For a man oft likened to an automaton, Zephirin is astonishingly popular a topic of conversation for Ishgard's wagging tongues. His admirers sigh with longing over his elusive heart, painting him so virtuous and noble a knight that he is as flawless marble, an unfailing champion of the faith, beyond earthly wants. Others speculate that Ser Zephirin but wears a carefully constructed mask — his chosen blade points to his true face beneath. No doubt the young archimandrite of the Heavens' Ward has ambitions of his own.
As he stops at the foot of the steps leading to the Vault, half turned toward Felih, Zephirin does nothing to disprove any rumour that he truly is an automaton, his expression politely neutral, his thoughts concealed. He notes the Warrior of Light's wariness, and suspects that the man has returned to the Hoplon not by chance. After a moment, he turns to face Felih fully, inclining his head in lieu of a deeper bow.
"Yes. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
The Warrior of Light is the talk of all Ishgard, of late, but hearsay merely supplements one's own observations.
Felih cocks his head curiously, ears perking forward at the way Zephirin's movements are the picture of neutrality, even-tempered and stable. He admires it, though he keeps it to himself for now: he's sure the man already deals with enough praise from his admirers, and Felih doesn't want to come off as fickle and shallow as the nobles of Ishgard.
"Curiosity, of course," he finally replies, letting himself crack a playful smile. Because he's a cat, is the unsaid joke, but Felih won't ruin it by explaining it.
Felih is short even for a Miqo'te, so he feels quite small in Ishgard, the nation filled with Elezen and Hyur. But he tries not to let it daunt him.
"I merely wished to ask if you've time to spare. I am intrigued to get to know the Heavens' Ward, in light of recent events- hopefully, to prevent more misunderstandings between us..." he admits with a laugh.
A cat's curiosity could prove a dangerous thing, but this cat is the vaunted Warrior of Light, and Zephirin offers no such remark aloud. Almost imperceptibly, the faintest hint of a smile curves the corners of his lips upward, as if Felih's sense of humour has broken the ice.
He is newly returned from the Congregation; following his meeting there with the lord commander, his next task is to report to the archbishop, ahead of a summons for the Ward to attend conclave. He has little time to spare, in truth.
However, as a flesh and blood man, even Zephirin must take meals and rest each day, and that time is entirely his own, barring some emergency. To spend it observing the Warrior of Light would be in alignment with the archbishop's instructions.
"I see." Approaching the knights of the Heavens' Ward presumably one by one is no small undertaking. "What is it that you wish to know?"
If Felih must be one of the only Miqo'te in all of Ishgard after the cold of the Calamity drove them out, then he may as well have fun with it and make all the subtle cat jokes he can. At the very least, it seems to help disarm the oft-suspicious Ishgardians, and Felih is ever the sort to try and extend a hand first.
His ears perk up at that barest hint of a smile, though, and he relaxes a little more. "Ah, 'tis nothing so obtrusive, I should hope," he says with a laugh. "I merely wish to know of the men under the armor, so to speak." He's learned by now that the Heavens' Ward were a wary and suspicious lot- or at least, judging by Grinnaux and Paulecrain. "And in doing so, hopefully convince you that my companions and I aren't heretics?" he laughs.
"At least if you've the time for a chat. You all seem to be quite a busy lot."
It seems the Warrior of Light indeed has plans to strategically extend his friendly overtures to each and every one of Zephirin's chosen brothers. Despite the archbishop's formal apology — no less strategically offered — Felih Tia and his companions yet face most of Ishgard to thaw, a busy lot themselves.
"I fear I must needs request that our chat be postponed until later this evening at the earliest," Zephirin answers. He does not laugh, but his subtle amusement lingers as Felih gradually appears to lower his guard. The Warrior of Light's catlike features lend him a somewhat surprising expressiveness.
"Assuming that speaking with me shall suffice, have you the time then? Regardless, you and yours may rest assured that Ser Grinnaux will not leap to hasty conclusions a second time."
At least, not the same conclusions, planted in Grinnaux's mind to serve specific ends.
Felih hums, perking up considerably. That is not a complete rejection! And hells, if he can make more friends in this place (cold in many ways, after all), then he'll go for it. His fluffy tail sways and coils in his optimistic behind him as he chirps, "I'd be glad to have some time with you in the evening, if that is when you're free."
Though Felih tries his best to control his body language and look more neutral, he's actually quite terrible at it in most situations, with his feline features oft giving away the subtle bits of his thoughts.
"To hear Grinnaux will stay his accusations is a relief. My brother in arms was quite upset, to say the least, to find his wife's honor in need of defending," he laughs. Poor Tataru, the sweet woman hadn't deserved such terror. "That aside- if later is better, when and where would I best find you~?" he purrs.
No matter where they meet, their conversation is like to stir up fresh gossip. Zephirin looks beyond the Hoplon and towards the walkway where the statues of King Thordan's knights twelve ever stand watch. Lifting one hand, he indicates the top of the steps just past the two lampposts ahead. "Shall we meet here in four bells?"
The Last Vigil is but a short distance away, after all.
"I imagine you devote your spare time to learning more of Ishgard. Today, I would accompany you."
Felih perks up immediately, even more delighted. Yes, this is certainly progress! From what he's heard, Zephirin seems especially adored and trusted by Ishgard as a whole- well, at least the many noblewomen smitten with him, but hopefully being seen in his company could only earn him further points of trust with the city.
"That sounds lovely. I'll be here, then- I'll head back to the manor and tend to some other tasks in the meantime, but I won't be late," he chirps contentedly. He's sure his mate will be glad to hear he's being friendly with the Heavens' Ward, or so he hopes. "I would be glad for the chance to learn from you on a walk- there is truly so much history, so much culture I've yet to learn or adjust to."
Four bells pass swiftly, and when the day's official duties are done, Zephirin quits the Vault to keep his word. Punctual, he stands waiting beside one of the knightly statues overlooking the walkway connecting the Hoplon and the Last Vigil. He, of course, had the shorter distance to cross to arrive at the meeting place agreed upon.
The Temple Knights at their posts do not turn their heads to watch him, but Zephirin knows their boredom — they will eavesdrop while they can, undoubtedly curious. By all appearances, the archimandrite of the Heavens' Ward is engaged in highly unusual idleness, standing about to enjoy the crisp night air.
Felih is not long behind him, soon trotting up to the other man in more relaxed attire. Lovely dress robes, built warm for the Ishgardian cold, now adorn his body, heavy but with a weight that seems to match much of the Ishgardian fashion within the city, trimmed and lined with soft, warm furs. Robes are the attire of choice for mages, after all, and if nothing else, Felih is proud of his skill. He has the large hood up to protect his ears, the thin folds of skin not prepared for such biting cold, but proper attire has done wonders.
"Ah- there you are. Glad am I that the weather did not take another turn towards snow, at least for now," he laughs, perking up. He adjusts his hood with gloves that cover his claws, and even his fluffy tail is tucking close to the fabric. He considered putting it in a warm sweater-sleeve to keep warm, but it looks so undignified... so he chose against it.
"I hope I've not kept you waiting long, ser knight."
As he did earlier, Zephirin acknowledges Felih's arrival with a dip of his head, stirring just enough that he no longer makes another watchful statue. "Not at all." Once again, he smiles only slightly, politely reserved. His eyes flick toward the darkened heavens above ere his gaze returns to Felih. "I do not fault you for taking your precautions — our fair skies are oft fleetingly so."
Zephirin himself remains clad in his pristine armour, having chosen punctuality over comfort, but then, this evening's walk is an extension of his duties, no genuinely idle stroll through the city.
Once Felih falls into step with him, Zephirin selects a route that leads them away from the heart of the Pillars, and avoids nearing the Tribunal. "You had questions to ask me?" he prompts as they walk, glancing back down at the Warrior of Light.
Felih is ever-curious, his ears perking forward even under his hood as he regards the other man. He's still in that armor- though he can't help but wonder why.
"Is it customary for Heavens' Ward Knights to wear their armor about even after the usual hours of duty?" he asks, looking over the armor. "Or is the position such that you must remain ever-vigilant? If so, you lot have my sympathies. Such heavy armor is not meant to be worn so long," he says with a sigh, a hand coming up to his own cheek as he tilts his head thoughtfully into his palm.
"I surely hope that it's not that case. You all must be sporting horrifically sore bodies," he hums, before stretching a little. "But at the least, we are both prepared for sudden snow. Onwards then- I've plenty to ask, mostly about the Pillars, mostly."
And then, the curious glimmer is back in his eyes as they walk, looking around at all the seemingly endless buildings, towers and spires and buttresses and bridges- Ishgard is a veritable masterpiece of architecture. "I can't help but notice that most of the city's nobility resides here, though I'm still learning of all the names and houses of note. And not only that, but it seems Ishgard's storied history is told more through the Pillars' vast architecture and monuments... I had hoped to ask you about more of such things. If I am to reside here for a time, I should learn such things."
He laughs. "The last thing I'd want to do is commit some manner of social faux pas for not knowing who's who and what's what."
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valoirs
no subject
As he stops at the foot of the steps leading to the Vault, half turned toward Felih, Zephirin does nothing to disprove any rumour that he truly is an automaton, his expression politely neutral, his thoughts concealed. He notes the Warrior of Light's wariness, and suspects that the man has returned to the Hoplon not by chance. After a moment, he turns to face Felih fully, inclining his head in lieu of a deeper bow.
"Yes. To what do I owe the pleasure?"
The Warrior of Light is the talk of all Ishgard, of late, but hearsay merely supplements one's own observations.
no subject
"Curiosity, of course," he finally replies, letting himself crack a playful smile. Because he's a cat, is the unsaid joke, but Felih won't ruin it by explaining it.
Felih is short even for a Miqo'te, so he feels quite small in Ishgard, the nation filled with Elezen and Hyur. But he tries not to let it daunt him.
"I merely wished to ask if you've time to spare. I am intrigued to get to know the Heavens' Ward, in light of recent events- hopefully, to prevent more misunderstandings between us..." he admits with a laugh.
no subject
He is newly returned from the Congregation; following his meeting there with the lord commander, his next task is to report to the archbishop, ahead of a summons for the Ward to attend conclave. He has little time to spare, in truth.
However, as a flesh and blood man, even Zephirin must take meals and rest each day, and that time is entirely his own, barring some emergency. To spend it observing the Warrior of Light would be in alignment with the archbishop's instructions.
"I see." Approaching the knights of the Heavens' Ward presumably one by one is no small undertaking. "What is it that you wish to know?"
no subject
His ears perk up at that barest hint of a smile, though, and he relaxes a little more. "Ah, 'tis nothing so obtrusive, I should hope," he says with a laugh. "I merely wish to know of the men under the armor, so to speak." He's learned by now that the Heavens' Ward were a wary and suspicious lot- or at least, judging by Grinnaux and Paulecrain. "And in doing so, hopefully convince you that my companions and I aren't heretics?" he laughs.
"At least if you've the time for a chat. You all seem to be quite a busy lot."
no subject
"I fear I must needs request that our chat be postponed until later this evening at the earliest," Zephirin answers. He does not laugh, but his subtle amusement lingers as Felih gradually appears to lower his guard. The Warrior of Light's catlike features lend him a somewhat surprising expressiveness.
"Assuming that speaking with me shall suffice, have you the time then? Regardless, you and yours may rest assured that Ser Grinnaux will not leap to hasty conclusions a second time."
At least, not the same conclusions, planted in Grinnaux's mind to serve specific ends.
no subject
Though Felih tries his best to control his body language and look more neutral, he's actually quite terrible at it in most situations, with his feline features oft giving away the subtle bits of his thoughts.
"To hear Grinnaux will stay his accusations is a relief. My brother in arms was quite upset, to say the least, to find his wife's honor in need of defending," he laughs. Poor Tataru, the sweet woman hadn't deserved such terror. "That aside- if later is better, when and where would I best find you~?" he purrs.
no subject
The Last Vigil is but a short distance away, after all.
"I imagine you devote your spare time to learning more of Ishgard. Today, I would accompany you."
no subject
"That sounds lovely. I'll be here, then- I'll head back to the manor and tend to some other tasks in the meantime, but I won't be late," he chirps contentedly. He's sure his mate will be glad to hear he's being friendly with the Heavens' Ward, or so he hopes. "I would be glad for the chance to learn from you on a walk- there is truly so much history, so much culture I've yet to learn or adjust to."
no subject
The Temple Knights at their posts do not turn their heads to watch him, but Zephirin knows their boredom — they will eavesdrop while they can, undoubtedly curious. By all appearances, the archimandrite of the Heavens' Ward is engaged in highly unusual idleness, standing about to enjoy the crisp night air.
no subject
"Ah- there you are. Glad am I that the weather did not take another turn towards snow, at least for now," he laughs, perking up. He adjusts his hood with gloves that cover his claws, and even his fluffy tail is tucking close to the fabric. He considered putting it in a warm sweater-sleeve to keep warm, but it looks so undignified... so he chose against it.
"I hope I've not kept you waiting long, ser knight."
no subject
Zephirin himself remains clad in his pristine armour, having chosen punctuality over comfort, but then, this evening's walk is an extension of his duties, no genuinely idle stroll through the city.
Once Felih falls into step with him, Zephirin selects a route that leads them away from the heart of the Pillars, and avoids nearing the Tribunal. "You had questions to ask me?" he prompts as they walk, glancing back down at the Warrior of Light.
no subject
"Is it customary for Heavens' Ward Knights to wear their armor about even after the usual hours of duty?" he asks, looking over the armor. "Or is the position such that you must remain ever-vigilant? If so, you lot have my sympathies. Such heavy armor is not meant to be worn so long," he says with a sigh, a hand coming up to his own cheek as he tilts his head thoughtfully into his palm.
"I surely hope that it's not that case. You all must be sporting horrifically sore bodies," he hums, before stretching a little. "But at the least, we are both prepared for sudden snow. Onwards then- I've plenty to ask, mostly about the Pillars, mostly."
And then, the curious glimmer is back in his eyes as they walk, looking around at all the seemingly endless buildings, towers and spires and buttresses and bridges- Ishgard is a veritable masterpiece of architecture. "I can't help but notice that most of the city's nobility resides here, though I'm still learning of all the names and houses of note. And not only that, but it seems Ishgard's storied history is told more through the Pillars' vast architecture and monuments... I had hoped to ask you about more of such things. If I am to reside here for a time, I should learn such things."
He laughs. "The last thing I'd want to do is commit some manner of social faux pas for not knowing who's who and what's what."