[ The Ethereal Moon is cold, no matter where in Fodlan or Almyra one lives. But the stretch of land formerly known as the Holy Kingdom of Faerghus is notorious for its frigid, snowy winters - particularly in the north, where its capital, Fhirdiad, resides.
Claude's not one for the chilly weather. Even with thick gloves, his fingers become stiff too easily, making normally thoughtless tasks like pulling a bowstring or gripping the reins of a horse difficult. Though winter does have its perks (the serenity of a silent, snow-covered landscape, the way people come together more eagerly for warm, comforting meals together, the warmth and crackle of roaring fireplaces), he'd honestly rather stay inside and wait for winter to melt into spring.
But Claude finds himself flying to Fhirdiad, bundled up in an impossible number of layers and still frozen to the bone, because of a scheme he hatched behind Dimitri's back. Or maybe "scheme" is too strong of a word - it's more like he asked Byleth when Dimitri's birthday was so he could surprise him with a visit. He knows their long-distance relationship is hard on Dimitri (claude would be lying to himself if he claimed it was easy for him), but there's only so much either of them can do with the way the world is. Until they achieve true peace and understanding between their nations, they still have work to do, separately.
(one of the gifts he has, hidden away in one of his pockets, will hopefully close the gap between them significantly.)
Claude's unexpected arrival comes as a shock to the castle's staff and guards, but he's a familiar enough face that he gets his wyvern settled in a warm stable easily enough. With a bit of light conversation - "Sorry to show up unannounced, but I'm not here on any official business. I'm just here to see King Dimitri." - he's allowed into the castle without any additional fuss, and makes his way down familiar halls to Dimitri's chambers.
(though he wanted to be the one to greet dimitri personally, a servant beats him to the punch. dimitri will hear a knock on the door, and then a sheepish voice call out to him "p-pardon the intrusion, your majesty! his majesty, king claude of almyra, has just arrived and is here to see you!") ]
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Claude's not one for the chilly weather. Even with thick gloves, his fingers become stiff too easily, making normally thoughtless tasks like pulling a bowstring or gripping the reins of a horse difficult. Though winter does have its perks (the serenity of a silent, snow-covered landscape, the way people come together more eagerly for warm, comforting meals together, the warmth and crackle of roaring fireplaces), he'd honestly rather stay inside and wait for winter to melt into spring.
But Claude finds himself flying to Fhirdiad, bundled up in an impossible number of layers and still frozen to the bone, because of a scheme he hatched behind Dimitri's back. Or maybe "scheme" is too strong of a word - it's more like he asked Byleth when Dimitri's birthday was so he could surprise him with a visit. He knows their long-distance relationship is hard on Dimitri (claude would be lying to himself if he claimed it was easy for him), but there's only so much either of them can do with the way the world is. Until they achieve true peace and understanding between their nations, they still have work to do, separately.
(one of the gifts he has, hidden away in one of his pockets, will hopefully close the gap between them significantly.)
Claude's unexpected arrival comes as a shock to the castle's staff and guards, but he's a familiar enough face that he gets his wyvern settled in a warm stable easily enough. With a bit of light conversation - "Sorry to show up unannounced, but I'm not here on any official business. I'm just here to see King Dimitri." - he's allowed into the castle without any additional fuss, and makes his way down familiar halls to Dimitri's chambers.
(though he wanted to be the one to greet dimitri personally, a servant beats him to the punch. dimitri will hear a knock on the door, and then a sheepish voice call out to him "p-pardon the intrusion, your majesty! his majesty, king claude of almyra, has just arrived and is here to see you!") ]