Chapter 1: Making plans

Peace.

One small, rare moment in Ishgard where he had time for himself. Aymeric shut his eyes and took in a deep breath.

His day had been full of meetings upon meetings, scheduled months before so there was no way he could get out. He knew he had responsibility over the land and the people, but he hadn't realised just how much there was to do in one day.

He was happy, of course, just…frustrated. He saw so many faces in one day, some began to blend together. And yet, there was one person whom he wanted to see most of all, but time and good fortune it seemed, had not been on his side.

'Keshi.'

The great and powerful warrior of light. She had come into his life like a blizzard from the icy north. He'd been fascinated from the moment he laid eyes on her. He'd managed to maintain his composure, but she was unlike any other female he had ever seen. And whilst her striking semblance and purple hair were indeed unique; it was her very presence that stuck with him. Her confidence. Her humour. Her assurance that they would prevail against the great evil in the world.

"Together!"

He knew she had meant all of their comrades and friends they were fighting with, but the fire in his heart had been stoked that day.

He'd remembered how he'd overheard Thancred telling Keshi how he was in love with her and whilst he hadn't been sure then, he was now. He had felt…so enamoured by her. But he suppressed those feelings for so long, merely standing by her side as her friend and ally. But now? Now, his heart called out and for the first time in his life...he threw wild abandon to the window.

That's why he had requested her presence, so he could ask her something important.

A knock on the door broke his moment of peace and he braced himself.

"Enter."

Both doors were opened by stewards and in she walked. Despite reminding himself to appear professional and composed, a smile tugged at his lips and stayed there.

That's the power she held over him.

She lit up his world. He wondered, was she aware of her power over him?

Xx Keshi xX

Keshi had been surprised when someone had come and requested that she see Aymeric. She had thought he was far too busy, but it didn't really cause her any inconvenience or great worry. What had happened, a dragon had gone rogue? No, the whole place would be in an uproar. Whatever it was must have been personal.

And when she entered his office to find him sitting and looking calm and relaxed, she couldn't help but sigh.

His eyes may have been the colour of a frozen lake, but his heart burned as bright as fire. His skin was as pure as porcelain and his dark hair looked as soft as a raven's feather.

'Stop that!' She chastised herself and focused on being polite.

"Thank you for coming so soon," he waited for a few moments, waving his hand for the stewards to shut the doors, "I hope I didn't disturb you?"

"No, I was losing terribly at cards, so you did me a favour," she gave him a crooked grin and he chuckled at her joke, "is everything all right?"

"Yes, quite. I, urm," he seemed to falter and cleared his throat, the first time she'd ever seen him seemingly nervous, "I called for you to ask you a question. I was curious as to whether you had plans this evening, Keshi?"

"Oh. Not really, I was just going for a meal with friends."

"Well, if that's the case, perhaps," he paused for a second, "you would care to dine with me instead?"

"I would be glad to," she pointed with her thumb over her shoulder, "I can go tell the others and-"

"Actually," he hated to be rude and interrupt her, but knew had to stop her train of thought, "I would like it if it were just us two again."

"Oh. Like the," she tried to remember what she had called their previous rendezvous, "'getting to know you' dinner?"

"Well, I hoped you would think of it more as…courting."

There was a brief pause between the two as she locked eyes with his. She could see his uncertainty and hope and felt a little flutter in her stomach.

'Oh God…he feels the same?!'

She tried to remain calm but felt her cheeks flush slightly.

"I would like that very much. Just the two of us."

"Then I will see you in a few hours?"

"Yes," she made to turn, but stopped herself from leaving, "could you do me one small favour before I go?"

"Anything."

"Don't work too hard," she cocked her head and gave him a cheeky wink, "I don't need you passing out in the soup."

He placed a hand over his heart and nodded, "I promise, I shall try to be easy on myself. I will ensure I do not overwork."

She gave a small bow, as was her wont, and left him to enter the hallway again. Once the doors were shut, she found herself looking forward to seeing him again.

But there was only one issue.

She looked down at her blue dress and armour and just KNEW this was not suitable attire for dinner, let alone 'courting'.

"I have to change!" She tried not to run but found herself walking rather hurriedly along, not realising that her tail was swinging happily, from side to side.