video.

[astralera]

[ It is a rare moment when Era decides to record audio, let alone a video, but she does just that today. Her voice is happy and bright, the Coerthan (Irish) lilt of it far more prominent than usual as she speaks. The video as of yet shows nothing of value save for her socks. ]

Please welcome the most handsome hatchling in all the realms to this miraculous thing called life.

His name is Hythlodaeus!

[ She finally pans her camera upward to show off a fluffy Amaro chick approximately the size of a small housecat. The pile of dark down is currently digging his face into the nest of blankets atop her bed, though stops and peers up at her once she says his name. He wiggles excitedly, and Era holds back a giggle. ]

Hy~♪thlo~dae~♫~us~!

[ She sing-songs his name, and with each melodic syllable Hythlodaeus grows more and more excited, hopping on its little talons, just barely keeping himself from toppling over. At the last syllable he flutters all four of his tiny wings and let's out a delighted: ]

Gi-Gwee!

Yes, that's you!

[ The little chick seems beside himself with excitement, quickly tumbling over to Era's lap where she promptly shifts the camera so she can pat him without concern. There is a barely audible rumbling noise akin to a purr: Khr-Khrrr... ]

I should hope it goes without saying, but if anyone dares try lay anything but the kindest of hands upon him I will make sure you will live to suffer for your transgression.

[ She makes her threat in the same cheerful tone, though there is no mistaking that she means it. (◉‿◉) ]

Comments

[scourgingstars]

Oh--well, would you look at that. I've not seen anything quite like him before--a bit like horse and chocobo both, isn't it?

[they don't have camels, so close enough]

[astralera]

Something like that, but built for endurance flight rather than land travel.

[ She'll gently take one of Hythlo's upper wings in her fingertips and spread it out, which causes him to reflexively spread his secondary set of wings again as well. Era lets go, then immediately rubs along his jawline, eliciting another tiny 'purr'. ]

When will you come meet him?

[scourgingstars]

Is...that alright?

[you know, being a walking plague.]

I'm not preoccupied at the moment, but...

[astralera]

But?

[ You can almost hear her roll her eyes. ]

Come meet your littlest nephew, brother.

[scourgingstars]

I...I'll be right there.

[astralera]

We'll be waiting!

[ And they will be!!! So hurry up, Plagueboss. ]

[scourgingstars]

[Not particularly long after that, there was a quiet and perhaps hesitant knock on the door.]

[astralera]

[ Reluctant to let Hythlo down, Era lets him crawl into her sweater, scooping his bottom until his head can peek out from between where he's snuggled between her breasts. She opens the door with her free arm, offering a smile in greeting.

Hythlo offers a more vocal greeting in the form of a surprised 'Gwee!'. ]

[scourgingstars]

H...hello.

[This is fine, this is completely fine.]

[astralera]

Come inside before you let the warmth out, Ardyn.

[ The chick nearly falls out of her shirt in his effort to investigate this new Person, tumbling and dragging a good portion of her neckline down with him. Era is quick to scoop up her Amaro, along with her modesty.

Flushing with embarrassment but saying nothing on the matter, Era makes a note to wear a camise from now on if she isn't wearing a brassiere. ]

I— I'll summon Carbuncle so your temperature will be of no concern.

[scourgingstars]

[OH WOW LOOK AT THAT CEILING. HOW NICE IT IS TODAY.]

A-ah...yes, of course.

[astralera]

[ With a flick of her arm, Ruby Carbuncle comes somersaulting into existence once more, landing gracefully on its paws. Hythlo is clearly delighted, eager to greet his companion. Having learned her lesson, Era is quick to put him down upon the ground, letting him run clumsily over to Carbuncle and rubbing his face in its fur.

Another quick motion and Carbuncle carefully maneuvers out of Hythlodaeus' reach, leaping onto the sofa. Era then scoops up the chick and places him on the sofa beside her summoned companion, then gestures for Ardyn to sit with them both. ]

[scourgingstars]

[Ardyn watched the pair of them for a moment, sitting down a bit stiffly; obviously uncertain what to do or if being here was even safe.]

[astralera]

[ She sighs quietly, then flings a weak Thunder spell from her fingertips that feels no more powerful than a moderate zap of static electricity. ]

[scourgingstars]

Ow-! What was that for?!

[astralera]

Do you really think I would let you near him if I thought you a risk?

[ She gestures to her chick, who is now snuggled up against her Carbuncle but peering up at Ardyn with big, curious black eyes. ]

Just hold my hatching, Ardyn.

[scourgingstars]

I...I'm really not all that sure about this, Era.

[astralera]

Hythlodaeus.

[ Immediately his attention is on her, and she scoops him up again. Unable to resist, she nuzzles his face against hers, then drops the ball of downy fluff onto Ardyn's lap. ]

Meet your silly uncle.

[scourgingstars]

A-ah--

[Freezing up was definitely the right thing to do here, clearly. Totally.]

Er...hello there.

[astralera]

[ She watches, pleased, as Hythlo seems to recognize the voice and immediately hops excitedly (and clumsily) upon his lap, making the adorable noises that Amaro are so known for within Norvrandt. ]

He remembers your voice, and... Something else, but I cannot interpret.

[scourgingstars]

[Nervously, Ardyn slowly extended a hand to the little hatchling.]

Are...are you truly certain this is safe for him?

[carbungle]

[There is a noise caught by the comm that does not bear repeating, unbefitting of a prince, one that will be profusely denied if called out. It's quickly followed by a proper response,]

Aww, look at him!

[astralera]

Do you intend to harm him?

[scourgingstars]

Not intentionally. But I don't know if he might be susceptible to...illness.

[astralera]

That is a far more appropriate reaction than your granduncle's.

[ She rubs Hythlo's jaw in a way he clearly enjoys, if the way he leans the entirety of his little body's weight against her hand is any indication. That, and the Khr-khrr...-ing. ]