5th 💀 video;

[amaure]

Well, well! What an intriguing little announcement that was, eh? 'Twould seem we've quite the incident on our hands, one that is no doubt worthy of the effort, though I have no intention of rescuing Lance. Certainly his dragons will be suitably up to the task.

Nay, I wish simply to vanquish and capture one of these Braviary for mine own research.

[Emet-Selch sounds and seems to be in rather decent spirits, a far cry from the bedridden mess he was a week or so ago. Perhaps that's why he's actually interested in pursuing these birds?]

However, seeing as these avians are quite robust and no doubt as powerful as Lance claimed, I cannot hope to pursue them alone. And so, I thought it only prudent to address those of a similar mind for a potential allegiance against a foe most fowl.

[Did he have to do the pun? No, not really, but it does kind of add to the theatrics of this little call to arms of sorts.]

What say you? Whom amongst you are up to the task?

Comments

[amaure]

I see, Estinien wasted no time in alerting you of mine identity now did he, Lord Commander?

[The smugness in his tone bespeaks of how little he feels threatened by any of this. His powers may be gone, but he is still at the advantage here.]

If you know aught of me then you should know that I will not so easily reveal my schemes simply because you asked. Such privilege is reserved for a select few, and I fear you are not included.

Nevertheless, my interest in this creature is of no immediate concern.

[ourstosee]

My companion wished for me to be as informed of my surroundings as possible. Imagine my surprise, were I to discover your presence on mine own. You cannot fault him for wishing to avoid that.

[Aymeric keeps his expression smooth, even if the tone Emet-Selch takes with him grates against his nerves.]

I would not presume to be eligible of your confidence. But remiss would I be to not take the opportunity to do that which I could to protect the creatures of this realm, precious little though it may be.

[amaure]

Quite the hero, aren't you?

[This is not a compliment.]

Worry not, whatever nefarious deeds I might yet feel compelled to commit against these creatures and this world have been thoroughly stifled as mine own power has. How lucky they are that one such as you are here to protect them from the evil Ascians as well, eh?

[ourstosee]

[There's something in that vehemence that strikes Aymeric. For a long moment, he doesn't say anything. His lips are near white from how hard he presses them together, as if struggling to maintain his composure. Were he acting on his own, not beholden to the wants or wishes of those around him, he might have had more to say on the matter. But Estinien had been willing to vouch for Emet's efforts, and he won't forsake his best friend's advice for the sake of his own vague suspicions. Especially given his lack of familiarity with the world.

He closes his eyes for a brief moment, grasping for the control that had gotten him through many meetings with the nobility of Ishgard. When he opens them once more, his expression is placid, at least.]

Though I may have my misgivings, I had intended to thank you when given the opportunity. Estinien spoke of your role in the cataclysm that almost befell our home. That enough should give me pause, if nothing else.

[And he could leave it at that. Yet despite everything, he continues on after another gap of silence...]

Moreover... It is my understanding that you and he were the only members of our shared home for some time. Full well do I know how... abrasive he can be, and that is only under the best of circumstances. That you managed to maintain an amicable enough relationship for him to speak to your actions here says more than any distrust I may possess.

[He's not apologizing, per se. But at least he's not continuing to badger Emet?]

[amaure]

Oh, changing your tune now? Very well.

[Credit where it's due, a lesser man wouldn't have admitted what Aymeric has. Some might completely dismiss any good an enemy has done for the sake of their own bias, yet here Aymeric has offered him the most minimal of concessions. Which is much more than most would.]

Indeed, I played my part, as your heroes had--as your dragoon had.

[Ever downplaying his hand in things, at least when it comes to something so genuine and from the heart. He's quick to move on from it, Estinien being a far more intriguing topic.]

Speaking of, he and I indeed have a peaceful accord. Being the only two from our star for a time, we agreed to a truce, that we might work towards finding a way out of this world.

'Tis surprising the similarities one might realize they share with an enemy once they allow their bias to not cloud their judgment.

[ourstosee]

[Aymeric has long since learned to balance his own emotions with not just logic, but policy and history as well. Despite his own distaste for Ishgardian politics, its borderline fanaticism, he's had to marry his own ideals with it. And if he is to understand Estinien's explanation of his future, it will something he has to do yet again before the Final Days would be resolved.

Yet despite what might be a begrudging compromise, Aymeric can't help the way the corner of his lips lifts up ever so slightly. He almost hears himself in those words.]

'Tis my understanding it was no passing part. That my home still stands, and that my dearest companion shall one day return hale and whole could be just as easily attributed to you. And so it is only right that I share my gratitude.

[He waits just a moment, letting that much sink in.]

In truth, I know little and less of what will befall our star in the near future. Estinien has apprised me of many events, but the whole truth yet alludes me. In my eyes, the Scions had only recently returned from their mission on the First. What I know of you is limited to that. [A furrow forms between his brows.] So. It seems I owe an apology for allowing what I full well knew to be an incomplete story bias me. If nothing else, 'twould seem only fair to judge you as you are now.

[This time, when Aymeric smiles, he makes no attempt at hiding it.]

It would also behoove me to thank you for assisting Estinien. It is comforting to know that for all his time here, he was not alone for it.

[amaure]

Not for his lack of trying, but I saw to it that he did not suffer solitude for too long. As much as he made certain such efforts were sorely unappreciated.

[Everything else he's said leaves Emet-Selch a little besides himself. If only because he isn't entirely used to mortals showing much appreciation for anything he's done. Certainly not so genuinely. It picks at the modesty he once bore more readily, all those millennia ago...

Not to mention being apologized to. How long has it been since he has heard anyone apologize to him, let alone for their inaccurate assumptions of his character and values?]

...But you are right, had I not acted, then I suppose our star would have been lost. The scions certainly would have given their lives for naught. You need not thank me, however, 'twas not only your star I was saving--but mine as well.

Though I may be defeated, and my people no longer remain, I had no intention of letting our star's journey end there. 'Twas only natural that I would lend aid to those in need—a sentiment I am certain you may understand.

[ourstosee]

Yes, that certainly sounds like Estinien.

[Thankfully, he spares Emet from any sort of saccharine simpering he might have about Estinien's well-being. Learning that the man had been here for such a substantial period of time had been worrisome. He knows that the dragoon can handle himself well enough, he would not still be alive were that not true. But there was more to life than survival skills, even if Estinien might have preferred to think otherwise.

Suffice to say, the cat has been properly socialized, and Aymeric is eternally grateful. He might have even vocalized as much, if not for one thing that Emet says.]

I was not aware that any scions had lost their lives in the process. [A singular shard of ice lodges itself within his belly, but he ignores it for the time being.]

... Full well do I understand, though. There is much that I would give not only for my country, for this star and the people that live upon it. And though I may have been on the receiving side of some of your more... antagonistic efforts, I can respect a need to give everything for those you struggle to hold up.

[amaure]

Ah, 'twould seem I inadvertently shared a secret, I suppose you will need to ask Estinien for the details on those that lost their lives, for I shall say no more.

[As if there were any save for the warrior of light who hadn't.]

For what it is worth, none of it was personal. A man of your standing is doubtlessly practiced in the formalities of war, particularly ones of extinction.

[After all, Ishgard was in one for a thousand years. And while not all the dragons needed to die out for the war to end, Nidhogg himself is gone and his brood will ever suffer for it. Yet, that was simply the way of it, wasn't it?]

But this conversation would be better served over tea than the network, do you not agree? Should you find yourself in Goldenrod, mayhap we could meet properly, though I would understand if you are not in the habit of keeping such undesirable company.

[ourstosee]

[He doesn't want to leave it at that. Apprehension swallows his heart for a brief moment. He recalls, vividly, the selfsame fear that had crept through him as he'd carried Estinien back to Ishgard, battered and broken. How he'd felt sitting vigil at his bedside, hoping and dreading in a simultaneous dance.

Mentally, he goes back through the conversations he's had since arriving. He'd taken Estinien's assurances that the Scions as a group had gone their separate ways, but that didn't mean that any one of their number hadn't been lost on the journey. He's at least confident in assuming the dragoon had made it out unscathed, but what of the others?

Intentionally or no, Emet does little to help improve his mood at the mention of Nidhogg and his flock. He had meant to avoid the eradication of any more of their number, and that included Nidhogg's most loyal. That so much of that number had been wiped out in the second battle on the Steps of Faith... He doesn't like to think of it.]

Unfortunate though it is, you are correct.

[his voice is just a little stiff, though whether perturbed by the insinuation or still distracted by Emet's first revelation is hard to say. He can at least agree that he's hardly in the position for amicable conversation at this point, though.]

I have heard much of this Goldenrod City. 'Tis my hope to make the journey there erelong. Many of my companions resided there until recently, it seems. 'Twould only make sense to make it a primary destination on this first leg of mine journey.

As for your company... [He forces himself to crack the faintest of smiles.] Already it has proven more fruitful than any conversation I have had with Ishgardian nobility. And in this land, where we are all more or less equal, there is no one to judge me for the company I keep.

I look forward to taking tea with you.

[amaure]

[Honestly, this is Estinien's fault for not telling Aymeric the important details. Sure, he might have let slip some of them died (all of them did), but that should not have been a secret to begin with! Though, he isn't surprised that Estinien only told him what was likely immediately relevant. In Emet-Selch's experience, he's never been a very talent storyteller.

That crack at the Ishgardian nobility earns him a chuckle. While he did not personally have dealings with Ishgard as Lahabrea had, he was not unaware of it, nor its rigid social structure. It was part of his duty to know as much as he could about mankind and its civilizations, ever looking for an opening to take advantage of—a well to poison, so to speak. As such, he likely knows far more about Ishgard than one might assume otherwise.

Though he has little intent in playing his hand so readily, not that he should have to worry about playing any hand at all—but one never knows.]

Indeed, I do suppose none here would conspire against you for speaking with the my ilk. Perhaps Estinien, though he has no room to talk, when one considers he had lived in my abode for some time. Little can I blame him, the location in Goldenrod is quite convenient, and I suppose it saved him from seeking out lodgings elsewhere.

All the same, once you have reached Goldenrod, Estinien should be quite capable of leading you there, granted he hasn't forgotten the way.

[He smiles, though who knows how genuine it is. He is an Ascian, after all.]

Until then, friend.

[And with his little signature wave, he cuts the feed. Prompt in his exits as always.]