Luna was talking his ears off about colorful fabrics, his eyes glazing over at a point since he wasn't much of a shopper. Cooking was fine, but shopping for materials for sewing was never his forte. But his wife seemed to be out of it, contributing her opinion and thankfully helping their dear child not be draped in frilly fabrics. In a way this was an interesting look into Nesryn's tastes and he made sure to request other reams of fabric to be sent to the carpenter's place for cushions for the crib.
However, they were taking much too long with all this shopping and the heat was beginning to build exponentially. He was already sweating profusely and felt like they should go back home. But Luna insisted on one more shop. He was mid helping her support a ream of fabric when he suddenly heard Nesryn speak up. He turned around in time to see Nesryn collapse, something that sent him into a spiral of fear. He tossed aside the fabrics despite Luna's protest and dove in an attempt to catch her but was a bit late. Thankfully, the stranger broke most of her fall, but she did end up hitting the ground, making Dimitri quickly try to inspect her with worried shouts for her...
~~~~
Dimitri's eyes narrowed slightly as Eir paced and ranted, admonishing the pair for straining a pregnant woman. Dimitri now knew it was a bad idea to take her shopping, but he couldn't go back and change it. Now, the only thing they could do was to get her back to health and let her rest. Eir had evaluated her and said the baby was fine but Nesryn experienced heat exhaustion and would need bed rest. Currently, they were getting her temperature down by cooling her down with cold rags and water. He was dabbing away at the sweat, giving her worried glances as he scolded himself for not noticing her difficulty keeping up sooner...
A knock drew Eir away from the room, leaving Dimitri to continue tending to Nesryn in relieving quiet. Dimitri could hear voices in the other room and placed one as the carpenter's daughter, Ysolde, and the shop owner who had seen Nesryn collapse. Seems they had brought sweets for the family. The pair asked after Nesryn's health and Eir was able to calm the fears. Ysolde did ask after Dimitri, stating she knew the man was in shambles over his wife and Eir was able to also add that while frazzled he was fine. She did come in to drop off some of the sweets for Nesryn when she woke up, pausing to ask if Dimitri would be in today to work on the 'project'. Dimtiri shook his head, saying that his wife needed him today and that he would come by the visit later on in the week. He had asked Ysolde's father, Brodrick, to help in staining the wood as Dimitri wasn't skilled in such things. Ysolde took that answer with a chipper agreement before she left the pair to Nesryn's healing.
The talking seemed to stir Nesryn a bit, leaving Dimitri to kiss her forehead. "Shhh, it's okay just rest." He told her, genuinely ignoring the chatter in the other room that was fading as Eir ushered people back out of the home.

Eir's expression brightened in excitement at the news that he might be able to attend this festival. He was a sucker for cultural affairs and this one sounded interesting. They believed the death of nature was due to this goddess resting, an interesting concept when compared to the Draconians believing summer and winter were two dragons fighting for dominance. This story of conception and birth was a much more wholesome story and Eir was happy to hear that the farmers were hopeful. Although, a part of him wondered just how harsh this winter was going to be. It would be a learning curve for the drake, that was for sure. “Oh fantastic! A festival will be fun. And perhaps could we see some of the sights? Like the Archives or maybe the bank or the forest parks I’ve heard so much about? OH,” He lowered his voice, leaning into Malachi a little to be sure he wasn’t heard, “maybe the fighting arenas? My father said there were some interesting gambling places here that were fun to just watch. We all know gambling isn’t safe after last time, but it could be fun to catch a fight or two.” He said since he was curious if it would be different than the fighting styles in Glapera. It could be a fun conversation starter with his father and let Eir learn a bit more. “Besides, I’m sure not all the fun in Phonax is without its scrutiny.”
Thankfully, Malachi seemed to have some helpful thoughts about his parents. But he was interrupted by another person who came to the dining room. The family resemblance was the only thing Eir could really use to place this man as Malachi’s brother. As with Malachi, Mathias was very attractive and was built like a brick house. But his personality was hardly the same, lacking the same charm of Malachi. He seemed very reserved and proper like his mother, then again he had nothing to base the father off of. The stiff greeting made Eir bow slightly, trying to mimic the bow as he was sure it was customary to greet in return.
“Pleasure is all mine.” He said even if he observed the arm. It was slinged properly so he assumed all was well. He would love to take a look at it, but knew that was crossing a line. So he let the topic change to the parents and the advice for the both. His mother seemed to be the easy to appease one rather than his father. Quite the opposite of his own family. Eir got along with his mother well, but knew she was hardly social with strangers. But to hear his father was a bit obstinate and reserved was a strange mix, but Eir found he got along with the odd people in society. Maybe he might find a way to get along?
“Then I will try to be both compliant and complimentary. It sounds like the safest option.” However, Eir was left to pause at the snide remark about Malachi’s hair, his brows furrowing immediately and his expression becoming perturbed. He bit his tongue to keep from saying anything, knowing that it wasn’t his place. But still, he was shocked to hear his family speak to him like that…
While Malachi brushed it off, Eir pursed his lips and gave Mathias’s back a narrow of his eyes. “Thanks, Isthasy.” He said as he walked by but did pause to give the hair a look. “Si siofme coi vorqic vorel. Wer fanoli persvek Glapera jahen ti scaduir.” He wagged his brows to perhaps lighten the mood before they went in to join the family.
At the head of the table was a stern looking man that Eir now knew was Mal’s father. Again, not unattractive as the rest of the family, but Eir could sense a harder to read aura from the man. He was guarded, despite the calm look and simple nod of greeting he gave Eir as he sat down after the bow. The lack of fanfare or excitement over seeing his son was throwing Eir off, since his family was quite close. The lack of conversation beyond a prayer that Eir struggled to comprehend only made things a bit more awkward for the drake. Even then, at least he got to enjoy how pretty the prayer sounded until it was over. Perhaps he should wait patiently until someone spoke?
So instead he eyed the vegetables that the servants dished out, reminding himself that Malachi’s people didn’t eat meat often. Well, that was going to be an interesting change for the mostly carnivorous Draconian. He was forking a potato when he heard the lord of the house finally speak.
“It is pleasant to have you both back under one roof again. And with a guest.” Halthazar’s tone was detached of any real warmth, the words stated like a fact rather than a sentiment. “Your mother stated that you will be with us for a short reprieve from duty, Mathias? Perhaps it is best as there are some matters that need tending to before the ports close. I will have the documents placed in your quarters to review before tomorrow’s meeting.” Eir felt those eyes slide to him briefly before they then landed on Malachi.
“And I trust your trip went as well as expected? Lord Aluanas was very generous with his appreciation and complimentary of you, Malachi. I almost expected you not to return and instead declare yourself Glaperan.”
Eir gave a bit of a chuckle at that, thinking it a joke. When no one laughed and instead he got a deadpan silence from the father, Eir swallowed hard. “I was--Well Malachi spoke so fondly of Phonax I’m sure our shores wouldn’t beat out the call of home. We would have welcomed him with open arms. He was a phenomenal guest in my homeland. An honor I wish to return…. Lothor nakta sia sepa, batobot jahus pothoc …” The last bit was muttered under his breath as he struggled not to blush and crawl under the table. “So, Lady Hythian, I heard from Malachi that you like to host events here? The Hythian home certainly is the best space for it with how lovely it is. Are there any rousing events I should expect within the coming weeks?” He asked to break the ice of his prior mess up.
“Maaylithia does well to keep the house modern. It’s been in the Hythian family for generations, so before her touch ups and keen eye it was awfully drab.” Halthazar said, a small smile coming to him at some memory which Eir could only imagine. It must have caused quite a stir to have a woman parading around this place updating it from what was ‘traditional’ to what was ‘fashionable’.

Spoiler (hover to show)

Translation (what he wanted to say)= “**** that guy. He’s just jealous you were raking in the honeys left and right.”
Eir Translation (literal translation)= “I think it looks handsome. The girls in Glapera were not complaining.”

Translation= “Lothor keep my soul, that was stupid.”

Eir followed Malachi like a duckling in this maze of a home, staying close as to not get lost in its intricately decorated halls. He started to understand the structure by the end of the tour, but in the interim he had been allowing his eyes to wander the portraits and markers to help him remember the halls. The northern tower by far was his favorite as it was a library of unimaginable size. Eir could spend lifetimes in here reading...and the artistry of how well it was all preserved and displayed hinted that someone truly took loving care of the place. When Eir discovered it was Lord Hythian that commissioned the light well to better illuminate and marvel at the space, Eir gave a softer smile at that, excitement catching in his stomach. Good, he would have something in common with the Lord and his love of books. Before Eir could drool more over the reading material, Malachi took him to see the other towers.
He got a look at his room, full of dark woods, greys and blues and whites, and found himself a bit marveled by how spacious it was. He was allowed to change into the odd Phonaxian outfit he had made to his size, even if he felt odd in it. The clothing was tailored to fit exactly and the fabric was a bit stiff. There was no breeziness or flowy accommodating to the outfit that Eir was used to. It would take some getting used to that was for certain.
He walked with Malachi along the other rooms and found that even the Lord and Lady’s personal chamber halls were lacking in that warmth and well lived in appearance. The only thing that suggested life were the candles that had been burned down and well used. Perhaps the servants here kept the place in opulent condition for a reason...It did seem like they liked things to be a specific way here...
When they landed on the kitchens and finally the dining room, Eir felt a bit overwhelmed by it all, but still gave his friend a brighter smile. Malachi’s excitement was palpable and Eir was glad to see his friend was enjoying himself. “It’s really amazing Malachi. I can’t believe you grew up in a literal castle!” Eir stated as the place was large enough to be considered one. “I’ll try to get my bearings a bit better in the days to come. Maybe explore that library a bit more? The best way to learn to read is to practice after all—Of course when we’re not finding things to do. I really want to see what this winter bit is more and what you find fun here.” He then gave a small clearing of his throat and gestures to the door. “But...before we go inside. I did want to ask if you knew any tips to reassuring your family I’m not here to be a burden on them? I feel like your mother worries for you and how my being an outsider might affect your image. But I want to let them know I’m here to learn and dedicated to becoming as close to native as I can...” He said to hopefully find a way to make this trip easy on Malachi as well.
~~~~
“So you’ve met the child. Does he favor Lord Aluanas’s brazen openness or Lady Aluanas’s removed chill?” Halthazar asked Maaylithia as he washed his hands free of the ink that was staining them in preparation for dinner. He had been in his office all day between entertaining merchants and listening to his advisors gripe about the port repairs that needed to be done in preparation for the freezing. He was up to his eyeballs in paperwork and every time a paper left his desk one seemed to materialize out of thin air. Whatever dark curse it was lording over his day, he wished it would give him a moment respite. Now, he mourned the days when he thought he was busy as a young man in these halls, with ample time to take time to do as he pleased. His father’s death had been the poultice to that burn from stupidity...Hythian’s were by nature meant to die working their fingers to the bone for perfection and honor. The duty would always come before the man in its seat. Or so he tried to enstill in his sons, who varied more than he cared to announce.
While Maathias understood what was asked of him and had the proper visage of a young lord Hythian, he wasn’t gifted in speaking and did much better in the arena or in command of his own regiments than he did trying to command a room of dignitaries. His second child, Malachi, was gifted in speech like his mother and was intelligent enough  to be a shrewd business man, but his reckless nature and defiance made him a liability. Perhaps it wasn’t defiance...Maybe just that brazen confidence like the man he looked oh so akin to. He would have accused Maaylithia of welcoming the soldier into her bed, but he knew the truth. Malachi favored Tamrin because the All-Morher sought to punish him for eternity for his selfish decisions that almost destroyed his family name and took Tamrin’s life. It was why despite his annoyance with the boy’s tireless escapades of risk, Halthazar had a softer spot for the boy than he would ever show.
“And I trust Malachi returned unscathed? No scales forming or brutish blemishes that need buffing out?” He asked, knowing fully well his son would have returned safely at least on their end of the sea voyage. Halthazar had the ship so thoroughly inspected not even a rat could be found  on board.
He glanced at Maaylithia, noting she looked quite lovely in that color white and felt a small burn of fondness for her. He had come to love her over time, but in a way that one loved a dear friend or a spouse, not a lover. No, he couldn’t give her his attraction and heart beyond that. It was why their arrangements worked so well and why he trusted her more than he did anyone in this kingdom or world. She was his perfect partner in business and helped him secure the position as Lord that he once was ready to throw away...

The next few weeks had been blissful and exciting for Asena as she settled into life there at the Vianacelli estate. After all the careful plotting and planning, the news finally came that she won the seat on the Truce, a feat that most believed was impossible and even Asena had an inkling it might have been a very close race. It seemed the little appearances she did to support her “redemption” in high society had been working. Not that they were all done yet. It turns out the event being hosted was to celebrate the victor of the race and all the candidates were invited preemptively. Perhaps it was a hope to bury the hatchet between the candidates, but Asena doubted that would happen. Not unless they allowed her to bury a hatchet right into Gabrielle’s sternum and Malachi stopped being the rich prick that he was. Either way, she dressed for the event with help from Lalasa, who gave tisks and small comments about the fit.
Asena had to agree she was confused by the fit changes in her outfits. Sure, lately she had taken to bring a bit more sedimentary as she had been a bit under the weather. Seems the stress and nerves of her first days as a new Truce member had gotten to her and she found herself getting a bit nauseous, sometimes downright sick. Lalasa kept ushering her to see a healer, especially when it seemed her stress was messing with other natural cycles. But Asena, stubborn as always, refused on the grounds she felt better usually and today she felt fine. Bloated and a bit tired, yes, but fine. This would all pass by tomorrow. Well, beyond being annoyed that her dress was as tight as the last was. She didn’t like that the fit made her chest look more ample and it a bit hard to breathe, but at least it meant she could ditch the corset.
When Lalasa was done tying her into the green dress that matched Septimus’s colors, Asena went to his door, despite Lalasa fussing over her hair still, to check in on his progress. “Sept, I think if we leave soon we hit the mark of “fashionably late” Melrose is always going on about.” She said as she waved away a gaudy necklace that the maid tried to put on her.

As the Lady spoke, Eir offered her his full attention. His mother’s coaching in private about the Hythians had been quite astute. Maaylithia Hythian was beautiful and carried herself with the grace a lady of a territory commanded, but she was also able to backup her colder candor with her quick whit and poise. Even her words were flowery and poetic, much like Malachi’s had a tendency of being when he was in social situations requiring more tact. It was quite different from his own people who were blunt and often candid with their remarks. But he would get used to it and had practiced his expressions enough on that philanthropic trip he and Malachi made to keep a pleased smile while dealing with her. Warmth and kindness as he would with patients within the temple...
He was about to ask questions about what she meant by the winter setting in as it never got cold enough near the shores for Glapera to see snow outside of the mountains. He was excited by the newness and what lay in his future, but found the woman keen on getting off the streets. As was understandable, it was a bit chilly out here.
As servants scurried past to collect his things, he thanked them quietly unused to dealing with staff outside his own family’s who practically raised him. But once the thanks were done, his eyes were drawn to a magnificent carriage that looked more opulent than what even his own family owned. It shocked him briefly that they would be riding in something like that that glittered so in the light, but Malachi woke him from that surprise with a few words of encouragement. He took Malachi’s encouragement as he needed it under the ever watchful gaze of Lady Hythian...
The ride in the carriage after Malachi helping his mother inside was followed by a silence as Eir watched the streets out the window. It was better than making eye contact with his mother or the woman beside her as he was sure that would be awkward for everyone involved if his eyes were so off putting. Eir wasn’t sure who the other woman was. Malachi never mentioned a sister and she didn’t favor either Hythian. Maybe she was a niece or a cousin? He wasn’t sure if he was even allowed to ask her name as she hadn’t spoken. Perhaps it was best to let Malachi fill in the blanks later while alone.
His attention was drawn back to the family as they spoke on winter and even a strange ritual with skating on ice. He had never heard of such a thing but found the very idea intruiging.
“I would very much like to try it. We don’t see snow or ice on our shores, or cold really. I can’t wait to see it actually.” He admitted, trying to not show just how excited he was as everything here seemed so subdued with ones emotions.
While the expressions were subdued, the decoration and beauty of the Hythian estate certainly wasn’t. Eir found himself speechless at the high spires and the white stone that looked almost cold to the touch. It was impressive and so different from the warm and vibrant colors of his homeland. Eir hadn’t seen a stitch of rich reds or purples anywhere, let alone any golds. Instead he found the pretty, calming blues and silvers that reminded him of the waters outside.
“Stunning...” Was all Eir could mutter to Lady Hythian’s gesture of reveal, his eyes flicking to Malachi as if to confirm this was where he lived.
However, it seemed that Malachi was curious about where the rest of his family was. It seemed Malachi’s father was busy with work and his brother was perhaps as well? Eir was confused they did not mention any elders but he assumed that meant they had passed? He wasn’t sure so he did not bring it up. Instead he gave Lady Hythian a shake of his head at her apology.
“Oh there’s no need for an apology. I’m sure Lord Hythian is quite busy as my father is as of late. The end of the trade season is always the most busy.” He said before he caught her look at his clothing. It was strange how much her looks mirrored his grandmother. So this is how outsiders felt when dealing with Elder Aluanas? Eir gestured to the outfit, considered quite opulent in his home, but understood it was strange and colorful here. “And of course, Lady Hythian. Malachi helped me organize and bring along a few things from my family’s tailor to be sure I am dressed for such occasions.” He admitted to the woman, sparing his friend a small smirk in remembering how lost the poor woman had been while trying to sift through her fabrics and cutting templates for the sort of outfits Eir would be expected to wear there. Even so, they would hardly be a match for the cold when it began and he knew he would have to go shopping for more.
He folded his hands behind his back, fidgeting with his fingers as his nerves made the becomings of scales form on his palms. He knew there was no need to be nervous but he really did wish to make a good impression with Malachi’s family as Malachi had with his own. If the families were work together in the future and support consistent trade then they would need a firm alliance in place. Eir was just as much responsible for preserving such an alliance as Malachi was for his family...
“Before dinner, might I get a tour, Isthasy? I want to see where my dear friend grew up.” He asked Malachi, using the term for brother in Vs’Shtak as he was sure it was okay. It was how he often referred to Malachi back home and here his family wouldn’t even know what it meant. It was something that grounded him, made him feel a bit less as an outsider to have someone that understood him. Perhaps then he could ask Malachi how he could warm his family up to him and make the best impression at dinner.

The sailing had been rough on Eir at first, who was sick as a dog his first time on a ship. But that thankfully cured itself with time and getting used to the rocking of the ship. Even if he wanted the hell off the boat the moment they saw the shoreline. While Malachi seemed at home on the waves and seemed to be having a great time, Eir would prefer to be in the port already.
When they passed through the large rocks that looked like giants guarding the port, Eir moved to the front of the boat to look over the coast. His eyes widened at the strange, tumultuous rocky coast that looked just as beautiful as the beaches back home. He was fascinated by the dark waters, wondering what might lie just beneath the surface. He wouldn’t dare test out that hypothesis, as he was sure the waters would be frigid and too tumultuous to swim. The welcome from Malachi made Eir grin, his eyes going to his friend near the railing.
“It’s good to finally see it..Mal it’s amazing.” He said, feeling his excitement building for when he would get to see more. He could already see a few buildings in the distance that he was curious to check out.

Landfall was interesting, as Phonax was like Glapera in the sense that beyond the ports, the citizens favored a certain look. Next to the dock hands and sailors, Eir was the darkest person in the dock and his golden eyes earned him some strange looks. Draconians weren’t known to venture out of their homeland alone, especially not the ones dressed as fancy as Eir. So he stuck close to Malachi, following him when he approached a well dressed pale woman with a bunch of servants—or who Eir assumed were servants—behind her. The woman’s Sandarin was a bit quick for him to understand but he got the gist that she was commenting on Malachi’s appearance after time away. Eir rather liked his shorter hair, finding the bun he sometimes kept it in stylish and new.
The formal introduction made Eir straighten a bit, wondering if this was the point that he bowed and said something or if he should let Malachi handle it. The stiff greeting was odd for him, but he understood ceremony had its place in public. Malachi had said that in Phonax people were very conservative and liked their formalities. Eir smiled at Lady Hythian, even if his smile faltered a little when she commented on his eyes being—well it was a word close to scary but not quite. Well, that wasn’t something he could change, nor did he want to comment on it and embarrass the woman or upset her. Malachi had said people liked their double speak here, so he needed to be tactful. After all, that was something said in confidence and surely she didn’t mean for him to hear it...right? How could she know that he had been studying Sandarin with Malachi for a month or two before coming there? Besides, he had been put off by Malachi’s paleness and pointed ears at one point...
“ Mae-govannen, Lady of Phonax, Maaylithia Hythian. It is truly an honor and pleasure to be welcomed to your shores, as you’ve welcomed my family before me.” He said as he rose from the bow with the hand over his heart. When he was alone at night, he had practiced this quite a bit, hoping he didn’t make a fool of himself for his first impression by not bowing correctly or mixing up his words.
When he stood at full height again, he gave the servants a quick wave, especially the one that seemed to be watching him like a specimen at the archives. With that out of the way he looked to Malachi and then past Lady Hythian at the city beyond. “Phonax really is just as Malachi described it. Truly remarkable. Rivals even the coasts of Sililos. I can’t wait to see more of it.” He babbled a bit, feeling a bit awkward in all this silence and quiet analysis.

Rayner Brandt
Location: Some Bar in Marieve, Alessandria
Accompanying: Friends and drinking buddies

Rayner watched Selene leave, making sure she got out the door alright with Kasper. He trusted the kid to keep her safe since it seemed he had quite the little crush on her. Selene was oblivious, of course, finding the boy to be like her brother rather than any interest. Besides, he was much too young blooded for her. Maybe in a few years, if his interests still lay in her, Rayner might put a good word in. It was the least he could do for someone that risked a lot to find him without knowing him properly.
When he was satisfied they got out of there safely, Rayner spared a glance at Hugh and Kesjirr who were wrestling nearby. It drew a smirk to Rayner as the Velu got pissy with the contact and looked ready to deck Hugh. That was a fight he’d pay to see. But his eyes eventually landed on Gastelle, noting how his laugh was an infectiously nice baritone. It made Rayner chuckle a bit to himself, even as Teesithik spoke up. The rather quiet and standoffish lizard man was always an odd sort, but Rayner simply gave him space to join as he pleased. It seemed to be working as the man was finally saying more than two words to him without dirty, suspicious looks.
“Harsh, barren, and freezing. There were some new additions, like nutters with ice labyrinths. I was actually born in Kserinn and it’s just as awful as I remember it.” He admitted to Teesithik, just thinking about the orphanage he grew up in left a sour taste in his mouth. Having to huddle with the other children for warmth, working long hours in a mine to offset your ‘debt’ to the country taking you in, and a dog eat dog system that kept everyone struggling to survive if you were in the working class. He wouldn’t go back, even if they paid him...
“Having allies there made it a bit better though. I honestly would still be there freezing my ass off if Gastelle hadn’t stepped in with the others.” He admitted before raising a brow at Teesithik. After all, he wouldn’t go into just how thankful he was to be back thanks to Gastelle in front of men he didn’t know too well. ”What about you? Life treating you well in the city?”