Security

Author's Note- This WOL is a Miqo'te, medium height, light eyes, and light maroon coloring. This is inspired from a terrible dungeon run for the Ruby Princess quest in Stormblood.

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Maxia stood there breathing heavy. Barely getting her bearings she slipped her gun to her back and tried to make sense of everything that just happened. That as awful. All of that was terrible. She had been the Warrior of Light for a while, this was far from her first-time running in with a small rescue party, yet this was the first time she was a mixture of emotions. Looking around at the palace they ran into she could hear staff trying to help the princess, the other two members of her team were watching her as they were all in shock over what took place just moments before. The man that stood before them made her blood boil. He was reckless, brash, and certainly not a team player. She had heard stories, but never before had she dealt with someone so, so, infuriating. Storming up to him to give him a piece of her mind she felt her anger grow as he teleported out in front of her. Screaming out to nothing Maxia attempted to get it together. She had to get back, the sister of the princess they just saved was waiting for her.

Speaking with the sister and learning the truth she tried to focus on the fact that the girl, who really wasn't a princess, was alive. Maybe. All of this was just a mess Maxia knew that much and truly she wished she could do more to help but this village had made it clear outsiders weren't welcome and she was certainly an outsider. Though, she was used being considered an outsider. Forcing a smile on her face she took her leave and swam back to the village of the Blue Kojin. One day she would remember the names of these towns. She had been to so many of them though they all blurred together.

All she wanted was a good cry. Today had been a rough day before she even offered to help save the not a real princess, princess and that disaster that happened inside. She felt tired and frustrated and underappreciated, and one person came to mind to help her feel better. While this wasn't the first time a certain someone came to her mind this was the first time, she had this burning desire to go to them. Their presence had always been welcomed, more so as of late. Perhaps it was their conversation over dinner the last time she truly saw them. Or the fact that he treated her differently than the others. He asked for her help time and again, but he wasn't asking her because she was the Warrior of Light, he asked because they were friends, and you went to friends in times of trouble.

Stopping in her tracks her hand went to her chest as her heart fluttered. No, she couldn't just appear there. It was late, they had their own job to accomplish, and she knew full well all the work he had on his plate. She was the Warrior of Light and she needed to just push through it. This was no time to show weakness. There was so much riding on her shoulders.

"Excuse me ma'am, you are the Warrior of Light, no?" At the voice calling to her, Maxia lifted her head to see a Kojin approaching her as she walked towards the town. Asking if they needed her, she was requested to help show the best way to jump and leap to the sword stuck in the rocks. The task was easy, especially considering what she just came from. And, she really couldn't say no. Gathering her strength she moved to the top of the cliff and saw the path she had to jump to. This wouldn't be easy, but she could do it. That fall to the bottom though, that would hurt. Taking a breath, she took a step back and ran off the cliff running towards the first pillar. Landing close to the edge but safe, Maxia exhaled. That hurt but wasn't too bad. Adjusting her position, she got another running start and ran to the next pillar. Making it again she heard the Kojin say he could make it that far it was the last two he struggled on. Exhaling loudly, trying not to get angry again Maxia prepared to make the third jump.

She hurt, every part of her hurt. This was the fifth time she fell into the water many, many yalms below. She couldn't quit though, had to keep going. Had to keep fighting. Standing on the rock, trying to ignore the pain Maxia ran back up to the top. The fire of her anger fueling her. Going into a full sprint she ran from pillar to pillar to pillar, finally reaching the end. At the Kojin's cheers she silently cheered to herself before talking to him about her process. As soon they were done, she continued to make her way towards the village. Had to keep going, had to keep fighting.

Making it to the edge of the village she stopped. There were so many people and so many wanted her help, but she couldn't. She was wet and bruised from falling off a cliff and bleeding from the horrible strong arm that led the attack party into the castle. She needed a hug and a shoulder to cry on and, and, and... In a moment her arms moved, and her lips muttered the words needed to teleport.

The cold hit her first before the city of Ishgard came into view. Her legs pushed her forward, to a place she had been to many, many times with her friends. This was the first time she came alone though. As she tried to tell herself she needed to go back to the others she entered the building of the temple knights. Moving towards the guard she could feel the anger building again as he tried to stop her. Not today. Physically pushing him aside she pushed open the double doors and walked through to the chamber.

Stepping through the threshold her body stopped as she saw him sitting there. This was nothing new, she always saw him sitting at his desk, working on one thing or another but this time, this time it was different. Her anger, her pain, her troubles seemed to disappear.

"Maxia! I..." Aymeric stared at her as she stood there. He could tell something was wrong. Not only had she showed up suddenly, but she was alone. And were those tears he saw welling up at her eyes? "What has happened?" He quickly moved around the large desk to her waving the guard away. "News from the front lines?"

Feeling his arms move around her Maxia felt her last bit of strength fade away. Putting her arms around him she felt her walls fall and she started crying. She was the Warrior of Light, she hardly ever cried, she wasn't allowed to. The last time had been when Haurchefant died in front of her. His death still haunted her but that was something she would deal with later.

"Please, tell me, has something happened? I knew I should have sent knights with you."

Shaking her head against him she tried to catch her breath.

"N... No word from the front line. I just." Realizing what she did she regretted this decision. What was she doing here? Pulling away she forced her legs to move to the door. Not even getting a step away she felt his hand take her arm and keep her near.

"Something is wrong. I can see it all over your face. Tell me. You have done so much for me at least let me do this for you." His words were gentle yet firm. He was not going to let her go.

Turning her head towards him her eyes couldn't meet his. Her head nodded and let him keep her here.

"You are busy. I don't mean to keep you."

"Nothing that can't wait. Come, let us talk in private." With that he led her just outside of his office. His arms never leaving her shoulders as he asked for a guard to escort her to his manor. "I'll be right behind you. Go and make yourself at home." With that his hands left her and Maxia felt all eyes on her as she was escorted back outside to the cold of the city. She would do anything to make the eyes stop if only for a moment.

Being escorted inside the manor she had only been at once before Maxia sat by the fireplace to warm up. One day she would make sure to wear something more suitable to the cold environment. Her shorts and puffy mid-driff jacket did very little in the cold. But it was perfect for combat.

"My apologies for keeping you waiting. I hope my manservant made sure you were provided for." At Aymeric's words Maxia's head lifted and turned to see him entering. He hadn't changed but a few pieces of his armor had been removed. She liked this look on him much better than that big high-class outfit he wore when they last met here. He sat beside her, the space between them felt like mountains apart though it was only a few inches. Still, she felt better feeling his aura near hers.

"Will you tell me what is upsetting you? My talents lie in strategy not in figuring out other's feelings." His laugh at his own shortcomings made her smile.

"I am sorry for just showing up. I really didn't mean to pull you away."

"I won't hear it. I should be thanking you really. I needed the break. But, Maxia. As someone that cares about you. Please, talk to me." His voice went softer, and she felt her walls crumble further.

Meeting his gaze only a moment she felt her eyes water once more and the tail of earlier leave her lips.

"I was trying to help save the Ruby Princess and I went into the palace with a team of four. I wasn't leading this mission and, and the Dark Knight that was. He...he kept causing the enemies to swarm around us and our Astrologian was trying so hard, but we kept faulting and he wouldn't listen when we told him to hold back."

"Is that why you are covered in blood?" His words caught her off guard. That was right, she was bloody and bruised and she was sitting on his furniture. She was saving for a house, but she would have to repay him for this. Jumping off he took her hand and had her sit back down.

"I didn't mean it to make you worried. I care very little about these things. What I am worried about is you." With a few words towards the door Maxia saw the manservant bring in salves. Aymeric had him leave them and started tending to her wounds. "Please continue your tale. My apologies."

"...He made me so angry. I... I am not an angry person. Not like that but...he didn't think, didn't listen. And I feared I." Her words stopped as they hit her mind. She feared she would never see the one in front her again. That was the true reason she came here.

His hands stopped cleaning a cut just above her waist to cup his hands on the sides of her face. "Every time you leave my sight I fear for your safety. These words I am hearing pain me greatly. No one should treat your life so casually. You may be The Warrior of Light, but you are still a life that matters."

At that Maxia felt her body lean into his and her held back tears overflowed. No one had ever said such things to her. Her friends always apologized for putting her in harm's way, but she was still the first one they volunteered when a dangerous mission came up. The one who held her now, he was the only one to ask what she wanted for herself. He saw her as something more than a piece to win a war.

As the tears slowed Maxia felt her body be shifted as Aymeric sat beside her once more, only he was closer. Her body rested against his.

"I know I am no better than the others. Causing you to risk your life, time and time again for my causes. Since you left for the Wall, I thought of ways to make it up to you. I don't think there is anything in this world I could offer you that would equate it properly. Even now, as you come to me for comfort I wonder if I am doing enough for you. Maxia, pardon my words but you look exhausted. The world is expecting you to solve all their troubles. You don't have to keep the weight of the world on your shoulders. I know I say this as someone who asked you solve my problems. Again, this is something that I think about often. I would like to help take some of this burden off you if you will allow me."

His words caused her to pause on his face, the sincerity it held made her snuggle closer to him. She shouldn't, deep down she knew this. Yet, she did. He understood her, he wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty and do what was right. He knew that life was precious and having a title didn't make you any less mortal.

"I... I never asked to be the Warrior of Light. I just wanted to be an adventurer. I wanted to explore the world and make some money I could live on. I don't regret my joining the Scions. I don't regret the battles I have fought. I would do it all again."

"But you need rest. I understand." She felt him kiss the top of her head. "I know it is only a small thing but please know you can come here anytime. If things get too rough, if the burden becomes too heavy, please, come here and rest."

They stayed together, warmed by the heat of the fire for a bit before he requested, she join him for dinner. One that wouldn't get interrupted by the needs of others. It had been weeks since she had a nice meal. Taking out her linkpearl she allowed herself the night to rest and recover. She had a job to do but she knew she would just burn out at the rate she was going. Being shown a nice bath after a warm, comforting meal, Maxia let her body sink into the tub. Her wounds hurt; her body ached. Aymeric was no healer but the injuries from earlier didn't feel nearly as bad as they had. His touch had been gentle even though his hands were calloused from brandishing a blade for so many years. As she fell further into feelings for the Lord Commander, her thoughts drifted to the question he always asked. What did she want for herself?

A maid had brought her a fresh change of clothes once she left the bath, and she wandered the halls looking for her most generous host. Seeing him in the study, reading by the fire she gently walked in. His eyes fell upon her instantly and the great Warrior felt the air leave her lungs.

"I hope everything was to your liking. I am sorry I don't have better suited clothing for you. I... I never thought to keep a change of clothing for a woman that might need." He laughed softly at his own expense and smiled as Maxia smiled back. The clothing was certainly cut for a man, a tall man, and with a maid's help was she able to get it to fit a bit better on her smaller frame. She did appreciate being surrounded in his scent as she wore this though.

She had never been in such peace and the feeling washed over her as they talked. She told him of all that was happening, of the challenges they had yet to face and how time was fleeting. He watched as her eyes filled with worry over being here, over not being on the front lines, over not doing all she could for others. He saw so much of himself in her causing him to kiss her forehead to help calm her woes. She told him how she had worried when she learned he had been stabbed in the ribs and when he went to lead the charge on saving the hostages right after instead of resting. They had always been causing the other worry over their actions.

She hadn't meant to fall asleep on him as they cuddled by the study fireplace. As he gently lifted her in his arms to take her to the spare bed for the night, he was taken aback by how light she was. He by no means thought she was heavy, but he wondered if she was taking care of herself. Placing her gently in bed he felt her pull him close, still sleeping soundly. One not wanting to upset someone so dear to him kept her in his arms as they settled for the night. This was the very least he could do after all.

In the morning, after a nice breakfast Maxia stood near the door of Aymeric's manor. She couldn't believe she stayed the night. Or that she had slept so well. Finding him beside her this morning made her heart flutter.

"Please don't hesitate to contact me if you need any assistance. Or, if you need a willing ear. No matter what is going on here I will always have time for you. And there is always a place for you here. I'll tell the guard to make sure you are let inside." He brushed a piece of her hair behind her ear as they smiled at each other.

"Thank you. For all you have done for me." She didn't know what was to come once she went back to the others. She was uncertain if the future had her in it or not. But she knew one thing. Leaning on to her toes she reached up to kiss him and when she fell short, she felt him meet her in the middle. He was what she wanted. She wanted a future with the one in front of her. She wanted to stand beside him always once this war with the Empire was over. This kiss was her down payment on a future all her own.