leewards | Post-LC PSL catch-all;

[The ritual to send everyone home was a success, and with their blood shared with one another, Urianger and Ithaqua made it back to Eorzea together. However, the couple had very little time to celebrate. When Urianger was taken, he was in the middle of discussing plans for the future with the (former) Scions of the Seventh Dawn. To say they were shocked when a mysterious, very much not human figure suddenly popped into existence beside him would be an understatement. Urianger had a lot of explaining to do and a very important introduction to make: in the blink of an eye, he had gone on a three month adventure to another star, and came back with a lover he intended to marry. It was a bit hectic and stressful, but for now, the situation was sorted out about as well as it could be.

Urianger had planned to go on a sightseeing jaunt with Thancred, but with the drastic change in circumstances, those plans have since been put on hold so that he and Ithaqua may rest and regain their bearings in Mor Dhona. Fortunately the Rising Stones never has a shortage of rooms for Scions, even if Urianger had just checked out earlier in the day. They've been given a spacious private room away from the hustle and bustle of daily operations.

Urianger isn't gone for long once they get settled into the room, returning with some freshly made soup and mead from the tavern. Their crazy day is finally winding down, so hopefully their minds can follow suit with some good food and drink.

He places the tray down and begins to set the table, casting his gaze toward his lover.]

How farest thee?

[Over these past few months, Ithaqua has gotten accustomed to being around so many people. Not comfortable per se... merely accustomed, mostly desensitized, like a dog learning socialization. Still, being in an enclosed room with a number of them, and clearly doing some form of work, made him want to bear his teeth-- that's uncomfortable. He's glad he kept his hood on when they traveled.

And he's glad Urianger did the talking for him. All Ithaqua did was put his chin on his lover's--fiance?-- shoulder and meow when addressed. That was funny though.

Though not light-hearted enough to settle his nerves. That only came in their private room, where he curled up in bed and waited for Urianger to come back.

And when his lover does come back, Ithaqua gets out of bed and holds out his arms so Urianger may deposit the tray into his hands.]

Becoming accustomed to this place. It's all quite new to me. [And he still misses his mother. His heart aches more now that his decision can no longer be reversed. But he never wanted to change his mind in the first place.]

[Spotting the silent gesture, Urianger does as requested and hands the tray over.]

Thou mayest take as much time as thou dost require. I would not expect thee to adjust within a single day.

[Ithaqua just spent three months having to adjust to one world, and now he's been permanently placed in another to practically start from scratch all over again. Urianger doesn't intend to take that sacrifice lightly. He'll do all in his power to ease his lover's burdens.

With the table now set, he pulls out a chair and offers for Ithaqua to sit.]

I ordered a warm and hearty stew for thee.

Edited (belated english language fuckup correction) 2024-07-23 05:54 (UTC)

[Ithaqua readily holds onto the tray so Urianger can set the table with more space.]

Adjusting will be no issue for me. I want to see everything this world has in store for me. [And that's no idle comment. There is a whole world out there, and no ocean that is impossible to cross (presumably).

Of course, the culture... well, he'll just have to see what the culture is, but of course, he knows that it changes from place to place. If anything else, he can simply fall back into silence-- or letting Urianger speak for him. That's why he acted like a cat earlier, after all.]

Table set, he sets the tray down and then himself-- but not before pecking a kiss to Urianger's cheek.]

Edited 2024-07-23 09:37 (UTC)

[Ithaqua's words, and subsequent kiss, are reassuring. Urianger's expression softens as he sits beside Ithaqua at the table.]

Much it doth possess, and more. As I have described in the past, the lands are as varied as the communities that reside upon them. Even I cannot claim to have witnessed them all for myself.

[He's seen the furthest reaches of the universe before he's seen all of Etheirys...that's pretty wild. He hums into his mug as he considers it.]

[Primly, Ithaqua removes his gloves so he can eat, though wraps his fingers around his elf's wrist first, giving it a brief squeeze.]

We have time to explore. I do not want to be idle, but I feel no rush to experience everything, either.

[When he lets go, he pulls the ring Urianger had given him off of the discarded glove and raises it.]

Besides, there are more pressing matters at the moment. You have an intent to marry me, hm? [With his mask on the cartonnier, Urianger will be able to see just how he raises one eyebrow.] Subtle.

[Urianger lets out a sheepish chuckle and sets the mug down.]

I... In truth, I surprised even myself when I declared mine intent. 'Twas a desire that I was content to keep unspoken. I am full aware of thine aversion to religious affairs, therefore I would not ask thee to participate in a formal Eorzean ceremony of eternal bonding. However...

[He turns his gaze to the ring in Ithaqua's hand.]

My promise of eternity unto thee was a proposal in all but name.

And to think I had a conversation with Ginger about this not too long ago. [Ithaqua blows on the ring to dislodge the dust, and then returns it to its rightful place on his finger, raising it to the light to watch it sparkle.]

Marriage is indeed a religious affair, and people in love do not need the validation of others to declare such a love... [Then he drops his hand and looks directly at Urianger, face impassive like a statue's.] But is it something you desire?

[Wait, Ithaqua was discussing the subject of marriage with Ginger? Urianger opens his mouth in surprise, but ultimately settles on listening to what else Ithaqua has to say on the matter.]

Thou speakest true in that a ceremony is not wholly necessary, nor must needs our love be recognized by any other but ourselves. 'Tis also a social affair as much as it is a religious one, and I would not force thee to endure it.

[He really wouldn't. It's why he didn't outright propose when he offered that promise to Ithaqua. He's fully content to live their love as it is now.

But Ithaqua has asked him plainly what he wants, so he meets his lover's gaze with a soft one of his own.]

Yet I cannot escape the selfish desire to call thee my husband.

Edited 2024-07-23 16:56 (UTC)

[Ah... How can he resist that face? Yes, Ithaqua has plainly stated that he does not like religion and would rather not partake in any of the sort, and yes, he doesn't care for official shite according to societal beliefs... but when Urianger looks at him like that, and speaks to him like that, what else can he do but bow to his beloved's desires?

Ithaqua reaches out to hold his hand.]

Then you shall have that opportunity. Perhaps there is a way to keep religion and excessive celebration out of it?

[Oh. Urianger's eyes widen and he murmurs Ithaqua's true name in surprise. He didn't expect this, nor would he have been upset if Ithaqua remained opposed. But his willingness to make this work fills Urianger with so much elation, he can hardly bear it.

Squeezing Ithaqua's hand, he smiles with an almost boyish quality to it.]

I shall look into it at my first opportunity, and return unto thee with my findings.

[But for now...he presses his lips against Ithaqua's hand and remains there for a moment to nuzzle it.]

I thank thee, my love.

[Ithaqua thinks he'd lose his breath if Urianger keeps looking at him like that. Like he just hung the moon. How can someone be so endearing? This is how Ithaqua gets broken down more and more, compromising where he would not have been previously.

It's all thanks to this man and his antics.]

For you, I shall do anything. [He places his other hand on Urianger's, and rubs his cheek on his lover's temple.]

This is what you dearly wish... and would be a source of pride. [Don't think he forgot about that tone Urianger had when introducing Ithaqua...!] A temporary discomfort for me should not stand in the way of your happiness.

[He makes a hum of contentment under Ithaqua's touch.]

That thou wouldst endure this discomfort for me... 'Tis a high honor that I shall ne'er squander. Verily, 'twould be a great pleasure to be able to refer to thee as my husband. [He shifts slightly so that their foreheads may touch.] Ever grateful am I for this opportunity.

[Ithaqua has made him so, so very happy.]

Relationships are about compromise. You taught me that.

[And... be it far from Ithaqua to keep Urianger from what makes him happy. If he truly places so much importance on the title as to stake emotions on it, then fine. They will make it official.

When he feels his stomach rumble, he pulls away, gives Urianger a kiss on the forehead, and turns to the soup.]

You're important enough for me to do such a thing.

And... hm. [Ithaqua tilts his head at his lover, spoon now in hand.] I confess, it's nice to truly make sure that you're mine.

[He laughs quietly.]

So I did. I am gladdened that thou hast taken it to heart.

[Thankfully Ithaqua actually moves to eat, because Urianger had nearly forgotten about their meal in the midst of their discussion. The kiss on his forehead shall have to sate him for the time being so that their food doesn't go cold.

He takes a spoonful of soup into his mouth, but then immediately turns to Ithaqua with wide eyes. Was he not already Ithaqua's?]

[Ithaqua smirks at the look on Urianger's face, but lets him stew a little, partaking in his meal for a bit. Only after he's gotten some of it down does he elaborate.]

My heart, you are like an open book. I know what that expression means. [He reaches out to play with one of Urianger's fingers. Specifically, the left ring finger.] A ring would have done nicely, but I suppose some recognition from the law, or society, or whatever authority would be good as well.

Something that cannot be changed or overlooked so easily. Something tangible.

I want everyone to know, and never attempt to touch you.

[At least Ithaqua does elaborate, else Urianger would have vocalized his inquiry. Not that Ithaqua needed it.]

So that is the way of it.

[Ithaqua's looking for more direct proof of their relationship- of his claim on Urianger's heart. It doesn't get much more direct than an official union of souls. In his heart of hearts, there's probably a part of him that wishes for their union for the same reason.]

'Tis a reassuring security, I do agree. [A coy smile spreads across his lips as he uses his unoccupied hand to reach for his mug.] Have I ever informed thee that I quite enjoy it when thou speakest of me so?

Mm? [A wide smile graces Ithaqua's face, fangs and all. It would have been a malicious one, a triumphant one, dangerous and nasty, if it were not the expression in his eyes, full of genuine love.

But Ithaqua can't deny the surge of animalistic pleasure at Urianger's declaration. His less-than-human instincts and desires, sated.]

You had told me once that you didn't mind my desire to monopolize you, heheh! But this?

It's confirmation of your feelings on it. Are you encouraging me?

[It's difficult to say if Urianger would feel the same way about Ithaqua's desire of ownership over him if that love wasn't present. But as it is...]

That thou wouldst desire me to such a degree doth fill me with satisfaction.

[To put it plainly, it makes him feel good in a way he never has before. Maybe he's just succumbing to a baser instinct, but who knows.]

To answer thy question...mayhap I am.

[He feels like he doesn't have to tell Ithaqua to not go overboard, at least when it comes to his friends. He's back home now, so he's not going to be able to be alone with Ithaqua 24/7. But in the realm of love and relationships? Yeah, he quite likes the idea of misguided, would-be suitors getting scared off.]

[Ithaqua has absolutely succumbed to a baser instinct, even if he applies some thought to it first. Ah, the duality of a sentient beast.]

Hehehe! [He wraps his fingers around Urianger's ring finger, imagining a yellow stone on it, a piece unmistakably proof of where his heart, body and soul lie.] You can no longer take that statement back, when you appreciate the fact that I wish to hoard you the way a dragon would treasure.

[He already has, he thinks. They'll simply be making it legal. Or something.]

[Urianger lets out a subdued laugh of his own after taking a sip of mead. He watches what Ithaqua does with his finger, pondering what sort of ring he's imagining to put on it.]

I shan't. This so-called treasure liveth happily within thy clutches, and all of Eorzea shall know it.

Mm~ Even as you say that, I shan't be so complacent.

[Ithaqua lets go of Urianger's finger now, having gotten a good idea of its size. He's thinking of designs now. Stones, metals. Silver? No, a bit soft for active people.

Then he wraps his hands around his mead.]

Making one happy the bare minimum as a spouse, but I refuse to simply settle for bare minimum. I shall keep you happy.

[He hides his amused smile behind his mug. Ithaqua's already thinking of a hypothetical married life...hehe.]

I would hear thine ideas for keeping me happy. Thou must do so for an eternity, lest thou forget.

Ah? And spoil the surprise? [Actually, he has so few ideas right now... And none of them are even proper ones worth mentioning. Hence why he's stalling like this, and by sipping at his mead.

Well, there is one...]

Mm, very well. What do you say about some privacy when we finally marry? [He casts his gaze around the room, to make a point.] This is your base of operations and you all live here for convenience's sake, I understand that much... but it leaves so little for something more personal.

[There's no place to truly call one's own territory in here. Not to mention, if they have a little fun, everyone would know thanks to Ithaqua's volume.]

[Urianger wouldn't have pressed too hard if Ithaqua really wanted to keep his plans to himself, since he was only being playful. But Ithaqua does indulge him, and what a surprise it is.]

Thou wouldst have us claim an abode of our own... It hath been quite some time since I had something like that.

[He takes a moment to describe his temporary home in the fey wilds of Il Mheg: a quaint little cottage chock full of books and other research materials... Wait a second. That sounds very similar to his room back at the wizard manor.]

The transient nature of a Scion of the Seventh Dawn leaveth little need for a permanent living space. However... [His gentle gaze falls on Ithaqua once more.] The Scions have since disbanded, and I shall soon have a beautiful husband to share my future with. I see no reason not to consider settling down.

["Beautiful husband"-- shameless sod, did Urianger have to use those words exactly!! Ithaqua squints at him, trying to regain his composure, but the tips of his ears turn red anyway.]

Worry not, we'll be able to turn the house into your personal book nook, just the way you like it. [Because clearly, Urianger has his preferences... Which don't clash with Ithaqua's honestly. He doesn't have many desires when it comes to carving out his own space, as long as it's comfortable.

Maybe a few plush furnuture...?]

[✨teehee✨

It was not Urianger's intent to embarrass Ithaqua or anything, but he's not going to say he's ashamed by the blush he's caused.]

We seem to share a similar taste in furnishings, so I would not concern myself over it. However, the most important aspect would be that it is ours.

Mm, that is indeed my point. While just having a temporary room is acceptable, it will never be enough. [Not for Ithaqua, who has always lived in a house, away from people, had his privacy, freedom, happiness in a place only for him and his mother.

People like him can only find true comfort in a house that is a home.

He reaches out to clasp Urianger's hand again.]

Come make a home with me, Urianger.

Post-LC PSL catch-all;

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first night in eorzea

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