🐈🧝‍♂️

[earwiggle]

o:

Comments

a trip to Ishgard

[earwiggle]

[ It's been...a struggle while Megumi and company were away in Tural. Though an unexpected trip was put into his lap by the Students. Investigation of a few areas near Ishgard. They would stay at the inn in Ishgard nad make their way from there.

He would be remiss if he hadn't reached out to Aymeric to let him know he would be around. Perhaps he could drop by and say hello. Megumi was wed to him, after all. While of course they shared a love interest, there was no harm in getting to know one another as well either.

So he will be pleasantly surprised when Aymeric invites him over for dinner. G'raha of course will not refuse such an offer, showing up a few minutes before the allotted time at the Borel manor. Now that he's actually here he is a bit, well, nervous. He's never been face to face alone before with the Lord Commander of Ishgard. ]

[peacetalks]

[aymeric had spoken with megumi about g'raha tia before, and upon finally meeting the man he had found him charming and intelligent, and quickly saw how utterly smitten he was with megumi--a virtue, as far as aymeric is concerned. his impression of g'raha tia is a good one. and while the poly lifestyle is still new to him, he's finding it easier to adjust the more he gets to know his wife's partners. there is estinien, of course, and he's always quite comfortable around him, but there is still much more he wishes to know about this archon, this allagan scholar with curious-looking eyes.

the door opens, and aymeric's older manservant welcomes g'raha in, taking his coat. aymeric himself is sitting in the living area while dinner is being prepared, dressed out of his armor and in a more casual housecoat. the fireplace is crackling gently, and aymeric rises from his seat to come and greet his guest]

Master G'raha Tia, welcome. Full glad am I that you could make it.

[earwiggle]

Thank you for inviting me, Ser Aymeric. I hope this isn't too much trouble.

[ Please, G'raha. Aymeric is like to want company while he is locked away in his office, without his wife! But that is besides the point, G'raha was incredibly elated to get to meet him in earnest finally. Their ships had crossed paths far too many times.

He's going to politely sit across from Aymeric. Tail politely curled into his own lap. ]

[peacetalks]

Not at all. I do not have guests over regularly, busy as I am, so I relish the opportunity to host.

[he takes a seat and nods to his servant, who pours them both a glass of wine]

Do inform me if you've any preferences on drink, but I thought a Lominsan red would be a fine choice for any occasion. Now, I understand you are here in Ishgard on business for the Students of Baldesion?

[earwiggle]

Then allow me to thank you again for the opportunity to have you as my host.

[ It's not often that he drinks. So he's going to accept whatever the recommendation is. ]

No preference, it isn't often that I get to try such fine wines. Oh, aye, I've come on business to investigate some happenings outside of Ishgard. Nothing terribly exciting, but something to look into nevertheless. We should be here for around three days.

[peacetalks]

Alas, not nearly enough time to take you on a proper tour. Then we shall simply have to make the most of tonight.

[he says with a smile, and a slight twinkle in his eye? did aymeric mean for that to sound so suggestive? the appetizers arrive before that comment can linger in the air for too long, and they are invited to tuck in]

Do let me know if the dishes are not to your liking. I assure you, I won't be offended; I had to guess at your culinary preferences, based on what I've gleaned from Megumi.

[earwiggle]

[ Did he mean that like that? Maybe G’raha was imagining things. Maybe G’raha thought way too hard about why Aymeric had that flirty glint in his eye.

…and also why he went so far as to guess at what he might like to eat. He believed Megumi when she said that Aymeric was a good man, but wow.

He takes a slow sip of the wine. ]

I’m sure you did a fine job, my tastes are similarly aligned with Megumi’s, so I’m sure to like it.

… I also wouldn’t be opposed to coming back for a longer visit, if you will have me.

[peacetalks]

[smiles]

I certainly will, given the opportunity. You are always welcome here.

[more food arrives: lots of classic ishgardian cuisine, and a good balance of light and heavy dishes so as to not overwhelm the palate. (and dessert, of course, is sohm al tarts with ishgardian tea and birch syrup. the full house borel tea set, if you will)]

I shall have to arrange my schedule when next you come to visit. Perhaps Megumi might come, as well. And while you are welcome to stay wherever you wish, know that my home is open to you both.

[earwiggle]

[ G’raha is thankful. His tail might be wiggling just happily as his ears do when the food is brought out.

He’s certainly the gourmand Megumi would have described him to be. ]

You are certainly a kind man, Ser Aymeric. If you would go so far as to rearrange your schedule then I shall reach out to Megumi and make our plans accordingly.

[ And now G’raha will dig into the dishes, trying each one with excitement. He’s taking polite bites, but the excitement can’t truly be contained. ]

You have impeccable taste.

[peacetalks]

[chuckles, pleased]

Full glad am I that the food is to your liking. Shall we toast?

[he raises his wine glass]

To Megumi, perhaps?

[earwiggle]

[ He raises his wine glass, his red eyes full of warmth and softness. He also might be giving Aymeric a fond look as well. ]

To Megumi, of course, and our fated meeting.

[peacetalks]

[the tips of aymeric's ears are just a tad pink as he smiles back at g'raha, and clinks their glasses together]

Cheers to that, certainly.

[he drinks, and swirls his wine in the glass]

... she has told me some details of how the two of you met. 'Twas breathtaking to hear it, truthfully. I struggled to wrap my mind around the tale, at first--traveling through time and space, from another dimension, and then unto another world--a reflection of ours, as I understand. And after all of that, to have journeyed to the ends of the cosmos, confronted a threat so dire it nearly consumed all life, and triumphed... I confess I am awed and humbled by your achievements.

[earwiggle]

[ he clinks their glasses, bringing it to his lips as well. ]

[ his ears lay down, but mostly because he's definitely blushing right now. gosh!! megumi really told him about all of that, did she? ]

I could not have done any of that without her help, truly. I certainly made quite a few mistakes along the way, and learned many lessons.

[ He looks at Aymeric, a fond and admiring look in his own eyes. ]

She told me quite a bit about your station, and the struggles you faced to get where you are. If there was anyone to be humbled and awed by, it is you Ser Aymeric.

[peacetalks]

[he ducks his head, smiling but somewhat embarrassed]

... I could say much the same--how I could not have done it without her help, and how I made many mistakes along the way. Megumi oft speaks freely of her partner's virtues, and I admire her for it. 'Tis often her wont to remind us to be proud of ourselves.

[he lifts his head, meeting g'raha's gaze]

And I am. Yet I shall admire you nonetheless.

[earwiggle]

We are imperfect, but she accepts us nevertheless. She is a kind, beautiful, and strong woman. Full glad am I to know one of the men she wed is you.

[ His cheeks are warm. Is it the wine? Is it the way he's noticing how handsome Aymeric is very suddenly? Who knows. G'raha Tia won't complain. ]

And so on that note, I have no shyness in telling you that I will have to continue my admiration of you.

[peacetalks]

[he chuckles, his cheeks and ears pink--perhaps a combination of the wine and something else--and tilts his head to one side, his eyelids lowering]

Will you, now? I admit, while I would not expect it, the thought does please me. I welcome you to continue your admiration, and I pray mine is likewise welcome.

[oh yeah he's definitely flirting now]

[earwiggle]

Oh, it’s certainly welcome, Lord Commander.

[ Did he roll some of those r’s? Was it Aymeric’s imagination? Hmmm. ]

What a lovely shade of pink on you, I say it quite suites you.

[peacetalks]

[oh that's cute. aymeric had wondered if the rolling r's thing was just megumi, or if it was a miqo'te thing. he is still a proper boy at his core, however, so he does look somewhat flustered by the attention, ducking his head again--though that just shows off his ears even more]

Would that I could blame it on the wine, yet I've been told before--by Megumi, often--that 'tis quite easy to make me blush. I must wonder if she has told you similar.

[earwiggle]

[ he only rolls them when he’s completely relaxed, maybe even like he’s purring.

G’raha might be assuming right now but… ]

She might have mentioned it.

[ He moves from his seat and situates himself in Aymeric’s lap, straddling him. ]

[peacetalks]

[oh

aymeric's eyes widen briefly and his hands come up to rest on g'raha's hips]

Has she now. I confess she has told me many things of interest concerning you... though I hesitate to make any assumptions. Still...

[his gaze flickers down and up g'raha's form, taking him in, his voice lowering]

... I am glad my overtures were not unwelcome. You are a sight to behold, like this.

[earwiggle]

[ his tail wraps around Aymeric’s wrist, loosely. ]

Has she? Color me interested. What has she told you?

[ He’s purring again, eyes lowered to admire Aymeric even further. ]

If only I had told you sooner they weren’t unwelcome.

[peacetalks]

[his fingers turn to brush along g'raha's tail, rubbing gently at his fur]

Things I've since beheld for myself. Your intelligence, your kind demeanor... your beautiful eyes. Your thirst for new experiences. Your penchant for daring stunts. She has also hinted at an unexpected, shall we say... ferocity.

[he grins]

Now, I am curious. What has she told you of me?

[earwiggle]

She has told me of your chivalry, your strength, the love you hold for your people. She also tells me that you have come out of your shell ever since she wed you, being able to address your needs without shame.

You should adventure with us, should you ever be able to.

[ He grins right back. ]

[peacetalks]

[his expression morphs into one of immense fondness]

Naught would bring me greater joy, I assure you.

[he lifts a hand to touch g'raha's cheek]

Permit me a taste of such an adventure, if you would be so kind.

[earwiggle]

[ he tilts his head into aymeric’s hand.

after a moment he leans in, daring to brush his lips against the other man’s. ]

Taste all you like, I’ve plenty of adventures to share.