indigosykes: indigosykes: I’m not going to lie, this track gives me goosebumps when I hear the lyrics that go to it

Never Stays Long They had fallen into a lovely routine in the months she had spent there with him. It hadn’t taken long to feel like it had done after the Dragonsong war had ended and they both relished it. Spending as much time together as possible, although Aymeric still had to work, she joined him in his office in the congregation busying herself reading books or often napping as she was prone to doing so in the daytime hours. Sometimes she found herself looking out the window at the snow, finding that actually she had almost missed it, despite her apprehension of the weather in Ishgard she supposed her time there had acclimatised her to it, and really deserts were not much better to her. Aymeric for his part was very happy to have her around again, he had missed her far more than he had ever let on to her whilst she was away, and so far away too. But now she was here he worked harder than ever, determined to have work over with so he could be with her, making time to allow her to take him to places within the lands of Ishgard, show him the places she had been and had missed. Picnics in the Sea of Clouds, games with Moogles in the Churning Mists, hunting in the Dravanian Forelands and of course, many a dinner night with Count Edmont. Often he would come home from work in the afternoon and find her asleep with a book on her chest or fallen onto the floor, and he had grown accustomed to it, the site filling his heart with warmth he found himself never wanting to find his home without her in it. Which may explain why now his heart felt like stone, his body felt cold despite the warmth of his house, as saw her sitting on the stairs, bag packed beside her, waiting for him to come home. Their eyes met, the air was heavy between them as he searched for the words. “You’re leaving…” he said softly, his eyes not leaving hers, but she broke the contact, looking away as tears formed. “I…” she was struggling to find the words he knew, and he wanted to go to her and comfort her but he was conflicted, emotions whirled within him and anger was prevalent amongst them. “I have to.” She said, almost pleadingly; “Tataru has sent word, the scouts are back with important news and findings from the Crystal Tower…” She moved towards him, “you know I have to go… we need answers, the other scions…” It was his turn to look away, he knew she was right but that knowledge didn’t quell the storm of emotions inside him. He felt her come closer, until she was mere ilms away, he looked at her once more finally finding his voice, “Will you be back?” “Don’t… don’t do this Aymeric, you know I can’t answer…” Aymeric’s fist made contact with the side table near to him, startling his cat and sending him running away hissing. Roegan’s own tail stood on end, fluffing up as her ears flattened. "Aymeric… please.“ Her voice shook, the tears in her eyes threatening to fall. "What do you want from me here Roegan?” He said, his voice harsh, and she was taken aback, moving a step backwards hurt etched on her face and he instantly regretted his tone, “I just, I hate it when you leave.” He said, his voice a mere low whisper. “And I hate to leave!” She implored, moving back to him placing her hand on his arm. “But I have to help my fellow scions, if it were me-” “Don’t!” He said, his eyes snapping to hers, “I cannot bear the thought… not after…” Her hands cupped his face, “I know, but if it was, they would stop at nothing nothing to save me, and you yourself would want that. I am the only one left now, its only me who can help them.” He sighed deeply again, he knew she was right and he knew that this was the risk he took when he fell in love with the fabled Warrior of Light he had long ago resigned himself to the fact that they would obviously never have a normal life, and that was why he stove to make the most of it when they did get glimpses of it. But if always ended too quickly, she always left too soon. But then, even a lifetime with her would never be enough.

He knew not what to say anymore, and instead moved towards her, his own hands grabbing her face he crashed his lips into hers in a deep passionate kiss, startling her but she returned in kind. As things got heated he found himself lifting her onto the table next to him, desperate for her closeness. He was kissing down her neck when she spoke again; “Aymeric… stop.” He did so immediately, he stroked her face, concern all over his own. “Its just… she sent word hours ago now…” “I see. You could have come to me you know.” “I was hoping you would be home sooner I suppose, and also procrastinating the inevitable.” She hung her head, he pulled her closer and kissed the top of her head, stroking her hair and savouring the sound of her purring that he loved so much. “It’s OK.” They held each other for what felt like hours and yet still didn’t feel long enough. It was never long enough. Then it was her turn to kiss him, breaking the embrace because she knew he would not. Stronger than him in every way. “I will miss you, so much” she whispered to him. “I will miss you more.” “I don’t doubt that for a second, My Lord.” She said, hopping off the table with a wink, she leaned up to him and kissed his cheek “I love you” she whispered in his ear. “I love you too…” he choked out as she walked out the front door, and as it closed he whispered “please come back…” Because she never stayed long, but she always came back.

So Roegan just got these cool horns as a helm and it made me think of a thing…

Aymeric stood with Handeloup and a few high ranking Temple Knights around the large table in the middle of the room of the Congregation. They were pouring over some maps of Gyr Abania’s lochs where they had many a knight on the front line. Fiercely debating strategies with the new information Aymeric had brought back with him from the front lines having briefly returned for some important parliamentary meetings. Aymeric stood, hands on the table leaning over it, frustrated, stressed. Suddenly the doors to the Congregation burst open and the dark silhouette of a Miqo’te strode in, spying Aymeric she made her way toward him with purpose and Aymeric found himself wondering who wanted him now and for what. Only as they came into the light he noticed it was Roegan, her strange appearance and the fact that he did not expect to see her in Ishgard having stopped him from recognising her sooner. She strode up to the table grinning cheekily and pointed at what was evidently a new helm which consisted of naught more than a piece of metal with two metal horns poking out from it. “Look Aymeric, I’m ‘horny’!” She exclaimed giggling.

Aymeric placed his face in his palm, although he could barely contain his own amusement.

The day she fell - Final Part Aymeric hadn’t slept that well in weeks, maybe even months. He had forgotten how good it felt to have her there with him, to be able to reach out to her in the night, to fall asleep with her head on his shoulder, smelling her hair. He smiled happily to himself stretching a little, he rolled over to greet her but… gone. The bed beside him was empty, only the crinkled sheets and duvet showing any sign that she had been present at all. His bubble of happiness burst, he shot up throwing on some underclothes and a dressing gown he made his way down the stairs. “Kitty?” He called for her, using the pet name he only ever called her in private, some happiness returning at the warmth of the memory that flooded over him. Roegan let out a hiss in as he took her by surprise. “You have to stop making me do that” she remarked, letting down her tail that had shot straight up and hastily patting it back down.

“Oh but it’s so fun, besides if I stopped doing this I would never hear your kitty noises!” He grinned at her.

“That’s exactly the reason why you need to stop.”

Aymeric looked at her in confusion, under her gaze she blushed, her catlike ears flattening. Embarrassed… she was embarrassed, he realised. "You’re embarrassed…“ he half told, half asked her.

Roegan fingered her tail, "I just, Miqo'te can have a… reputation and, it’s like sometimes, people forget I am a Miqo'te because they are so engrossed in me being the warrior of light, then I hiss or purr and everyone loses their damn minds. I just learnt to stop doing it.”

Aymeric moved closer to her, stroking her face, “well that is a shame. Because I think its very cute, and it is part of who you are, you shouldn’t have to change that for anyone. However if it makes you feel any better, I promise to keep close tabs on the whereabouts of my mind.” He smirked tipping her chin up to make her face him.

“You don’t think it silly, or think less of me?”

Aymeric blinked, shocked at even the notion; “No! Gods, never.”

“Well, then maybe I should learn to let myself relax more around you.” Roegan said thoughtfully.

“I would very much like it if you did… Kitty.” He made his way down the stairs, calling out again as he reached the bottom; “Kitty?”

She appeared, wearing one of his cotton vests and slippers, hair still tousled from sleep, and dustings of flour on her face and hands. “Hey tiger, what’s wrong?” “I thought you had ran off into the night” he jested. “Ah yes, my favourite pastime.” “You joke, but it is true, you do love the night.” “Well I will have you know I stayed with you all night. I just got up early to make you breakfast.” “You know I have a butler?” She rolled her eyes, “Yes, but I was being nice, you should try it sometime maybe?” He laughed, “ok ok” he said humouring her; “what are you making then?” “Pancakes!” She said excitedly, her tail standing on end, “and not just any kind either Doman style! I know how you like to try things from the places I have been, and Othard is the farthest away I have travelled yet.” They made their way back into the kitchen, where he stopped in the door way regarding the mess, “pray tell me darling, whilst making these pancakes, did you have to fight off some Garlean invaders?” “… yes. That is definitely what happened here.” He raised an eyebrow at her as she walked away into the kitchen, she turned back seeing his expression, “OK fine! But I only made them one time before and that was with Hien showing me how to do it! But I think I remember now so come, sit!” She said clearing away space at the table and brushing the flour off the chair. Aymeric chuckled as he made his way to the table, watching her as she began frying up the batter she had prepared. "Do you want me to get anything kitty?“ "No! I want you sit there and let me make a fuss of you now.” She responded, he held his hands up in mock surrender as she briefly turned around, she pointed at him, narrowing her eyes as if it to say ‘I’m watching you’. “No need to tell me twice! I shan’t complain to have the warrior of light doting on me!” She plated up a pancake, and moved to the other side of the kitchen, Aymeric couldn’t see what she was doing, but decided not to ask, letting her surprise him as she had obviously wanted to do.

When she came over to him he saw she had drizzled his favourite birch syrup over the pancake and added some berries. She passed it to him and sat down at the table with him, watching eagerly. “Are you not going to eat?” He asked, feeling a little self conscious. “I want to see if you like it!” Her excitement was infectious so he tried it, and it was delicious. It appeared doman pancakes were sweeter than he was used to, or what that the syrup? Either way, it was fine by him and his sweet tooth. “This is wonderful Roegan!” Roegan clapped excitedly, “I knew you’d like them! Ok I’ll make some more!” She shot up and returned to the stove, leaving Aymeric to chuckle into his pancake. Their companionable silence was broken by the butler; “Sorry to disturb you both, but Lucia is here to see you my Lord.” He announced. “Ooooh tell her to come here and try my pancakes!” Roegan said excitedly. “Roegan, I’m in my dressing gown!” Aymeric protested. “It’s only Lucia, besides you can’t see anything!” She argued back, “and you could just go and dress…” Aymeric was already eating another pancake though, and he knew that she knew full well that he had no intention of going anywhere so long as these pancakes were still around. He gave her a look. “Yeah that’s what I thought, show her in!” “As you wish.” The butler left, and Roegan busied herself in preparing some more batter mix. Lucia arrived soon after, and judging by the look on her face, was also bewildered at the state of the Lord Commanders kitchen. “I had no part in this.” Aymeric said. "Please have a seat" he indicated to the chair across from him. “What happened?” Lucia asked as she came over, looking quizzically at him in his dressing gown. “Roegan happened.” Aymeric said, before being coated in a small dusting of flour that Roegan had just flicked at him. "What? You did!“ He said as she turned her back and began to fry up some more pancakes. Aymeric ran his hands through his, now lightly dusted hair, "well anyway, you really must try these Lucia, they are amazing.” Lucia nodded, “Although I am here to remind you that you have a meeting in the house of Lords today. I thought you may have forgotten, what with one thing and another” she said, her eyes glancing towards the, rather scantily clad Miqo'te by the oven. “Oh is that today? You were right to remind me, I had indeed forgotten. Is it soon?” “Quite soon yes, but enough time for pancakes and for you to, um, get ready.” She said, eyeing his dressing gown. Aymeric blushed a little. But was interrupted by Roegan putting fresh plates of pancakes down before them both, which was a welcome distraction. “You have a meeting? Those take a while don’t they?” Roegan asked him. He pulled her onto his lap, “they can do yes. I’m sorry.” He said nuzzling into her. “No tis fine. I may port to Mor Dhona then, check on the scions…” His face fell. “I will be back by tonight, don’t worry!” He brightened again. “Alright. So long as you are.” “Of course. I said I would stay and I didn’t mean one measly night.” After Aymeric and Lucia had left for work, Roegan helped the butler clean the kitchen, although he protested adamant he could do it himself. She then made herself a sandwich and fussed Aymeric’s cat for a while, before deciding to head to Mor Dhona and the Rising Stones. When she arrived she was greeted by a very worried, upset looking Tataru, along with many other adventurers, who weren’t quite Scions, but assisted them none-the-less. Her other Scions were still out for the count, so Roegan discussed her vision with Tataru, explaining that the man in the vision had said he would leave a package for her at the Crystal Tower, but that she wished to spend time with Aymeric. “Don’t you worry! We will go find the package for you!” “Thanks Tataru.” “How is Aymeric?” She asked, “I heard from people on the front line that he was beside himself when you…” “That doesn’t surprise me, when I woke it seemed like he hadn’t slept, or really eaten properly for days. But I made sure he had a good meal last night and this morning! And I think he slept better.” “Well, are you sure he slept?” Tataru winked at her, causing her to blush. “Tataru!” “Oh whaaaat!?” She shook her head, and made as if to leave. “Ohhh must you go just yet, stay for a drink?” Tataru asked. She supposed that she hadn’t spent too long here yet, so she could stay a while, after all, these people were her family as much as Aymeric was, and Tataru had obviously been beside herself too, she owed it to her to stay a while longer. But not too long. Because she really did have to get back home.

alannah-corvaine: other healers are the worst

The day she fell - part 7 Roegan left the congregation soon after her chat with Edmont, who moved on to talk with Aymeric, waving at the two main elves in her life she left to head towards the Borel manor. Immediately upon leaving however, she realised that she was not at all wearing the right clothing for Ishguard’s frigid temperatures. At least the manor wasn’t far, and so she set off at jog. Upon arrival she didn’t bother knocking, Aymeric’s butler had told her a few years ago there was no need to knock every time, so she carefully let herself in however she made sure to call out to him, and let him know she was there she didn’t want to startle the old man! “Hello?” There was a small ‘mrow’ sound as Aymeric’s fluffy white cat came to greet her. He was a cantankerous old cat, but he had taken a shine to Roegan, perhaps because of the link between their species, no one really knew for sure. She bent down to fuss him. “Oh! Miss Roegan! What a pleasant surprise! I heard you were here in Ishguard, although I heard you were unwell, is aught the matter?” Aymeric’s butler greeted her warmly, putting down the silverware he was polishing and greeting her with a kiss on the cheek. “Nothing to fret over. All is fine now” Roegan smiled at him. “Must have been something, I assume it’s why I have not seen Lord Aymeric in days.” He said, shaking his head. Roegan sighed, “yes I suspected as much. Well, he will be home tonight I assure you! Mayhap we can organise something nice for him? His favourite meal perhaps? He looks like he needs a good meal and a long sleep!” “Excellent idea m'dear, I will arrange it at once. For two I presume?” He winked at her, a twinkle in his eye. Roegan blushed and nodded, “Is there anything I could do to help, perhaps I could go to the market for you?” “You’ve been ill Miss Roegan! I cannot in good conscience allow you to go wandering about, Aymeric would throw me in the Vaults!” “Well Aymeric doesn’t need to know does he, come now, give me a list and I shall go. The fresh air will do me wonders.” She looked down at herself, “I will be back shortly, I will go and find some more, um, suitable attire.” “As you wish…” Roegan made her way up the stairs towards Aymeric’s chambers, she had spent many a night here towards the end of her time in Ishguard, had hoped to spend even more until duty had pulled her away to Gyr Abania. It had happened so quickly that there was no doubt in her mind she must have left behind plenty of clothes, which hadn’t really occurred to her until now, Aymeric had never mentioned it, but then again why would he? The man was far too polite.

Reaching the chamber she stood in the doorway, taking in the room again for the first time in years, it was only now that she was seeing it again that she realised how much she had missed it, how much it had become to feel like home to her, despite the fact that she never seemed to bring enough clothes to last her stay and she ended up traipsing back and forth between the Borel and Fortemp’s manors. Aymeric was sat on the bed watching her fold away her few items of clothing back into her backpack so she could go wash them.

“I don’t understand why you don’t just bring more clothes, there would be more than enough room in my armoire.” He was telling her.

“I just, I don’t want to have all my things scattered here and everywhere. Tis bad enough many are left in the Rising Stones due to the hasty exit.” She frowned. "What if I need something and I can’t remember which house it’s in? Which you know is highly likely.“

"I do concede that point yes. Well. Why not just move them all here?”

She stopped her folding and looked up at him, he was grinning and moved off the bed to come down to her on the floor. "I mean, you’re practically every night anyway… may as well just… stay?“… Roegan smiled warmly at the memory, then realised something ”… more than enough room in my armoire…“ "That’s it!” she said aloud, and strode over the big oaken draws, she opened the top draw, and there they were clothes she had left behind, out of curiosity she opened the second draw too, earrings, bracelets, hair ties… “huh. I guess I left more here than I realised” she muttered, “I wonder why he never told me?” she pondered aloud. A voice behind her made her jump; “He did not want for you to come and get them, or even worse, ask for him to send them to you.” The old butler informed her. “But why would he?… oh.” Typical Aymeric, so sentimental. "Well, I found some clothes.“ Roegan informed the butler with a smile. "That is good news. I have prepared the list, but please allow me to cook, it is not as though I have had much to do these past days given the Lords absence.” “I shan’t argue as I would very much like a nice bath!” Roegan exclaimed. The butler nodded and left her to get changed. When she came back downstairs, she realised she had no coat, but decided to put on one of Aymeric’s, it drowned her but at least she would be warm. She snuggled into it, breathing in his scent, she had missed him so much and although they had gotten more time together recently due to Ishguard’s assistance in the war in Gyr Abania, it was not as though that time was truly spent together.

Folding the list into the pocket, she left and set off for the Jewelled Crozier. The afternoon was soon drawing to a close when she returned, and despite the more appropriate attire and Aymeric’s coat she was frozen, having spent so long away from Coerthas and instead in the deserts of Gyr Abania, or the mild climes of Othard.

Making her way into the kitchen she deposited the shopping on the worktop; “Well I need that bath now! I had almost forgotten how cold it gets here.” She exclaimed to the butler. “Well dear, leave this to me and you go have a nice hot bath” the old man beamed at her “Thank you, I shall.” She made her way up the stairs once more to Aymeric’s chambers to use his, rather lovely, en suite, in her time spent at the manor previously she had grown rather fond of his bath tub, so luxuriously deep that not an ilm of ones skin was left open to the elements, a feature most likely due to often drastic temperature differences between the air and water she thought.

She was surprised she seemed to remember where everything was kept as she went to take a towel from the cupboard and placed it on the rack in front of the fire that the butler had obviously set up for her whilst she had been gone. She then went to look through the bottles of perfumes and potions on the table near the tub, sniffing through them to find one she liked to add to the water that she had turned on now, as she added the soap to the bath and the perfumed steam filled the room she breathed in happily. Thankfully she did not have long to wait for the tub to fill despite its depth, and soon she was able to climb into the hot bubbly water, as she did so a small hiss escaped her from the heat, but she pressed on anyway, knowing she would be fine once she was submerged. She sank into the water slowly, savouring the heat over her cold body and relishing the fragrance of the perfumes, it had been a long time since she had been allowed the simple luxury of a decent bath. Taking a deep breath she dunked her head under, dousing her hair, she stayed under as long as her breath would last, allowing her face to heat up, before bursting out the water gasping but grinning as she sank back down, laying comfortably, eyes closed, enjoying the moment. She did not know how long she had been lying there when she heard a familiar voice calling for her, can’t have been too long as the water was still hot around her. “Roe?..” Aymeric sounded almost worried, as though he was concerned that he had dreamt the whole thing and that she hadn’t really woken up, or that he thought she may have decided to return to Mor Dhona and check on the other Scions. “I’m in the bath!” She called to him. Aymeric entered the room, “Thank the stars.” He said making Roegan laugh. “What on earth did you think could have happened to me in the mere hours we have been apart!?” She exclaimed. “Well. It is you.” He pointed out, “so really, anything could have happened.” Roegan frowned and splashed some water at him; “rude.” “Now now, no splashing when I’m still in my amour…” time stood still as they both just looked at one another, Aymeric was the first to move, “I’ll go change.” He said quietly. He returned a few moments later in simple cloth pantaloons and shirt. Roegan had begun soaping herself down, “You have some lovely soaps and perfumes” she told him. Aymeric walked over to them looking through them “yes, well actually I got them for you, I know how you like a bath.” He turned back to her smiling, a bottle in hand. “For me? But I have been gone such a long time!” “Yes. But I trusted you would be back, at least, I hoped you would be… for me.” He uncorked the bottle and held it for her to smell. “Don’t be silly, of course I would be back for you, oh that smells divine, what is it?” Aymeric poured some out onto his hands and lathered it up, “for your hair.” He explained, as he began massaging it into her scalp. Roegan sat back a little, stopping what she had been doing to enjoy the head massage. "Mmmmm" but her moan soon turned into a purr as Aymeric cleaned around her ears. “Speaking of hair. I like what you have done with yours, changed colour again I see.” “Mmmm, well, someone has to keep the aesthetician in business” She heard him laugh, she did love his laugh. His hands stopped and she opened her eyes, he was lathering up some more soap on his hands, “tail?” he asked, she nodded and gathered it up to let him wash it, he gently ran the soap through it scratching at it which felt odd, but not bad, and she found herself purring again, however she suspected it was more having him touch her than what he was doing. She let her tail fall back into the bath and began moving her own hands through it to get the soap out as Aymeric filled a jug with water from the faucet to get the soap out of her hair. Once done he went and got the towel off the rack by the fire and held it open for her, wrapping her up in it and his arms as they stood by the fire he pulled her onto the floor, holding her in his lap, her head was pressed against his chest and she realised now that her hair was making his shirt soak through, she moved revealing the large wet patch. “Oh no, I’m sorry,” she said placing a hand over it. “No matter, I have other shirts, but perhaps no shirt would be better while you’re still wet through.” Roegan swallowed thickly, “I think no shirt may well be better” and her hands were already moving underneath it helping him lift it off, desperate to feel his skin against hers again, she moved herself in the towel so her own bare skin was against his. She couldn’t help but let out a satisfied small moan at the feel of it, and she felt Aymeric stir beneath her, spurring him on to kiss her hotly. Soon the towel was gone, forgotten about and discarded in the heat of the moment, he picked her up and she wrapped her legs around him as he carried her through into his bedroom, placing her softly on the bed. He removed the last of his own clothing, and as much as they both wanted the moment to last forever, the passion and wait was all too much for drawing it out, they had waited too long to be back here together, and so he gently lowered himself into her, she gasped and clawed into his back, pulling him down closer to her, and deeper into her. He peppered kisses across her jaw and down her neck as his hips moved rhythmically, all she could do was grasp helplessly at him, running her hands through his hair, moaning his name. She lifted her legs around him, her arms around his neck, desperate for the closeness, he held her tightly too and they kissed with such passion, all their unspoken fears and feelings from their elongated time apart being pushed into that kiss. Her fears that he would stop waiting, that he would marry one of the many interested noble women of Ishguard. Her longing to come home, to him.

His fears that she would rather be free, not tied to anyone or any city. Free to be with whomever she pleased, wherever she pleased. His fears of her death in battle, or that she would be lost like the other scions. It all came out as their bodies entwined and they held each other tight. With one hand in his hair, Roegan let her other hand trace down his spine, feeling him shiver he moaned her name and she kissed him gently, allowing him to come undone in her arms, he buried his head into her neck whispering her name over and over. The feel of his release causing her own and she cried out in pleasure. They stayed laying like that for a long time afterwards, his hand tracing circles on the small of her back as they whispered to each other.

The day she fell - part 6 It was now after lunch, and Lucia had arranged with Lord Durendaire to return after lunch, by no means an easy feat as the Lord was extremely offended by Aymeric’s abandonment. However there was no sign of Aymeric nor the warrior as of yet and despite her misgivings about doing so, she resolved that she would have to go and flush them out herself. As she entered Aymeric’s office she could hear them laughing and talking, as much as she loved and cared for them both she had always loathed walking into rooms whenever they had been alone together, all those years pining after him, hoping he would notice her, then she came and within mere weeks, mayhap even days of her arrival she had captured his heart and Lucia had seen how he pined after her the way she pined after him. The months following the death of Hauchefant were the worst of it, Roegan in her grief had taken to spending time with Aymeric in his office, not wanting to be alone, but not ready to commence any adventures, and so Lucia had watched, helpless as their relationship blossomed. Watched as they joked and chatted, fell into companionable silence whilst he worked and she read, or sat at the window stargazing on clear nights. They became almost inseparable, spending almost all their evenings together, and on evenings where she did not appear Aymeric was noticeably affected by her absence, if anything despite the distraction she seemed to improve his work somehow! A point of contention and confusion for Lucia who did not understand how someones work could be bettered by spending hours simply watching someone else sleep… “Doesn’t she look adorable?” Aymeric grinned at Lucia, who arched an eyebrow and followed his gaze to the warrior of light, who had fallen asleep on the sofa in his office in front of the fire, the book she had been reading laid out upon her chest. Admittedly out of her armour and sleeping soundly she did not look much like the warrior of light at all, if anything she looked fragile and small. As Aymeric signed the papers she had brought in, Roegan moved in her sleep, curling up more, and emitted a soft purr, Aymeric glanced over at her with pure adoration in his eyes, causing a swell of jealousy to erupt in Lucia as she hurried him back to the paperwork that she may leave… Lucia sighed, dragging herself back from her memories she walked towards the chambers where Roegan and Aymeric inevitably were, dreading what she may find, hoping the doors were shut so that she may at least knock, but the clarity of their voices and laughter meant she knew full well they were not. As she rounded the corner she peered into the room, they were both sitting on the bed together eating the lunch they had got, Lucia watched as Roegan smeared some cream on Aymeric’s nose then laughed exclaiming “oh you’re so pale it barely shows up!” She pouted turning more towards the door and Lucia could see that Roegan too had cream on her nose. As Roegan turned towards the door she noticed Lucia; “oh! Lucia! Hi we were just… umm.” The warrior trailed off looking at Aymeric for assistance, but for once the ever eloquent Lord Commander was speechless, attempting to help but simply spluttering incoherently which made Roegan laugh and hit him playfully in the stomach, Aymeric pretended to be grievously wounded and collapsed down on the bed holding his stomach. Lucia rolled her eyes at the performance. Gods these two were so over the top, but then she knew that was just the jealously talking, that deep down she was longing to be the one currently pawing at Aymeric, the one with her hands on his chest… “My Lord, I hate to interrupt,” (liar), “but I arranged with Lord Durendaire to return after lunch and, well I wanted to give you time before the meeting started.” Aymeric sat up, becoming serious once more, “right, Lord Durendaire. I had forgotten about him.” “Hadn’t we all.” Roegan muttered beside him and Aymeric smirked at her. “Gods he’s going to be a nightmare isn’t he?” Aymeric questioned Lucia. “I’m afraid so M'lord. He was quite offended that you left him like that earlier, obviously I explained the situation but, well, you know what he’s like…” “Indeed.” Aymeric sighed heavily and turned to Roegan, “I wish I could stay with you all day but…” “Duty calls! No matter, I’ve been asleep for days I think I need a bath anyway, can I go to your manor?” She cocked her head to one side as though she was pleading with him, when everyone present knew that the request was never going to be denied. Aymeric grinned, moving closer to her he purred into her ear, but loud enough for Lucia to hear unfortunately, “Oh well that just makes me want to stay with you all day ever the more!” Causing Roegan’s cheeks to flush a darker shade of blue, and Lucia’s to turn pink at the thought of Aymeric speaking to her that way. Roegan slapped his arm playfully, “Behave, Lucia is right there!” Aymeric jolted back, “right, apologies Lucia…” much to her dismay, Aymeric had seemed to forget her entire existence the moment Roegan mentioned a bath. "Of course you can go to my manor. I will meet you there as soon as my meeting is done with.“ He said as he got up from the bed, then bent down and placed a tender kiss on her forehead. "See you later” he said softly. "Come Lucia, let us see what needs doing before he gets here.“ Lucia nodded, but before departing with Aymeric she composed herself enough to inform the warrior that it was nice to see them up and well. Roegan left Aymeric’s offer shortly after, and as she stepped out into the Congregation a familiar face welcomed her. "Roegan! I heard you were confined to bed!?” Lord Edmont exclaimed. “Edmont!” Roegan hurried toward him and they embraced. "Ah can’t have that can we Edmont? No, I got up just for you!“ She teased. Edmont laughed, "Ah thank you my dear.” He said smiling, “on a serious note however, when word came to me that you had been defeated in battle, I feared the worst. However I see now that these reports were greatly exaggerated.” “Ah now Edmont, you should know that it takes more than a wayward ascian posing as a garlean prince to get to me!” She was making light of the situation, wanting to cheer up her basically adoptive elezen father, but her pride was hurt. She should have had him, and now the ascian was god knows where, which was causing her concern. Edmont saw through her. “Of course, but you are only mortal dear. And these have been dangerous times for you Scions so I have read.” He peered at her, obviously he had guessed at the reason for her defeat. “Quite. Mayhap it was foolish to go into the battle alone, given those peculiar circumstances.” Roegan mused. “Perhaps, however you are hale and whole now, that is all that matters.” Edmont said, squeezing her arm. Roegan nodded, and moved herself forwards for another hug. Edmont kissed the top of her head, “Heavens forfend I lose my only daughter!” He only half-joked. “Fear not Edmont, you can’t get rid of me that easily.” “I am most glad to hear it.”

The day she fell - part 5 Aymeric was in his meeting with Lord Durendaire which was obviously conducted in the main office, leaving the chirurgeon alone with Roegan in the chambers. Not that there was much she could do, she busied herself sorting through some alchemy bottles, arranging and rearranging them, reading labels and pondering if perhaps she could use some of her potions knowledge to mix some together to help, although she didn’t want to make matters worse. Heaven forfend should she poison the warrior of light! Suddenly beside her, the warrior shot up, gasping for breath as though she had been underwater. She looked around in confusion, clutching her chest panting, she turned her head seeing the chirurgeon. The chirurgeon gasped, dropping a potion and running out the doors to Aymeric, she barrelled into the Lord Commanders office, interrupting the meeting much to Lord Durendaire’s disgust. “Excuse me girl, this is important Ishguardian business, you have no right being here!” Spat the Lord. “Sorry my Lord, it’s just, she is awake Ser Aymeric!” His face lit up, with such joy she had never seen on anyone’s face before. He did not even excuse himself from the meeting, instead just sprang up his chair tipping over in the process he ran towards the chambers. As he reached them he stuttered to a halt, staring into the room as though he could not believe his eyes as he looked in and saw her sitting up, looking back at him. “Roegan…” his voice was little more than a whisper as he slowly walked into the room, the warrior simply stared at him, eyes still wide with confusion. The chirurgeon smiled, and began to leave, walking past Lord Durendaire whom was sat in startled silence. Once outside the chirurgeon went to inform Lucia of the development, and that she may want to tell the Lord to return later. “Roegan. I thought you were lost.” Aymeric was saying as he came and sat on the bed next to her, she just cocked her head, still confused, where was she? Where was Zenos? Who was that man in her vision? What was happening??? But these thoughts would have to wait as Aymeric pulled into an embrace so tight she was winded! Was then that she heard a noise, she pulled away from his embrace and looked at him. He was…crying? What? “Aymeric, by the fury, whatever is the matter!?” She wiped the tears from his face. Aymeric laughed, “Nothing. Nothing is the matter, not anymore.” And he pulled her towards him for a kiss, which she gladly accepted and returned in kind. Breaking it though sooner than he wanted judging his reaction. “Sorry, but… I have questions.” “Of course.” He said, moving to sit on the chair by her bedside, which Roegan suspected he had been inhabiting a lot recently. Aymeric filled her in on what happened. Swept from the jaws of death by Estinien, who had left as quickly as he had come, naturally. Then Aymeric, with the help of Cid had brought her to Ishguard to recover, which explained where she was and how she had got there. Aymeric explained she had been out for days. “Days!?” she exclaimed. “Yes.” He responded solemnly, squeezing her hand. She looked over at him eyes wide, then regarded him properly for the first time. Hair messier than usual, eyes tired and somewhat reddened, paler than usual… it became painfully obvious that her suspicions about his habitation of that chair were correct and he had not left for days. Now it was her turn to reach over and pull him towards her, her turn to hold him tightly. “I’m so sorry” she whispered. Aymeric laughed again, “Roe, you have nothing to apologise for! Whoever has been calling to you though… him I want a word with”, Roegan laughed, Aymeric just looked at her, grinning, Roegan paused. “What?” She said, feeling a little self concious under his gaze. “Nothing. I just, began to feel I would never hear you laugh again. I missed it. I missed you.” Once again she pulled him towards her, this time pulling him off his chair and onto the bed with her, with her hands clasping his robes tightly she kissed him, eventually letting go, allowing her arms to snake around his head as his found her waist. After the kiss ended they stayed locked together, foreheads touching. “Stay.” He whispered at her, she opened her eyes finding his perfect blue orbs boring into her, begging. “As if i would leave you yet.” She responded, gently stroking his hair from his face. He smiled at her, “I love you, my warrior of light.” “I love you too, Lord Commander.”