#The Future Lady Scientia | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

sshbpodcast · 2 years

Text

Onscreen or it didn’t happen: Alien uniforms of Star Trek

By Ames

We’ve talked for the past several weeks about Starfleet uniforms of various fashions, and now it’s time to look across the viewscreen at what our galactic friends and enemies are wearing. This week, join the hosts of A Star to Steer Her By as we judge other races’ uniforms, some of which are strangely familiar, some are purely alien, and some of which transform over the course of different series.

I’ve tried to mostly capture aliens whom we see a lot of so we could make a better judgment, and also so the list doesn’t grow out of control. See them walk the walk below and follow our discussions on this week’s episode (discussion starts at 56:02), featuring guest star Carl.

[Images © CBS/Paramount, Star Trek Timelines, Ex Astris Scientia, probably others]

Romulans

The Original Series We are super into the color in the Romulans’ uniforms when we meet them in The Original Series, especially since we’re not typically going to get a ton of color across the other species in Trek. We see a lot of shiny, gold patterned material in TOS, but it’s the color blocking, the bright blues and pinks, that sweet shawl/scarf thing, and the Romulan Commander lady’s sick boots that make these so compelling. A couple point off for those dopey helmets and the Bermuda shorts, but just a couple.

The Next Generation A hundred years later, the Romulan fashion aesthetic has gone sadly awry. Everyone recognizes the boxiest shoulders we’ve seen since the box-on-wheels race, and it’s just so distracting. Add to that these funny little harnesses and material that looks like a very sad blanket, and we start wondering if the Romulans needed to wait a couple more fashion trends to famously be back.

Deep Space Nine, Season 7 The Romulans get their shit a little bit more together late in Deep Space Nine when they slim down the massive shoulders considerably, and thank goodness. They still look more like they’re upholstered more than they’re tailored, especially the officers, but the senators we see here at least aren’t laughable.

Nemesis Check out the slick jackets on the Romulans we meet in Nemesis. Say what you will about that movie (and we DID), but the Romulans have almost Quark-level fashion sense, and we are here for it. The gold fabric print that harkens back to the TOS print that was so familiar, the streamline belts, the very dynamic straps across the chest: chef’s kiss.

Klingons

The Original Series Speaking of gold patterned fabric, the old-school Klingons love that stuff. We’re pretty forgiving of how the design from the 60s is considerably simpler than what we might be used to, but this uniform is also very emblematic and we see it a lot across The Original Series. The sashes and studded belts are elements that we’ll see in future iterations, so we look forward to seeing more of them.

TOS Films Across the original films, we don’t see Klingon outfits as particularly uniform, per se, but there is such a distinct aesthetic that we can see when they’re all side by side. Everything looks more like armor than clothing, which is absolutely fitting, with hockey pad–looking shoulder coverings and lots of grey. And look at those boots. They are so Klingon-goes-to-Hot-Topic that it’s not even funny. Okay, it’s a little funny.

The Next Generation and Deep Space Nine By the time we hit the series of the 90s, the Klingons are much more uniform and very emblematic. Everything about them screams “warrior race coming through!” The shoulder pads are super pronounced. The boots say “I’ll tread on YOU!” There are mek’leth holsters pretty much all over. These are the Klingons that we really start to see some culture from, and it really started by here.

Discovery If we saw the warrior Klingons in TNG and DS9, we see the Middle Ages Klingons in Discovery. There’s something that says “fairy tale kingdom of the future” about these costumes, if you also cross that with some kind of beetle. If you want to try to fit this aesthetic in the timeline (which you really shouldn’t), you can say these are the extreme Klingons before there was some measure of reform, so they just go absolutely overboard in everything they do. Ya know, like Discovery!

Ferengi

The Next Generation, Season 1 Had to throw this one in because it’s just so memorably bad. The season-one Ferengi were literally wearing animal-print caveman clothes with matching galoshes over sweatpants. While usually I’m a big proponent of belts (no, really?), whatever is around their waists here makes little sense. Even your shiniest electric whips can’t distract from how ugly these are.

The Next Generation, Seasons 2–7 Luckily, TNG gives up pretty quickly on the Ferengi being villains and just accepts that they’re a clown show, and their uniforms change with that decision. While still kinda silly, they succeed in making the Ferengi look short and alien. Their door-knocker accoutrement could probably be considered akin to neckties, if we’re forced to rationalize. The colors could be better since you’d think such a famously greedy race would bling out more, but it’s an improvement.

Borg Collective

The further we get into our meetings with the Borg, the better and better they look, but the general gist is always there. They are Borg. They look like someone got a little too friendly with an HVAC unit and then their offspring went punk goth. The lasers and creepy tech have an offputting effect that totally works though, and the moistness of the Borg Queen makes her enticing in the most disgusting ways. Resistance Is Fabulous.

Cardassian Central Command

Early Cardassian headgear aside (because really, what?), the triangular look of the chestpieces our lizard friends rock make them look so intimidating that it’s no wonder they become this oppressive force. It’s like they’re literally puffing themselves up to look bigger and more dictatorial. It’s a lot of grey, coupled with their grey skin, but Cardassians strike us as the type to not be too colorful anyway.

Bajoran Militia

We get more color from the Bajorans, but here the cut of their uniforms is more like the pajamas we’ve seen Starfleet employing. Except the colors sometimes are even more unflattering and the one-piece jumpsuits make the Bajorans look like they’re about to join a circus routine. The least I can say is that some of them have some belts which certainly help, but not much.

Jem’Hadar

The Jem’Hadar are another set of uniforms that are mostly black and grey and definitely utilitarian. They need somewhere to hook into their ketrecel white reserves, after all. Other than that, they mostly just look functional, ever ready to help them kill something, and not much else. We know that these scaly bois don’t eat, sleep, or fornicate, so this is really all they need. They don’t even need to sit down!

Vorta

With all these grey militaristic uniforms and frumpy jumpsuits running around throughout DS9, thank goodness for the Vorta! Not only are they one of the sassiest races we get to meet, absolutely full of Jeffrey Combeses, but also their uniform aesthetic is a joy to look at. Their oversized lapels and asymmetrical shapes are weirdly delightful. And their bright, disjointed colors make them the mantis shrimp of the series. It’s bizarre, but it’s bizarre with intent, and it works.

Breen Confederacy

In contrast, and maybe especially dismal after the clownish costumes of the Vorta, the Breen uniforms are downright boring. They look rather like cheap takes on a suit of armor and the sandy color doesn’t keep focus, though that could be so they can blend into some kind of surroundings. Overall, the Breen don’t seem to change everything after all, do they?

Andorian Imperial Guard

We haven’t gotten to Enterprise on the podcast yet, but we are super teased by what we see from the Andorians just based on what they’re wearing. They’re kitted out in really nicely fitted leather in various shades, and ooh girl. The straps. The tight fit. We’re drooling over here. We’ve always known there was a lot sexiness in Star Trek design, and evidently most of it was given to the Andorians.

—

So who do we love seeing show up in space with us and who would we not bother putting up on viewscreen if they hailed? Here are our favorites and least favorites:

Favorites

Caitlin: Andorians

Chris and Jake: TOS Romulans

Ames and Carl: Vorta

Least Favorites

Carl: DIS Klingons

Ames: Bajorans

Jake: TNG Romulans

Caitlin and Chris: TNG S1 Ferengi

—

I’ve certainly bypassed a ton of great uniforms from other races for the sake of time and my own screen-shotting sanity, so who else would you have wanted to see? The Kazon? The Pakleds? The Kztini? Oh my! Keep following us here for more exciting Blogtivities, listen to new weekly episodes as we voyage through Voyager over on SoundCloud or wherever you listen to podcasts, hail us on Facebook and Twitter, and add a little more color to your uniforms, please.

#star trek #star trek podcast #podcast #uniforms #klingons #romuluans #ferengi #borg #cardassians #bajorans #jem'hadar #vorta #breen #andorians #fashion

15 notes · View notes

codedredalert · 3 years

Text

atop the wall, wisdom cries out [One Piece, Robin] -- oneshot

Robin-centric character study || 1052 words

She has the split-second to wonder if all great turning points in history are like this—destiny at the mercy of a momentous decision—

(Written for the OP Tarot Project High Priestess and Eight of Wands cards.)

High Priestess Upright: Intuition, insight, sacred knowledge, things yet to be revealed, reflection. Reversed: Secrets, information withheld, disharmony.

Eight of Wands Upright: Movement, action, alignment, abrupt changes, quick decisions. Reversed: Delays, frustration, resisting change, internal alignment.

Explanations of references in the end notes.

Warnings: canon-typical violence

(On Ao3)

===/\===

(1) Lesson: A cup of water is not yours until you drink it. Likewise, knowledge.

All scholars of Ohara memorise via the method of loci, and Nico Robin, at eight years old, is no exception. Her favourite is a temple hewn from stone, a wise king's magna opus as reconstructed from academic blueprints. There, she stores the lessons she learns: a kind elderly lady still calls for the marines in the night after she's fed you; a knife in the hands of a frightened child can still slit a soldier's throat; a powerful man is still not quite immune to the intrigue of a beautiful woman.

She drinks deeply from the cup of knowledge and suffering, and two pillars form in the forefront of the temple. The first is who she has always been—the pursuit of good things, knowledge for knowledge's sake, building up, preserving, and leaving a legacy for all humanity. The other is who she discovered she was when the world government placed a bounty on her head—an immovable strength, manifesting in guile, bloodshed, and conquest.

Her surprise is only at how readily she accepts these as her foundation—the twin load-bearing columns of the woman she now is.

===/\===

(2) Aphorism: Scientia potestas est. (Translation: Knowledge is power.)

"Read it," demands Crocodile. Then he raises a hand to call her to pause and adds, almost smugly, "Out loud."

He thinks he's clever. Robin smiles. He's not stupid, but Robin is really, really clever.

She hadn't intended deception when she'd first sought out the most comprehensive history of Alabasta. (Three archaic hand-scribed manuscripts and a yellowed but hardly-used guide. It was technically restricted access, though that hardly mattered in the face of Robin's devil fruit.) She had merely wanted to know—the first pillar of Nico Robin.

She recites this knowledge from memory, trailing her fingers along the runes of the poneglyph before her, retrieving the words verbatim as she walks through the temple rooms in her mind. She fully expects Crocodile to interrupt her, to point to one word or the other and demand its meaning. She already has the textbook explanation on why translation is an imperfect art on the tip of her tongue. She doesn't get that far.

He's never been a patient man, especially when it comes to failure.

(3) Quote: Death never takes a wise man by surprise; he is always ready to go.

He deals her a mortal wound and leaves her to bleed out in the collapsing tomb of this country's kings. The age-old stone crumbles and groans, weary and slow to return to dust. She closes her eyes and waits.

It's surprisingly peaceful.

(4) Comment: As implied ibid, "life is full of surprises". (5) Fallacy: Appeal to pity.

Straw Hat Luffy saves her and she demands 'why' but receives no answer. As she dusts herself off, she decides a fitting consequence for his unwelcome charity. She invites herself to his crew.

A strange group—they actually accept her, welcome her into their lives and their home despite being enemies three days before.

Over time, she learns that if she drops into a light doze below deck beside Nami, the next morning will come with warmth, the smell of breakfast wafting in from the adjoining kitchen, and that strange, unconditional acceptance.

(6) Study: Repeated exposure to similar situations without negative stimuli result in dissociation of situation and stimuli.

. . . and she is . . . happy?

(7) Supra (4).

===/\===

(8) Truism: Nothing lasts forever. (9) Quote: Only a fool can be happy.

The government finds her, as they have many times before. This time, however, she can't bring herself to offer these people as sacrifice in her place. She tries desperately to think of an alternative to the offer laid before.

She becomes the illusion of stillness, there is no stillness in her. Her mind is structure and movement all at once—the earth in revolution beneath the temple's foundation stone. Her mind moves as the celestial bodies, a million miles a minute, yet imperceptible. She is perfectly grounded as the centrifugal force tears her apart.

A lifetime ago, she was taught to smile when she wants to cry, so she smiles now. A mind built by the wisest men in history and it yields no solutions, so what use is it? What use is she? She's only good for secrets, sabotage, and smiles like sweet poison.

Even the greatest temple cannot stand forever.

(10) Quote: The only way to have a friend is to be one. Nb. This implies friends are worth having. Comment: The author agrees. (11) Quote: There is nothing worth living for, unless it is worth dying for. (12) (Non-)issue: Hobson's choice. (13) Principle: Occam's razor.

She takes the offer.

===/\===

(14) Policy: No man left behind.

The friends she tried to save came for her. They stand in proud defiance of the authorities that have wronged her all her life, figures of would-be legend backlit by the sun, their shadows stark and black, bridging the deep chasm she stands on the other side of, alone.

It borders on the absurd. They shouldn't have, it makes no logical sense. And yet, there they stand.

(15) Quote: When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.

She fails to understand and finds that for once, she does not need to know. Equally illogical hope wells up in her. (The temple is shored up, its glory to be restored. Not yet, but in the future promised.)

"Say you wanna live," shouts Luffy, and he waits for her answer, as if he has all the time in the world. As if time itself will yield to his force of will.

It almost does. The mad rush of adrenaline blocks all noise except the rush of blood in her veins, her captain's voice ringing in her ears. She has the split-second to wonder if all great turning points in history are like this, destiny at the mercy of a momentous decision, all the world in bated breath.

She doesn't stop to wonder if she dares. The second pillar of her identity commands her to be bold.

(16) Proverb: Fortune favours the bold.

"I want to live," she cries across the divide—

—and—

(17) Supra (4).

—she is saved.

===/ENDNOTES\===

At the risk of these notes being longer than the actual fic (I got too hyped by the thought of pseudo-academic formatting and used way too many probably-obscure references), here's helpful notes so you don't have to ask google:

the method of loci— (loci being Latin for "places")— is a strategy of memory enhancement which uses visualisations of familiar spatial environments in order to enhance the recall of information. The method of loci is also known as the memory journey, memory palace, or mind palace technique.

magna opus— Latin for "great work", especially the greatest achievement of an artist or writer.

aphorism— an observation which contains a general truth/ a concise statement of a scientific principle, typically by a classical author.

ibid— a citation signal to refer to a single work cited in the note immediately preceding. The abbreviation of ibidem, being Latin for "in the same place".

supra— a citation signal used to refer to an earlier-cited authority. Supra is Latin for "above".

truism— a statement that is obviously true and says nothing new or interesting.

nb— a citation signal to draw the reader's attention to a certain aspect or detail of the subject being discussed. The abbreviation of nota bene, which is Latin for "note well".

Hobson's choice— A forced or false choice. It is believed that the phrase derives from Thomas Hobson (1545–1631) who ran a horse rental business in England. He rented out horses but insisted that customers took the horse nearest the stable door. The choice his customers were given was "this or none"; making it effectively Hobson's choice of horse. — (source)

Occam's razor— Occam's razor (or Ockham's razor) is a principle from philosophy that the simplest solution is usually the best one.

===/END\===

(On Ao3) ( patreon ) ( kofi ) ( paypal )

#nico robin #monkey d luffy #sir crocodile #alabasta #ohara #one piece #one piece fanfiction #one piece fanfic #opfanfic #op fanfiction #op fanfic #op #my writing #mine #tarot

47 notes · View notes

bramblepeltao3 · 3 years

Text

Hey why am I still doing this?? This has become my ‘just for fun’ little thing I go to when I’ve finished doing all the other writing stuff! And it’s become just stupid fun for me.

So then, on to more Prince Prompto AU of my AU fic specifically!

Prompto felt his heartbeat quicken. They were here. Facing the Lucian royal family. He, as the Prince, stood at the front of the procession. He knew what he was supposed to do. He practiced several times on the train ride over, and he got it perfect a couple of times. He could do this.

Prompto bowed slightly towards King Regis and Prince Noctis. “The Empire of Niflheim thanks you for your hospitality. We hope that with this extension of good will, we can forge a future of peace and prosperity between our nations.” Nailed it. Prompto stood back up, perhaps a bit too quickly, and saw a look of humor on Noctis’ face.

….did he mess up? Did he say something wrong and sound stupid? Was his shirt on inside out?!

Prince Noctis took a few steps forward, closing the distance between them.

“Nice to finally meet you.” He said, extending his hand.

Prompto felt his face flush. This was...less than formal. Not as he was coached to expect. He offered his hand as well, and Noctis quickly took it with a crooked smile. There was applause from behind, the crowd of Insomnians who had come to see the display were cheering but they sounded so very far away. It felt like it was just them. Prince Noctis and himself.

He didn’t deserve to be here. His ears began to pound with the sound of his pulse. The King was saying something, Prompto couldn’t hear it. His throat suddenly felt very dry and he wanted nothing more than to reach out to Doctor Del and ask for help. Make the dizziness and nausea and hotness on his cheeks go away.

“See you at the party, then.” Prince Noctis said with a wave, turning and following his father back into the palace.

“Good job, Shortcake.” Aranea was then at his side.

Oh. It was over. He did it? He turned to see the others, hoping for further validation of his success.

Loqi was standing at attention, no sign of approval or disappointment on his face. And Del was...angry?

“No one said anything about a party.” She sneered.

“Awe, what’s wrong lemon tart, didn’t bring a ball gown?”

“It doesn’t matter. I’m sure a doctor isn’t important enough to be in attendance.”

“Not a doctor, perhaps.” Loqi said, in a very strange way.

“I’d really like it if we could all be there!” Prompto found himself saying out loud by accident. It was true. He needed everyone he could get to stay by his side. “I mean, I bet the dinner will be really good. I’d hate for anyone to miss it.”

Del’s face softened with a smile. “Of course we’ll all be there, Prompto.”

“Guess we’re going dress shopping then.” Aranea shrugged. “You boys are lucky, you can get away with your military and royal regalia. Us girls tend to be held to a higher standard.”

“Yeah, I’m not-”

“Hey you, you look like someone who knows things.” Aranea pointed at a young, well dressed man. “Where can a girl get a party dress around here?”

Prompto’s mind was flooded with his crash course in etiquette and felt himself jumping into damage control.

“My apologies for my shield, Sir.”

The young man smiled, pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose and nodded. “Ignis Scientia, royal advisor to Prince Noctis. No need for apologies, your grace.” Prompto felt his throat close up. How many ways could they possibly mess this up before they were all kicked out in shame?

Ignis turned to Aranea and Del. “If you’re looking for a gown for this evening’s event, I know the perfect establishment of tailors who are more than capable. Allow me to call you a car.”

“Commodore, Doctor, I will happily esco-”

“No way, Loqi.” Del frowned.

“Yeah, you’re not going anywhere. You need to stay here with the Prince and make sure he doesn’t trip on his shoelaces or something.” Aranea emphasized her point with a harsh stab of her finger to Loqi’s head.

“But...these boots don’t even have laces…” Prompto said, looking down to check just in case.

Ignis hung up his cellular phone and approached their little party once again. “Ladies, I have informed your escort where to take you. And should you wish to see any other parts of our lovely city, please feel free. You are in safe hands.”

The advisor bowed to them, then Prompto, and left with a smile.

He seemed nice. Prompto hoped he’d be there this evening as well.

“...why didn’t you yell at him?” Loqi asked. “He addressed you as ladies! Aren’t you-”

“Oh put a sock in it Loqi.” Del rolled her eyes.

“It’s different. Obviously.” Aranea said with a smirk.

A shiny black car pulled around and stopped by the curb.

“Looks like our ride, Doc.” Aranea coiled her arm around Del’s, pulling her towards the vehicle. “You boys be good! Auntie Nea and Auntie Del will be back soon!”

Prompto watched in stunned silence as Aranea dragged his doctor into the back seat of the car, the door shutting behind them. He hoped they’d have fun. They both worked so hard for him, they deserved a break. And pretty dresses.

---

Cor really should have seen this coming, but somehow he was still blindsided. Scientia called asking for a high security escort for two of the Imperial diplomats. Well, it didn’t get more high security than the Marshal. And with the flurry of preparations and excitement, he needed a moment away to refocus.

An hour to drive a couple of diplomats to some store downtown, wait in the car, and drive them back. Easy.

Easy until he took a look in the rearview mirror and immediately recognized the blonde woman sitting right behind him. She was scowling, exactly like he remembered her.

“Awe come on lemon tart-”

“Quit calling me that!”

“Doctor tart then, listen, I know you’ve never been involved in politics before but if you’re planning on staying by Shortcake’s side it’s time to get used to it.”

“I’m just a doctor.”

“And tonight you’re a doctor in a fancy dress charming all the eligible bachelors Lucis has to offer.” The other woman seemed to take a great deal of pleasure in needling her.

Brave of her, that.

“Speaking of, I’m not seeing a ring on our escort’s finger.”

Oh she was very brave. And just as much a pain.

“Aranea, leave him alone.”

“What’s your story, Driver? Excited to watch two young women play dress up?”

“ARANEA!”

“We’re here.” Cor said, thanking the Astrals for the small blessing. He was ready to simply sit there quietly, wait for them to finish their shopping, and hope the tinted windows did their job. But then he just had to take one more look into the rearview mirror, and there was that little girl’s face again. Looking scared, just like she did the last time he saw her.

Shit.

Just rip the bandage off, it was going to happen eventually. Best to get it out of the way somewhere far away from the paparazzi.

Cor stepped out of the car and opened the rear door, standing with all the respect he’d show to any important guest of the crown.

Del stood up, looked at the store, and then a tree planted in the middle of the sidewalk, then the sky before looking up at him.

For a moment her face didn’t change. Then realization must have struck, because her eyes went wide. And her brow furrowed. And her shoulders raised up.

“Quit dragging your feet, Doc, the longer you mope the longer this’ll take.” Aranea dragged her away and into the store before she had a chance to start screaming. “Wow your face got red. I mean sure he’s hot, but he’s twice your age. You can do better.”

He followed them in. If nothing else he needed to make sure this place was genuinely secure. There were whispers of citizens not too happy with the possibility of getting chummy with Niflheim. The last thing Reggie needed was an international incident right on the precipice of treaty negotiations.

Cor stood at attention next to the door, watching as young sales people hungry for a commission off the royal account bombarded the two women with measuring tape and color swatches. Del looked like she was in hell. His presence probably wasn’t helping the matter.

Aranea was the first to emerge from the fabric tornado, sporting something barely meeting the dress code as it barely contained fabric.

“Hey flaunt it while you still got it, right Doc?” She called back to the other changing room as a young man showed her jeweled accessory pieces. “You’re being awfully quiet, you know?”

“And you’re being awfully obnoxious!” Del screeched, pulling the curtain back. “No I don’t need shapewear, what the fuck is that? I’ll wear whatever shape I have, fuck.” She was wearing a very sensible green gown.

“Awe look at you, Lemon Tart, so modest. So practical. No fun.”

“Yeah I guess you can call what you’ve got going on fun.”

“What do you think, Mr. Driver?” Aranea grabbed Del around the shoulders, pulling her right next to her side so they were both facing him. “Think she’ll be the belle of the ball?”

Del was staring at the floor with a fierce determination.

“No comment? Smart guy.” Aranea chuckled.

Cor moved his gaze over to a tailor sewing glittering embellishments to a bright pink gown. It looked like something meant for a very young girl. Incredibly gaudy. One of the small rubies fell from the dress.

...but it stopped. And moved-

It wasn’t a gem.

“Get down!” He yelled, rushing the two women and forcing them to the ground right as he heard the glass window shatter and two of the sales clerks scream.

“Shit.” Aranea’s eyes darted around, seeming to be searching for the gunman based on the trajectory of the bullet that barely missed them.

Cor opened the emergency channel on his ear piece. “Coyote on 3rd and Grace Street. I have two ducklings unharmed and a store full of civilians. Requiring backup.”

“Heard, Red Drake. Backup en route.”

“Ducklings? Really?” The older woman joked, helping him drag the trembling doctor behind a sales counter as another shot went off.

“Don’t look at me, I didn’t come up with the system.” That was all Reggie.

“What’s the plan, Driver? Cause unless our killer is a gold medal sprinter it looks like there’s at least two of them. If we stay here we’re sitting duck- oh, I get it. Funny. Doc you’ve gotta pull yourself together.”

Cor looked down at Del who was folded in on herself, hands grasping through her own hair and trembling.

“Hey, kid.” He said, gripping her shoulder. She looked up at him, terror naked in her eyes. “You’re going to be okay. I’m getting you out of here.”

The irony of his words were not lost on him.

The store manager joined them, removing her jacket and rolling up her sleeves. “There’s an emergency exit through the break room, it leads into the same hallway as the other stores. There’s an elevator too, goes all the way to the roof.” She gestured for them to follow, taking cover behind clothing racks and display cases.

“Sounds like you’ve done this before.” Cor commented.

She chuckled. “I’ve worked here for decades, since I was a teenage sales clerk, I have seen some shit.”

Cor made a note to make sure she was commended officially for it.

The break room door slammed shut once everyone was safely inside. The manager, who introduced herself as Marigold, got to work moving the table in front of the door.

“What are the chances our killers know about the access hallway?” Cor asked, helping with the barricade.

“It’s there specifically so the clientele don’t have to think about us as people who have lives outside of their consumer needs.” One of the men said. “So unless they work in one of these shops, unlikely.”

“Not like we planned ahead to be here, either.” Aranea offered. “In fact...the only person who would’ve known we were here was that Ignis guy.”

“Scientia? If he had a stake in extending the war he has a funny way of showing it.” No one was closer to the Prince than his advisor, and a war running into Noctis’ reign would bring him nothing but pain. “More likely someone’s been following since you arrived and waited for their chance.”

“Shit, this glass is really stuck.” A very young woman cried out, trying to pull a large shard from her arm.

Del immediately snapped out of her panic and rushed over to her. “Please tell me there’s a first aid kit in here.” She took the woman’s arm, shooing her hand away from pulling at the glass.

“Just one, and it’s very old…” The male sales clerk got the white box from a cabinet and handed it to her.

“As long as there’s tweezers and gauze, I’m good.”

“Oh wow, you’re actually a doctor.” Marigold laughed.

“I’m going to check the hallway, make sure no one’s waiting for us.” Cor reached into Reggie’s armiger, choosing a pistol in place of his blade. He opened the door.

“Cor!” Del yelled, gripping a bandage to the girl’s arm. Her green dress was covered in blood stains that most assuredly would never come out. “Don’t you-”

“I’m coming back, Del.” He said flatly. Maybe don’t run off anywhere this time.

The hallway was well lit with hard flooring. After several minutes of no shadows or footsteps, Cor was satisfied.

He turned his ear piece on. “Status update.” He whispered.

“One coyote down, two confirmed on the run.”

“Can we get an evac on the roof?”

“Negative, Red Drake, too many rocks in the pond, stay put until cleared.”

The door behind him creaked open, Aranea slipping through.

“Not sounding like good news there, Driver.”

“Listen, I have two ducklings and four civilians that need to get to safety. Send an eagle to the roof of the Statler building for immediate evac. That’s an order.” Cor switched off the receiver.

Aranea’s face fell into a look of suspicion. “Funny, on our way in I could have sworn I saw the word Nelson.”

“You did. It’s a decoy.” He tapped his earpiece. “If I’m right, our assassins are tapping our communications. They’ll think we transferred to the building next door and wait for us there. In the meantime, we’re taking the elevator to the fifth floor. There’s a walkway connection to the fine arts center. From there we make our way to the auditorium.”

“Oh? And then what?”

Cor smirked. “Dress rehearsal.”

---

Somehow, some way, the piece of absolute stupid idiot garbage got them out. And thank the Gods too, because Del wasn’t sure how to say the girl needed a hospital. The bandage was only doing so much and it wouldn’t be long before her wound bled through.

Cor flashed his fancy badge, got them into the costume room, and for the second time that day Del was forced to play dress up. This time with hats and wigs! Fun!

She was fuming. Having to rely on him again...after what he did? And he had the absolute balls to say “I’m coming back.” Like?!

Fuck him. He was an even bigger dickhead than she’d remembered. And she remembered everything so that was a hell of a feat.

“Oh, a shame. This was my personal pride of the season.” Marigold sighed, holding the ruined green dress.

“Send the bill to the Citadel, I’ll make sure you’re taken care of. Think there’s anything you can lend out for a royal ball in six hours?” The asshole moron asked.

“Seriously?!” Del screeched after finishing getting into a weirdly form fitting newsboy costume. “Some fuckos just tried to put a bullet in our heads and you expect us to go mingle with canapes like nothing happened?”

“What did I say, Doctor Tart? Politics. Get used to it.” Aranea was somehow completely cool headed in some gaudy bright retro outfit.

“Nothing about this can get out, the last thing we need is any more tremors in this shaky situation.” Fuckhead McGee said.

“Understood. Shame about that armed robbery in our store.” Marigold shrugged her shoulders like it was nothing.

She looked at her staff who all nodded in agreement.

“Are you all batshit?!” Del screamed. “We’re supposed to act like that wasn’t an assassination attempt on our lives?”

“Delphia, listen to me.” Aranea took her shoulder and turned to face her. “We both want the same thing: to protect Prompto. Anything less than a perfect visit is only going to raise tensions for both sides. Not to mention, Prompto would freak if he knew we were almost killed. So here’s our story: Driver got lost on the way to the boutique. The robbery happened before we arrived, and the guard went overboard in trying to protect us. We’re wearing dresses from the robbed store tonight to show our support and hope for the business to recover.”

“You’ve done this before.” Shithead said.

“I’ve had a lot of free time to read spy thrillers.” Aranea replied coolly.

“I’m sure I have some perfectly exquisite pieces in my personal collection that should fit. Ooh, we could advertise a throwback collection for the fall!” Marigold cheered.

“YOU! YOU...YOU YOU…” Del pointed at Aranea, feeling completely unable to voice any of the thoughts screeching around in her head.

“Del, please calm down, the people responsible will be taken care-”

That was it. She spun around and slapped the Marshal across the face.

“YOU DON’T GET TO TALK TO ME LIKE THAT!” You lying shitty child abandoning piece of enabling gods damned shit fuck ass bastard!

He seemed unphased by her attack. Aranea though looked like Del had just kicked an innocent puppy into an oncoming train.

“Alright. Get it out.” He said.

Oh, she was done. Completely fucking done. He just shows up, acts like the big fucking hero, pretends like he didn’t ditch her, and then dictates the terms of her emotional breakdown?!

Fuck.

This.

“Fuck you.” She said, emphasizing her point with a finger in the air.

Cor nodded. “We’re going to take the front entrance, it leads out to a courtyard. Plenty of trees, bushes, a large pool down the middle, and lots of cover. We make it across the courtyard and we’ll be on a Crownsguard HQ doorstep. I’ll have a better grasp of the situation, and we’ll figure it out from there.”

The nerve. The fucking nerve.

“Come on Newsie, Prompto needs you.” Aranea took her by the arm.

“Were the accessories really necessary?” Del asked, noticing the fishnet gloves, knee socks, and neon colored plastic jewelry.

“It ties the outfit together.” She replied, pulling her in step at the end of the line. “Now, you wanna tell me why you’re so familiar with the Immortal, or do I have to abandon all the trust we’ve been building up?”

Shit.

Fuck.

“He infiltrated my father’s facility when I was a kid. I was stupid and naive and trusted everything he said. I won’t make that mistake again.”

Aranea seemed to be rolling that answer around. “And you knew he was a Lucian operative?”

“I was six, what do you want from me? Anyway, he lied and bailed on me. Didn’t get anything he was after either so it was a big waste of time for everyone.”

“...hm. Wonder what it was he was after?” Aranea asked, acting like the very much not rhetorical question was one.

Oh, you know, just baby Prompto. Normal shit.

“We’re here. Keep your heads down and ears open. We’re going to be alright.”

Del scoffed quietly.

“Wonder why these guys are targeting us instead of the Prince?” Aranea whispered.

“Opportunity knocked, I guess.” Del shrugged. All this for a shitty dress.

“I’m just saying, Lucian terrorists need to get their priorities in check.”

“You’re sure they’re Lucian?” Del whispered. Aranea’s face broke into a wide smirk.

“Clever girl.”

“You feel it too.”

“This entire mission was doomed from the start.”

“Why else would anyone put Loqi in charge?”

Aranea chuckled in spite of herself, and the sound inspired Del to laugh in turn.

“Oh Gods, we’re so fucked.” Del whispered.

“WATCH IT!”

In a rush of air and movement that blew her hat off, hair tumbling back down, Cor was by her side with his blade unsheathed and held in front of her eyes.

She heard a soft ‘clink’ before he lowered it. Her vision came back into focus in time to see a splatter of blood in the distance.

“Was tha….did you…?”

“Run.” Cor barked, grabbing her around the wrist and pulling her back towards a line of trees.

“Either your Glaive suck at their job, or there’s a lot of people here who want us dead!” Aranea yelled while guiding the shop workers to cover.

“At this point I’m willing to assume both.” Cor positioned his blade to use as a mirror, checking for any sign of further danger behind them. “Aranea, think you can get them-”

“Way ahead of you, Driver.” From their position, she could easily lead the others behind cover with only a short sprint left to get them to the station.

But Cor and Del had a large gap of open space.

“I’m not asking you to trust me.” Cor started, his blade dissipating in a spark of magic.

Oh that was rich, super rich.

“But I need you to do exactly as I say, and you will get back alive.”

“That’s LITERALLY asking me to trust you!” Del hissed between her clenched teeth.

“Right. Well, I have one question. Can you swim?”

Del blinked. “What? No…”

“That’s unfortunate.” Cor tightened his grip on her wrist, and before she could protest he was pulling both of them down, using the momentum to roll over. She was then wrenched back upwards on her feet and pushed backwards, stumbling until she fell. Right off of an edge.

And into the pool.

She wasn’t lying, she really didn’t fucking know how to swim. Everything was dark, she couldn’t tell which way was back up, and she was reaching peak panic until her wrist was once again being pulled. Over, over, until she felt her lungs would burst and then finally, up.

“Take a deep breath.” Cor commanded.

She wanted to screech and curse and slap him again but instead she obeyed and inhaled. He dragged her back down, much further. She didn’t know what else to do. She simply let him pull her on until once more everything in her chest burned and her mind began to spiral and then-

Her head was above water once again, Cor holding her up under her armpit and slowly guiding her out of the pool.

Del wiped her hair from her eyes to see a large number of people in uniforms surrounding them.

“Marshal, Sir.” A woman in a helmet said. “We’ve done a thorough sweep, land and air. The last identifiable terrorist has been neutralized.”

Del struggled to breathe, feeling like she might just pass out right there sitting on the ledge of the pool.

“Thanks Monica, get our guests a ride back to the Citadel. I’m sure they’d like some time to freshen up before the party.”

Oh.

Oh, Del was going to kill him.

2 notes · View notes

bgn846 · 4 years

Text

Worthy Chapter 5: Denial FFXV A/B/O Promnis

<Previous Chapter 4 “You think I’ve what?!” Ignis sputtered over his morning coffee. “That is preposterous. How on earth did you come up with that, Gladio?” He asked leaning forward over his neat but cluttered desk.

The shield smiled. “Sana and I were chatting last night, and she mentioned that Prompto may have imprinted on you.”

Ignis was still in shock by the very idea. He hadn’t heard of an omega imprinting on anyone in years. “That sounds barbaric,” he uttered finally as he retrieved his phone to open his calendar.

“Clearing your schedule so you can research imprinting, are we?” Gladio asked with a smirk.

Huffing, Ignis rolled his eyes at the shields antics. “You already know the answer: I must know what I’m dealing with so I can better prepare.”

Gladio furrowed his brow. “Um, what exactly would you be preparing for?”

“If I knew that, Gladiolus, then I wouldn’t need to research, now would I?” Ignis answered curtly.

The shield smiled. “Will you at least admit you acted differently around Prompto when he was here?”

Pausing and thinking on Gladio’s statement, Ignis did know he’d taken more care than normal in dealing the omega. “Yes, I will concede that I have been somewhat affected by Prompto’s visit. If my research proves Sana’s theory correct then I will . . . .” Ignis trailed off.

“Uh – you will what?”

“I will go rescue him from the frozen hell that is Niflheim and share my closet! Gladio, I don’t know! Go away, I need to work, and you’re filling my head with ideas of domestic bliss.” Ignis huffed.

This statement elicited a bark of laughter from the shield as he stood to leave. “Fine, I’ll leave you to it, but will you at least let me know what you find out? Honestly, I’m sorta jealous you get to experience this and not me.”

“Come now, Gladio. You and Sana are made for each other. I know you had a rocky start, but she loves you dearly. She’ll even be moving here in a couple months. That’s more than I can say for my nonexistent pack.”

“The invite still stands if you want into ours. Sana thinks you’re cute.”

“I have considered the idea, but I think your pack has the perfect dynamic right now.” Ignis smiled. “Now get out of my office.” He made a shooing motion in Gladio’s direction in hopes he’d leave.

As he watched Gladio go, Ignis felt a funny feeling tumble through his stomach. Was he actually getting butterflies thinking about Prompto? He promptly postponed his next meeting and hunkered down at his computer to find out.

“Noct!!” Prompto whined over the phone. “What am I going to do? I’ve ruined everything.”

“You haven’t ruined anything, Prompto. Stop freaking out. I swear to you, Ignis isn’t upset. You can still send a reply, and he won’t mind the delay. I promise,” Noct tried.

“But it’s been two weeks since he sent it! I was too scared to reply. How dumb is that? He asks if I’m okay, and if I had any trouble, and I ignore him.”

“I’ve known him most of my life, Prompto, and I’m telling you it’s fine. Send him a text back. He’ll answer you. What’s the worst that can happen?”

The blond couldn’t help himself as he blurted an answer. “He bans you from having contact with me, and I die lonely and depressed.” Prompto couldn’t help but be dramatic. It’d been two whole weeks since his return from Lucis, and he was missing it every day. It would absolutely gut him to not be able to talk to Noct. Having a friend helped ease the sorrow of everyday life.

“I’m going to have him call you if you’re not careful, buddy.”

“Wha – No! I’ll text – I promise, don’t have him call me. I’ll die for sure if he calls me,” he stammered.

“I expect a full report later on what he wrote back.”

Prompto sighed. “Now you are being silly. He won’t answer me.” He could hear Noct huff. It wasn’t like he understood what life was like as a male omega. Nothing went your way.

“I’ll remain optimistic for you, then. Hey, I gotta go; I need to attend some super stuffy council meeting. Can I call you later when I finish?”

“Yeah, for sure. I’m not going anywhere.” The call ended as they both said their goodbyes. Now to the matter at hand. What to write back to Ignis?

Opting to keep it simple Prompto, opened his messenger app to type out a reply. Glancing at the unanswered message from Ignis he winced. Why did he wait so long! The advisor had only wished to know if he had arrived safely.

Prompto Argentum 10:18AM: Thank you for checking in on me and I am safe.

Before he could chicken out, he hit the send button. Tossing the phone further away, he curled up on his bed and groaned. Why was this so difficult? It was conversation, pure and simple. A pinging noise made him bolt upright and stare incredulously at his phone. There was no way Ignis had texted him back. It must have been from Noct.

Reaching out slowly as if his phone might bite him, he flipped it over. A response from the Ignis Scientia was waiting. Prompto’s brain took this moment to spring into action. What if he was writing back to tell him he was not allowed to talk to Noct anymore? Fearful of what the text might say, he didn’t open it for another ten minutes.

Finally, though, latching onto Noct’s previous words of encouragement, he took a deep breath and opened the message.

Ignis Scientia 10:20AM: Excellent. I’m very happy to hear you are safe. Do let me know if you need anything in the future.

Prompto looked at his phone with wide eyes. Okay, he’d written back and left it open ended. Now what? Should he reply? He wished Noct was available so he could ask what to do. Was Ignis simply being polite or was he supposed to say something?

Shoving his phone away a second time, he got up and started pacing his room. A full thirty minutes later, he made the decision to answer back.

Prompto Argentum 10:50AM: Thanks I will. I hope your day is going well.

Again, he hit send quickly and waited. He knew his chances of having Ignis reply right away were slim, but he still held out hope. Apparently the astrals were being kind and granted his wish.

Ignis Scientia 10:53AM: Aside from sitting in a dreadfully boring meeting at the moment, my day has been splendid.

Prompto knew from Noct that Ignis usually attended the same meetings as the prince. Did this mean that Ignis was texting him while he was working? Did the meeting end early? Curiosity got the better of him, and he texted his friend.

Prompto Argentum 10:55AM: Are you still in your meeting?

Noctis Lucis Caelum 10:57AM: Yes, can’t talk yet. :(

Did this mean Ignis was in a different meeting, or was he actually trying to communicate while he was working? Worried his texting would get Ignis in trouble, he wrote back a reply.

Prompto Argentum 11:04AM: Did your meeting get out yet?

Ignis Scientia 11:06AM: I’m afraid it’s still droning on. I do have an amusing view; Noctis is struggling to stay awake. I would send you a photo, but it would blow my cover.

Prompto squealed out loud when he read the response. Ignis was at the same meeting, but he could text him and Noctis couldn’t! The blond wondered if it had anything to do with him being an alpha. He would have to ask Noct about it later.

Prompto Argentum 11:07AM: lol I wish I could be there to see it in person.

Surprisingly, Ignis texted him a few more times, and then things went silent. Either Ignis got in trouble or he needed to focus. Prompto hoped it was the latter. Ignis was so nice, and he didn’t want him to get reprimanded for texting a lowly omega.

The blond was about to text Noct when heard his mother call him. Wandering down the hall, he found her staring at a fancy invitation card.

“Dear, do you know who Lady Pravus is?” she asked curiously.

The memories of Noct’s story regarding Lady Pravus, from the night of the banquet, came flooding back. “Yeah – why?” he mumbled.

His mother seemed shocked that he knew of her. “I’ve never met her nor heard of her until now. How do you know her name?”

“When I stayed with Noct, he told me about her. She’s not very nice,” he added quickly.

“Oh, well, you don’t know that for sure,” she chided. “I’m sure she’s fine. Your step brothers aren’t that bad when it comes to judgement of character.”

This really confused Prompto. “Mum, what are you talking about?”

“Oh, sorry, I’ve just received this invitation to attend a dinner in celebration of the upcoming engagement for Alban.”

Prompto interrupted his mother, “Alban is going to marry that icky lady?! Oh no, that’s not good.”

“Prompto! That is no way to behave when you haven’t even met her.”

“No, believe me, mum. Noct told me stories about her, and she’s a really terrible person. Alban shouldn’t marry her. Bad things will happen,” he urged. “Please believe me.”

She sighed but maintained a knowing look. “I will wait to meet her before I pass judgement. You will have a chance as well, as you’ve been invited to come along.” Soliamare smiled. “A fancy dress party, how lovely. I do miss going out and getting dressed up.”

He couldn’t believe what he was hearing. His mum was seriously excited about this evil lady coming to visit. “When is the dinner?”

“Tomorrow evening. I must make sure my dress still fits. It’s been so long since I’ve had occasion to wear it.”

Prompto watched his mum turn and happily go to her room to check her closet. Astrals, this was bad. He had to talk to Noct.

“Specs we have a problem!” Noct hissed as he shoved Ignis into a comfy armchair. “Remember that horrible woman, Saeva Pravus?”

Ignis visibly grimaced at the mention of her name. “If she is harassing you in some manner, I shall put a stop to it immediately.”

“No, its worse!” He huffed plopping down on the couch opposite his advisor. “I spoke with Prompto an hour ago and snaky is trying to marry his stepbrother!”

“Firstly, Noctis I would advise you to refrain from getting in the habit of using nicknames like that. You may accidentally let it slip in public. Secondly, which brother?”

“You have to ask? Alban of course, she wants to be queen.”

“Tell me everything you know,” Ignis requested with a look of determination.

Noct spent the next ten minutes outlining what Prompto had told him. The prince could see Ignis working through all the details as he went along. Finally, when he’d finished, he waited to hear what his advisor had to say.

“I dare say that is bad news indeed. You mentioned the dinner was planned for tomorrow evening, correct?”

“Yeah, what are we going to do?”

“Hmmfff, I don’t know that we can do anything at this point, Noct, aside from gather information.” Ignis stood abruptly and pulled out his phone. “I must go and think on this further. Call me immediately if you hear any additional information.”

“Hey! What should I tell Prompto? He’s not sure what to do.”

“Tell him to be very careful, and under no circumstances should he be alone with her. Do you understand?”

Noct nodded and watched his advisor turn to leave the suite. He thought back to one of the first times he’d met Lady Pravus. She’d cornered him several years ago at a party. He shuddered to think what would have happened if Ignis hadn’t saved him. He didn’t know about her methods for entrapping people then. He’d been too young.

Apparently, she would make a rather forceful advance in private. Then, depending on what she wanted, she would threaten to accuse her target of sexual misconduct. Heaven help you if you tried to shove her away - that would turn into one hell of a scandal.

He grabbed his phone to call Prompto. The prince wanted to warn him about her tactics. He didn’t care what happened to King Alban so much, but Prompto didn’t deserve that.

Prompto fidgeted with his cuff as his mother and he walked over to the party. The main government building didn’t have fancy dining facilities, so most events took place at the great hall inside King Alban’s residence. He was beyond nervous, especially after what Noct had told him regarding Lady Saeva. His plan was to stay glued to his mother’s side for the whole event. That way he would be safe.

He wasn’t even sure why he’d been invited; no one really cared if he was there or not. Then Prompto realized the truth: if he wasn’t there to escort his mother, then one of his icky step-brothers would have to do it. The real reason behind his presence made his chest ache; his mother didn’t deserve such disrespect.

He’d already tried to persuade his mother to bail, but she was adamant about attending. Prompto knew if he outright refused that she would go alone. He couldn’t do that to his mother.

The party was in full swing when they arrived, and Prompto could tell some of his step-brothers had started drinking early. Great, this was going to be interesting. Thank the astrals he didn’t have to sit anywhere near them during dinner. He was even spared having to look at Lady Saeva. She was seated on the same side as Prompto but at the opposite end of the long table. This didn’t stop his mother from craning her neck to catch a glimpse of the woman that seemed to have stolen Alban’s heart.

Alban stood up at one point to make a boring toast. He was a terrible speech writer, and Prompto didn’t understand why he never asked for help. Could someone be so proud that they’d rather look stupid? It was so strange.

Feeling a light pinch to his arm, the blond looked over to his mother. She had that look - the one that was silently chastising him for ignoring the king. Attempting to smile, he focused on looking cheerful. Alban stopped rambling shortly after, and Prompto bumped his mother’s arm. “The dinners over. Can we go now?” he whispered.

“No!” she exclaimed. “I wish to meet Lady Saeva.”

Groaning, Prompto frowned. “Why, I’ve already told you about her.”

“We’ve been over this already, dear.” Soliamare sighed. “Don’t test me.”

“Fine,” he huffed. Prompto reluctantly got up and followed his mother as she sought out the future queen. He had to give his mum credit; she did know how to part a crowd. Trailing in her wake, they were eventually standing in front of Lady Saeva. She was stunning in person, but Prompto was still scared to even talk to her.

She turned and smiled demurely to his mother. A useless conversation about dinner followed. Prompto watched in near disbelief as Lady Saeva laid on the charm so thick it was almost suffocating. His mother fell for it hook, line, and sinker. He assumed she would ignore him as everyone else did. However, she finally turned her attention to him.

The blond could have sworn he saw Lady Saeva’s lip curl ever so slightly. It was at this terrible moment that he realized Noct forgot to mention one very important fact: Lady Saeva was an alpha.

Shit.

He could see her nostrils flaring minutely; she was working to identify his dynamic. Figures Alban wouldn’t have given her any information before the party. Instead of approaching him to shake his hand, she kept her distance. It was as if she’d been expecting something else entirely. Lady Saeva was uneasy about something, and Prompto couldn’t figure it out.

Turning towards his mother, Lady Saeva spoke finally. “Oh my, I do need to say goodbye to my friends before they leave,” she announced. “Do forgive me. I’ll find you later and we can finish our talk.” The whole interaction reeked of insincerity.

Trying to calm his nerves was hard as Prompto waited for her to get out of earshot. “Mum, can we go please?” he pleaded in a hushed tone.

“What? No, I must stay. She wants to talk with me again,” she breathed excitedly. “Won’t it be nice to have another female around? I am terribly outnumbered these days.”

Prompto bit his lip. He really wanted to grab his mother by her shoulders and tell her that Lady Saeva was lying. She had found an excuse to leave and took it. There was no intent to come back.

“I must go freshen up while she’s busy. I’ll be right back,” Soliamare announced.

There was no time to even protest as his mother took off for the powder room. Suddenly, Prompto felt very anxious. He didn’t want to be here in the first place, and now he was alone. The idea came to him to hide in the ballroom across the hall. It wasn’t in use for the party, so he could rest in peace.

Scurrying to the corner of the room, he quietly slipped out the door and into the empty space. Finally, he could breathe. It was dark, but he could still see well enough with the moonlight filtering in through the large windows.

The sound of a door creaking open caused Prompto to turn in a panic. There in the soft light was Lady Saeva.

“I thought I saw you slip in here,” she crooned. “Come here so I can get a better look at you, omega ,” she ordered.

Prompto remained frozen in place. He didn’t want to go near her, and no manner of influenced alpha speech was going to make him.

“Oh, you’re going to fight me. I suppose then I’ll have to come to you.”

Finding that his throat had gone dry, Prompto watched her slowly saunter over. The future queen didn’t stop until she was a few inches from his face.

“I can’t have you disobeying me, omega. That simply won’t do. When I order you to do something, I expect you to act. Is that understood?”

Surprisingly, Prompto’s brain managed a nonverbal response despite his frozen vocal cords. A small shake of his head shook his blond locks.

“Oh, a rebel. How cute,” she breathed. “It doesn’t matter. I will break you, omega, and I will enjoy every second. Perhaps I’ll start right now,” she mused.

Prompto heard the rustle of fabric, and then something pointy was being held to his stomach. He was too scared to look down, but he was pretty sure it was a knife.

“Now hold still while I see what you taste like,” she hissed as she leaned forward to sniff his neck.

A small strangled noise left his mouth, but he didn’t dare push her away. She could easily stab him in his gut and claim he’d been the one to make an advance. Then a door slammed, and Lady Saeva backed away immediately, hiding her knife once more.

She turned to face whoever had come in. “Who’s there?” she demanded.

Prompto didn’t wait to find out and bolted. He couldn’t hear anything aside from his beating heart as he rushed out of the room. If Lady Saeva called after him, he didn’t hear it. He needed to go, but he had to find his mother first.

Soliamare was waiting just outside the main dining room, looking for Lady Saeva no doubt. “Oh, there you are,” she said cheerfully as he approached. However, when Prompto was closer, she furrowed her brow in concern. “Dear heart, what has happened to you? You’re shaking and have gone pale as a ghost.”

“I –I don’t feel good, mum, can we please go home? I might throw up,” he added, hoping it would make her act. Luckily, it did, and within minutes he was tightly gripping his mother’s arm and walking back home. He had so much to tell Noct, but what could his friend do to help? He was a kingdom away and had his own duties to handle.

Maybe he could lock himself in his room until this was all over, though he suspected his mother wouldn’t allow it. His mother ended up making him tea and sitting with him on the couch. He felt safe right then, but he was terribly concerned it wouldn’t last. He hadn’t breathed a word of what had happened, but he worried his mum wouldn’t believe him anyway. Instead, he tried to calm down and eventually drifted off clinging to her.

“He’s an omega! Why wasn’t I informed?” Saeva hissed as she paced Alban’s sitting room. “I refuse to marry you with him in residence.”

“Why? He’s harmless,” Alban defended. “What are you afraid of?”

“That blond haired brat could bear a child and threaten your claim to the throne! I won’t allow that to happen.”

“What, Prompto have kids? Nah, he’s not even got a mate.”

Saeva looked offended. “Astrals, that’s worse. He could produce bastard children left and right. Do you want an omegan whore associated with your family name? I would think not. You must deal with this.”

“How exactly should I ‘deal’ with it?” he huffed. “If I sent him away would that make you happy?”

“He’d still be out there, and he could come back anytime to threaten your title.”

“He’s thirteenth in line, Saeva. Even if he had kids, they wouldn’t ever be near the throne!”

“That’s not true! If none of your other idiotic brothers wed and we don’t conceive, then one of his offspring could inherit. That is unacceptable. I will not let your royal name be sullied by his likes.”

“I still don’t know what you want me to do about it.” Alban frowned. “What’s left? Death? Don’t you think that’s a bit harsh?”

Saeva narrowed her eyes at Alban. “I won’t marry you unless he’s gone . . . unless you’re too much of a coward to deal with that sort of thing,” she replied innocently.

“I’m no coward,” Alban shouted. “I’ll figure something out.”

“Good. Now, I’ve got a splitting headache, and I wish to retire early. Lunch tomorrow, love?” She smiled sweetly.

Alban grinned and bowed as she left. Now to figure out what to do about Prompto.

“Are you certain he didn’t see you?” Ignis asked for a second time.

“Yes, positive. No one saw me; I’m trained to not be seen,” Nyx replied as he leaned forward in his chair.

Ignis sat at his desk in deep thought. Nyx’s report had been very disturbing; Lady Saeva had made an open threat against Prompto. He had to work fast. Things were in motion that he had little control over. “She said that she’d break him?”

“Yeah, it was grade A creepy shit, Ignis. I had to work hard not to warp over and stick her with my dagger.”

“I would have found a way to make it work,” Ignis pondered quietly.

“I wasn’t sure what was going to happen after I slammed the door, but blondie took the cue and ran away like greased lightning. I made sure to follow him and the queen back home. They made it safely.”

“Nyx, I am eternally grateful for your help in this matter, and I fear what Lady Saeva’s next step might be. We may need to act in a slightly unorthodox method to combat her,” Ignis admitted.

“I’m all for unorthodox; sign me up.” Nyx grinned.

>Next Chapter 6

#ffxv #fanfic #prompto #ignis #promnis

4 notes · View notes

amarabliss · 4 years

Text

Oaths and Hearts - 7 (Ignis Scientia/Reader)

So this is a crossover between FFXV and Dragon Age Inquisition.

You fell through a rift into the fade fighting the demons you swore to protect your world from. When you popped out you were no longer in the lands of Ferelden instead trapped in Insomnia. The gracious king allowed you to say recognizing power when he saw it. One thing led to another and now you were part of the procession of the prince to his wedding years later. Before the final battle, after years of fighting, losses, and love…your friend…your king…Noctis has asked you to change it all…

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 5 Part 6

Ignis stood on one of the many bridges looking over the construction of a local building. Watching the workers carefully place each stone in its proper place with precise calculations gave him an anchor from his racing thoughts. It gave him a little peace to try and sort it out.

“Still mad.” And it all came crashing down. He knew Gladio meant well, but it didn’t do anything at the moment to keep him calm.

“I would prefer to be alone.” Ignis spoke quickly.

“That’s a yes.” Gladio sat down next to him, “And too bad…”

“What would you have me to do? Run back to her and say everything is fine? Tell her that all is forgiven?” Ignis snapped at him.

“But everything is fine, Iggy.” Gladio looked to him, “Casualties were low, rebuilding is already well on its way, Noctis was reunited with Luna, and they’re going to be married next week.”

“You know it’s not that simple.” Ignis glared at him turning away as Gladio tried to protest, “No, she lied to me! She…changed everything…”

“Dammit Iggy!” Gladio stood up stepping toward him, “If you would just give her a chance to explain…”

Ignis looked at his friend seeing him holding back, “What is it?”

Gladio swallowed looking down to his hands as he spoke softly, “You would see how much she is hurting…how much she gave up to keep us in the light…she didn’t just do this for Noct…”

Ignis sighed looking back to workers as he went on, “And the way you stormed out on her…it wasn’t right, Ignis, and you know it.”

Gladio wasn’t wrong…He had just been so angry. It had taken you several days to recover enough to wake up. When you did, he didn’t really give you a chance to explain…

“Ignis please…just let me…” You could see his anger in his eyes.

“Explain?!” His voice raised, “You needn’t. Lady Lunafreya has done so for you. A woman out of time…Oracle’s have a sense for that being so close to the divine…how could you lie to us…”

“Ignis…” You tried to stand wincing unable to do so, “Please…”

“You lied to me!” He looked at your face reddening from tears coming to your eyes, “How…how could you come back and change everything without telling me…”

He gave you no chance to answer storming out. That had been days ago and ever since he’d only heard about you from the others. They all said the same thing…you were healing, but low in spirits.

To be honest he wasn’t sure if he was mad that you didn’t let him help you succeed…or if he was mad that you left him alone in the future. He thought your relationship with him was different…stronger…

He stood outside your door for a long while before he knocked. He heard footsteps and was surprised to see Noctis open the door, “Your majesty…I…um forgive me. I’ll return later.”

“Wait…” Noct grabbed his friends shoulder stopping him, “Just…wait here…”

Ignis watched him disappear back into the room. He could hear talking before Noct came back looking at him, “You can come in…”

“I…thank you.” Ignis bowed his head a little as he began to step in.

Noct put his hand against his friend’s chest, “This is coming as a friend…not your king…be nice or you’ll have me to deal with.”

Ignis felt his eyes widen as he was let go. He nodded slowly stepping inside quietly seeing Luna helping you back to the bed. Your leg had been very badly injured during your fight with Ardyn. He shuddered a little thinking back to those moments before finding you.

“She’s falling too fast…” Gladio stepped next to Ignis.

“Noct no!” Luna shouted as everyone looked back seeing the young King take off.

“Dammit!” Ignis shouted as everything seemed to be falling well out of control. He looked back watching Noct land on some debris before shooting off again toward your direction.

“A boat…” Gladio slapped Ignis in the arm pointing a ways off from the alter, “Prompto stay with Lady Lunafreya…”

“But…”

“No buts…Noct’ll kill us if anything happens to her.” Gladio glared at Ravus.

“I have no intention of kidnapping my sister.” Ravus matched his stare.

“We’re wasting time.” Ignis dove into the water and began swimming to the boat. He stopped halfway to see Noct grab you warping only halfway back to his destination before plummeting toward the water succumbing to stasis.

“Iggy come on!” Gladio encouraged him to go forward.

The Astrals were on their side making the boat start on the first try. Gladio drove while Ignis kept his eyes peeled for where you landed, “Stop! Here!”

Gladio cut the engine following Ignis over the side.

The water was cold and dark. Ignis saw Noct first drifting down. His heart ached as he swam for him. Duty before love. He had promised Gladio that. He had sworn it to Noctis.

He swam up with Noct under his arm. His lungs began to burn just as he breached the surface. Looping Noct onto the side of the boat they both coughed.

“Iggy…” Noct looked at him exhausted, “I tried…”

“I know…get in the boat.” Ignis pushed him up until he collapsed inside the safety of the boat, “Remain here, deep breaths…We’ll return shortly…”

Noct held up a thumb as Ignis pushed off the boat diving back into the water. He couldn’t see you. His heart raced as her surfaced looking around frantically for any sign.

“Iggy!” He spun in the water seeing you in Gladio’s arm, “I didn’t see Noct!”

“He’s on the boat…is she alright?” Ignis asked treading water. Gladio didn’t answer him, “Gladio…”

“Help me get her into the boat.” Gladio snapped as he dragged your unconscious form through the water. As Ignis began to ask more questions, “Iggy, get in the boat! We can’t help her here!”

Ignis felt every muscle in his body snap to attention. Of course, Gladio was right. He was no help in the water. With a bit of struggle, he climbed into the boat turning on his heels quickly to assist Gladio.

Noct looked at him as he began to sit up, “Where…”

“Remain still.” Ignis told him feeling his hands tremble and go cold as he reached over for your pale form. It was only then he began to see the blood in the water. The situation was bad, and he wasn’t sure if he could do anything to help save you.

He laid you down looking you over as Gladio pulled himself into the boat. The large man wasted no time going for the controls to start the engine, “Shiva…”

“Noct…” Gladio looked at his King who weas staring over at the gaping wound on your leg.

“I’m fine …” Noct looked at Ignis who remained frozen staring at your face, “Iggy…is…is she breathing?”

The question brought Ignis into focus. He ripped off his belt using it as a tourniquet on your leg. He then leaned down near your face…no breath was felt. He cursed sitting up putting his hands on your chest as he began to do compressions, “Come on…this can’t be how our story ends…”

Gladio took control of the boat bringing them back to the others. He kept glancing backwards as Ignis continued to work on you. He feared his friend would go mad soon if there wasn’t results, “Prompto come in!”

“Do you have them?” the young man’s voice filled everyone’s earpiece.

“Yeah…you still got that potion?” Gladio asked quickly as he began to hear Ignis beg for you to wake.

“Yeah, yeah! We’ll have it ready. Do you have them both?”

“Yes…Noct is fine…we need to get help for Y/N…Radio the secretary…” Gladio ordered him.

“Secretary says to bring her to the triage in the north sector…” Prompto reported back before he chirped back in, “Luna says she can help. Bring her back to the alter.”

That potion saved your leg, but it was Luna who was able to bring you back to him with her gifts of the Oracle. He was eternally grateful for Lady Lunafreya and everything she had done to make you well.

She finished helping you adjust your pillow, “Is there anything else I can get you?”

“No, Lady Luna, you’ve done more than enough. Thank you.” You smiled at her giving her hand a squeeze.

“Alright, I’ll stop by later to check on you.” Luna smiled before turning to leave. She paused looking at Ignis, “I trust you to be a gentleman. She may be healing physically…but in other ways it’s not so easy…”

“I…promise…I am here in an attempt to smooth things out.” He bowed slightly shutting his eyes.

They opened when he felt her hand on his shoulder. Glancing up he saw Luna smile at him, “Remember that not everything can be solved by logic, sometimes it’s best to do what the heart wants.”

He felt his cheeks flush as she walked out leaving him alone with you. He waited for the sound of the door to click shut to shift his gaze over to you. Your hair was tied off to one side in a loose braid. You kept your gaze down trying to avoid him, “You…look better…”

“I am.” You nodded a little finally looking up to him, “Luna, she has been using her talents. I owe her a great deal.”

“No doubt she’s already told you that you owe her nothing.” He took a few steps forward stopping at the end of the bed.

“Saving Noct was enough…is what I keep hearing…” You looked back down to the blanket picking at something on the design.

He stood there in the awkward silence watching you. This was a lot more painful then he anticipated. He wanted to hold you, and help you, but did he really know you? Your body was the same…but your mind had been changed.

He took a deep breath before speaking slowly, “Y/N…I…I need to apologize. I was angry…I shouldn’t have left the way I did. I should have been more levelheaded.”

“You don’t have to apologize…I knew…I know… that you’d be upset.” You swallowed glancing at him, “I know you position on lying.”

Another awkward silence. He ran a hand through his hair before grabbing the nearby chair bringing it closer to the side of the bed. Taking off his jacket he sat down breathing in slowly before speaking, “I want to understand.”

Your eyes began to fill with tears as you looked at him. It didn’t make any of this easier, “I don’t even know where to begin…parts of it are fading away.”

“Fading away?” He tilted his head slightly.

“I changed things…we didn’t know what would happen afterwards once I did…everything has become unknown and what was no longer exists. I’m a part of this…uh…timeline? Existence? I don’t quite understand it…but I seem to be losing everything I had from that time. I know why I did what I did, that is clear…but small things…details I once knew are gone…fading away.”

He sat back taking in a deep breath, “How very convenient…”

“You…you do believe me though?” You asked him quietly pleading for understanding, “Ignis…”

“I do.” He looked away from you feeling frustrated, “But I want to know everything. I need to hear it to understand.”

“Of course, I said I would. I promised you that.” You gave him small hopeful smile.

“You said it was Noctis who came up with this idea…your Noct, not present Noct?” You nodded slowly as he crossed his arms leaning back in the chair, “You had to have doubts…”

“I did. I thought he was crazy, but he was insistent. He was a king desperately trying to solve a problem for his people.” You swallowed wiping away some stray tears, “He wasn’t ordering me to do it, but he made a very good argument. He was smart enough to use my children against me.”

“Children?” His eyes widen when you looked at him, “Who…”

“You…” You cut him off taking a deep breath looking back to the blanket again, “You’re the father.”

“You abandoned…” His voice raised as he felt the back of his neck get hot.

“Don’t.” Your face hardened as you cut him off, “You don’t get to judge me for my actions. Not after what you did.”

He didn’t realize he was rising from his seat as his voice raised further in pitch, “What I did? You-”

“Yes! What you did!” You stared at him tears spilling down your cheeks, “What I stopped you from doing! You damn fool…you didn’t even think once when you put on that ring! You just did it, knowing if you didn’t Noct would be dead. Just because a Glaive can do it doesn’t mean you’d be exempt from the consequences. You could have died that day!”

Ignis lowered himself slowly as you looked away in the wake of the emotionally tirade. A few beats passed before he spoke again, “What was the price?

“…your sight…but it could have been your life…” Instinctively he adjusted his glasses as you went on tears falling to the blanket your crushed with your fist, “You never saw…god…you never got to see our daughter. Her first steps…or the way her face would light up with pure joy when you walked into a room. You were her everything…”

“What…” A large weight began to fill his chest after you fell quiet again, “What was her name?”

“…her name…” You blinked several times. Your hand went to your chest slowly as you shut your eyes. You looked in pain struggling to find the answer, “her name…”

He frowned as your hand moved to your mouth a sob escaped you for a moment. His heart broke seeing you in such a state and it was enough to get him to move to the bed taking your hand in his.

Finally, you looked at him battling to get it out, “Ellie…her name was Ellie.”

“Ellie…short for Eleanor I suspect…” He shut his eyes a feeling of overwhelming grief hit him.

“Your mother’s name…” You whispered squeezing his hand as he looked into your eyes finally, “Ignis…I don’t want to lose her…I can’t…I can’t lose another child.”

He pulled you close as you started to cry. His nose tickled as a wave of emotions hit him. How was it possible that a child he never knew…and never would know affected him in such a painful and real way?

When you finally were able to calm down, he swallowed down the knot that had formed in his throat. He sat back looking at you before he reached over into his coat pulling out the notebook he kept for his recipes. He carefully opened to a new page before he pressed the pen to the paper writing out, ‘Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Scientia.’

He looked to back to you finally giving you a soft smile, “Tell me about her, so when you forget you’ll still know why came back. How old was she before you left?”

You stared at him for a long time realizing the significance of the gesture. He knew you would, you were always bright that way. He was starting over with you by going back to what had begun their relationship. Questions and answers. No room for error…just conversation.

“Seven…Ellie was seven.”

42 notes · View notes

chilledfoodtin · 5 years

Photo

I just uploaded a new mod to Steam:

Royal Wedding Attire: A custom made tailcoat suit worn by Ignis Scientia at the wedding of King Noctis Lucis Caelum CXIV and Lady Lunafreya Nox Fleuret. (To activate coat physics, have Ignis wear the Kingsglaive attire first).

You can download here:

Acknowledgements: This outfit is part of the #ThanksIgnis collaboration of Ignis fans on Twitter organized by @landscape_gonna to celebrate the release of the last piece of FFXV content, the “Dawn of the Future" novel. This is also a thank you to the developers and entire FFXV community.

I was honored to be a part of this Ignis loving team! The look of the outfit was inspired by lovely designs from @Hinoe and @neconi_FFXV. Thank you for the inspiration! I also want to thank @Nightyswolf in particular--I would not have been able to complete this without your help! You can find more photos of this mod, cosplay, art, food and more under the hashtag #ThanksIgnis and at this site.

#ignis scientia #ffxv #ffxv mods #thanksignis #dawn of the future

319 notes · View notes

rcehb · 5 years

Text

May I Have This Dance? *PART TWO* - Ignis Scientia x Reader

[A/n: PART TWO IS HERE! Buckle your seats, people. It’s going to be a slow burn-fluff roller coaster! I did my best to listen to everyone’s speech pattern in the game so as not to make it OOC but if it is, then i apologize ; - ;

Also, if you can get your hands on Spotify or Youtube and play a piano piece, please listen to “Waltzes Op. 69: No. 2 in B Minor” (by Chopin, Agustin Anievas). I think it’ll suit well with the dance scene.

Tags: @miss-scientia

[ Part One ]

Background: Reader is invited to the King’s formal party for the first time and meets some interesting people, along with the Prince himself and his captivating Royal Adviser.

Warning: Fluff, fluff, fluuuuff, slow, slow sloooww burn, slow build up, Gladio is awkward at formal events, Reader gets to dance with Noctis too]

———————————————————————————

“Do you know who else is coming?” said (Y/n) with a black hairpin pinched between her lips. She brushed Iris’s bangs gently with her fingertips and swept them aside.

“Hmm, I know Gladdy will be there,” said Iris, pulling up her knees to her chest. “Do you think...”

‘Oh, here she goes again,’ (Y/n) thought. “What?” she said.

“Ah, nevermind.”

(Y/n) clipped the little, white stars at the back of Iris’s head. “If you’re thinking about the Prince, it won’t happen unless you ask him to dance with you.”

“But, (Y/n), I’m a girl! It’s...It’s not proper for a girl to do that,” Iris said. “People will talk.”

“People talk too much all the time.”

“Which is why I can’t--”

“-- which is why you should,” (Y/n) said. “Are you really going to let them think we’re too delicate and dainty? If they expect the men to make a move all the time, there might not be men in the future at all.”

“I guess you’re right,” Iris said. “How about you?”

“What about me?”

“Are you going to dance with anyone?”

The question hung itself in silence for a while and as soon as (Y/n) was done pinning the stars on Iris’s hair, she said, “I don’t really know. I don’t want to plan ahead. I kinda just want to have fun.”

Iris chuckled. “Well then, I’ll make it my personal mission to find you a dance partner.”

“Alright,” (Y/n) said. “But I can’t promise you I won’t step on his toes.”

“Oh, don’t worry. I already have someone in mind,” Iris said. She turned to (Y/n) after she was done and plucked the white rose from the table. “And,” she said. “He’s a good dancer.”

(Y/n) laughed a bit at the thought, finding it difficult to imagine herself dancing with anyone but she humored her nonetheless and tucked the white rose in her hair.

Arriving just in time to the party, Ignis double checked the cuffs of his new, suit -- always well-dressed with poised manners and perfect posture. If anyone were to see him now, they might even catch the tiny smile playing on his lips. He was confident in his formal wear but when he entered the room, he was a bit surprised to find the room more elegant than the last time he had left it.

The high ceilings shined with the chandeliers’ light, the tables draped in stark white tablecloths, and the balcony doors were all open where he could see the string of fairy lights hanging from above. He had a good feeling about tonight.

“Iggy! Over here!” Prompto waved, camera already at hand. He, too, was also dressed in a suit and admittedly, Ignis had never seen him in one before.

“Prompto,” Ignis smiled. “You look dashing.”

“Aw, thanks,” Prompto said. “Gladio wanted me to tell you he’ll be running a bit late. Will the guards still let him in?”

“I’ll let them know. Is there anyone else with him?”

“I’m not sure,” Prompto said. “But I don’t see Iris anywhere so maybe she’s with him.”

“Alright. I’ll let them know right away,” Ignis turned to leave but Prompto clasped his shoulder before he could walk away.

“Wait!” he said. “ Could you hold my camera for a while? I need to go to the bathroom.”

“Prompto...”

“I’ll just be quick! You can look at the pictures if you want!”

Ignis sighed. He had other things to do. He still needed to check the program and let security know about Gladio’s delayed arrival but now that he was temporarily occupied with Prompto’s camera, he relented and leaned against the wall to look at the photographs.

‘Noctis sleeping on the table, Noctis eating chips, Noctis drinking soda, Noctis playing games, Iris and Gladio waving, Gladio flexing his biceps, Iris smiling...’ There wasn’t anything new or interesting in the pictures except for the woman beside Iris. She seemed to have a more mature air than Iris and if he guessed it right, she looked just about his age.

“Oh, that’s (Y/n),” Prompto said, apparently back already from the bathroom. “She came here early, actually.”

“A friend of Iris?” Ignis said.

“Yeah... She’s probably waiting for her in the balcony.”

Ignis looked up and had indeed seen a figure leaning against the white baluster. How he managed to see the fairy lights and not notice the woman; he did not know. Perhaps it was because of the dark.

She was wearing a long black dress with sheer net sleeves but that’s all he could see from the distance. She blended in too well and too convenient if it weren’t for the white rose in her hair.

“I’ll...inform the guards about Gladio. I’ll talk to you later,” Ignis said.

“Oookay.”

Prompto watched his friend walk away from where they were standing but as soon as he turned his attention to a pair of guests, Ignis approached the open balcony where (Y/n) stood under the fairy lights.

Iris:

Hey, (Y/n)! Sorry, Gladio and I might make it late tonight. There’s a bit of traffic ahead. I hope you got to the party on time. Please text me when you’re there already.

(Y/n) rested her cheek on her knuckles and watched every car that pulled over below, anticipating Iris to arrive but found unfamiliar faces and figures laughing and smiling at each other.

“I thought I’d find you here,” a voice said to which (Y/n) gasped and clutched her chest tightly. He was standing near the doors -- bespectacled and very tall -- and said, “My apologies, I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“Oh, it’s fine,” (Y/n) said. “Just waiting for a friend of mine.”

“You’re a friend of Iris, correct?”

“Yes...” (Y/n) trailed, casting a suspicious gaze at the strange man who only shook his head with a chuckle. He looked like a scholar to her or a lawyer but she tried not to rely on appearances but for a brief moment, she wondered how she looked like to him. ‘A loner, most likely.’

“I’m a friend of the Amicitia’s,” he explained.

‘Maybe that’ll do. For now,’ she thought. She eased her shoulders and turned around to admire the sky once more. She seemed to have missed the sunset already but she didn’t mind standing by while the guests filled the room.

She didn’t know anybody in the party and if it weren’t for her parents being friends with the King, she wouldn’t have cared to attend. A warm presence lingered beside her and found the stranger leaning against the baluster with her. She had almost forgotten he was there.

Upon further observation, she noticed the stray freckles on his face and his eyes -- as green as basil leaves -- looking ahead at Insomnia’s glittering metropolis.

“It looks rather delightful at night, don’t you think?” he said.

“I couldn’t agree more,” she said. “Such a shame I had to share it with a stranger.”

“Forgive me then. May I introduce myself?” he said and he might have mentioned a name but (Y/n) wasn’t paying attention, only thinking of Iris’s absent company. She wasn’t looking forward to spending the night alone.

He held out his hand and she reached for his grasp, expecting for him to shake it but instead, he kissed her knuckles.

“Now I’m no longer a stranger to you, am I?”

(Y/n) blushed, enthralled by his charm. ‘Maybe this wasn’t so bad.’

“As much as I’d like to make new friends,” (Y/n) cleared her throat. “I should really head back inside,” and the stranger -- the delicate, gentleman -- straightened up and smiled.

Now she wished she had listened to his name. It was the least she could’ve done. Maybe she wouldn’t feel so alone if she knew his name. She could call him from across the room if she needed to talk to someone while Iris wasn’t around.

‘I’m sure it’s a lovely name,’ she thought.

“Of course,” he said. “Would the lady want me to accompany her?”

“No,” she said, a little too quickly. “But thank you. I hope to see you again soon.”

“So do I,” he replied and with that, (Y/n) nodded her head goodbye before walking backwards, their gazes holding each other until she disappeared and left him alone in the balcony.

She really hoped to come across him again tonight.

---

The first dance was led by the Prince and the visiting Princess of Tenebrae. (Y/n) watched her elegant form swift through the floor like a graceful swan and in the Prince’s grasp, they looked like doves flying in a trance. Everyone in the audience watched with a sigh, all bedazzled by their movements and while (Y/n) was very much impressed and entertained, she found herself sifting the crowd through with careful eyes.

‘Now where is he?’ she thought. After her encounter with the stranger, nothing else occupied her mind -- not even Iris who she assumed was on her way -- but to see him again and be in his company. She supposed he’d be easy to find -- tall, ash blonde hair, green eyes, black gloves, framed glasses, black suit; he’d be difficult to miss.

Until all of the men in the room suddenly morphed into the charming stranger she chased and not one of them even had his politeness and genuineness. Twice she had patted someone’s shoulder, someone she thought was the man, but was met with a puzzled expression. “Sorry,” she muttered.

The audience’s loud applause rung in her ears, almost vibrating the floor.

“(Y/n)!”

She spun around to where she heard the voice and saw Iris waving enthusiastically with a gargantuan man by her side.

“You’ve made it!” (Y/n) said, embracing her.

“Yeah, the traffic was awful. The guards almost didn’t let us in but turns out someone already spoke to them. By the way, this is Gladio. My brother,” Iris said. “Gladio, this is (Y/n).”

“Nice to meet you,” he said and held her hand but before he could lean in to kiss her knuckles, she shook his large hand instead and turned to Iris.

“I’ve met someone,” (Y/n) whispered. “But I don’t know his name.”

“Oohh, you can tell me all the details!” Iris said and Gladio watched the two women converse excitedly, only catching the words “glasses” and “cute” as they started to walk away, already deep into their own worlds. Gladio decided to walk along them but with little distance to give them privacy when they suddenly stopped, almost tripping him in the process.

“Wha--? Iris!”

The two women untangled their arms from each other, standing dumbstruck. The Prince stood in front of them with his royal adviser by his side and the women bowed their heads.

“Good evening, Your Highness,” they both greeted and as soon as (Y/n) looked up to see the Prince, she found her favorite stranger standing by. She watched his demeanor shift from a calm, cool exterior to eyes slightly widening once he recognized her face.

“Gladio, Iris,” Noctis smiled. “It’s good to see you! And you are...?”

‘He looks even more handsome in this light. Those green eyes, those shoulders...His skin looks so smooth.’

“(Y/n),” Gladio coughed.

“Hm? Oh!” she said. “I’m (Y/n)...Your Highness.”

“Just Noct will do,” he said. Ignis could see how flustered she was, making him chuckle inwardly while the orchestra began to play a softer tune right on cue. ‘So that’s her name,’ he thought.

“Looks like it’s time for another dance,” Noctis sighed.

“Um...Noctis?” Iris said. The three of them looked at her.

“Would...would you like to dance with me?”

Gladio fumbled with his collar, shocked at this newfound courage sprouting from Iris while (Y/n) sighed like a proud mother.

“Uh, sure thing,” Noctis said and the two walked away but before Iris could get too far, she turned to smile at (Y/n).

“Well, that leaves the three of us then,” Gladio said.

“Indeed,” Ignis said. “But I believe this dance will require a partner,” he said, taking a step towards (Y/n). “(Y/n)?”

“Y-Yes?”

“May I have this dance?”

“You may,” she smiled as he held her hand for the second time tonight.

Once they’ve reached the middle of the ballroom, the audience remained pushed to the walls like pillars with watchful eyes and excited murmurs. Ignis stood by her side, palm flat against hers and the two began to walk in circles while she held the skirt of her dress. He spun her beneath his arm and caught her by the waist, pulling her close. Her breath sharpened and stopped in the air as she placed a hand on his shoulder.

“I’m sorry. I...didn’t catch your name earlier,” she said.

“Why is that?” he teased.

“I was distracted...”

“Hmm, are you distracted now?”

“No,” she said. “Not anymore.”

They swayed together gently as though they were carried by the river flow. Her feet didn’t touch the ground. Instead, she glided in his arms as they waltzed through the music, both blissfully unaware of anything outside of the space between their chests. As far as they knew, no one else was in the room except for them.

“You dance really well,” she said.

“I practice.”

“Do you always have a partner?”

“No one quite as well as you.”

“You flatter me.”

“A little flattery will do no harm,” he said. “Though I admit, my skills are not as perfect as I’d like them to be.”

“Then I’d gladly indulge you. Name the time and day and I’m all yours.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

“I’ll look forward to it.”

The two shifted partners with another couple as the dance continued; Ignis now with Iris and Noctis with (Y/n).

“I see you’ve already met Iggy,” he smirked.

“How’s your night so far, Your Highness? I hope Iris hasn’t stepped on your feet yet.”

“Nah, she’s alright,” he said. “So, you and Iggy...”

“What about it?”

“Nothing!” he said. “Just that I’ve never seen him...like that.”

“Like what?”

“Maybe you should see for yourself,” he said as he spun her across the floor when she felt someone else catch her hand and waist.

“Hello again,” (Y/n) chuckled.

“(Y/n),” he nodded. “My apologies. The Prince is not so good at formal conversations.”

“You heard?”

“Not much but one can only assume he tried to pry something out of you, correct?”

(Y/n) laughed. “He’s...quite the interesting character. Still not a better dancer than you.”

Ignis turned her around until her back pressed against his chest and his breath on her exposed neck. She found herself having difficulty breathing again as he guided her footsteps.

“I still don’t know your name,” (Y/n) said.

“Ignis. Ignis Scientia,” he whispered low to her ear.

Once the music was finished, they stood apart from each other but Ignis kept his hold on her hand. She seemed to have noticed this too. She feared that if she let go, she would lose him again in the sea of people and so, she kept her grip firm on his hand and started walking.

She wasn’t quite ready for this night to end yet and that suited him just fine.

---

[ A/n: Well?? WELL??!! What do you think?? * v * Send me an ask to let me know or if you want to be tagged! There will be a part three :> ]

#ignis scientia x reader #ignis scientia x reader fluff #fluff #chocobros making an appearance #final fantasy 15 #final fantasy xv #ffxv #final fantasy xv episode ignis #final fantasy ignis #ffxv imagines #chocobro imagines #ignis scientia imagines #ignis scientia x reader imagine #ignis x reader imagine #AU #alternate universe

64 notes · View notes

cyanoscarlet · 5 years

Text

Final Fantasy XV - Fateswap AU (but not really)

Gonna admit, I've been toying with my own take on the FFXV Fateswap AU - that is, the lightqueen!Luna and oracle!Noctis variant. Do humor me a bit.

Once upon a time, the god Deus created Eos, leaving it in the care of his six Messengers, the Astrals. He also gave Eos four crystals - Light, Shadow, Water and Fire. Lucis = light, Tenebrae = shadow, Accordo = water, Niflheim = fire. The nations are not strictly "in control" of only one element, per se, but anyways. Balance and all that shit.

Everything started when Niflheim invaded Accordo. They wanted the Water Crystal since they relied too much on the Fire Crystal to advance their nation, weakening and then breaking it. But yes, greed is a nasty bitch, so they come for Tenebrae next.

It is said that every thousand years, when Eos is nearing destruction, the Avatar of Deus is born as a human from one of the four nations. It follows a cycle (yes, ATLA.). Last time, it was Ardyn Lucis Caelum, but we all know how that turned out, so. (shrugs) Now, it's Luna.

Niflheim and Accordo are mostly the same. Lucis is a sort-of religious authority instead of Tenebrae. It has an elected Prime Minister to handle the government side of things, while the Grand Maester (basically the Oracle, but made gender neutral) is from the line of Lucian kings and queens. Tenebrae, on the other hand, is sort of like Lucis in the canon, but not really.

TENEBRAE -

House Fleuret - The former ruling monarchy of Tenebrae, they were deposed when Niflheim annexed them as a province of the Empire like they did Accordo. All their assets were seized, and only Fenestala Manor, slowly becoming decrepit, was left to them. - Despite this setback, House Fleuret still helped their people whenever they could, giving away most of the possessions and resources that they still had. Their "titles" aside, they are as good as mere commoners now. Both literally and, well, everything else in between.

Members:

Sylva Nox Fleuret - the former queen of Tenebrae, direct descendant. She lost her status and became "Lady Sylva" after the annexation. She uses what little magic she has left to heal people at the hospital. One day, she receives a vision from Grand Maester Regis of the things to come, so she sends Ravus and Luna away.

Caius Nox Fleuret (née Via Astra) - the deceased prince of Tenebrae, a noble who married into the family. He died protecting Sylva from the Niflheim attack. He is greatly mourned by his family and country.

Ravus Nox Fleuret - the former first prince of Tenebrae, and first child of Sylva and Caius. He was supposed to be the next King before shit hit the fan. He used to work as a hunter. He was about to enter the Niflheim military when Sylva sent them away. He joins Luna on her divine journey and fulfill her calling as Avatar of Deus. He is 29 when the story starts.

Lunafreya Nox Fleuret - the former first princess of Tenebrae, and second child of Sylva and Caius. She works as a local teacher. Sometimes, she helps her mother at the hospital. Her healing powers are stronger than her mother's, but once Sylva realized this, she forbade Luna to use them often, lest the Empire come after them. She just turned 25 when she found out she's the next Avatar of Deus, and is destined to save the world.

Other characters

Aranea Highwind - a retainer of House Fleuret. Formerly a mercenary from the Empire, she, Biggs and Wedge changed sides after the attack on Tenebrae. (Personal grief involved. Cough.) She joined Ravus as a hunter, and now accompanies Luna on her journey.

Biggs and Wedge - subordinates of Aranea. They were tasked to stay behind and guard Lady Sylva.

Nyx Ulric - one of the last surviving knights of the Kingsglaive, the Tenebraean royal army. Lady Sylva asks him to accompany Luna on her journey.

Gentiana - a mysterious woman who briefly met Luna and co. on their travels. She comes by to give advice once in a while.

LUCIS -

House Caelum - The line of religious leaders of Eos come from the Lucian royal line. Its highest member is the Grand Maester. (Equivalent of the Oracle. Gender-neutral, because Oracle has female connotations.)

Regis Lucis Caelum CXIII - His Eminience, the 113th Grand Maester. He has the power to commune with the Astrals and bear the will of the gods. He also has the duty to maintain the magic wall that protects Lucis. His strength is failing him, and he sends one last message to Queen Sylva before he dies.

Noctis Lucis Caelum CXIV - the (future) 114th Grand Maester. He is unwilling to accept his duties as Grand Maester, instead wanting to rebel against his destiny. He goes through a lot of suffering, starting with his father's death.

- N.B.: The Grand Maester is a composite of the Monarch of Lucis and the Oracle. Also, it is required of the future Grand Maester to seek the blessings of the Astrals prior to their ascension. Noctis, however, turns out to have a different job.

Other characters

Ignis Scientia - first son of House Scientia, the Hand of the Maester. He is a childhood friend of Noctis, and raised to serve and guide him. He accompanies Noctis on his pilgrimage and ascension as Grand Maester.

Gladiolus Amicitia - first son of House Amicitia, the Shield of the Maester. As much as he doesn't want to have anything to do with Noctis, he eventually becomes one of Noctis' true friends. He accompanies Noctis on his pilgrimage and ascension as Grand Maester.

Prompto Argentum - adopted son (ward) of Prime Minister Cor Leonis, he is also a friend of Noctis, whom he met in school. He's been having strange, dark dreams, which he doesn't want to tell anyone of. He accompanies Noctis on his pilgrimage and ascension as Grand Maester.

Cor Leonis - Prime Minister of Lucis, former head of the Crownsguard, the Lucian royal army. Adoptive father of Prompto, whom he found in less-than-ideal circumstances in a foreign land.

There’s prolly too much plot holes right now, eep.

Will I write this out? idk

#final fantasy xv #final fantasy 15 #ffxv #fateswap au #fateswap!au #queen!luna #oracle!noctis #throwing around ideas like it's the end of the world HAHAHA #cyanoscript

11 notes · View notes

arthurbatoonbandolinjr-blog · 5 years

Text

FRANCIS BACON

“Knowledge is power”

Full Name: Francis Bacon, 1st Viscount St Alban Nationality: English/ British Birth Date: January 22, 1561 Birth Place: York House, Strand, London, England Died on: April 9, 1626 Died at Age: 65 Place of Death: Highgate, Middlesex, England Education: Trinity College, University of Cambridge, University of Poitiers Professions: Philosopher, Statesperson, Spy, Scientist, Jurist, Novelist, Author, Orator

Family of Francis Bacon

Father: Sir Nicholas Bacon (Lord Keeper of the Great Seal) Mother: Anne (Cooke) Bacon (Daughter of the noted humanist Anthony Cooke) Siblings: Elizabeth (Bacon) Peryam John Bacon Nicholas Bacon 1st Bt MP Anne (Bacon) Woodhouse Nathaniel Bacon Edward Bacon Jane Bacon Anthony Bacon Spouse/Ex-: Alice Barnham (M. 1606–1625)

EARLY LIFE 1561 Francis Bacon was born in York House, Strand, London, England. He was the son of Francis Bacon, a lord keeper of the Great Seal and his second wife, Lady Anne Cooke Bacon who was the daughter of Sir Anthony Cooke, a humanist who was Edward VI's tutor, and was also the sister-in-law of Lord Burghley. 1573 April, enters Trinity College, Cambridge where he studies all the sciences then taught. 1576 Enters Gray's Inn with his brother Anthony. Travels with the Ambassador to Paris, Sir Amyas Paulet. 1579 Resides at Gray's Inn. Father's death leaves him penniless so he begin a career in law.

PARLIAMENTARY CAREER 1580 Applied for a post at court that might enable him to pursue a life of learning, but his application failed. 1582 For two years he worked quietly at Gray's Inn, until he was admitted as an outer barrister 1584 Takes a seat in parliament for Dorsetshire. 1588 Completed his law degree

FINAL YEARS OF THE QUEEN'S REIGN 1591 Confidential advisor to the earl of Essex. 1593 Takes a seat in parliament for Middlesex. 1597 Publishes his Essays along with Colours of Good and Evil and the Meditationes Sacrae. 1601 February 8, Essex leads a plot to kidnap the queen in order to force her to dismiss his enemies from her court. The leaders were arrested and Bacon was instrument al in securing for the queen a guilty verdict at Essex' trial

JAMES I COMES TO THE THRONE 1603 Queen Elizabeth dies, succeeded by James I in whose service Bacon flourishes. 1606 He married Alice Barnham 1607 Receives office of solicitor. 1608 Named treasurer of Gray's Inn. 1613 Bacon becomes attorney general. 1617 March 7, made lord keeper of the seal, the same office his father had held. 1618 January 7, made Lord Chancellor, and received the title of Baron Verulam. 1620 Publishes Novum Organum

LORD CHANCELLOR AND PUBLIC DISGRACE 1621 Bacon's public career ended in disgrace. Created Viscount St. Albans. Charged with bribery and found guilty upon his own admission. Fined forty thousand pounds, sentenced to the Tower of London, prohibited from holding office for the state, and prohibited from sitting on parliament. The sentence was reduced and no fine was paid and only four days were spent in the Tower but he never again held office or sat for parliament. 1622 Presents to Prince Charles the History of Henry VII. Publishes Historia Ventorum and Historia Vitae et Mortis. 1623 Publishes De Augmentis Scientiarum. 1624 Publishes Apothegms.

DEATH 1626 March, while driving near Highgate, decides to experiment with the effect of cold on the decay of meat, purchases a fowl and stuffs it with snow. Catches cold and develops bronchitis, dying on April 9.

WORKS AND LITERATURE

Scientific works

1. The Great Instauration Great formation of all process of knowledge for the advancement of learning divine and human. Bacon planned his Great Instauration in imitation of the Divine Work – the Work of the Six Days of Creation, as defined in the Bible, leading to the Seventh Day of Rest or Sabbath in which Adam's dominion over creation would be, thus dividing the great reformation in six parts: i. Partitions of the Sciences (De Augmentis Scientiarum) ii. New Method (Novum Organum) iii. Natural History (Historia Naturalis) iv. Ladder of the Intellect (Scala Intellectus) v. Anticipations of the 2nd Philosophy (Anticipations Philosophiæ Secunda) vi. The Second Philosophy or Active Science (Philosophia Secunda aut Scientia Activæ)

2. Novum Organum (New Method) The New Organon is the second part of Bacon's larger work, the Great Instauration, which aims to offer a new method of investigating nature, called the Interpretation of Nature. A better use of the mind and the understanding is needed to investigate nature.

3. Advancement of Learning (Partition of Sciences) In this work, which is divided into two books, Bacon starts giving philosophical, civic and religious arguments for the engaging in the aim of advancing learning. In the second book, Bacon analyses the state of the sciences of his day, stating what was being done incorrectly, what should be bettered, in which way they should be advanced.

4. Valerius Terminus: of the Interpretation of Nature In this work of 1603, an argument for the progress of knowledge, Bacon considers the moral, religious and philosophical implications and requirements for the advancement of learning and the development of science.

5. History of Life and Death A treatise on medicine, with observations natural and experimental for the prolonging of life.

Religious and literary works

1. The New Atlantis The New Atlantis Published in Latin (as Nova Atlantis) in 1624 and in English in 1627. In this work, Bacon portrayed a vision of the future of human discovery and knowledge, expressing his aspirations and ideals for humankind.

2. Essays Bacon's Essays were first published in 1597 as Essayes. Religious Meditations. Places of Perswasion and Disswasion. Seene and Allowed. There were only ten essays in this version, relatively aphoristic and brief in style. A much-enlarged second edition appeared in 1612, with 38 essays. Another, under the title Essayes or Counsels, Civill and Morall, was published in 1625 with 58 essays. Bacon considered the Essays "but as recreation of my other studies", and they draw on previous writers such as Michel de Montaigne and Aristotle.

3. The Wisdom of the Ancients A book written by Bacon in 1609, and published in Latin, in which he claims playfully to unveil the hidden meanings and teachings behind ancient Greek fables. The book opens with two dedications: one to the Earl of Salisbury, the other to the University of Cambridge. This is followed by a detailed Preface, in which Bacon explains how ancient wisdom is contained within the fables. He opens the Preface stating that fables are the poets' veiling of the "most ancient times that are buried in oblivion and silence".

4. Masculine Birth of Time Aposthumously published text, Bacon first writes about the relationship between science and religion. The text consists of an elderly teacher's lecturing his student on the dangers of classical philosophy. Through the voice of the teacher, Bacon demands a split between religion and science: "By mixing the divine with the natural, the profane with the sacred, heresies with mythology, you have corrupted, O you sacrilegious impostor, both human and religious truth."

5. Meditationes Sacrae A collection of religious meditations by Lord Bacon, published in 1597.

6. Theological Tracts Collection of Lord Bacon's prayers, published after his death.

7. An Advertisement Touching a Holy War (Bacon's Personal Views on War and Peace) This treatise, that is among those which were published after Bacon's death and were left unfinished, is written in the form of debate. In it, there are six characters, each representing a sector of society: Eusebius, Gamaliel, Zebedeus, Martius, Eupolis, and Pollio, representing respectively: a moderate divine, a Protestant zealot, a Roman Catholic zealot, a military man, a politician, and a courtier. In this work, the six characters debate on whether it is lawful or not for Christendom to engage in a "Holy War" against infidels, such as the Turks, for the purpose of an expansion of the Christian religion – many different arguments and viewpoints being expressed by the characters. The work is left unfinished, it doesn't come to a conclusive answer to the question in a debate.

8. Translation of Certain Psalms into English verse Published in 1625 and considered to be the last of his writings, Bacon translated 7 of the Psalms of David (numbers 1, 12, 90, 104, 126, 137, 149) to English in verse form, in which he shows his poetical skills.

LEGACY: CONTRIBUTIONS AND ACHIEVEMENTS 1. Francis Bacon is often called the father of modern science 2. Baconian method: inductive methodologies for scientific inquiry/ scientific method 3. He is the philosophical inspiration behind the progress of the Industrial age. 4. He authored several books and essays about law, religious, moral and civil meditations.

“Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.”

#Prof. Jeric Ferrer #Teaching Profession #Profed1

2 notes · View notes

cyhyr · 5 years

Text

Heir Apparent

For Day 4: Niflheim Prince AU @promnisweek

(A/N: Not Beta-read. I wrote this in one sitting. And there's not much promnis besides a few throw-away lines. I'll do better tomorrow.)

Prompto carefully lifted his drink to his lips, but didn’t ingest any of it. He hadn’t gotten the all-clear from Aranea, but she was still milling about trying to get a feel for the room. They had split up once they had been announced and entered the ball, trusting each other to fend for themselves for a few minutes. Beforehand, Aranea had reminded him not to eat or drink, but to stay inconspicuous for now.

Inconspicuous was difficult, though, when you were the Heir Apparent to the empire that controlled two of the three other countries and was at war with the third. He stayed against a wall of the Imperial ballroom while diplomats and high-born persons tried their best to not show their sneers.

No one wanted to be here. Hell, Prompto didn’t want to be here. Aranea was the only one in his cabinet that approved of his policy change—which is why she didn’t trust anyone else to test the food and drink being served at their own palace. And the representatives of the other countries also looked like they were politely pretending to eat and drink while they quietly spoke to each other.

“Kid,” Aranea joined him with a glass of wine in hand. “It’s all safe.”

Prompto let his shoulders sag. He didn’t know if that was relieving or not. If not by poisoning, how was the assassination attempt going to happen this time?

“You need to mingle. No one’s going to believe your announcement if you don’t show them that you’re different from Aldercapt.”

“No one’s going to believe me anyway,” Prompto muttered. “Not until all the troopers are pulled back to Niflheim.”

“Go.”

“This was a mistake.”

“Your Imperial Highness.”

Prompto and Aranea both turned to face the newcomer; a tall, pale-haired, bespectacled man in an immaculate black suit was bowed over in front of them, one hand over his chest. Prompto’s schooling was good enough that even though the man spoke with a Tenebraen accent, he recognized the formalities of Lucis. He stood back up straight and Prompto’s mouth was dry. The man was gorgeous.

“May I introduce His Royal Highness, Noctis Lucis Caelum, prince of Lucis,” the man said, stepping aside just enough for the named prince to step up in front of them. At his other side, a taller muscular man glared at Prompto for just a moment, then turned and faced the crowd behind his charge.

Aranea stuck out her hand first. “Aranea Highwind, Imperial Heir and advisor to our future emperor.”

Prince Noctis shook her hand, and then she offered it to the man at his side. He took it, introducing himself, “Ignis Scientia, Hand of the Prince.”

Okay, so he's out of bounds, Prompto thought as he also shook hands with both Ignis and Prince Noctis. “Please,” he said, “Just Prompto, or Prince Prompto if you must.”

Prince Noctis nodded. “I’m okay with first names.”

“Alright. How do you find the party?”

Noctis frowned. “Actually, everyone seems to be on their toes. Even you two. Something we weren’t informed of? I thought you had some big announcement.”

Prompto cleared his throat and ducked his head a bit. “Ah, actually, I’m—um.”

“Prompto’s coming down from his third assassination attempt this week,” Aranea cut in. This startled the Lucians before them, even the guard with his back turned stiffened. “We’re on high alert, but I assure you the food and drinks are safe. It’s likely, though, that someone else would be a target tonight and not us, if only to subvert the message Prompto wants to send.”

“And what would that be?” Ignis asked.

“Peace,” Prompto said. He managed to look both Noctis and Ignis in the eye and continued, “I don’t want to inherit a country at war, or with captured citizens that curse Niflheim at every chance. Tonight is my announcement of my first policy and my primary goal as Emperor.”

Aranea gently took his elbow and pulled him in to whisper, “Your father’s here, glaring daggers. On your ten.” Sure enough, Prompto took a glance over Ignis’s shoulder and saw the old man, Verstael Besithia, watching their interaction.

“So ‘peace,’ but for selfish reasons,” Noctis said and sighed. “I mean, what did I expect?”

Prompto looked back at Noctis and shook his head. “No, I didn’t mean it like that, I…” Verstael was moving through the crowd, weaving in and out. “What is he doing?” he muttered to Aranea.

She stiffened her hold on him and said, “I don’t know. I’m going to go find out. Stay here.”

“Prince Prompto?”

He caught Ignis’s eyes again, and turned back to an unpleasant frown on Noctis’s face. “I’m sorry, it’s just—”

“You’re distracted, whatever. How did you mean it, then?”

“I only want peace for Eos and I know that Niflheim is every country’s antagonistic force. I want to pull it all back, give back Tenebrae its autonomy, remove our influence from Accordo, and most importantly, stop our invasion of the Lucian Continent—Move!” Prompto pulled Noctis to the side, where Aranea had been standing before, and took the bullet intended for the Lucian Prince’s back. Red erupted from his white formalwear as the crowd began to panic.

Aranea landed on the shooter just after the gun went off, running a dagger into the back of her neck. She looked around for Besithia, but he was gone—either this wasn’t his plot, or he made it away in time that it couldn’t be pinned on him. She swore as the woman at her feet twitched with death, and then looked up to see Prompto bleeding, the Lucian retinue standing guard around both princes.

“Damn it all,” she muttered, then ran to his side.

Prompto fell forward onto his knees as blood began to dribble out his mouth. He blacked out before he hit the floor.

He woke later to soreness in his chest and quiet chatter in his room. The itch of his formalwear was gone, replaced by the sharp stinging smell of astringent and floor cleaner. Soft sheets bunched at his hips and short-sleeved scrubs covered his torso.

The palace’s hospital wing.

Home sweet home.

Across the room, Prince Noctis was on the phone while pacing back and forth. At his left, the muscled guard from before stood watch at the window, glaring at the Lucian prince any time he got too close. And, at his right, Ignis Scientia, the most gorgeous man in the world wow he was on the good drugs.

Ignis chuckled.

“I said that out loud, didn’t I?” Prompto asked. His voice was raspy and quiet, but it seemed that Ignis had keen hearing.

“You did. The highest compliment from the Heir Apparent, I presume?”

Prompto sniffed a laugh. “Was Prince Noctis injured?”

“Only the barest of bruises from your grip, Your Highness,” Ignis said, and then bowed his head. “My thanks.”

“Aranea?”

“Killed the shooter, a Lady Selenia Trapt?”

Prompto groaned. “Her daughter was Heir Apparent for five years before I was selected. She certainly had motive.”

“But Lady Aranea would be your successor, would she not?”

“She will, once I’m actually Emperor. I can’t name Heirs until then.”

Ignis hummed. “Niflheim laws of succession are quite the maze.”

Prince Noctis hung up the phone and stood at the foot of the bed. “Thank you, Prince Prompto. I don’t think even Gladio could have reacted in time. I’m glad you’re recovering.”

“Me too,” Prompto said. “But this is going to push back my schedule by weeks. I’ve been planning bids for peace, but I can’t really travel with a hole in my chest. I’d been hoping to visit Lucis to speak with the King in a month or so.” He groaned. “Bummer.”

“You’re really serious about it?”

“Prince Noctis, I took a bullet to the chest to stop a militant nightmare from descending on our countries. I’m, quite literally, deathly serious about discontinuing Niflheim’s policy of war.”

The room was silent for a few breaths as everyone processed. Then, the door opened and in strode Aranea with a folder under her arm and a glint in her eye.

“Move aside, Specky. I’ve got good news for His Imperial Highness.”

Ignis stood and stepped closer to Prompto’s head. His heart fluttered a bit and damn it hurt.

Good hurt, good hurt. The man was pretty.

She shoved the folder into his hands and it was tricky to open it with wires and sensors attached to his arms, but he got it. Then, she smiled. “The Lady Oracle heard about your stupidity and called us directly to ask about your policy. I’ve been on the phone with her and her brother for the last hour, drafting this. Your first treaty, kid! The Protectorate of Tenebrae will be returned its sovereignty the day after your coronation, all you gotta do is sign on the line.”

Prompto leafed through the drafted treaty, his smile growing with every line he skimmed. The medication was kicking in again, so he was getting sleepy, but this! This was what he was after! “Aranea, it’s… you’re the best!”

“I know.”

“I’ll need to read it all later.”

“I know.”

“I’m so excited.”

“I know, kid,” she laughed. “Go back to sleep. You’ve got shit to do and you’ve gotta heal up properly before it can happen.”

Before his eyes could shut, he held the treaty folder out to Prince Noctis. “Would you do me the honor of reading through this and making sure that Tenebrae gets its due?”

Noctis laughed. “Believe me, you don’t want me reading it. I never really got through my political science lessons. But Ignis can do it, if that’s okay, Specs?”

Prompto turned to the side and smiled up at the man, holding the folder up to him. Ignis nodded. “It would be my pleasure, Prince Prompto.”

Their fingers brushed when Ignis took the folder. Prompto’s heart fluttered again and he winced, but settled back into his pillow. “Thank you, Ignis. Feel free to make notes and such.” He yawned and shut his eyes. “Aranea,” he muttered, and felt her take his hand, “It’s starting.”

Peace on Eos.

#promnisweek2019 #my writing

17 notes · View notes

sshbpodcast · 2 years

Text

Which Starfleet uniforms “Make It Work” as they “Make It So”? (Part 1)

By Ames

For our Blogtivities for the next couple of weeks, A Star to Steer Her By will be watching the often questionable fashion show that is Star Trek uniforms, and two things become clear. One: the more you look at Starfleet uniforms, the more you think almost all of them could easily just be athletic wear for some kind of sport, probably with a paddle of some kind. And two: whoever decided that clothing of the future would eschew pockets in favor of carrying things around in your sticky, humanoid hands needs a solid kick in nature’s pocket.

Chris previously provided his opinions on many of the uniforms in the very first posts to this blog (check out parts 1, 2, 3, and 4 of that series), but now ALL your hosts are weighing in and doing our best to hit on ALL of the uniforms. For sanity’s sake, we’re starting with two weeks of strictly duty uniforms (sorry badass away team jackets, but we’re on a schedule here). Listen to this week’s podcast episode (discussion starts at 53:19) and scroll down for all the style icons and fashion faux pas.

“The Cage” and “Where No Man Has Gone Before”

Someone clearly hit up a sale on sweaters at some bargain basement because, oh boy, do the tops of the two pilots look cheap. While we like the cowl the women’s necklines are rocking, the men’s necks all manage to look stretched out and backwards. The colors are still missing the redshirt red we all know and love, so we’re left with some really drab camel variant. The pants with capris flairs and slick boots are all on point already though.

Star Trek: The Original Series

When the show hit the air, the necklines flip flopped somehow to the men’s looking pretty sharp while the women’s look stretched out and lopsided. Weird. Thank goodness for lots of red brightening up the place, though everything is still pretty much basically sweaters with some gold stuff on the wrists. But the poor ladies lose the pants that were allowed in “The Cage” and have to have their asses basically hanging out more and more each season.

Star Trek: The Motion Picture

The first Trek film is possibly the lowest point in the Starfleet uniform parade. The colors are super sleepy, everyone looks like they’re in their pjs, and the floating belt buckles look goofy as hell. We have various different cuts, each one more drab and shapeless than the last, but the cake goes to the one-piece jumpsuit with footies that literally anyone who wears it looks like a toddler in.

TOS Films II through VI

Screw your head on tight: you’re in for some whiplash. After the disastrous onesies from TMP, TWoK introduces a more military and professional look that doesn’t all look like it was grabbed in a panic from a wholesale club. And it super works! The color is very striking even if we do start to miss the showiness of the department colors (the differentiation being in the turtlenecks really isn’t enough). We’re impressed by the shoulder fastener and the action flap… and never have I been more impressed by how a belt pulls the whole thing together! Future series take note: Add more freakin’ belts!

Star Trek: The Next Generation

Seasons 1-2 We throw the whole professional look out the window by the time we hit The Next Generation because we’re back in our one-piece jammies, getting ready for Worf to tuck us in at night. It all ends up looking like some kind of “acrobat casual” wear and it’s ultimately confusing what tone it’s meant to indicate. The pant cuffs are pretty nice, I guess, and extra points to anyone who put on a skant, but the uniforms overall look about as uncomfortable as they purportedly felt.

Seasons 3-7 Those uniforms were out after two seasons, which was already way too long in my book, and the crew finally gets two-piece uniforms that don’t hike up your ass. The sweatshirts… well they still just mostly look like sweatshirts, but the Nehru collar is a very nice touch that does bump it up a couple notches from just looking like something you’d wear to watch Star Trek on the couch.

“Yesterday’s Enterprise” In a very slightly different reality where the Romulans got the best of the Enterprise-C, Starfleet needed to embrace a more battle-friendly look. So all they really did was slap on a very sharp mandarin collar, some black cuffs to the sleeves, and a belt-holster thing to keep your phaser ever at the ready. Coupled with the more dramatic and dark lighting of “Yesterday’s Enterprise,” it somehow did the trick in a very subtle way even though it’s really not a big change.

TNG Flashbacks Throughout TNG we occasionally get glimpses in flashbacks of what uniforms came between the TOS movies and the start of the series… and basically all that happened was people neglected to put their turtlenecks and belts on. Kind of a strange choice, but it makes us really realize how necessary those articles were to really make the uniforms of The Wrath of Khan feel complete.

Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Voyager

DS9 Seasons 1-5, VOY, and Generations The next uniform changes mostly involve swapping the color blocking around. In DS9 and Voyager, the division colors that used to be the torso of the sweater have moved to the shoulders, and the black of the shoulders has moved to the torso. We also lose those nice Nehru collars for sorta lavender turtlenecks worn under the jacket, giving your pips a place to go. We probably see these the most of any uniform, and there’s comfort in their familiarity. Still a dearth of pockets though.

DS9 Seasons 5-7 and later TNG Movies Another color blocking switcheroo. The colored shoulders are now a sort of puffy lavender blanket material with quilting, and the division colors can now be found primarily in the collar of the turtleneck that peeks over it (and a little bit in the sleeve cuffs, for reasons). The jackets seem much bulkier in this iteration as well. I always found that the couple of instances in which someone is wearing only the undershirt look much neater, if I’m being frank.

“Living Witness” This will be a fun episode when we get to it on the podcast. The Voyager crew has a more evil side, and this is denoted in their uniforms with black, sinister-looking gloves, and sleek black turtlenecks instead of the lavender ones. Like in “Yesterday’s Enterprise,” the changes are slight, but they connote the desired effect. There’s also something about the lack of adornments like rank pips and combadges that adds to the wrongness in all the right ways.

“Relativity” While also having our least favorite combadge from last week, the Voyager episode “Relativity” also has some kinda strange uniform choices. The uniforms of the future have that mandarin neckline that we liked so much in “Yesterday’s Enterprise” but the rest is a little strange. The color choices are so dark and muted that we can’t really discern them, and the quilted diagonal on one shoulder seems like it’s trying too hard.

“All Good Things…”, “The Visitor”, and “Endgame” Speaking of future uniforms, we jump to the near future several times throughout the series, and the uniforms are actually pretty consistently depicted. The top is a sort of wraparound that seems to want to harken back to The Wrath of Khan without looking militaristic at all. Despite those bling combadges, the overall look of these uniforms seems downright casual, the kind of top you might want to lounge around the house in. And what’s with the frowny chest stripes and incredibly high-waisted pants?

Star Trek: Enterprise

Finally! This is where all of the pockets have been all along! There’s a strange duality in the Enterprise uniforms in that they don’t look a thing like Star Trek and yet they are the perfect attire for their place in the universe. We get the feeling that this is the next step after NASA flight suits, which is appropriate. Everything that a crewman wears has to actually be functional (hence the plethora of pockets!), not something you’d wear to do some yoga like many of the others we’ve seen.

—

Our laundry hamper is full, so that’s enough for one week. Join us again next week for Part 2 where we’ll go into the fitting room with uniforms from the Kelvin movies and all of the currently running series. Give a listen to all our episodes on SoundCloud or your favorite app, tell us what you think over on Facebook and Twitter, and maybe add a couple pockets to your uniforms? Your sweaty hands will thank you.

#star trek #star trek podcast #podcast #starfleet uniform #fashion #pockets #the original series #the motion picture #the wrath of khan #the next generation #deep space nine #voyager #enterprise

11 notes · View notes

cosmogonyzine · 5 years

Text

THE CHOSEN KING

«Son of Regis and Aulea, Noctis Lucis Caelum is the crown prince and heir of the Lucian throne. His reserved personality and shy demeanor stopped him from making friends as a child, which made him feel lonely most of the time.

Still, at eight years old, Noctis found himself healing from the attack of a demon in Tenebrae, which allowed him to get to know Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, Luna for short, as Noctis liked to call her. She was the one to tell Noctis about his own destiny, and hers: king and oracle, protectors of the Crystal that resided deep within Lucis, a Crystal that Noctis’ father had been protecting up until now.

But that was not Noctis’ sole fate. He was The Chosen King, Lunafreya explained, the one who would use the Crystal to banish the Starscourge from the world. As a receiver of the words of the Astrals, Lunafreya understood very well the weight of such a title. But Noctis, eight years old and still recovering from trauma, barely understood the gravity of the promise he was making.

Sadly, any more talks of the Prince’s destiny were stopped abruptly when Tenebrae was invaded by Niflheim, forcing King Regis to escape with his son in his arms, while leaving Lady Lunafreya and her brother, the Prince Ravus, in the hands of the Empire.

After that, Prince Noctis grew safe and sound in Lucis, and though he became even more reserved in his teenage years, he managed to keep certain close relationships that he cherished more than he would admit. First, his advisor Ignis Scientia, a silent figure always by his side that helped shape the Prince in ways difficult to discern, but still incredibly important. As an advisor and servant to the Crownsguard, Ignis grew up alongside Noctis, bowing to protect the prince no matter the sacrifice.

Also part of the Prince’s royal retinue was Gladiolus Amicitia, the future King’s shield. His prowess in battle and his skills with different arms available to every Crownsguard made Gladiolus to be appointed as Noctis’ trainer in his childhood. It was through their practices that they became close friends, same as with Ignis, forming a strong unit that neither time nor nobility status was able to break apart.

It was with Prompto Argentum that the Prince’s retinue was fully formed. A common child, Prompto approached Prince Noctis in their high school days, both of them becoming close friends in surprisingly little time. The chirpy attitude of the commoner boy cracked through the walls of the Prince, and in return, Prince Noctis saved a spot for Prompto in the most important journey of his life: his road trip to his wedding to Lady Lunafreya.

As part of the accords with Niflheim for peace, Prince Noctis, aged twenty by then, was to marry the time’s Oracle Lady Lunafreya, his childhood friend with whom Noctis had kept in touch over the years through a red-cover notebook. Prince Noctis, with his father’s blessing, set off alongside his three close friends, never once knowing what his father had already guessed long ago: that the treaty was simply a ploy, and that war would break in Lucis by the time Noctis was too far away to do anything.

In the end, Noctis learned of his father’s death while on the road, becoming King to a dead city and a slowly conquered kingdom. It was then that his journey truly began, searching for the Royal Arms of his ancestors to help him in his quest, all the while marching closer and closer to Altissia, where Luna awaited for him.

But Prince Noctis’ destiny was never to get married in that beautiful city. Lady Lunafreya was murdered before Noctis could reach her, by the hands of Chancellor Ardyn Izunia. Still, he couldn’t stop Luna from giving Noctis the Ring of Lucii, which had been given to her by King Regis himself, before saying goodbye forever.

After that, Prince Noctis promised to reach the Crystal before Ardyn could, and fulfill his fate as the Chosen King.

But the Prince’s power was insufficient, and the Astrals had other plans.

It was never Noctis’ fate to live the life he deserved.»

Why choose The Chosen King as an era for Cosmogony?

Honestly, how could we not? There is no telling Eos’ history without the story of the Chosen King, the one who gave up his life to make dawn break once again. This era, which goes from Noctis’ birth to him being swallowed by the Crystal, hopes to portray all the little things that the game never dwelled on, or even those that were barely touched in Brotherhood. We’d like to have stories and art dating from different moments of the first twenty years of Noct’s life, so we’re sure our participants will have a lot of material and ideas to work with!

Everyone -- Happy New Year! The applications date is very close, but we still have some eras to uncover! Have you made your portfolio, or decided which stories you want to show us? Get ready, applications open on January 8th!

#ffxv #ffxv zine #final fantasy xv #cosmogony zine #noctis lucis caelum #the chosen king #cosmogony: eras

16 notes · View notes

trashassassin · 6 years

Text

flare. Chapter 1: The Long Road Ahead (Ignis Scientia x Reader)

Here it is, ladies and gentlemen, and non-binary folks of all sorts. The introduction to the series I had begun working on so long ago, the inspiration for which popped into my head as I was walking home from Chipotle one chilly autumn night.

I’m not kidding. This shit comes to me at the weirdest times.

This does have a coherent story line, as well as a number of original supporting cast members, so this chapter exists mainly as an introduction to all of that so you won’t be confused when they’re brought up throughout the series. They won’t come up as much in later chapters, but will remain important to the story throughout.

Word Count: 3974

Warnings: mild violence, mild language

"We have to do something, Iggy!"

You watched in horror as the monster, a skeletal, wolf-like creature, which had somehow slipped past the Wall, was now attempting to devour a helpless baby chocobo.

"Hey!" your companion, Ignis Scientia, shouted with an almost palpable uncertainty.

He picked up a rock from the ground and hurled it against a nearby tree trunk, prompting the creature to go and investigate.

"Now's your chance!" he said, and you darted forward to wrap the bird in the sweater tied around your waist, lingering only as long as you had to before the two of you took off back in the direction of your clubhouse.

"Is it following us?" you asked. "I feel like it's following us."

Ignis looked back and shook his head.

"No sign of it," he said.

"You're sure?"

"Positive."

As soon as you reached the clubhouse, you dug around frantically for the potion you kept around in case of an emergency. You’d seen it around a hundred times; why did it evade you now?

You eventually found it hiding beneath a pile of books on the floor and wrenched off the lid as quickly as your 8-year-old strength would allow before dumping its contents onto the tiny bird's injured wing.

"Come on!" you said, as if willing the medicine to work faster.

It took what felt like an eternity until the wound finally started to diminish.

"How does it look?" Ignis asked as he peered over your shoulder, eyes wide with concern.

"Better," you replied. "You're gonna be okay."

You gave it a tentative pat on the head with only your pointer finger; you didn't want to risk injuring it further.

It was then that it let out a soft kweh that signaled to you that it was out of immediate danger.

"What now?" Ignis asked. "Shall we try to return it to its previous owner?"

"No way!" you replied. "Clearly they didn't care about it if they just left it to die in the middle of the woods. I say we keep it."

"Keep it? Your mother would never allow such a thing and you know as well as anyone that I'm certainly not allowed any pets."

"My mother doesn't have to know," you said. "I'll keep it out here in the clubhouse."

"What happens when it gets too big for that?"

"Well, we'll deal with that when the time comes." You rose to your feet, taking the bird with you, still wrapped tightly in your sweater. "I think I'm gonna name you… Goldy!"

"Goldy?" Ignis scoffed. "How very unoriginal."

"What, you got a better name? Tell me these feathers aren't the most beautiful golden color you've ever seen."

"Well, we haven't exactly seen many chocobos around here..."

"Oh, whatever." You emptied a nearby basket of its current contents, an assortment of toys, and placed Goldy inside. "See, it can sleep here! At least, until it gets bigger."

"What will you feed it? You must think this through."

"Vegetables from the grocery store. Mom is always telling me to eat my vegetables, so if I buy extra, she can't possibly get mad."

He shook his head.

"This is insane, you know?"

"I know!" You smiled. "Exciting, isn't it?"

The feeling was bittersweet as you packed the last of your things away in the brown boxes that now surrounded you.

This was it, the moment your entire life thus far had been building up to. So, why weren’t you happy about it?

You loaded them one-by-one into the trunk of your car and then led your chocobo, Goldy, into the trailer hitched to the back.

"Be safe," you told her. "You should have plenty of food for the journey and nice soft straw to sleep on if you get tired." You patted her neck one last time and said, "Good luck," before closing up the trailer.

Goldy was lucky in that way. She didn't understand that you were leaving your home, your friends, and your previous life behind that day. It was just another day for her, another relaxing ride in the trailer to an undisclosed location. She loved to travel; her eyes lit up every time she stepped out into a place she'd never been to before, even if it was only a short distance away from her usual lodgings.

She was most certainly excited for the journey ahead, so you supposed you should be too. And you were excited, in a nervous sort of way. Not once had you left the confines of Insomnia to experience the outside world. To leave Insomnia was to enter a foreign land with a new currency and its own set of rules and regulations.

This was the world that you were setting off to.

You took a deep breath to steady yourself as you entered your car, sitting in the driver's seat staring at your hands for a good few moments before coherent thought returned.

You would be recognized immediately by everyone who saw you as an outsider. Your clothes, your car, the way you spoke, everything about you would give you away immediately to any of your adversaries. Would you be forced to fight?

Ignis had tried to teach you many times, just basic self defense with the tiny knife he gifted you for your eighteenth birthday, but imagining actually having to use it, actually having to take a life…

You shuddered.

Most of them were just robots, but you could never shake your fear of them due to all the nightmares you had during your childhood of them crashing through your windows, red eyes blazing at you as they closed in for the kill. Sometimes they were on your ceiling, dropping from above and strangling you while you slept.

You shuddered again. Your imagination was clearly your greatest enemy here and yet, you just couldn't shake it.

After all, beyond the protective wall projected by King Regis, all bets were off. The outside world was a savage place, uncivilized, crawling with monsters at every turn. At least, that's what you'd been told.

You lifted your phone from its place in the handbag beside you and dialed Ignis's number.

Please don't be busy.

He picked up on the third ring and greeted you warmly, a mock scolding tone in his voice as he said, "You'd better not be driving. We talked about this, remember?"

"No, I'm not driving yet." Your voice broke. "God, Iggy, I'm scared!"

His joking tone disappeared as he responded.

"What's frightened you?" he asked.

"Leaving the city," you replied. "You think they're gonna come after me?"

"The Magitek troopers?" You nodded even though you knew he can't see. "Highly unlikely. You think they somehow have inside knowledge of your personal relationship with the King?"

"Maybe."

You shrugged.

"Realistically, it's next to impossible for them to have such knowledge," he said.

"Yeah, okay,” you said. “What about the monsters? Will they attack Goldy?"

"She's being sent to secure private property, yes?"

"Yes."

"Then you should have nothing to worry about. As for yourself, it's best not hang around outside after dark, as that's when they're most active."

"Okay." You blinked hard in an attempt to stave off the tears that threatened the corners of your eyes.

"What is it?"

"Uh…" Your aggressive blinking had no effect. "I'm gonna miss you. That's all."

"I'll miss you, too," he said. "In fact, I already miss you. I have since you left my apartment this morning. But it's alright because you're going out to fulfill a lifelong dream of yours and for that, I am very proud of you."

"Thanks."

"I must get back to work now, but feel free to contact me whenever you'd like and I'll get back to you as soon as I'm able, alright?"

"Alright."

"Have a safe journey. Goodbye."

"Bye."

The line went dead and you spent a few moments staring at the blank phone screen, allowing your tears to flow freely as you did.

Get it together, goddammit!

You wiped your eyes and turned the key in the ignition, prompting the car's engine to roar to life. There was no turning back now.

You were headed out to a tiny city in the Duscae region known as Caulden to begin your apprenticeship with world-renowned chocobo vet, Dr. Lyle Atkinson. He owned a large plot of land very near to there, the Willow Springs Farm, a chocobo farm that would provide boarding for Goldy as well as a bright future for you.

That was your goal, to become like Atkinson in learning to care for the animals forsaken by Insomnia's protective wall. Ever since you were a little girl holding the gravely injured Goldy in your arms for the first time, that had been your dream.

And now, it was becoming a reality. Or it would, at least, if you could get there in one piece.

The journey was a long one, the road containing bizarre twists and turns, taking you up to precarious cliff sides and various creature crossings deep in the wilderness, two things you'd never had to face before. You were a pretty confident driver, but you would’ve been lying if you’d said that your heart wasn't racing as you were presented with these new challenges.

The first leg of your journey was far too much to complete in a single day so, following Ignis's guidance, you checked yourself into a small motel for the night, called The Point or something equally mundane.

After you'd gotten a full night's rest (or at least tried to with your childhood nightmares resurfacing in your head), you set off bright and early so that you would hopefully make it all the way to Caulden before night fell once more.

Your arrival to the Duscae region was immediately apparent, the cracked, dusty roads of the nearby towns smoothing out and becoming surrounded by seemingly endless wilderness. The sight of it was enough to take your breath away. Insomnia was a beautiful city for sure, but it was highly industrialized, filled with skyscrapers and flashy billboards. Beautiful in its own right, but nothing at all like this.

You watched with awe as the creatures of the field roamed freely, making no effort whatsoever to attack you or your cargo. They were simply going about their business, grazing on grass or napping by the riverside, nothing at all like the vicious monster creatures you'd been envisioning in your head.

You immediately noted that the air streaming through the open top of your car was much fresher than that of the city, lightly seasoned with the scent of the nearby bodies of water and the towering trees.

In that instant, the majority of your fear had vanished; you were certain you were going to like it there, at least.

Your first stop was your new apartment located in a small complex off near one of the side streets. You took a quick peek into Goldy's trailer before unloading your things; she was fast asleep, just as you assumed she would be. She was very well tempered, something you were always grateful for.

Getting all your things inside would prove quite difficult seeing as some of the boxes contained very heavy things like your entire collection of hardcover books and a kitchen's worth of china dishes.

This would be a lot easier with two people.

The thought invaded your mind before your could stop it, and it caused your eyes to well with tears once again.

But you could manage just fine on your own, you resolved, taking the heavier things first by shoving them along the surrounding grass with the smaller things placed on top of them. Getting them up onto the porch would prove more difficult; lifting them proved impossible, so you sort of rolled them upward using the edge of the porch for leverage. Once all of the boxes were placed in a neat pile by the door, you took the shiny new key from your purse and unlocked it revealing the dark, empty interior.

It was very quiet, a little too quiet, you thought, so you switched on the light and jingled the keys on your keychain around a little bit in an attempt to still your rising heart rate.

The room immediately in front of the door appeared to be a living space with a tiny kitchenette off to the side, already furnished with a refrigerator, a stove, and a dishwasher along with a washer and dryer set near the back. Across the hall from these rooms were two more, both with the doors closed, which you found to be a bedroom and a bathroom. It was certainly no high-rise, but it was just the right size for you.

Your next task was actually bringing the boxes through the door, which proved much easier than getting them onto the porch seeing as you now only had to push them in a straight line to get them where you needed them.

Before you started unpacking, you decided it would be a good idea to get Goldy situated in her new place so she wouldn't have to spend another night in the trailer.

Willow Springs Farm was very near to the apartment complex, only a few miles away. As soon as you pulled up, you spotted an older woman, maybe in her late fifties or early sixties, tending a vegetable garden near a towering farmhouse.

It was in an older Victorian style, painted white with a dark blue roof and a porch swing beside the front door that swayed in the light wind.

The woman stopped her gardening once she spotted your car and called out your name, as if to confirm your identity before coming to greet you.

"That's me," you replied.

"Oh, we've been expecting you!" She took off her gloves and set them aside before exiting the gate leading to patch of dirt you were currently parked on. "I'm Liberty Atkinson, the doctor's wife, but you can call me Libby."

"Nice to meet you, Libby," you said.

You shook her hand and then her attention immediately switched to the trailer you had with you.

"And this must be Goldy."

"Yup."

You unlatched the trailer door and lowered it to the ground, which caused Goldy to stir, but not wake.

"We're here." You tapped her gently and her eyes blinked open. "You can sleep some more when you get settled in, okay?"

Her responding kweh was less than enthusiastic.

"Y'all had a long drive up here, I'll bet," Libby said. "All the way out from Insomnia."

She emphasized every syllable of the word and it made you cringe.

Here we go.

"What's that like?" Her eyes were wide with intrigue. "Livin’ in the Crown City. It must be very glamorous, huh?"

"Eh." You shrugged. "There's a lot of getting stuck in traffic jams on your way to work. It's not really all it's cracked up to be."

You could already predict her next question as her lips curled into a massive smile.

"What's he like? The King, up close and personal?"

"Now that's hard to say. I never actually got to meet him."

This was a lie, of course; you'd been in proximity to the King many times given your friendship with his son's royal adviser.

She frowned.

"Shame," she said. "It's always been my dream to visit, but they're so strict over there. Won't let just anyone through their gates, will they?"

"Definitely not," you replied.

A young man, presumably a farm hand by the way he was dressed, stepped between the two of you to grab Goldy's lead and guide her toward the stable, effectively ending that conversation, much to your relief.

"Well, lemme give you the grand tour," Libby said.

Her hand ghosted your shoulder as she lead you through the gate and to a dirt path that branched off in different directions, each corresponding to a location on the property.

"That there's the barn," she continued, pointing to the large white structure the farm hand was leading Goldy to. "And over there's the arena." She then pointed to a large field surrounded by a white fence which contained several chocobos and their riders, who were dressed in jockey uniforms. "We offer training for chocobo races Monday through Thursday if you happen to be interested in that."

"I'll keep that in mind," you said, even though you had no real intention of training Goldy to be a racing bird.

"And out here…” She lead you to the area behind the barn. "...is the pasture. Everybody needs a little fresh air and sunshine, and chocobos are no exception. They usually spend the daylight hours in the pasture unless it's rainin' or snowin', or we're havin' a particularly bad day with the daemons."

"Daemons?"

"The monsters," she said. "Come to think of it, you probably didn't have to deal with them much, did you city girl?"

She laughed.

"I can't say I did," you replied.

And you were very grateful for that.

"Anyhow, behind the pasture is the trail, which can be used by our boarders for ridin', provided it's safe to do so. You'll have to check with Clive before you head out."

"Who's Clive?" you asked.

"Clive Atkinson, our son," she replied. "The one who's leadin' Goldy. He's an expert when it comes to daemon slayin', so he usually keeps them off the trails. He'll let you know if it's too dangerous to head out there."

"Do you have a lot of trouble with these… daemons?"

"It generally gets a lot worse in the warmer months, but it's not as bad now that it's startin' to cool down a little. All the tasty critters they usually eat have gone into hibernation or are migratin' for the winter."

"Have any of your birds ever been attacked?"

"Not a one. Even if they were, we got the best chocobo vet in the entire world to look after them."

This set you at ease a little. Even if Goldy did get mauled by some creature, she would be in good hands. The best hands, in fact.

"She's all settled in," the man who you now knew as Clive said as he caught up with you once more.

"Oh, good," Libby said. "One more thing to note, the first floor of the farmhouse is sort of a gathering space for our boarders, so feel free to stop in there if you'd like. Snacks are on the table."

"Thanks for everything."

You were addressing both of them with this statement.

"Don't mention it," Libby said. "We're just doin' our jobs."

With that, the two of them wandered off to get back to whatever it was they were doing before you arrived, and you decided to head into the barn to visit Goldy. She was already asleep again by the time you reached her stall, likely glad to have somewhere proper to sleep.

If there was one thing Insomnia lacked, it was places like this, places with wide open fields for her to run around in. Sure, there were stables for boarding chocobos, but they were overly-sterile, their interior paved with stone instead of grass without much access to sunshine. Even if you wanted to keep Goldy in a place like that, you never could have afforded it.

Instead, she remained within you clubhouse, which you eventually fashioned into a sort of makeshift stall with a large pile of blankets for bedding and a pair of old plastic buckets for holding her food and water. Her diet consisted mainly of carrots and lettuce, only the finest smuggled out to you by Ignis, which she seemed to enjoy well enough. You would take her on rides when you had the chance between classes and the part-time job you held, using a length of rope from the hardware store as a bridle as, once again, you never could have afforded the real thing.

As you watched her sleeping on a bed of straw surrounded by others of her kind, you were happy that she finally had a proper place to stay.

You decided not to take the offer to mingle with the other boarders, promise of snacks aside, in favor of unpacking your things back at the apartment.

You started with the bigger things, a collapsible bookshelf, which you placed in the living room area, and your tiny flat screen television, which you placed on the floor in the bedroom. The largest items, like your mattress and sofa, were being shipped separately and weren't likely to arrive for another day yet.

That meant sleeping on the floor for a while.

You spent the rest of the afternoon organizing the smaller items, like the aforementioned books and dishes, before putting away your clothes and toiletries, which were stored in the duffel bag still waiting in the car.

Even after all of the boxes had been exhausted, one remained, a smaller, lighter box with a small note attached to it. It was the last thing Ignis sent you off with before you left his apartment.

You sat down on the sleeping bag you'd arranged on the floor of your bedroom, setting the box in your lap as you sliced through the tape with a small pair of scissors.

A few items stuck out immediately, a miniature coffee maker and a bag of Ebony coffee grounds, his favorite. Along with these, which would likely be an essential part of your new college life, was a thick knitted blanket, a collection of paperback books, and a bag of homemade chocolate chip cookies.

The last of its contents was the note, handwritten on a piece of premium stationery with a faux worn appearance, outlined on all sides with a minimalistic flower design.

Hello.

I hope my gifts prove useful in the coming days. I trust I thought of everything you'd need, some quality coffee to keep yourself awake for the inevitable sleepless nights, a blanket to keep you warm as the weather starts to chill, and a few of your favorite novels, to keep you entertained during your limited free time. And of the cookies, I hope that they will remind you of me, a little piece of home to comfort you during what is most certainly a stressful time.

Always looking out, Iggy

You tried your very best not to cry again—you'd cried enough already, surely—but to no avail.

You held the letter in your hands, reading through it at least once more before setting up the coffee maker in the kitchen in preparation for the coming morning. You then returned to your room, tucking the letter away into the bottom of the box where it would be safe for now, and grabbed one of the cookies from the bag as you began to look through the books he gave you. A smile spread across your face as soon as you read the first title.

Starlit Wonder, the story of a small town girl who got involved with a big time pop star, followed by another book from the same author, Everlast, the story of a humble hotel maid who got involved with some kind of dark, mysterious man.

What would he be this time? A vampire? An angel? The possibilities were endless.

The next two were a duology, Hope Beyond Hope and Lust at Sea, following the story of Maria McKellen and a tortured old sea captain, Benjamin Lake. And the last was a new release that you hadn't heard of before, Across the Stars, a sci-fi romance about a scientist who fell in love with the android in her crew.

These were perfect. He knew you so well.

You had a little time before it would be prudent to get to sleep, so you wrapped the blanket around yourself and began your foray into the world of Starlit Wonder.

#ignis x reader #ffxv #fanfiction #longfic #series #flare.#writing #original characters

11 notes · View notes

fatesoracle · 5 years

Note

He counts this as an honor among the many he has been granted in his life. As Noct's chamberlain, Ignis has experience many a great events that only regular citizens could dream of. But not only does he have an audience with the future Oracle in Tenebrae, but here they are having tea whilst the young prince is receiving treatment from Lady Sylva. "It is an honor to meet you, Lady Lunafreya." The boy bows deeply before her, honed in the etiquette of the royal court even at a young age.

The young Princess had been concerned for the Prince who was brought into their care. His wounds seemed extensive but here, he was in good hands. There was no doubt about that. In the meantime, she stares down at her tea waiting for it to cool and glances up at Ignis as he speaks.

“The honor is mine Sir Scientia.” She speaks softly, small fingers winding shyly around the handle of her tea cup. She had only heard tales of the Insomnian Kingdom far away and now here she was in the presence of its people. She could only assume she needed to act as proper as she could. “Will you be staying with us as well?” She wonders curiously.

#Ask Reply #Hey there!#Feel free to thread #Tea Party

1 note · View note

allofeos · 6 years

Text

@decayinginred

I read somewhere that apparently there was a note in Ep Ignis stating that he was an orphan at a very young age and that his parents were killed. However I haven't been able to find any reference to that. :/

Not in the in-game documents, loading screens, additional material or really anything else in any of the languages off the top of my head.

I’ve also got the text for the game up in front of me, and the only orphan comments I’m reading from using the search function for the English version only includes the mention of orphans for Cidney, Drautos, and Takka.

There is absolutely nothing mentioned beyond these, I have included a transcription of the Official Works profile too. It’s a lot, I have included a comparison for the in-game dossiers, and 30th Anniversary Exhibition ones for all of the bros underneath the cut.

Comrades dossier:

Ignis Scientia

Noctis's trusted friend and closest confidant. Born into a family of royal stewards, he started serving as the crown prince's attendant from a very young age. Acting as a companion at times and a guardian at others, Ignis utilized his impressive acuity to see the prince through any trials or tribulations that came his way.

An injury incurred during the Trial of Leviathan left Ignis blinded, yet this tragedy helped him see the importance of the prince's plight with greater clarity than ever before. His allegiance as advisor never faltered, following Noctis to journey's end. His brother-in-arms missing in action, Ignis currently spends his days fending off the daemons while practicing the culinary arts in his spare time.

Comrades Hero Highlights:

From legendary warriors whose names decorate the annals of Eos to up-and-comers eager to make their mark, this column highlights the heroes of our past, present, and future.

This week, we're taking a look at Crownsguard officer Ignis Scientia, as well as taking a taste of his delicious home cooking!

As advisor to the king, Ignis has used his tactical acumen to keep His Majesty from harm on many an occasion. Even when he lost his sense of sight, it only inspired him to work harder to overcome the obstacles before him. Truly a paragon of perseverance!

Official Works Dossier:

ＩＧＮＩＳ　ＳＣＩＥＮＴＩＡイグニス・スキエンティアＡＧＥ：２２ＨＥＩＧＨＴ：１８３ｃｍＢＩＲＴＨＤＡＹ：２月７日ＦＡＶＯＲＩＴＥ：料理レシピ考案ルシス王家に仕える執事の家系であるスキエンティア家の生まれ。 6歳のころにノクティス王子のお側付きとなり、それ以来、母を早くに亡くした王子の身の回りの世話をするようになった。高校卒業後は王都警護隊に所属するかたわら世話役も続けており、もっとも多くの時間をともにしてきた従者といえる。生来聡明かつ努力家であり、なんでもそつなくこなす秀才。将来は王の軍師となることを期待されているが、その世話焼きぶりは保護者のようであり、もはや従者というより家族に近い関係になっている。

Official JP site profile:

ＩＧＮＩＳ　ＳＣＩＥＮＴＩＡイグニス・スキエンティア CV：宮野　真守ルシス王国領幼少より、次期国王たるノクティス王子の側付きとして共に育てられた。王家側近として受けた英才教育はイグニスに冷静知略な頭脳を与え、旅のさなかでは参謀として力を発揮する。年齢 22歳誕生日2月7日身長 183cm 好きなこと料理レシピ考案

Play-Arts Kai product summary:

Adviser to Crown Prince Noctis, Ignis was groomed from childhood for the role. His calm and intelligent demeanor is captured in a stylish silhouette, while his bespectacled gaze exudes an air of sophistication.

Play-Arts Kai box:

The composed and brilliant young tactician

Ignis was raised alongside Noctis to be adviser to the heir apparent. An intensive education instilled in him the resourcefulness and composure required for the role, his tactical acumen proving invaluable to the prince's retine in the wake of Niflheim's attack on the Crown City.

Before all else, however, he is Noctis' trusted friend and confidant: having grown up together, he knows the prince like few others do. Versatile and meticulous, Ignis wears many hats during the journey, looking after his companions as both chauffeur and chef.

In combat, Ignis wields a pair of short swords with consumate speed and precision. Ever at Noct's side, he watches the treacherous tides of battle, plotting a course to victory for his allies.

This is in contrast to the 30th Anniversary Exhibit versions of their profiles:

Ignis Scientia (same as the official EN site profile):

Ignis was raised alongside Prince Noctis to be adviser to the heir apparent. An intensive education instilled in him the resourcefulness and composure required for the role, his tactical acumen proving invaluable over the course of the prince's journey.

Gladiolus Amicitia:

House Amicitia has long served as the Shields protecting the kings of Lucis, and Gladiolus is its eldest son. The bond he shares with Noctis transcends that of a bodyguard and his liege. With his prodigious strength and unwavering spirit, he stands ever ready to keep his companions from harm.

Prompto Argentum:

Prompto becomes fast friends with Noctis after a fateful encounter with Lady Lunafreya's dog Pryna draws him closer to the crown prince. A man of humble birth, he finds himself out of depth when tragedy befalls Lucis. Nevertheless, he strives to carry more than his own weight, lightening his companions' burdens as well as their spirits.

Noctis Lucis Caelum:

Heir apparent to the Lucian throne, Noctis's trials begin when he sets forth from the Crown City in order to wed the Lady Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, only to discover that his home has fallen to the empire. In combat, he wields spectral weapons which he forges from thin air, a power possessed by those of his royal line.

And the in-game dossiers for a proper size comparison, but this isn’t including Noctis’ one.

Alchemist Code profile:

Ignis was raised alongside Prince Noctis in order to one day serve as advisor to the future king. He uses the knowledge acquired through his intensive education to aid the prince on his journey. An earnest and diligent young man, he enjoys cooking and never stops continuing to hone his skills--partly in order to find ways to feed Noctis vegetables, which the prince dislikes.

#a: Apocalypsis Chatter #a: 100% Pure Galdin Sea Salt #long post

41 notes · View notes