[reverie - ic inbox.]

[peacetalks]

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

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[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.

[peacetalks]

And yet you, my friend, understood their pain as no one else.

[leans down and kisses his forehead]

You're a remarkable man, Estinien Varlineau.

[finalsteps]

[ Closing his eyes at that. Shaking his head just a little bit. ]

All of my life I was angry just like they were, 'tis what they needed. Someone to understand their pain. Even if their lack of will was frustrating.

[peacetalks]

And when you return home--to "Etheirys", as I now know--you aid their descendants in much the same manner. With understanding.

[finalsteps]

It is hard to imagine, aye? That a man who once hated dragons...wishes to help them.

[peacetalks]

Easier to imagine when he's right in front of me. And certainly no more difficult to imagine than a nation that warred for a thousand years could find peace with her erstwhile enemy.

... I am certain you'll thrive in Radz-at-Han. Vrtra is fortunate to have you so devoted to his cause.

[finalsteps]

.. you would come if I invited you?

[ They could always pass it off as a "leaders meeting". But this is something that right here Estinien could think of. His heart aches to think that he would not call Aymeric or Megumi his "beloved" back on their star. ]

[peacetalks]

[aymeric's eyes crinkle fondly]

I could find an excuse to visit, most likely. 'Twill be expected of me to make a courtesy visit to the satrap at some point.