[ estinien's reaction is almost amusing, had aymeric had the heart to be able to feel it at the moment, but still a certain bemused fondness warms his core. for all of his faults, estinien is a good man, and aymeric will not forget this favor, however small it might seem. the weakest of smiles is hinted at the corners of his eyes, and it does little enough to chase away the shadows consuming his heart, but it is, at least, something.

once estinien has drawn away aymeric drops his hand with a low, slow sigh, settling against the tall chair with his head resting back and his eyelids low. one conversation is not enough to knit the gaping wound of haurchefant's loss, or fill the hole left behind by the betrayal of his own blood and sire, but he is, at least, more whole than he had been, at ease enough to begin to peel away the veil that clings to his eyes and heart. ]

You know full well that things shall always be expected of men like us.

[ his voice is weary, but gentler, and there is little enough room for argument. when one becomes a soldier, a representative of his people, he must give up something of himself to the cause. aymeric knows full well that he must divide himself into two people if he is to succeed in this role, if he is to give all he has in ishgard's defense. to usher in reform is no small or simple matter, and he shall need to become exactly what is expected of him if he is to realize his dream. but it is a sacrifice he is willing to make, and he does not plan to burn away the man beneath the mantle in order to do it. still, it makes the burden no less heavy, but with extra hands to help him carry it, he is at ease. ]

.. but I will be fine. Most especially after a good long rest, I think.

[ and some patching up. and a nice hot bath. these all sound excellent. ]