➵ almyran all mine

[shootyourshot]

[It's still startling to be here. There were any number of knights that Claude could have asked for, but instead he evidently sought out Ashe by name. Everything else was almost arbitrary. Really, Ashe isn't certain what the scheme was this time, but Dimitri seemed confident that Claude only has good intentions.

It isn't that Ashe lacks trust in His Highness, but even Ashe can't help but be a little skeptical of someone whose name during a war was the Master Tactician.

In any case, Ashe finally arrives at the designated area, just a few miles outside of Fodlan's Locket. If nothing else, it'll be interesting to explore a new country and its culture. Helping Dedue out in Duscur has allowed Ashe to learn much about the people, and he does look forward to exploring a bit about Almyra.

He looks up and sees a small team of wyverns with riders on the horizon. The knights with him tense up.]

Hold. We're not being attacked, remember?

Comments

[onlyfauns]

[ The small fleet of wyverns alight on the hilltop not far from where Ashe and his men are. Claude smoothly dismounting the white wyvern, patting it before striding over to close the distance. A bright smile spread across his face. ]

Ashe! You really came!

[ Seems he can't keep himself from grinning. ]

I can't believe Dimitri really let me borrow you! I'll have to thank His Highness. I hope your trip wasn't too difficult? But you must be tired- come, please. Let's get you back to the palace, all cozy and get some food into you. How does that sound?

[shootyourshot]

[Somehow, he didn't expect to see Claude himself. Maybe a team to greet them, but instead here he is himself! Ashe raises his brows, pleasantly surprised.]

Well, he did leave it at my discretion. If anything, I was flattered you requested me.

[The smile this time seems genuine. Then again, Claude is probably just as relieved as he is to have the war be over and done with.]

I certainly couldn't say no. I've been wanting to try Almyran cuisine for quite sometime, actually!

[onlyfauns]

Well, you are the best of the best, aren't you deadshot? You are absolutely in luck. There's a few days until we head out on our mission, so you'll get to eat all you want and more.

[ He winks, nudging Ashe's shoulder before turning to lead their visitors into the city palace. The whole place is buzzing and alive, music and color and the smell of spices fills the air as Claude explains the festival that's on right now. The rest of the men are set loose after being shown their quarters, and finally, finally he has a moment alone with Ashe as he walks him down the corridors of the sprawling building, politely noting points of interest as they make their way. ]

This is your room. I hope you find it comfortable, just let me know if you need anything.

[ Right. Be cool. ]

I realize you're probably tired so you're free to say no... but would you like to join me for dinner in an hour? It's a traditional meal for this particular festival- celebration of the sky.

If you want to come I can ah- I can send some of the maids to help you get all cleaned up and dressed. [ Well. They're not really maids, but that's probably the closest cultural translation anyways. He tries to look indifferent, training his face into that usual lazy smile of his, but there's a certain stiffness to it that he can't shake. ]

[shootyourshot]

[The city and palace alike are utterly fascinating, the architecture and aesthetics all so different than anything in Fodlan. He thinks that people like Ignatz might like to see it. For Ashe, he's curious about the culture -- particularly the food, admittedly.

He blinks at the invitation, then smiles at Claude. It's strange to see him a bit stiff, but he supposes it might be in relation to whatever pressure must be on the other man's shoulders.]

I'd like that! I've been really looking forward to learning more about Almyra, actually. So, thank you for having me.

[onlyfauns]

[ Nice. NICE. Claude withholds his celebration until he bids Ashe farewell for the time being so he can get ready and settled. Once he's safely out of sight, he pumps a fist in victory.

What Ashe will find is a few of the servants showing up to get him prepared. That is to say- pamper him silly. He's offered a massage, scented oils, some Almyran clothes, and some makeup. While he's fine to refuse, they do seem incredibly enthusiastic. ]

I totally nailed it, Nader. Easy! No big deal. [ Claude boasts as he carefully applies his eyeliner in the mirror, the gold silk scarf flowing off his shoulders onto the vanity. ]

He does know it's a date though, right? [ The larger man in the doorframe asks, the smile evident in his voice, because he already knows the answer. ]

Ah- give it time! I mean I didn't explicitly say... but he's a sharp one.

[ When Ashe is finally lead out and up to the royal quarters, he is shown to a large room, mostly open to the cool night air, the music drifting up from the street below. A large expanse of cushions and the line surround a low table that is completely decked out with a variety of beautiful Almyran dishes. Claude is lounged against some of the pillows, his usual outfit gone in favor of something looser, more flowing and decorative. More over- it's just them.

Claude pat-pats the spot next to him, an invitation to come and sit. ]

Well well, I see they certainly did go all-out with you, didn't they? You look good.

[shootyourshot]

[The eyeliner isn't too weird, at least; he's let Yuri do that to him a few times, mostly for fun while he'd been off to visit the Ashen Wolves. The clothing is much nicer than anything Ashe owns, blue and silver silks. It's so soft.

He is surprised when it's just the two of them. Claude looks so relaxed where he is, and admittedly pretty handsome. Ah, but he doesn't dwell on that, not when he's sure that Claude has more than his fair share of people he could woo or whatever they do in Almyra.

Still, he smiles bashfully, sitting next to Claude.]

Thank you. You too.

Wow, this is quite the feast. It smells amazing. Uh, is it just us?

[onlyfauns]

It uh- yes. Is that ok?

[ Damn he looks really nice. Claude fumbles to take a drink, and offer one to Ashe. Now that he's close he smells good, too. He tries his very best not to stare, but it's incredibly difficult. Why did he think this was a good idea? He can't keep the red from his face and ears. ]

Please dig in. I made sure to have a nice variety so you can try a little bit of everything.

[shootyourshot]

Oh, it's fine! I was just surprised. It'll be nice to have some time with you.

[Though Claude's cheeks appear redder than usual, Ashe honestly assumes that's just part of the makeup. He takes the drink with a warm smile and has a sip.]

Thank you! What should I try first? Hmm.

[Everything has such a nice spicy kick to it, and Ashe is delighted the whole way. He's always enjoyed Dedue's cooking, especially when he didn't hold back. It's true here too as he takes a bit of everything with a sheepish laugh and digs in.]

It's got such a good heat to it. Your chefs are amazing!

[onlyfauns]

[ He visibly relaxes at that comment. Good, good. Perfect. While he does eat, he's more interested in watching what Ashe likes, slowly picking at his own food while keeping the knight in his periphery. ]

Oh- thank you! I actually helped prepare some of this myself. Good to know I didn't ruin them.

[ Cooking is not his strong suit, but he wanted to put a little extra love into this, so he did his very best. ]