thenearshore | Above us only stars.

You're doing more than keeping up.

[Waver purrs as he smiles up. Christ, he's so weak to neck kisses. He's going to be all over Iskandar in minutes if he keeps it up.]

I just had it made. You like it?

[In Gion. Terumi and Natsumi directed him to the craftsman. So many damn things aren't commonly advertised and it drives him nuts. Not that the things he was looking for as a mage in London and the general exclusive fare most of his kind higher on the totem pole preferred were available to the masses... but in a foreign country, navigating the kind of markets that were generally only known through word of mouth is difficult.

Then his head tilts as his brow arches in question, still smiling. Oh?]

Mmm. All ears. What do you need?

Very much. It suits you.

[Now that Waver looks up Iskandar can't really help himself. He leans to claim a kiss. Just one. He has plans for the evening. There will be plenty of occasions for more later.]

There's an event organised by the Mauna Kea Observatories Visitors Center. A fundraiser or something of a similar sort.

[A plausible explanation why he's dressed the way he is. Even if not the actual reason.]

I thought we could go. I read that Milky Way is going to be a real spectacle today.

[He chuckles. That's not even the main part of the event but he's not going to spoil the surprise now.]

The only problem is that we need to get to Hawaii. I can take us on the chariot while we're already on the island but we still need to get there. Do you think lord Ebisu would let us use his shrine?

[Especially if Waver asks. That's implied. Iskandar thinks his alliance with that particular Old God is pretty strong. Still, they're more in business relations even if Ebisu is extremely friendly. They are not in a place where it's proper for Iskandar to ask for favours yet. Doubly true for doing so on such short notice.

Waver on the other hand...]

[Just one. Waver makes it lingering. A promise for later.]

He would. I just have to let the people at the office know we're coming in. [There's certain privileges that come with having a job with Ebisu. Shrine use is one of them.] We're going to be traveling a bit, though. The shrine is in Māʻalaea, Maui. We need to get to the Big Island.

[Gordius Wheel takes some mana, but even if Iskandar needs some after, Waver will be happy to provide.]

Gives us more time to enjoy that spectacle.

[He hasn't rode in Gordius Wheel since the War. A trip over the sea and under the stars sounds like a better memory to associate with the chariot than that ill fated highway race.]

You've been really charmed by the final frontier, haven't you? [Fond. Worse things to be charmed about, though he does fuss about any impulsiveness as Waver does.] The other day was the Mars rover feeds.

[Seeing the surface of another planet in real time wouldn't have even been imagined in Iskandar's times; such concepts didn't really exist. He's glad his lover gets to share in all the wonder of it. Waver knows there are terrors out there. That Alien God from beyond, and all the Outer Gods manifesting through hosts as the Foreigner Class. That thing in South America. But the beauty... oh he wants Iskandar to see the beauty.]

Going to cultivate a following among the astronauts?

[Iskandar... actually would be a perfect god for them, come to think.]

[A promise? Good. There's one thing Iskandar hates about their current situation. Having separate Temples means they sometimes spend a whole day without seeing each other.
Though hate is too strong a word. More than a minor annoyance less than anything that could become a real problem. He'll live even if it bothers him more than he's willing to admit. Considering everything else, he'd never go back to their previous state. It also makes any moment they are together more precious in turn. So no complaining on his side.]

Excellent. I was counting on it.

[Without the threat of a regular war Iskandar can be more generous with his mana reserves. He has enough to call his army twice. He could be flying that chariot around for a whole day. It's not as he'll need lots of it anytime soon. Spending a little on a good cause is nothing he can't repair with a good night's sleep. Though that could hard to obtain after what he's planning for this evening...

Well, nobody said that good night's sleep has to happen immediately?]

I bet the islands look nice from the air.

[He smiles. Is it really that odd he's utterly captivated by this whole space endeavour.]

Surprised? You shouldn't be. I'm dead certain Aristotle would kill for a chance to see it. Old man would be jumping of joy just knowing it's even possible.

[Come on. Another planet! How can you NOT be excited about it?! That's completely insane in a way he likes the most. Mars rover feeds totally blew his mind. To put an object made by human hands on the surface of another world? That's the work of gods, not of mere mortals. And yet people are doing it! And not only that!]

Why not? I like them. They certainly do not lack vision or ambition. I might actually get a chance for that. There's supposed to be some major announcement during the party. My take is they planning something special for the next year's anniversary. I'm sure they could use a divine intervention here and there.

[He has his own announcement to make and definitely is planning something special later on. Only earlier than next year. Please. Not that complicated preferably.]

Edited (slight rewording... duh) 2019-07-20 17:43 (UTC)

[He's heard joint Temples are possible through glancing at one of Kairi's conversations. Something he intends to bring up. Both of them are much happier together. Both of them hungry for every moment together.

He pulls out his phone for a couple quick back and forth texts, and then pockets it again.]

And, we're set.

[There's going to be sleep? There are beaches in Hawaii. White sand beaches, black sand beaches, green sand beaches... granted, the sand gets everywhere, but that's the one regret they had last time. They can make up for it now.

He presses closer for ease of teleporting.]

Gorgeous, I hear. [He never got to go to Hawaii in life and see the islands from a plane.] All green. Sunrise is particularly pretty.

[Again. Sleep. What sleep?

His lips crook up.]

I wouldn't say surprised exactly. Or if it's surprise, it's the happy kind. Not everyone in Chaldea got excited over this kind of thing.

[Some Heroic Spirits just don't care for space. A pity.]

Those people are among the last men I'd ever accuse of that. Now I'm curious, though, what they might be working up. It definitely sounds like a push from time to time would help. They never dream small.

[Just like his king.

... and himself as well.]

We would have to wait a bit for sunrise but if we're quick enough we might get at least sunset.

[Iskandar smiles. Sunset for the chariot ride, sunrise on the beach. Sounds like a good plan. They may want to stay there a little longer to celebrate. It's entirely possible to get both. He had arranged a hotel for them but he's definitely not against spending at least part of the night on the beach. They can always move to bed later if they wanted more comfort.

Yes... all the people connected to the space program. Words small and impossible are not even in their vocabularies. Iskandar talked to several, scientists, engineers, even astronauts. They all have very similar problems: funding and bureaucracy. It's a little disheartening to hear that such petty obstacles are in the way of what in his eyes is humankind's greatest achievement.]

You should speak to some of them. I'm sure you'd like them. They're good people.

[Then he moves them. As close as it's polite to Ebisu shrine they are allowed to use. He lets Waver do the talking. He had arranged that part of their journey. Once they're on Maui Iskandar would take care of the rest.]

I doubt Lord Ebisu's people will keep us long. They might want to small talk a bit, but otherwise...

[Timezones are always tricky, though. It's earlier here than over there.]

Oh, I certainly will. I enjoyed studying astronomy. [Even though it was really the Animusphere's domain, he had a few cases dealing with it.] Talking with some of the experts will be a good time.

[It doesn't take long to get through Ebisu's shrine at all, though they do attract a lot of curious glances and knowing looks as soon as they see Waver with Iskandar. Maybe a few sighs as well; Waver... has a few office admirers since he started as a shinki. Alas, why are the good ones always taken? Mainly, while there aren't any whispers, he can practically hear the betting pools springing up on what's going on by the sudden clacking flurry of keys signalling a lot of gossip happening over instant messenger.

They're greeted by one of the senior shinki, shown the way through, and suddenly the air changes and Waver smells salt as they're greeted by the balmy air of an Hawaiian late afternoon as they step out into the shrine in Māʻalaea.]

[Timezones are things that still confuse him. Iskandar didn't take into account the time difference so it's later than he thought. They may not be able to get to the Visitor's Centre exactly on time. That happens. It's not like anybody will be waiting for them and he definitely would not sacrifice their chariot ride because it causes them to come fifteen - or fifty - minutes late to the party.

Especially, that it's not even the main event. He's just using it as a decoy. Fortunately, Waver doesn't seem to suspect anything. Considering how hard is to hide anything from his love, Iskandar already sees it as a victory.

He waits until they put some distance between them and Māʻalaea shrine. He'd hate to wreck anything belonging to Ebisu with an accidental lightning strike. Only when they are sufficiently far away he stops. He draws his sword and slashes the air with one sweeping move. Above them, the very air rips apart and with thunder and tremor, and the ground below shaking, they come. The divine bulls enveloped in lightning.

Iskandar mounts the chariot, both bulls mooo with contentment. Each gets a pat on the large head. He turns to Waver, reigns in one hand, extending the other to him.]

Shall we?

[That will take time to get. There are so many things in the modern era that can only be understood by living through and dealing with them. Timezones one of them. Waver lives for those moments of understanding he can see flash across Iskandar's face when he gets why this or that is like this now. He hopes they'll have time for many more of those moments...

It's a pleasant stroll; Waver leaning against Iskandar as they walk out into the town. Maui is as lovely as Oahu from this brief glimpse - he can truly see why this place is called the Garden Island. Then Iskandar summons the bulls with a slash that rips open the air and shakes the surroundings as the bulls thunder down on lightning. It's always been an awe striking sight. The last time he saw Gordius Wheel was at the compound and he never got close. And the time before that...

Given the bulls seem to recognize him - great snouts pushing forth snuffling for pats of affection - perhaps that was a good thing.]

Hey you. Missed me? I missed you. [As he rubs both their heads before moving around back of the chariot and taking Iskandar's hand to clamber on.] We shall.

[A look at the sky.]

You timed it just right. It's just about sundown.

[Iskandar smiles. Of course, they remember him. How could they not? They didn't have many opportunities for a leisurely ride like this before but maybe that's for the better. It makes the current one more memorable.

And before Waver was god ... Iskandar would not risk it. Showing him the chariot was one thing. Actually riding in it... Too dangerous, too many memories.
Now that he does not have to fear their shared memories he's immensely grateful for it. It makes everything better. Their situation here might not be what he considers ideal but it's best of all they could get here. Iskandar firmly believes that for all he's done Waver deserved to be worshipped. So it's only natural that here, where the legends become gods, he really is. Even if it's under this Chinese strategist name.

He smiles even wider when Waver takes his hand and climbs up the chariot. Now that he has his so close Iskandar can put his arm around Waver's shoulder. He doesn't even have to do anything, the bulls already know that's the signal to go up.

The sky indeed is tinged red just above the horizon and the sun is sending last rays of gold over the shimmering waves. Iskandar might have miscalculated when to begin their trip but it seems it's better this way. Is it his exceptional luck or is it the favour of the gods, who knows.]

Praised be Amun for making our voyage more spectacular then.

[Who said the gods can't do favours for each other. Especially if they are family.]

[He would have fought his way out, eventually, if he didn't die first. There was going to be no acceptance. It simply wasn't in his nature, especially when there was hope of a way out. Even, then... Sometimes, just sometimes, when you fight, when you're willing to not lie down and let Fate have its way and decide what you are and what your life will be... you get to win. One way or another.

The worship is one of the strangest aspects of being a god, though. The duties are comfortable, but the worship? He's still trying to get accustomed to that. Still doesn't know how to feel about that. Maybe time will make it so he's as comfortable with it as Iskandar.

It's not ideal. Life is rarely so. But as Iskandar helps him up and puts his arm around him, and Waver leans in and looks up, he finds himself content. Smiling. The chariot rises into the sky.

It's beautiful. It's so... so beautiful.]

He went all out for us. [The sea breaks open below. Dolphins racing towards the sun.] Look! There's an entire pod down there!

[He's never seen those before. Wonder crosses Waver's face.]

We will have to give our thanks later.

Edited 2019-08-01 01:16 (UTC)

[Waver smiling.

It would take just this one sight to make this evening a complete success for Iskandar. It's so rare. He always worries so seeing him smiling feels like a blessing. This evening is already perfect and they're just getting started. As much as he would like for this moment to last forever he knows it's not possible. So instead he chooses to so cherish every second of it. There will be, no doubt about it, dark times in their future. Demons to fight both external and internal. They will need every ounce of this bliss now to get through those.

But no demons now. He won't allow it. Iskandar intended to make this evening special. Just like Minako has instructed him. He has everything planned and would not suffer anything even attempting to endanger his plans. Fortunately, nothing even tries to. Quite the contrary. Iskandar can't help but smile when Waver points to the dolphins.

Could he wish for a better omen while travelling by sea? Probably not.]

I'm sure I read there are places here where you can see them up close. We could look later if you like.

I wouldn't mind that. I've never seen one up close. Or at all... before now.

I think there might be a sanctuary on the Big Island where you can interact with them. I know I've read about it too.

[No demons. Not tonight. Let them have just joy. They get so little of it.

The future will come tomorrow. The sun slowly sinks below the horizon as Maui recedes behind and the Big Island grows in the distance. The stars come out as parts of Hawaii begin to glow with the light of streetlamps. It glows colder and Waver nestles in a little snugger to Iskandar's side. Technically as Servants, their bodies aren't as affected by extremes, but doesn't mean he doesn't want Iskandar's body heat anyway.

The Milky Way unfurls in all its glory as darkness takes hold in full.]

They weren't exaggerating. It truly is something tonight.

You really didn't?

[Iskandar laughs. He wouldn't be able to say how many times he saw them in his childhood only. A lot.]

There are no dolphins in the seas around Britain? Or you didn't have a chance to see them?

[The nights can be cold even in the tropics. He was forewarned that at the mountain top the temperature could drop even lower. That's why he came prepared. Technically, he always is. His famous red mantle is a good addition to every outfit. So as the darkness falls Iskandar calls it and wraps them both in it. Now they can fear no cold.]

Indeed, truly something.

[But he's not looking at the stars in the sky. His eyes are fixed on the man at his side. He's the star of this evening, even if he doesn't know that yet.]

Latter. Seen a couple whales while on ferries, but never dolphins. They're around, don't get me wrong, especially 'round places like Wales, Cornwall, or Scotland. Just not when I was, apparently.

[Waver tips his head up and drags Iskandar in for a kiss as his lover wraps them in his mantle.]

Mm...

You know... they look even more magnificent reflected in your eyes.

[Shining as they are, they really can't compare to the man beside him. Nothing in Waver's eyes can.]

[Iskandar chuckles.]

You're quite a poet, you know that?

[He drops all pretence that he's even steering the chariot as he dips for another kiss. The bulls know where they're headed and baring the unexpected situations where they could panic, him holding the reigns is more formality than a real need. They're intelligent beasts, they'll get them safely to the destination. He can concentrate on Waver until that happens.]

[Waver draws that kiss out, basking in the moment and the presence of the man he's with.]

Hmmm? [He may have an idea.] It's poetry to state the facts?

[Waver's lips curl in a content smile as they part from that kiss, staying cuddled close and in easy reach of more kisses.]

The way you say it? It is.

[Good because there are more kisses coming. Iskandar is going to exploit to the fullest the fact this trip is not exactly a short one. Almost as if he planned it so.
He could watch the ocean as is flies below them or the star-strewn sky that stretches above. But why should he? All the nature wonders pale in comparison to the beauty of the one he holds in his arms.

It was fate that they met for the first time. Fate that brought them back together again. No matter how much time they will have or what would happen to them next, Iskandar plans to make most of it.]

You make it easy to do so. Yet, I don't think even poetry could truly do some of the things I see in you justice.

Some things... words fall short... you know?

[He never wants to be taken from Iskandar ever again. He never wants to be subjected to the shinki state again and forget. Two simple wishes that he'll fight like hell to have.

Making out is a better activity than sight-seeing and the ride passes by blissfully. But the Big Island looms larger and larger as they pass from the sea and over land as they head to the peaks and the observatories dotting Mauna Kea.]

[The Mauna Kea Observatories Visitor Centre is almost too humble a building to be hosting the ceremony it does. Its stone walls are all illuminated, the parking lot is full and from the inside cheerful voices and sounds of applause are spilling into the night.

As the chariot lands softly on the rocky ground Iskandar almost regrets they arrived so fast. They are late for Centre's announcement but certainly not for what he considers the main event of the evening. Iskandar has to let Waver go. For a brief moment, he considers simply carrying his lover as he steps down from the chariot but ultimately, he decides against it. He'll get his chance later. It's not entirely impossible for him to take his hands off Waver for one full minute. Even if it is a great challenge.

Once they're both outside Iskandar dismisses the bulls.]

Let's go inside. I think we missed all the boring speeches but I'm sure we're not late for the champagne.

[In other words, perfect timing.]

[It certainly is difficult to want to let Iskandar go, even if it's to step off the chariot and onto the asphalt of the car park (right, here in America, they call it a parking lot.). He goes to rub the bulls' noses briefly in thanks as Iskandar dismounts, and watches them disappear as they're dismissed.

Waver joins him, and wraps an arm around Iskandar again as they stroll through the lot and weave in between the rows of parked cars on the way to the building. Another round of applause echoes forth as they approach the double doors of the visitor center, which automatically slide open to admit them.]

I think you're right. It sounds like the party is getting into full swing now.

[Because that's music starting up. Waver's ears strain to catch the tune floating above the increasing din of the crowd as they get closer to the room holding the event. It sounds almost like they have a few live musicians there instead of piping in recorded music over a sound system.]

I wonder what the announcement was. Everyone sounds quite excited.

Would it surprise you if I told you that I know?

[Iskandar chuckles as they enter the building. Of course he does. He leaves nothing to chance.

Waver is right about the live music. There’s a band on the stage at the far end of the room playing some easy on the ears jazz. Above them on the screen last slide of what was most likely a presentation accompanying the annoucent lingers for a brief moment with the date and the name of the project before switching to a slideshow of photos showing the Observatories, the summit and the island.

June 15 2019. Thirty Meter Telescope.

The room is completely packed, with some people near the stage dancing, some just standing and talking.

Iskandar snatches two glasses of champagne from the waitress that passes them by as she weaves through the crowd with a full tray propped on one hand with what looks like a supernatural agility. He gives the glass to Waver.]

In my time it was custom to pour libation for the gods in beginning of a new enterprise, be it a war campaign or construction of a temple or palace or even building a new house.

[He raises his glass.]

So, to us.

No, not at all. [Waver smiles. Come on, they're both nerds in love with detail regarding the things they're pursuing and you are plotting. Don't think your lover hasn't picked it up by now.] In fact, I expect you already know all the details of what they're planning.

[Oh, it looks like a new telescope. For here or in space? Waver thinks likely for here because of the location and then that's confirmed a second later thanks to the slideshow. What kind of telescope will be interesting. He knows there's a variety that can measure different parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. As will what they plan to research.

It's wall to wall people, and Waver has to admire the seasoned grace of the servers as they navigate the crowd without suffering any unfortunate collisions. Most of them in heels. One with canapes passes them by and another with champagne swings by Iskandar, and she barely spares a glance at the two now missing glasses from her tray as she melts into the crowd. A normal turn of events with this many people.

He takes the glass. Listens as Iskandar begins to speak.]

[Blinks, with eyes widening and a luminous blush starting to crawl across his cheeks when Iskandar hits 'beginning of a new enterprise' as he begins to catch on. His lips are tugging upwards, not quite believing it yet, and his eyes are brightening as he raises his glass and clinks it against Iskandar's as they toast.]

To us.

[... is he? Waver's hanging on the edge of anticipation, nearly trembling as he touches the ring on his left hand.]

Iskandar?

[Iskandar just sends him a smile in response. He collects both of their glasses and deposits them on the tray of a waiter who he spotted just a moment ago.
He knows.
Smile turning to a grin when he takes Waver’s hand, the one with the ring, and leads them through the crowd to the back exit.]

Come, let’s go outside for a moment.

[Of course, he knows. It’s Waver. There’s no way he wouldn’t find out. Iskandar is surprised it took so long for him to dismantle the deception. That he will, he had no doubts. It was only a matter of time. He was going to take him to Hawaii anyway. The party at the observatories just happened to be at the right time providing a completely plausible excuse.

There’s not a soul at that side of the building just a row of telescopes usually free for visitors to use, now all covered to protect them from the nighttime temperatures and humidity.
Far in the distance higher on the mountain shadows of the existing telescopes barely visible like ghosts of sleeping giants.

Above them the Milky Way stretches across the black. Light of its myriad of stars spilling over the night sky. The goddess connected to this constellation would not give them her blessing. If Hera ever find out Iskandar existed she would rather want him dead, not happily married. It doesn’t change the fact that she was divine protectress of marriages. That her stars shine above them now, Iskandar considers extremely auspicious.

It is this moment that he chooses to stop and turn to Waver before dropping to one knee with a smile that could rival the lighthouse of Faros.]

Since I’ve already gave you the ring there’s one more thing I want to do.

[He lifts Waver’s hand to his lips. Just a light kiss on those slender fingers.]

Waver, you are the light of my life, my star in the darkness, will you marry me?

[Waver's heart is thundering in his ears as he's lead outside. Past the crowds, past the back lot, alongside the building till they reach the row of covered visitor telescopes. The landscape around them lies shrouded in shadow, but the stars overheard shine clear and not blotted out by light pollution.

It's not a common sight for a modern man like Waver, whose home is the city. He's never seen that cosmic band, sacred to so many deities in world religions, quite so clearly. The Silvery River of Heaven. That's how Grandmother referred to it once. In this area of the world there's a festival for it. It's known here in Japan as Tanabata.

They glow in Iskandar's eyes as he drops to a knee and a smile that could rival any supernova.

Then he asks, kisses Waver's fingers, and Waver's thundering heart explodes in joy and so many other emotions.]

Yes! Yes! Of course I'll marry you!

[And dives to kiss him, overcome, and incandescent in joy. This is... this is...

There are no words to describe the things he's feeling in this moment.

There's a weight in his suit pocket that reminds him that he has a ring to give.

After the kiss. After they come down from the high.]

Speaking of rings, I have something for you. [He laughs a little, overcome with everything.] I've been waiting for the right moment...

[It's not that Iskandar was expecting any other answer. Not even that it changes much and yet ... Yet it is something completely different, something impossible to comprehend how hearing the words being spoken makes him feel as if everything changed even if nothing did. Waver is practically glowing.

If I knew that means so much to you, I would have done it a lot, lot earlier...

But then there's no room for any more thought as Waver drops to kiss him and the world around them ceases to exists. Among the dark of the night, under the starry sky, all is light, all is bliss. It's simply beyond words.

Iskandar chuckles as Waver repeats the words he himself spoke when he gave him the ring.]

I suspected you might.

[He stands up lifting Waver with him. The air acquires more of a chilly bite with every minute they stay outside. Soon they'll have to hide in the warmth of the center but not yet.]

You were acting quite mysterious lately. Now I know why.

[As if he wasn't acting mysterious himself. The very fact that he was able to keep his surprise a secret up to the last moment is a source of incredible joy for him.]

[It's not something he'd ever think he'd have - not for love, anyway. Not in a way that wasn't meant to cause torment. His relationship with Iskandar is already a precious gift, a miracle. To be with him again a blessing he can never take for granted given all the pain and turmoil and decades alone, waiting, chasing after him, just wishing...

It's joy upon joy. So bright it shines right out, as he smiles, cheeks pink and lashes fluttering.]

I got it for you before the change. I was just getting it sized when it happened.

[As he fishes out a small black box from his suit pocket as the kiss breaks and Iskandar lifts him up. He opens it, revealing a ring that's been restored to pristine condition, featuring Achilles and Chiron. They had had the same idea.]

You beat me to the punch. [A+ Rank Luck truly strikes. He knew he was plotting, but...] I was just figuring out how to ask...

[Because modern marriage traditions are not quite the same as ancient ones and he was trying to feel out how receptive Iskandar would be to the idea first. Question answered.]

Edited 2019-08-21 10:48 (UTC)

[Yes, marriage traditions are different from what Iskandar is used to. Waver only has to ask Minako if he ever needed confirmation. Still, Iskandar is the man who refused to marry for convenience while he was preparing to embark on his conquest but did not hesitate a second to do it out of love. Against the wishes of actually everyone else, and the common sense, and the sound political strategy. He had state marriages later too but his first and most important bride was a choice of his heart.

So is Waver.]

It is splendid, thank you.

[He takes the ring, turns it around in his fingers a couple of times, just to have a better look, before putting it on. From this moment there can be no doubt they belong to each other. As if there ever was. Anyone who knows them would have to be blind no to see it. But now there is additional physical confirmation of it clearly advertising the fact for all to see and Iskandar is quite content with it.]

[It looks good on his hand as Waver knew it would. More warmth and contentment curls through him to see it; this physical statement of all they share. He can't help but pull Iskandar in for another kiss as his happiness continues to spill over.

And another. And another.

Finally...]

I don't think I've ever been so happy.

[He shivers slightly as the breeze picks up on the mountainside. Servants are resistant to the elements, but that doesn't mean they don't feel them either. Yet he doesn't want to be chased inside yet; unwilling to leave the moment.]

[Iskandar chuckles a little as he's pulled down but gives in willingly. Such sweet captivity, he can only wish it lasted forever.]

Then I have achieved my objective.

[Cold rarely bothers him but Iskandar feels Waver shiver in his arms. Good thing then he still has his mantle. Red and gold fall down as Iskandar puts the mantle on Waver's shoulders. He smiles.]

It looks good on you, love.

[His self while younger when he had gone to his high ascension form had had this cape. It's an odd thought - and he does not want to think of what he and Da Vinci had had to go through to fix that little misadventure to get his normal form back - as the mantle settles on his shoulder and the thick fabric and the fur collar cut out the wind.]

Red and gold are my colors. [As a slight blush stains his cheeks at the compliment and he smiles up, suddenly a bit bashful.] What about you, though? Not cold?

[The night is deepening and they are high up. It's going to get colder the longer they stay out here.]

Above us only stars.

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