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]

[Regis takes a moment to pull the plush out of the Armiger where he put it for safety earlier. He looks it over again as she speaks of the animal it was based on and can't help but give it a little hug before returning it to the safety of that little pocket of space again.]

If that is what you wish, then I will make sure it is done. It is a wonderful representation of a marvelous animal. People always underestimate chocobos because of how often they are associated with children, but I have seen them face down terrible creatures many times their size to give their rider a chance to recover or escape.

[He pauses a moment, as an idea strikes him.]

Would it be all right if I named the chocobo after the one who inspired him? That way, whenever someone asks me about the name, I can tell them of your brave companion?

[For a moment, as Era is speaking of Somnus, Regis thinks he catches sight of his ancestor moving from one room of the house to another, but he moves like a ghost, even now that he has a physical body, so he is there and gone again before Regis can properly focus on him.]

I was ready to hate him when I heard what he had done to Ardyn, but even though my rule is only beginning I know well what it is like to make hard decisions. None have been so hard as he had to make, but it made me want to hear his side once he arrived here. In the end, I could not hate him. Not when I see how much blame he carries upon his shoulders. Even if forgiveness were to come from Ardyn, our Founder would never forgive himself. Adding blame on top of that would be like dripping water onto the face of a drowning man.

[Futile, and a waste of time that could be used to save said man instead.]

In that case, I shall make certain to find something Ardyn can use to brush that fur away, though with his hair color, it might not be necessary. Is your partner so lucky?

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.

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.