[reverie - ic inbox.]

[peacetalks]

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

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[finalsteps]

Why does it bother you so as of late?

[peacetalks]

[softly]

Ratatoskr. I struggle to maintain my consciousness when she is around, but Hraesvelgr's love and regret for her lingers strongly. I imagine the same must be true for Nidhogg. And I cannot help but think how different everything would have been had man not betrayed her and stolen her eyes for their own. How Nidhogg and Hraesvelgr might have become, if they'd had her at their side.

[finalsteps]

[ … there is a palpable silence before he ultimately agrees. ]

We have time to fancy a “what if”, don’t we? Nidhogg may have come around further to the idea of man and dragon, Ratatoskr had him painfully close the trusting them before they took her life.

Nidhogg would not have despaired, and Hraesvelgr would not be full of every emotion you feel at the back of your throat.

Perhaps Ishgard would be in a better situation.

[peacetalks]

[makes a wordless, sympathetic sound]

Our lives now would be so different. Mayhaps you and I would never have met.

[finalsteps]

[ was that a sad sounding noise? yes. ]

Ratatoskr’s fate was unkind, my family suffered for a war that did not involve them, your father was near the root of Ishgard’s problems. But we have one another, aye?

[peacetalks]

[quietly, almost a murmur, full of longing]

Estinien...

So much of our lives would not have happened the way they did. You and I would be entirely different people, more than like. And yet... I cannot regret meeting you. I do not regret it. I do not regret coming to know you as I have, nor coming to love you.

[finalsteps]

When you say that it makes it difficult to stay away.

[ Even with Nidhogg and Hraesvelgr’s problems. ]

I know we must stay strong. I regret nothing about how we have come to be either. These possessions being able to grab us so easy, I hope it eases off after this task.

[ He can’t sleep a wink like this. ]

[peacetalks]

As do I. I feel so weary and yet so tense at the same time.

[finalsteps]

Is there aught I can do to take your mind off of it?

[peacetalks]

[takes a breath and lets it out]

So long as I am talking with you, I feel not nearly so worn. Tell me truly, how do you fare?

[finalsteps]

My mind races and it tires very quickly right now. But talking to you gives me ease.

[peacetalks]

If I'd half an onze of talent for music, I'd sing you a lullaby... but I shall leave such things to Megumi.

[...]

Would that I could be at your side in this moment. If I were...

[finalsteps]

What if you were?

[ Aymeric's own voice is melodious enough. ]

[peacetalks]

I would most certainly hold you in my arms, if you would permit me. I would kiss you, on every ilm of your face, as a promise of love and devotion. I would...

[pauses, thinking]

I would place my fingers on your brow, and your temple, and sooth away any lines of stress or worry. Try it. Place your fingers there, and rub them in circles.

[finalsteps]

[ well, he can only do that with one hand, but he does. there is an audible pleased sigh. ]

The only thing that would make this better if it were actually you doing it. You could probably imagine how relaxed I would get.

[peacetalks]

I can certainly imagine it.

[chuckles softly]

And then... if you would allow it, I would brush your hair. You look quite handsome with your hair tied up, but just as much so with it down. And I do so enjoy running my fingers through it.

[finalsteps]

Ever the romantic you are. You would spoil me as I would like to spoil you.

If you would allow it I would also run my fingers through your hair, and kiss your temples.

[peacetalks]

Of course I would spoil you, my love. I can think of few others who deserve to be spoiled as much as you.

[sighs, almost dreamily]

Oh, how nice that would feel... to lie with you and kiss you, with our hands in one another's hair.

[finalsteps]

You make me think of it, you know. Kissing you, holding you. Being with you.

[ it pains him that they can’t, really. ]

I promise to give you whatever you require whenever we can get close again.

[peacetalks]

[softly, almost a whisper]

And I you. I would shower you with kisses, given half a chance. Your lips, your cheeks, your brow, your ears.

[with an audible grin]

And that spot on the back of your neck that makes you shiver, of course.

[finalsteps]

Now I think you are just trying to lead me into telling you how much I desire you right now.

[ Chuckling into the phone. ]

Was that the goal?

[peacetalks]

[

there's a pause that's long enough to be conspicuous, and aymeric clears his throat]

Not... intentionally.

[finalsteps]

Did you know you make the most irresistible sound when I nibble right below your ears?

[peacetalks]

[laughs softly]

Spoken as though you're not the same. Ever the plight of the elezen, these ears of ours.

Is that what you desire, then? To nibble my ears?

[finalsteps]

I don’t make quite as handsome noises.

[ Smiling a little. ]

When I go from your ear to your jaw is the most handsome noise.