Between Alcryst's story about a childhood full of why can't you be more like your brother and knowing its war-mongering history, Fogado hasn't had the best impression of Brodia. He wouldn't put them on the same level as Elusia's waking up the Fell Dragon and turning King Morion into a zombie (no one deserves that), but he wouldn't have made the decision to spend an evening at Brodia castle on his own.
He's only here because Alcryst invited him. I'm sorry if I'm being presumptuous, I'm sure you have better things to do, it's okay if you say no, this is just a thought, but... Biting his lip, twisting the fabric of his jacket, barely making eye contact to the point where Fogado just barely staved off the temptation to cup his chin and stare into his eyes before saying yes.
But to his surprise, they're not going to the castle itself.
"I promise, someday we will, I do want to introduce you to my mother and Citrinne's family and the few soldiers and other staff who actually like me for some reason," Alcryst says, "but this is one of my favorite spots." It's a small, craggy spot near a stream and a bigger mountain, and the moment they sit down, the mountain gleams in the distance and the stream sparkles.
It's unfathomably beautiful. Fogado's gaze goes back and forth from gleam to sparkle, taking it in, and when he finally looks at Alcryst again the other is smiling.
"Every time the moon is full," Alcryst says, "it catches the glint of all the different ores around here. It's said that the very first King of Brodia built the castle near here solely because of the view, that this mountain is so rich in ore it could be classified as a treasure itself..."
He goes on, talking about the variety of rocks and gems present, how for decades mining was forbidden in this area. How even now that the ban is lifted, no one dares mine any of these treasures so as not to spoil the effect. About people who panned for gold in the stream but even when all the larger pieces were gone flecks still remained.
And Fogado hangs on his every word. He's never seen Alcryst this talkative, this animated. Fogado normally doesn't put much stock in rocks or treasure, but he could listen to Alcryst talk about it all night.
"-rubies, and..." He trails off suddenly, his smile fading as he turns away. "I'm sorry! I brought you here to experience this and I've been talking your ear off. I must be boring you...a-and I'm sure this isn't even as nice as Solm, with those clear skies..."
"Hey." Fogado smiles, resting his hand on Alcryst's. "Forget about Solm, we're looking at this. You can't really compare the two, you know?" Alcryst carefully looks at him, his cheeks flushed.
"I guess..."
"Besides, if I had to, right here and now would have even the clearest night and the brightest stars over the desert beat any day." Alcryst's blush deepens.
"Fogado..."
"I mean it." He brushes his fingertips over Alcryst's hand. "You're like the moon. It makes this place shine and sparkle, really highlights what makes it special...just like you."
"Ah..." Alcryst's hand tenses under his, but he doesn't move it away. After a moment, he slowly shifts it to take Fogado's, his eyes shining. A tiny smile crosses his face. "I'm...not used to hearing things like that. At least here, from anyone outside my family or our retainers." He pauses. "That's why I didn't want to take you into the castle yet, I...didn't want to run into anyone who-"
"It's okay." Fogado moves closer, squeeizing his hand. "I'm glad we didn't. I might not be able to hold my tongue if someone was rude to you, and it wouldn't be a good look for a Prince of Solm to mouth off to a Brodian soldier." Alcryst chuckles lightly, and to Fogado's surprise, leans against his shoulder.
"You being here makes this place even more special." Now Fogado's the one who blushes. He lets go of Alcryst's hand, slowly wrapping an arm around him. Alcryst looks up at him, the moonlight catching in his hair and eyes. In this moment, he shines brighter even than the water or the mountains before them.
Then again, Alcryst always shines as far as he's concerned, no matter where they are.