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

I had thought that perhaps a social call might be in order. It's been some time since I spoke to my ward, after all. [ Jonathan gives a wry smile before taking his seat once more and reaching for his glass. ] While not much has changed in the situation of our political and societal standing? It seems as if much has changed with you.

[ Then, he takes a drink. It does little to sustain hunger, but the taste is what reminds him of being human once so long ago. ] A woman, is it?

I see. Well, I have no complaints about this at all. You will let me know if you would like more, won't you? [ He nods towards Jonathan's drink, still smiling. ]

It is indeed. This is a turn of events that I did not foresee. [ Not that he is gifted with any kind of foresight. ] What do you think?

[ Is he being wholly foolish? If he is, he would rather hear it from Jonathan. ]

I will, thank you. [ He notes it is good to see that manners have remained. Aymeric remains the most human voidsent he has ever seen. Even more than Jonathan himself in many aspects. ] If how Ser Estinien tells the tale is true, then it is quite sudden. However, a unique... bond can form once we have blood from another. That is, if they are not drained and turned.

[ However, he imagines it is quite more than that. Aymeric had withdrawn from all manner of society. She must be quite the woman to have brought back more of the man he knows Aymeric de Borel to be. ]

I imagine she is... something of five foot three? Her weight slightly on the thinner side. Younger than you as well, despite our kind ceasing to age once we have turned. And... [ A pause with a tilt of his head. ] ...a Miqo'te?

[ That is one thing that Aymeric has sought to hold onto as much as he can, even though a part of him fears that he has already lost himself and has begun to be unrecognizable as the man he was. Still, having a sense of manners is not limited only to humans, or so he tries to tell himself. ] I believe- There is a bond between us that is more than the bond that forms from... from that.

[ He says those words, unknowingly confirming what it is that Jonathan has suspected. But at the man's next words, he finds himself looking at him with surprise. ]

I know that you have quite the deductive mind, and that you are so very perceptive too, but I must ask: how did you know that? [ He is dimly aware of voidsent such as them having other gifts, but he has not pursued his own very much thus far. Perhaps Jonathan has delved deeper into that arena than he has, and that is what aids him in making those deductions. ]

Oh? It would certainly explain Ser Estinien's incapability of grasping the situation. He is quite convinced that she infected your mind to sneak her way into Ishgard's borders. Yet, he fails to realize how difficult it is to sway one of our nature. Regular magicks simply do not effect us.

[ A hint of a smile forms on his face. He raises one hand and simply gestures to the door that gives entrance to the study. Aymeric would be correct that Jonathan has developed those keener senses of his new nature. However, he is not all seeing or even psychic. He can merely tell by the heartbeat within the woman hiding behind the door listening in. She is healthy, by the sound of her heart. ]

It would be wise that you develop those higher instincts and trust them, Aymeric.

[ Lantaa, on the other hand, pulls back from her hiding place against the mostly closed door. A few steps are taken further back into the hallway as she nervously twists her fingers and presses her ears to her head. ]

Yes, and once he has set his mind upon something, it is quite difficult to change it again. I am under no illusions that anything I say will alter how he thinks. But I am quite confident that she has no interest in sneaking into Ishgard with the intent to cause anyone harm. If she wished to, she could have dispatched me quite some time ago.

[ He glances once more where Jonathan gestures, and he offers a half smile himself. ]

I must admit that I have been reluctant to do so, much as I have been reluctant to consume another's blood.

[ Doing so feels as though he is embracing the things he would just as soon reject, even if they are an irrevocable part of him now. ] Since you have guessed that someone is at the door, shall I invite her in?

She may be a bit hesitant to join us, however.

It will certainly be a sight to see if the man changes his mind on anything. [ Then, his head tilts at the rest of what Aymeric says. So, this woman of his is powerful? Perhaps his suspicions are not far from the mark after all. ] She must be rather fond of you as well.

[ He nods. ] Please, by all means, invite her in. If she lives here, then it her right to enter any room she would like.

Edited 2023-04-09 05:49 (UTC)

[ He does not mention the reason behind his belief that she could have put an end to him if she wished to. He was rather at her mercy for a time there, and she could have chosen not to heal him. ] She is, just as I am fond of her.

[ And that is putting it mildly. ] Very well, give me just a moment.

[ He stands up and moves to the door to open it. ]

Alkaid? Would you like to join us? [ If she says no, he has no intention of insisting. ]

[ Lantaa raises her gaze from the floor, fingers twisting, ears pressed to her head. Her tail curls along her legs as she glances at the room Aymeric came from, then back to him. ]

Is... is... [ she stops, attempting to gather her stammering voice. ] I didn't mean to intrude. He's a friend of yours, isn't he? I-I just wanted to know why you were up... I-I can leave you two here... and go back to bed.

[ By way of answer, he extends a hand to her and offers a smile. ]

Please, you would not be intruding. He would like to meet you.

[ His smile widens, and he hopes she feels reassured. ] He is an old friend, and I assure you, he is a good one. But if you would rather return to bed, I will not stop you.

[ Her gaze falls to his hand, and the thought comes to her. How ridiculous must this look? While she is younger than him, she is certainly an adult in her own right. An adult who is still afraid of monsters and ghosts in the shadows. How is she to truly be his lady if she is afraid of meeting those he trusts? The ones he allows entry in the home to have meetings with? He can still protect her, and keep her safe, but she cannot let the fear control her forever.

Lantaa raises her nervously shaking hands to clasp onto his own. ]

N-no, I'll wait to return to bed with you... s-so, [ she pauses once more in an attempt to square her shoulders and seem taller, more put together, than she truly is, ] Please. Introduce us.

[ All that he sees when he looks at her is the lady that he loves and intends to protect however he can, and there is not the slightest amount of judgment for her hesitancy or her fears. He understands why she would be afraid, and he intends to not push her before she is ready. ]

If you are certain. [ Still smiling, he squeezes her hand lightly but firmly as if to further point out that he is right here and not going anywhere. When he sees that she is ready, he steps back into the room where Jonathan awaits. ]

Might I introduce to you Mistress Alkaid? And this is Dr. Jonathan Reid, someone I have also known for quite some time. [ He is certain that his particular word choice will not escape Jonathan's notice. ]

[ She squeezes his hand tightly before nodding to show that she is. A deep inhale and exhale is given before she walks into the room with him. She stays close to him, despite her mental scolding. Her eyes raise from the floor to look at the man sitting on the couch. Her ears lift slightly as her eyes widen. She has seen him before, hasn't she? But where...?

Still, she gives a curtsy. ]

H-hello, ser.

[ Jonathan takes a moment before smiling fondly. ] Rest assured, young one, I am far from a knight. Aymeric is correct in referring to me as simply "doctor." And, I have known his family for quite some time.... as well as your adopted family, Mistress Alkaid.

[ That declaration makes her ears stand tall and her hair spring upwards as well. A spike of anxiety courses through her, and she is certain Aymeric can feel her pulse and heartbeat quicken. ]

[ He does not move from her side even when they enter the room and the introductions begin. His intent is continuing to reassure her, even though he trusts Jonathan all but implicitly. He has known him for as long as he can remember, and he is quite confident that he will show Alkaid all the consideration that he has shown him.

For the moment, he decides to take a backseat during this part of the conversation, as Jonathan and Alkaid need to become acquainted. But at the revelation that Jonathan also knew Alkaid's family, Aymeric's eyebrows lift in surprise. Had he known this and simply forgotten? Or perhaps Jonathan had not told him, as there was no reason to, because it was none of his business.

Regardless, he finds himself surprised by this news, and he looks between the two to see their reactions. ]

[ Jonathan senses their confusion and continues to smile gently. ] "The Witch of the Wilds" is a title that belonged to only one woman I have ever met. Which must mean you inherited from her: Master Matoya. Now, Mistress Alkaid, there is no reason to fret. I went to her many years ago seeking knowledge about my condition. Not only for my own benefit, but that of my kind, and that of the woman I love. In her care at the time were two small Miqo'tes. One of white hair, and one of black hair.

[ Alkaid shifts slightly before glancing up at Aymeric. Just who is this doctor? However, she pauses then, before looking back at Jonathan. ] You're "condition"...? T-then, you too must be...

A voidsent, yes. More specifically, a vampire.

[ So that is how he knows of her. Aymeric quietly mulls over this while still listening to the rest of Jonathan's explanation. It also makes him feel no small amount of sadness, given the fact that Jonathan was turned like Aymeric was.

It is a too selfish thought to ever voice aloud, but if Jonathan had not been changed, then he might not have ever found a mentor and guide. Or perhaps he might have but their relationship would be considerably different.

In any case, he squeezes Alkaid's hand once more, hoping to further comfort her, but he continues to remain silent until he needs to speak once more. ]

[ Jonathan's turning is a story for another time, but it is certain to say, that it took an expansive amount of time for Jonathan to learn who his maker was. Perhaps if Aymeric were to ever ask, the elder vampire would certainly explain. There is no need to hide such things.

Lantaa squeezes his hand in return and presses into his side. She is not afraid, not truly, but feels greatly exposed. She has spent her whole life hiding away. For someone that is a stranger to simply know her and deduce so much? She feels oddly bare and unable to shake the feeling. The doctor must realize this as he turns his attention back to Aymeric. ]

At one point, I had looked for a way to cure our condition. The attempts I made were... unsuccessful. Instead, I turned my efforts in attempting to synthesize a form of blood that could sustain us, or at the very least, sate the hunger of those who could not stand for such things. [ He pauses and chuckles. ] I had once considered giving you the option, Aymeric. But, I dare say, you have found a better alternative.

[ Lantaa looks down, then back up at Aymeric. ] How did the two of you meet...?

[ Aymeric does not move from his position next to Alkaid. Her presence is comforting for him too, and so he is inclined to maintain it for as long as possible. But he cannot help but look at Jonathan with some measure of surprise. Naturally, he is aware that as a doctor, he would look into such things, but he had not considered the possibility of an alternative to feeding in the way that they do. ]

So I have, but I gather from your words that your efforts were not successful? [ It seems like quite the lofty task in Aymeric's mind, even for one as knowledgeable as Jonathan. He smiles at Alkaid when she looks at him. ]

Well, my parents and Jonathan were well acquainted, and it was decided that Jonathan should be my godfather. They chose well, and I would not have anyone else in the role. [ He then turns slightly so that his smile lands upon Jonathan as well. ]

Not as yet. It would seem our nature is more... complicated than merely turning from one thing to another. It is more akin to a fundamental change in our aether, from what Master Matoya has gathered. I am no aetherologist, Aymeric. Such things are beyond me. Yet, I am certain, with time I will find an expert in the matter who is willing to help our plight.

[ Lantaa quietly stands and listens to Aymeric's answer. Dr. Reid had always been his godfather? Then, truly, perhaps it was meant to be. She wonders if he remembers saying such things in their discussion the previous day. OF course, it is not something to speak of with their current company, but she does wonder if he remembers. Perhaps speaking of their ancient bond, and even those ancient feelings, means more to her in the end.

Her gaze drifts to the side as she gently nudges his arm with her cheek. ]

Well, I am remorse to admit that I have not been the keenest nor best godfather as of late.

[ If not for the fact that he is still holding onto Alkaid's hand and has no plans of letting go, he would steeple his fingers together and mull over what Jonathan has just told him. But even if he spent a long time thinking about it, it would not make what he speaks of possible. He might fervently wish for it, but wishes do not have the ability to make things happen.

As for what he remembers, he certainly does recall their discussion, and the notion that they have known each other for so many lifetimes now. If they were alone in this room together, he believes he could easily express the feelings associated with their ancient bond, but as they are not, it seems best to spare Jonathan from that.

At his next words, however, he finds himself shaking his head almost immediately. ] I have never known you to be less than an attentive one, and what is more, I fully realize that your responsibilities may keep you occupied and therefore, I hold no grudge at all. [ He views Jonathan as the best godfather he could have asked for, and is not inclined to change his mind. ]

[ Lantaa glances back up at their conversation for only a brief moment before it wanders down again. If it had all meant to happen this way as Aymeric--rather the older part of his soul--insists, then why? The pair of them are already close and deeply in love. They hardly need the bond that comes from sharing her blood. A reason must exist outside of the fact that life is cruel.

Jonathan, however, smiles sadly. ] And yet, I have left you to wallow in misery over your condition more than anything. Perhaps now is the best tike to amend that. After all, you have a fiance now.

[ Her ears twitch and stand on end. Then, she looks up with her eyes wide. ] I-I'm ... a fiance?

Well, to how the rest of the world is concerned, yes? You board with him, share his home, and are seemingly attached by the hip. Courtship and being his lady narurally leads to such things.

[ He also believes that there must be a reason that they have yet to find, but he would like to believe that the two of them can discover it together. But whether they do or not, they have each other and this bond that they share, and that counts for quite a bit in his mind.

In response to Jonathan's comments, Aymeric merely shrugs. ] It could not be helped, could it? You still have your work, and what you do is of greater importance than looking in on one person. [ And as Alkaid already knows, Aymeric considers himself largely insignificant in the grand scheme of things. He would not ask Jonathan to inconvenience himself in such a way.

But at his pronouncement of Alkaid as his fiancee, Aymeric's smile only widens, and he gently squeezes her hand yet again. ]

You could very well be right about that. However, that one person was entrusted to me by very close friends. I doubt they would approve of how I have conducted myself as of late. Which I tend to correct.

[ Lantaa's cheeks turn redder. Her gaze moves down to the floor as she bashfully tucks herself behind Aymeric more. A fiancée? She can hardly wrap her mind around behind his lady, let alone his fiancée. To that, their "courtship" has been so very short, and she does not have a ring. Not that she would wish him to go and find one. It is more she believes there are steps based on all she has encountered...

Jonathan, however, chuckles.] And as your godfather and physician, I believe it would be in bad faith if I did not at least take a look at your fiancée as well.

Edited 2023-04-12 21:31 (UTC)

[ There is a part of him that still desires the companionship and support he finds from people such as Estinien (in his own way) and Jonathan, but the last thing that he wishes is to be selfish and grasp for more than he is given. ]

Well, I will not pretend that it would be good to see more of you, but I will not take you away from your work. [ He will not rebuff Jonathan should he visit, of course, but he does not wish to be a hindrance either.

As for Alkaid and her being his fiancee, his mind has already begun to think of ways to further solidify their relationship, beginning with obtaining a ring and continuing with a proper courtship. ]

If you wish. And if you require anything at any time during or after, feel free to ask. [ He might top off his drink at the very least, as he feels he must be a good host. ]

Perhaps it is time I am here for you more as a godfather ought to be, and less of a doctor. Besides, it would seem you have a more than capable healer with you now.

[ Jonathan turns his gaze to Lantaa and offers a gentle smile. He sets his glass down and shakes his head to the offer. While he can no longer be intoxicated? He would not deplete his godson of a fine drink. Especially if he should ever have visitors. Instead, he offers his hand for Lantaa to take. ]

If you could be so kind, my dear.

[ Lantaa glances up at Aymeric once more before extending the hand not holding onto his. Jonathan gently takes the hand into his. ]

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thewayforpeace - 2023-04-14 01:28 (UTC) - Expand

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

AU PLOTLINE

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