[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

[peacetalks]

Even a little will help. Ah, and they brought birch syrup with the tea this time, good.

[time to sweeten all the tea]

[madasa]

That will help. You like your sweets too, which is very cute.

[peacetalks]

Are you not the same as I, in that regard? Cute, and fond of sweets?

When you are well enough, I shall take you to the pâtisserie in the pillars near Borel manor. I'm particularly fond of their breakfast pastries.

[madasa]

[chuckles]

Our tastes are well-matched.

I'd like that.

[peacetalks]

Then it shall be.

[aymeric takes a piece of bread and breaks off a piece, holding it up to break's lips]

[madasa]

[embarrassed, but also content to eat from Aymeric's fingers.]

[peacetalks]

[thumbs a crumb from his cheek fondly]

I fear if I feed you the soup I shall make a mess, so here.

[carefully hands him the bowl and spoon]

[madasa]

Ahaha, fair enough.

[he can eat soup with complete competence anyway, but it's LESS CUTE.]

[peacetalks]

[food is had! tea is had! it's not the most ideal introduction to ishgardian cuisine, but it's not bad, either, and the warmth from the hot soup and the hot tea certainly can't hurt. the astrologian comes later, does some more healing magic, examines break, and gives them both a list of things that will aid in his recovery. a lot of it comes down to obtaining certain hard-to-find alchemical elixirs, continuing to aid the natural healing process with magic, and increasing the flow of aether in his body. it will take some time, but so long as there's no additional stress on break's body, he should recover well enough.

lucia comes back later with some warm fleece clothes fitted for a younger elezen that are a little better suited to break--nothing fancy, just a sweater and some pants to help with the night's chill. after aymeric takes a quick break to write up some letters to be sent to ul'dah's alchemist's guild, night comes, and aymeric shows no signs of leaving.]

[madasa]

[Break tries not to seem too overwhelmed, is cooperative in front of any company. He's trying to make a good impression, but the exhaustion is sinking back into him by the evening, no matter how much warm clothes warm food and medical treatment help.]

[peacetalks]

[aymeric keeps the fire stoked, and once it gets dark, a few candles are lit. lucia is the last one to leave, asking aymeric one last time if there's aught he needs, but he waves her off and wishes her a good night.

once they're finally alone for good, aymeric sidles into bed with break; it's a bit of a tight squeeze, but hey, at least he's not wearing armor.]

You look weary.

[madasa]

[Break squirms to the very edge of the cot to give Aymeric room, then clings to him like a limpet.]

I feel it. What about you?

[peacetalks]

[props himself up on his side so break can curl close, winding his arm around him]

Aye... it has been a long day.

[madasa]

[wraps his arms around Aymeric in turn, tucking his head against his collarbone.]

It has... Thank you. I know I'm getting in the way of things you should be doing.

[peacetalks]

[pulls the blanket over the both of them]

Ishgard will not collapse if I take a few days for myself. I will need to return to work soon after... but as I said, I'll not be far. And I'll do my work from your bedside if I must.

[madasa]

I'll find a way to make myself useful once I'm somewhat recovered, okay?

[peacetalks]

[kisses his forehead]

Alright. But pray do not push yourself. 'Tis enough for me that you are hale and whole and by my side.

[madasa]

I'll behave. I just... I'm no good at being at loose ends, either.

[peacetalks]

What is it you wish to do when you feel better, Kevin?

[madasa]

I haven't the foggiest idea.

[peacetalks]

You've plenty of time to ponder on it. I'll not demand an answer straightaway. Just know that... you've options. And whatever you choose, you shall have my support.

[madasa]

...Thank you, my love.

[peacetalks]

[tilts break's head up just enough so he can kiss him, soft]

[madasa]

[aaaa. soft kissing, hoping no one comes in and ruins this, pressing even closer.]

[peacetalks]

[aymeric takes his time, kissing break soft and slow, unhurried and tender as he winds his arms around him and holds him close]