Aymeric (SPOILERS)

[Ramesses]

I've seen the WoL's reaction to his offer for a drink thrown around quite a lot as "evidence" that there's something going on with him, but if you read the description for the quest it says quite clearly in that instance you're thinking of Minfilia and don't feel like celebrating after what you've just found out.

Also, Thancred's reluctance was due to him feeling the Ishgardians are relying too much on the WoL; he actually says Aymeric isn't very good at hiding his emotions, though he admires his honesty.

And I'm surprised by how many people think Aymeric is going to throw Estinien away. I don't think he murmured something sinister at the end of the MSQ - it actually says he made some sort of "oath", and I don't see him giving up on his friend just yet. I saw significant parallels between Aymeric shooting Estinogg and the first time they properly met (from Tales of the Dragonsong War.)

I know a lot of people see him as being too "perfect" and are convinced there's a darker/ evil/ different side to his nature we've not seen, but I think we've already seen both sides of him. If you can't see the flaws in his character, you haven't been paying much attention.

Yes, this.

BTW, +1 to you for perfectly stating everything I was going to post. Aymeric has evolved into one of my favourite NPCs ever since he was introduced and I firmly believe he has honorable intentions. What makes him a brilliant charcater in my eyes is his inbred ability to be the kind of leader that Ishgard needs AND deserves... and no he is not perfect at all. In fact, it is because of the "stain" on the origins of his birth that he strives to show others his innate goodness. He has made some mistakes (infact several mistakes in judgement if you have been closely following the dialogue) and that is perfectly normal because you must remember; he is actually still young by many leadership standards.

Nonetheless what I find highly commendable about him is his clear focus in recovering from his mistakes or error of judgement. That's what makes a true leader.

Also, I thoroughly agree; his mutterings to Estinen as he flew off was obviously a silent oath that he would find a way to save his best friend. It seems many people didn't really read the Tales of the Dragonsong War short stories... and if you have formed a long lasting solid bond with a friend in the past, you'll truly understand the nuances of their friendship.

On a political level, I seriously hope that Aymeric would eventually be crowned Princeps or Primate of Ishgard; which should basically be like a ten year term of executive office as leader of the nation, appointed by electorial votes with renewal terms based on a meritocracy system. And being him, he will likely share power with a council made up of Brume officials, the military and officers of the orthodox church.