[reverie - visiting ishgard]

[peacetalks]

[welcome to the holy see of ishgard.

if you've been invited by aymeric or estinien for a visit, you've probably been warned about the weather, and how the entire country is in a state of permanent winter. there's a light flurry of snow covering everything, and people walk about in heavy furs along the cobblestone streets, breath fogging in the air. people hover by fires for warmth as covered carriages move about the city. statues of fierce-looking warriors stand in the middle of plazas as workers, knights, and nobility mill about in their day-to-day business. one can see the towering spires of a cathedral further in, and behold the vast snow-covered landscape that surrounds the city itself, which is perched on the top of a mountain.

it's bitterly cold here, but people seem genial enough. most folks walking around are tall, lanky, elf-looking types, aka elezen, but there are a fair number of "human"-looking people (aka hyur) as well. and once in a while, you might even see a dragon or two.

if you were officially invited, you may have a letter of invite signed by the lord commander in your possession, which will get you just about anywhere. if you've been to eorzea before, you might find yourself arriving via teleportation magics, which will land you in the aetheryte plaza. perhaps you're arriving by airship. or perhaps you're standing at the gates of the city.]

Comments

[eggstinction]

[One of these dragons is not like the others. This one is long and snakelike, eight-legged and wingless, and waiting politely at the city gates for his turn to go wriggling through. He’s shrunk himself to a much less godly size, but it’s going to be a squeeze…]

[peacetalks]

[the guards to the city are no strangers to dragon visitors, though the shape of this one is not quite what they're used to--and even still, some of them can't shake their nerves whenever they encounter one. a couple of guards place their hands on their swords and spears, though no one draws their weapon or looks ready to start a fight--just tense.

one guard clears his throat and approaches, one hand held up.

"ho there. you approach the gates of the holy see. state your name and business."]

[eggstinction]

[Moon tips his head towards the guard in acknowledgement, graciously pretending not to notice the more nervous guards.]

I am Lord Moon of Oceans, come to see the Lord Commander. I have his writ if you require it.

[he holds out one of his forelegs, offering a large belt that's been strapped around his scaly wrist like a bracelet. moon doesn't have a servant or any helpfully human-sized mates with him right now, so the guard will have to get the letter out of its beltpouch himself.]

[peacetalks]

[the one guard hesitates at first, but approaches and opens the pouch to retrieve the letter while the other guards watch.

"this is... the lord commander's seal."

he takes out a small knife from his pocket that looks like it's a piece of tableware to cut the seal open, and quickly reads through the letter. one of the other guards walks up to him and whispers in his ear, and he nods.

"aye... all appears to be in order. you may enter. open the gates!"

he folds up the letter and places it back inside the pouch as the other guards go about unlocking the gates that moon may enter the city. the knight who approached moon gestures for him to follow.

"i've been instructed to inform the lord commander of your arrival."]

[eggstinction]

[he noses at the pouch, double-checking that it's secure, then nods with a pleased arch to his neck.]

Thank you. Please, lead the way.

[peacetalks]

[the gates open, and the knight heads inside. there are definitely some people who stare in surprise and shock at moon in the entrance plaza, but they quickly recover, and some nobles even bow courteously to him as they pass. there's a couple of street children who are watching with interest, hiding behind boxes.

"if you would not mind waiting here momentarily, lord moon of oceans, i shall fetch the lord commander posthaste. i shall not tarry long."

it seems most people assume moon is a dragon from their own star, just a kind they haven't encountered before.]

[eggstinction]

[moon was counting on that assumption. he had worried about how hard he should try to blend in, hide his arms? hide his tail? but ultimately decided that if he's going to attract attention, it might as well be by being impressive than on accident. a big dragon is exciting, but it's not new and exciting.]

Thank you, I will be here.

[he nods to the nobles and the guard, and coils up in the plaza, craning his neck high to look for Aymeric and sitting tight to keep his bulk out of people's way... except for his tail flicking teasingly close to the children's hiding place. Option Dragon didn't account for being too big for buildings and having to wait outside.]

[peacetalks]

[just as the kids start daring each other to touch moon's tail in excited whispers, aymeric in his lord commander regalia can be seen approaching from the distance, accompanied by a small entourage. he's beaming as he walks, and when he stands in front of moon he takes a great flourishing bow]

Lord Moon, 'tis my honor and great joy to welcome you to our fair city.

[his speech is formal but his expression is delighted]

[eggstinction]

The honor is mine, Lord Commander. To visit your great city is the realization of a long-held wish, and I am delighted to declare that words and imaginings have not done it justice.

[moon returns the greeting with equal formality, even rearing halfway up so that he can dip his long neck into a bow. and up goes his tail (sorry kids, missed your chance) to curl high over his back, waving like a joyous flag.]

[peacetalks]

[the kids are briefly disappointed, but they're more interested now in just watching the proceedings. aymeric's eyes crinkle at the happy tail wave]

I would fain show you more of it, should you be so amenable.

[he glances at the guards and lifts his hand to indicate that they may be at ease]

[eggstinction]

It is a generous offer and one I would be privileged to accept.

[he nods, then lowers his head down further to bump his snout almost shyly against aymeric's shoulder. he moves with the same deliberate grace as all his polite gestures, and maybe it could be mistaken as such, but it's not. he just! wants to touch!]

[peacetalks]

[aymeric can but briefly place his hand on moon's snout, a gesture of familiarity and affection without being too intimate for public. still, he regards moon with the utmost fondness. some onlookers whisper anyway, but he pays them no mind]

If you would follow me, then.

[he gestures for moon to follow, heading further into the city]

I do hope our infrastructure does not hamper you. I shall inform the city guard that you are free to fly about as you wish, should you desire it.

[eggstinction]

[he follows closely behind aymeric, slithering between the buildings like a snake through a tunnel.]

I am happy to explore the streets from the ground and admire it as you and your people might, but I may do so. At a later time, of course, but I am curious to see the city from the air. Perhaps you might join me on your own mount, Ser Aymeric.

[his big lizard jaws don't show much of a smile, but there's a trill in his voice. me, me i'm the mount.]

[peacetalks]

[aymeric can't help but grin a little]

I would be glad to do so. The sights truly are spectacular from air--though I need not inform you of that, of course.

[eggstinction]

In this case, yours is the more experienced eye. I can admire its beauty, but I do not yet have the familiarity to read the sights like the map that such a view will present.

[moon chitters, not very lordlike at all, and straightens his neck to periscope above the buildings]

It is all roofs, though very handsome roofs they are. What is underneath them, I do not know.

[peacetalks]

There are several noteworthy locales worth visiting the interiors of, in my opinion. The Skysteel manufactory, where House Haillenarte designs and builds magitek; or the Athenaeum Astrologicum, where our astrologists observe the heavens and divine the future; not to mention the grand Cathedral, or the Scholasticate...

[he stops, and turns around to face moon]

And, of course, there is my own humble home, of which you are always welcome.

[eggstinction]

I shall make my way to all of them in time.

[moon's tail flicks up and his head drops down to squint fondly at aymeric, tamping down the urge to headbutt him and croon]

And your home, of course. I would be a poor guest to refuse such generous hospitality.

[peacetalks]

[for a moment aymeric looks like he wants to headbutt moon as well, an old dragon instinct rearing its head]

Might I interest you in some refreshment after your journey? I would not tire you with a guide should you be in need of succor.

[eggstinction]

I would like that. Please, allow me to partake of the quieter comforts you have to offer.

[is that a general you or a personal you, that's for his entourage to figure out]

[peacetalks]

It would be my pleasure.

[speaking of which, aymeric will gesture to a tall, serious-looking hyur woman dressed in armor at his side, who bows]

Allow me to introduce my second-in-command, Lucia. If there is aught you require during your stay here, you may speak to either myself or Lucia and we shall do all in our capability to see it done.

[despite her serious demeanor, she smiles warmly at moon. "i've heard much about you from ser aymeric, lord moon. 'tis a pleasure to finally meet you."

aymeric nods to the rest of his entourage.]

Everyone else is dismissed.

[so now they can go about their business without being followed by a huge group]

[eggstinction]

Have you now? It is good to meet you as well, Ser Lucia. Thank you for looking after Aymeric.

[moon chirps at her, friendly, then lifts his head to watch the entourage leave, ticking his tail back and forth like a waiting cat...

and as soon as they're clear, he's thumping his muzzle against aymeric's chest and curling his claws behind him in an oversized dragon hug]

[peacetalks]

[aymeric laughs and wraps his arms around moon's snout to hold his muzzle close, pressing his face to his scales. lucia looks on with polite amusement]

My dearest friend, how good it is to see you again.

[eggstinction]

[whiiiiiiines and nuzzles into aymeric's arms joyfully]

I have been waiting for this moment since I let you down from my arms and said farewell.

[peacetalks]

'Tis wonderful to hold you again.

[he strokes his hand along moon's muzzle, and between moon's eyes]

There is a cafe in the Empyreum that makes particularly good pastries and tea. If you are amenable, we might have lunch there first.

[eggstinction]

[closes his eyes briefly, enjoying the touch]

Shall I make myself smaller? I will clear out the poor cafe's entire kitchen trying to feed this form.