[post-heart rate - visitors in ishgard]

[peacetalks]

[welcome to the holy see of ishgard.

the sky is overcast, as it always is, and there's a light flurry of snow covering everything. people walk about in heavy furs, breath fogging in the air. the streets are grey cobblestone, and tall and imposing stone buildings loom amidst wooden structures--some still in the midst of repair, although for the most part the structural damage from the end of the dragonsong war has been mitigated. the spires of a massive cathedral can be seen in the distance, towards the center of the city.

statues, too, are found in every square; the most prominent amongst them of a commanding-looking woman bearing a spear and a shield. people murmur quick prayers to her as they pass her by. "thank the fury," they say, as they mill about. there are some soldiers around wearing thick chainmail, though no one looks especially on edge. in fact, despite the chill in the air and the greyness of the sky, people look... normal. it's fair to say that the majority of them are elezen, tall individuals with pointed ears, though there are a few who look more "human". and once in a while, you might even see a young dragon flitting about.

the aetheryte plaza, where there stands a large glowing blue crystal, is most likely near where you ended up. with a bit of asking around, you can learn of a few choice locations--the forgotten knight, a prominent tavern known for their hot mulled cider; the brume, a collection of dwellings where the lower class tend to congregate; the skysteel manufactory, a workshop which develops constructs and other magitek; the chocobo stables; and the congregation of our knights most heavenly, aka the headquarters of the temple knights. you can go further into the city too, though it's probably pretty obvious where you'd find info about aymeric around here...]

Comments

[notsospeedy]

Would... you believe me if I said Aymeric?

I promised I would!

[peacetalks]

[her eyes narrow in thought. she tilts her head slightly.

"tell me your name."]

[notsospeedy]

Roy Harper...?

[Spoken like he really doesn't expect her to recognize it, so why is she asking?]

[peacetalks]

[she stares at him for a moment, as though assessing him. then she sighs deeply, lifts her sword away, and rises to her feet.

"I suppose as first impressions go, they could be always be worse. but not by much."

she holds out her hand to help him up.

"come, I'll show you to ser aymeric."]

[notsospeedy]

[He takes that hand, but - blinks, genuinely surprised]

Wait, he told you about me?

[peacetalks]

[she helps him up. she's extremely tall for a "human" woman, about as tall as aymeric, which is slightly unusual.

"aye, he did. he said there was a chance you would never come, but he told me to be on the lookout nonetheless. he seemed hopeful, though. give me a moment."

she exits the room and whistles sharply to get the attention of the knights who are still running around the building. the search has been called off, the culprit has been found, and everyone is to return to their posts. there is some awkward and disappointed murmuring, followed by the shuffling of armored feet for a minute before she turns back to roy inside the room.

"this way." and heads down the hall.]

[notsospeedy]

[He follows in silence, actually kind of sheepish now... it was dumb of him to doubt Aymeric. Of course. Was he going to be exasperated with Roy?

After some silence, he asks,]

How's Break?...

[peacetalks]

["master break is well, though his health yet suffers at times. you should ask him yourself."

she comes to a door at the end of the hall and knocks on it twice. aymeric's voice can be heard from within]

Enter.

[she opens the door, and inside is a large room with nice furnishings, though it's clearly an office. there's a hearth with a fire gently crackling, and a long wooden desk next to large windows that overlook the plaza. aymeric is sitting with his arms crossed]

Lucia, what was all that noise just now?

[notsospeedy]

[Roy lets out a relieved sigh that he didn't even realize he was holding in, when he hears about Break.

Then: office. Roy gives the room a quick scan before his eyes zero in on the man behind the desk and... ah.

Awkwardly, he waves.]

Hiii Amy...

[peacetalks]

[lucia just, steps aside and gestures to roy. aymeric, meanwhile, is staring with wide eyes, his arms dropping]

... Roy? Is it truly you...? I thought...

[notsospeedy]

I mean, I'm a little surprised myself, but - I said I'd figure it out, right?

[He waggles the hand with the device on it. It's got a jumble of attachments now, but it's the same one.]

[peacetalks]

[quickly he rises to his feet and steps forward]

You did it...! Oh, my friend, how glad I am to see you!

[grasping at roy's hands, which is forward by ishgard standards, but aymeric's so happy he can't bring himself to care]

[notsospeedy]

[His smile goes from cheeky to earnest, softening as he takes in Aymeric's joy.]

You miss me? I missed you.

[peacetalks]

I missed you dearly. How did you do it? Tell me--

[pauses as he notices lucia just watching them with a mildly amused expression.

"I can have tea sent up, but it may take a bit. Damage control first." she says]

Of course. Pray take your time.

[lucia nods and says, "my lord," before exiting the room and closing it behind her]

[notsospeedy]

[SHEEPISH, he scratches his face,]

Ah, right... I might've caused a ruckus trying to sneak up here... A lot happened when I got back, but--

[Hurriedly,]

Wait-- forget about me, how's Break??

[peacetalks]

[with a fond smile]

He is doing well, all things considered. He was quite ill for a while, but he's mostly recovered now, though I have the chirugeons and healers take a look at him from time to time. I do not think he's quite adjusted to the weather, but he is in good spirits otherwise.

[notsospeedy]

Thank god... I mean, I can hardly blame him. You did not exaggerate about this weather, man. I was only outside for a spell but I felt my eyelashes freezing shut.

[good thing he had a parka!]

Where is he?? I wanna catch you both up, but - you're super busy, and I already caused a commotion, so.

[peacetalks]

He usually comes by in the afternoon, so I don't expect you'll have to wait long.

[now that they're alone, aymeric lifts his hand to brush roy's cheek]

What sort of commotion did you cause, by the by?

[notsospeedy]

[Leans into the touch, even as he smiles nervously like he miiight get in trouble for this,]

Well they said I wasn't allowed to see you without filling some boring paperwork, so... I may have set off a smokebomb to trick the knights into running to your defense so they'd give away the route to your office?

[peacetalks]

That would explain the noise.

[notsospeedy]

Your pal Lucia got the jump on me, though. Good thing, I'd hate to think everyone who worked for you was that gullible.

[peacetalks]

... she is most reliable, 'tis true. And not to be underestimated.

[notsospeedy]

[He gives a weak laugh,]

Honestly, I wasn't sure if you told anyone 'bout me. Showing up with Break would've been scandalous enough.

[peacetalks]

I trust Lucia with my life, so it only seemed natural to inform her of what happened. Otherwise I've not told anyone very much, as the tale itself beggars belief--though 'tis true Break's appearance did cause something of a scandal. But one I did not mind weathering.

[notsospeedy]

'Course. You're not gonna let something as petty as ugly gossip get in the way of love.