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.”

Mal gave a nod at Eir’s excitement over something so normal to him. Usually his people cursed the winter and it’s harsh weather that drove the leaves from their branches. In Phonaxian lore and religion winter was the time that the All-Mother took to rest herself before the rebirth of the earth. She must lay down and let the earth wither as she becomes pregnant with Spring. The meaning behind the season didn’t stop people from enjoying particular activities though; hot cocoa, skiing and playing with the ice. It would be fun to see if all again with Eir, taking a new perspective.
“Indeed, it will be fun. You’ll be here for the Estent Gurth Festival! Which means... short death festival. The goddess All-Mother at this time hibernates and the earth dies for a shirt time until she births spring. It’s... hard to explain. But the festival mourns the death of the earth before celebrating the All-Mother’s conception of the next spring. They say that the colder and harsher the winter, the more promise it shows for a successful spring. By the chill on the wind already, there would be much hope in our farmer’s hearts”

Eir’s question on navigating his parents made him blow air out of his mouth slowly as he thought. Honestly, he never seemed to please either of his parents. It was hard to come up with a straight answer, Mathias would be a better person to-
“I don’t think mother will be too hard to please... It’s father you have to worry about”
Mal blinked and looked behind Eir to see the man himself walking toward them. He gave Mal a once over and looked at Eir skeptically. Mathias was a broadly built man with similar features to Malachi. The relation was evident even if Mathias did favour his fathers cool suaveness.
“Ah, Mat. I wasn’t sure if you were going to be here or not...” his eyes travelled to his brothers arm, hung in a sling against his chest.
“Injury. They sent me home for respite. Eir’Asa- Welcome to our home. I am Mathias, it’s a pleasure to meet you” he gave a customary bow at the waist before straightening up. “Mother hardly needs much to be impressed, if you compliment her hospitality and beauty enough and can keep conversation interesting she’ll be fine. Father is a...”
“Unpredictable man” Mal finished “I would just suggest that you don’t directly oppose his opinions”
“But he keeps to himself often,” Mat added “So you really only have to worry about him during dinners and events. Which, due to our mothers socialite nature, occur often”
Mal looked to Eir and nodded in agreement. Mathias took in a small breath and glanced sidelong at his brother again, hand on the door.
“That hair cut is ridiculous. Could you not decide whether you wanted to cut your hair or not?”
Mal gave a grimace as Mathias went into the dining room and Mal made a face at his back.
“That’s rich...” he mutters before shooting Mal an apologetic look “Hahah... He enjoys trying to get a rise out of me. Lucky I’ve been training in self control in Glapera” he laughed.
“After you!” he said gesturing into the dining room.

-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-/-

Maaylithia gave a small shrug as she handed her husband a towel for his hands before going to the window while she waited for him to be ready. Her gaze was really on the horizon of the land surrounding their home that she could see from the window. The haze of the sky changing colours often made her feel melancholic and she shook the creeping feeling off as Hal addressed her.
“I would dare to say that it seems he has a congenial mix of both... Reserved but not cold. Witty but not arrogant. Though perhaps Malachi has schooled him in behaviour... I don’t remember getting along with Fen’Ora Aluanas too well”
In fact, when they had met the woman seemed almost snubbish. Of course it was a formal event, but at formal events one was at least obligated to try and hold some semblance of conversation.
“Mathias also arrived home today. An arrow wound in his arm, he assures me a healer has looked it over and said it wasn’t poisonous. He will be home for at least two months...”

As Hal checked his appearance over in the mirror, she took a moment to stand just behind him and do the same thing. The white gown glittered at the cuffs and hem with icicle like gems and her ears were adorned with matching earrings. Winter; the perfect mix of severity and beauty. Just like her whole aesthetic and how she adorned the home. Maaylitha was an icon to women all throughout Phonax and to be invited to tea with her or one of her opulent banquets was a privilege well sort after. All talk of her was about how sweet in countenance she was, how graceful and witty she was. When she wore a new hairstyle, it appeared more frequently among the genteel, when she changed her colour pallet, fabrics that matched acccordingly were hard to find. To everyone she was the perfect model of femininity and womanhood.
“Shall we go then, Sweet?” she said with a smile, taking his arm. Though her words were warm she only meant them in a way one might speak to a friend or close confidant. Long ago she had settled with Hal’s... temperament and decided she had to make do for her family and Hal’s. On most fronts the pair maintained the facade of a wedded couple but Maaylitha keenly sensed the lack of physical and emotional connection one should have with a lover. Of course, she couldn’t possibly say that to anyone- it would ruin their reputation -but she always felt it when the parties weren’t enough to keep her distracted and the wine she drank in her room couldn’t numb her desires.
On the most part, she was happy but there was always the part of her she felt caged by... most of the time.

On entrance to the dining room, Malachi gave his father a polite bow as did Mathias and they all sat. Halthazar sat at the head, his wife Judy beside him and Mathias beside her. On the other hand, Malachi sat beside his father and Eir beside him. Food was brought out; bright colourful bowls of vegetables, well prepared roots and tuners as well as salads and roughage.
“I shall speak the blessing...” Maaylitha said with a smile, bowing her head and closing her eyes.
“ All-mother bless Sen Aes that ci have given Men. Make Men humble a, bring Men wisdom that Men may Henia ci more. Min with I Amar Men live ah Min with I Amar shall Men Bel-”
It was the normal blessing one said over their food and Mal had mentioned it briefly to Eir, so he knew to say ‘ N- with ammen’ along with everyone else.

Spoiler: Translation (hover to show)

All-Mother bless this food you have given us. Make us humble and bring us wisdom that we may understand you more. With the earth with live and with the earth we die...

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.