adelphoi | (no subject)

(no subject)

[ alisaie is not quite so familiar with ishgard's street and climes as her dear brother, of course, but that did not earn her pity points.

as far as the scions are concerned, prompto is her little project. oh they like him plenty, and he's certainly helpful to their cause - for all he seems quite soft and, to a word, useless, he can actually handle himself quite well in a fight, and he's smarter than he might seem at first glance. he might have been a burden in the beginning, but he has learned, adapted, and grown into this place enough that she does not feel as if she has to carry him around any longer. she can trust him to fight by her side when she needs it, and more importantly, to do the right thing.

he is a kind soul. kinder certainly than she is.

nevertheless, alisaie seems always to be relegated to oversee him anyway. she found him, after all, he is the pup that followed her home, so she has become his de facto caretaker. it is up to her to keep him safe, to teach him as best as she can, and she supposes that is all well and good, so long as it does not interfere with her duties, but so far it has not. he seems keen to help where he can, mayhaps because it is in his nature, mayhaps because it keeps his mind and hands busy, but nevertheless, she does not much mind his consistent company anymore. suffice it to say she has.. grown used to him, even if he is foolishly idealistic and far more bubbly than any one person should ever be.

so here they are, striding over the chilly cobblestones of the foundation, toward a squat building in the near distance, where smoke rises from a sturdy chimney. ]

Nearly there, now. I daresay you shall be far more comfortable in clothing with sleeves.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ It's been a few long, strange, fascinating months since Prompto first plopped into Eorzea, and while his underlying goal hasn't changed — get to wherever Noctis went to after he entered the Crystal so he can bring him home — he has also found good company here among the Scions...and among Alisaie, too. He can barely measure up to even the newest recruit among them, but even so, Prompto is happy to help were he can. After all, if anyone is going to be able to help him get to his destination, it's the Scions. If helping them out in the meantime to save Eorzea is what it takes to get there, then so be it. It isn't easy for him to be patient, but they're playing the long game here.

And...it's been nice to stick around with Alisaie, the first friendly face he encountered in this world, even if she probably wasn't too fond of him at the start. Hell, he isn't even sure if she's too fond of him now, with the way he sort of just...follows along with her like a pup, but hopefully he's made himself useful to her in some way. She's so good and strong and clever, she hardly needs his help, but...still. Her company is nice, and even if they haven't known each other long, she's his closest friend in this place.

Assuming...it's not too bold to call her a friend.

But now they're off to Ishgard, to meet these so-called machinists, where the Scions believe Prompto will find a kinship with their leader, Stephanivien (sp, I'm not looking it up his name is dumb). If nothing else, he'll hopefully leave with some new duds and weaponry to make himself blend in more effortlessly here. He may never be able to pick up on the Eorzea-speak, but at least he can dress the part.

(Tataru hasn't had time to make him new clothes yet. :( ) ]

Y-yeah! You c-could say that again...

[ Feverishly, he rubs his hands up and down his arms to dispel the chill, while idle snowflakes drift into his hair. Of all the places they've visited, climate-wise, Ishgard is not his fave. ]

M-maybe after this w-we can visit Costa del S-sol?

[ He can dream. ]

We are hardly here for a vacation, Prompto.

[ she chides, but gently, far more softly than she might have when they first met. she's not about to abide any whining from him, but she doesn't need to flay the skin from his bones in punishment either. ]

Costa del Sol is quite a ways from here, after all.

[ he'll have to abide the freezing climes of coerthas a little bit longer, unfortunately, but she's quite sure that once he gets into some.. substantial clothing, he'll warm up quickly. sleeves alone will make a difference. and given the stench of acrid smoke in the air as they approach the line of buildings they are quite close. ]

Anyroad, you need not suffer much longer. [ she sweeps an arm toward the door. ] After you.

[ Sleeves will definitely make a different, but she's gonna miss the guns, isn't she?? He's going to miss them, at any rate...

But not a moment sooner does Alisaie reach the door than Prompto is pushing right on through it, eager for whatever meager warmth and shelter from the elements the building provides. However, it isn't long before he isn't thinking about the weather at all anymore, when he finds himself so suddenly surrounded by gears and steam-powered contraptions of the likes he has only seen in comic books. ]

Whoa...so this is the Skysteel Manufactory...

[ It's not like he'd done a lot of research, but he'd been eager to visit ever since learning (from Tataru, probably) that this guild of sharpshooters most closely aligned with his own weaponry of choice. Ever since arriving in Eorzea, Prompto hasn't been able to use the Armiger and as such has been relegated to whatever weaponry the Scions had lying around, but this...

This could be a definite upgrade. ]

[ alisaie has never visited the manufactory, herself. she spent no small amount of time in ishgard recovering from her near disastrous poisoning, but once she was well there was little enough time for her to spend exploring the city. she knows the basic lay of the land, but most of these buildings she has not set foot into. she'd had no good reason.

so it comes as a surprise to her as well - all these whirling cogs and belching steam engines, and though it all seems very crass and noisy there is something about it that she likes. alisaie has always been fond of the messy, the broken, the strange, the loud. things that most people do not like. things that are different. sharlayan and ishgard share a great many similarities, a pompous, stuffy self-righteousness among them, and a place like this seems to laugh in the face of those high society ponces in their frilled skirts and ruffled collars. she finds that rather charming. ]

Do you like it?

[ she asks, with a smile. he's stuck out like a sore thumb from the moment he arrived, and from what he has told her, his home is vastly different from hydaelyn, so to see him find something that speaks to him, that makes him happy, warms her. he might be an idiot, but he's a kind and gentle soul, and he deserves to find some measure of comfort while he is here. ]

Do I like it?

[ Of course, his answer is implied in the way he answers her, like that's a ridiculous question to ask, because of course he loves it. It's strange and different but still somehow familiar, like so many things in this world are, yet he hasn't felt so much in his element since he arrived here.

He turns around to face her, a wide grin on his face. ]

I love it. You think they'll just...let me join 'em?

[ I mean, sure, the Warrior of Light gets to take on whatever jobs he wants, but Prompto is no Warrior of Light!!! ]

Of course not. Why wouldn't they?

[ it's.. good to see him so excited for something. prompto is a bright, positive person, his energy is warm and uplifting, but it is not so difficult to see through it, at times, and she knows he is not always quite so happy as he might want her to believe. how could he be? he's being taken care of here, but for all intents and purposes he is stranded, far from home, with no idea how to return. that cannot be an easy burden to bear, and while they might work toward a remedy for him, they are no closer to opening the door back to his eos now than they were when he arrived.

they'll find a way. she knows it. the door is closed to them now, but soon enough they will deliver him home again. ]

From what I hear, machinists are in short supply. No doubt Stephanivinien(??) will be thrilled to meet a new candidate.

[ and as if on cue, the door to the back rooms of the manufactory creaks open, and a tall, soot-smeared elezen strides forth - with a smile, alisaie gestures. ]

I shall leave you two to become better acquainted.

[ It's like Alisaie has taken him to his first job interview, because that's basically what this is, right? A job. Training. If he can get in with the machinists, he can make himself much more useful to the Scions. He has to nail this.

So it's with a nervous smile that Prompto nods to Alisaie, before he turns to greet Stephanivivinvivien (nailed it) and introduce himself.

Of course, those nerves don't evaporate immediately, but the guild's head is remarkably easier to talk to than Prompto would have anticipated. They haven't been in Ishgard long, but from everything he knows about it, it's not exactly a...laid back and casual place. But Stephanivien proves to be remarkably personable, and it isn't long before Prompto forgets his nerves entirely, instead letting his enthusiasm for firearms do the talking. A good hour goes by before Prompto at last emerges from the Manufactory, with a new weapon strapped at his hip and back, and a new set of clothes (with sleeves!) that makes him look just like a native Hyur. ]

I passed, Alisaie, I passed! How do I look?

[ Prompto enters /gpose and strikes a figure for her. That went soooo much better than expected. ]

[ she hangs about the manufactory at first for a spell, eyeballing the firearms - it is weaponry unlike anything she has used before, and it is quite clear that this is the best possible place for him. the scions' armory has nothing remotely like what is offered here.

but the room is hot and cramped, and she does not want to make prompto nervous by accidentally eavesdropping, so alisaie takes her leave to the streets again soon enough, though she stays nearby so as not to lose him in the twisting city streets. it's quite some time before he emerges again, and she wonders whether it is a good or bad thing that he is taking so long, but she is nevertheless confident that he will do fine. he's demonstrated his skill in marksmanship plenty already, and for all he might personally behave like a bit of a blockhead, his skill in combat is heartening. she believes in him.

.. and she hardly recognizes him, when he comes striding toward her dressed in proper eorzean garments; give her a moment. ]

Oh -

[ what a nice /gpose!! ]

Well, you certainly look the part now, don't you?

[ He even does a little twirl for her, so she can see ~~his ass~~ all his angles. ]

I gotta hand it to these machinists — they sure know how to dress!

[ Even if this is far more sleeves than he is accustomed to. Oh, well, at least it's warm! And more than anything, he's excited to try out this weaponry. It's familiar and yet so very different from what he's used to. There's a lot to learn ahead of him, but he finds himself far less anxious than he would have expected. ]

I guess I'm almost like an honorary Eorzean now.

[ Though there's something a little melancholy amid the glee when he says as much. Before he can let it linger, though, he follows up quickly with: ]

Um, sooo, what now? Up for a little sight-seein', or is it back to business as usual?

[ there's a buttflap, she can't appreciate the ass!!

but she can appreciate how well he fits in, now; with any hope, he won't get strange looks everywhere they go. nor will he freeze in the coerthan climes. she does not miss that slight shift in tone, however, no matter how he tries to hide is. while she does not doubt that he is enjoying his time here, it cannot be easy to be cut off from his home. even alisaie misses sharlayan dearly at times, and she can theoretically return any time she likes.

there is naught to be gained in fretting over it, however. they are working to return him as quickly as they are able, all she can offer is patience and sympathy. ]

Well, we needn't return for a few days, still. Have you anything in mind?

[ From what he understands, Ishgard isn't exactly a place known for it's...fun leisure activities, but there still might be some sights worth seeing, and, of course, photograph. Maybe they could even visit the dragons (or the MOOGLES) but there's one thing in particular about this region that stands out to him that he would like to see... ]

Soooo, I've heard there's a...chocobo forest somewhere in Dravania?

[ Yes, this is what he wants to do. If they have enough time to get there and back, of course. Peons like them can't teleport whenever they please like SOME people... ]

[ too bad he's a weirdo who can't manipulate aether and anima very easily!! what a noob.

she does not mind the foot travel, however, and sees no reason to deny him this request. the forelands are not terribly far from here, and the chocobo forest is close to the edge of the highlands. at least that is what the maps have told her, she has had little reason to travel too far beyond the city, in the past. ]

I believe that could be arranged.

[ she says, smiling. ]

Granted, we shall have to pass through the icy Western Highlands. I'll hear no complaints about cold toes.

[ A hearty salute. ]

Yes, sir! I'll be silent as the grave! ...About cold toes, anyway. These boots are thicc!

[ Yes, he means that kind of thicc, even if there is no audible difference between that and thick and Alisaie doesn't know what "thicc" is anyway. This is what happens when I tag you when I should be sleeping...

But anyway, Prompto will inevitably come to regret this request in more ways than one, when he's freezing his ass off only to get his butt kicked by a wild chocobo in the forest. ]

You just point the way and I'm there.

[ He makes it sound like they're gonna leave right this second... ]

[ yeah she... doesn't understand that reference. or even know that it's a reference at all. ]

Now?

[ alisaie is generally the first to jump into things headfirst without thinking, but even she's not so foolish as to go skipping off into the hard wilds of coerthas without thinking it through. ]

Hold your chocobos, we'll need a little time to prepare.

[ He halts in his step. Right, that...makes sense. They can't go galumphing off into the wilderness without any preparation. Sometimes he still forgets he's not on Eos where everything was easily accessible in the Armiger. Here, they actually have to carry their gear on their backs (or do they???? how does the WoL carry all that shit anyway). ]

Alright, alright! Sooo...can we head out tomorrow, then?

[ In the meantime, there's certainly plenty more of Ishgard to see, and even if it's a bit of a stuffy place, there's a lot of neat architecture just begging to be photographed. How does Prompto keep his camera running in Eorzea? Not important. ]

Tomorrow, yes.

[ he's like an excitable little puppy.. he has been since she first stumbled across him, and every day since. gods, where does he find the energy? it's uplifting, though; more than once he has made her smile when she was sure she was far too tired to accomplish it, and there is something to be said for how easily and readily he can keep moving forward. it's a strength unto itself.

for now, they're walking. he has new boots to break in! ]

I suppose I shall see to our supplies if you would secure us a room.

[ Y-yes, they'll need to do that...sharing a room with Alisaie!! It's not the first time they've shared a space, and they've done their fair share of camping together, but still, Prompto's heart races just a little faster at the thought...he might see her cute nightie... /////

ANYWAY, enough dwelling on that!! Even if his cheeks might be a touch redder now. He can just blame that on the cold. ]

You got it, Ali! [ He levels her with double fingerguns. ] I'll meet you at the Inn? I'll get some dindin ready for us, too!

[ Which isn't to say he'll be cooking, heaven forbid. He'll hit up the inn staff and see what they have on the menu, rather. ]

Din.. dins?

[ he says such weird things.. what kind of weird world is eos???

whatever. she shakes her head. ]

Nevermind. Take care, we shall catch up soon.

[ FAREWELL ]

[ It's not Eos, it's just Prompto, mostly...

But okay, BYE, the two of them go their separate ways and Prompto secures them a room for the night at the Forgotten Knight. He definitely blushed at her nightie and tried to hide up. He also slept under, like, six blankets, because it's freakin' cold here!

But anyway, moving right along because blanketfic is important, they depart for the Dravanian Forelands, to see dragons, sure, but mostly wild chocobos. A forest full of chocobos...it truly sounds like a dream come true. Of course, to realize that dream, they must cross through the Western Highlands of Coerthas, which is Prompto's least favorite local in Eorzea yet. And he thought Ishgard was bad...this is unreal.

But travel through it they must. It's not a terribly long trip, but it will take them a couple of days. Which means camping. In a frozen wasteland. Where monsters like to roam.

Good thing chocobos are worth it...and the company's not bad, either.

Prompto is just putting the finishing touches on the tent while Alisaie tends to the fire and the meal. The weather is calm enough for the moment, only the occasional flurry falling from the sky. Still, it's cold as hell, and Prompto is thankful his machinist gloves are as thick (thicc) as his boots. ]

How's the dindins comin' along?

[ Yes, he's using it again. ]

[ THERE IT IS AGAIN, with the dindins!!!!!

for her part, alisaie does not seem to mind the cold. she does not love it, sure, but neither does she seem overly perturbed. they packed warm clothes, thick coats and gloves, and they shall make due, though she knows full well that this region is prone to cold snaps and sudden blizzards.

truth be told she has never navigated it herself - she has never before been here, ishgard proper is more or less the most of what she has seen on coerthas, so these lands are unfamiliar. but alisaie is quite used to trekking across unknown lands alone - she has a map, a compass, and plenty of confidence. they're making good time, and should like as not reach the forelands by tomorrow evening.

for now, she is leaned over the merrily cracking fire, stirring the contents of a small cast iron pan with a wooden spoon. it's a thick stew of sorts, and it might not be particularly pretty - alisaie would not consider herself an expert culinarian - but the smell is decent enough, and nothing has burned. ]

I have never in my life heard of such a silly sounding word.

[ Don't worry, Prompto isn't expecting Ignis-level cooking on this little camping trip of theirs, but the smell of the food is enough to make his stomach grumble. As he checks the pegs of the tent to make sure it isn't going anywhere in a storm (uttering the requisite "that isn't going anywhere"), he grins over at her, unperturbed by her declaration. ]

Never? Alisaie, you flatter me! You free to use it, bee-tee-dubs. Oh — that means "by the way". You can use that one, too!

[ He is awfully cheery for being out in the cold, but present company is...certainly nice. Camping with a cute girl is, uh, notably different than camping with his bros.

At last he determines his work with the tent complete and he plops down next to her in front of the fire. ]

Smells great!

[ she does not want either of these words thank you!!

she's gotten used to it, really, that he says some.. real weird things, but she just chalks it up to him being from, you know, another planet. too bad that she doesn't realize that prompto is an idiot even by eos standards, that not everyone from eos talks like him. she'll travel there and assume dindins is just the usual term for dinner.. ]

I shall pass, thank you..

[ she's trying not to smile, but she can't quite smother it. giving the pot one last stir, alisaie reaches for the small wooden bowls in her canvas bag, so she can begin to fill them. ]

Do not expect a gourmet meal, but it shall suffice.

[ excuse u he is very hip with the times (citation needed)

But at least it is meal time, well-earned after a long day's trek and the preparation that it took to set up camp. She takes a bowl from her once she offers it to him, graciously thanking her before beginning to chow down. I godmodded all of this so we can get to snuggles sooner. ]

So, you said you've never been here before? Heh, wouldn't know it, with the way you're leadin' the brigade!

[ Their two-person brigade. Unless they are riding magical horsies and have minions. ]

[ the snuggle thirst is real...

alisaie ladles herself a bowl full as well, sitting back cross-legged to tuck in. it isn't a culinary masterpiece, but it's tasty enough, and best of all, nice and warm, heating her up right to her core. ]

Well, I've some small experience meandering about the wilds. The terrain here is not too challenging, so long as we mind the map.

[ she's a master explorer, prompto!! ]

[ don't @ me the blanketfic was ur idea?!??! ]

Yeah, think I'll leave all the map-reading to you. I'm not so good with directions...

[ He chuckles through a mouthful of stew. There's a reason he wasn't the navigator in their group, and his tendency to get sidetracked didn't help. ]

You've done a lot of traveling, huh? Just...for Scion stuff? Or what?