thefeywood | why don't you figure my heart out?

Aymeric smiles despite the tentative nature of the success of his proposal to the Azure Dragoon--such an offer would be one the man could easily turn down, but if they are truly otherwise unencumbered by obligations to the horde, it would look good for all parties to take part in joint efforts. At least in Aymeric's eyes.

"Mayhaps having a few of your cohorts vouch for the idea as well may yet sway his opinion?"

Yes, he is a little hopeful at the notion not just for seeing his idea blossom, but the idea of getting to work on the field again with Estinien. Potentially.

"Something to think about, at least. I may be getting a little ahead of myself...Ser Handeloup himself had shown some interest in the drills I suggested in passing, so I am eager to see things move apace."

Ser Heustienne would doubtlessly go for it, he thinks. She was always eager to take on whatever additional challenges she could, and was especially inclined towards cooperation with the other dragoons. There were a few other dragoons he could imagine appreciating additional training as well. Maybe that'd be the best place to start.

He nods his head. Estinien isn't exactly the best at convincing people of things, but when it's an idea that is highly rooted in common sense, it shouldn't require much persuasion.

"Coordinating our effort would be to the benefit of us all," he agrees. "If your plans manifest in earnest, I will be sure to do what I can to push them forward."

He would also like being able to work with Aymeric more directly.

He visibly brightens at Estinien's agreement. Truly if Estinien thought the idea was a folly and there was no chance of cooperation of the Knights Dragoon he would say as much--his honesty and frankness being two of the traits that drew Aymeric to him in the first place. Such things he values still.

"As always you have my unyielding gratitude," he says, bumping his knee with Estinien's in an almost boyish manner with ease he is only prone to when they are alone.

"Now I should hope that concludes our professional business for the afternoon! Tell me what else you have seen of late. You do travel farther than I will ever be stationed."

Estinien blinks at him, as if incredulous that he thinks that Estinien has any life outside of the professional when Aymeric is away. But he supposes he can talk about the sights at least.

"We did see the closest edges of Dravania," he says. "Further into the mountains, where the trees stand aloft on great roots, each fork rivalling a full Gridanian oak. An entire manor house could have been build beneath them... only for the canopy to be a small dot of coloured leaves on top. Backwards things, they were."

He thinks about it a bit longer, then shakes his head.

"The terrain made it difficult to see much further without taking us dangerously far above cover, but we could still behold Sohm Al looming in the distance."

Edited 2020-11-22 01:31 (UTC)

Aymeric is happy to chew on another cookie as he let's Estinien paint a picture for him. It is not the most descriptive, but he can still allow his imagination to fill in the gaps. Tall trees hovering above the ground, long and naked but for a soft top of foliage at the top. Trees so large that it would dwarf the manors of the high houses--he loves it.

Long has he wished to see the great trees of the Shroud in person, and to think that Dravania has similar flora makes him brim with excitement.

"Sohm Al..." he breathes, turning his eyes to the western horizon. Somewhere out there behind the jagged mountains, the holy ground to dragonkind.

"What I would I give to gaze upon that peak under...better circumstances."

Estinien wishes he could offer that chance, but it's not as simple as ferrying him up to the top of the Vault or other places in the city. Even for the dragoons, it's a constant risk to be that close to the Dravanian homeland - Sohm Al in particular.

"The top is severed and floats above, much like the islands of the Sea of Clouds. I could see a light radiating within it, but I know not what from. Crystals, I would think."

He lowers his gaze.

"One day, I would see Ishgard take the fight to the wyrm's doorstep. Mayhap then."

A light hum of agreement. Crystals and concentrated aether would be fitting, would it not? Man has employed much in terms of transportation, though it does worry him to think of how already powerful dragons may employ such resources. Surely they would have by now if it could be use against Ishgard?

"When that day comes, I hope that I am by your side." Not just to see Sohm Al on his own, but to support Estinien, his dream, and Ishgard as a whole. "I do believe we may yet see the end of this war in our lifetime and usher in a new era for Ishgard."

Estinien falls quiet, his expression becoming reflective once again. Worries turn in his gut as Aymeric expresses what is complete and utter support. He avoids spending much time thinking of what will happen after his destined battle, and it's for a reason.

"I would more keenly hope that you remain by my side after the battle," he says, more quietly. "And I yours."

He often thinks of himself as disposable - he's practically been trained to - but it's harder to do that when it comes t imagining Aymeric there with him. As much as dealing with the aftermath feels like something he would rather not contemplate.

Aymeric's smile only grows, eyes lightly crinkling the corners as he nods. The thought of them standing shoulder to shoulder at the end--wyrm vanquished, Ishgard finally free of such a bloody tradition. And...hopefully in many respects, Estinien's own demons vanquished as well. He looks forward to the future where his friend has less weight on his shoulders. Where he can finally settle the past.

"That goes without saying." He inclines his head and closes his eyes as he allows the image he has conjured up to settle where it belongs--in his heart where he can hold it dear until the time comes to compare it to the reality of their victory.

"Mayhaps in ten years time we will be sitting on this very same roof and look back on such events, reminiscing when they were only but a dream."

Given Estinien's incapability of imagining a future that involves himself, that idea is almost too fanciful to believe. That someday he might be older and at peace, that Aymeric would still be with him, even then. That he could live for something beyond his revenge.

It's an inspiring concept, but it's also an emotional one. Estinien looks downward, his eyes growing distant again, and he finds himself at a loss as he wordlessly nods his head.

Finally, he reaches over and pats his hand on Aymeric's knee, and then leaves it to rest there as they gaze out over the city. When words fail him, he can only hope that gestures will suffice.

Though he can't quite picture it, it's an ideal he'll also keep in his heart. Something to think of, even when it seems impossible.

Many things may seem impossible, but Aymeric is a firm believer that few truly are. With their determination and dedication, they will see results. It only needs take some time.

He has learned to be a patient man out of necessity--patient with his own progress, patient with other's acceptance of him, no matter how much he would prefer to fast-track both. It has and will serve him well, but that does not mean he ignores all available opportunities to push forward when they appear.

As such, his proposal is surprisingly not shot down by the other Captains stationed in the Western Highlands, Ser Handeloup's own vocal approval doubtlessly assisted in that. Aymeric had been a little concerned that his own spearheading the effort would reflect poorly and seem like he is overreaching his recently appointed station, but give the whispers he has hear of such, none came forth in the meetings. There is progress that may, in fact, be made.

Yet not everything is going as smoothly. When his squadron returns from their latest patrol, they come with some troubling news. Minute to the Holy See and to the general efforts of the Temple Knights, but with the village now in Aymeric's territory of influence, he takes their protection seriously. And protection comes in more forms than that of sword and shield and lance.

Becoming a Captain has moved Aymeric off of the battlefield in recent weeks and more deeply into networking with other squadrons. As much as he prefers the action, he's finding that despite his lack of experience in martial networking, he's rather good at this.

It is in one such discussion with another Captain--an older Elezen, having been with the Knights for many decades, face wary but not entirely guarded as he is speaking to Aymeric--that Aymeric spots a familiar helm.

Really, it could be any of the Dragoons realistically, but Aymeric likes to believe he knows Estinien's general posture and aura that he would recognize him in any state. Though his heart calls out enthusiastically towards his friend, Aymeric offers a simple nod and a smile of acknowledgment across the hall. The motion does catch the other Captain's attention, but Aymeric deftly diverts the conversation back.

"--and I do believe it would benefit all parties involved. Though the Dravanians have been quiet of late, it is best we take such opportunities as presented to prepare ourselves for the next inevitable wave over the spine."

"Mm...indeed. You raise a point, Ser Aymeric. I will give it due thought."

"That is all I request. Thank you for your time."

It is, in fact, Estinien - in the middle of actively seeking Aymeric out, having heard he was back in the congregation. Of course, when he notices that Aymeric is in the middle of a discussion, he stops and keeps to the wall, crossing his arms as he waits for them to finish up.

It doesn't take long. The older Elezen heads off, and Aymeric is left available for the moment. Estinien finishes his approach, raising an unseen eyebrow. The dragoon helmet does make him damn near impossible to read.

Thankfully, as has become his habit, when he closes quarters with Aymeric and sees no other interruptions, he makes to slide off his helmet, long white hair pooling around his shoulders. He casts his steely gaze in the other Captain as he leaves, and then focuses intently on Aymeric.

"Well met, Ser Aymeric," he says with a small nod. "Have your plans been coming together?"

As soon as Estinine approaches, he gets Aymeric's full attention and a widening smile. Though he is generally congenial to all at the Congregation, it is easy to see the genuine happiness that emanates from the greetings he shares with Estinien. At least to anyone looking.

"Ser Estinien," he says with no small amount of pleasure. "Surprisingly well, actually. The initial overtures have been made and we need only but two more companies to sign on before it will have enough support to bring to the Lord Commander's desk. And how fare you this day? It is rare that we catch one another in these halls."

Estinien's expression remains more neutral in this context, but he's clear from his eyes and from the way he so eagerly came over that he's glad to have caught him in a quiet moment. He's been very glad to see Aymeric make progress with no unreasonable interruptions.

"I did mention the idea to a few of the other dragoons," he says. "They were not opposed. If it receives approval from the Lord Commander, it seems like a sensible step to add our numbers, as well."

He's certainly keeping his appraisal understated, knowing that the dragoons do tend to have fairly narrow focuses when it comes to their tasks.

"Ser Heustienne, in particular, seemed interested in the collaboration - no doubt, as an opportunity to advance her leadership abilities."

Aymeric is visibly pleased by the progress made on Estinien's end too, though he knows putting the idea in the Knights Dragoon's heads is all that is needed at the current moment. Having any of them on their side would be a boon and offer even more clout for the venture. Truthfully, Aymeric would like to see these drills also corroborated with the Houses stationed in the area--

--but one thing at at time, he reminds himself.

The mention of Heustienne in particular does pull a moment's pause and a raise of a single brow.

"Is that so?" Estinien likely has a few thoughts on the matter. "And what do you think of said leadership abilities?"

Estinien's eyes lift, surveying the area to see if they are receiving any unwanted attention. Then, he shrugs his shoulders.

"She is interested in the mantle of Azure Dragoon, and sees those skills as a path towards defining herself for the role." Aymeric is fully aware of how critical that entire area of consideration is for Estinien, but in the moment, he keeps that burning desire concealed. "We have different priorities."

He shakes his head.

"I do not fault her for her ambition. She has more patience than I for such matters." But also he desperately needs her to not succeed in outpacing him.

Estinien's skills are what carries his reputation more than anything, but if Heustienne does have more of a talent for dealing with the politics that come with such a position, Estinien may yet have some true competition. Of course, that would be if ascension to any station were as simple as that...they both know better.

Estinien even says as much and Aymeric does allow a bit of a smile to come back.

"Her current show of support will be welcomed, though you are, of course, the first to bring the idea to the Knights Dragoon." He thinks that is an important distinction to make.

"What of your schedule for the rest of the day? My squadron should be returning from their last patrol any moment now."

There is the unspoken offer of meeting them, should he feel inclined. Of course, it is also the opportunity for Estinien to make like a true Dragoon and jump out of a situation he prefers to avoid.

Estinien doesn't care for the idea of petty squabbles over who did or didn't introduce ideas first, as much as he knows that trying to retain credit is crucial for advancement. It chafes against is sensibilities, though, and part of him would rather Heustienne remain in the spotlight for the endeavour, if she does end up giving Aymeric's plans the advantage they need.

Ser Draneux would certainly be more willing to listen to her. Yet, a trace of anxiety does stir within him, even if it's one he would rather banish. It seems ridiculous that dragoons should be in such a situation, wishing for others to perform at less than their best.

Aymeric makes his offer, though, which allows Estinien to put such issues to the side. With his helmet off, Aymeric will also be able to catch his hesitation. He wonders if he should put it back on.

"...Naught but personal training," he says, after a pause. "If you have use of my presence, I can easily remain."

Yes, he will meet your new team. Though he hopes the lancer boy will contain his enthusiasm.

He does understand that social obligations are far from his preference, but Aymeric has been wanting to introduce him to his squadron...well, pretty much since it's inception. That Estinien agrees at this point is something that brings him great joy.

"It would do well to bolster their resolve, being such a new company. And I am always glad of your presence."

Estinien can put his helmet back on if he prefers.

With that, Aymeric starts to lead them down the hallway and up the steps to the small shared office he has with three other Captains. Small squadrons have little need of the full space. Aymeric doesn't mind, though he has yet to really make any strides with the two he does share the office with, both being stationed in other areas around Coerthas.

That being said, neither Captain are in the office when he and Estinien arrive. It is empty as he imagined it may be.

Aymeric moves to the desk settled on the right, the least cluttered given the fact that Aymeric has only recently settled into the role and his general inclination towards organization. Naegling is propped up beside it.

Aymeric sighs, moving to stand in front of his desk and instead leans back against it.

"As you can see, I am clearly moving up the in the world," he waves out to the office, but in good humor.

Estinien decides not to put the helmet back on, as it turns out, keeping it tucked under his arm as they head upstairs. He is relieved to see the office in question is empty, though, as it means that he has time to settle in first, and also there are fewer overall people to worry about.

He takes a few moments to look around, passingly curious about the work environment a Captain enjoys. It's nothing surprising, though he is slightly amused to see Aymeric's giant sword propped up against it. That blade had been at the center of some interesting training sessions.

"You do have a desk," he says with some slight amusement, setting his helmet on top of it for the time being. As a dragoon he does get a small room to himself, but a desk is something is order does not find itself in need of.

Aymeric chuckles and crosses his arms.

"Aye, they have afforded me that and I am grateful for it, though I do not spend as much time in here as I feel that it is explicitly necessary."

With his squadron so few in number, he takes to the field more than Captains of more experience or larger reports may. And it is probably unsurprising that he is the sort to take work home with him too.

"It seems more a formality than anything else, as I rarely see my...roommates of sorts. Similar duties, but in different regions of the Highlands. But I have made it a habit to hold regular office hours when all of my charges are in town."

He glances at a clock on the wall.

"And Ser Saidine is ever dutiful and thorough in her reports, repetitive though they have been. As much as I would prefer to be out on the field with them, I do realize that such tasks may need to be delegated. I want to garner a show of trust in both their martial prowess and decision making skills. I would seem overeager to accompany them on every routine patrol, would I not?"

Maybe he is looking for a little validation, but he knows Estinien would only give it if he agreed.

Estinien feels as if what his own inclination would be isn't all that indicative. There's a reason that making Captain was never one of his goals.

"Were it my position, I imagine I would send myself to the field regardless," he says. Then, he shrugs his shoulders. "But that is why I am not a Captain. Until we begin facing sterner advances from Dravania, this seems entirely reasonable."

Besides that, Estinien can't help but feel some relief to know that Aymeric is away from such duties. The fact that they twice had their unit devestated while on routine patrols has not left his thoughts.

He would never say as much, though.

Aymeric finds himself smiling at that, unsurprising though that is. "I cannot deny that I would prefer to be out on the field with them, even if it is just making rounds."

He is, of course, blissfully unaware of his friend's wishes to see him not. Probably for the best.

And as if on cue, there is a knock at the door with Saidine's familiar voice announcing her presence. Aymeric pushes off his desk, standing properly and straightening his shoulders. Though he does not appear unfriendly, he is definitely "on" in the professional sense. He gives a nod to Estinien before facing the door.

"Come in."

The door opens and two knights walk in--a tall, dark-haired Elezen woman with a stern brow but light smile until she stops to salute, all business. Beside her is a Hyuran man of middling height with short, ashy brown hair who salutes just a second after she does. Though his gaze is straight ahead towards Aymeric at first, it readily flicks back and forth between his captain and the very obvious Dragoon standing a few fulms away.

The lance at his back probably gives away exactly who this is.

"At ease," Aymeric says with a smile. Both Knights relax into their proper stances. "How went the rounds?"

"As expected, Captain," the woman--unmistakably the Ser Saidine Aymeric had mentioned previously--begins. "Naught an onze of unexpected Dravanian activity."

Aymeric nods. "Good to hear. And your times?"

"On a clear day it will take but 10 minutes to make it to the Black Iron Bridge on foot once we receive word, Captain." Unsurprisingly, Aymeric is already running drills of his own regardless of whether or not the other squadrons sign on. "Ideally we will not be without a chocobo."

Another nod, but Aymeric is visibly pleased. "'Tis prudent to be prepared for all circumstances. Good work, Sers."

The Hyur, Ser Theodlac, does seem to brighten at the praise, though he is staring fully at Estinien at this point. It does not go without notice, though Saidine has the manners not to.

"Ah, forgive me, I should introduce my guest." Aymeric half-turns towards Estinien and motions with his hand to Estinien, then to his knights. "Ser Estinien Wyrmblood of the Knights Dragoon. Ser Estinien, this is Ser Saidine Glourie and Ser Theodlac Todd."

Saidine and Theodlac both salute, the latter of the two trying very hard to contain his brimming excitement.

In this moment, Estinien does end up wishing that he'd decided to wear his helmet. It means he has to put more effort into managing his expression - through his natural inclination towards stoic expressions is to his advantage here.

The moment Ser Theodlac starts looking at him, he feels a bit overwhelmed. Still, he manages to regard the Hyur with a steely expression, inclining his head with professional distance as he's introduced.

"Ser Aymeric has spoken well of you," he says, which is certainly friendly by his standards. As much as he finds Theodlac's enthusiasm daunting, he can't exactly find it in himself to discourage someone looking to pursue the lance. He just wishes that passion wasn't being thrust in his direction.

He keeps it at that, for now. He's mostly here to listen.

Saidine allows her lips to twitch upwards a minute enough, but it is enough to please her. She knows that she does a good job, but that does not mean that she doesn't appreciate positive appraisals. She has ambitions to move up in the ranks as well and seems undeterred by their current assignments, no matter how minimal they may appear.

"Kind of you to say, Ser Estinien."

Theodlac, on the other hand, is of course happy to have the confidence of his captain, but is really struggling to care about much else than the fact there is a very stern-looking dragoon right in front of him. Full drachen armor. It is, undeniably, one of the most exciting things he has seen in a long time.

"Ser Estinien--" Theodlac starts, before sharing a quick glance with Aymeric to see if he really is okay to ask. Aymeric cocks his head to the side in Estinien's direction, so Theodlac continues. "--is it true that you slew a dragon before you even began the Dragoon trials?"

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