➵ 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]

[ 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. ]