The warrior of light landed just outside the gates of U'dah on the back of his beloved dragon. He was overflowing with nostalgic memories. Years ago, he exited those great gates from the very streets he stood upon when he started his adventures. From heavens and back he returned. He inhaled the dry hot air and exhaled a great relaxing breath. No biting cold of the mountains, or damp sea air, and no eye-stinging moon dust. Just predictable sand and sun. He sprung off Ehll Tou's back, who gazed at the bright vista with wide curious eyes.

The red dragoness Ehll Tou heard tales of this lovely commercial hub. The view as they approached left her mind to wonder. It was a journey she elected to take rather than just aetherport. Her curiosity in anthropography demanded that she get to view the changing landscapes herself. Glimpsing down at how man carved out lives in such drastic environments filled her ever-curious mind with more questions. Dragonkind could learn a lot about harvesting, cultivating, and trade.

“You're right this place is amazing!" Ehll trilled with excitement, “There are so many humans living in the desert. No wonder you love this place. The buildings blend into the environment and the sun fills me with vigor." She subconsciously shook some dust out of the crevices of her scales.

“It's a home of sorts," The warrior said smiling brightly. A gentle hand patted her on her wet snout, wiping away some sand that stuck. “And it wasn't always like this. When I first arrived, encampments crawled along the outer walls. The result of the calamity. It took years for them to find a proper home from the destruction."

The dragoness cooed and nestled her head next to his. “Every place your aether contacted improved exponentially. From my perspective, no scars remain."

“Come on stop that. Bad enough I receive letters endlessly singing my praises." Despite his objections, he caressed the dragon's cheek with the back of his hand. “We should take precautions on how to behave in this city. The people here love their traditions and holier-than-thou merchants. Best to not step on any toes or lalafells."

“Step on one lalafell and I never hear the end of it. I was still new to this evolution." She stomped a few times with her massive talons demonstrating her control and avoided a beetle that skittered across the road. “I've grown quite dexterous in this lovely form over the years."

“And don't sign any deals with them either. They'd sooner sell their mother for a pouch of gil if given the chance." He looked up at the gates then back at Ehll. In a low voice, he whispered, “Don't tell any of them that though."

She chuffed out laughter at the thought, “I thought dragons were seen as the gold-loving ones."

“We should secure an inn before it gets too late. The adventurers always wait until the last moment to procure a room."

Up the great stone staircase, they went entering the city. Visitors quickly stepped to the side and citizens stopped their mouths agape. Ehll Tou did her best practice at smiling at the humans. Observers took a more terrified step back. She promptly stopped and focused on her strides to keep next to her consort who was cautiously eyeing the crowd. His vigilance never ceased even on his vacation. Unfortunately, everyone stared in their direction. Being a popular figure dressed in simple garbs may have worked but…

“Please secure your mount in the city stables!" A deep voice exclaimed. The silver-blue-skinned man stood a mountain over the warrior. His equipment marked him as a member of the city's Brass Blades.

Ehll Tou turned her nose up at the man. The audacity. Even the elezen in Gridania had more respect for dragons than this lot. Even if they talked her ears to bleed asking about dragon wisdom and history that would test even the great elders.

“D-do w-what he says," said a shivering lalafell guard. So small he was barely visible behind the other guard's armored boot.

The warrior of light clinched his fist holding himself from just pummeling the fool in the street. In a moment of hesitation, the overprotective man let out a deep relaxing breath and walked toward the man. He stabbed the big guy in his chest with an index finger, “She's a dragon. Not some feather-brained chocobo."

The man rubbed the sore spot through his tunic. “I don't bloody care if it's a dragon, an elephant, or a bleeding malboro! Mounts go to the stable!"

The commotion drew ever more eyes to the city gates. Terrified whispers about a dragon in the city rippled through the crowd. A select few recognized the dragon's handler. It wasn't long till there was a cat call from a miqo'te dancer between the murmurings. Accusations of being the hero caused him to cup his hand to hide his face from half the crowd. He really didn't want to spend his precious little free time being harassed by the public.

Ehll Tou bared her teeth. She could feel her lover's frustration. “Enough! Let us pass!"

The shout sent the large man to take a step back tripping over the lalafell. He landed on his ass stunned. “It speaks common?!"

“I'm a dragon, our kind speak common!" She stomped her talons into the smooth stone road and crossed her arms in a human manner of annoyance. A feat that only lasted a moment as she smiled marveling at her show of human emotion.

A trio of guards approached the commotion telling the group of loiterers to move out of the way. Upon seeing the dragon and the two guards cowering on the ground the men grabbed their weapons.

“What's going on here!" The leader shouted. After a brief inspection, he relaxed, dropping the attacking stance. “No one told me you'd arrive!"

The warrior squinted trying to place the hyur. But with all the faces and names of his past, it eluded him yet again. He played it off, smiling and waving at the guy, “I'm on vacation, sadly I'm being hounded by the guards, again."

“You should have warned us you'd be coming," the brass blade captain motioned to the guards to break up the voyeurs. “We would have set up an escort."

“I didn't think my garbs would put me at the center of attention."

The captain was transfixed on the red dragon. A small dragon but it was indeed a real dragon. “You can't blame them. You did walk through the city with a dragon."

“My name is Ehll Tou," She remarked, rolling her large, tiger's eye-colored orbs.

The captain shook his head in disbelief and chuckled to himself. “What brings you to Ul'dah anyway? Must be something special."

“I wanted to see the city for myself. My consort weaved words of wonder of the lovely alabaster walls and the clinging coins of commerce. Dragonkind doesn't have any such things. Now that we have a break, he wished to escort me."

The captain was too mused in himself to be conversing with a dragon to respond.

“Is that all?" The warrior responded with a smug smile, “Are you sure it wasn't the gold saucer ticket you found rummaging through my belongings?"

“I," Her nose flared in embarrassment, and she tilted her head up and away, “I can have multiple reasons."

He laughed and rubbed her neck to cheer her up. “Let's just hurry and get to the inn. I can introduce you to Momodi."

The captain waved them off to let them walk the streets. “You know your way around. I'll let the other blades know to not pester you anymore." He then turned his attention and whistled to the two men who were scratching their heads in disbelief at what just happened.

Ehll's head looked as if it was going to fall off. She bobbed up, down, left, and right like a lost chicken. There were so many more humans here than in any of the other kingdoms. Her gaze shifted up to the heavens and saw humans leaning out of the tall domiciles. Pinching clothing on wires to dry in the sun. Her wings flexed out in anticipation to fly up and greet the humans, but the quick hand of her mate stopped her from taking flight.

“Let's not fly here, we're already getting a lot of eyes."

“Aw, but it looks like fun up there. So many people…"

Her young dragon nature needed to be held back. She was like a freshly hatched dragonet exploring for the first time. The warrior sighed and kept by her side. He didn't want to explain how there was still a massive underworld network still operating in the city. Many of them are still holding grudges. His attention snapped back to his dragon when she shoved her bulk into him.

“Relax," she thrummed, “You're aether is flaring like you're in battle. Nothing is going to happen."

“I know…"

“It's our time off, so let's treat it as such," she slid around to give him a tail hug. “Look at that building. It looks fancy."

They passed by a small fountain flanked by staircases that lead to a building with high-quality silk tapestries hung delicately on the front. In the center of these decorations were the scales of commerce. The warrior gestured toward the building, “That's the Quicksand. It's the inn we're going to be staying in."

“It looks inviting, warmer than Ishgard buildings with their dark broody colors."

As soon as the door cracked open, they could hear the hustle and bustle of new friendships being made and plans forged. Music played in the center of the lobby and adventurers of all kinds were drinking and eating to their heart's content. The dragoness was quite amused that even the warrior of light started in such company.

Unfortunately, the guests were less amused. The music stopped with an ear-scraping screech of a violin. The absolute silence that followed would make the void jealous. Before the crowd could figure out if they should scream in terror or grab their weapons the warrior stepped in front of the baffled Ehll Tou. He stood steadfast to guard against anyone that would cause trouble.

The awkward silence was broken by a flood of footsteps from paladins. The royal guards had surrounded the warrior and the dragon. They stood waiting for an order without weapons were drawn. The warrior knew some of these individuals during his training. They smiled warmly at the man with no intent on fighting. The warrior lowered his guard.

From the corner of the lobby, light footsteps were echoing across the hard surface. The closer they came the more distinct they were. Guards snapped to attention. Then she stomped her way into view, demanding the attention of everyone in the lobby. She was none other than Nanamo Ul Namo the sultana of the great city of Ul'dah.

With express intent, she marched through the center of the lobby directly toward the warrior of light. He swallowed as if he was going to get hit with a blow. Most seasoned adventurers learned the difference between lalafell moods by the way they step. This woman was angry.

“This is how you announce your visit?!" Nanamo shouted. “You arrive, start an uproar, scare my citizens half to death! Do you know how worried I was?!"

The warrior closed his eyes from the verbal beratement, “I…"

“Excuses! Oh, great warrior of light! Hero of the star! Champion of Ul'dah! Friend and trusted confidant!" The lalafell smiled as tears trailed down her face. She opened her arms as wide as they could go. “I demand a hug and tales of your adventures!"

The sultansworn paladins led the three through the inner walls of the kingdom. While they traveled her advisors were pressuring Nanamo to not let the dragon enter. This conversation went back and forth until Nanamo slammed her foot down.

“Are you questioning the warrior of light?! He brings us an important ambassador to dragonkind and you want to turn them away?!" Her advisors were silenced until their dismissal by the sultana. They continued their journey through the spiraling walls of the inner kingdom until they arrived at the great court. Nanamo waved her guards back through the entrance where she could be alone with the couple. She then curtsied toward the red dragoness.

“I apologize for not speaking with you directly, my citizens are weary of such new company."

The dragon bowed, “My name is Ehll Tou, daughter of Ratatoskr's brood, and I must admit your city looks amazing. So warm and inviting. Just as he said." She stared up and marveled at the interior. The stonework is bright and well-lit. Tapestries blanketed the wall and the stone floors. Windows allowed bright sunlight to scatter through the dusty air, illuminating the golden edges of the furniture and silverware.  She only paused at the size of the furniture. Much smaller than she envisioned.

“Thank you for the compliments Ehll Tou, daughter of Ratatoskr's brood. I praise your kind in highest regards, for any friend of the champion of Ul'dah is a friend of mine. What brings you to our fair city?"

Ehll Tou cautiously looked up to the warrior who motioned for her to answer. The little human was royalty, and she didn't want to muck up a relationship with her blunt approach to conversation. “I'm here to view commerce and trade. I've been traveling with the warrior of light since the rebuilding effort in Ishgard." She looked over at the warrior to see if she did a good job speaking.

The sultana clasped her hands in joy with a smile that could banish any anxiety or hesitation. “You have come to no better place. The city has commodities from all Eorzea."

Ehll Tou smiled with a large toothy grin. The ruler didn't shy away but embraced the dragon's claw to pull her forward. The warrior let out a sigh of relief to see nothing changed with Nanamo. Always a kind and understanding individual. He followed the two toward her private quarters.

The lalafell waved to one of her handmaidens. The wordless gesture had the girl swiftly walk away. “I know you two have many things to do. Would you kindly share some time with me so that I may learn what you two have been through?"

There was the scent smell of freshly cut flowers and sweet spice. A table had been laid out for the couple, tea was served, and biscuits were delicately arranged. The dragoness found the invitation welcoming and leaned over a large pile of cushions and collapsed her weight on it. The first real comfort she had on the trip. Her neck reached over the table to lap at some of the warm drink.

The warrior lifted a seat and set it next to his dragon before pouring himself a glass of wine. “We were only looking for a little personal time," the warrior answered. “First time we have gotten to relax since the conclusion of the Ala Mhigo liberation."

Nanamo froze, “Really?" She wore a guilty look on her face. “I'm sorry for stealing your time…"

The warrior shook his head carefully waving dismissively, “It's all right Nanamo, you're a friend, and I deeply regret not writing sooner."

“I did miss your letters… I still have them collected. But now that you're here. Would you care to tell me about your great stories in person?"

While they enjoyed the hospitality the warrior shared some of his adventures with the lalafell. She was ecstatic to hear every juicy detail. From the first to the moon, he told her of all the wonderful people and creatures he met. After a few bottles, she was satiated and accepted his apology for not messaging her.

“You've been on quite the journey." Nanamo said contemplatively, “I'm glad you still remember this old dusty place."

“I'd never forget. This place was home for a long time till…"

“You were pulled to distant lands to solve more of our problems?" The warrior nodded with a chuckle. “Oh, great caretaker of the star. Now that I have you here, I get to finally ask you some questions that you never answered," she pulled out a few creased papers and set them on the table. “I truly enjoyed your letters. I really wished you would continue writing them but after you mentioned that you were participating in the rebuilding efforts, you stopped. The last letter sounded like you were in love, complete with a question about a love poem you planned on giving her."

The man was as still as a cornered mouse. He'd almost forgotten the message many years ago. Ehll Tou who had been quietly listening to stories she lived through suddenly grew ever more interested. “This is something I wish to hear." The red dragoness had a mischievous smirk.

“I may have been drinking when I wrote that…" The warrior said trying to shift the blame of the crazy ramblings on the paper.

The lalafell snatched the paper away before he could grab it. “Come on now. They're great. I want to meet this girl. She sounds lovely. Since we aren't on business, I can finally discuss the matter." She opened the note and started to read it aloud.

“Ahem, Sorry for the delay, I was searching for the woman I was training. She wandered away the other day. I searched for her for weeks until she returned. I can't explain it, but when she returned, it felt as if a ton of bricks had fallen on my head. Before when she wasn't buzzing around me looking over my shoulder, I didn't think anything of it. Only in her absence was I troubled by despair again. I was so relieved to hear her voice. I didn't think someone like me would fall for someone like her. All the overzealous interest became an endearment for her. Bah, who am I kidding? You probably already knew this by now."

Ehll was behind the lalafell reading the note herself. “That's beautiful. How come you never shared this with me?"

“See, you are among friends," Nanamo switched to another page eager to spill more of the warrior's heart out. “He wrote a poem, do you think a girl would like this poem? Across landscapes, we roam as one. Though we are worlds apart, our spirits unite-“

“Please stop…" The warrior said, clinching his chest trying to stop an unusual feeling of embarrassment from claiming his soul.

“Aw, I want to hear more of it," Ehll lamented, reading the words as best she could from the lalafell's hands.

“No need to be shy, I was quite surprised to see this side of you, to be honored with questions of this sensitive nature overwhelmed me," Nanamo hugged the note and handed the paper to the dragon before turning back to the warrior. " I sent letters immediately asking for every detail, what she looked like, her name. But not a single word returned."

“Her name's Ehll Tou." His eyes stared up at the dragon who was busy reading the rest of the poem. Embarrassment still clenched his heartrate from the script he wrote.

Nanamo's eyes were wide. She gaped at the dragon, then back at the warrior then back at the dragon. “I never would have guessed she was a dragon…"

“It's difficult to speak about," the man leaned back and rubbed his face nervously. “My companions think it not a problem, Y'shtola already knew, apparently before even I did. A few of the citizens of Ishgard see it as a monument to dragon-human relations. Others… spat curses and one recently attacked her."

“Don't blame yourself," Ehll said her eyes glued to the paper. “He was asking for a fight, he's lucky he survived at all."

“Some citizens still hold their race above others," Nanamo said, “Guided by past transgressions and grievances." She leaned over and stroked the warrior's hand gently. The compassion she wordlessly passed to him was enough to calm his pounding chest. “You're in the company of friends. I won't allow anyone to besmirch your good name, even if you brought a kobold as a lover." The warrior smiled contently. To meet so many great people in his travels made him feel like he was normal. Not just some golden idol to be brought out in front of calamities.

Ehll Tou broke the silence with a loud chuffing laugh. Having finished the letters, she returned them to Nanamo. “Humans are so interesting, I always wanted to know where this type of energy went. Dragons would sing praises of their consorts on mountains. You should have sung this wonderful poem. The other dragons would have been even more envious."

“See, you've naught a fear," Nanamo said, “I messaged you saying it was a brilliant expression of passion." She returned to her tea, “Now Ehll Tou, I have a question for you." The dragon twisted her head curiously. The lalafell smirked. “Would you care to go to the market together? I'm sure my people would be more accommodating if I were to accompany you."

“That sounds very helpful," The dragon looked over to the warrior, “This will alleviate your worry."

The warrior nodded, “As long as I'm not going to be embarrassed to death again."

“I was hoping you would sit this out," The lalafell stared at the human with a smug lalafellian smirk, “Ever since I heard of this girl's existence, I wanted to spend some time with the woman who claimed your heart."

“Tataru told me something like this before." The dragon placed a claw under her muzzle, “She called it girl time. What does that entail? Dragons don't usually segregate each other based on gender."

Nanamo nodded, “It will be fun I assure you. I'll learn about dragonkind culture and you as well."

Ehll Tou bellowed joyously vibrating the liquid in the teacups and her club-like tail tapped the stone floor with mighty thumps, “Wonderful!"

The warrior was defeated. The dragon's joyous cries were something he hated to interrupt. He only wished to spend the few moments of free time with her in the comforts of an inn.

Nanamo picked up on his noticeable discomfort, “I only ask for a moment. I'll make sure you both have plenty of time to yourselves." The sultana stood and made her way to prepare for her trip, gathering a handbag and purse.

“I don't," the warrior was cut off.

“It will be fun," Ehll said cheerfully, her wings stretched wide around him for her wing hung. “You sang praises of Nanamo in the past. The last time I was going to meet her was ruined because you wanted me back in Dravania."

The warrior swallowed his pride. He didn't know what Nanamo was going to ask, but he didn't want to hurt either of their feelings. It was humiliating when Tataru spoke about some personal matters that were openly discussed by Ehll. Dragons don't have the same taboos and Ehll still slips up years later.

Nanamo shined with pure lalafellian mischief, she was planning something. “Listen to her. You may procure the highest suite in the hourglass. I just want to ensure the two of you are treating each other well. It's a unique experience to be accompanied by a tremendous individual who managed to make the hero of the star a lover."

Ehll Tou pressed her forehead to his, “Just wait for me in the inn and then we can spend all night together. Just you and me." Her tongue flicked out on his forehead, “It will be great to spend some time with the great Nanamo who befriended you. I will learn a lot, maybe learn more about the female role of your species. Tataru only taught me so much." The warrior shook that thought away. He already spent a few choice words with that lalafell. The whole reason the private man was skeptical.

Ehll lowered herself to carry the sultana on her back. Nanamo was quite happy with the ride and soon clambered up upon the dragon's neck. Then the start of never-ending questions about dragonkind started as they left the room. The warrior shuddered before taking his leave alone.

The warrior procured a suite to stay in for the night. Without his dragon by his side, he blended in with the crowds effortlessly. The suite was well furnished, and a bowl of various fresh fruits filled the room with a sweet-smelling atmosphere. He slapped his body on the large comfortable bed. Soft and plush, he missed the feel of a real mattress dearly.

“I take it everything is to your liking," Momodi said, standing at the entrance.

The warrior let out a heavy sigh, “It's perfect, thank you."

“Will you be ordering whores to come join you?"

He shot up and shook his head, “No, no. absolutely not."

“Are you sure? Because only the merchants purchase this room, and they always have prostitutes come in later." The warrior raised an eyebrow and then looked himself over as if he was dressed like some kind of smarmy merchant. Momodi laughed, “I already know you're not that kind of man. You just have never picked this room before, so I thought maybe you were looking to partake in the city's extra services."

“I just needed the extra space, Ehll Tou will be joining me later. She's a dragon."

The lalafell had the same reaction everyone does when they hear the word dragon. “I'll keep an eye out for her then. You always do keep strange company. Is there anything else I can get you?"

“No thank you Momodi. You're a saint for the discount."

“You're always welcome in these halls, saving everyone multiple times must be rough. You should share your tales downstairs. I'm sure the sprouts will enjoy them." She bowed and returned to her work on the bottom floor.

He collapsed on the bed again, no insects, no hard ground under a thin bedroll. The only thing missing was dragon hide around his skin and concerning care. He looked at the sun's rays outside, it was near dinner. Ehll always stopped whatever they were doing to make sure he ate a hearty meal. Her constant positive energy pressured him from retreating to despair. He tore into an orange to get his mind off things. His dragon was with Nanamo, a great leader and member of the public.

Ehll wasn't the same dragon from years ago, openly speaking her mind and getting into trouble. When they started to be romantically involved. Ehll would talk about their night entanglements. A saving grace was the dragon using dragonspeak for most of it. Vidofnir never looked at him like she used to. Ehll told him it was envy. Then she started to speak about them with Tataru. To be reminded of his embarrassing moments by that girl sent shivers up his spine.

He discarded the orange peels and left the room to get out of his head and procure something hot to eat. He made his way to the market to peruse the stalls and maybe catch a glimpse of Ehll and Nanamo. He filled his belly with skewered sweetmeats and saw the newer stalls lining the streets.

The beast tribes were established in the market selling their goods. A feat of their skills and acceptance of the public allowed them to secure a spot. It comforted the warrior to know things were slowly changing in the hearts of man. He looked over the goblin and amalj'aa products. Shining trinkets, necklaces of gold, and mithril. Nothing of real interest. The glistening scales on the amalj'aa caught his attention. He was rubbing a liquid on his scaly hide.

“What are you applying to your scales?"

The scaled beast answered straightforwardly, “Tortoise oil."

“Does it feel good?"

“Yes."

The warrior stared blankly at the uncooperative lizard, “Do you think it will work on a dragon?"

This finally got the shopkeeper to pay attention to his customer, “What do you mean?"

“I'd like to buy whatever quantity is enough to coat a dragon. I'm thinking they'll enjoy it."

“I only have three bottles," he set three plane-looking bottles of amber fluid out, “No human wants to purchase this. Only the amalj'aa use it."

“I'll buy it, and maybe you can trade with the dragons if they enjoy the product." The warrior set out a pile of gil for the shopkeeper to be satisfied. He grabbed the coins and started to count them. He opened the bottle and smelled the substance. It smelled like butter, not unpleasant. He then let a drop touch his finger. It smeared until his skin absorbed the liquid like moisturizer.

“It helps break stuck shed and softens tense muscles under our hide."

“Thank you. I'll keep that in mind."

He took his leave to stare at the crowds. He wondered if Ehll and Nanamo were still in the market. Then the crowd pointed up and shouted, “Look at that!" A shadow passed over the crowd. The red dragoness was soaring high above the people.

“Weee!" cried a small voice from up high. The dragon laughed in tandem with the voice. Then the dragon zipped down and then flew up around the gold-capped buildings. The warrior smiled to himself comforted that the two were enjoying themselves.

The guards started to calm people's dread. They informed all they could that the dragon belonged to the warrior of light. The people turned from fear to curiosity. Some residents departed to follow the dragon's path in an attempt to view her again. The warrior laughed to himself at the sight. No doubt it was the first thing Nanamo wanted to do when she laid eyes upon Ehll.

Satisfied with his purchases he turned back until a shrill voice yelled out to him, “Stop!"

It was a lalafell merchant. His skin was sun-touched, and his fingers lit up with dozens of golden rings. A wide perfectly white smile was betraying his oily personality. “Care to peruse my wares?"

“Not particularly," the warrior answered, not in the mood for a sales pitch.

“Are you sure?" The merchant wasn't letting up and stepped in front of the warrior who was trying to escape. “You are a man of many talents warrior of light."

He stopped dead in his tracks, he glanced around to see if anyone was overhearing the conversation. His courtesy scan informed him no one heard the lalafell.

“I also hear the clinking of coins in your purse. Just come to my stall and I can show you what I offer. I'm sure you would be quite pleased." The warrior sighed and followed. The merchant was overjoyed and clapped his hands. The clinking of his metal rings overshadowed small hands. “Come, come, have a look!"

His wares were lined neatly on silken sheets. Odds and ends, folded silks, uncut and cut jewels, nothing he couldn't find or make himself with the mountain of tools at his disposal. He stared above the lalafell at other instruments. Objects he never saw before. Wheels and gears for magitek devices. Boxes of unknown design made from garlean metals.

“Where did you procure this?"

“I have a man on the inside," the lalafell snickered, “I bought bulk scrap from the garlean survivors for food and water."

The warrior frowned at the idea this man was taking advantage of them, but he was providing needed materials to them. He examined the items on the table once more. Upon closer inspection, he saw that there were threads of silver inside the cloth. In the uncut gem, they glowed upon touch. Everything was a bit different.

“That sheet is magitek muscle fibers, used in their mechs. The gem is an aether light. Reacts on touch." The lalafell pulled out a coil of red rope, “Strongest rope there is, I'm sure a man of your talents would have plenty of use for an indestructible rope."

The warrior shook his head, he had made wire before and didn't see the use of such a product. The merchant frowned and started to put away the rope. Then the warrior saw a box connected to small aether crystals. The crystals that could fit in his palm. “What's that over there?"

The merchant looked in that direction, “It's a ceruleum mixer. Garleans would put the crystals in vats of ceruleam to keep it agitated for processing."

“You know a lot about garlean tech."

The lalafell smiled wide, “Thank you, I wouldn't be a very good merchant if I didn't know my products."

The warrior was finally interested in something. The tool might come in handy with potions. The endless mixing of flasks, oils, and elixirs was tiring. “I'll buy it."

“Good, good." The man didn't even bother pulling the item off the wall before he had his hand out ready to receive the gil.

After his purchases, he made his way back to the inn. Unfortunately, Ehll hadn't returned. The warrior decided he would get ready for the dragon's return. He set out the bottles of tortoise oil and some warm snacks. He then sprawled out on the bed enjoying the quiet comfort.

The sun descended and the room darkened when Ehll finally arrived. Momodi knocked on the door before letting in the dragon. The warrior was roused from his slumber by the sounds of her talons scraping along the stone floor.

The lalafell smiled, “Would you like any other services?"

“I should be good, thank you."

“You're more than welcome, you are as good a friend as our great warrior of light."

When Momodi closed the door Ehll let out a heavy exhausted sigh. Her eyes watered with sadness for having missed the alone time they planned to have with each other. “I'm sorry for everything."

The warrior opened his arms and wrapped them around the dragoness. She returned with hers and then followed with a cloak of her wings. Her double hug perked him right up.

“It's okay, I know all about this city and how time will fly by."

“Nanamo was so kind. I flew around the city several times and she explained everything from the statues to the brickwork. Then we ate dinner in the palace with members of the syndicate. They explained the flows of commerce."

The warrior was surprised at the level Nanamo went through, all his worry was for naught. “You had a big day."

“A day without you. I was worried you wouldn't eat. You always forget."

“I ate some skewers." The warrior wore a guilty look while staring into the dragon's eyes. He may have filled up on bread and rolls as well.

She cooed a pleased dragon chuff and pulled him tighter for a second, wrapping her long neck around his head before letting him go. She reached into her leg bag to pull out a container of food, “I brought some desert sweet breads from the shops, I hope you like them."

The warrior laughed and pointed to the selection of doughnuts and cakes he laid out, “I did the same."

They shared their laugh and sampled the desserts. Ehll explained her evening. The exuberance the dragon had in her words about Ul'dah parroted his own when he spoke of the city. Nanamo really went out of her way to inform her, the dragon is going to have a lot to say to her kin when she returns.