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]

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.