Sidurgu & Aymeric

[heiresy]

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[Sidurgu was dragged, bloodied and shackled to the Lord Commander's office.

Ser Aymeric sat at his desk, mid-meal, his ledger still open. When he heard the nature of the intrusion, he couldn't help himself. He bade them to come inside.

With brief introduction, they dropped Sidurgu to his knees. They mentioned a girl that he was with, Rielle. They had taken her into custody, too. An additional guard brought the sword with difficulty, leaning it against the wall.

Terribly curious. Aymeric dabbed his mouth and stood to stand in front of his desk. ]

It has been a long time since we have apprehended someone suspected of being a dark knight.

[Before his service, he was sure. What a grand opportunity for information. He sent his knights away, thanking them for their service. He knew he was in no danger with the other man shackled, and that besides- he had guards on just the other side of his door.]

Sidurgu, was it?

Comments

[forgottenknight]

[There's a long silence once again, and he turns away from Aymeric. It would seem he has no intention on answering him for a few long moments, before he lets out a sound that's somewhere between a scoff and a laugh.

What a situation to be in...]

Very well, if this is your will, so be it. But--

[He turns, focusing his sharp green gaze on Aymeric once more.]

This is only the beginning of your repentance.

[heiresy]

[Ominous. He could feel that stare in his soul.]

I accept. I will do all that I can. I won't fail you; I won't fail Ishgard.

[Aymeric pulls out the jailer's key, opening his cell. He seems tense as he pulls the door open with a deafening creak.]

We will visit my office ere we leave for my home. I ordered a change of clothes to be prepared.

[forgottenknight]

I don't need it. Only mine armor.

[Which is a stubbornness Aymeric is likely familiar with from a certain dragoon that's gone missing. With the door open, however, Sidurgu walks out, and his full size is probably a lot more obvious as they stand side by side.]

Will I remain restrained?

[heiresy]

[His mouth dries somewhat. The moment of truth, he supposes. He looks Sidurgu in the eyes as he speaks- quietly enough so that the guards down the hall won't hear. ]

Nay, but pray do not make me regret it.

[He steps behind the the towering man. He was big enough as it was on his knees. Fury...

Aymeric's bowmen draw their arrows nervously. The shackles come undone into Aymeric's hands.]

Clear the hall; put away your weapons. We are with the Warrior of Light's company. [He places the shackles into the still full hands of one of his men]

[forgottenknight]

[Had this been well before everything with Rielle, he certainly would have made Aymeric regret it. Would have killed him here and now, and would then fight his way out of this dungeon, killing every single Temple Knight in his path—or at least attempt. Instead, as the shackles come off, he complies, doing no more than giving the other knights around him cold, soul stealing stares that could make a man's heart stop.

He follows Aymeric, wordlessly, staying in line and obedient. He tells himself it's just for now, that his obedience is for Rielle's sake and benefit, and that keeps any temptation to steal a sword, or crush a knight under control.]

[heiresy]

[They make their way out of the dungeon, Aymeric continually giving him backward glances. ]

We will be going to Rielle. I assure you that she is unharmed.

[They take the elevator up to a set of rooms near the top- They seems to be receiving areas of sorts. They are well decorated to the taste of the nobles that use them. Within is Rielle, seated on a couch with two temple knights. They appear to be trying to have tea and crumpets with her, but she simply looks forlorn.]

[forgottenknight]

I will see for myself.

[Once they're in the room, to which the decor is far from Sidurgu's taste, he walks past Aymeric towards the scene before them. Rielle's expression lightens up when she see Sidurgu, and for a moment, Sidurgu is comforted. The Temple Knights look uneasy in his presence, but clearly are following Aymeric's orders and they do not raise their blades as he approaches.]

I see he did not lie, and that you are unharmed.

[Rielle nods, and tells him about how despite her worry for Sidurgu, her time within their hold was more pleasant than not. Sidurgu, satisfied, looks to Aymeric.]

We are to be under house arrest—his house, to be exact.

[Rielle looks confused, but does not state any questions that may be springing to mind.]

We will comply. For now.

[The last part said in a hushed whisper, that only Rielle could truly hear. She nods, looking to Aymeric with uncertainty and distrust.]

[heiresy]

I know that this is an unusual turn of events, but I promise that it is for your own safety. There is an uproar even now as we conduct our investigations. My men will escort us to my home. I have learned well now how to avoid assassinations after unpopular policies.

[He walks into the back room, bringing back Sidurgu's slab of a sword. While his own is rather large, it's nothing like this. He steadies the blade with his other hand, holding it to Sidurgu. He looks Sidurgu in the eye with one of pained trust.]

Your weapon is yours to take.

[And with that, they do. They receive many strange looks as they pass through, though Aymeric takes a road less walked for this reason. His door is already guarded as they approach, and his temple knights usher his party within. After a brief chat, Aymeric joins them in the foyer.]

[forgottenknight]

[Sidurgu glances to the knights around them before taking his sword. There's a thought, a devilish little temptation to cut Aymeric down where he stands—but the tug Rielle gives his armor brings him back from his bloodlust fantasies. The pause is telling of some sort of internal debate, but ultimately he hoists his sword on his back.

Without a word, he follows Aymeric, ignoring the stares and hushed fearful whispers that surround their journey. His expression stone-like and unchanging, eyes kept forward as Rielle walked besides him, holding is gauntlet-clad hand. Once inside the estate, he didn't feel much better, looking to the pompously decorated manor with nothing short of disgust. He didn't want to know how anyone could live like this, when there were people still starving in the streets.]

You certainly live in a home befitting your station, Commander.

[The words are said as if they tasted foul leaving him.]

[heiresy]

[He bites his lip. He's aware that the flagrant display of wealth is offensive to the Brume dwellers. That much he has learned worthing in the House of Lords and Commons. But there is little to do about it now. He feels the need to appease him- as an extension of the Warrior of Light, to make him feel at home.]

By thin luck alone, I'm afraid. I'm oft surprised that I was not tossed into the Brume upon my birth, born a bastard as I was.

[He looks up at Sidurgu's face and a frown tugs at his lips. His manservant approaches, and he sends him to get Sidurgu a potion. He returns soon after with the potion in a goblet.]

I hope you will find it comfortable.

[forgottenknight]

Luck is it? And how you seem to milk it for all it's worth.

[He watches as the man servant returns, offering him the potion in a goblet, as if his aim were to mock Sidurgu with such a gesture.]

I need not your hand outs. Rielle is quite skilled, and should I turn to any for assistance in these scratches, it will be her. Pray, take us to our chambers, I grow tired of staring at your ostentatious decor.

[heiresy]

[Aymeric sucks in a breath and bites off his words. He would win them over, yet. He knew he could. He would save it for later.]

As you wish. Come this way, and I shall show you the baths as well.

[As he shows them through the first floor, an upset gurgling meow comes from the shoulder of a suit of armor. Perched there is an enormous white cat, looking fierce and pale as Sidurgu.]

Lord Byron, come down from there! [He reaches up, only to be batted with claws. With the accustomed determination of any cat owner, he pulls him down in spite of the scratches. He hisses at Sidurgu and perches upon Aymeric's shoulder armor.]

[forgottenknight]

[Rielle looks absolutely delighted by the cat, despite how it clearly displayed aggression to even it's own owner. She remains by Sidurgu's side, even if her eyes are bright with excitement, and a smile pressing firmly across her face.

Sidurgu's expression, however, remains unchanged.]

...Right, then. Shall we?

[Someone matches the cat in grumpiness, that's for sure.

[heiresy]

Right...

[The cat jumps down from Aymeric's shoulder and immediately rubs up against Rielle's leg with a purr]

...Traitor.

[Aymeric laughs as he continues on until they come to large double doors. He pushes them open, revealing a resplendent white marble room, warmed by a two large hearths. Within are showers and baths, offering a view of a courtyard in the back. When Ishgard was warm, it seemed as though it was routinely opened up.]

Pray forgive its opulence. It functions well all the same. If you will come this way, I can show each of you to your rooms.

[forgottenknight]

[Sidurgu watches the cat like a hawk as it approaches Rielle, glad that it merely rubs against her, and does little to retaliate against the hand the reaches down to pet its soft fur.]

You certainly know how to spend your wealth.

[Is all Sidurgu has to say on the matter of the room, otherwise following him—till it dawns on him.]

Rielle and I will stay in the same room.

[heiresy]

I merely inherited this home from my late parents. In their advanced age and retirement, they wished to make the home as comfortable as possible.

[he looks to Sidurgu curiously, then to Rielle.]

Are you certain? It's no bother to give you separate beds. I haven't any family.

[forgottenknight]

Mm.

[Yet Aymeric chooses to keep it for himself alone. Yeah, he's judging you a little, Aymeric.]

Aye, we are quite accustom to sharing rooms. I would rather Rielle within my sight at all times.

[Rielle shyly nods as she pets Byron who seems keen to follow her.]

[heiresy]

[Aymeric tenses a bit. He was doing a terrible job of winning him over and he could taste it. He takes them to the bedroom, decorated in the usual blue hues. The canopied bed is more than big enough for the two of them.]

I will fetch some clean clothing for the both of you. Please make yourselves at home.

[He leaves the room, quickly ascending the staircase to his own room. He digs out loose-fitting shirts and pants that might fit Sidurgu. For children's clothing, all he can find are his own from his boyhood. He returns with this armful of his finds.]

Pray accept these to wear after your bath. We will wash your clothes while you take your baths. My apologies, Rielle, but this is all I had in your size.

[forgottenknight]

Thank you...

[She says politely, with a bow of her head. It's clear she's a girl from a better upbringing than one would assume to find in the brume. A little too telling for Sidurgu's tastes.]

Very well, leave us.

[He doesn't even take the clothing offered, leaving Aymeric to place it down wherever might be best.]

I wager the bathing rooms are nearby?

[heiresy]

You're very welcome, Rielle. If there is anything you want, simply ring for the manservant and he will bring it to you. I must return to work, but I will come home for supper.

[He tells himself that he can easily suffer Sidurgu for Rielle.]

Yes, just back the way we came, and through the doors. You can't miss the white marble.

[He gives Sidurgu a warm smile, knowing that it will more than likely be returned with a scowl.]