[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

[eggstinction]

[their tea is going to get cold, but that's fine. Moon trills breathlessly, his own hands grasping against aymeric's back, delighted to hold and be held again.]

What— what a welcome, beautiful...

[peacetalks]

[aymeric's face has gone a deep crimson, eyelids hooded as he gazes at moon as though enraptured, lips parted]

... would that I could welcome you as you deserve.

[eggstinction]

No? I would make a frightfully excellent scandal.

[he can't resist dipping in to give him just one more kiss, just one before resting their foreheads together again. he rubs his hands down aymeric's back, smoothing out the wrinkles he dug in]

[peacetalks]

[hums into it, eyelids fluttering shut, a shiver running down his spine]

Verily... but I would rather tend to you in the privacy and comfort of my own chambers.

[eggstinction]

To your own bed, in your own home... That would be a great welcome.

[peacetalks]

What do you say to a private dinner at home, followed by drinks and conversation by the fireplace... before retiring to bed?

[eggstinction]

I would be delighted to accept such an invitation.

[peacetalks]

[takes one of moon's hands and kisses it, gentleman-like]

Then consider it a date.

[eggstinction]

[actually pinks a little, whisking his tail happily. date!!]

You honor me.

[peacetalks]

[oh cute]

In the meantime, may I give you a tour?

[eggstinction]

Please! Everywhere from the sky to the ground is a new sight to me.

[peacetalks]

[rises so he can shuffle some papers on his desk and finish up a few things]

Today I can show you the city and part of the hinterlands, but depending on how long you wish to stay for, we may be able to sojourn into Dravania proper.

[eggstinction]

[stays seated while he retracts his arms and carapace again, and ties back his empty sleeves. but he leaves the six eyes out for MAXIMUM SIGHTSEEING.

and also disappears half the pastries into his pockets.]

My aides have been prepared for an extended absense— and nearly happy about it for getting more warning than they usually do when I disappear for having rolled over —but I would not impose on you overlong when you are so busy. What is in Dravania?

[peacetalks]

'Tis the land of dragons, though we see more and more come across our borders in recent days. I thought you might be interested in seeing how this world's dragons have lived.

[eggstinction]

I am interested! I want to see!

[peacetalks]

Then I shall make plans for the journey within a day or so.

[scribbling some things onto his papers quickly]

Thankfully, we are ahead of schedule with regards to preparations, so I doubt I'll need to spend extra time here catching up...

[once he finishes, he sets his quill down and glances up at moon with a smile]

I shall hand these off to my aides and then we should be free. Come, let us away.

[he will lead moon back downstairs, making sure his papers find their way to the right person, taking a few moments to discuss plans with lucia, and then he is ready to head out. busy busy busy]

[eggstinction]

I would apologize for breaking into your workday, but I am not sorry.

[trails at his elbow. on the way up he tried to appear collected and disinterested, but on the way out he has eyes only for aymeric. LOOK HOW COOL LOOK HE'S IN CHARGE! RESPONSIBILITY WOW!]

[peacetalks]

Neither am I.

[heads outside to the nearby aetheryte crystal, and then pauses]

Have you used one of these before?

[eggstinction]

[ALSO FRONT DOORGUARD GETS A SMUGASS WINK ON THE WAY OUT, BECAUSE.]

No... What is it? I thought it was a sculpture when I passed by before.

[peacetalks]

'Tis called an aetheryte crystal. By attuning to one, you can be transported to another location. These crystals are all attuned to different parts of the city, though there are larger ones that allow transportation across many malms. You may try it if you like, though 'tis not unusual to become dizzy or nauseous upon one's first transport. Still, I felt I should offer.

[eggstinction]

I will try it! If I did not get queasy transporting across space from my palace to your station, I will hope a few city blocks will not be what knocks me over.

[peacetalks]

Very well. You simply focus your aether upon the crystal with the destination in mind, and you will hopefully be transported. Since this is your first time, you may hold onto me so that I can guide us.

[eggstinction]

[do u mean HOLD HAND?]

How convenient!

[peacetalks]

[HOLD HAND //// aymeric will act proper about it but secretly he is excited. and very soon they are whisked away to another part of the city! the effect is disorienting, but not too bad, unless you get motion sick easily.

they appear to have arrived at a marketplace]

[eggstinction]

[moon is a spinning object in space, he's okay with motion sickness

he doesn't let go of aymeric's hand after they arrive, but he does turn around to look behind the crystal. wow they're really somewhere else!]

Ah! Where are we now?