy either.
But none of that is particularly relevant in this moment. He awaits her answer while still watching her closely, noting how she appears to experience a myriad of emotions in a very short period of time. The most obvious one is fear, and he feels something like a stab of sympathy for her position. After all, he can relate, whether or not anyone would believe it. ]
And there are those who would just as soon see me dead. [ He does not soften the words, as they are simply the truth of his existence. He cannot know the kind of life that Matoya has had, nor would he be so arrogant as to say that he does, but in his eyes, both of them are outsiders and unwanted by most. ]
I only have this to say: should you accept my offer, I will allow no one to harm you, much less kill you, so long as I am present and able to fight. [ He knows that he cannot explain why he feels compelled to protect her, but that feeling is there regardless. ] And if they attempt to hurt me because of my association with you- let them.
[ Reckless words, perhaps, but he knows he is not afraid for himself. ]
Will you accept? Or shall we part ways?
[ It seems clear enough to him that she wants to accept, but she is fighting with herself at the same time. The way she bites her lips, the way her hands shake... it all points to an internal battle, and he cannot tell who will win.
There is one thing he can do, however, and he is certain it will not be met with approval, but he must make an attempt. He shifts slightly on the bed, moving so that one hand is pressed against the bed to give him leverage. Ignoring the way the newly healed wound on his back protests, he pushes himself upwards in an effort to sit up. There is an uncomfortable tugging sensation around his lower back, and as he continues to try and sit up, he knows his movements are only causing further agitation. But he does not stop until he has achieved his desired position.
Once he is somewhat stable, he raises his hand again to touch her face fully, not with just a finger. ]
I hope that you will agree, as this arrangement will benefit both of us. I will protect you, even at the cost of my own life should it come to that, and- [ He breaks off there, because he is not willing to admit what he hopes to gain should she accept. But if she is looking, she will notice a certain flash of determination in his eyes, and then he adds: ]
It would be in both of our best interests to remain together. Will you stay? [ He is purposefully skirting the line between making a request and issuing a command, but if she continues to waver, then he knows he will have to put more force behind his words.
For the moment, he only wants to give her the chance to decide on her own. ]
no subject
Estinien and I look out for each other and help each other whenever we are able, that much is true. There is very little that I would not do for him, and I am confident he feels the same. I may have acquaintances and those with whom I am friendly, but that only goes so far.
[ His closest friend is Estinien, although he is reluctant to rely upon him too much lest he begin to resent him.
When he opens his eyes once more and takes in her appearance, e finds himself somewhat puzzled by her reactions and the way her eyes widen with what seems to be surprise. Well, truthfully, he is surprised himself, as he did not anticipate being soothed so easily by her touches. But again, individuals like himself are not frequently sought out, and many look upon them with distrust. In Aymeric's opinion, they are seen as necesssary, but not particularly trustworthy either.
But none of that is particularly relevant in this moment. He awaits her answer while still watching her closely, noting how she appears to experience a myriad of emotions in a very short period of time. The most obvious one is fear, and he feels something like a stab of sympathy for her position. After all, he can relate, whether or not anyone would believe it. ]
And there are those who would just as soon see me dead. [ He does not soften the words, as they are simply the truth of his existence. He cannot know the kind of life that Matoya has had, nor would he be so arrogant as to say that he does, but in his eyes, both of them are outsiders and unwanted by most. ]
I only have this to say: should you accept my offer, I will allow no one to harm you, much less kill you, so long as I am present and able to fight. [ He knows that he cannot explain why he feels compelled to protect her, but that feeling is there regardless. ] And if they attempt to hurt me because of my association with you- let them.
[ Reckless words, perhaps, but he knows he is not afraid for himself. ]
Will you accept? Or shall we part ways?
[ It seems clear enough to him that she wants to accept, but she is fighting with herself at the same time. The way she bites her lips, the way her hands shake... it all points to an internal battle, and he cannot tell who will win.
There is one thing he can do, however, and he is certain it will not be met with approval, but he must make an attempt. He shifts slightly on the bed, moving so that one hand is pressed against the bed to give him leverage. Ignoring the way the newly healed wound on his back protests, he pushes himself upwards in an effort to sit up. There is an uncomfortable tugging sensation around his lower back, and as he continues to try and sit up, he knows his movements are only causing further agitation. But he does not stop until he has achieved his desired position.
Once he is somewhat stable, he raises his hand again to touch her face fully, not with just a finger. ]
I hope that you will agree, as this arrangement will benefit both of us. I will protect you, even at the cost of my own life should it come to that, and- [ He breaks off there, because he is not willing to admit what he hopes to gain should she accept. But if she is looking, she will notice a certain flash of determination in his eyes, and then he adds: ]
It would be in both of our best interests to remain together. Will you stay? [ He is purposefully skirting the line between making a request and issuing a command, but if she continues to waver, then he knows he will have to put more force behind his words.
For the moment, he only wants to give her the chance to decide on her own. ]