[Dezel doesn't pull away from the hug. He's practically been hugging Sorey this whole time, so it's no big deal, but don't you dare call him out. He's not overprotective or doting. Not at all. ... Gods, who is he kidding. He hasn't seen the young man who saved him in a thousand years. Of course he's acting like every breath counts, because it does. Once Sorey is gone, that's it. That's everyone who was a part of his old life, for better or worse.
He won't take this time for granted.
Their first stop, however brief, is the village in Aroundight Forest. Dezel explains the history. At some point, humans realized the forest was fairly rich in resources due to the fresh water trickling from Mt. Mabinogio. It was also very, very close to the village that the great Shepherd Sorey was born in. The pilgrims seeking to follow in Sorey's footsteps began as a trickle, and then a steady stream, so settling here made sense.
And then their children's children began to see seraphim.
As it so happens, the pair are absolutely swarmed by little kids chanting 'Shepherd! Shepherd!' and tugging on Sorey's cloak. Dezel gently waves them off, but not before conjuring some candy from his coat pockets. Apparently he does this a lot. The reason for the visit is to ask the item merchant to pass on a letter, and then it's off to Ladylake.
The beautiful granite Sorey remembers is still there. Civilization spilled over the lake until the surrounding land was dotted with houses and streets, creating a sort of suburb. Elegant white towers rise from the center of the floating city, distinguishing both the palace and the sanctuary. Where the land curves around it, there is another group of very tall buildings-- the port-- and a second bridge.
As they cross the main bridge, the guards don't even bat an eye. Dezel leans in slightly.]
It's a little busy this time of day. Don't wander off.
[There are still plenty of stairs and platforms, but it seems like the city has gained a few layers it didn't have before. Narrow gondolas slip through the canals below. Judging by the amount of people in the boats, it's a good way to get around the usual carriage and foot traffic. The streets are wider, too. But the best thing?
It feels pure. There's not a trace of that suffocating malevolence anywhere. Uno's done his job well.
After snagging some fried food from a cart, he leads Sorey to the center square of the city. There used to be a water wheel here, but it was destroyed a long time ago. In its place is a huge fountain made with Hyland's signature embellishments... as well as seraphic artes. The fountain is unique in that it is made for people to walk through it. Arches of sparkling water and artisan marble throw rainbows around. In the center is a curtain made of water, beautiful and curved and totally breaking the laws of physics; surrounding it are several stepping stones making a circle.
Dezel doesn't tell him to step on them. He just casually shoves Sorey forward. The centerpiece comes alive, then, painting light onto the surface of the water. This particular hologram depicts the Shepherd pulling the sword from the stone, but the others feature various locations from the Celestial Record, or illustrations of Ladylake's long history.]
Thought you might be interested in this. [He can't see it, but he doesn't mind the water parts.] Mikleo had his hand in it.
no subject
He won't take this time for granted.
Their first stop, however brief, is the village in Aroundight Forest. Dezel explains the history. At some point, humans realized the forest was fairly rich in resources due to the fresh water trickling from Mt. Mabinogio. It was also very, very close to the village that the great Shepherd Sorey was born in. The pilgrims seeking to follow in Sorey's footsteps began as a trickle, and then a steady stream, so settling here made sense.
And then their children's children began to see seraphim.
As it so happens, the pair are absolutely swarmed by little kids chanting 'Shepherd! Shepherd!' and tugging on Sorey's cloak. Dezel gently waves them off, but not before conjuring some candy from his coat pockets. Apparently he does this a lot. The reason for the visit is to ask the item merchant to pass on a letter, and then it's off to Ladylake.
The beautiful granite Sorey remembers is still there. Civilization spilled over the lake until the surrounding land was dotted with houses and streets, creating a sort of suburb. Elegant white towers rise from the center of the floating city, distinguishing both the palace and the sanctuary. Where the land curves around it, there is another group of very tall buildings-- the port-- and a second bridge.
As they cross the main bridge, the guards don't even bat an eye. Dezel leans in slightly.]
It's a little busy this time of day. Don't wander off.
[There are still plenty of stairs and platforms, but it seems like the city has gained a few layers it didn't have before. Narrow gondolas slip through the canals below. Judging by the amount of people in the boats, it's a good way to get around the usual carriage and foot traffic. The streets are wider, too. But the best thing?
It feels pure. There's not a trace of that suffocating malevolence anywhere. Uno's done his job well.
After snagging some fried food from a cart, he leads Sorey to the center square of the city. There used to be a water wheel here, but it was destroyed a long time ago. In its place is a huge fountain made with Hyland's signature embellishments... as well as seraphic artes. The fountain is unique in that it is made for people to walk through it. Arches of sparkling water and artisan marble throw rainbows around. In the center is a curtain made of water, beautiful and curved and totally breaking the laws of physics; surrounding it are several stepping stones making a circle.
Dezel doesn't tell him to step on them. He just casually shoves Sorey forward. The centerpiece comes alive, then, painting light onto the surface of the water. This particular hologram depicts the Shepherd pulling the sword from the stone, but the others feature various locations from the Celestial Record, or illustrations of Ladylake's long history.]
Thought you might be interested in this. [He can't see it, but he doesn't mind the water parts.] Mikleo had his hand in it.