[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]

[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.

[peacetalks]

A mirror...?

[eggstinction]

For then it would show the most beautiful thing, of course.

[peacetalks]

[OH /////////// he turns very red and ducks his head, curling some hair behind his reddened ear]

Master Moon!

[eggstinction]

[jostles against him and ducks to kiss his cheek, trilling laughter and quick enough to go unnoticed in a crowd.]

But I suppose I can bring you the next best thing!

[peacetalks]

[FLUSTERED!!! but thankful that no one is really paying them any attention]

I am certain I could not be disappointed. Your presence alone brings me such joy.

[eggstinction]

Perhaps I should bring you a painting. I could bring you a painting of the ocean and tell you it is the gift of scenery— something to look in lieu of carrying you home in my arms to see it yourself —but if I bid the artist to paint the sea at night, you will know what the moon is.

[peacetalks]

... just the idea is breathtaking... you would not find it an imposition, truly?

[eggstinction]

How could I?

[peacetalks]

I-I could not say, I am only... I am honored.

[looks up at him, beaming]

Would you like to see my home?

[eggstinction]

[takes aymeric's hand again. if he wasn't done eating, he is now.]

I would love to.

[peacetalks]

[aymeric sucks in a breath, uncertain at the public display of affection--but he doesn't reject moon's hand, squeezing it gently]

'Tis not far from here. We'll pass the cathedral on the way.

[he leads moon out of the market to the pillars proper, where it's clear this is where the nobility live]

[eggstinction]

[squeezes back more firmly. confidence!]

Cathedral... To your Fury? The one you swear to?

[peacetalks]

Aye. You can see a statue of her in the courtyard.

[he points out a large statue of a fierce-looking elezen woman bearing a spear and a shield]

Halone, the Fury, patron deity of Ishgard. My faith in recent years has been shaken... yet I still believe in aught she represents. The glory, the victory, the strength to fight and to protect.

[eggstinction]

Those are meritous causes, with or without their figurehead. I do not doubt you honor those virtues.