I Sometimes Draw

It’s in the Witching hour Thancred returns to the Rising Stones from yet another stealth mission. His shoulders sag and his feet sore from the endless tracking he’s just accomplished. With most of the scions aside from the small handful on night watch turned in for the night, he decides the report is more than fine to turn in come morning. 

With a sigh, he rubs the back of his sore neck mentally debating on if he should take a shower or just crawl into bed. While it’s never appealing to lie in a clean bed with mission musk, his exhaustion does bring up a concern of passing out the moment he’s encompassed in the comforting warm water.  

His thoughts are interrupted when a fragrant sweet scent welcomes him, activating a low growl in his stomach. He supposed there’s nothing wrong with grabbing a quick bite from the communal kitchen before crashing for the night. As he furthers his journey down the hall he notices one of the lights on within the kitchen. 

There is a sneaking suspicion as to what soul would be up at this damned hour baking something and the

laughter that echoed confirmed it. 

“They better not be stress-baking again…” he sighs to himself, praying he’ll be intervening in time to avoid a repeat of the last incident. While delicious, it took forever to get through all of it and Tataru wasn’t too pleased with exceeding the grocery budget. Not to mention how long it took to work off the damage the carbs did to his seductive figure. His pace quickens. One step, two step and then-

“Quiet. You are going to wake up all of Mor Dhona at this rate.” A familiar gruff, brooding tone chastises. 

“Sorry-“ he hears you giggle. “You’re just really funny, you know?”

Thancred’s brows furrow. Estinien was a man of many things, sure but funny? Not intentionally at least. Well, you can be quite odd so your amusement in odd things should be of no surprise. 

He retracts his pace, slowing down as he quietly treads closer and closer to the kitchen. 

“In what ways do I amuse you?” Estinien inquires. 

Thancred has his back against the wall near the entry. Pausing for a moment he’s relieved to not hear any sounds that could allude to something lewd being committed. Praise Hydaelyn for that. However, his keen sense of hearing picks up the soft sound of steps along the tiles. 

Carefully, he leans in peeking around the corner and into the open doorway. 

Estiniens back is to him, an arm wrapped around your waist and the other elevated, fingers interlocked with yours. Their bodies sway in sync left to right according to a rhythm all their own. 

Pale brows arch up and Thancred withdraws, blinking a few times then rubs his eyes. Normally it would take a few more days of sleep deprivation to make him this level of delirious. Was he seeing things? He isn’t old enough to need glasses just yet, right? 

Once more he peaks over, Estinien now hovers as he dips his dance partner. 

“Oh a lot of ways!” You chime.

“I like your little pout, that little huff you do when we try dragging you into things and– now that I think about it. You remind me of an old dog. A cute little thing that sighs now and then a bit sadly. Makes you wonder what goes through their little minds to make them so tired.” You chuckle, peering up at the Elezen with a sickening amount of affection.  

Estinien scoffs and Thancred can feel his eyes roll. Briefly, he withdraws the hand that supports your back. 

“H-hey!” You gasp, quickly clutching onto Estinien’s back for support to avoid hitting the ground but his hand returns, guiding you upwards to the standing position prior. 

“It is quite exhausting keeping up with your antics. You handful of Scions are more taxing than a squadron of untrained Dragoons.” He retorts, turning them around. your back now facing the voyeur. Your body leans against Estiniens with your head nestled against his chest. 

“In my defense, half the antics are Alisaie and Alphinaud getting ahead of themselves. Although, you can get pretty ahead of yourself too Mr. Lone Wolf.” You retort and Thancred can see a rare smile gracing the Elezens elegant features. 

“I dare say your boldness has influenced a great many men. Including myself but especially the younger ones.” His head rests against you own. For a moment it remains like this. Calm gentle sways like a graceful tide grazing along the shore.

DING!

The timer on the counter chimes, bringing the dancers out of their rhythm. Thancred pulls away, having seen more than enough. With a shake of his head, he feels a strange pit of embarrassed guilt in his stomach for peering in on such an intimate moment. Hell, he feels it would have been less embarrassing to walk in on them in the nude. Either way, snack be damned. He’ll be sure to enjoy whatever was baked come morning with its flavor made even sweeter with the image of their brooding Dragoon being so docile.

“Ah, the bread is done.” You break from the embrace, grabbing a pair of moogle themed oven mitts to pull it out of the oven. 

Estinien resumes his typical stance, arms crossed over his chest. His head turned to the entrance, and eyes narrowed. 

“Something the matter?” You tilt you head at him, glancing between the empty entryway then back.

With a scrunch of his nose he shakes his head. “No. If we are done here, let us head to bed.”

“Alrighty. I just need to put this up.” You set it in the breadbox and return to him. 

“Thank you for keeping me company.” You lean in to peck his cheek. “I never knew you would be such a lovely dance partner.”

It was a fortunate chance that Ser Aymeric ran into his dear Warrior of Light in Gridania. Initially this trip was to meet with the Elder Seedseer and personally deliver a few documents as a displayed initiative of Ishgard keeping contact with the rest of Eorzea. Or at least that is the polite way of documenting he wanted to take advantage of the rare occasion he’s able to escape his desk and to also take advantage of the even rarer occasion he’s able to take a small break from the everlasting winter at home in exchange for a brief change of scenery.

Judging by the subtle smile on Lucia’s face it was safe to say she appreciated the brief trip as well. 

After the exchange of pleasantries followed by work discussions, and finally after some light personal chit-chat the conversation with Elder Seedseer reached an appropriate conclusion.

Before parting ways, Kan-E-Senna mentioned with a curl of her lip that the Warrior of Light was spotted near the Botanist guild if he had a moment to spare or hell- if they were even still there. With the fate of Eorzea on their shoulders so often, the Warrior of Light was not one to stay in a single spot for too long.

“It would not hurt to stop by and bid greetings to our dear friend before we head home.” Aymeric eagerly suggests to Lucia as if he even had to explain himself. 

“It certainly would not, Lord Commander.” Her smile curls, matching Kan-E-Senna’s knowing one.

With the convenience of mini Aetherytes around, the two were at the Botanist guild within a minute. The area only feels somewhat familiar after being given a tour some time ago. As commander of the Temple Knights and head speaker of the House of Lords, he’s rarely in Gridania. Let alone in areas outside of the Lotus Sand and the airship landing dock.

Familiar with the area or not, there is no deceiving his eyes when he spots a figure he’d recognize anywhere. With his objective in sight, his pace unconsciously quickens. For speed efficiency reasons of course.

There you were, several yalms away. You look quite different aside from your contemplative stare aiming down. Rarely has he seen you outside of a heavy winter coat. He’d say your current attire matches well with the other botanists in the area.

It’s not until he and Lucia are much closer do they notice you’re looking down at three small children, two of them holding planter pots. 

For a moment, you crouch down, taking the small pot carefully in your hands as you inspect the dirt. Quietly, Aymeric admired the way your brows pinch together in thought as your eyes observe the object in hand. What you said was inaudible to him but it made the small Elezen child grin with glee. 

Aymeric also smiles, feeling his heart flutter at the sight of someone so dear to him work so nicely with the children. He had half the mind to turn on his heels so as to not disturb the moment but he becomes sealed in place the moment your head finally turns towards the two.

Your eyes widen briefly but the wide smile that blooms quickly after the initial surprise could bring spring to Ishgard. 

“I hope we are not interrupting.” He returns the smile.

“Oh no! Not at all!” You fervently shake your head and stand upright. “It’s good to see you’re both outside of the winter wonderland.” You chuckle. “Is it business or pleasure that brings you out here?” 

“It is indeed a pleasure to have a change of scenery but alas, it is business that brings me here today.” Aymeric gives you a slight nod. “Is it business that also occupies you today? I would not want to pose as a distraction from your current company.” His hand motions to the three small children beside you.

You glance down at them for a moment before shaking you head. “Nah, just helping the little ones get some proper soil for their plants. Got this one trying to grow some mint.” You slightly lift the pot toward him. “I been overdue to come by and check on the guild, well- moreso Fufucha.” An airy laugh follows.

“Fufucha?” A dark brow quirks up. The name faintly rings a bell.

“Fufucha!” You nod. “She’s the head of this guild- oh- I haven’t introduced you yet.” You gasp before turning to one of the small figures. “Hey, Fufucha! If you get a second I’d like you to meet someone.” 

With a perk of a small head adorning a sunhat, Aymeric stands corrected upon the realization that the small figures beside his champion were actually two small children and a single lalafell.

“These some friends of yours?” A soft southern voice inquires as she takes a step or two closer. As Aymeric more carefully inspect the lalafell he notices she and you wore matching hats. Yet another charming detail of his dear friend that will be added to the collection.

“Sure are! Some of my closest yet.” You nod proudly. “This is Aymeric and Lucia. Or Ser Aymeric if you wanna get fancy with it. I told you how Ishgardians have their fancy rankings but these are good people who helped me out and saved my ass lots of times.” You laugh, motioning your hand to the respected figures, ignoring said guild master muttering “language!” In a warning tone. 

The commander almost laughs from the casualness of the introduction but he’s long perfected the act of maintaining his cool composure. To know and be able to refer to those in high authority with such casualness was truly the privilege of the Warrior of Light. However, he is confident you would say it all the same regardless of your own title. 

“Miss. Fufucha was it? It is an honor and a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for providing your botanic knowledge to the people of Eorzea.” Aymeric gives a polite smile as he bows along with Lucia.

“I have heard through the grapevine that you and the Warrior of Light provided assistance to the farmers on Camp Cloudtop. For such deeds, I thank you once more.” There’s a prideful glimmer in his sapphire eyes, amused by his little play on words.

“As they have said, I am Ser Aymeric de Borel, commander of the Temple Knights. Tis the fancy way to put it as they have also said.” His eyes flicker to you for your reaction.

“I thank you for your service in keeping Ishgard, and my sprout here safe. I can’t take full credit of the work in Camp Cloudtop as that was mostly their doing. I just offered some sage advice.” The Lalafell nods.

“I heard plenty about you both though. Especially you, Ser Aymeric.” She smiles. “It’s nice to finally have a face to match all they said.” She innocently rests hands behind her back.

“Oh? Good things I hope.” It’s lighthearted but deep down he truly hopes you songs of praise match his of yours. 

“Of course! When they came back gushing about-” 

“OH-KAY! That’s enough! Boss, the kids need the good soil for these.” You quickly hold the small planter out to your guildmaster as an offering.

“You know where the good soil is.” Fufucha is unmoved with the exception of her arms coming forward to cross over her chest. 

“Don’t pay any mind to that.” You say to the two guests while glaring at Fufucha for a moment before sighing in defeat. “I’ll be right back but after that I’d like to get some lunch with you before you take off.” You pause, giving the raven haired knight a hopeful look. “That’s if you both aren’t in a hurry to get back.”

 “Not at all. That sounds lovely.” The acceptance leaves his lips unconsciously but he wouldn’t dream of redacting it after seeing your face light up. “As someone more local to the area, I trust you have an assortment of good recommendations.” He adds. He was already out, surely another bell or two wouldn’t hurt. This opportunity was rare enough as it is but to also have you here and not in the midst of saving the world again? He’d dare to say this was a blessing from Halone. 

“Right!” You grin. “I’ll be just a sec. Just don’t…” Your gaze flickers from Fufucha then to the two children gazing up at Aymeric and Lucia in awe. “Hey kids, you know those are knights. They fought lots of nasty monsters and stuff. You should ask them about it.” You initiate the shift in conversation before reaching for the other planter and heading inside the guild. 

Lucia smiles to herself as the two children gasp in awe and step closer. One was a blonde boy and the other a girl who looked a lot like his sister. 

“Are you sure you’re a knight?” The girl softly asks Aymeric while shyly twirling a blonde braid around her finger. “You look more like a prince.”

“I am deeply flattered by such an endearing compliment but I am in fact a sworn knight.” Aymeric chuckles, kneeling before the two. “May I be graced with the name of the fair maiden before me and her comrade?”

“I’m Ophelia!” The girl slightly lifts part of her dress and bows in a polite curtsy. “And this is my brother Oliver.” Her hand motions to the boy who curiously is peeking at the long sapphire blue sword on the commander's side.

“It is a pleasure to meet you bo-”

“Have you killed people with that?” The boy asks abruptly, causing even the knight himself to pause for a second. The boy's hazel eyes have a strange amount of sparkles for such a morbid question. 

“Oh definitely! Like daddy said, knights kill all types of things like dragons and bad guys and poor people.” Ophelia nods in agreement.

“Okay! That’s it with the blood and violence talk.” Fufucha interjects, waving her hands.”I’m gonna have a word with your father about what he’s feeding to you.” She sighs, shaking her head. “I’m so sorry about that.” She looks apologetically at Aymeric.

“It’s alright.” He assures her. “While weapons are created to harm, this sword is strictly for the use of protecting the people against armed villains. People such as yourselves included.” He softly smiles at the two children. “A long time ago my people did fight dragons but that war has reached its end and now the dragons live in harmony with us.” 

Ophelia nods a little before perking up once more with hopefully a less morbid response. “Okay so you did fight a dragon but have you rescued a princess from a tower?” She eyes him with mild suspicion. “The stories all say that knights have fought dragons and rescued their true love from the highest point in the tower!” She said matter-of-factly. “The knights also break the spell of their true love with a kiss but if you haven’t kissed someone yet it’s okay. I’ll still count it.” She nods rather sympathetically with a hand over her heart. 

A laugh escapes Lucia. She holds a hand over her mouth in an attempt to muffle herself.

Aymeric side eyes his second in command for a split second before clearing his throat. “I see… Thank you for your generous grading. However, I have not had the opportunity to rescue a princess just yet. Ishgard does not have royalty but rather a republic.” He tries to explain. 

“What about the Warrior of Light? I heard they slayed a dragon and a big one too!” Oliver stretched his arms out to emphasize the size. “But they whine about how tired they are of running through a lot of castles but I think they’re just being lazy.” He whispers, glancing at the door to make sure you weren't going to hear that. 

“In their defense, being a hero is quite exerting so I can certainly sympathize with their exhaustion but to answer your question, yes. They have saved me and my country by bravely slaying a very sizable dragon.” Aymeric chuckles.

“Are we talking about dragons?” The door swings open once more as you approach the party and crouch down next to Aymeric. 

“Our friends here are quite curious about your good deeds in Ishgard. They are in search of a knight who’s experience includes; slaying a dragon, saving a princess from a tower, and breaking her afflicted curse with a kiss from her true love.” 

“Ah, it wouldn’t be the first time I had someone request a dazzling knight in shining armor.” You chuckle, handing the two their respective pot. “But you’re right! I fought plenty of dragons. All of them bigger than your house with mighty large horns and massive fangs! But after taking down the biggest, baddest of them all, we’re square now. I have plenty of dragons I would consider good friends!” You proudly point your thumb towards yourself. 

“I ain’t quite saved a princess from a tower but I saved my friend Aymeric here from the tallest of them all!” You nod towards him. 

Upon a second of reflection, Aymeric supposed that the Vault could technically be considered a tower. 

“Was he under an evil witches curse you broke with a kiss?” Ophelia tilts her head innocently.

“O-oh no!” You laugh nervously and shake your head. Thinking more on it, you supposed his father could be considered an evil witch having conspired with the Ascians and and the other well… points that aren’t exactly the time or place to dwell on, let alone tell children. 

“Good enough! I have my answer!” Ophelia states. You and Aymeric exchange looks, both curious what it would be. 

“The Warrior of Light slayed a dragon and rescued Aymeric from a tower so I declare they are the knight and Aymeric is the princess!” She beams proudly from her conclusion. 

Now you, Lucia and Fufucha were having the laugh.   

Aymeric wishes he had a retort at the tip of his tongue but all's lost when he sees how the corners of your eyes crinkle as your smile widens. Times like this, outside the midst of battle you look so soft. The yearning is there to embrace you. To be enveloped in your arms and selfishly absorb the warmth you radiate. Like a comforting blanket that protects all in your reach.

It is the same security he hopes he brings. As Commander of the Temple Knights he’s saved more lives than one could count, slayed many beasts and served his country like a noble knight should without asking for anything in return but the Warrior of Light… Within your short time to Ishgard you became this countrys champion, his champion. You are like the sun whose rays could not be smothered by even the thickest of clouds. 

Countless times you volunteered to put you life on the line to protect his own men, reach out to someone once deemed a terrorist and turned the tides for the sake of peace, ventured to the clouds farther than his own men had ever traveled, slayed the very dragon who put their newly born alliance between man and dragon in danger. An alliance that might not have even been forged had it not been for the trust you built with them. 

You even saved his best friend. A man he feared would have to have been striked down out of his duty for Ishgard but where he lacked, you made up for it. Hell, he didn’t believe he would have stood a chance against Raubahn in the Eorzean tournament and but amongst the cage of flames you stood proudly as the victor while adorning Ishgardian colors.

Such a proud display of his peoples armor, snowflakes dusting your hair and, the fire in your eyes is a memory that plagues his thoughts an amount too embarrassing to admit.

With a soft inhale, he sighs. There’s a smile as he realized he has no choice but to accept this title. For it truly was the one beside him who rescued him from his fathers captive at the tallest point in the tower and ventured out far and wide to slay him. A task he still feels ashamed having not done himself but what’s done is done.

“Since I’m a knight, can I have my own set of dragoon armor?” You peer at him.

“What became of the Ishgardian armor given to you for the tournament?” A brow quirks up.

“I still have that but I think the armor Estinien had was way cooler. I think it would be neat to have my own one day.” You smile smugly as you cup your chin between your index finger and thumb. 

“While I do agree the Azure Dragoon armor has a well thought out design that suits the fighter and looks pleasing on the eyes, such a design is unfortunately reserved only for those appointed as the next Azure Dragoon.” 

“Aw man.” You sigh defeatedly and slouch your shoulders. “Well, if you’re not going to let me have that or your armor you’ll at least buy lunch, right?” With a soft groan you rise back up to your full height. A hand extends to him as an offer. 

“Now that I can certainly do for my knight.” He lifted his head up and reached for your hand. Gently he squeezed it as he rose to his feet, giving it a shake as a quiet promise of their deal.   

“Deal!” You smile and give him a nod before looking down at the smaller three. You take off your gloves, tucking them in your pocket before reaching out to ruffle the two heads, much to their dismay. “Alright, I’m going to head out but you guys take care now. I’ll stop by again soon, Fufucha.” 

“I hope you do.” The botanist smiles up at you before turning to Aymeric and Lucia. “Thank you for coming by today. You’re welcome to come by anytime and we’re always happy to help folks discover their green thumb!” She smiles, holding a thumbs up at the two. 

“Thank you for the invitation. It was a pleasure to meet you as well, Miss. Fufucha. Perhaps one day I may take you up on your offer.” Aymeric does a slight bow and returns the gentle smile. 

“Good luck to the both of you as well.” He looks to the two small children who wave and bid their farewells.

With a turn of the heel, Aymeric, Lucia and you were off to Old Gridania. 

“My dear Warrior of Light.” Aymeric spoke up after a quiet moment. “Pray, er- next time you and your comrades catch up do give them my greetings but perhaps they needn’t know of our newly established titles.” He softly suggests.