[ He knows as soon as he said those words that they would surely sound ridiculous, but he still cannot help but feel as though he is the last person who should be capable of loving, and it is even harder for him to believe that anyone could love him. The proof is there, of course, and the stirring in his heart has to mean something, but it is no small feat to put aside the thoughts and feelings that have been his constant companions until now.
If it would not be an entirely overwrought and unbecoming action, he would momentarily hide his face in his hands to buy himself some time to compose himself and to think of how best to respond. But then again, perhaps the brief respite would be of no help at all, so he merely says the first thing to come to mind. ]
I may be able to use mere words to admit to that, but to convince myself of it is another matter entirely. And what sort of life can I offer, even should she, or anyone, consent to share those feelings with me?
[ Perhaps that is something else he fears. Lantaa has already had a hard enough life, and she has known danger as well. He cannot guarantee her safety, nor can he guarantee that he will not hurt her. She seems confident enough that he will not, but he still does not possess that same level of confidence. There is much about himself and his abilities that he does not believe in, however much he wishes to.
But he cannot go on being afraid and hesitant forever, and so he does not offer any further protest to Meteion's suggestion. When their hands are joined, he feels only a moment's uncertainty, as he does not know what to expect. Will this be unpleasant? Overwhelming? He cannot tell.
What happens next is best described as a wave that will not end sweeping over him, as everything that Lantaa feels washes over him. It does not sweep him away, as he might have expected, but it is such a swirl of emotions and feelings that she is now sharing with him, with help from Meteion, that he cannot help but feel entirely overwhelmed.
Even as the wave continues, something inside him is loudly proclaiming that he loves her in return, and he only hopes that she can feel that through their shared connection. But it is not until the messages contained in Lantaa's thoughts reach him that his own emotions break through the mask he has worked to create for himself.
It could very easily go unnoticed especially if no one is looking, but moisture forms in his eyes, a little bit at a time, until it becomes quite obvious that his own ancient memories are calling out in protest. Lantaa should not be alone, nor should she remain alone at the bottom of the aetheric sea. They should live their lives together, as they are meant to be with each other, not separated or kept apart by anything... not even his own fears and worries.
Nearly automatically, Aymeric's hands tighten around Meteion's and Lantaa's both, and although he does not speak, there is a look of desire plain in his eyes, if they should chance to spot it. Perhaps it is insignificant, and not the response either Meteion or Lantaa were looking for, but it does not feel insignificant to him. Something inside him has woken up, and it is something other than his darker instincts. Those, he does not welcome, but this new feeling is something that he wishes to let in and encourage to grow. ]
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If it would not be an entirely overwrought and unbecoming action, he would momentarily hide his face in his hands to buy himself some time to compose himself and to think of how best to respond. But then again, perhaps the brief respite would be of no help at all, so he merely says the first thing to come to mind. ]
I may be able to use mere words to admit to that, but to convince myself of it is another matter entirely. And what sort of life can I offer, even should she, or anyone, consent to share those feelings with me?
[ Perhaps that is something else he fears. Lantaa has already had a hard enough life, and she has known danger as well. He cannot guarantee her safety, nor can he guarantee that he will not hurt her. She seems confident enough that he will not, but he still does not possess that same level of confidence. There is much about himself and his abilities that he does not believe in, however much he wishes to.
But he cannot go on being afraid and hesitant forever, and so he does not offer any further protest to Meteion's suggestion. When their hands are joined, he feels only a moment's uncertainty, as he does not know what to expect. Will this be unpleasant? Overwhelming? He cannot tell.
What happens next is best described as a wave that will not end sweeping over him, as everything that Lantaa feels washes over him. It does not sweep him away, as he might have expected, but it is such a swirl of emotions and feelings that she is now sharing with him, with help from Meteion, that he cannot help but feel entirely overwhelmed.
Even as the wave continues, something inside him is loudly proclaiming that he loves her in return, and he only hopes that she can feel that through their shared connection. But it is not until the messages contained in Lantaa's thoughts reach him that his own emotions break through the mask he has worked to create for himself.
It could very easily go unnoticed especially if no one is looking, but moisture forms in his eyes, a little bit at a time, until it becomes quite obvious that his own ancient memories are calling out in protest. Lantaa should not be alone, nor should she remain alone at the bottom of the aetheric sea. They should live their lives together, as they are meant to be with each other, not separated or kept apart by anything... not even his own fears and worries.
Nearly automatically, Aymeric's hands tighten around Meteion's and Lantaa's both, and although he does not speak, there is a look of desire plain in his eyes, if they should chance to spot it. Perhaps it is insignificant, and not the response either Meteion or Lantaa were looking for, but it does not feel insignificant to him. Something inside him has woken up, and it is something other than his darker instincts. Those, he does not welcome, but this new feeling is something that he wishes to let in and encourage to grow. ]