[ And therein lies the problem - Aymeric had been so enthused about having dinner and discussion with her that were she to cancel without giving cause...

She and the Lord Commander are so very much alike. It's why they initially weren't quite so impressed with each other, and now why they're so close. She sends him regular letters detailing her latest adventures (perhaps excluding some of the more harrowing aspects, given how prone to fretting her friend is) and he responds in kind, informing her of current events in Ishgard. They both know she has no head for politics, but they enjoy the correspondence nonetheless.

Era lets out a rattling sigh, lips curved downward in a frown. Considering how tired she is, she would be fine communicating via letter or Linkpearl. Aymeric, however, would want to know why she was not able to meet with him in person. And Era is both a terrible liar and someone who dislikes lying to her friends. ]

I cannot say I'm ill. [ Aymeric would lose his mind. ] He will wish to visit regardless...

[ And she can't say that she's out on a quest, because it would be far too easy to confirm with Edmont that she isn't. ]

And his concern would reach Lord Edmont's ears.

[ Era sinks back into the cushions, shutting her eyes and focusing on her breathing instead of her worries. Her lungs rattle with every inhale, but that isn't unfamiliar to her at this point. ]

There's nothing to be done for it now. [ It can be dealt with later. ] Shall we eat?