Like thunder screaming out for a flash of lightning

[flawed_immortality]

[Cor's not great at this whole party thing, especially as this time it's not just a family gathering but intended for the friends they'd made here as well. The video starts with Cor sitting in a cushy white and grey striped armchair, a stone fireplace beside him glowing warmly. It's a classy set up and far above the townhouses they've been in.]

It's New Years, celebrations are in order. His Majesty, Ignis, and I have obtained a larger space and we'd like to offer our home for the festivities. Feel free to stop in, have some snacks, and await midnight with us.

[Locked from Regis]
[He looks a little paranoid at first, double, then triple checking that he's done this right.]

It's also his Majesty's birthday. He's always eager to sweep it under the New Years celebrations but he has no reason to shy away from any such celebrations here. Don't let him.

[Action - Party Start~]
[The new house is really very nice. It's nothing compared to the Citadel but it is very nice. Clean and homey with the accents of warm wood that, if Cor didn't know better, he'd have thought was reclaimed.

There's a fire in the hearth, hor d'ouerve trays laid out on the kitchen counters. The replicator is of course available to anyone who wants something specific, though you might be surprised to find she responds to voice commands and is distressingly cheerful to talk to. The house is open for examination! Go on, explore folks, mingle away.]

[Action - Midnight]
[As chill as the night is Cor makes a point of slipping through the crowd throughout the evening. There's a number of Lucis Caelums and other magic users as well. So when the time comes near he does his best to usher everyone into the backyard, or at least onto the back porch.

He's certainly not the one to lead the countdown, no someone more energetic can do that, but at the final count a series of spells get fired into the night sky. They may not be traditional fireworks but a few Flares, Thundaras, and spells he has no names for will work well enough, don't you think?]

Comments

[kingkingcxiii]

Indeed.

[There is mischief in his eyes, and it is not just directed at Cor. He may need to talk to his son about when a certain blonde's birthday is. If anyone is going to know, it is Noctis.]

Keep the fifth of May, or whatever they call 'May' here, open. I would love to have an assistant.

[twistedempathy]

[Will just snorts in amusement at that, smirking as he drapes over Regis' chest. He has to feel sorry for any advisor trying to make the man doing anything he doesn't already want to do.....]

You're welcome~ ♥ Are you sure I'm not just the only one too stubborn for him to fend off?

[carbungle]

[At his father's words, he smiles, leaning subtly into the touch.]

Yeah, I get that. When we were getting our gear designed for the trip, people kept trying to throw more layers on, or padding, or tighten the pants of all things- to "properly represent the royal line"... but I needed something I could actually move in.

[And good thing he managed to say no- not only was he already recognizable enough out there while he was on the run, but they were fighting constantly. Any fancy outfit they'd thrown on him would have gotten stuffed in the Regalia's trunk by the time they hit Hammerhead.]

[flawed_immortality]

[That sheepish smile makes Cor's heart flutter, unused to being able to effect others like that but especially Regis. The way he's so quick to assure him that it's okay makes him more pleased that he was able to let himself say it, a little pet name that he hadn't realized he'd linked to his King until it had come out of his mouth, much like when he'd first called Will dulcissime.]

I'll try to... actually use it more.

[He looks a little sheepish himself, knowing that his hesitance to call Regis Reggie has been a sore point for him.]

[this_loser]

[Gasp.]

Is that Cor's birthday? Dude, count on it. I'm so in.

[He's going to have to come up with a present. Oh man.]

[promittere]

If you insist. I'll have to keep that in mind.

this is just a chocobo appreciation thread now

[astralera]

...Associated with children? [ How odd. It's a strange enough conception that she finds it highly amusing. ] In Eorzea they are used for transportation and war. Wild Chocobos are vicious beasts, liable to eviscerate a man with a single talon. Tame Chocobos are loyal companions, steadfast in all that they do. They fight and die alongside their masters. More than once I have had to inform a soldier that their beloved steed perished to save them.

Children adore them, of course — how could they not? Gorgeous plumage in all colours, powerful in both combat and healing, and they make the most adorable noises. A precious 'kweh' that melts the heart of all who hear it.

[ She's a big fan.

...And momentarily taken aback by the request. It's a touching one that she can't refuse, though it takes some effort to find her voice again. ]

That would be fine. Peki was always fond of cuddling, and bringing comfort where he could. I know that he would find joy in such an honour.

[ Era's demeanour shifts to something more serious as Regis speaks of the Founder King; attentive, and invested in this complicated, tragic family. ]

It is easy to hate someone when you've only parts of a story. At first I... [ Her brows knit, shifting her scales slightly. ] I do not hate, but I detested him. Ardyn was dear to me by the time Somnus arrived, and... Well, I imagine you know how Ardyn can be — so reluctant to grant himself worth enough to be assertive. Perhaps it was because I was unwell, but my first meeting with your great-grandfather ended with his face breaking on my fist. [ She blushes at the admission. In retrospect it was horribly childish of her, but still very satisfying. ] Knowing what I do now... He certainly still earned that greeting from me.

He carries such an unspeakable burden, and yet it is clear to me now that many were at fault. To cast blame upon him alone is unfair and cruel, and ultimately a waste. Better to spend the effort on more important things — like family. I am gladdened to know that you are of a similar mind.


[ For all the heaviness of the prior topic, the discussion of Carbuncle shed brings a small giggle to her lips. ]

Oh, Ardyn is well accustomed to Carbuncle by now. He is its second-favourite person here, so either its current shade of fur blends in well, or he's found a way to rid himself of it.

My partner has hair of a similar shade, though it leans more toward chestnut than the rich rosewood of your granduncle's. Fortunately he is adept at magicking the fur away, though Carbuncle seems to take great offense when he does.

[wifeacle]

[Perhaps in her own world, being considered a friend of the oracle would have indeed been an honor. Here, she simply felt just like everyone else. Perhaps even at a disadvantage. It wasn't as if she had some ultra important task to complete here.

Plus she was relatively sure she wasn't the only thing keeping the sun in the actual sky here.]

His majesty - [You have to be more specific Luna.] - Regis is very kind. Truly, he is one of the best men that I have ever known. And Noctis is happiest simply being seen as Noctis.

[wifeacle]

[They really do. So she can at least whack something over the head with it before she parkours away.

And by something I mean Ardyn.]

I believe so as well. Although I very much suspect the Marshal would feel the same about you.

[iustaegis]

[ Pyra brings a hand to her own cheek. ] I have the impression that that just about everyone from Eos is important!

[ In one way or another, they all seem to play an important part in their world. Her hope is that they fulfill it, for the future. ] Oh, but... I'm glad that all of you can simply be yourselves here, without titles to uphold.

[ A beat, and then-- ] And for you and Noctis to be together.

[ Yahhhh gurl she's heard from Noctis that you two are engaged-- ]

1/2

[wifeacle]

No one is any more or less important than anyone else. [Actually, no, that was a lie and even she knew it. Noctis was far more important than anyone else. Most would say she was too. But her position as oracle definitely stopped her from putting that into words.]

It is a little strange though. That so many of us who are so closely related were all brought together.

[Their family tree is. Let's just say it's more of a spider web.]

2/2

[wifeacle]

[...

... ...

... .... ...

Luna.exe has stopped working. Would you like to restart your Luna?]

I'm very sorry. Could you please repeat that?

[Are they telling people now they were supposed to take this slow and start with dating what the holy frick frack patty whack Noctis.]

[iustaegis]

[ She stumbled upon an answer from him-- he did mention they were figuring things out-- but Pyra doesn't believe she is wrong to think this. ]

A king and a princess.... engaged.

[ Must be fate. Probably is fate, what with all the prophecies going on in their world. There could be no other for either of them. ]

...No? [ And they're free to live our their engagement without their crowns! That, and from how highly Noctis speaks of Luna, it's clear he adores her. ]

[kingkingcxiii]

[The question catches him off guard for a moment, but once Regis' surprise passes, his answer is immediate.]

The world I would give anything to protect.

[And he will, in the end. Including his kingdom, his people, and his very life.]

I would give everything for a future for Eos and her people as well.

[Here he pauses a moment before adding to the statement.]

I am just not sure if giving so much is worth it for the future I have heard whispers of. So many will suffer and die for no reason. Our line has carried the suffering for so long. Must the whole world be made to carry it as well?

[kingkingcxiii]

Will! Come now!

[Regis tries to sound shocked, but it's really hard to do that when someone is draped over you as Will is.]

You say that as if he doesn't think I'm the most stubborn man on the planet.

[Considering how Cor feels for you, Regis, you're kinda just proving Will's point.]

[kingkingcxiii]

[Regis' expression turns guilty for a moment, and he looks away, coughing into his hand.]

Apologies. That may have been my doing. I hope he didn't bother you too much.

[Alas and alack, no cat-eared Somnus for their amusement.]

[kingkingcxiii]

I know you will.

[And, perhaps surprisingly given Cor's history using his other nickname, Regis has full faith that he will do that. After all, this is different. More personal. Something Cor picked for him and not something that everyone close to him uses.

That thought--that Cor picked this just for him--fills Regis with so much joy that he can't help but lean forward and press a gentle kiss to Cor's lips. Once done he leans back just far enough to whisper.]

A brave lion fighting to protect his 'life.' It is a very accurate description of us, I do think.

[kingkingcxiii]

[Regis shakes his head no, but there is an obvious difference to take into account when comparing if they have asked Verstael about his skills or Regis about his powers.]

I've not exactly been shy about using my power when it is needed.

[The shield he held for so long during the attack is proof of that.]

There is only so much data to be gained from observation, but we also don't know what kind of data gathering tools they may have and are keeping secret. They may not have had need to contact me directly yet.

[kingkingcxiii]

[Regis nods, satisfied with that answer, hand remaining on Noctis' shoulder.]

And don't let your Shield convince you otherwise no matter how many 'kicked puppy dog' looks he gives you.

[Clarus was his downfall. What can he say? The look that man gave him at the very suggestion that there might be a time he actually had to fight in all that. A Shield not there to fight instead? Blasphemy!

Of course, they were both a lot younger and more idealistic then.]

[kingkingcxiii]

Oh, I know he would. Do you know how many times I've tried getting him to take even a short vacation?

[Regis laughs. Despite his complains, he sounds very fond.]

Have I mentioned I once tried to make his birthday a national holiday so he had to rest? I never did find out where that proposal ended up vanishing too, but I have a feeling it met a very fiery end.

Chocobos for the WIN!

[kingkingcxiii]

I think it may be because so many in Insomnia are not as familiar with their more serious jobs. Most of those who battle or are trained for riding exist outside of the Wall. There are farms where people can visit them, but again, this is billed more as a trip for the family than seeing the chocobos at work.

[Of course, this comes from the same city that uses tonberries on their traffic signs, so...]

Now, if you talk to Cor Leonis, he will tell you with all certainty that chocobos are vicious beasts that plan murder all the time.

[Regis chuckles softly.]

His first and only trip on a chocobo ended with him walking while the rest of us rode because he was utterly convinced his mount was planning to eviscerate him the moment he took his eye off it. His nature is a rather controlling one and his bird was quite a free spirit.

[They did not get along well, obviously.]

Wait, you were responsible for his black eye?

[Well, that is one mystery solved.]

You did what a lot of people wanted to, but did not for one reason or another. There is no need to excuse your behavior. The whole story was hidden from even the family, mostly by Somnus' own hand. It may be hard, but now that we all know better what happened, it is easier to see that he is the same as so many of the line he founded--burdened and far too self-sacrificial.

{Regis smiles when the topic switches back to Carbuncle.]

I am glad to hear it. Ardyn needs all who can to remind him he is deserving of love and happiness, be the one reminding him two-footed or four. Your partner best be careful, though. It is never wise to upset magical creatures.

[kingkingcxiii]

Excellent.

[He's counting on you, Prompto.

RIP, Cor.]

[original_is_best]

[Regis seemed more set on the idea that he was there for that purpose.

Which led to the question...]

And what are your thoughts on Experiment Number 920194?

[twistedempathy]

Hehehe~ I don't think plausible deniability can save this one. That just sounds like rock solid proof he loves stubborn people, if you ask me.

[iustaegis]

[ Whispers of the future that others will suffer, perish for-- "no reason". Within the same comment, he questions the suffering of his own. Is there no greater reason than that of preserving the world?

His words end a curious tilt of her head, her expression confused; she doesn't quite follow him, but she does her best to decipher what he means. ] You... wish to contain the burden of loss to your own line? Or you question it purpose?