[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]

[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?

[peacetalks]

The Jeweled Crozier, one of our finest markets. The pillars, in which the noble families live, is not far. But there are always interesting wares to see here, especially now that open trade is allowed with the rest of Eorzea and beyond. If there is aught you need during your stay, you need only let me know.

[also there's food]

[eggstinction]

[gawking around like the tourist he is and already towing aymeric towards the first meat he smells.]

Is the pillars where you live? Do you have a favorite stall? —Do not let me make you buy anything expensive!

[peacetalks]

My home is near the pillars, yes. And I shall tell you if your purchase is too extravagant, but I am not too worried.

[he is already heading to the pastry stall]

[eggstinction]

We can get something to eat, yes? I have the pastries from tea and we will have dinner, but can we get a snack?

[HE HAS TO CONFIRM, HIS HOPES HINGE ON THOSE PASTRIES NOW]

[peacetalks]

Of course. If you'd like something more substantial, mayhaps a skewer of karakul?

[*karakul is lamb. aymeric points out a stall that is preparing what look like lamb shanks grilled in sticks or stewed in large pots, next to the butchery]

[eggstinction]

I would like to try the karakul!

[he would probably eat anything aymeric pointed at, but also when was the last time moon got lamb?? he lives in the middle of the ocean, that’s super special event import food. tugging aymeric over so he can look into one of the stewpots]

[peacetalks]

[aymeric allows himself to be tugged over, fond. the stew smells hearty and rich]

One karakul skewer and one small bowl of the karakul and popotoes stew, please.

[enjoy delicious grilled meats and warm stews!!]

[eggstinction]

[HE WILL. he can't hold hands if he's eating, but his tail keeps stubbornly slinking over to brush against aymeric's legs]

It is good! And warm. Do you all have to eat a lot of warm things when it is always cold here?

[peacetalks]

We often do, yes. However, snow sweets have become more popular in recent years. I've heard tell of a sweet dessert called "shaved ice" but I've yet to try it myself.

[eggstinction]

Good snow and ice is an advantage you have! Good ice can be expensive in the hotter parts of my territory, but it is naturally popular with the weather. I do not know which dessert "shaved ice," but some of the fruit I brought is very good frozen too!

[peacetalks]

Then mayhaps that is how we shall enjoy it tonight.

[subconsciously shifts closer to moon as they enjoy their karakul]

[eggstinction]

[brushes their shoulders together, not at all on accident]

If they are frozen, then dipping them in chocolate after is the best way.

[peacetalks]

[:O]

Chocolate...

[+_+]

[eggstinction]

The banana and the pineapple are both very good that way. You must try it!

[peacetalks]

You spoil me, my friend. I shall insist on it at dinner.

[eggstinction]

If there are other things you would like from the ocean or any coastline, you must tell me and I will bring them next time.

[peacetalks]

What would be the most beautiful thing, to you?

[eggstinction]

For you? A mirror.