thenearshore | [Closed] Story Time

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[Closed] Story Time

Who: Aymeric and Anduin
When: December 10th, evening
Where: Glitnir
What: Someone offered to share some stories, the other has provided the place and drinks.

[It had been some time since the two has spoken and now that things have calmed themselves within the Far Shore (or as calm as they can), there could be that small chat Aymeric had spoken with to the young man. He was willing to listen to stories from Anduin's world because their conversation intrigued the elezen. In all honesty, the young man seems to have a lot in common with himself and he's quite curious.

Unlike most times when someone comes to visit, Sukomi would answer the door but this time, Anduin will be greeted by Aymeric's warm face.]

Well met, my friend. I do hope you were able to find the place alright.

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[He wouldn't admit that it had taken him longer than he cared to dwell on--but he was here now and proud of himself for the accomplishment of finding it on his own all the same.

Aymeric's smile and welcome is a balm to the senses, instantly calming him. He bows as the other man welcomes him, slipping inside.]

It didn't take me very long at all; thank you! And-- thank you again for having me over.

[He's honestly glad that there was no divebombing from his hawks that enjoy using the temple grounds as their home. Upon entering, the young king will take notice of the surroundings: while pleasant and hold an air of nobility and calmness, the temple definitely looks lived in what with some toys of both a child variety and of a feline kind show up every now and then as well as the brief appearance of Sukomi the soulless shinki carrying an off colored furball in her arms who was yowling down the hallway.

Oh boy, that was going to be an adventure.]

I always find that having company makes the temple much more lively than it appears. As promised, I do have tea ready in the kitchen. It's less formal than the parlour but this visit is not for business.

[It's really comfortable in there he's learned and Aymeric really enjoys hosting others while in it.]

The kitchen sounds wonderful. It's nice to set aside formalities once in awhile, really.

[He's quick to assure him as he follows after the other man, gazing at his surroundings curiously. Everything is... comfortable. Lived-in and homey in a way that brings immediate, sedate happiness.]

I feel like my own still needs... something. To help it out feel like this.

Mayhap we may find ideas that were hidden to us until we least expect it. But I have learned that it is not items that make a temple liveable but rather those who pass through or even stay for awhile.

[A place can have enchantments to calm someone but it's like that saying about how a physical house is not always a home. Upon reaching the kitchen, there is two mugs set out along with a tea kettle resting on the countertop as well as what looks like golden brown cookies. It's that time of the year for gingerbread after all!]

Go on and make yourself comfortable.

You're too kind, thank you.

[Small comforts or no, the idea that someone may share his ideals without the need for cunning or balanced cruelty is more appealing than he dares let on. The scent of tea and cookies fills the room and Anduin inhales deeply, a smile breaking out.]

Gingerbread... reminds me of Winter Veil back home.

[And he settles himself before one of those mugs, glancing towards Aymeric with a boyish grin.]

[It all depends on the cunning and where and when to use it. Some situations and environments do call on less than noble ways to get a message across despite it being a good one in the end and when words fail to be the weapon.]

Tis a wonderful treat at this time of year from what I have noticed here. I had forgotten about this being a time when holidays are mostly celebrated.

When I was a boy, uncle Magni would always remind me to leave a few out for Greatfather Winter...

[His smile is a little sad and a little wistful but it's pushed aside easily enough as he gingerly accepts a cookie, taking a small, measured bite. Somewhere Wrathion was probably screeching about the evils of trusting anyone but he wasn't here, and Anduin was trusting in his gut (and not just his hunger).]

I still do, but in a slightly larger amount. I think the guards enjoy the snack.

[Hmmm, this sounds a bit similiar to Starlight...perhaps traditions and holidays are more the same even away from home.]

Oh? Would you mind telling me more? It makes me wonder about festivals and celebrations and how we seem to have a common thread.

"It started as a Dwarf tradition during the coldest part of winter, if I remember right-- but it was quickly adopted by most of the Alliance and then the Horde soon after. Greatfather Winter is supposed to be a spirit of Winter, a personification of one of the ancients of Azeroth who loved snow and winter... and maybe a good party. Children line up during this season to ask him for gifts and blessings.

[To his credit his chin doesn't tremble at the realization that this is his first Winter Veil without his father in some capacity-- the first of many. The feeling aches more than he wants to let on and he takes a moment to stare down at his cookie before glancing up and taking a deep breath.]

Forgive me. I think I'm still... homesick. It's a magical time though. People give gifts and sometimes old feuds are set aside in favor of good tidings and warmth. In Stormwind and Ironforge at least, we would decorate pine trees with shiny baubles and set gifts under them for one another and there was a slightly larger focus on charity and kindness.

You need not apologize for how you feel. Some say that the past matters not [Yes, he's dunking on your thoughts there Heaven and will continue to do so until it is no longer relevant.] and that this is what should matter to you now but heed your own thoughts and feelings. No matter how far we may be, we will always hold connections to places we hold dear and we should not forget about them but embrace them. To show others why we care about them so.

[It's part of why once he knew of Starlight happening here as well, it's a thing Aymeric has wanted to do and share because the holiday is important for both him and his nation. Ishgard may have its issues but it's home.]

It seems this holiday has a lot in common with the Starlight Celebration of my star and this 'Christmas' of this one, just the origin stories seem to be different but the celebrations themselves are all greatly alike...

The past... always matters. You don't need to let it define you entirely. You shouldn't stay shackled to remembering and being enslaved by every poor decision but... it does help to shape who you are, and should not be forgotten. Without it, there's no way to forge ahead, a better person than before.

[He takes another bite of the cookie, reaching for the mug of tea. It's comforting in his hands, warm and pleasant.]

I wonder how many variations other cultures here might have. Ours are certainly very similar! That's... good, honestly. It makes it easier to share them with new friends.

[With a sip of tea, he listens to the young man's words and hears the wisdom in them. To look back on the past is fine but it is true that no one can live in a that time. We can only move forward. It is as what some whom pushed back against Ishgard's reform had thought, that the nation could not survive without its tradition and history. It was not easy in hindsight but when ever is change easy?]

My thoughts exactly.

[Setting his mug down, he cannot help but feel a little giddy at the idea of mixing different versions of Starlight together. Ultimate Holiday yassss.]

I did hear while in Tokyo that some enjoy a food called KFC and that it is treated more as a day of courtship. But it is only there where I heard it.

KFC? What's that?

[Anduin can almost always be temporarily distracted by talks of food and new food is even more intriguing. He waits and listens patiently, taking a long sip from the mug as he studies his new friend.]

I've never heard of a courtship aspect-- that may be unique to this place.

...I am not sure but these devices can bring us the information we desire.

[Referring to the smartphone he has, he pulls it out and adjusts it so both men can see. With a quick search, there are at least two images. Ok, that second one is odd but it's a thing.]

Oh, it is a restaurant! I do have to question the man's intentions in the second picture...

[HE LOOKS WEIRD OK. THAT DUMMY'S EYES LOOK LIKE THEY WILL STEAL YOUR SOUL.]

But I suppose that is one way to celebrate.

That is still taking a lot of getting used to.

[Anduin scoots closer to Aymeric to peer down at his phone, eyes widening at the images presented for their viewing.]

Yeah I... don't understand the figure in the second one but that food looks delicious!

Aye, it took me a long time to grasp the basics of these devices. But I am glad that none of them have broken so far.

[He didn't understand the brightness of his laptop screen until after recovering from his hangover AND the introduction of his asshole feline. It still eludes him at times but he tries.]

Mayhap he is supposed to ward off evil spirits in the room. But I do agree that the food does look marvelous.

We should try and find this place sometime.

[He takes another bite of cookie to ward off the faint grumbles of his stomach.]

I haven't had good fried chicken since I was in Pandaria...

There might be a location in Tokyo. I have found it to be a good starting place.

[And that's a name he's never heard of before...]

Pandaria? What is it like there? Is it a place?

A wonderful place.

[He turns himself to face Aymeric, a wistful smile on his lips.]

Pandaria is a continent that was shrouded in mist for years before we... crashed ashore.

[His smile is a little sheepish there as he takes another sip, has a bite of cookie while he gathers his thoughts.]

There were temples high in the mountains, surrounded by snowy peaks, and valleys full of vegetables the size of horses! There was a town there-- Halfhill, that served the absolute best food I think I've ever had. Wrathion and I stayed close to there while I was recovering, at this place called the Veiled Stair. I could sometimes look down at Halfhill on a clear day.

[He sets the mug down for a moment, eyes lighting up.]

Oh! and The Jade Forest was this huge, beautiful forest dotted with small villages and small, swirling rivers... I spent so much time there exploring, helping where I could... I've never been anywhere like it. I think you would like the peace there-- many Pandaren strove for peace and balance.

Crashed? Sounds like a grand adventure.

[He hasn't really been on any prior to this that didn't involve freeing nations so it doesn't count. Just hearing the boy describe this Pandaria land makes him curious as he listens intently.]

This Jade Forest reminds me of the Black Shroud, of villages and even a grand city state living under the boughs of the great trees there...although the peace found in yours is not as present in this one.

[I mean, one hears things and has to take a general knowledge of the lands within their alliance but he doesn't know everything. Just that primals have been summoned there before.]

I was on my way back home and the ship crashed! It was... quite an adventure, but if I could go back I would do a few things differently. But anyone can say that about a past situation, can't they?

[He stretches, listening to Aymeric, comparing their two worlds thoughtfully. This Black Shroud sounds similar, though the talk of a lack of peace draws his interest.]

Do they have a problem with peace there?

Tis natural to believe as such! It is as we spoke of prior; without realizing the mistakes within the past, we would not know how to prevent or prepare for them in the future.

[The Shroud is...interesting.]

My knowledge is...limited when it comes to nations not of my own. We had isolated ourselves for many years as our focus remained on the Dravanian Horde and ignored the pleas of our neighbors. A foolish decision later changed but for another time. From what I know of is that the Shroud follows the will of beings known as 'elementals'; what they say is final.

[See where he's getting at? Lotta folks don't like it who are from outside and need help but are refused.]

And some people just refuse to see the future looming before them in past mistakes. Some people just want power and to pit people to war no matter the consequences in the long run.

[He peers up at Aymeric then, listening intently.]

Elementals? Back home, I've heard stories about shamans who conversed with the elements. If they had a favorable relationship they would help the shamans do all sorts of amazing things-- but their rulers tended to keep to themselves-- which was for the better, I think.

[He knows that too well. As many times as he can recall telling the Warrior of Light that his father needed to be stopped...]

Shamans...they seem to be the equivalent of a Hearer in which both can speak to the Elementals. Forgive me that most of my knowledge is very vague; it does tell me that I do have a ways to go in learning of other nations.

But you acknowledge that, and you seem to have an interest. That's the first step, I think. It would feel insincere otherwise; not natural. But you clearly care about your home a great deal.

[Which was a comfort and a relief to Anduin, making him feel less alone.]

Even with its share of problems and worries, it is home no matter where I am. But it is not the only one I have come to realize.

[He has a harem niece to thank for that.]

It is possible to have more than one I feel; if the feeling is strong enough and there is care, then it is home.

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[Closed] Story Time

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