FOR RHOK: Pray Take Me to the Rising Stones

[keepcalmcookon]

Ignis usually doesn't seek Rhok out. In fact, they've only recently reached some sort of general truce. There had never been any real animosity between them, but it had taken time for Ignis to accept that Felih was married to someone other than him. But he had taken a year to get here, and so much can change in a year--it was really his fault, thinking he could take his time while Felih had a life to live, and focus on helping save people on Eos.

This time, however, he has--and has found Rhok--Felih's husband, somehow--sitting at a table by himself in Carline Canopy, Mother Miounne's tavern and inn while the others are off to the markets for crafting wares.

"Is this seat taken?" Ignis asks of a seat across the table, his hand resting on top of its back.

Comments

[talkingtrashtank]

Felih always has, and always will, take multiple lovers. This is something Rhok knew about him from the beginning and something he had to put to rest before finally let himself forge a bond with him. As far as Rhok sees it, he can either get over it or give up on his mate, and he's chosen the former.

He's surprised when Ignis approaches him though, he'd figured seeing the rift-crosser was Felih's plan for the day and that the two of them would be busy catching up. For himself, the Seeker has a wide book and open ink pot at the table, but the book is closed and he's messing around with his tomestone.

"My invisible friend's not good conversation," He gestures to the empty chair, then points a thumb behind him. "I just ordered a-" Oop, here it is. A server drops a wooden platter laden with different cheeses and dried meats, roasted nuts and legumes from the forest decorating the edges. "-this. Help yourself." Rhok certainly will, he's hungry.

Exhibit A: when you only find out about something your character did BY WRITING A TAG FUUUCK

[keepcalmcookon]

It was something that Ignis had to come to terms with, too--in addition to coming to terms with the ring he kept forever hidden in a small pouch on his person would be forever useless. There was already another ring on Felih's finger, and Felih was happy. Both facts he would have to learn to live with if he wanted to be a part of Felih's life.

None of that is on his mind now, though--and he actually left Felih's side to speak to Rhok. Rhok was the only one he could ask about this idea bouncing around in his head. The others considered him too precious and necessary to protect.

The joke makes Ignis snerk a little before he takes the seat, nodding his thanks to the helpstaff as they put the food down, addressing them both with a simple: "Thank you."

Being new here means that they're basically feeding him, clothing him (especially Bri, bless her), and keeping a roof over his head. Ignis does what he can to be useful, but he's still a new adventurer and crafter. But he'll get there. Until then, he needs to suck it up and accept their help. Like he did when Felih healed his other eye. Or like now, perhaps.

"I hope you don't mind me providing the good conversation instead of your invisible friend."

>:3c

[talkingtrashtank]

There may be a lot of places in his life where Rhok lacks confidence, but his relationship with Felih is not one of them. He wouldn't go so far as to say he's his mate's favourite, but that's only because he knows it would disappoint and frustrate Felih if it got back to him. In his own mind: yes, he is the favourite. But he's wise enough to know the danger that comes with dancing to that lovely tune. Favourites change. Darlings fall. Rhok will be as good as Felih believes him to be, anything less would make him unworthy anyways.

And in the meantime it's good for Ignis to be a part of the Scions, and he's been doing well with the Gridanian adventurer's guild if what the others say is true. He's competent after his experiences on his own star too, so that's always a plus.

"He's asleep," the warrior says, taking up the provided knife and hacking off a few chunks of roasted aldgoat and good fatty zu. The bread is already on the table and he makes sure to leave plenty for Ignis to pick at. He knows the man's a good cook and this fare is quite simple but it's food and it's free and it's good after a hard day's training.

Under Ignis' chair and soundly asleep there is, in fact, a spriggan. Not very good conversation.

"What's on your mind, kid?" Ignis is not a kid, Rhok knows this, he's just a jerk.

[keepcalmcookon]

Ignis tries to not compare himself to any of Felih's other lovers, but it's hard not to with Rhok. He's mostly put it behind him, he thinks. The two things he shares with Rhok are that he loves Felih and that he wants to be the best he can be for him. Ignis can get along with the other man solely because of those two things. Rhok's also kept in mind how Ignis's training in weapons and magic back home has accelerated his studies here. Aether might be new to him, but his body has adjusted quickly, the Power of Kings having already introduced pathways for it to flow.

He takes up a couple slices of bread to start and goes to take some of the cheeses with a fork, not wanting to touch the food directly as to not be rude. Oh, he wants some of that Zu. It tastes the same as back home and is much less dangerous to get here. The ingredients are fresh--there's absolutely nothing wrong with simple. Not everything has to be a five course meal.

(And he's careful to keep that Spriggan asleep, by the way.)

Rhok is like a strange Gladio (another amiable jerk), so the kid comment can be taken in stride, and he can appreciate Rhok cutting down to business. "I need passage to Revenant's Toll, The Holy See of Ishgard, and Horizon so I can speak to the other Scions and research more easily. And eventually, when I'm strong enough that it wouldn't be a suicide mission--when--I would like to travel to the Great Gubal Library."

He's freely told everyone what he's researching--he's looking for an alternative to save their world other than Noct dying. There's something with the tombs back home that's promising, but he's looking to boost the power of that option further. There's some research that has been promising. He needs more.

[talkingtrashtank]

Rhok listens, enjoying his lunch and his drink (lemonade, not ale) without interrupting. He's heard Ignis talk about the problems back on his star before, and although he's curious he's let it lie for now.

"So," which is why he starts with that one. "Gubal is out. You know this." He just said not right now, but Rhok reinforces it. "Even I'd hesitate to go in there without either Felih or Pinya at my back, the Sharlayans didn't kid around with their magics. We will, just not now."

"There's a lot to see in Ishgard, and there's a road between there and the Toll. Hmm. Here," he takes another bite of cheese and then reaches down into his pack, rustling around in there for a moment before withdrawing one of his map cases. He clears the table except for the food and unrolls a map of the continent. It's not very detailed, but it gives a general sense of where things are.

"Horizon's the odd one out, and actually the easiest to get to." He taps one clawed finger on the city of Ul'dah, far to the south of the Black Shroud. "Airships are restricted, but you're a Scion now, you and I could board one today and be on the Husting Strip in a few bells. If time is of the essence we could hoof it from the city to Horizon, but it'd be dark out. I assume, however, you mean Vesper Bay? The Waking Sands?" There's very little in horizon except its aetheryte, which is still a valuable waypoint in and of itself.

"If you mean the bay," His claws skate across the map down to Vylbrand. "Limso Lominsa. But it's a longer flight and we won't be getting out of the city after dark: the ferry goes directly from the docks to the mainland several times a day from dawn till dusk."

And then he charts the first route in reverse.

"Hit Limsa Lominsa and see the Waking Sands," he keeps tracing. "Visit Horizon, hit Ul'dah. Depending on how long you wanna stay at the Sands, we could be in Ul'dah by tomorrow night. All of these places are well-travelled and relatively safe. You won't want for company on the roads and the worst danger is just putting your foot wrong in a wolve's den or getting turned around completely."

"As for Mor Dhona- eeeh, that's a bit harder." He sits back with his drink and lets Ignis take it in.

[keepcalmcookon]

"I know." Ignis considers Gubal a long-term goal. He listens intently to Rhok chart courses on the map, eating some of the nuts as he talks. The map he generally knows by now, but Rhok knows how to actually traverse the world.

"Vesper Bay doesn't have an Aetheryte; Horizon does," Ignis explains. "Limsa is closer perhaps, but ferries can be stopped." Past experience, there. "I'm more interested in getting the Aetherytes first so I can minimize your time commitment to this." He looks from the map up to Rhok. "You wouldn't mind assisting me?"

Ignis did say he wanted passage, but he wants to be explicit about it.

[talkingtrashtank]

"Assist and give Felih the conniption fit of the era?" Rhok asks, taking the last of the goat with a crust of bread and wrapping it all up nice and neat for later. "I wouldn't miss it, Scientia." Love him dearly as Rhok might, it's still too much fun to mess with his mate sometimes.

"Make what arrangements you need with your gear, and meet me downstairs at the airship landing in a bell. Sound good?" It'll take about that long to arrange and wait for transport anyways. As he stands up, he gestures dismissively at the table, "You- uh, you be a champ and settle this, yeah?"

And then he fucks off, tab unpaid, because everyone's been coddling this kid a little too softly in his opinion. If Ignis doesn't have the gil for lunch then he'll need to learn to pick up levequests the same way Rhok did when he was fucking up as a rookie.

But, true to his word, an hour later they'll be first to board a supply ship bound from Gridania to Ul'dah. It's a hell of a view from way up here.

[keepcalmcookon]

Rhok has started to rub off on Ignis a little, because when Rhok mentions conniption, Ignis smirks rather obviously. Part of this is to prove a point; Ignis might be weaker than the rest, but not to the point where he needs to be protected at all costs. Giving Felih a heart attack only to prove he was just fine is the perfect way to do it.

"Sounds perfect," Ignis barely has a chance to say before Rhok continues talking and leaves before Ignis can object.

He could be annoyed, and for a moment he is—and another moment, he thinks to use the money he's been given by the others. Instead, he eats the rest of his lunch and reaches into the pouch of his own meager earnings (he has been doing levequests!) to pay the tab when it arrives. Rhok is doing him a favor; at the very least, he could pay for a meal.

Ignis leaves a note with Mother Miounne for Felih, saying that he's gone out with Rhok perhaps several days and to not worry. Which, of course, will make him do precisely that. They still have their linkshells if Felih needs occasional confirmation that they're both still alive. The absence of detail is deliberate—he doesn't want Felih or anyone else to follow them, and Felih will know that's exactly why the note is so vague. He really hopes that Felih doesn't think he's been kidnapped again and it was written under duress.

Ignis is ready within an hour; he keeps his equipment in good condition consistently (unlike his player) and has only need to do a quick check to be certain. He spots Rhok and waves to him as he walks over. Truly, he could be mad, but instead he's fixing Rhok with a look of amusement.

"I left a note for Felih that we'll be gone for perhaps several days and to not worry," Ignis isn't laughing aloud, but his eyes sure are.

[talkingtrashtank]

When Ignis brings up the note he left, O'rhok's ears dip a little before he smartens up and hits the kid with a sour look instead.

"That- okay, hmm." To be completely fair to Ignis, Rhok only knows what a bad idea a taunting-but-well-meant letter is because he pulled the same stunt once before pulling a two-day disappearing act of his own. "You didn't mention me at all, did you?" He did? Well shit, Ignis! "Just for that, I'm letting something bite you."

The flight is relatively boring except that, once they're well over the south shroud and descending over dry scrubland and red clay, their linkpearls stop going off. Rhok can't say what sickly sweet tone Felih uses on Ignis, but sticks his hand in his bag and starts rifling around for something. Inkwell? That works. When Ignis's call ends and Rhok's starts to chime instead- the Miqo'te removes his pearl before opening the link.

"O'RHOK TIA-" He throws the ink-well at Ignis, which is more likely to go over the side of the ship and plop into the desert than hit him, and turns away to soothe his mate.

Highlights of that conversation include:

-"Felih, I'm not gonna stuff him in a fox den."
-"I'm not gonna lead him into a gobbue's mouth either."
-"As if I would waste a good S-rank on him."
-"No I didn't blackmail him."

And finally:

"Oh no you're- Khsssshsh you're breaking up! The grgrgrgr interference! I-" and he ends the call, and points at Ignis

"I'm letting two things bite you!"

D20 was kind so Ignis uses it to his advantage (D19)

[keepcalmcookon]

Ignis almost feels guilty when Rhok says he'll let something bite him. He assumed that Felih would panic a bit but also trust both of his mates to keep each other alive. There's been no real animosity between them, just awkwardness. Rhok might be a bit... unique in several matters, but he's serious about his duties (which now include keeping Ignis alive).

He definitely feels guilty when Felih hails his linkpearl first. Worried, but trying not to sound it, making sure he's being well taken care of. Ignis tries to triage as much as he can, telling the truth that this was his idea first, and that he trusted Rhok and his skills. He promised he would be careful and not bite off more than he could chew. Syncing to more Aetherytes was simply far overdue, and he needed a wider freedom of movement.

Ignis glances back towards Rhok as Felih shouts over his link pearl, just in time to see an ink well hurling towards--well, it doesn't matter where it goes, because he just miraculously caught it. At least his reflexes haven't changed, nor how used he is to bullshit. There's both amusement and guilt as he overhears snippets despite him not trying. It's good to hear how much Felih loves him, though... and how he'll yell at his husband on his behalf.

The way Rhok ends the call, though, makes him laugh--and Ignis just shrugs at the threat, walking up to Rhok to hand him back his ink well. "I suppose that's fair payment. Also, you dropped this."

[talkingtrashtank]

Rhok just sticks his tongue out at the ink-well, but does accept it and tuck it back into his bag. Your reflexes serve you well, Scientia, but you won't always be watching. You won't always be ready!

Their arrival in Ul'dah is smooth and, aside from whatever wandering and awing Ignis feels like doing, uneventful. The only two places Rhok puts any emphasis on are the Adventurer's guild and aytheryte plaza, but if Ignis should feel like taking a turn around the Sapphire Avenue or Pearl lane, Rhok will be happy to tag along. Aethernet attunment is almost as important as Aytherytes, sometimes.

"You're from a big city, yeah? You know the drill." Don't show your purse in public, don't make it obvious when you get turned around. Try not to stab anyone and definitely don't get stabbed or stolen from!

"But if you've ever got a handful of gil and an afternoon to kill, the Bloodsands are definitely the place to be." The weaver's guild, he insists, has nothing Tataru can't make better as far as quality and style go. "Bit unfair for most of us to compete in these days, but if you wanna test your mettle it's a good opportunity to risk nothing more than a few bruises and some pride."

[keepcalmcookon]

You won't always be looking, either! But Ignis just grins and says nothing. They have an understanding of a nature.

"I do. You'll see no trouble from me."

Ignis was actually interested in the weaver's guild, but he can look at that on his own time. He does insist on checking out the aetheryte shards to save himself time. He lets Rhok tell him about the places of importance and nods to the reminder to not let people know what sort of money he's carrying. Or attack people. Pretty basic.

"I'm not the sort for such theatrics." Ignis's eyes turn back to the architecture, because he really is appreciating all of it. It's so different from Gridania. "But I would like to get the shards while we are here."

Ignis is keeping it to business, but he does keep on taking glances of the architecture. It reminds him of... the Citadel, truthfully. Wider and different but oh so similar. He has to take a moment to blink back emotion from his eyes.

"How long are we to remain here again?" Ignis knows, but he just wants a moment to not listen as he composes himself.

[talkingtrashtank]

True to his word, Rhok has no issue navigating the city to help Ignis find the shards, tempted though he is to just use one and leave linkpearl hints as to how to find him. This isn't really the time for a wild chocobo chase, so they handle their business like grown-ups, or something.

"As long as you care to," is his answer about their stay. "It's getting on in the day. We might not make it to Horizon before nightfall but I doubt they'd close the gates on us." To play it safe they'd be best off spending the night at the Adventurer's guild and striking out tomorrow morning. "This is your trip, you make the call. I'm as used to tents as I am to inns." In the off-chance that they do arrive at second bell to find the settlement's gate dropped to protect the merchants from the night.

[keepcalmcookon]

Ignis appreciates the discretion. He doesn't want to take up more of Rhok's time than necessary. Although Rhok would have enjoyed it.

"I'd rather arrive refreshed," Ignis replies after a moment of thought. "It wouldn't do if I made everyone's first impression tired and dirty from the road."

Practical, but Ignis isn't against staying in tents. He just wants to look like a man of refinement. Being a part of a royal court means proper hygiene.

[talkingtrashtank]

Easy-peasy. Momodi at the Adventurer's guild is a delight, happy to take Scion gil and add Ignis to the roster for future visits. Since there's still a touch of daylight to burn once their lodging is secured for the night, Rhok turns to Ignis with an easy grin.

"I might as well run out to the Goldsmith's guild while we're here, they've been holding onto something for me. What're your thoughts?" Tag along or split up? The worst danger in Ul'dah is pick-pockets and neither of them look like easy marks.

[keepcalmcookon]

Life is much easier now that he's a Scion and has met up with the Warriors of Light. He's no longer homeless and now always has some way to sleep with a roof over his head as long as he's careful to plan where he ends his days. He was used to sleeping in tents before when he and the others were low on money, at least.

"I won't mind tagging along if you don't," Ignis is actually curious to learn more about crafting in general; Felih and Bri make such pretty things.

[talkingtrashtank]

They do indeed make beautiful things, but they got their start at the same guild that calls Ul’dah its home.

The nicest part about Ul’dah is how much of it is inside. The sukhs join together one after the other to create a labyrinth of covered streets, and it’s down one of these causeways that they find the Goldsmith’s guild.

“Felih’s told you what being a Nunh means, right?” He asks as they make their way inside, ears up and tail swaying curiously. Both Sunseekers have made the effort and been awarded their titles, and Rhok felt this warranted a little splurge.

A sharp-eyed lalafell is there to greet them, a familiar sharkish grin and mean bargaining streak already obvious even if Rhok knows his purchases are paid for. A Conara, and just as bad as her sister in the Scions.

[keepcalmcookon]

He's quite happy to be inside from the punishing sun (even if it is setting). He's also happy to see the guild that Felih has mentioned in passing before. At first, he questioned the usefulness of learning all of these skills--up until the point he realized how potent the equipment was. Learning such skills means he can make things for back home that don't rely on Noct's power--and help with their world in the process.

"That 'Nunh' describes the amount of sleep you'll get while tending to your duties, yes," Ignis quips back, smiling. "Congratulations are in order. Consider lunch as having been my treat."

He's not bringing that up to be an asshole; he just finds that it's a fun addition to the conversation as he nod to the lalafell with amusement on Rhok's behalf in his eyes.

[talkingtrashtank]

"It's not a lot, let me tell you." Sleep, that is.

Congratulations or no, what passes between Rhok and Pinya's kinswoman is an immediate attempt and refusal to upsell. Such lovely earrings need a- no. And What a spectacular pendant must require- no thank you. You see such a stunning band should- pass.

"I have three on the way already," Rhok explains as he collects three small parcels from the guild. "When there're more, I'll order more." A set of earrings, simple studs that shine like starfire when their box is opened for his inspection. A white-gold pendant, polished and worked so lovingly that the silver teardrop casts its own kind of moonlight. And an armlet, a clever thing adjustable in size and made again of white gold. None of the gifts are gendered or bejeweled, just plain white gold with that stunning luster to them.

"Our secret," he says, a finger to his lips as they leave with the balance paid and treasures safely tucked away on his person. "I know Felih could've made them just as well but I didn't want something from us, just me. I'm a prick, remember?"

He's already come to accept that he's not going to be there for his kits as much as his sire was for him, or any other Nunh, really. The next fight could kill him. The next world-jump could be his last. There might not be a tomorrow, and if there is he has as much chance of being caught in some world-stakes conflict as he does of being with his tribe to watch his children bring down their first hunt or teach his Tia how to fight.

"I just want them to know I care. I want them to have something to remind them." Because it's important. They's his kits. "Alright, enough bullshit. Dinner. What, and who's paying?"

[keepcalmcookon]

Ignis smirks, having expected as much. Being Warriors of Lights and Nunhs made it hard on Felih and Rhok to get sleep. Everyone wanted kits from them, likely.

He approves of the choices; simple yet beautiful and not things that would be entirely out of place in an active tribe such as O. When it's clear that Rhok isn't going to buy anymore, the Lalafell turns her sights on Ignis. The refusal is easy: he doesn't have the coin and the one he'd get it for can make his own jewelry. Ignis makes a note to come back another time to ask about learning the craft, but for now, he just calmly tells her no. Haggling is something he got used to while on the road with Noct, Prompto, and Gladio.

"Our secret." Ignis understands the desire; things just from Rhok will have more meaning. "It's a good choice."

He smiles a bit at the change of topic; he actually saw into Rhok's heart for a moment, but just as quickly saw it close again. Which is probably a good thing, because Ignis was half-tempted to tease the soon-to-be father. Ignis is happy for Rhok, but there's a small part of him that flashes with jealousy. He will never have children of his own, considering neither he nor Felih can carry kits. Adoption might be an option, and will likely be the route he goes--there's so many children that need parents in Eorzea that it should be simple enough to find a few to take under his wing once everything on Eos is more... settled.

"Your choice, so long as it is within the limits of my coin purse." He's still a wee adventurer, after all. "I'll pay for the food and cook on the road; it'd be uncouth for me to do otherwise after requesting your help. My only requests are to be exposed to the various culinary flavors of each nation, and that we patronize smaller establishments or street vendors owned by families or individuals who have the right... passion."

Ignis wants the authentic experience.

[talkingtrashtank]

Authentic, hmm? Oh, oh he knows just the place.

"Pearl lane, follow me!" One of the dirtier streets in Ul'dah, awfully close to being a slum (or as close as the syndicate will allow within the walls of their golden city). They have to walk and wander a bit to find it, but once they do Rhok points out a building with a bunch of tents and shanties built up around it, makeshift extensions that spill into the crooked lane.

There's the smell and sizzle of spiced meats and sweet breads, and the two adventurer's duck past the hanging rugs to find a very large and ramshackle seating area filled with all sorts. The tables are low and the cushions and carpets spread over the ground shift from threadbare mothballs to gold-stitched beauties. A roegadyn woman is quick to see and direct them further inside and over the actual threshhold of the building, where the dim lighting and heavy carpetting continues.

Despite the desert heat, there's a large stone oven that takes up the heart of this eatery, its mouth open and showing baking meat pies, flat bread, cheese and vegetable dishes and succulent meats.

"Pick a meat, pick a veg, and the rest they pick out for us." Rhok has such a grin on his face, they're gonna be stuffed by the time they get back to the Quicksand.

[keepcalmcookon]

"Perfect."

Ignis doesn't mind the not so pristine street; that's where some of the best food often is. Cheaper rent, more passion. People come here for the food more than the decor. The scents make his stomach grumble even before they duck inside the place--and he takes it back about the environment. It's homey, altogether different than one would ever get at a 'high-end' establishment. Comfortable.

"I'd just as soon leave everything up to them," Ignis replies with a laugh. "Surprise me."

He's discovered that asking what the staff prefers always ends with a satisfying meal.