[open] hydaelyn's house for wayward souls

[exarchal]

Who: Anyone!
When: All of November.
Where: The Haven, at the "classy" grade house maintained by some people from the FFXIV cast.
What: It's mingle time. Drop by for a visit, make your own toplevel, maybe ask who that weird old guy sleeping in the yard is. (It's probably crystal grandpa.)
Warnings: Mind FFXIV spoiler warnings in threads!

[ Located past the fanciest manor houses is something a little more modest. The most prominent thing one would notice about it is the front yard, which someone obviously spends some time in, though the cutting of certain bushes is a little close to amateur. More importantly, it looks a little messy but very inviting, and there's almost always the smell of something warm and delicious coming from inside the house. The lush and flowering garden in the back has a recently-scrubbed fountain and running water, as well as a near-permanent host of small birds. Is it magic? Probably. Most of the flowers are roses, though, which are a bit hardier than your usual flowers.

The interior is just as cozy, with a fire in the hearth that's almost always going, and plenty of books loaned or purchased from shops. Furnishings are occasionally sparse but the kitchen is fully-stocked, as is the family room where most people spend their time. The dining table exists and it's nothing fancy, but there's almost always a smorgasbord of fruit and other snacks left out for visitors.

New this month are tiny sigils drawn in faintly glowing paint along the windows and doors. Teleportation wards are in place, as well as soundproofing for each bedroom (ahem), so anyone teleporting directly inside the house will find themselves repelled.

There is a spare housekey under the mat, though, if someone gets locked out. ]

Comments

[exarchal]

[His gaze softens. K'rihnn is so warm and so encouraging. He feels truly blessed to have him as a Bond, but also a friend. The kiss to the back of his hand takes him by surprise, though, and he flushes clear down to his collarbone.]

Uh--

[It never fails. He clears his throat as he gets to his feet.]

Y-yes, of course. It would be downright dangerous to be drenched in the cold like this.

[Right. They shouldn't dally, so he tugs the younger Miqo'te gently toward the back door and into the house. The fire in the hearth thankfully still appears to be going, though it's burning a little low; this is the only reason G'raha would let go of the hand he's found, as he moves to stoke it a bit more.]

[krihnnges]

[K'rihnn isn't sure why G'raha always blushes so when he kisses the back of his hand, but he's not going to complain about it. Both because it gives him a way to fight back when the bard does the same to the purple-haired Miqo'te, and because the Exarch's very pretty when he blushes.]

I'm glad you agree.

[He grabs his book and the blankets before being led back into the house by his Bonded. With both hands free, K'rihnn takes a moment to shake the dirt and leaves off of the blankets. The younger Seeker arranges the blankets into something of a nest on the couch, and places his book on the end table. He settles into the blanket nest as G'raha stokes the fire. He tilts his head at his partner.]

Um... I'm... sorry if this comes out of nowhere, but... I've noticed that, though you've been happier, you've also been very... stressed. Is there anything I can do to help? Even if it's just to listen to an old tomcat gripe?

[exarchal]

[His ears twitch at the question. He glances over his shoulder, and decides to place more wood on the fire before answering.]

Ah... I had hoped it would pass before you would notice...

[He runs his fingers through his bangs.]

I have been studying nonstop since we arrived, as you know, but I feel I am no closer to a way home. [He moves back to the couch and sits beside K'rihnn, easily curling up against him, as warm as anything. As he pulls the blanket over them both, his tail curls around the other Miqo'te's.] Would you believe me if I told you that I have no natural aptitude for magic? I have leaned on the Crystal Tower's power to aid you and your friends again and again, and by sheer fortune that has made up for the difference between us. But it is not so here.

It may be time to reach outside our sphere. If not the Coven, mayhap another one of the Mirrorbound will have some insight.

[krihnnges]

[K'rihnn listens to what his partner has to say. He puts his arm around G'raha's waist as the older tia curls up against him. A small, fond smile lifts his lips for a moment as the Exarch covers them with the blanket, and curls his tail around the redhead's in response. He reaches over with his free hand to gently scratch the base of an ear in affection.]

Mayhap there's no natural aptitude, but even with the Tower's help, you would've needed to study and practice very hard. That makes a tangible difference, too, Raha. Even still, I thought you were rather gallant with your sword and shield, and inspiring with how you used your magics to harm or mend.

[The purple-haired Miqo'te brushes some of the hair out of G'raha's face. He senses this isn't the only source of stress, but he doesn't have more than a niggling feeling. That's not a good enough reason to press, though... if he's being honest... he's scared to push it further. Doing so might push G'raha away or make him think the younger tia really isn't worth the effort if he keeps pushing. K'rihnn can feel a panic start to burn and bubble in his stomach, so he pushes aside his misgivings for today.]

Aye, I think that's a good place to begin. If not new insights there, we may need to look outside this city and to other places. Could be that there are legends and other stories that could pertain to our situation, too. I could handle looking into that side of it if you handle the magic?