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!

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[personalinterest]

The sound of unannounced visitors causes Aymeric to surge into an awkward, half-sitting position, not unlike a cat rudely awakened from a comfortable nap. He turns toward the door, pupils thinned to mere slits as his tail lashes with agitation.

It takes a moment for his draconic instincts to settle after having been startled into "fight-or-flight" mode, but as soon as he registers that it's only a bevy of moogles at their door, he visibly relaxes.

"I wasn't expecting company, certainly not at this hour..." He shrugs helplessly, fixing Ariane with a pleading look. "Would you mind terribly...?"

Ariane is already getting to her feet before he can finish his request. As the moogles flutter in, Aymeric pulls himself into a more comfortable seated position, not wishing to greet their guests lying down.

Old habits die hard.

He blinks owlishly as one of the moogles sets a basket beside him. Upon hearing their explanation, a slow, tired smile spreads across his face. He hasn't the heart to correct their misunderstanding, nor to inform them that the scale of their project is just slightly off.

However, as he gently picks the basket up, he can't help but admire the craftsmanship. From the tightly-woven fibers to the colorful cloth lining and silk ribbons adorning the handle, it's obvious that a lot of time and effort was put into it.

"A lovely gift, and quite thoughtful, as well." Aymeric offers his most diplomatic smile. "I daresay I needn't worry over any of my eggs breaking should they be housed in such exquisite baskets."

"You really think so, kupo?" One of the moogles twirls with delight. "See? I told you all that practice would surely pay off!"

"Okay, you were right, kupo! But my poor little paws have blisters from all that weaving..."

"Kupo-po, me too! If only there was something to take our minds off the pain..."

"Whatever happened to 'hard work is it's own reward'?" Aymeric chuckles at the sudden wave of crestfallen looks. "However, it would be remiss of me to send you all home on an empty stomach, wouldn't it?"

He gestures toward a small barrel near the door. "Pray, help yourself to some kupo nuts. You have more than earned them."

With a chorus of kupo!s and don't mind if I do's, the moogles immediately beeline toward the barrel, pushing and shoving one another as they greedily gather up as many kupo nuts as they can carry in their tiny little arms.

"Pray, give my regards to the Temple Knights upon your return!"

"Oh, we will, kupo!"

"Sorry we can't stay longer, kupo. So much work, so little time, and these kupo nuts won't eat themselves!"

And then, just as quickly as they had arrived, they were gone. Aymeric sighed, carefully setting the basket aside before flopping heavily upon his nest once more. Maybe it was due to his condition, but being in the presence of so many energetic moogles had left him feeling suddenly drained. More so than usual, at any rate.

"Never a dull moment when they're around, hm?" Aymeric smiles tiredly at Ariane. "Do you think we ought to tell them or...?"

Nah, let someone else explain the idiom. Or not. Maybe someone else will get some free baskets out of it, too?

[nophicascounsel]

Does Aymeric, too, ever stop and wonder about the life choices that led to them keeping kupo nuts on hand by the bushel for the purpose of appeasing moogles? Not that Ariane is complaining; for all that the little fuzzballs can be a nuisance at times, they're just irresistibly cute, and:

"They've become quite the artisans," she remarks, examining another one of the baskets. How did they manage such a strong, close weave with those stubby little paws? "I'm rather proud of the little fellows, aren't you?"

She holds the basket up in line with the far windowsill, humming thoughtfully. Perhaps if she lines a few up over there... and those wildflowers growing up by Four Arms would go beautifully with the color of the ribbons... yes, perfect. Ariane gives a satisfied nod.

For now, though, she gathers them up to pile on the dining table. Decorating can wait. Her beloved needs a good long rest, and she has a mind to join him.

(Morning...)

Ariane knows she was dreaming a moment ago, but the details are already faded into cobweb tatters, leaving only a brief and disorienting feeling that she ought to have wings. She blinks blearily, vaguely bemused to find herself with her arms wrapped about his legs, using his belly as an awkward pillow. That wasn't at all where she was when she fell asleep...

Subtle movement beneath her cheek. The eggs shifting again? Ariane's lips curve into a small smile. Her eggs. She turns her head slightly to plant a kiss upon his warm scales.

"Morning, 'm'ric," she mumbles, then something that might be "my love" but blends into a yawn. "You awake?"