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The Aery

It’s so pretty!!!!! I love it TwT

PROMPT #20 BISECT

(Continuing on from where I left off in prompt #19. The thesis comes at the end. XD)

HEAT LEVEL: SENSUAL Cue the euphemisms and spicy kisses.

*Also brief Wyrm violence.

It wasn’t long before everyone knew about Saoirse and Estinien’s relationship, and the more anyone called attention to it the more embarrassed Saoirse was and the angrier Estinien became. She knew they were only teasing, but Estinien wasn’t so forgiving. And to make matters worse, Estinien’s opinion on Haurchefant made Saoirse question their friendship.

She’d tried to explain that Haurchefant’s actions meant nothing, but Estinien wouldn’t hear it.

“I don’t care what lies that deviant said to convince you he was innocent, but if he’d wanted to merely spur my jealousy, he could have done so without a confession! I cannot tell you what mad method he’s schemed to do it, but he means to have you, so stay away from him,” was all he’d say on the matter.

But even Estinien’s sour attitude made her happy. He cared enough to be jealous and to endure the others despite the embarrassment. And when they were alone…nothing else mattered.

Saoirse was in the middle of organizing her gear for their journey into The Aery when Estinien entered her chambers.

“Ready for tomorrow?” She set her staff aside and took Estinien by the hand. She worried what this next quest would bring. It was true that he loved her, but Estinien’s life was consumed by his want for Nidhogg’s end…and she was afraid he’d pursue it even if it meant his death.

“Aye. I’ve been ready for some time now.” He brushed his thumb against the top of her hand. “There’s just one final task I must attend to.” Estinien sat on the edge of the bed behind him, and guided Saoirse toward him by the hand. He looked up at her and waited for her emerald irises to meet his before leading her gaze to his lap.

Saoirse’s face reflected the warmth of her body, but she didn’t let her nervousness keep her from him. She straddled his hips and wrapped her arms around the back of his neck. She met his eyes for a moment before looking away. It was too much. He was too much, and she was certain her heart would burn out if it continued at its current pace. “If you have other things to do, don’t let me keep you.”

Estinien placed his hand to her cheek and forced her to face him. “All that’s left is you.” He traced the skin of her thigh with his fingertips as he kissed the nape of her neck. “Stay with me tonight.”

Saoirse bit her lip to stifle her excitement and she placed her hand on Estinien’s before he reached the hem of her skirt. “Estinien, I…this is a little sudden.” She looked down at him and ran her fingers through his hair. “Don’t get me wrong, I want to be with you…but the timing…is everything alright?”

“Impeccably so.” He undid the top button of Saoirse’s blouse.

“Estinien, stop trying to distract me and talk to me.” Saoirse grasped his wandering hands. “You’re not telling me something. I can tell because it’s unlike you to be slow and sweet.”

“Oh, then what am I like?”

“A feral beast.” Saoirse smiled and kissed his forehead.

“Is that what you prefer?”

“We’re getting off topic!” Saoirse’s face flushed red and she diverted her gaze. “You’re up to something.”

Estinien sighed. “Fine…I suppose what’s to come has some bearing on my motives, but it doesn’t change my want.” He used his index finger and thumb to turn her chin back to him. He brushed her bangs aside and smiled softly. “You are a capable woman with exceptional gifts, and full proud am I to have fought at your side but…Nidhogg is my foe to face, and no matter what befalls us, should I fail…You are not to fight in my place. Even if it means my end.”

Saoirse’s mouth parted slightly, and she looked at Estinien with a deep sadness. “Is that what this is…one night together just in case it’s our last?” She stood and backed away from him. “I won’t…I won’t stand back and watch you die. We either come back together or we don’t come back at all.”

“Saoirse, you know that’s not an option. Eorzea will see another day without me, but not without you. This is not a request.” He cupped her face in his hands. “Nor is this an admission of doubt. Our victory is near certainty, but I won’t leave room for regret should my confidence be misguided.”

“Well, then I guess you’ll just have to be absolutely certain you’ll live.” Saoirse grabbed Estinien by the shoulders and forced him to turn around.“If you want to know me…then you’ll have to do everything you can to return safely with me to Ishgard.” She pushed him toward the door. “There a warm bed will be waiting for you.” She swung the door open and gave a final shove.

Estinien dug in his heels before she could push him out and he looked back at her. “You would use our union as a tool to bargain?”

She nodded, a resolute look in her eyes.

“Hmm.” He looked away in thought before returning his attention to her with a smile. “Then there is no other path to follow…I will succeed.” He kissed the top of her head. “Rest well, Saoirse.”

She embraced him a final time, holding a little tighter than normal. She wanted to believe Estinien would return with her at any cost, but she knew in her heart that he’d die there if it meant Nidhogg fell with him.

******************************************************************************

With the use of Cid’s latest airship prototype breaching the howling barrier surrounding The Aery had been a simple enough task, and while facing Nidhogg’s followers was certainly troublesome, they’d done so without sustaining any major damage.

Nidhogg no longer had anyone to stand behind. Saoirse used her magic one last time to heal their wounds before facing him. Estinien marched up the steps ahead of her and was first to engage him.

His strikes were effortless with such precision that there was little reason for Saoirse to attack. Instead she focused her magic on protecting Estinien.

Nidhogg was weakened, and Estinien could sense it. He drew back, putting space between them.

Nidhogg seethed but Estinien said nothing. He merely grinned as he greeted Nidhogg with his stolen eye.

Nidhogg roared in fury. “Thou wouldst use mine own eye against me!? Time has done naught to dilute thy kind’s depravity. I have not forgotten thee, dragoon. Mine essence claimed thee once…and shall do so again.”

Estinien raised his lance unmoved by fear. “No, wyrm. This ends here!” He leaped to deliver a final blow, but as he did a large group of smaller wyrm lying in wait in the surrounding rock appeared and knocked him from the air before he could change his trajectory.

“Estinien!” Saoirse ran to his aid, wielding stone to push back the dragons surrounding him. She knelt beside him. “Are you alright? Can you stand?”

“Saoirse, you must withdraw.” He moved her aside. “Now.”

She glanced back and saw Nidhogg charged and ready to attack. She quickly stood in front of Estinien and cast a barrier to repel Nidhogg’s flame.

“Don’t be a fool! Your barrier will not hold!”

Saoirse looked back at Estinien and smiled softly. “I know.” Her barrier caved to Nidhogg’s might and she bore the brunt of the blast. The impact sent her body backward, but Estinien caught her, letting her weight crash against him. She was still, her eyes closed, and there was a tranquility to her features despite the debris and lacerations along her face and body.

“Saoirse?” It was faint but he felt her chest rise and fall. She was alive, but she wouldn’t be for long. “We will return to Ishgard together.” Saoirse’s barrier had maintained long enough to restore his strength and he wouldn’t let her sacrifice be in vain. He gently laid her down and enveloped her in Draconian Light before turning his red gaze on Nidhogg. “You will feel every moment of her pain.” He raised his lance and soared one final time, driving his weapon into Nidhogg’s head. Nidhogg raised his wings and attempted to shake Estinien free from him as he took to the sky, but Estinien would not be satisfied until Nidhogg breathed his last. He held on and struck Nidhogg again, this time piercing his eye. “You gifted my people a thousand years of suffering, now I gift you an eternity in darkness!” Estinien twisted his lance and ripped Nidhogg’s eye from his socket, sending him spiraling to the ground.

Estinien jumped back to the platform where he’d left Saoirse and lifted her with care. Though he fell his greatest foe, it would mean nothing if she paid the price.

******************************************************************************

To everyone’s relief, Estinien had made it in time. Saoirse would recover, but the event had been too close a call for some.

“Lord Commander?” Estinien entered the Seat of the Lord Commander to meet Aymeric who sat at his desk looking over a map.

“Ah, Estinien, how are you fairing?”

“Well enough. You wished to speak with me?”

Aymeric nodded. “I’m sure you can presume why I requested an audience with you, so I will be to the point on the matter.” Aymeric set his elbows against the desk and folded his hands before him. “The incident with Saoirse at The Aery is concerning, and while I do not blame you, I do believe that had it been anyone else, the Warrior of Light would have acted with more sense, as is her normal decorum.”

Estinien narrowed his gaze. “And this means?”

“It is evident to everyone that she cares very deeply for you, Estinien and perhaps this clouded her judgement in the moment…and emotional response in lieu of a tactical one.”

“Say what you mean to say, Aymeric.”

Aymeric sighed. “I hate to be the one to do this, but perhaps it would be best if you distanced yourself from her. Your relationship may not be what’s best for her in the end…not now when so much else is at stake.”

“You would have me leave her? And pray tell, how do you propose I go about hurting her further? Or have you mapped out those steps to serve you as well?” Estinien slammed his hands against Aymeric’s desk and leaned toward him. “You would neglect her feelings to serve your needs?”

Aymeric stood to meet Estinien and met his gaze with the same fierceness. “This is bigger than you, Estinien. For once consider someone besides yourself!”

“It is her I am concerned for!”

“Is it? She almost died protecting you! You would subject her to that again?”

Estinien grabbed Aymeric by the collar. “So long as I am beside her I will shield her!”

“But you didn’t protect her!” Aymeric grabbed Estinien’s wrist. “You can wish and want for all your worth, but you have already failed her once. Next time she may not be so lucky.”

Estinien grew quiet and his hands slipped from Aymeric. “Ask nothing of me again.” He turned his back to Aymeric and headed for the door.

“Estinien, wait!” Aymeric watched as Estinien disappeared through front doors. He sunk back in his chair and looked to the ceiling. “She matters not only to you.” He covered his eyes with his hand and let silence take him. It was done.

******************************************************************************

Saoirse was awake and talking with Alphinaud when Estinien entered her quarters.

She smiled in his direction, but when he did not return her smile she worried. “Estinien? Are you feeling alright?”

He ignored her and looked to Alphinaud. “Might I have a moment alone with Saoirse?”

“Yes, certainly.” Alphinaud gave Saoirse one last smile and patted her hand. “I’m glad you’re well…You too Estinien.”

Estinien waited for Alphinaud to shut the door behind him before he brought his attention to Saoirse. “Could you not listen to me? I asked of you one plain matter.”

“I wasn’t going to stand back and do nothing. You were asking me to watch you suffer. I couldn’t do that.” Saoirse’s voice was soft, she didn’t want to argue, but she wanted him to see her side.

“But you would allow me to bear that guilt?”

“Estinien…That’s not…I didn’t want to lose you.” Saoirse pulled the covers back and turned to face Estinien fully. Her legs still too weak to stand.

Estinien looked to the floor and his voice was quiet, “I am not yours to lose.”

“What?”

“I was not in need of your help.” Estinien lifted his gaze and his cadence grew louder as he continued to speak, “I was well enough alone. I have always done well enough alone. Therein lies my mistake with you!”

Saoirse fought to swallow her tears. Her throat was tight from suppressing her sorrow and she struggled to reply.

“Whatever lust I disguised as love is not worth your burden.”

“You don’t mean that…You can’t…” She could no longer hide her hurt. Her tears stung as they traced the cuts along her cheek.

“You would do best to forget hollow words.” Estinien turned his back to her and placed his hand upon the door. “Though it hardly served a purpose, I will thank you for your selflessness…And know that I am sorry…had I realized how hopelessly asinine your feelings for me are, I never would have entertained the notion. I was mistaken not to let Haurchefant have you…spare myself the headache all this has caused.” Estinien opened the door and found Haurchefant standing on the other side with a tray of food and drink in his hands. “Ah, ‘tis fate. Your knight has come to care for you.” Estinien pushed past Haurchefant before anyone could respond.

At the end of the hall Aymeric stood. “Estinien I know—”

Estinien drove his fist into the wall beside Aymeric’s head. “I have failed her twice now…be swift in picking up the pieces and do not presume to speak to me again.” Estinien withdrew his knuckles and walked away.

Aymeric looked from Estinien’s fading figure in the distance to Haurchefant who’d been watching, but once the scene was done he turned to Saoirse who he’d originally come to see and noticed her head buried in her hands, her shoulders shaking with every sob.

Haurchefant quickly set the tray on the table nearby and rushed to her side. He knelt before her and forced her hands from her face. “Saoirse, what’s wrong? Has something happened?”

Saoirse opened her mouth to speak, but no words would find her. She slid from the bed and laid her head against Haurchefant’s chest and continued to cry.

Haurchefant sat back onto the floor and took her into his arms. He ran his hand through her hair and cooed, “It’ll be alright.”

She wanted to believe him, but in that moment, she wasn’t sure she believed anything anymore. What had so recently become one was once again two…and this time, she feared the divide was too great for their halves to ever make whole again.

To be continued?