revolutionne | ❧ open post

[ She can imagine so, particularly as she has done her share of teasing him about his following to make light of the awkwardness she imagines he must inwardly feel at social events. But it’s true, Aymeric’s political status is rather different from hers and they don’t have the same social pressures applied against them.

His quick apology serves as a reminder of this to her. She frowns to herself and hesitates before answering, uncertain if that is quite enough honesty for one night. She always feels a sort of uncomfortable twinge of discontent whenever he calls her by the appropriate honorific. ]

Though I am confident you would say the same to any other woman, on occasion I wonder... would you still feel you have been so indecent were I not a queen?

[ It is a fair question and one that Aymeric gives a decent moment's thought, though in the end he comes to the same conclusion. ]

To someone who has gained my admiration and respect, not through her title, but through her deeds and actions? Yes. 'Twould be remiss of me to put her ill at ease under any circumstances, nor have my intentions become misguided.

But I believe we both know that outside of private correspondences, station rightfully supersedes much.

She never said she was uneasy.

[ Honestly, perhaps just the opposite, really. Unfortunately, as far as misguided intentions and responsibilities go, again, he’s right. She sighs, frowning to herself as she reads his message over and over again. ]

I understand. I would have to agree.

[ His own reputation is not of concern, having spent a long time crafting it thusly, but he does care for hers and what conflict he might incidentally bring to it.

Yet, perhaps there is a bit to the wine speaking for him as he finds himself typing against his better judgment. ]

Would that it not be so...

[ Cecil doesn’t have the excuse of wine— just her own sentimentality and recklessness. And it is reckless, isn’t it? Admitting there’s some manner of attraction between them that isn’t mere obligation or even purely platonic, when neither of them really have the freedom to act on such feelings. She knows it as well as Aymeric does and she knows this is her cue to bid him goodnight, yet she doesn’t. ]

Perhaps any possible action either of us would take, were our circumstances not so, is best explored in private, as you say.

[ He sits up outright to read the message once, twice--the motion is enough to stir his cat who voices his displeasure. Aymeric then must attend to Ser Croquembouche's complaints until the elderly feline settles back against him. But it does afford him a moment to think before hastily replying.

Then he had not read too deeply into their banter? A part of him had hoped, yet he attributed it mostly to his own feelings. They are absolutely toeing a line they ought not, yet he pushes it all the same. ]

Indeed, it would behoove the both of us to discretion.

[ Though Cecil has no pet to disturb when she rolls over onto her stomach after reading Aymeric’s message the first time, she’s just as surprised to see he agrees with her as he is to see she returns his feelings. Perhaps even more surprised. Even now, Cecil has the bad habit of putting others on pedestals and Aymeric is hardly the first potential paramour that she’s been afraid to sully. If anything, she expected him to tell her she was being foolish and that they couldn’t possibly entertain the notion of indulging their feelings for one another even in written word. He’s older, more experienced, and certainly has a cleaner track record when it comes to being a pillar of virtue and nobleness.

But he... isn’t telling her any of that. Instead, he’s validating her and now also agreeing to engage in a clandestine romance with her. He truly feels something for her and she’s touched that he’s willing to risk his reputation to be with her. She’s happy, excited, and really wishing she was closer to him right now. ]

Aymeric... You warm my heart.

I want to see you. Soon? I am even more envious of Ser Croquembouche now.

[ Older, yes, but more experienced? Perhaps less so in matters of the heart than one might imagine. He has ever been guilty of holding onto is feelings for another quietly for long stretches of time, making small hints at the most yet never expecting reciprocation nor right out admitting to them. Despite his feeling, romance has always been a notion that he sets aside, knowing there are more important matters at hand, duties and obligations that require his utmost attention. To force another to share that burden would be the least loving thing he could do to someone he cares about.

Yet times have changed. The world is changed--still changing. The endless war is over and new challenges bring themselves forward, but Aymeric sees hope in his kin and country for the first time and he is want to follow it through. Somehow despite his own responsibilities having doubled (if he is being modest), there are areas in which he feels more free. Perhaps, in part, for the first time he feels that maybe his affections would not be a burden on someone else who also must put their kin and country first and would not fault him for doing the same.

It's a bold move on both their parts--but he is feeling rather bold at the moment. ]

I will make time. That I take a few days leave has been impressed upon me much of late. Mayhaps it is time that I heed that advice.

Do not, he can be a horrendous bedfellow despite all his better qualities.

[ Cecil chuckles quietly at that, imagining the feline giving Aymeric a headache by mewling loudly late at night, and she must admit she finds it hard to think of Ser Croquembouche as anything but amicable. She is also fiercely biased though and they all know that. ]

Nonsense. He's a perfect little gentleman always, I am sure.

Certainly we would be happy to host you here in Baron for a spell. Or I could slip away to neutral ground, if you would prefer to holiday somewhere not quite so far from home.

[ That prompts Aymeric to turn to said cat and share the news. "Did you hear that, Bouche? Someone is advocating for your good nature." Unsurprisingly, Ser Croquembouche opens his eyes in a silent way that conveys displeasure at being bothered after he has only just settled back in.

Point taken. ]

You might be the only person other than myself so readily jumping in his defense. I wish I could assure you that he appreciated it, but he is woefully selfish in that regard.

[ Aymeric loves his cat, through and through. No matter how cranky he's become. ]

I must admit that the opportunity to travel beyond Ishgard's borders is always appealing to me. Would it be much trouble?

[ If they are trying to be discreet, after all. ]

Poor Ser Croquembouche... He is so misunderstood! A tired old knight like himself who has served for all his life is owed his share of sympathy.

[ Definitely biased towards fluffy white things. Although Namingway is a rather unique example of his race, he’s certainly grown more... eccentric as of late. Most would use words like “tiresome” and “tedious” to describe the Hummingway with a strange habit of changing his name often, but Cecil still has a soft spot for him. ]

I do not foresee there being trouble, no. In fact, I wager it will be easier to travel undetected away from both Ishgard and Baron.

Where did you have in mind?

He has certainly earned a peaceful retirement, should he actually allow that to happen. I daresay that if you keep this up you may earn a more than lukewarm welcome next time.

[ Granted, a "lukewarm" greeting is usually the best case scenario when Ser Croquembouche meets someone new. It is far more common that he make his displeasure known immediately, if he deigns to grace them with his presence at all. ]

I am endeavouring to find a place that will offer both privacy an anonymity, both of which would be difficult on the western side of Aldenard. I have heard much of peoples being able to be lost in the comings and goings in Vylbrand, however. Though mayhaps there is someplace more amicable to my lady?

I will have to remember to bring some special treats for him next time. Normally I would not deign to utilize bribery, of course, but with elderly felines, I feel it is more akin to tribute than bribes.

With winter close at hand, Vylbrand would be a more than welcome change of scenery and climate for both of us, I imagine. The Baron coast is cooling down quite a bit these days. La Noscea is also a decent midway point between our homes as well, so I find Vylbrand satisfyingly amicable.

I ought to advise against it, but it is rather hard not to want to spoil him. I am confident he agrees.

[ At the end of the day he is just as much a cat dad as he is a politician. ]

Vylbrand it is, then. I have a series of scheduled appearances and meetings in the next two coming weeks, but I should be able to make time after, if that is amicable?

[ Cat Dad Aymeric is honestly one of her favs. Something about a gorgeous, powerful man being at the mercy of a fluffy little four-legged creature is just very endearing. It shows the depth of his kind heart, which is one of the traits of his Cecil is most attracted to. ]

Part of me feels it is not soon enough, but even I must admit that I am likely needed far too much here at home to get away any sooner than a fortnight from now. So, yes, that is perfectly fine as far as a plan goes.

[ Or maybe it's just the fact that he might just be a pushover in some avenues. Who can say no to a fuzzy little face? Even if claws come with it. May Ser Croquembouche reign supreme on the Borel Manor for years to come... ]

May the bells pass quickly in anticipation. How much leave do you believe you would be afforded?

Well, as I am queen, I could give myself as much leave as I wanted, but since I am also not so terribly irresponsible, I am also going to say possibly a week if I work extra hard for the next two weeks. How long were you thinking?

Is it shameful to say a week would be the longest break I have had in summers past?

Mmmm... shameful? No. Not exactly surprising either, if I am being honest. Rather noble of you.

I can arrive a couple days before you. To be safe. Then you will not have to take a full week and you can keep your record.

Noble, is it? I shall remember that the next time my working habits are called into question by well-meaning colleagues.

[ Lucia is sure to have thoughts on that. ]

Our meeting would be pure coincidence, would it not? That may be the wiser choice for a multitude of reasons.

Certainly. It is noble to be so selfless and have such a superb work ethic. You know I have a lot of respect for you because of your dedication to your homeland. But I also understand why they are concerned. I only feel it would be a bit too hypocritical of me to scold you for your habit to overwork yourself for long.

Yes! Exactly what I was thinking.

There hardly seems enough time in a day, is there? Though you afford me far too much credit, my lady.

[ Were any of them able to accomplish what they wished in a reasonable amount of time... ]

Well then, I believe all is left is to see what accommodations are available. I am not certain if this happens to be a busy time of year.

And you afford yourself too little.

I imagine it is a bit colder at this time of the year there, but that is something we will have to look into. Either way, do you think it would be wiser to find lodging near one another or...?

I fear that too close may arouse suspicion, but too far may make any planned rendezvous more difficult. Mayhaps somewhere in between? From what I understand, they offer private bungalows.

No, you are correct. It will be more difficult to claim mere coincidence should we draw attention if we have to travel long to see one another.

I suppose that then is all we need decide for now. I admit the next several days are going to feel quite long.

❧ open post

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

me, googling all the ffiv locations...

lmao me, but with ffxiv, because i haven't really played since like 3.5 released, cries

oh good so we're both flying blind LOL

my rp existence is to prove the blind can in fact lead the blind, lol. (also happy all saints wake!)

thank you, you too! I hope it was a good one

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)

(no subject)