Spring was upon the Crescent Isles and with it festival season. Hearth’s Day matsuri was one of the biggest of all the festivals celebrated in the islands, a chance for the young and in love to dress in their best and enjoy a night with their beloved exploring the colorful stalls and eating special foods. It was also a chance for those looking for love to present themselves to the community to try to find themselves a paramour. The youth of the Isles looked forward to this event all year, preparing traditional outfits for the event well in advance.

Cirice loved festivals just as much as anyone, having not found anything quite as magical and special in her travels. So it was that she made a special trip back to Shingetsu just for the event. It was a perfect opportunity for her to spend her favorite holiday with those she loved, both old and new. So she’d sent a letter to Cyran, inviting him to her hometown for the celebration. This was an excellent opportunity for them to reconnect and for Cyran to get to see her home and meet her parents, all while seeing the island at its absolute best. When he’d accepted her invitation she’d hurried home in order to make the preparations right away.

Standing on the pier the day before Hearth’s Day she waits excitedly for Cyran’s ship to come in, her arms laden with a basket of traditional sweets as she tries not to bounce off the dock. The ship from Moonglade comes into the port slowly, and she watches the sailors secure it in its moorings before the gangplank comes down and she finally sees Cyran disembark.

“CYRAN!!!” She cries happily and goes to meet him, arms wide and waiting to wrap him in a hug.

The trip from Moonglade to Shingetsu was agonizingly slow.

Cyran had managed to secure passage at one of the ports in Eclipse City, a trip that had been harrowing and nervewracking even though he could disguise himself well enough to make it through the birthright he had been barred entry from without much detection, up until the moment the ship hit open water. He normally would not even consider traveling to Eclipse City, but the situation was important enough to necessitate prompt travel, immediately dropping what he’d previously been to make his way to the southern islands with haste.

Cirice had invited him to her hometown for a festival.

Rarely did Cyran have reason to celebrate Hearth’s Day - the holiday was one that he’d once celebrated with Marlow back when he still lived at home, but had little opportunity or reason to treat the day as anything other than normal. It was accompanied with too many aches and pains that had yet to dull with a decade of time. This year had proven to be different, though he’d spent time with… Del, a day that had been surprisingly easy and pleasant day, one that had left him feeling lighter than ever. And then he’d received word from Cirice inviting him to her island to spend a festival with her.

It was odd. The holiday was not accompanied with its usual hurts, not when his heart was full, and equally as nervous about meeting Cirice’s parents. The feeling scared him.

Any of that anxiety faded away when the boat began to dock. Cyran set Yeux out through the air to scout for Cirice, though it turned out to be unnecessary. He spotted Cirice at the forefront of the crowd, bouncing with excitement, and his happiness only grew when he heard her shout his name. Other passengers be damned - Cyran broke out into a jog down the plank until he was on solid ground once more, running all the way to where Cirice was awaiting him with open arms. He dropped his bag to the ground, picking her up and twirling her around through the air until his arms could no longer support her weight and they were both dizzy from the movement.

When he set her down, there was a dopey smile on his face despite the fatigue from the trip. He ruffled her hair before bending down to pick his bag back up once more. “Oh, I’ve missed you, dear.” It was wonderful to see her looking so bright and healthy, and smiling once more. He hadn’t had the chance to see her since they escaped the tomb… the worried look on her face when she realized she could not heal his eye with her magic still haunted him. But the smile on her face right now carried the light of the sun, and all of its exuberance. Despite everything that happened, gods was he happy she was safe and whole and healthy.

“How have you been?” He asked, eyeing the bundle in her hands. “I brought some gifts from Darkveil. It’s not much, but… I wanted to thank you and your parents for welcoming me.” He’d brought a new broach for Cirice made out of volcanic glass and gemstones, and a nice bottle of Drakolt-vinyard wine for her parents. It was the least he could do for them since they’d extended their generosity to him.

Cirice met Cyran’s twirling hug with an equally tight and loving embrace of her own. Even when the world swam around her enough to make her almost sick she didn’t want it to end. But as Cyran sat her back on the ground and ruffled her hair she felt a deep, unmistakable joy warm her entire body. “I missed you too!” Her eyes are full of happy tears knowing he’s safe if nothing else.

Her eyes avoided the beautiful beaded eyepatch instinctively and instead she focused on the necklace that he wore, the one she’d given him still proudly sitting against his collarbone, a memento of the adventure they’d become family on, rather than the reminder of the near-death experience they’d shared.

“I’ve been good! Busy. I’m so glad you could make it! All the way from Darkveil as well! You didn’t have to bring us anything, you’re our guest!” She giggles, “Guests are the ones who get presents. Here! I brought you some wagashi, its traditional candies!”

She holds up the basket for him, presenting it with both hands. On her left wrist, hanging over her silken glove he can see the snake bracelet¹ he gave her and on her right a small bracelet made of carved heart-shaped beads in pinks and purples that is clearly handcrafted². On her finger he sees a ring glinting against the dark fabric³. Cirice’s love of trinkets and jewelry is as present as ever.

“If you’ve never had daifuku before its really good,” She continues on about her gift of sweets. “My dad helped me make some in starberry and sweet bean! They’re my favorite! But how have you been? What adventures have you had since I last saw you?” She happily chatters away, elated to be together again.

---

1 Dancing Chain
2 Arcane Trinket
3 Gerhart's Eternity Ring 

Cirice’s necklace wasn’t the only chain Cyran currently wore around his neck - nestled next to the chain that Cirice had gifted him upon their first meeting so many months ago, an item he endlessly treasured, was a small cord containing a ring of wood and glass. Cyran usually wore it tucked under his jacket, too afraid that if he kept it on his finger it would only be marred by blood. But now that he was under no threat, Cyran wore both necklaces openly, a fond expression softening his face as he listened to Cirice talk before offering him a welcoming gift.

“I thought it was the other way around…” At least, that was what he’d been taught - the guest was meant to bring the gifts as they were the imposition. Either way, manners or not, he’d simply wanted to. Cyran couldn’t resist adding more trinkets to Cirice’s ever growing collection, and from what he had heard of her parents, it was easy to see how they’d raised such a kind young woman. He wanted to show them his appreciation for getting the chance to know her, and their kindness for letting him stay. “I wanted to, nonetheless…. Oh! Thank you for the sweets.” He accepted the basket, noting all the new pieces of fine jewelry she wore over her gloves, including a familiar wooden bracelet - where had he seen that before…?

But before he could figure it out, from the hood of his cloak, Yeux poked his head out, finally roused from his slumber at the promise of food. The small bat fluttered to Cyran’s shoulder, then to perch on the side of the basket that Cirice had handed him.

“I suppose you think this is a treat for you, hmm?” He murmured, running his finger along the upside of Yeux’s head. “No, you may not have any candy.” Yeux responded with a small, indignant squeal while Cyran inspected the wagashi. He rarely had the chance to indulge in cultural cuisine when he was here for work - never really much chance to enjoy food and drink when you were here to rob someone blind, or…

Well, he hadn’t had much chance to enjoy.

“Thank you, Cirice.” He said softly. “I haven’t had … Daifuku before.” He pronounced the unfamiliar words carefully. “I look forward to trying it. Perhaps when I’m settled, we can share?” Food was best enjoyed with company, after all.

“Glad to hear you’ve been keeping busy.” He replied, happy to hear her familiar songbird’s chatter as she launched into her next topic with bubbling enthusiasm. “… Nothing too dangerous, I hope.” He tacked on with a raised brow. Of course, he knew he couldn’t stop her from going off on adventures, nor did he truly have any right to act as a parental unit in any sort of capacity, but he… worried. Cirice’s capability wasn’t in question - she was a talented healer and one of the most skilled people at charming a smile out of anyone she came across that he’d ever met. But she was a healer, and didn’t have much offensive magic. A part of him would always worry what kind of dangers she would face when he couldn’t be around to keep an eye on her.

“I’ve been keeping busy as well.” He replied, keeping a mild tone. There was no shortage of clients who needed his unique set of skills, a topic that was far too depressing for today, and one he wanted to keep Cirice far away from. “I took care of some monsters with Gerhart in Dragon’s Cradle a little while ago, though.” There was a slightly teasing edge to his voice. “Have you seen him at all recently?”

“Customs here are a little different than the mainland. Thank you for the gifts though, that was really nice of you! I hope you like the sweets!” Cirice’s eyes light up when she sees Yeux, “Oh hello! Who is this little cutie Cyran??” She watches the little bat try to swipe the candy and protest when denied the promise of yummy new foods. “He’s so precious! I’d love to share the daifuku with you. I can teach you all their names and flavors. I don’t know if you’ve ever had sakura before but its very soft and sweet. A gentle flavor.”

“N-no nothing too dangerous. Nothing I couldn’t handle, I promise. I only… Delved a temple, went to find a guy on a volcano, fight bugs, simple stuff, you know?”

“Tell me of your adventures! All of them!” She pokes him for details. “Oh Gerhart, um yeah we-we saw each other recently. He actually invited me back here and thats why I figured you should come too. We… We went on a date…” She blushes and hides her cheeks with her palms.

“Come on! I want to get you to my house before it gets dark!” She quickly changes the subject. “Mother and Father had a feast prepared in honor of your arrival. I haven’t brought anyone to meet them really and they’re excited.”

She leads Cyran over to a large, double-decker wagon with a strange fiery spectral deer harnessed to it. “Climb aboard, we’ll be there in no time! I can even give you a view of the whole island! Hitia here can fly!”

“Regardless of customs, I want to show your family my appreciation for allowing me to stay with you all…” He trailed off, thoughtful. While he was here he should adhere more to their traditions so he didn’t appear rude. More than that, he truly wanted to know more about Cirice’s life, and her home. He spent less time in the Crescent Isles than he should have. The last time he was here…

It had not been pleasant, to say the least.

The trip hadn’t been entirely bad, if he was being honest with himself. Some good had come about it, like meeting Seiya, and finding a dear companion in the young man. But the results of his Winter’s Crown heist were still so fresh that he couldn’t even think about them. That he’d been so close to Marlow, close enough that they could have even been in the same building without even knowing it - that he could have seen her for the first time in a damn decade, only for that opportunity to slip through his fingers - oh, it ached.

He needed to stop focusing on that. If Cyran kept thinking about Marlow he’d start seeing her ghost out of the corner of his eye wherever he looked. He was here to spend time with Cirice now, and he wanted - needed - to give her his full attention.

He tilted his head, the corner of his only visible eye crinkling as he smiled at Cirice’s enthusiasm over Yeux. The small bat, perhaps in a direct mirror of Cyran’s own movements, tilted his head at the new stranger. Cyran plucked him from the basket before he had a chance to snatch any of the sweets. “Oh, this is Yeux. He came into my care a little after we parted ways last we saw one another. He’s a good little seeing-eye companion… if not a little lazy one. Isn’t that right?” The bat let out a squeal of protest.

“And I’ve never had sakura before, either. I’d love to learn all about the different flavors." He replied, earnest excitement in his voice. These were vastly different from the sweets he was used to… in Eclipse City, they rarely sold these kinds of treats. He was mostly used to rustic baked goods, whatever could be prepared in an oven. He was not used to goods that were so sugary. Perhaps that explained why Cirice was so sweet.

He turned his attention away from the candies, raising an eyebrow when she hastily deflected his inquiry about what she’d been getting into. Every single one of those things sounded incredibly dangerous, and her insistence that it hadn’t been too bad was paper thin. “Those all sound really dangerous… are you sure you’re alright? You haven’t been doing anything reckless, have you? Please tell me that you haven’t been alone, at the very least.” He would feel much better knowing that Cirice had others with her. People like Gerhart. The smile returned to his face when she mentioned a date.

So he did ask her out, after all.

“Did you two have fun?” He couldn’t resist the opportunity to tease a little, all in the same gentle good nature he usually spoke with. But there was a slight mischievous glint in his eye at the way her face had turned a deep shade of purple while speaking about him. He suspected when Gerhart spoke of her that the feeling was mutual, but seeing it with his own eye only served to make him happy for the both of them. They deserved to find that happiness for themselves.

“Wait. A feast? You did not have to do that.” Cyran called out, embarrassed at the idea of such fanfare on his behalf, but Cirice had already darted off, leading him to a nearby wagon led by one of the most horrifying creatures he’d ever seen in his life. Was this one of those yokai he’d heard so much about? Would it be rude of him to comment on it? Cirice didn’t seem to find anything strange about the deer, so perhaps it was more common around this area. He gave Cirice a nervous smile he hoped was attributed to the prospect of flying in that wagon, giving her a shaky thumbs-up.

“Is this your wagon?” He asked, climbing in after her invitation. Strangely enough, Yeux didn’t seem unnerved by Hitia in the slightest, but he still thought the animal looked rather creepy. But to obtain something like this... Cirice truly had been busy since they last saw one another.

“I’m glad you want to try all the flavors because I got as many as I could find for you. Gerhart tried a few while he was here too, he’d never had them either.” Cirice mentions. “We had a lovely time. It was full of firsts, mainly for him but also for me. And he gave me something to protect me, so you don’t have to worry. I’ve gotten a lot stronger since the dungeon. I didn’t want to be a burd-” She stops, “I didn’t want to feel powerless again.”



“Yes of course, I got this for when I travel. I can save on inn fees if I live in a wagon. And on travel fees for ships by flying. Its a great investment!” She looks incredibly proud of herself. Clearly someone gave her a stern talking to about her spending habits. “Not to mention I have filled it with all kinds of books on religion and magic and history. After all that business in the Arid Mesa I wanted to learn everything I could.”



She shows him into the wagon and indeed it is filled with books on shelves with netting holding them in place so they don’t fly everywhere. Its small and cozy with lots of sparkly things and decorations, soft fabrics and blankets. More a nest full of books than anything else. “She isn’t much but I present Mother Moon’s Mystical Flying Library! Ta da!” She gives a sweeping flourish of her hands. “I added lots of personal touches myself and the seat up front is big enough for two!”

He nodded along as Cirice recounted her outing, giving a satisfied nod when she mentioned that Gerhart had given her protective measures during their date. He’d had a feeling that Gerhart would look after her, and vise versa, but hearing that their outing had left her at ease, and that he’d listened to Cyran’s advice and spent some time with Cirice in her homeland. But Cirice’s lingering thoughts, hastily covered up as if she didn’t want Cyran to hear, were a little more worrying.

“I think you were already plenty strong, dear.” He assured her. He doubted she would believe his words alone - that kind of fear was far deep-rooted for assurances to feel solid. But Cyran put as much weight behind his words as he could, wishing he could chase away her burdens any way he could. “None of us could have anticipated what happened down there, or prepared for the ludicrous traps we faced. And when you were separated from your magic…”

He could never forget the look of fear and sorrow on her face, the exact moment he could see she’d given up.

“I know that was scary.” He admitted. “It was frightening for me too. But you are more than Mother Moon’s magic. You are more powerful than you know, Cirice. If you weren’t there, none of us would have had the strength to continue on. And without your quick thinking, we wouldn’t have found the amulet that saved us from the cave-in. Gerhart and I might be able to swing blades around, but that can be trained… forged. You can’t train spirit.”

He put a hand on her shoulder.

“… But if it would ease your troubles, I’m sure I speak for Gerhart as well when I say we would be happy to at least teach you some self defense techniques.”

The conversation turned much lighter when Cyran entered Cirice’s wagon proper. The inside was comfortable and well taken care of, with a plethora of books and any manner of trinkets and accessories. Cyran nodded in approval. It was a comfortable place to stay in, and it would keep a roof over her head while she traveled. “A sound investment.” He said, giving her a round of applause at her introduction. “It is a very inviting space, Cirice.” He hesitated. “What kind of books do you have on hand?” He would poke around a bit, taking in the scenery, before joining Cirice up at the front seat. He was sure she was excited to get back to her family, and travel by boat always left him feeling a little seasick and weary. Hopefully the flight would not make him even more nauseous.

“Yes I know, it was awful and I don’t want to think about it. I thought for sure we were going to die and the best thing from that wretched place was meeting Gerhart and getting to spend time with you.” Cirice hastily brushes the topic aside. “All I could do was stand behind you and make sure you didn’t die. And that amulet… Its a fluke I remembered it at all.”

He puts his hand on her shoulder and she looks up into his eyes, swallowing hard. “I… would like that. I want to be stronger and more prepared. I have people that count on me and I don’t want to worry anyone.”

“Thank you! I’m glad you like it. Its a home away from home!” She smiles at his compliments. “I have books on all of the religions of the world, books on various magical theories and some stories. I like collections from different places.”

She shows him around her wagon, pointing out various things and showing him the cloak that Gerhart gave her on a peg all to itself like a prized possession.

Once he’s done looking around they take their seat up front behind Hitia and she gives him a big grin. “Ready?” She snaps the reins and the demonic deer takes to flight. Gliding into the air as if it was nothing and running high above the rooftops gracefully. The ride is smooth and not bumpy at all, smoother than a wagon ride on land would be thanks to the wagon’s enchantments. From this vantage they can see the entire island almost, the traditional rooftops of the buildings, the pink blossoms of the sakura trees and the tall stalks of bamboo. The natural beauty of the island is breathtaking and from above is the best way to take it all in.

Cirice has them fly over the entire island in a large circle, letting Cyran see everything before they start to descend. She points out a few things to him. “See the water flowing down from the mountain? It forms a really beautiful waterfall that falls into a Moon pool. I was born there! Our house isn’t far and expectant mothers come and stay with us so they can have their children in the pool and the babies will be blessed by Mother Moon!”

She lands the wagon near a large traditional estate sitting on the little river. The house is sturdy and well-constructed, with sliding doors and wide wooden porches. Sitting at the main entrance is a pair of moon elves, a man and a woman, in fancy kimonos, awaiting them.

As they climb out of the wagon she grabs Cyran’s hand and drags him over to them. “Cyran, this is my mother and father Lyleth Lunestre and Seto Tsukinaga. Chichi, haha, this is Cyran.” She introduces the elder elves with a massive, excited smile. Her parents bow, their foreheads nearly touching the ground before them.

“Thank you for protecting our beloved Shizuki, Master Cyran. We are in your debt.” Seto says.

“Please be welcome in our home as an honored guest. We thank you for the honor of your presence.” Lyleth smiles as they straighten. “We’ve prepared our best guest room for you to retire to. I am sure after your journey you would like a nice bath. Our daughter will show you the way. Please take your time. Dinner will be served at dusk.”

Cyran gripped Cirice’s shoulder tighter, for just a moment.

“Alright. I won’t press the matter.” He promised. He’d merely meant to reassure her, not cause further distress. “But… just remember that you are not alone. It is okay to depend on people as they do you.”

He nodded as Cirice accepted his offer. “Then we shall teach you the blade.” Cirice was more than capable, and a talented healer… but if she wanted to take the steps to learn the blade, Cyran would not be opposed to giving her any extra method of defense that he could. For his own peace of mind, and for hers. “I shall have to look and see if I have any spare knives for you to practice with…”

The thought of giving Cirice one of his old knives lingered in the back of his mind as Cirice gave him a sky-high tour of her own town. The sights were vastly different from the Moonglade Cyran was used to - Shingetsu was full of soft pinks from falling cherry blossom petals and familiar swaths of bamboo stalks. He’d been to the Crescent Isles a few times before, but it was different seeing everything through Cirice’s eyes - the love and care she held for her home was palpable. He was pulled away from gazing in wonder at the rooftops and the construction of the buildings by Cirice when she grabbed his attention to point out the mountains and the distance, and the moon pool near her own home.

Cyran stared down at the still pool in wonder. “So the pool is in worship of Lunala, then?” He mused aloud. Its surface certainly seemed to indicate as such - its roundness and calm surface looked like it would reflect the moon perfectly. It reminded him a bit of Luna Lake back on the mainland, as if someone had attempted to capture that essence here. Eventually, Cirice commanded Hitia to land at a large, homely building a little away from the hustle and bustle of the city, nestled comfortably beside the river that bled into the Moon Pool.

Cyran stepped out of the wagon, unsurprised to see two older elves waiting for the two of them, both wearing traditional garb indicative of the Isles. Cirice’s gaze was full of excitement and adoration as she introduced him to her parents, both of whom bowed after Cirice’s introduction. Cyran’s eyes widened at such a lofty title as honored guest. It was likely formal manners that dictated the moniker, but it still left him bashful at being treated in such a way. If he were being honest, he almost expected the two to hate him, or accuse him of being the man to endanger their beloved daughter.

But, this…? Debt, gratitude?

It made his head spin.

Cyran returned the bow, determined to reflect the same manners to Mistress Lyleth and Master Seto as they did him. His posture was stiff at the waist. “Please… the honor is mine.” He replied. “It has been a true pleasure to know your daughter. I have thoroughly enjoyed every second of our travels together, and appreciate the chance to visit your hometown.”

He straightened as the others did, Mistress Lyleth inviting Cyran inside. “Thank you for allowing me to stay under your roof during my visit.” Despite Cirice’s insistence that he was not expected to give anything, Cyran would still make sure to give them his own tokens of appreciation during dinner, after he’d freshened up.

As he followed Cirice inside the house, Cyran leaned over and whispered, “Shizuki? Is that a nickname?” It was a rather cute one, he thought.

Lyleth smiles at Cyran’s manners and she and Seto give another small bow before heading off to finish the dinner.

“Oh! I forgot you’re not used to our customs. Its my name. Cirice Lunestre is the name I use when I’m off the Island because its easier and I use my mother’s maiden name, but here, my traditional name is Shizuki Tsukinaga.” Cirice explains with an awkward giggle, “It must seem silly. I go by either, you can call me whatever you like, though honestly my parents and the villagers here are the only ones who call me Shizuki.”


She blushes and shows Cyran to an empty room that smells like fresh cut wood and incense. The floor is made of tatami mats woven from rushes and bamboo and there is a small table surrounded by floor cushions and a futon with blankets folded neatly atop it in one corner. The sliding paper door is open to face the river and lets in a nice breeze as well as a lovely view. The whole room is cozy and austere, the only adornments a simplistic painting hanging from the wall of a wave and a large decorated screen.

“Here you are, the guest room. Behind the screen you’ll find some clothes I prepared for you. I got you a couple choices for yukata to wear. They’re what my parents were wearing. You can set your stuff down and I’ll show you the bath house!” Cirice says excitedly. “You can take the clothes with you and one of the servants will wash your clothes for you if you like. Also its a mixed bath, so I hope you don’t mind.”

“You have two names?” He blinked as she explained the custom. “Well… I’m most used to Cirice, but I will call you whatever you’re most comfortable with.” At the very least, he could make an effort around her parents and other villagers. Shizuki was a beautiful name - as bright as the young woman herself. She continued on, bouncing through the halls as she led him to his room.

“Your home is lovely.”

The room that she led him to was similar to ones that he’d stayed in during past visits - though there was a homelier feel to her residence. Everything was clean and simple, and obviously well taken care of. He made sure to set his things in a neat corner of the room - at the very least, he’d remembered to take his shoes off when entering the house - the rest of his things, including his knives, were placed out of reach and out of sight.

“Yukata?” He repeated the word. “Your parents didn’t need to prepare clothes for me… thank you.” Being treated like such an honored guest, attended to like this - it left a weird feeling in the pit of his stomach. He moved to select one of the garments that had been left out for him. Each one had a different pattern or design etched into the fabric, but it didn’t take long for him to decide on a simple, purple one. He tucked it under his arm, returning to Cirice’s side.

“... Mixed bath?” His face turned red at the thought. He’d heard of such a thing, but they were a far-flung idea in the prim and proper customs of Eclipse City. Then again, they didn’t bother with public baths at all. He’d been to a mixed bath in Frostgale before, of course, but that had been with a shirt firmly secured over himself, and even that had been a daunting ordeal. But if that was tradition here, then he would go along with it. Besides, he was rather dirty after the long journey here.

“Alright.” He nodded. “Lead the way.”

He left his knives behind as he followed her. He wasn’t going to need them here.

“Yeah having two names is quite normal here. But you can just call me Cirice, that’s what I told Gerhart too, but I’ll answer to anything.” Cirice smiles, “I’m glad you like it!”

“Yes well we wanted to give you the full experience! You’re our guest, you’ll have the whole traditional Crescent Isles hospitality experience!”

She leads him down the hall and to an outer building with a tall fence. Heading inside they find a small dressing room. Cirice leads him over to some sliding paper doors which she opens and takes out a few towels and a yukata for herself. Then she shows him some benches and begins undressing. Once she’s fully disrobed she wraps a towel around her securely and smiles.

“Ta da!” She waits for Cyran to get undressed and comfortable before leading him through a curtain and into the baths. Before they get into the baths she leads him over to some showers to wash off most of the dirt before they get into the baths. 

Steam hangs heavy over the pools of water, floating up into the open air and the afternoon sky. The baths are empty except for the two of them and she steps into the water with a happy sigh. 

"Relax and enjoy, this is one of the best parts of being home."

Well, Cyran had promised he would take part in their customs while he was here. He still couldn’t stop the nerves from flowing as Cirice brought him to a large, open area filled with curling steam and a rather inviting looking bath. Cyran was careful to leave his patch on as he got cleaned and undressed - it seemed strange to clean one’s self before stepping into a bathtub, but logical given this was a public space - and secured his towel fully over his chest and back before following Cirice to the water.

… It felt a little bit like what he thought heaven might be like.

Cyran’s entire body slowly uncoiled, the tension easing from his body until he submerged himself up to his neck, tendrils of inky-black and silver hair swirling around him like an octopus’s tentacles. Yeux perched on the top of his head, letting out a contented squeal before the heat lulled him to sleep. He rolled over onto his side with a snore, getting his claws and wings tangled in Cyran’s hair. He noticed none of this, too busy forcing his body not to simply melt and dissolve into the water.

“Hm?” He perked up at the sound of Cirice’s voice. “Yes, I can see why.” He yawned. Spending time with one of his most beloved people, in a place that she loved so dearly… he couldn’t remember the last time he felt so relaxed.

Hopefully he would not fall asleep in here.

“What did your parents… make for dinner?” He mumbled, sleepiness creeping into the edges of his voice.

Cirice giggles, glad that Cyran is enjoying the bath so much. She scoots closer to make sure he doesn’t fall asleep and submerge, close enough that he can rest is head on her shoulder, his hair tangling about her and tickling her arm.

“They’ve had a whole banquet prepared. Have you ever eaten raw fish? Its a delicacy! A platter of different kinds my father caught fresh this morning has been prepared, as well as some fresh meats and soba noodles. They wanted to give you a tour of the best foods here. A whole kaiseki-ryori, all the courses. I hope you like soup too because there are a few different kinds! Just try a bit of everything, I promise you’ll leave full!”

“I can’t wait to see you use chopsticks, have you ever before? If not, I’ll teach you how! This is gonna be so fun! Thank you so much for coming! I can’t tell you how much this means to me.”