Work Text:
After everything that has happened in the past few days, or weeks, Fay goes back to Ishgard to settle some matters. But during her visit, she doesn't appear like she used to: her eyes are distant, and she sometimes stares into space, stopping her tracks to watch the snow falling down.
This causes some concern to those at Fortemps manor, especially Edmont since she's his ward, but every time he and Artoriel ask her what's wrong, she will smile and say she needs some rest, that she's fine.
Not like Edmont does not see through her lies. He tells her if she needs anything, they will do their best to help. Because if anything, she's already a family to them. Fay appreciates the gestures but still she keeps up with her strong front.
The news of her return doesn't escape the Lord Commander's ears. He immediately plans to pay her a visit and extend another invitation for a drink. But upon meeting her, he notices she isn't the same woman he saw back in Gridania. The sparks that brightens her eyes are dimmed and she simply agrees to his invitation without displaying any sort of emotions. It worries him to see his dearest friend like this.
He is certain something is amiss when she brushes his concern away.
On the evening of their dinner, Aymeric is wondering why she's late. He instructs his servant to check the door, only for his servant to call him up, informing that she has been standing there for a while, not even moving but staring to the sky.
And that's when he knows, she's in pain.
He invites her in, knowing the turmoil that's plaguing her mind. He assures her, she deserves the rest, everyone deserves to unwind. And maybe since the heart is in play here, he pulls her in for a hug, providing warmth and comfort.
And after so long of putting up the strong front, she finally broke down.
She doesn't have to tell him why, he knew. He read the reports of the incident in Eastern Shroud. It might be mentioned briefly in the report but he knew the impact it has on her.
The dinner has to be postponed. She falls asleep after that, still in his embrace. Aymeric instructs his servant to store the food as he brings her to the guest room. As he tucks her to bed, he realizes behind the title Warrior of Light, she is still a mortal, not immune to pain and sorrow.
He wonders, how can someone so small and delicate carry the burden of the realm on her shoulder? How long can she carry the burden before she breaks? If there's anything he could do to help...
As he watches her slumbering peacefully, he vows to help her in any possible way that he can, even as small as providing her a place for her to let go of her mask.
Aymeric ends up staying in the guestroom with her while attending his paperwork, knowing she will be awake later in the dead of night.
And he wants to be there when she wakes up
Just like he predicted, Fay wakes up later around 2 in the morning, feeling rather abashed with what has occurred until a loud rumbling sound is heard.
"I believe it's time for dinner then, my friend."