[reverie - ic inbox.]

[peacetalks]

"Pray speak your piece, and I shall return it anon."

Comments

[finalsteps]

Wyrmblood: Bugbear.
Wyrmblood: I can come to you if you would like?

[peacetalks]

Aymeric the Blue: Please do. I shall meet you anon.

[finalsteps]

[ He doesn’t take too long, waiting for Aymeric to let him into Cerberus or meet him outside.

Estinien never looked like he slept before. And he definitely doesn’t look like it now. ]

[peacetalks]

[aymeric is not in cerberus--he was outside, and he's striding down the hall not long after estinien gets there, wearing the nice coat estinien got him.

and as soon as the door is unlocked, aymeric grabs estinien by the front of his shirt and bodily drags him inside, and promptly into aymeric's room]

[finalsteps]

[ HE JUST GOT SNATCHED. ]

[ But that’s okay. He’s fine. He’s definitely fine. And he’s so fine that he’s putting his arms around aymeric now. ]

That coat looks nice on you.

[peacetalks]

[aymeric winds his arms around estinien as well, holding him close, nose pressed to his neck while his tail seeks out estinien's to coil with it]

Is there more you would dress me in? These silks from Radz-at-Han?

[finalsteps]

Something extravagant. The silks would look good draped on you.

[ Winding his tail around Aymeric’s ]

I’ve an idea for something I saw there.

[peacetalks]

[he withdraws only to remove his coat and take a seat on the bed, gesturing for estinien to follow--and urging him to actually put his head in aymeric's lap once he does]

Tell me.

[finalsteps]

Radz-at-Han is a colorful place.

[ He follows Aymeric down easily, laying his head in his lap. ]

To see you adorn their bright colors, their flowing fabrics. It would be nice. Perhaps you could visit?

[peacetalks]

You've someone there waiting for you, do you not?

[gently tangles his fingers in estinien's hair. pet pet pet]

[finalsteps]

[ He’s quiet for a moment. But because of losing the game he cannot lie. ]

Vrtra has called upon me for another task.

[ He grabs the fabrics of Aymeric’s clothes. ]

[peacetalks]

He is precious to you, then.

[not a question, just a statement]

[finalsteps]

I should like to see him thrive.

[ Glancing up. ]

[peacetalks]

[continues petting estinien's hair, gentle]

I've only heard the news that the satrap is, in truth, one of the first brood. That aside, I know almost naught. But that you should see him as someone precious tells me much of his character.

[glances down at estinien]

[finalsteps]

He is someone I would want you to have exchanges with. He is wise, knowledgeable.

[ … ]

If only we had been given his insight during the Dragonsong war.

[peacetalks]

[smiles]

I should very much like to meet him and pay my respects.

[finalsteps]

[ Estinien seems awfully thought filled today. Which is of course abnormal for him. ]

[ He's plucking at Aymeric's shirt, tail swaying back and forth slowly. ]

[peacetalks]

[aymeric lets the quiet settle between them for a bit before he says anything more]

Megumi told me what happened. In Garlemald, in Thavnair, in Sharlayan... in the ends of the cosmos. She told me what you all did for her, so she could forge ahead.

[finalsteps]

[ So she did tell him all of that. So he didn't have explain how it all happened. ]

[ still, he plucks at Aymeric's shirt. ]

I do not regret doing it. Though I had to trust that Megumi would find a way to retrieve us. Even if she hadn't... I knew that was my ultimate sacrifice.

[ And not in a "my life is worthless" way, either. ]

[peacetalks]

[aymeric says nothing, he just pets estinien's hair slowly]

[finalsteps]

Beloved?

[ He regards him, leaning his head into the attention and affection. ]

[peacetalks]

Let it be said that I am not angry with you. I understand why you did it. And I would not gainsay your reasons, nor those of the Scions, for putting your faith in the Warrior of Light. 'Tis possible if it were me in the same position, that I might have done precisely the same thing. Still...

[his hand moves from estinien's hair to cup his cheek]

... the thought of losing you again makes my heart ache.

[finalsteps]

[ Placing his hand over Aymeric’s. ]

Is that why you wanted me to guard the housing district, beloved?

[ Because Aymeric’s heart might hurt more if he were to lose Estinien again. It’s a light hearted statement for a heavy subject. ]

I could not let them suffer any longer. Those from the Dragon’s star.

[peacetalks]

[chuckles]

I merely wanted you to do something a little less dangerous for a spell. And I thought that saving the world must be awfully tiring work.

[lets out a breath, thumb stroking estinien's cheek]

Ever have you possessed a righteous soul... of course you could not let them suffer.

[finalsteps]

Who says that I won't come back to be your housing district knight at some point.

[ Not at the present, of course. But Estinien could go home more often now that he wasn't doing the Scion's bidding at the present time. ]

Who could have? Their clutches were dying, their world was ravaged. They'd no will left.