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galanthus

^{bloom amidst the frost}

✧ History & Relationship:

Ishgard was not known to be a friendly nation, and Morgan knew this firsthand. Which was all the more reason for him to question a missive addressed to the Scions for a meeting, penned by an influential dignitary from said nation, while also asking specifically for the presence of the Warrior of Light. Morgan obliges and attends, not wanting to jeopardize their already tenuous relations with the Holy See. There, he was met face-to-face with the Lord Commander of the Temple Knights—Aymeric de Borel. Though he was favored with kind words and praised for his deeds, Morgan felt wary towards him as the meeting progressed. He found him aloof and dismissive, and initially only assisted him out of obligation as a member of the Scions. Though their personal interactions weren't wholly unpleasant (in fact, they were very pleasant), he found it difficult to understand his intentions and thought it best to keep his distance.The shift in Morgan's perspective began after he took refuge in Ishgard at the behest of a good friend, when the Scions were brought low by treachery and its members were branded as fugitives.Not wanting to forsake the friends and allies that granted him succor in his hour of need, Morgan took up arms for Ishgard and assisted in any fashion that he could in their fight against the Horde, all while working closely with Aymeric and spending much time getting to know the man. It was then he came to understand his true character: an earnest and noble knight who would do all in his power to protect his people. Although pragmatic in nature, he does have his bouts of sentimentalism—which was perhaps what drew Morgan to him. He eventually saw his stalwart comrade as a charming gentleman who would often champion him, and before long he found himself harboring feelings for the Elezen.When the Dragonsong War came to an end, when peace was once again realized between man and dragon, Ishgard took its first careful steps towards a brighter future with Aymeric at its helm. During this time, Morgan decided to withhold his feelings for the other, thinking it would only prove a distraction for the lord commander during such a delicate time in Ishgard's history.Little did Morgan know that Aymeric also felt the same about him—perhaps for far longer even. He never did shy away from showing interest in the Warrior of Light, even being the one to take the initiative and request for Morgan's presence at their initial meeting. It was merely out of curiosity at the beginning—after all, it was more difficult not to be fascinated by the deeds of the rumored hero.When Morgan entered Ishgard as a ward of House Fortemps, the close relationship between Aymeric and the High House afforded him ample opportunity to witness Morgan's bravery and selflessness firsthand. Time and time again, he would face all manner of danger with unwavering resolve, in a war that was never his to fight. Aymeric's admiration for him helped strengthen his own resolve to seize a better future for Ishgard. He wanted to show his gratitude to Morgan for constantly being a pillar of support for him, but soon enough he came to realize that it wasn't just mere admiration or gratitude that he felt for his comrade-in-arms—it was something more, something deeper, something stronger…but he dared not overstep his boundaries, and decided against verbalizing what he felt inside for the Warrior of Light.It wasn't until later on that they professed their love for each other, albeit under not-so felicitous circumstances. In the events that followed the battle in Ghimlyt, an unconscious Morgan finds himself in Ishgard's infirmary, with an anxious Aymeric awaiting outside for him to awaken. He was relieved when he saw the adventurer regain consciousness, but the thought of him being mortally wounded by Zenos frightened Aymeric, and in a rare outburst of emotions was spurred to confess his feelings for the other. Morgan was certainly caught off-guard but was elated nonetheless, and happily returned the lord commander's feelings.Amidst the heavy snowfalls of Ishgard did their feelings blossom into love. Aymeric and Morgan's relationship continues to thrive, their love for each other abounding and never waning. Despite both individuals constantly plagued by responsibilities, they make it a point to see each other as often as time permits, with Morgan coming home to Ishgard and Aymeric always making time for him when his travels bring him back to the Holy See—back to him.On days he isn't called to duty, Morgan could be found residing in Borel manor when he does not particularly wish to be in the public's eye. He knows he has a home in Fortemps manor as well, but at times he prefers the quiet company of Aymeric's old cat despite its ornery temperament. Lord Edmont certainly isn't opposed to the arrangement, noticing the change in Aymeric's behavior whenever Morgan is in Ishgard. Though the nigh endless paperwork continue to keep him confined in his office for hours on end, Aymeric has made strides in finding balance between work and rest, making certain to come home to Morgan (and his feline companion) after the day is done.

✧ Trivia:

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It Takes a Village by sylphid187
Aymeric likes to think he works a normal amount, and he does it all for the well-being of his beloved Ishgard. Lucky for him, everyone else thinks he's a workaholic that needs a day off before he keels over and dies. So it's time they interfered.In comes their trusted Warrior of Light, Savior of Ishgard, and the only man who the Lord Commander will relent to in times like this. All he needs is a little helping hand. Because really, if he can't do it, no one can.Starts So Wrong, Ends so Right by sylphid187 - NSFW
Today counts among one of Morgan's worst days to date. Nothing's gone to plan, he's stressed and exhausted and it's just a no good, very bad day. In the end, all it takes is some friendly visitors, some Ishgardian gossips, and a pent up jealous Elezen ready to show Morgan that today's not all that bad.Misty Frosty Love by pronnpto - NSFW
Morgan and Aymeric finally have some time alone together, but a mountain of paperwork stands between them and anything more than sitting together in the same room in silence. Knowing his lover is overworking himself, Morgan comes up with an idea that will make both of them happy. And then some.To See What I See by sylphid187 - NSFW
Aymeric de Borel doesn't like parties, but as Lord Commander, his status ill affords him to not attend without good reason. But since he's attending, he might as well bring his favorite person with him to show them both a good time.Morgan Arkwright also doesn't like formal parties with snooty nobles, and can already see the millions of ways this can go wrong. Unfortunately, while he doesn't like parties—he DOES like Aymeric.So, to the party he goes.To Gift You a Flower by sylphid187
"If ever you should falter, remember this: no one, no matter how powerful, is immune to the whisperings of doubt and despair..."...And upon the return from Ultima Thule, despair seems to always be close at hand for Morgan. But as the Warrior of Light, he must not falter, he could handle it alone. All it takes is a special flower, and a very special Elezen, to remind him—he doesn't have to.Keep the Nightmares at Bay by sylphid187
Follow-up fic to "To Gift You a Flower."