dragon au catch-all for nophicascounsel

[personalinterest]

Continued from this thread, just spinning it out into an entire AU now!

Some notes to keep in mind:

• Aymeric drank Vidofnir's blood and is now a member of Hraesvelgr's brood. He spends his time primarily within the confines of Zenith and Asah, though he makes forays to Anyx Trine to visit the dragon colony there. While still considered something of a broodling by his 'sire,' he has every intention of becoming a dedicated guardian of Zenith, just like Vidofnir and Vedrfolnir.
• Has renovated one of the dwellings within Asah for his personal use, which also serves as a secondary residence for Ariane, as well. Is somewhat involved with the local moogles working to restore Zenith to its former glory.
• Due to the nature of the covenant forged between him and Vidofnir, he is incapable of reverting fully to human form (for now). His current form resembles that of a bipedal, gargoyle-esque creature, or perhaps a more draconic version of an Au Ra male. (Art forthcoming.) His entire body is covered in indigo scales, save for his face and ears, and a heart-shaped patch on his chest. Thickness of scales varies depending on placement, but more heavily armored scales are located on back, shoulders, arms, and legs. Smaller, softer scales are in more flexible areas, including his belly. Claws and horns are black, along with his dorsal spines. He is capable of flight but limited to carrying smaller burdens, maximum weight allowance of one (1) adult Elezen.
• He recently gained the ability to shift fully into dragon form, thus increasing his combat capabilities exponentially. Despite the coloration of his scales, he is not ice-aspected. He can breath fire and also has some limited control over Holy spells, similar to other white dragons.
• Is currently in a polyamorous relationship with Ariane and Estinien.
• Is capable of laying eggs and has fathered two broods with Estinien and one with Ariane (technically no genetic material was exchanged, but it counts!).
• Can reproduce asexually like any other dragon through methods similar to real world lizards, most likely parthenogenesis or self-cloning. The process often requires sexual stimulation in order to induce ovulation, though many of the greater wyrms can do so without a partner. Aymeric isn't old enough to do the latter yet.
• More to add as I think of things!

Comments

[personalinterest]

She lifts her head, smiling through her tears, and Aymeric brushes one knuckle against her cheek to halt their flow. His expression softens, mirroring the smile Ariane wears for his sake. She's trying so hard to be brave, and here he is worrying over a future that might not come to pass!

He needs to be strong for her, and for their child yet unborn. Ariane has always supported him—as both the Warrior of Light and as his lover. And he intends to support her during what may be the most important ordeal of her life.

His lips part as though he meant to answer her question, but words aren't forthcoming. A look of guilt flits across his features, but eventually he says, "Nearly a moon has passes since I first noticed a change in your aether. Or, rather, the spark of aether growing inside you, similar yet distinct from your own."

He draws her close, resting his chin atop her head. It's difficult for him to look her in the eye now that his subterfuge has been revealed. At least, this way, she can take some comfort in his closeness.

"Insightful as ever," he murmurs against her hair. "I should have known better than to think that I could hide my worries from you forever. Truth be told, I should have said something sooner, and for that I apologize."

He draws back, just enough to that he can look Ariane in the eye once more. "You spoke with Vidofnir? Did she... offer any counsel on the matter?"

The anxiety gripping his heart begins to subside. If Ariane had already spoken to the great wyrm, then surely most of her fears have already been laid to rest!

[nophicascounsel]

This smile is genuine to every ilm, ser! She only hopes it conveys that the tears he brushes away have their origin in joy, not sorrow. As he does, she leans into his hand, almost like a cat (or a Miqo'te) seeking to be pet.

Her eyes widen when he says nearly a moon. She hadn't even suspected it for half that time! Perhaps she ought hold his silence against him after all, just a little— but almost sooner than she can think that, he apologizes, and she simply doesn't have it in her to be cross with him.

(Though Estinien had better not have known and been sitting on it too. Honestly, these men!)

"Not much, but I can hardly fault her for not answering questions I didn't ask," Ariane admits with a somewhat sheepish expression. "I was— rather overset by the news, even though I expected to hear it. I simply didn't know where to begin!"

She gives his hand resting on her belly a gentle pat. "I daresay you know the feeling." That storm of emotions, the everything, all at once she had confessed to Vidofnir.

"But if it makes you feel any better," (it certainly makes her feel better!) "she didn't seem to be concerned. She didn't say it in as many words, but I believe she's happy for us."

She snuggles into his chest with a yawn, her eyes drifting shut. Contented. Hope he wasn't planning to get up anytime soon. "Perhaps we might stop at Anyx Trine first on our way to the city, and barrage her with questions until she shows us out."

[personalinterest]

He huffs a laugh as Ariane leans against him. "A sound plan, yes. I, too, have a few questions of my own, questions which only a dragon as old and wise as Vidofnir might answer."

Already, a plan was forming in his mind. So long as he had an objective to work toward, he could focus his energies toward more productive efforts rather than wallowing uselessly in anxious fretting.

However, it did bring to mind another issue, one he had long since kept buried deep within the darkest recesses of his heart—to petition Vidofnir for a draught of her blood to offer to Ariane. Perhaps, in partaking of dragon blood, her body might be strengthened against the strain of bearing a possible dragon spawn.

But such an endeavor still carries its own host of risks, namely, an insatiable craving for dragon's blood that could drive one to madness. Furthermore, depending on the strength of Ratatoskyr's essence flowing within her veins, Ariane might very well find herself irrevocably altered, much like Aymeric himself.

He would be lying to himself if he didn't admit that a part of him yearned for Ariane to be joined to him thus—to share his long lifespan as a fellow dragon, as his true consort. To see her clad beautifully in scales of purest white, to see her shed the fragility of a soft, human body...

Closing his eyes, he carefully puts that selfish thought away as he leans his chin comfortably against Ariane's head. No, best not to give voice to it, especially now. The choice must lay with Ariane, and if she has yet to broach the topic, well... then surely her heart has not considered it a choice at all.

"Tomorrow, then? That is, if you're feeling well enough for it. I daresay we should also call upon Estinien to give him the good news." He smiles against her hair. "Though, I suspect he may already be apprised of your condition."

And why wouldn't he, given the strength of his connection to Nidhogg? Surely, Estinien had to have known for as long as Aymeric himself!