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cont. from here @caecus-scientia
❝ Are— are you sure? You don't need anything? ❞ It's things like this he just cannot let go of. Though Ignis' determination is admiring, the concern Prompto felt was almost 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐋𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆. If his heart beat any harder, it may just burst out of his chest. It's not the first time. Most likely not even the last time. He did care deeply for his friends.
❝ Looks painful . . . ❞
@caecus-scientia from here
Ignis had served the kingdom of Lucis since he was young, when he had become a retainer for the prince. The young man, with his ties to both Tenebrae and Lucis was a bridge between the two countries - two countries that were both struggling. Even when an injury left him scarred and blinded, Ignis had continued to serve his King, relearning how to fight and to fitting himself into strategic positions, aiding in the movement of troops as the war continued and escalated. But it became quite apparent that it was a losing battle, and it was only a matter of time before some concessions had to be made, when peace was offered with certain caveats.
One of which was the arranged marriage of Ignis Scientia, advisor and tactician to King Nocts and General Glauca, the Commander of Niflheim’s army. A strategic demand indeed for Niflheim, removing the advisor from his king’s side.
It had been agreed that they go to neutral territory for their first meeting, at the very least. That was why Ignis was in Altissia, dark glasses firmly in place as he sat at a cafe near the edge of the canal, smelling the crisp salt air and sipping idly at a cup of coffee, his cane leaning against the chair beside him. He had only seen Glauca in his armor before, years ago before the injury that took his sight, and now he could only imagine the man strolling through the canals in that armor. Bitter though he was over the circumstances, the mental image still brought a faint smirk to his lips.
Titus strolled quietly through the streets of Altissia, focused and serious. He had not been particularly thrilled about his impending marriage. But well, from what he knew of Ignis, and what little he’d seen of the man.
He was sharp, and rather attractive, scars and blinding or not. He had little doubt that his marriage would be stimulating, at least. The younger man would probably try to find a way to wring advantage out for his king, or something from Titus, regardless.
Particularly given that, in the interest of peace, King Noctis had managed to lobby for their mutual retirement here, in Altissia, while they were wed. Away from the bustle of both their nations, away from being able to apply themselves fully to their former tasks.
Despite his initial objections , he’d agreed, and an end to the war was good all around. It’d been taxing the Empire’s resources for years.
He arrived at the cafe and found the adviser at a table already, and ordered himself a cup of coffee and a small pastry, before walking over to find the man smirking. “Is there a particular reason you are smirking Scientia? Or simply smug to hear me walking a civilian’s gait, instead of marching on you in armor?” he asked, voice bland.
@caecus-scientia || x
It was not easy for Noctis. Everything that happened, he tried to push aside, not to think about it. But Ignis was there every day, every day right before his eyes. He never asked how the Elder is, how he copes, whether he could help him in any way. Of course, Noctis did not take it for granted that Ignis wanted to continue as before. It was more about Noctis being scared. Fear that Ignis blamed him. Fear that he should have done better.
Noct swallowed, his fingers still tracing the lines of the scars. “I’m sorry Ignis...” A whisper, hushed words with the intention to hold back the tears.
caecus-scientia replied to your post: @caecus-scientia liked your post:someone NEEDS to...
Ignis: -blushing and pretending to be busy looking at something else-
|-╰ ✮ ╮-| watchin’ u boii. watchin’ u.
"Purr"
Send "Purr" for my muse to grow cat ears and a tail for one thread
Gladiolus’ ears twitched, his thick luxurious tail swayed leisurely as he noticed Ignis walking up behind him. He continued striding forward, slowing minutely so that the other man could catch up. As Iggy fell into step with him, Gladio’s tail flicked up to twine over the other man’s arm very lightly for a moment; just out of habit.
“Didn’t think I’d see you till later today, thought there was some big meeting,” the Shield commented easily.
@caecus-scientia
“I am to presume that you are the Advisor.”
Weiss had used to joke that it was not difficult to gain rank in the Niflheim army. Show the slightest bit of initiative and they would push you through the ranks, so desperate to win against Lucis that they scarcely paid heed to qualifications. It was something the brothers had found amusing despite their caged existence, trapped labrats for the greater purpose of victory for the empire. Too dangerous to be set loose, too ambitious to be allowed any measure of freedom.
Yet desperate times called for even more desperate measures. Their creator knew all too well what path the world was set on, what would happen should Ardyn Izunia be allowed to have his way. And with his own blood son dead, he turned to the pile of rejects he’d loaned to Verstael.
He has no interest in the task he’s been assigned. No, he sees a far greater opportunity here before him. The escaped clone takes a half-step back, hiding behind his hulking friend out of some well honed instinct he barely understands. Meanwhile, the future King rakes his eyes dubiously over the restraints, no doubt ready with some insipid remark.
He pays him no heed. A King is a figure head and a weapon, not the guiding force of a Kingdom.
Instead, his eyes are on the advisor.
“I have a proposition for you, Ignis Scientia.”
@caecus-scientia
Surprise crossed his features at the unexpected present, but it softened into a smile. Ignis sat down, taking the cooking and breaking it in half. “I can think of no better present than to share a cookie with a new friend,” he said, offering one half to the little boy. “Sit with me?”
Wait seriously? A new friend? Golden eyes widened at the offer. Normally adults just shouted at him and chased the “white demon” away. The look of shock turned into a smile as he sat down too and took the offered half.
“Thank you! They aren’t the best cookies ... but I didn’t use salt by mistake this time!”
It had happened before. They tasted really bad. These ones seemed good though.
Noctis opened his eyes after a long moment, and felt as if he was made of fire. Of lightning of ice of light of power.
He gasped, eyes slamming open and for a moment they were nothing but solid light, shimmering and coalescing in his skull as he looked out over the friends already mourning him. Ignis...Ignis was touching his chest. And slowly the King made himself remember how to breath once he realized that Ignis could feel the light coming from his eyes, most likely, but not see it.
And his other friends were far too shocked to say anything.
“I was given a choice,” he said, dreamily. “My body is now the Crystal, Ignis. All its light was placed in me. I could let myself die. Or I could learn to be...different.”
As he spoke he gradually forced himself into feeling more human again. Something that would take a constant effort. His eyes became normal, though they would always shine, he felt his battered body, and with a thought, it was healed. He felt more grounded,felt himself sprawled over the throne, and flashed an uneasy smile as he gripped his adviser’s hand.
“I’m so tired. I wanted to lay down. I don’t....I don’t think I’ll get to sleep anymore, like this. But I couldn’t...I left you for ten years. When they gave me the choice. I said yes. I...I couldn’t disappoint you. I have to be a king. Your king,” he said softly. “And I missed you all. This way, this way I’ll get to be with you again.”
@caecus-scientia
