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[ One afternoon, Pyra greets him whenever he may return to their home with a bright smile and sparkling eyes. Her won't even be able to kick off his boots by the time she makes her way over to him, taking both of his hands in hers in that oft-excited manner that she does, giving them a squeeze. (Thank goodness he didn't step into the garage.) ] Noct!
[ Days of caring for him and cuddling him, finding him exhausted and ill after the Fetter incident-- after he nearly died, lest she forget or try to minimize it-- have passed slowly as he recovered. Prompto, too, is better. Since then, the two following weeks flew by as the new arrivals slowly trickled in. Gladio is now here. The world continue to turn. He's just about to his same self, albeit with one new scar upon his ring finger and a artifact housed within his armory.... ]
Are you busy?
[ Days of caring for him and cuddling him, finding him exhausted and ill after the Fetter incident-- after he nearly died, lest she forget or try to minimize it-- have passed slowly as he recovered. Prompto, too, is better. Since then, the two following weeks flew by as the new arrivals slowly trickled in. Gladio is now here. The world continue to turn. He's just about to his same self, albeit with one new scar upon his ring finger and a artifact housed within his armory.... ]
Are you busy?
[Well, she definitely caught him off guard... he blinks at her, then down at their hands briefly before looking up again. Okay, something's got her riled up again, apparently (in a good way!).]
Not anymore. What's up?
[He's immediately curious, helpless to it. What's so exciting that he can barely get through the door?]
Not anymore. What's up?
[He's immediately curious, helpless to it. What's so exciting that he can barely get through the door?]
[After giving himself a few days to sort through his thoughts, Gladio found himself trudging through the snow on a self appointed mission to set things right.
His talk with Era had gotten him thinking. She'd been right about a few things, including a need to talk with the others. Noct and Prompto were on his list. Ignis he'd talked with, but he knew he could do better. But he planned on starting with those two first, and Noct he suspected might need a bit more work.
It was funny how nervous he felt.
But he was determined.
He fixed the scarf around his neck and stepped up to the front door and knocked.
Maybe he should have called ahead...?]
His talk with Era had gotten him thinking. She'd been right about a few things, including a need to talk with the others. Noct and Prompto were on his list. Ignis he'd talked with, but he knew he could do better. But he planned on starting with those two first, and Noct he suspected might need a bit more work.
It was funny how nervous he felt.
But he was determined.
He fixed the scarf around his neck and stepped up to the front door and knocked.
Maybe he should have called ahead...?]
[The door opens before too long and there's Noctis, looking to be in a far healthier state than he'd been the last time their paths crossed in person. Surprise flits over his expression when he sees that it's Gladio, followed by a wave of unease, but both looks only last for a second before he slides smoothly into his usual, neutral self.]
Hey. In or out?
[He jerks a thumb first towards the interior, then the road. Is this a social thing or is this "vacation over, time to train"? He's really not sure what to expect right now with Gladio. It's been too long since he's had to navigate this particular relationship, especially with their timeframes misaligned, and he keeps feeling as if he's doing it wrong.]
Hey. In or out?
[He jerks a thumb first towards the interior, then the road. Is this a social thing or is this "vacation over, time to train"? He's really not sure what to expect right now with Gladio. It's been too long since he's had to navigate this particular relationship, especially with their timeframes misaligned, and he keeps feeling as if he's doing it wrong.]
[ One of his favorite hang out spots is Affrugato's Cafe, and he's on his way back to the house now. Noctis has been painting his room like crazy so Ignis has taken a spare room in the meantime.
Ignis is pretty happy these days, with what his relationship with Prompto, getting to hang out at the VR cafe with Noctis and being able to see. There had been too many hard talks lately and he's desperately needed a break, if warranted on said talks.
Ignis and Prompto are out running daily in the morning and he and Gladio train whenever the Shield is free. It's nice to have his family more or less back together.
------------------
~ Start Memory Dump ~
"The games up my boy," a voice above you says then a foot crashes down on your face. Pitch black is all you know for quite a while. Not until you slowly come to and it's a struggle to focus at first, but the person you see is crouched down watching you wake up, holding a knife in his hand.
Ardyn you think to yourself.
You're trapped, pinned by MT soldiers on the ground, arms behind your back. All you can do is watch and struggle helplessly against them.
"Come now. Why not follow your liege's lead and stop resisting?" Ardyn's voice taunts above you.
"...Never!" you say back, glaring back at the man.
"You risked life and limb to safeguard the 'King of Kings', only to witness him fail so spectacularly." Ardyn moves to get up and shuffles quietly to where Noctis is laying on the ground, passed out. "You must be so disappointed." Ardyn's tone a taunting one as he kneels down by the person that you're supposed to protect, the person who you swore to stand beside as a friend and brother.
"Unhand him!" You're begging, pleading. Don't do this. You struggle harder, but it's no use.
"I know I am." Ardyn ignores your plea. "Oh, what good is a world that only lets you down? Why not end it all right here?"
Ardyn picks up Noctis by the right shoulder.
"No, you can't!" You're desperate at this point, afraid and helpless as you watch the very man you've come to hate lift the knife up above his head, aiming to strike Noctis in the neck. As much as you struggle, you can't do a thing. Fear, terror and anger is griping at your heart. You can't lose him, not now.
Not after what you've just seen, the vision of his death. No, you refuse to let Noctis die.
"Nooooct!" Yelling out the nickname that you've given him, praying and hoping that he'll wake up to move, but he doesn't. He's still and the knife is coming down.
No, no, no!
Then another knife knocks Ardyn's hat off his head and then you see him, Ravus. He saved Noctis where you could not and for that, you're thankful for. But it's not over, it's far from over.
Guns train themselves on Ravus as he stands there, breathing hard.
"My, you two certainly have become fast friends." Ardyn comments idly, letting Noctis go and in the process, you see it. The Ring of the Lucii rolls out of Noctis' hand and stops mere inches from your face.
Ardyn walks towards Ravus and blasts him back with a magic spell, knocking him back. Then he turns to you.
"Permit me to make a suggestion: rather than follow this flotsam and float away to a watery grave, why not come with me? What do you say?"
You see through the trap, you're to be bait for Noctis by going with Ardyn, you can't leave him behind. With the ring mere inches from your face, you've made your decision. You've had enough. You didn't know what was waiting for you on the altar when you got there with Ravus' help. You had to stop Ravus from striking Noctis down, you were tricked by Ardyn when he showed up as Gladio. You are done walking into traps.
You don't know where the strength comes from, you but you manage to shrug off the MT's that were holding you down as a hostage and pick up the ring in the process. You're angry, breathing hard and making noises as you get up.
The rain pats down around you, it has been raining this whole time.
"I'll take that as a no," Ardyn looks amused as he starts to cast another magic spell, but he stops when you speak up.
"I swore an oath to stand with Noct and keep him safe. Whatever it takes, I will protect him!" You slam the Ring of the Lucii onto your left hand, middle finger. Already, the pain is blinding you. It hurts and you stumble a step or two.
"Ah-ah-ahhh! I wouldn't do that if I were you." Ardyn's watching you writhe in pain.
You can't help but scream out in pain, hand going to cover you face, tilting your head back now.
"I may not be of royal blood, but if a Glaive can harness its power, then so can I! Kings of Lucis, lend me your strength!" The ring shines brightly on your hand, it's burning you. Your head tilts back again while you cover your face. Pain. Burning. Pain.
You don't care what happens to you, all that matters is protecting the one on the ground. You're taking a risk, a big gamble and you know it. But despite this, you don't want to die. You can't do that, leave Noctis behind like that. But you're afraid and have been trained to sacrifice your life at a moment's notice to protect the prince. You still don't care what happens to you just as long as he's safe and alive. This is a sacrifice that you're willing to make, no matter the cost, even if it's the cost of your own life.
Then you see him between you and Ardyn, Noctis. Still passed out and he's the last person you ever see as your vision slowly fades to black. You're blind. You can no longer see and this is a hefty price to protect someone that you care about. Someone who's important and special to you. Even while your vision is fading, you can't help but reach out to him.
With one last yell of pain, the ring has accepted you. You can't see them, but there are flames burning brightly on your face and the hand where the ring sits. Flames of fire. You teleport away.
"Well," you don't see him either, but you hear the teleport of Ardyn and he grabs you for a moment. "They've shown you their favor after all."
~~ End Memory Dump ~~ ]
Ignis is pretty happy these days, with what his relationship with Prompto, getting to hang out at the VR cafe with Noctis and being able to see. There had been too many hard talks lately and he's desperately needed a break, if warranted on said talks.
Ignis and Prompto are out running daily in the morning and he and Gladio train whenever the Shield is free. It's nice to have his family more or less back together.
------------------
~ Start Memory Dump ~
"The games up my boy," a voice above you says then a foot crashes down on your face. Pitch black is all you know for quite a while. Not until you slowly come to and it's a struggle to focus at first, but the person you see is crouched down watching you wake up, holding a knife in his hand.
Ardyn you think to yourself.
You're trapped, pinned by MT soldiers on the ground, arms behind your back. All you can do is watch and struggle helplessly against them.
"Come now. Why not follow your liege's lead and stop resisting?" Ardyn's voice taunts above you.
"...Never!" you say back, glaring back at the man.
"You risked life and limb to safeguard the 'King of Kings', only to witness him fail so spectacularly." Ardyn moves to get up and shuffles quietly to where Noctis is laying on the ground, passed out. "You must be so disappointed." Ardyn's tone a taunting one as he kneels down by the person that you're supposed to protect, the person who you swore to stand beside as a friend and brother.
"Unhand him!" You're begging, pleading. Don't do this. You struggle harder, but it's no use.
"I know I am." Ardyn ignores your plea. "Oh, what good is a world that only lets you down? Why not end it all right here?"
Ardyn picks up Noctis by the right shoulder.
"No, you can't!" You're desperate at this point, afraid and helpless as you watch the very man you've come to hate lift the knife up above his head, aiming to strike Noctis in the neck. As much as you struggle, you can't do a thing. Fear, terror and anger is griping at your heart. You can't lose him, not now.
Not after what you've just seen, the vision of his death. No, you refuse to let Noctis die.
"Nooooct!" Yelling out the nickname that you've given him, praying and hoping that he'll wake up to move, but he doesn't. He's still and the knife is coming down.
No, no, no!
Then another knife knocks Ardyn's hat off his head and then you see him, Ravus. He saved Noctis where you could not and for that, you're thankful for. But it's not over, it's far from over.
Guns train themselves on Ravus as he stands there, breathing hard.
"My, you two certainly have become fast friends." Ardyn comments idly, letting Noctis go and in the process, you see it. The Ring of the Lucii rolls out of Noctis' hand and stops mere inches from your face.
Ardyn walks towards Ravus and blasts him back with a magic spell, knocking him back. Then he turns to you.
"Permit me to make a suggestion: rather than follow this flotsam and float away to a watery grave, why not come with me? What do you say?"
You see through the trap, you're to be bait for Noctis by going with Ardyn, you can't leave him behind. With the ring mere inches from your face, you've made your decision. You've had enough. You didn't know what was waiting for you on the altar when you got there with Ravus' help. You had to stop Ravus from striking Noctis down, you were tricked by Ardyn when he showed up as Gladio. You are done walking into traps.
You don't know where the strength comes from, you but you manage to shrug off the MT's that were holding you down as a hostage and pick up the ring in the process. You're angry, breathing hard and making noises as you get up.
The rain pats down around you, it has been raining this whole time.
"I'll take that as a no," Ardyn looks amused as he starts to cast another magic spell, but he stops when you speak up.
"I swore an oath to stand with Noct and keep him safe. Whatever it takes, I will protect him!" You slam the Ring of the Lucii onto your left hand, middle finger. Already, the pain is blinding you. It hurts and you stumble a step or two.
"Ah-ah-ahhh! I wouldn't do that if I were you." Ardyn's watching you writhe in pain.
You can't help but scream out in pain, hand going to cover you face, tilting your head back now.
"I may not be of royal blood, but if a Glaive can harness its power, then so can I! Kings of Lucis, lend me your strength!" The ring shines brightly on your hand, it's burning you. Your head tilts back again while you cover your face. Pain. Burning. Pain.
You don't care what happens to you, all that matters is protecting the one on the ground. You're taking a risk, a big gamble and you know it. But despite this, you don't want to die. You can't do that, leave Noctis behind like that. But you're afraid and have been trained to sacrifice your life at a moment's notice to protect the prince. You still don't care what happens to you just as long as he's safe and alive. This is a sacrifice that you're willing to make, no matter the cost, even if it's the cost of your own life.
Then you see him between you and Ardyn, Noctis. Still passed out and he's the last person you ever see as your vision slowly fades to black. You're blind. You can no longer see and this is a hefty price to protect someone that you care about. Someone who's important and special to you. Even while your vision is fading, you can't help but reach out to him.
With one last yell of pain, the ring has accepted you. You can't see them, but there are flames burning brightly on your face and the hand where the ring sits. Flames of fire. You teleport away.
"Well," you don't see him either, but you hear the teleport of Ardyn and he grabs you for a moment. "They've shown you their favor after all."
~~ End Memory Dump ~~ ]
[It's been a busy few weeks of sporadic painting. It'd been easy to get the base coats done under the pretense of changing out the colours of the house, but now that all the rooms have their colours in place, adding details to the wall is much more time consuming, and therefore complicated when it comes to keeping it a secret from Ignis until the day of his birthday. Just under a week left, and he still needs to add the textures so Ignis will be able to feel it... it'll be close.
The need to rush is what has Noctis in Ignis' room early in the morning, while Ignis is out on the run with Prompto and then doing his rounds for the day. A lengthy chunk of time has given him the opportunity to add a thick coating of blues, greens, and purples all forming together in a nebula design across the length of the mural. It's not perfect, and there are definitely areas where he can spot the flaws, but it's for Ignis, so hopefully he won't mind mistakes in the colours he can't see. Once the paint is dry, Noctis will feel it out himself and see what needs correcting. First the nebula, then the constellations...
He's in the middle of mapping out a set of Astral constellations just above eye level. Ignis should be able to feel them if he reaches up, but for Noctis to draw them properly, he's standing on a chair. He's working on the constellation for Bahamut when it hits him all at once: his mind wanders just a little, just enough to let the cracks in his mind re-open. He thinks about the wall, the purpose for it, the reason it exists in this form, and before he can even realize it a memory tears through his focus like a bullet to the chest--
ardyn. danger. ravus? the threat of death. a challenge. a vow. the ring. that's the answer. if it works- if the kings accept him-
burning, burning, burning
POWER--
When Noctis snaps out of it he's on the floor, head pounding, back sore, the chair knocked to one side. Across the mural, there's a long streak of white marker traveling from the spot where he'd started towards the floor, something to be fixed later. Hopefully before anyone notices. It's the least of his problems right now.
He shifts uncomfortably, sitting up and setting his tools aside, hands wringing together to try and stop them from trembling. His fingers ache from the phantom pains of the memory, his eyes sting. That was... Ignis. The moment he'd put on the ring. It was distinctly not a memory of the kings, which is a surprise, as that was where he'd assumed the memories were coming from. Was it anyone who'd interacted with the ring, then? Did it read their thoughts and intentions when they put it on? That would make sense... it'd chosen Nyx, to save Insomnia, and Ignis, to save the last king of Lucis. It burned Ravus and the Kingsglaive who tried to steal it, or so he'd heard. So that was what happened... and those were Ignis' last thoughts before the ring took his sight away. He'd... felt it all. He's grateful that Ignis had told him ahead of time, or it would have all been a horrible and unpleasant surprise, but hearing it and experiencing it were two very different things.
Noctis winces and leans back against the bed, still sitting on the floor, one hand pressed against his head for a long moment. If he tries to hold it, the memory might overwhelm him again, so he closes his eyes and lets the worst of it slip out of his grasp. It feels... wrong, to carry the memory of another. It's one thing to accept it reluctantly when this world sees fit to force it on them, but when it's in his hands, because of whatever's happening to him... it just grates against his guilt. He's already taken so much from his friends. Now he's taking their private thoughts, too? Frowning at the very idea of this getting worse again, he reaches into his pocket and draws out the ring, staring it down as he turns it between his fingers.]
Why do you keep doing this? [he murmurs, tucking his knees up close to his chest.] Don't I already have everything I need? Keep it to yourself already...
[He doesn't expect an answer, nor does he reach out to the ring to give him one. Even if they cared enough to bother, he wouldn't like what he hears, he's sure of that. He should get up, fix the wall, clean up his gear and find something else to occupy his day, since what he'd had going is a bust now. Instead he curls up around himself, eyes closed, and tries to empty his mind of everything so another memory won't take him. He can't handle another like that right now.
Are they... getting more frequent...?]
The need to rush is what has Noctis in Ignis' room early in the morning, while Ignis is out on the run with Prompto and then doing his rounds for the day. A lengthy chunk of time has given him the opportunity to add a thick coating of blues, greens, and purples all forming together in a nebula design across the length of the mural. It's not perfect, and there are definitely areas where he can spot the flaws, but it's for Ignis, so hopefully he won't mind mistakes in the colours he can't see. Once the paint is dry, Noctis will feel it out himself and see what needs correcting. First the nebula, then the constellations...
He's in the middle of mapping out a set of Astral constellations just above eye level. Ignis should be able to feel them if he reaches up, but for Noctis to draw them properly, he's standing on a chair. He's working on the constellation for Bahamut when it hits him all at once: his mind wanders just a little, just enough to let the cracks in his mind re-open. He thinks about the wall, the purpose for it, the reason it exists in this form, and before he can even realize it a memory tears through his focus like a bullet to the chest--
ardyn. danger. ravus? the threat of death. a challenge. a vow. the ring. that's the answer. if it works- if the kings accept him-
burning, burning, burning
POWER--
When Noctis snaps out of it he's on the floor, head pounding, back sore, the chair knocked to one side. Across the mural, there's a long streak of white marker traveling from the spot where he'd started towards the floor, something to be fixed later. Hopefully before anyone notices. It's the least of his problems right now.
He shifts uncomfortably, sitting up and setting his tools aside, hands wringing together to try and stop them from trembling. His fingers ache from the phantom pains of the memory, his eyes sting. That was... Ignis. The moment he'd put on the ring. It was distinctly not a memory of the kings, which is a surprise, as that was where he'd assumed the memories were coming from. Was it anyone who'd interacted with the ring, then? Did it read their thoughts and intentions when they put it on? That would make sense... it'd chosen Nyx, to save Insomnia, and Ignis, to save the last king of Lucis. It burned Ravus and the Kingsglaive who tried to steal it, or so he'd heard. So that was what happened... and those were Ignis' last thoughts before the ring took his sight away. He'd... felt it all. He's grateful that Ignis had told him ahead of time, or it would have all been a horrible and unpleasant surprise, but hearing it and experiencing it were two very different things.
Noctis winces and leans back against the bed, still sitting on the floor, one hand pressed against his head for a long moment. If he tries to hold it, the memory might overwhelm him again, so he closes his eyes and lets the worst of it slip out of his grasp. It feels... wrong, to carry the memory of another. It's one thing to accept it reluctantly when this world sees fit to force it on them, but when it's in his hands, because of whatever's happening to him... it just grates against his guilt. He's already taken so much from his friends. Now he's taking their private thoughts, too? Frowning at the very idea of this getting worse again, he reaches into his pocket and draws out the ring, staring it down as he turns it between his fingers.]
Why do you keep doing this? [he murmurs, tucking his knees up close to his chest.] Don't I already have everything I need? Keep it to yourself already...
[He doesn't expect an answer, nor does he reach out to the ring to give him one. Even if they cared enough to bother, he wouldn't like what he hears, he's sure of that. He should get up, fix the wall, clean up his gear and find something else to occupy his day, since what he'd had going is a bust now. Instead he curls up around himself, eyes closed, and tries to empty his mind of everything so another memory won't take him. He can't handle another like that right now.
Are they... getting more frequent...?]
Noct.
Unless it is for an engaging, two-sided conversation or for professional reasons, she is not to bother me.
It is not my responsibility to teach her what basic boundaries are. I barely know what I am doing. And if I can learn then so can she.
One of the things I have learned is that my own needs do matter, and so I will not prioritize your girlfriend's insecurities over my own trauma.
She is not my friend. She does not know me. She has no right to invalidate my autonomy with worry so intense it is both disturbing and insulting.
If she wishes to actually try befriending me she can start by holding a proper conversation. That means one where she does more than just ask and ask and ask. If I receive nothing I will give nothing in turn.
Additionally, whatever presumptions she has based upon my relationship with others needs to stop. She does not get to skip over the foundational steps of any friendship just because I care about you.
And it is because I care about you that I am even bothering to send this message at all. I respect that you love her, and am happy you have that happiness and support. I am not against a positive relationship in the future, but as it stands it is not feasible. My own health takes precedent.
Relay this to her in whatever manner you feel she will comprehend and not cause undue upset. You are the only one of us who knows her, and as such I don't have the ability to do so myself.
I hope you are well. Take care.
Unless it is for an engaging, two-sided conversation or for professional reasons, she is not to bother me.
It is not my responsibility to teach her what basic boundaries are. I barely know what I am doing. And if I can learn then so can she.
One of the things I have learned is that my own needs do matter, and so I will not prioritize your girlfriend's insecurities over my own trauma.
She is not my friend. She does not know me. She has no right to invalidate my autonomy with worry so intense it is both disturbing and insulting.
If she wishes to actually try befriending me she can start by holding a proper conversation. That means one where she does more than just ask and ask and ask. If I receive nothing I will give nothing in turn.
Additionally, whatever presumptions she has based upon my relationship with others needs to stop. She does not get to skip over the foundational steps of any friendship just because I care about you.
And it is because I care about you that I am even bothering to send this message at all. I respect that you love her, and am happy you have that happiness and support. I am not against a positive relationship in the future, but as it stands it is not feasible. My own health takes precedent.
Relay this to her in whatever manner you feel she will comprehend and not cause undue upset. You are the only one of us who knows her, and as such I don't have the ability to do so myself.
I hope you are well. Take care.
Edited (formatting oops) 2021-02-08 21:47 (UTC)
hello, dear nephew. i hope things have been going well with you as of late
i have something of a difficult matter i would like your input on at some point, if you should be up for another of our particularly difficult conversations
if you aren't at the moment, that's quite alright; i would welcome your presence regardless, as i've been trying my hand at a few things in the kitchen and i would also value your input on that
...no vegetables, i promise.
[...well, if nothing else it couldn't be immediately serious if he could still be a smartass?]
i have something of a difficult matter i would like your input on at some point, if you should be up for another of our particularly difficult conversations
if you aren't at the moment, that's quite alright; i would welcome your presence regardless, as i've been trying my hand at a few things in the kitchen and i would also value your input on that
...no vegetables, i promise.
[...well, if nothing else it couldn't be immediately serious if he could still be a smartass?]
[Hope things are well, he says. Good grief.]
yeah sure i dont mind, i can come in a lil bit
want me 2 bring anything? assuming the replicators arent still boned we have some good food from lucis these days
...& i will bring veg if u want just dont ask me to eat them
yeah sure i dont mind, i can come in a lil bit
want me 2 bring anything? assuming the replicators arent still boned we have some good food from lucis these days
...& i will bring veg if u want just dont ask me to eat them
[text; backdated to like. an hour or so after he leaves Hythlo's party]
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
unnecessaryflourishes
2021-03-05 05:29 am (UTC)(link)
Ah, I believe I owe you an apology. Had I known how matters would have turned out, I would have thought otherwise about requesting your presence.
[Tony image pops up with the background of Gladio and his living room with a cloth thrown over the loveseat he's sitting on, a fan going in the background, and what looks like fresh, light blue paint on one of the walls. The older man looks like he's been working, but is taking a break and by the smile on his face, in good spirits.]
Hey Noctis, are you somewhere we can talk about something discreetly? You'd be welcome here if you're available.
Hey Noctis, are you somewhere we can talk about something discreetly? You'd be welcome here if you're available.
Edited 2021-03-06 21:12 (UTC)
[When Noctis answers he too looks like he's been working, kind of; there's a splash of multiple colours on the wall behind him, the blurred image of a what sort of looks like a continent map, and a paintbrush with a softly glowing green tip tucked on his ear.]
"Discreetly"? Like from someone in particular or just in general?
"Discreetly"? Like from someone in particular or just in general?
[ At some point during the day, Carbuncle will track Noct down. In its Topaz form it is able to carry the large, leatherbound sketchbook with ease. The dark charcoal cover is embossed with patterns of gold in an art deco style that (coincidentally) looks like a blend of Insomnia's flag and designs found in Amaurotine magic. Along with the sketchbook is a detailed carved figurine that fits in the palm of one's hand and, finally, a letter.
His full name is written on the envelope in crisp, artistic cursive and violet ink so dark it looks black. The back is sealed with golden wax, pressed into shape with one of Era's scales.
Inside, the letter is penned with just as much care. Every line is perfectly straight, and every word accented with just the right amount of a flourish. ]
His full name is written on the envelope in crisp, artistic cursive and violet ink so dark it looks black. The back is sealed with golden wax, pressed into shape with one of Era's scales.
Inside, the letter is penned with just as much care. Every line is perfectly straight, and every word accented with just the right amount of a flourish. ]
Noctis,
I had almost forgotten what it felt like to write with quill and paper. There is something soothing about the way it sounds, that gentle scratching against parchment. It is more meditative than typing out a message. There is also more time and care needed with a letter—even more so to deliver one.
So, with a great deal of time and my mind somewhat calm for the first time in what feels an age, I am writing you a letter.
I do not have any true answers to give you as I am still searching for them myself, but I have found a place to start. I believed I had my traumas under control. I didn't. I still don't. They were always there, lurking beneath the surface. I had assumed it would be obvious if they were. How could it not be? But they are insidious. Infectious. Poisoning your thoughts in such a way it is undetectable for far too long.
It is hard to think a happy thought these days without that poisonous negativity seeping in. I have trouble remembering what joy feels like. It is like a word stuck upon the tip of your tongue. You know it, but it refuses to be spoken.
I miss it. I know it is in here somewhere, in Hythlo's dancing, Hades' soft voice, and Ardbert's gentle smile. I'll find it again one day. Until then my emotions continue to feel beyond my control and it is frightening.
I remember how you felt that day, when you were a child. I don't want you to feel like that again. I am scared that I will hurt you somehow, but I think I may have already done so. I thought if I made you angry enough you would go away. I thought it would be better for you. I tried to cut you out. I think, wrapped up in my own selfishness, I cut too deep.
I am sorry for not communicating clearly. I am sorry for being so selfish, manipulative, and hurtful.
I am not asking for forgiveness, as you offer it so freely and I am not ready for it.
I do ask that you accept these gifts I've sent to you, if you would be so willing: a proper sketchbook for your artwork, with pages thick enough for any medium you so choose, and the figurine I've made. It is of my friend Noraxia. She was the bravest Sylph I've ever known. I think you would have found her exasperating, but endearing.
She is one of the many I have lost, and I will try think once more of those I can yet save.
Be well.
Sincerely,
Hemera yae Fortemps
[Silence is his response for a few days, probably not surprisingly. He stews on it a while, flips through the pages, stuffs it in a drawer with the carving for a least a day so he doesn't have to think about it. The temptation to not write back at all, to leave her be, let her figure it all out and see what happens next, is very powerful. He dances around it, indulges in that sensation for the duration of those days, before at last reaching the conclusion that he doesn't like how that feels, actually.
At some point later when she's home, she'll get a bark at her door calling for her attention. Opening it she'll find Umbra, sitting on her front steps and wagging his tail. The fabric straps wrapped around his leg and back have a tether attached, and neatly bound inside is the book she'd sent him. It might seem at first that he's returning (or rejecting) the gift, but should she look inside, the first page has a rough and dark sketch of two carbuncles, his and hers, sitting opposed, on either side of a stone shape. The stone is painted, the paint itself giving off a subtle blue-green glow, obviously crystalline.
Below it is Noct's handwriting, smooth but inelegant strokes.]
Someday I'll be another name on your list. I'm trying to learn how to be okay with that. If that hurts you too much, it's okay to cut me out. I wouldn't blame you. If not, I'm here whenever.
I'll think about what you said. I hope you figure out what you really need.
[Should she choose to send something back, there is space below on the page, or between the pages for her own paper if she prefers. Regardless of whether she writes or not, when she wishes to return the book, she'll find Umbra at her door again, ready to deliver.]
At some point later when she's home, she'll get a bark at her door calling for her attention. Opening it she'll find Umbra, sitting on her front steps and wagging his tail. The fabric straps wrapped around his leg and back have a tether attached, and neatly bound inside is the book she'd sent him. It might seem at first that he's returning (or rejecting) the gift, but should she look inside, the first page has a rough and dark sketch of two carbuncles, his and hers, sitting opposed, on either side of a stone shape. The stone is painted, the paint itself giving off a subtle blue-green glow, obviously crystalline.
Below it is Noct's handwriting, smooth but inelegant strokes.]
Someday I'll be another name on your list. I'm trying to learn how to be okay with that. If that hurts you too much, it's okay to cut me out. I wouldn't blame you. If not, I'm here whenever.
I'll think about what you said. I hope you figure out what you really need.
[Should she choose to send something back, there is space below on the page, or between the pages for her own paper if she prefers. Regardless of whether she writes or not, when she wishes to return the book, she'll find Umbra at her door again, ready to deliver.]
[ Late evening, she returns from her old house, carrying a bunch of what seems to be crystals, her crystals, specifically, and some spare scraps of metal. Verstael had asked for resistors, now she has to make them.... But they can wait for another day.
For now-- ]
Noct? I'm back! [ Removing her boots, she steps into their home, gives Umbra a small pet atop of the Messenger's head, and a soft-- "Woof"-- in an attempt to speak dog.
Bark bark, she goes on to say. ]
For now-- ]
Noct? I'm back! [ Removing her boots, she steps into their home, gives Umbra a small pet atop of the Messenger's head, and a soft-- "Woof"-- in an attempt to speak dog.
Bark bark, she goes on to say. ]
[While not exactly dismissive, the noise he makes in response to her arrival, echoing down the hall from their room, is far from his usual welcome. More "uh-huh" than "hey".
Umbra gives her a more reserved whuff in response to her greeting as well, his tail wag less enthused as he glances past her towards the bedrooms.]
Umbra gives her a more reserved whuff in response to her greeting as well, his tail wag less enthused as he glances past her towards the bedrooms.]
May I please have a moment of your time at your earliest convenience? I'll come to wherever you are.
[As promised, it's the weekend and Gladio shows up on Noct's doorstep with a covered plate in his hands.
He's smiling, his hair has green streaks in it. His shirt is green. WHY he doesn't know, because it wasn't supposed to be green. At least his pants are still black (for now). But he's seemingly in a good mood as he moves the plate from one hand to the other and reaches out to knock on the door.]
He's smiling, his hair has green streaks in it. His shirt is green. WHY he doesn't know, because it wasn't supposed to be green. At least his pants are still black (for now). But he's seemingly in a good mood as he moves the plate from one hand to the other and reaches out to knock on the door.]
[This month and the one before it has been... a lot... and Noctis is still kind of in the tired recovery stage of it all, so it takes a couple of knocks and an attentive bark from Umbra within before Noctis opens the door. His own hair is mostly off-black, a slightly different shade than usual, with a few streaks of vibrant colours in between. A hasty temporary dye job, or something along those lines. He blinks in surprise at Gladio's appearance.]
Whoa. Green giant appears bearing gifts. There some occasion I slept through?
[He steps back to make room so Gladio can come in.]
Whoa. Green giant appears bearing gifts. There some occasion I slept through?
[He steps back to make room so Gladio can come in.]
[ It's been almost a week since Gladio's birthday party and nearly a week since Pyra's told Ignis about Luna leaving. He'd spoken to Prompto almost immediately after that, but he's been worried about Noctis.
Ignis knows that Noct's been having a rough time lately with things. ]
Noct?
[ Ignis gives a knock on the spare bedroom door. ]
Ignis knows that Noct's been having a rough time lately with things. ]
Noct?
[ Ignis gives a knock on the spare bedroom door. ]
It's unlocked.
["Happy" would be too strong a word to use for Noct's responding tone, but he sounds a fair bit more at ease than he had at the start of the month. Once Ignis enters the room, he'll likely catch the whiff of paint and the soft noise of a brush on canvas.]
["Happy" would be too strong a word to use for Noct's responding tone, but he sounds a fair bit more at ease than he had at the start of the month. Once Ignis enters the room, he'll likely catch the whiff of paint and the soft noise of a brush on canvas.]
Hello,
Would you be able to babysit Hythlo for a few days beginning around the sixth of the upcoming month? The dates are still tentative as other determining factors are still being finalized, but I am aiming for that timeframe.
I hope you are doing well.
Would you be able to babysit Hythlo for a few days beginning around the sixth of the upcoming month? The dates are still tentative as other determining factors are still being finalized, but I am aiming for that timeframe.
I hope you are doing well.
cw: discussion of temporary suicide (???) in the context of Living Dead
astralera
- 2021-05-11 03:17 (UTC) - ExpandI think this is voice. Ardbert just wanted to hear Noct's or something IDK
firstbump
- 2021-06-12 02:43 (UTC) - ExpandAlphinaud is here
I'm really happy
ヾ(*´・∀・)ﾉヾ(・∀・`*)ﾉ
Feeling happy here is also a bit scary...
but I get to see my baby brother again!!
He's over a year younger than I last remember. So a baby baby brother
You should do boy things and art stuff together one day 🎨🖌️
He's never had many boy friends to spend time with & I think you would like him (＠＾◡＾)
I'm really happy
ヾ(*´・∀・)ﾉヾ(・∀・`*)ﾉ
Feeling happy here is also a bit scary...
but I get to see my baby brother again!!
He's over a year younger than I last remember. So a baby baby brother
You should do boy things and art stuff together one day 🎨🖌️
He's never had many boy friends to spend time with & I think you would like him (＠＾◡＾)
[[ Ardbert feels over a hundred years old again after watching this message from Gladio. He just starts with a sigh, sounding tired with controlled anger. ]]
Need backup, or should I let the people livin' in our two houses know to let you handle it? Can't guarantee they won't add their two gil or that I'll tell them all in time, but I can at least try.
Either way, sending you a bottle of wine and some sweets later. Godsspeed, Noctis.
Need backup, or should I let the people livin' in our two houses know to let you handle it? Can't guarantee they won't add their two gil or that I'll tell them all in time, but I can at least try.
Either way, sending you a bottle of wine and some sweets later. Godsspeed, Noctis.
Edited 2021-07-06 19:39 (UTC)
[Impossible not to sound frustrated at the whole situation, so Noctis doesn't really try when he responds.]
I'm not his keeper, and you don't have to hold back on my account. He's sharing how he feels, but everybody else is allowed to feel differently. He can handle it, if you've got something to say.
I'd be grateful if you can avoid cussing him out or whatever, though... he's still my Shield.
I'm not his keeper, and you don't have to hold back on my account. He's sharing how he feels, but everybody else is allowed to feel differently. He can handle it, if you've got something to say.
I'd be grateful if you can avoid cussing him out or whatever, though... he's still my Shield.
Hey Noctis any chance I could use your artistic talent for something?
lmao i write such an elaborate tag then pass out before sending it
carbungle
- 2021-07-24 13:22 (UTC) - Expand[ It's his birthday, but there's one less person in their household with whom to celebrate it. Wherever Noctis may be, Pyra finds him, and she approaches quietly. When close enough, her arms slip over his shoulders to his front, leaning forward to kiss him atop of his head. ]
Hey, you. I heard it's someone's birthday today.
Hey, you. I heard it's someone's birthday today.
[He's being a couch potato today, as is deserved, sitting on the actual couch and fiddling with his communicator. Well, it looks like he is. By the time she finds him he hasn't touched the screen to change anything for about ten minutes straight, just staring aimlessly, lost in thought.
He starts a little as she hugs him from behind, tilting his head upwards to face her.]
Ah... who told you that?
[Look, he's trying to joke! He's fine. He's definitely not dying a little inside.]
He starts a little as she hugs him from behind, tilting his head upwards to face her.]
Ah... who told you that?
[Look, he's trying to joke! He's fine. He's definitely not dying a little inside.]
[Whenever Noctis happened to be over for reasons that ostensibly had nothing to do with pain relief but also Ardyn happened to be there with nothing to do so-]
...Could I ask you what might sound like an odd question?
[So long as magic and the uniqueness or lack thereof was hanging vaguely in the air, it was as good a time as any.]
...Could I ask you what might sound like an odd question?
[So long as magic and the uniqueness or lack thereof was hanging vaguely in the air, it was as good a time as any.]
((Sometime after they get to the city center))
[ 'Rough patch'.
'Pyra's amazing. She's been taking good care of him.'
That leaves Ignis concerned as to what happened to Noct while he was gone for those short two months, he wants to find Noctis regardless anyway. He frowns a little and fires off a simple text first. ]
Noct? Where are you?
[ 'Rough patch'.
'Pyra's amazing. She's been taking good care of him.'
That leaves Ignis concerned as to what happened to Noct while he was gone for those short two months, he wants to find Noctis regardless anyway. He frowns a little and fires off a simple text first. ]
Noct? Where are you?
[Noct... is sleeping. Which wouldn't be a surprise under normal circumstances, but this month it's especially common, thanks to how exhausted he's been, running around trying to play Big Damn Hero with Mythra or anyone else looking to fight off the worms. Ever since his near-death experience, sleep has been near the top of his list of priorities, and he gets it whenever and wherever he can. Case in point: when Ignis texts him, his communicator buzzes near his head where it's pillowed on his jacket up on the roof of one of the undamaged plaza buildings.
He stirs, squinting sleepily at the text, and the name he finds there. Seriously? Is this someone's idea of a joke? Ignis has been gone for months... now's not the time.]
shitty prank
[And then he shoves the phone under his 'pillow' and rolls over.
Give him a minute, it'll click.]
He stirs, squinting sleepily at the text, and the name he finds there. Seriously? Is this someone's idea of a joke? Ignis has been gone for months... now's not the time.]
shitty prank
[And then he shoves the phone under his 'pillow' and rolls over.
Give him a minute, it'll click.]
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