peacetalks | [post-heart rate - visitors in ishgard]

[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...]

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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]

[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??

Edited 2021-10-12 00:46 (UTC)

[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.

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.

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?

[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?

That would explain the noise.

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

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

[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.

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.

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

[////]

I've had to weather some scornful looks, but little else. Hardly the worst thing I've endured.

[by this time there's a knock on the door and a soldier enters with a platter of tea and pastries for them, which is set down by the fire place]

Here, something to warm you up.

[BATS HIS EYES AT THE SOLDIER... SORRY FOR THE RUCKUS BUT HE WAS RIGHT, AYMERIC DID WANT TO SEE HIM~~~~]

Oh thank god-- is this the kinda service you get every day?? Man.

[THE SOLDIER POINTEDLY DOES NOT MAKE EYE CONTACT WITH ROY]

The pastries are my one true luxury. And the birch syrup. I am helpless when it comes to sweets.

[pours roy a cup of tea]

How long will you be staying?

[Takes his teacup eagerly, even if he is a little paranoid that it'll shatter in his hands.]

Just the weekend. I gotta get back to Gotham to train Lian - once I tell her her dad's a genius who hacked cross-dimensional travel.

[!!]

You found her? That is wonderful news.

She's all grown up, Amy. She's a teenager, and she dyes her hair blue, and she puts on a mask and fights corporations. All on her own.

[There's both pride and bittersweet sorrow in his voice at missing so much of her life]

... truly her father's daughter. You must be so proud.

And her mother's.

But she still needs a lot more training, or she could land herself in real trouble one of these days. Hence - father-daughter bonding.

And how does that go?

[He scratches his neck,]

Good. I think. I mean, we're going slow. It's a lot to take in, a dad coming outta nowhere.

Jade-- her mom, in this timeline... she left Lian at an orphanage instead of coming to me. so Lian... she doesn't know me at all.

...Still. I wouldn't trade her for anything.

[with a soft, sympathetic smile, and maybe a bit choked up]

Good. She will be lucky to have you.

I hope so. I wanna make her proud.

Oh, my dearest Roy...

[touches his cheek]

I have faith in you.

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