hugtopia | Audio: Ainir 3

[Early in the morning a familiar voice comes over the network. It's stupidly early and he doesn't expect anyone to answer, not for a bit at least. He's walking across the city and the soft sounds of the street can be heard in the background.]

Good morning, Havenwell. My apologies for the absence over the last weeks. I took ill, it seems, and now Hi- [A pause, a hesitation. Of course he can't keep calling Regis by his title to the public and not expect confusion.] Regis seems to have caught the same from me. Perhaps the priests' insistence on quarantine should be observed. Not that any of us are willing to accept that.

If you have need of myself, Noctis, or Ardyn we're all liable to be at Ainea's temple for the forseeable future. I know that might not be ideal, considering I've already been in one of these temples for days now but...

I will not leave my King.

[Locked for Lup and Honerva]
I'm sorry my darlings. I do wish to see you, of course, and I know I must have worried you. Ainea's temple is large and cozy, I'm not comfortable leaving him but I am more than capable leaving Noctis and Ardyn at his side long enough to step away.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Regis would be so upset to know just how many of them were fussing so much over him. Especially with how much it meant they were neglecting their own needs because of it.]

Of course.

[He frowns a little, gaze drifting to his King's face, solemn in sleep in a way he rarely was while waking.]

Something to show him... whether a skill or a product. He'd like that. To know that you were able to use your worry to do something to better yourself instead of spending it all doing exactly what Noctis and I are doing.

[He'd be upset with Ardyn as well but perhaps a touch less. Much as they argue it he does not have a physical need for sleep, unlike himself and his Prince.]

That's what you can do for him.

[Despite the seriousness of the situation and the stillness of the man that was the center of it, Peter couldn't help a slight chuckle at Cor's advice.]

Not one for being fussed over, I take it? Well, I hate to be the barer of bad news, but fussing happens to be a skill I'm particularly good at.

[It was something that his siblings teased him about constantly. He knew what each of them needed for various different ailments, all without really thinking about it. Ed couldn't tolerate cold, Lucy couldn't stand being alone, and Susan wilted under rejection. He knew it and did everything in his power to head off the situation. To keep them from that ill. To protect them. They teased him for it constantly.

But no one really teased him when his protection expanded to cover Narnia and all her people. Keeping those he cared about safe was his purpose.]

I make no promises that I won't fuss while I'm here, but I will try to keep my visits short and during times when I will be out of the way. Are you sure he won't mind the intrusion?

[This last was said with a small gesture to the young man asleep next to Regis.]

Six, no.

[Regis hated being fussed over. At first because of his status, then because of his rebellious nature, and eventually because of his pride.]

I have no place to scold another for fussing. But His Majesty will be frustrated with us and himself so if you must it is best to hide the evidence of it.

[Noctis on the other hand... Noctis might get annoyed by the presence of more people.]

He may. He had not had time enough to mourn before coming here and finding Regis so young and full of life again. He's very protective. We all are. But he also knows his father is at least thrice the socialite he is.

['He had not had time enough to mourn before coming here and finding Regis so young and full of life again.'

'Perhaps the closest person I had to a sibling was Cor, but I cannot see him as that now. Not when this city has shown him to me all grown up. Why, he's got decades on me now. It's the strangest thing.'

The bottom of his stomach dropped to his boots and he had to swallow hard to keep from making a startled sound. After all, he didn't know anything for sure. Two separate conversations with two separate people wasn't at all conclusive to anything, but the politician in him nevertheless slotted together the clues.

Sometimes he hated being King.

Returning his gaze to Regis, he forced himself to let go of the man's foot through the blanket.]

If he does, I'll leave. I give you my word. May I sit for a few minutes? Just a few, then I'll go.

[Everyone knew. The family, Regis himself, Will and others beyond that. It is the one thing he has not had to hide during their time here. It doesn't occur to him that Peter may not know. Surely if he were so close a friend Regis would have warned him that others might mention such things.]

Of course.

[Cor gestures to one of the two small chairs tucked into the room, letting Peter take the chair while he settles against the wall beside the door, arms crossed, leaning back but body tense with readiness. Should anything change he will be able to spring to action in a matter of heartbeats.]

[Everyone knew. Except for the people that didn't.

Peter took that offered chair with a nod of thanks, his attention switching focus from the guard to the King. He pulled the chair a little closer, resting his forearm on the bed so it was easy to just take Regis' hand in his own. Was it a bit closer than just a gesture of a friend? Maybe.

Regis wasn't awake to call him out on it.

He was quiet while he sat, letting the time pass and just listening to the breathing around him. Regis was cool under his hand, but he didn't pull away. Eventually, someone shifted or a snore hitched and Peter's gaze snapped back to focus as he looked around. Right. His time was supposed to be short. Reaching up with his free hand to sandwich Regis' between his own, he leaned down to press his lips against cool finger tips.]

Stars keep you in their sights, my friend. I'll return every day, you have my word.

[He carefully lowered Regis' hand back to the bed, then stood and replaced the chair back where he'd gotten it. Cor received another small nod of thanks, and then he was heading out.

He needed to do something before his skin twitched off his bones.]

Audio: Ainir 3

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