synthneon | bloody tears || ❝ our fate so darkly romantic, i will never leave your side. ❞

[ That is indeed the reality of life, and they are hardly immune to it, no matter how much they wish they could hold onto each other in spite of everything that could pull them apart. If he knew of a spell or enchantment that would keep them together, he would use it, but no sooner does he have that thought than another voice chimes in, reminding him that everything has a cost, and perhaps the cost of such an enchantment would be more than either of them would be willing to pay.

So for the moment, he leaves such thoughts alone, focusing instead upon her and taking in the feel of her as she rests against him. ]

Yes, I slept quite well. [ He says with a smile. Just because he does not need to sleep for very long does not mean that what sleep he finds is not restful. He certainly will not be mentioning that a part of him could feed again, because he knows she will offer without hesitation. Two feedings in such a short amount of time would not be good for her, and so he is determined to keep that to himself. His lips turn up even further in response to her kiss to his collarbone. That the scar is so closely placed to it might have caused him to pause, but at this precise moment, he is only thinking about her and how much he likes having her so near.

He shakes his head once before replying: ] Not long at all. [ And then with a hint of a tease, he adds: ] I do rather enjoy lying awake and watching you sleep. You looked so... content. [ Her expression of contentment made him briefly envious, because he is certain he does not look half so content when he sleeps. ]

[ Perhaps the other voice is correct, and perhaps that is something she should have listened to all those lives ago. Was it not her who suggested they bind their souls together--to be together in every life? How much suffering have both their souls gone through because of her selfish suggestion? It is a thought she has pondered again and again in the aetheric sea. Mayhap one day her beloved will no longer wish to continue their repeating existence of attempting to find one another. Mayhap he will find another he loves far more; a soul that is not so broken and surely is not a weighed anchor on him as she.

His smile makes hers widen. Her tail lifts below the covers, gently swaying as much as it can with the weight pressing on it. She feels he does not smile enough, and that she has not given him enough reasons to smile. Seeing him content and happy means far more to her than perhaps he even realizes.

I'm only here for you, my love. Whatever it is you need, I will help you with. ]

How could I not be content with you sleeping with me? [ Her cheeks flush a bright red before she gently nudges his chest once more with her nose. Her ears fold in embarrassment, but she still tilts her head to encourage him to pet her ear. ] I far prefer sleeping beside you than being apart.

[ Even if the society he hails from would call it far from proper. They are not wed, nor even engaged. Yet, she lives in his home, and shares his room and his bed. In many ways their relationship has progressed quicker than many would call wise. She, however, would argue their relationship never stopped. They are merely continuing where they left off. Of course, there are the smaller details of each others lives that they have yet to discuss or share.

Lantaa shifts once more so that her chin rests on his collar bone. The sun rays indicate it is still early morning, and no doubt the staff will come to fetch them soon. Breakfast would be ready for her and he should eat himself, even if it is from an animal. Lantaa however holds herself to her promise she will not offer or ask out of worry of offending him further. If he needs to feed and wished more of her? She will gladly share. ]

I would very much prefer to lay here with you the rest of the day.

[ Perhaps the voice is right, but Aymeric has decided that he would rather not listen to it too much. He wants to be with her, to never be separated, and although he does not intend to tempt fate too much, he wishes there was such an enchantment that would keep them together. She is worth the hard times, he has decided, and therefore, he has no intention of ever loving anyone but her.

As for his smiles or lack of them, she makes him smile, and that is all he needs. ]

Well, I imagine that not all would feel that way, knowing what I am. But I find that I do not particularly care what they think, so long as you are happy and content. [ And not afraid. He would not blame her for being afraid of him, but she has never expressed such a thing to his knowledge.

And while their arrangement may not be proper, he finds he does not care overly much about what anyone outside these walls thinks concerning them and their relationship. ]

Then- Why should we not do just that? I imagine you must want to eat, but aside from that, I see no reason why we should have to move. [ She could eat her fill, and then they could return here, if that is what she wishes. ]

[ Should they look for a way to never be parted again? She imagines there could be a way to do such things. Magicks forbidden and unnatural. He, a voidsent, is bound to a longer existence than a mortal like she. Although she is quite certain he would never wish to make her into the creature he is now. The only option, then, might be to find a way to reverse what has been done to him. If there is even a way... ]

Not all would come to understand what you are now, nor what I am... o-or wish to associate w-with... [ her voice trails off. Who would wish to associate with a white mage? ] But, I have you, and that is what matters.

[ Her ears raise at his suggestion. Her eyes widen. ] You... you have nothing else that requires your attention today?

[ Her schooling under the guise of astrology is truly optional most days. In truth, she has done it because something seems to always occupy his time. He is, after all, a soldier of the Temple Knights. On top of that he is a noble lord, regardless of what the murmurs and dislikes of others in his circles of society think. There are obligations that come with both that she truly does not understand. Perhaps now is the best time to learn of such things. ]

Edited 2023-03-20 06:45 (UTC)

[ He very briefly thought about such a possibility and dismissed it almost as soon as he had it. It is bad enough that he was turned from who he once was into the creature he is now; he would never do such a thing to her, his pair and the person he loves most. Neither has he dared to hope that there was any way of reversing what has been done, because it would be even harder to put hope in such a possibility and have it taken away. ]

There may be some who would understand, but as you said, not all. And I would not see you put in danger. [ It is difficult enough for him knowing that he puts her in danger by virtue of who and what he is. He will not put her in any further danger given her identity as a white mage. ]

I should see to my responsibilities, but I- [ He offers her a small smile, knowing that he ought not feel this way, but he knows that he can't help it either. ] I would rather remain here with you.

[ Then, she will need to find a way to remain in this life as long as he will remain. She would not see them parted. Beyond her selfish desires, she can only imagine the pain of being separated would be far too much to bare. Especially when they are both aware of their ancient bond to the degree they are. Perhaps she will not share what she intends to find until she has. Then, she will let him make the decision if she should remain with him in this life. ]

So far, no one has found out what I am... [ and she intends to keep it as such. ]

Would--would you be able to stay? [ Her tail continues to sway side to side excitedly at the possibility. She should not ask him to indulge in this wish. ] Or, are there urgent matters...?

[ He is just as resolved to remain with her for as long as she wishes to. To even consider being separated from her either temporarily or permanently is something he does not want to do. Just because a time may come in which they are separated until they return to live a new life does not mean he wants to consider that inevitability nor dwell on how he might feel. ]

And they will not, as far as I am concerned. [ Protecting her is his highest priority. ]

There may be, but one day's delay surely would not hurt anything. [ Or perhaps it would, but his desire to stay with her is greater than anything that he needs to see to. ] Would you like that? [ He knows she has said as much, but he asks once more. ]

[ She finds that her nature must be more to consider such possibilities. Rather, not her nature, but her fear. After so many lives without him, and some where she had lost him prematurely, and one where they did not have the chance to be together? That fear of losing him once more somehow always finds its way crawling back into her heart. It feels as if a dull knife pressing into an already established wound, waiting, and biding its time. She cannot bring herself to ask if he feels something of the same. Perhaps the feeling is entirely of her own, and that was what drove her to suggest they bind themselves together all those ages ago.

Had he willingly agreed, or had she pressed him into it...? ]

I... I can hide my soulstone. [ Her voice drops to hushed tones as it does with these matters. ] A-and I can refrain from using the magick that Master Matoya taught me... but, if I am to heal someone else ... I'm not... I'm not certain people would turn the eye away from something that... that is not native to Ishgard...

[ Even if it is rather obvious and known she is not of Ishgard.

The head Astrologian is aware hee healing arts are not native to faith or teachings of Ishgard. He himself is not native, instead hailing from Old Sharlayan. Perhaps that is why he is more willing go help aid her. He speaks often of how close minded the Ishgardians are, but she finds he too is rather close minded in certain things. An arrogance is there that she dies not see often in others.

She, instead, answers his question with her own: ] ...please?

[ Lantaa remainsnunsure as to why she desires this so very much. Perhaps it is lingering desires from the euphoria, she wonders at first. Though the idea seems to be reaching. The truth is probably far more simple: she wishes to remain in this way as a pair would. ]

Edited 2023-03-20 16:51 (UTC)

[ Perhaps that is the case, and perhaps it is his own nature to have his thoughts pulled in a variety of directions: he has his concerns regarding himself and whether it is safe for him to be around others, but there are also concerns for her welfare and also the welfare of his city. Of course, his concern for her also is very much related to their ancient past and the long history that they have had together. No, even if he does not state it aloud, he knows he does not regret the choice they made, and he will continue to seek her out in all lives or wait for her until she returns. ]

I can provide a place for you to hide it, if you like. [ He has places to hide things that are, in his opinion, fairly secure. And considering that others rarely venture into the house, a thought that is somewhat strange to him, no unwanted person should find it if it is hidden well enough. ] Would it be too great a hardship to hide your abilities?

[ He regrets that she feels as though she must, as she is a white mage, and should be allowed to exist freely without fear. But this is the world and the climate in which they live, and so that is not possible nor wise. ]

Of course. [ He smiles warmly at her once more and his arms slide lightly around her as if seeking to feel and touch her again. ] I can think of nowhere else that I would rather be.

[ A nod is given to his suggestion. She could hide it with what she plans to create to cast and hold the protective wards on the Manor. While he had asked her while she had been in his influence? The notion is something she very much agrees with, and thus does not see why she should not go through with his suggestion. ]

T-that may be for the best... i-in case, something happens, and they try to.. extract it. [ A brief flash of fear crosses her eyes. While she has no idea if they are capable of such things? Lantaa would prefer to be cautious of it all. Another could inherit her soulstone and the ways of her people. What knowledge is contained inside it is truly priceless. ] I... I have hid them as it is. Not many who came to the cave wished to be healed. I-I namely gave potions or herbal remedies in place of using them...

[ Despite how they stand on end already, her ears straighten at his agreement. A large smile spreads on her face, and the tail at their sides quickly moves side to side as if to further express her happiness. Her arms raise to settle around his neck as she slips off him to rest at his side, guiding him to follow suit so their backs might face the doorway. With them on their sides, her tail drapes over their legs and she gently nudges her nose to his shoulder.

Should she ask her question...? ]

Then, since we are remaining in bed today... [ Lantaa glances down then back up at him. ] Might I ask some questions? You can ask any of me in return.

[ As far as he is concerned, all of his possessions are at his disposal for whatever she needs them for. If he has to point out every place that could serve as a hiding spot or pull out every receptacle that could possibly house her soulstone, he intends to do just that. ]

I have no intention of allowing such a thing to happen any more than I intend to allow anyone to cause you harm. [ He notes the brief look of fear in her eyes and he resolves to do everything that he can to ensure that her fears are relieved. ] Of course, I have no reason to doubt that you have everything well in hand. You managed this long, and would have continued to do so, I am sure.

[ He does not doubt her resourcefulness nor her ability to act quickly if problems arise.

As she moves, he moves too, until they come to a stop, facing each other. ] Questions?

[ His eyebrows lift in surprise. ] Of course. You may ask any and all questions that you wish to, and I will do my best to answer.

[ She will most certainly ask for his aid in opinion on where she might hide such a precious thing, as well as the contraption used for their protection. What she may think as hidden could be very well obvious to a Knight who is searching the grounds for heretical material. He has the insight of a soldier after all. No doubt he has been trained to notice things that others would not think to see or hear. ]

I-I don't think they would realize, o-or even know. N-nothing about me must seem like I am one... I think... I-I know Miqo'tes are rare in Ishgard, b-but... [ her ears fold down to her head as she frowns slightly. Has she already drawn attention to herself by those around her? Or, have they dismissed her because of the man who has taken her in? ] I hid in a cave to manage them. I was never... never in a city like this.

[ She nods to his repeat of her words. Lantaa briefly glances down before giving a small exhale. Then, she leans forward to gently kiss the pair of holes that remain the scars of what changed him. She doubts he wishes to explain or even relive the experience. Yet, if she is to truly understand his condition and the position it places him in with his peers? She feels she ought to know. How else can she properly be his lady? ]

How did it happen? [ One hand moves from behind his neck to gently brush her fingers over the scars. ] I had wondered when I first saw them. Given the placement, your attacker must have come from the front. When one would think they would be on the neck or shoulder.

[ A thought springs to mind then that seems to come from somewhere far away and long ago, but it feels every bit as familiar now as it did the first time that he thought it: he wishes to serve her, to meet every need and request that she might have. Of course, they are partners and a pair, but partners help each other, and that is what he wishes to do for her. His parents were the same way: working together but also helping each other with anything the other needed.

If he can do that for her, then he will find himself very fulfilled indeed. ]

Ah. Of course, I wondered if you might ask. [ He does not mind that she did ask, nor does he mind giving an answer. It is not something he wishes to remember, but he has no interest in withholding anything from her. ]

I do not recall all the details myself, but the parts that I missed were filled in for me by others. So far as I can tell, the individual was not in search of any particular person to feed from. Our paths crossed, and he was seemingly feeling particularly ravenous, and I was a convenient target. [ And he was in a somewhat destructive mood, at least in Aymeric's mind. Of course, he did not seek out his attacker to understand why he did what he did, but it seems to him that he was looking for some trouble to cause or someone to harm. ]

I only have guesses as to his mindset and his motivation, but I- [ He hesitates as if wondering whether or not to share his suspicions on this matter. While he is mulling things over, he gives an involuntary shiver in response to her fingers brushing against the scars. They are healed over, of course, but he still responds in certain ways when they are touched or brushed against. ]

[ Perhaps her parents had been the same way: aiding one another and supporting when they needed to. She has no true memories of such things, but given all that her parents sacrificed in the attempt to save her and her sister? She imagines it was difficult for them to separate and possibly never see one another again. Could she part with her only one in such a way now that they have found one another?

A frown touches her face at his first remark. Should she not have asked?

However, he begins explaining what he remembers of the event. Nothing of the attack seemed premeditated then. It was simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time, and being burdened with such an existence. Had his attacker meant to turn Aymeric? Or, had it been a side effect that they had not expected
?

She gently nudges his collarbone once more. ]

Do... do you know who it was? Or, is your maker faceless?

[ If only he could have met her parents, and she could have met his. He would have liked to have met them, and even more, he would have liked to introduce her parents to her. Regardless, he is certain that while his parents might be surprised, they would understand upon speaking with her and getting to know her. Just the thought of his parents welcoming her into the family is enough to cause him to smile, even just a little.

As for the events of his attack, it seems that it may not have been premeditated, but he has not yet explained everything he knows or what information he has gathered since it occurred. Naturally, he could not have dug too deep without arousing suspicion, but he did manage to learn some pieces of information.

His smile remains but it appears sadder and a little strained as he continues speaking. ]

I do know who it was. Or rather, the organization to which he belongs. I do not know his name, but if I had more information, I could possibly narrow it down if I wished to.

[ He still wrestles with that, but for the moment, he has decided that he does not wish to find out. ]

The organization...?

[ In one brief question, it is rather obvious she knows little of the structure of Ishgard. She is aware of the Steelsky Manufacturers, the Astrologians, and the Temple Knights. She is aware of the Church and that it is led by the Archbishop, but beyond such basic factors? There is so very much she is unaware of. The difference in class is quite obvious too, but... ]

No one has come forward to admit it? No one has bothered to take ownership of changing the life of a Lord? [ The tail tucked around them bristles slightly. Then again, she cannot say she has heard any speak of what happened to her village, when it was the knights responsible for it... ] Are you so unconsidered now that you are what you are?

[ How cruel. If he had not inherited such a lovely home and staff? She would suggest they simply leave. If his fellows care so little for him, how can he care for his city in the ways he does? Such things could be past her understanding as she was not raised with the attachment of a people or place. At least, not past a young age.

She wonders if his parents would have accepted her. If hers would have understood why she chose Aymeric, regardless if he is a voidsent. Although, the truth is they chose each other long ago. ]

Are there that many voidsent present in Ishgard that are overlooked, or simply ignored for their deeds because of their organizations?

Yes, the organization. You see, there are the Temple Knights, but there is also a force of- highly skilled knights that work very closely with... With the Archbishop.

[ He shakes his head. ] For what purpose would they come forward? I may be a lord, but only a lesser one and of no great status. And, after all, there are many lords. [ He is fairly certain he would not be missed for long if he simply disappeared for whatever reason. Perhaps there would be the usual show and ceremony for a Temple Knight, but perhaps there wouldn't at the same time. ] It is not entirely the people's fault that I am unconsidered.

[ He withdrew considerably from interactions with others, choosing instead to keep to himself because that seemed the wisest course of action. Naturally, he still cares very much for Ishgard and the people, as it is still his home, but the separation felt necessary. ]

I suppose that depends upon how you define ignored. [ There are different kinds of voidsent, so far as their motivations are concerned. He will explain more of what he means if she inquires further. ]

[ Lantaa tilts her head ever so slightly at how he almost stumbles with his words. Do Ishgardians fear their Archbishop? Should the leader of their church and their nation be feared? The fact she is so ignorant of it all is becoming more and more apparent the more he continues. ]

Aren't all lords important?

[ She frowns slightly, clearly confused on how one with a title would be more disregarded than others. Especially if he is still expected to appear and fulfill duties with the title. She will need to ask the head maid and steward when he leaves for a detailed history lesson it seems. The head of the Astrologians hails from Sharlayan and seems to be little concerned with the history of the city that both strangers call home.]

How I define "ignored"? You are disregarded in public. People refuse to look at you, or when they do, it is as unfriendly as they seem to be able to muster. They treat you as if you're a blight or some sort of necessary evil.

[ Oh, if only he could tell her. He wishes to lay everything bare, but what would she think if he did? Would she judge him? Ostracize him for being who he is and the circumstances of his birth? He isn't sure what he fears more, being judged for being a voidsent or for the latter.

To answer her question, he merely gives her a sad sort of smile. He does not feel important, not in the grand scheme of things. ]

Are they wrong to do so? Are voidsent not a blight? [ He can't help the notes of bitterness in his voice as he asks those questions. ] I'm certain many see us as only a necessary evil, and when voidsent are no longer necessary... [ He imagines they could be wiped out. ]

[ How could she ostracize him when he has not done the same to her? He has accepted her with open arms despite the fact she is what she is. He should have every reason to smite her down. A white mage, one who knows of some arcane that is considered heretical by the Church, and having the companionship of a creature that is very much otherworldly. Everything taught in traditions from what she can tell says he should do away with her, and instead he has opened his life to her.

She tilts her head properly this time, eyebrows drawn, a frown tugging at the corners of her lips. ]

A necessary evil to what ends? From all that I know of Ishgard, a pact to allow voidsent should have never been made. You should have never been changed. [ Her other hand slips from around his neck to cup the side of his face. She guides him to be closer to her so that their conversation can be hushed with none others to hear it. ] You are not a blight. A hunger drives you, and a need to eat, but it is not all that consumes you. You love Ishgard. You care for your fellow, even if they do not return it... a-and you love me. All of you loves me.

[ Lantaa gently nudges her nose to the side of his in comfort. ] Something troubles you beyond what you have been changed into it. There is something else that has hurt you deeply, isn't there? Would--would you be willing to tell me? Or, is it not for me to know?

[ He wishes he could say that everything he has done is because of a purely altruistic feeling, but that would not be the case. Aside from the fact that they have known each other for so very long over so many different lives, in this life, he is so very lonely, and so he opened himself and his life to her with very little hesitation. She may be a white mage, and thus she is considered unwanted and a heretic, but she is the one he loves.

And beyond that, he needs her more than he realized at first. ]

To fight in this war, and then when we are no longer useful... who knows? [ His expression seems to fall even further at her words concerning the pact that was made. ] Perhaps not, but I believe it was done out of desperation and need.

[ He does not resist when her hand cups his face or when she guides him closer to her. Her closeness and her willingness to even be that close to him touches him somehow, and he intends to commit this all to memory. ] How could I not? Ishgard is my home, and you- I love you.

[ He repeats those words, as if to ensure that both of them know it. ]

Everything that I know, I would share with you. I have no reason to hide anything.

[ But he knows that he only has conjecture and nothing concrete to base his suppositions upon. Regardless, he intends to start with what is true, so far as he knows. ]

Would it surprise you if I said that the man who is my father, but not the one who raised me, is none other than the Archbishop? [ He keeps his tone hushed, although there is none presently here to overhear them. He would not take the chance of prying ears learning the truth, however. ]

Edited 2023-03-23 08:07 (UTC)

[ She too is so very lonely. It feels almost by design their lives are in such ways. How else would they have accepted their ancient bond so readily and easily in this life? They should be more cautious and suspicious due to it, and yet, they instead have instantly opened up to one another and trusted each secrets to one another without hesitation. ]

...is the war truly this dire? [ Her expression falls as his does, with her ears tucking to her head. Has Ishgard truly begun to lose the war? ] If they plan to be rid of you? Then, we should run away together. Bring your staff if needed. We will find somewhere else to be where they can't harm you.

[ Her gaze softens as he states his love so plainly for her. A certain sparkle is there, so very pleased that he loves her as he does. The expression only warms as he reveals the secret that weighs down on him so.

The Archbishop's son. A bastard son, then? How else would he be raised by another family and have taken on their name and inheritance. Oh, her poor knight. A lord settled with two things his society frowns upon. It is no wonder then why he hides himself away so very much as one issue compounds the other.

Both of her hands now cup his face. ]

Surprise me? Yes, my love, it does. However, that changes nothing for me.

[ Lantaa leans forward only by a fraction to press herself against him. Then, she brushes his lips once before kissing him fully. They truly are outcasts and unwanted by many. She resolves, then, that it means they must need one another the most. Her tail curls around his leg more.and begins to brush the sensitive skin there. ]

You are my one and only in all lives. My love and knight. If he so carelessly threw you away to others who would take you in and raise you as their own? Then, I simply will need to love you more to fill the hole left there. [ She brushes her lips over his. ] If he cares so little for how you hurt, and suffer, and turns a blind eye to it? Then, I will simply need to care for you and heal you that much more.

[ He would do just about anything to ensure that she is never lonely or scared again, and he means to do what he can to make that a reality. They complete each other, and they belong together, and he does not wish to abandon her or leave her wanting for more. ]

Perhaps not. It has gone on for so long now that it is difficult to even see an end to the fighting. Who knows what may happen when it finally reaches a conclusion, to whatever end? Either the victory is ours, or it is not. Either way, your guess is as good as mine as far as what my fate and the fate of others like me will be.

[ He pauses, taken slightly by surprise because of her suggestion. ] Would you truly flee with me?

[ He does not much like the idea of causing her to uproot herself once more, but he cannot help but wonder if it might be dangerous for them to remain here.

Still, he would go anywhere with her and be content simply because of her presence and because of the chance to love her. ]

Nothing? It changes nothing at all?

[ He finds himself somewhat surprised even though he has no reason to doubt her words. When she presses herself against him, he leans into her just slightly, relaxing once more when she kisses him. They are so very alike, given their needs and their respective statuses within the society in which they live. ]

He could have done worse by me. He did not have to see me given to another family at all. [ He could have been consigned to an orphanage, or done away with entirely, given his illegitimacy and the scandal that having such a son would cause. ]

I would not ask you to shoulder this alongside me. [ She has already done so much for him, and he does not wish to saddle her with more. ]

[ She, in turn, wishes she could do everything to keep him from being lonely or melancholy ever again. The idea however is so very unrealistic. She cannot keep him from his feelings nor what the greater society of his citystate presses upon him. He ha sbeen born and raised Ishgardian, and certain mannerisms and standards will always be present. ]

Why... why do you even fight this war? [ Her nose scrunches up slightly. ] I have never understood. No one has ever told me the reason. Master Matoya would shrug off the question, saying that it was merely something that the Ishgardians had been doing for hundreds of years. Vali--Estinien was never keen on sharing the information either. All he cared for was a way to end the war...

[ Lantaa glances to the side. Her fellow Miqo'te learning under Master Matoya cared little for it so long as it did not interfere with her work.

Her mind snaps from the wondering as soon as he asks his question. Her eyes dart back to his and she smiles widely at him. In her mind it is a silly question, but it is a question he has nonetheless. ]

Of course I would flee with you. Wherever you wish to be, Aymeric, my knight, is where I will follow. Somewhere far away or the home inherited by those who truly did love you. Whichever you wish to make your home is where I wish to be as well... because in the end, it is with you.

[ Then, a shake of her head. ] Nothing at all.

[ Lantaa guides him to rest his head against her shoulder. She feels as if he truly needs the comfort in this moment. He suppresses so very much of himself--vampire and lord--that she wonders if he ever might be free of it all. If only for mere moments like this when they are together. She tilts her head to kiss his forehead and thread her fingers in his hair. ]

I suppose. [ Her tone suggests she is not sure she agrees, but , does not press the matter further. Perhaps if she were to ever see the Archbishop and gauge his person she might change her mind. ] I am your pair, Aymeric. A-and... y-your lady. Should I not help shoulder all burdens?

[ Perhaps his own wishes for her are every bit as unrealistic. But in a world in which everything was under his control, he knows he would strive to protect her and save her from the harsh realities of life. Still, he intends to do the best he can, and he is certain she intends the same. ]

Sometimes I feel as though even we do not know. This war has gone on for so long now, I cannot help but wonder if even those who were present at its beginning would recall the reasons for it now. Time can muddle details, after all. Who was it that cast the first proverbial blow? Man or dragon?

[ He shakes his head, because he does not have that answer. The depictions in Ishgardian history might point one way, but he believes that there are two sides to every problem, and this war cannot be immune to that. ]

That means more to me than I can hope to express, Lantaa. [ He leans in so he can brush his nose against the side of her face as she has done for him several times now. ] I am... Well, I am quite undeserving.

[ When she guides him to rest against her shoulder, he does not resist. To be comforted like this is something of a rarity, and thus he intends to relish the feeling for as long as he can, even if something inside him feels selfish for doing so. ]

I must admit that I am not privy to his thoughts concerning me and my existence. All I have is mere speculation. [ And his speculation could well be inaccurate. ]

Of course, but then I will endeavor to repay you in kind, as that is only right, as your pair and your- [ To call himself her lord feels incredibly prideful, but he is uncertain what word to use in its stead. ] As your partner.

bloody tears || ❝ our fate so darkly romantic, i will never leave your side. ❞

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