Below are some scenes that did not make the final cut of the chapter. Mostly because I had to restate the blocking, and change these scene a bit to flow better. Still, these were humorous bits that I wanted to share with you all.
Feel free to read below.
You can read the whole story HERE on AO3.
Anyway here are some cut scenes that I thing you lot would enjoy:
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Clarus looked at Ardyn, then at Regis, then to Cor. "I can't leave you two alone for a half an hour." He accused very much like a parent wrangling his particularly troublesome teenagers. For their part, King Regis and Cor the Immortal both looked sheepishly embarrassed.
Ardyn found this amusing to no end. Until Clarus turned his dark brown eyes on Ardyn. "And you. What makes you think you can just go gallivanting wherever you please?"
"Me?" Ardyn placed a hand over his heart dramatically, "Well, he started it by stealing my camera!" He pointed to Cor.
Clarus was having none of it, "The second I left the meeting to check in with the guards, everyone was telling me that you've been skipping around and reeking of trouble."
"Clarus." Regis held up a hand to stop his second in command, "We are trying to forge a friendly communication here. Not to interrogate people."
"That's right." Ardyn agreed with Regis smugly, "You are coming in here with a lot of aggression. We were having a wonderful and productive chat just before you came in."
Clarus did a double take, "I have reports and even video footage of him climbing the lattice work." Clarus explained to Regis, "and several of the statues. One of which he drew on with a permanent marker."
Regis blinked slowly. Processing this information. He then turned to Ardyn with a hard expression. Silently demanding an explanation.
Ardyn placed his hands on his hips. "For the record, you guys really need to make sure your cleaners are dusting everything properly- this place looks fancy and polished- but it is anything but."
"The statue I drew on for the record was already marked by several famous climbers through out the ages." Ardyn explained, "It appears that many people have a tradition of scaling your ridiculously large stone statues they can free climb. I merely but the latest to achieve such an accomplishment." Ardyn explained quite proudly. Not mentioning that he had initially warped to the top of said statue invisibly, seen the marks, and then gotten down and climbed up once more. Just to see if he could.
It was the little things in life that made it worth living.
"Wait." Cor frowned, "Which statue did you climb?"
"The really gaudy one to the left of the throne room. With the cloak?" Ardyn described. There were two statues on either side of the throne room entrance, but they were different. Probably of past kings or some important noble or other."
Cor was quiet for a moment, then nodded once. "Nice."
Ardyn smiled brightly, "Thanks!"
"I am glad that you are enjoying your visit here thus far." Regis sounded like he was developing a head ache, "But please. Refrain from drawing such obvious attention to yourself."
×—×—×—×
So much fun! Saddly this tidbit stalled the conversation and made it hit a dead end. So ultimately I cut it, and there is not a small group of trouble makers freeclimbing Lucian statues.
Here! Have another!
This was an earlier draft when they stayed in the kitchen to talk. I decided however to move the characters into the dinning hall, and give them something more refined to drink.
X—×—×—×—×
Cor closed the fridge and came back to the counter. He set down three cans of Ebony coffee and a sealed bottle of water. He offered the selection to Ardyn. Ardyn took one of the coffee cans, and pulled it in towards himself. Cor took the second can of Ebony, and Regis the water.
Regis cracked open his bottle of water, but did not fully open it. "I have been known to walk in the shadows away from the gods, on occasion." He informed Ardyn solemnly. The three of them gathering around the kitchen for a confessional it seemed.
Ardyn appraised the man. "How long have you known?"
"Our first meeting was the catalyst to my findings." Regis explained, waving a hand off to the side. As if he were turning the page of a large book. "There were holes in my memories. Things you said. It took me about a year to puzzle out the whole truth. Digging through the records kept here, and in Tenebrae."
That was impressive. If it were even true. Ardyn had clawed away at that spell for years before giving up. Deciding to focus his efforts elsewhere. Even though the locks on the memory spell around the boys seemed to be breaking- Ardyn still was not quite sure how it was being done. From his experience with Gladio, it seemed like the memory enchantment had to be broken from the inside out. Rather than outwardly attacked. Ardyn thought of the camera he had left for Prompto, and his newly healed heart bleed a bit. Knowing that he would not return home to find his son there.
Ardyn pulled his can of coffee closer. Picking at the can's tab. "I am curious to know how much you actually do know."
Regis drew himself up, and offered the proof as plain as any could see. "Somnus Lucis Calem. The founding king of our nation. His true name was Somnus Izunia."
Ardyn's finger stopped just on the lip of the Coffee can. He didn't look up to meet Regis' gaze. Holding himself in restraint of an outward reaction. How much these words were a gut punch straight into his stomach. The man had done it. Somehow. Figured out a way through the memory enchantment from the outside.
"He betrayed you." Regis continued to speak, this time a bit softer. "Taking the throne from it's rightful, chosen King."
Ardyn flashed back to that moment. Holding his bloody wife in his arms. Letting his anger get the better of him, and summoning the dark powers which had been tempting him. Turning into a demon for the first time. Ardyn closed his eyes. It was not long ago that such memories would rile up his temper. Cause him to lose control. Thirst for revenge.
That had been a life time ago. Now, Ardyn just gently shook head. "There was NO rightful King." Ardyn informed King Regis. The man quietly listened. Ardyn looked him in the eyes. His honey brown contrasting against the man's ice blue. The same as his once-brother's.
"The Gods played us for fools. Manipulated us for their own ends." Ardyn could not keep the bitter rage from his voice, "They told me that by taking in the scourge I could heal the planet. They told my brother that he needed to burn the disease out of existence. They told the my wife that someone had to be chosen between the two of us. They set us against ourselves- and gave us knives to hurt each other with."
"Your wife?" Cor asked with a frown.
Regis answered for him in a whisper. "The first Oracle." Cor sucked in a breath of surprise.
Ardyn looked between the men. Then down at the drink on the counter. "They did the same thing with your son, and myself. In the time before this one." He informed them. Pulling the can of Ebony closer to him. "They convinced me in my madness that what I needed was to seek revenge. They chose your son to sacrifice himself for humanity- only after I became a threat again. Then only after all of the other humans had die out as well."
Both men gave him slightly surprised looks. Ardyn did not know what aspect of this knowledge was new to them. Surely they would have known. That Godly covenants always ended with the ultimate sacrifice.
Ardyn opened the can of Ebony with one hand. The metal cracking loudly in the silent kitchen. "So." He leaned back from the counter, raising the drink, "I may be the poison that is killing Eos. However in my opinion the murderous plot to end everything was well in motion before I came along." Ardyn informed them, and took a drink of the cold coffee. The cold drink hit his tongue. Sugary and sweet. Ardyn nearly spat the questionable liquid out. Instead he covered his mouth and held the can at and arm's length. Giving it an affronted once over. It was Ardyn's least favorite flavor of the brand- apparently printed with a different color in Lucis. Instead of the blue lable, this can had a deceptivley dark green color to it. Usually something which was the chocolate flavor back in Niflheim. Who the fuck drank <i>Creamy Ebony</i>? It was practically just condensed milk mixed with coffee.
"What the fuck is wrong with you people?!" Ardyn asked, and set the can as far away as he could. Like it had bitten him. "Pickles and Cream- and this shit?! This kitchen has attacked me both physically and mentally."
"What is wrong with coffee?" Cor asked with affront. He was holding a half-empty can of the poisonous stuff.
"It's nothing but sugar." Ardyn pointed out, "Do you know how bad such drinks are for you?"
Idk if you write for these characters but Regis and clarus go on a road trip with
getting back from the trip, and some friends are there to welcome them back, but something seems..different and one mf cant help but say “what happened did you guys fuck or something” (…they did)
I never wrote for Regis or Clarus before, but I am now! Hope you like it! 💙
Weskham couldn't help but side eye Regis as they both ventured down one of the main palace halls. Since the prince arrived home from his trip with Clarus, there had been something different about him. Regis looked more exhausted than when he first left. As if another issue at hand was gripping his mind. This troubled Weskham a great deal. The whole point of the trip--that both he and Clarus arranged--was to ensure Regis had time to rest. Gods above knew Regis needed it before he and his team would venture to Accordo to build up alliances.
The weight of the world was literally upon the crown that Regis would wear. Weskham knew that better than anyone. Being the hand of the king, it was his duty and honor to help the monarch keep the peace and also take care of himself. To see Regis look so tired after having a peaceful vacation, felt like a failure on Weskham's part. He felt foolish for not pulling Clarus to the side to ask what had happened.
Weskham stared at the coronation ring that was snug against Regis's right index finger, knowing one day the Ring of the Lucii would take its place. Furrowing his brows, Weskham could feel the competent adviser he knew himself to be pave way to the best friend: wanting to know what was ailing his pal besides the unfair sacrifices his bloodline carried.
"A pardon, highness." Weskham cleared his throat.
"Yes?" Regis stopped in his tracks and turned his attention in full to Weskham. His eyes glanced up and down his form, noting he looked concerned.
"You only ever look like you've seen a ghost when something terrible is on the horizon, my friend."
Weskham couldn't help but laugh. He shook his head. "Fortunately, you are wrong there. However, I have to say that as your friend you have me worried. You haven't looked well since you left the Regalia."
"Oh," Regis made a face. He turned his gaze elsewhere down the hall, as if making sure no one else was within the vicinity. "I can assure you there is nothing amiss on my part. However, the trip with Clarus was...an experience to say the least. Let's resume our walk."
Weskham gave a bow with his head and pressed on. While staying at Regis's right side, he couldn't help but grin.
Regis raised a brow. "What's so amusing?"
"Oh nothing but an immature thought." Weskham chuckled.
"Enlighten me." Regis smiled awkwardly, shaking his head.
"If I didn't know better," Weskham began, trying to keep his composure in check. "I'd say you and Clarus finally gave into that tension that's been with us since youth."
"Beg your pardon?"
"Don't be daft, Regis." Weskham huffed with amusement. "I mean what exactly happened between you and Clarus that was an experience? Did you two fuck or something?"
Regis's eyes bulged from his skull at the accusation. His body and posture tensed and an awkward silence fell between both his long time friend and himself. He blinked a few times after Weskham did a double take.
"Reg?"
"I'm good," Regis coughed. "I'm good."
The faint blush to Regis's pale skin and his response was enough to tell Weskham everything. He parted his mouth to say something, but was quickly interrupted.
"May we both respectfully pretend this conversation didn't transpire."
Weskham could feel his own face growing warm now. What began as a jest to an inside joke between himself, Regis, and Clarus was now heading into territory Weskham himself wasn't sure he was ready for. Both as a friend of the prince and his future adviser.
"I agree," Weskham finally responded, not before smirking. "Was he good at least?"
"That meeting with the Niflheim councilman, I need you to get it rescheduled ASAP." Regis all but bulldozed through the question Weskham asked. He glared at hearing the suppressed chuckles escaped Weskham's mouth.
"I'll ensure it happens," Weskham nodded. "By the way, Reg, nice dodge."
"Oh shut up."
If you like my work and feel generous, feel free to donate to my ko-fi account or my cash app account!
I decided to draw a younger Clarus here and that got me thinking like what could have been if we had gotten a DLC or even like a short anime like Brotherhood to show Regis and his party making their way through the world y'know?
I’m all for Cor fics and Cor getting spotlight and Cor being an excellent mentor and uncle figure but where the fuck is all the Amicitia content?
Gimme Clarus looking at Gladio and hitting him upside the head every time he does something dumb like Gibbs does for Tony in NCIS. Gimme Clarus doting over his only daughter and Gladio constantly bouncing between being utterly annoyed by Iris and scaring away every boy that so much as breathes in her direction. Give me Clarus giving Noctis talks about how to deal with Gladio and Clarus trying to guide Gladio into meeting his King halfway and understanding the gravitas of the title of Shield. Give me Iris and Clarus and Gladio bonding and being a family with Uncle Regis for posterity.
Like, Clarus exists too? And so does Gladio?? I want more good Amicitia content and appreciation because there’s a world of stories to be told through their eyes and everyone’s just out here overlooking them.
Read the whole story HERE on A03. Don't forget to reblog to share with a friend.
Summary:
It has been just over 2 decades since Regis was confronted by the Adagium on Founders day so many years ago. The things that happened that day have haunted him ever since. Such as how the man called the ghost of the founding King brother. How the supposed
Regis has so many questions. If only he had not spoiled the first chance he had to properly ask his questions by electrocution the man in his kitchen.
Stars. Ardyn becomes aware of them first. Pinpoints of flickering light and energy. Floating around him in a void. Tinged a rainbow of different colors. Yellow, others blue, red. They float off in the distance. Connected, but not connected. In ways that he can not conceive.
Ardyn has seen this before. He had died again. It's the same vision every time. He drifts in the stars, and there is something... something there. It fades though, as the world solidifies once again around him.
Ardyn first becomes aware of his body weighing him down. Then the pain comes. His skin and muscles are throbbing in distress. His brain is melted. Ardyn can feel it like slush inside of his skull. His nervous system is fried. It's telling him hot and cold both at the same time. Ardyn keeps his eyes closed, and sits through it all. Not something hard to do, seeing as his sight had yet to return to him. He becomes aware of pressure, and he finds that he is laying on his side. His arm is under his head, and one of his knees is bracing his weight. Someone has put him into a recovery position.
Ardyn groans, then opens his eyes. The world is spinning nauseatingly. His inner ear drum must be damaged. There is a wrongness to everything. As it slides down and to the left. Despite Ardyn being on a solid and not moving floor. He is looking at a black dinning table through a door way. Not one he immediately recognizes. He winces, becoming aware of the crystal's power. Burning like a second sun. Somewhere off and above him. He must be in Insomnia then. That would explain all the awful black and gold decor.
"Holy fuck- he's awake." A voice speaks. It sounds like it's out of tune, and muffled. Ardyn's head is still putting itself back together.
"I told you. He is cursed." Someone crouches down beside them. Coming into the frame of his vision.
Somnus? Ardyn thinks blearily. Except it can't be Somnus. His brother is dead. A spirit? This man has white hair though. He looks much older than Somnus did when he manifested as a spirit... he is also wearing a much more modern ensemble of clothing.
Regis.
Right. Ardyn remembers where he is now. He had been following the good Marshal, Cor Leonis. Ignis had given the man his camera binoculars. Ardyn had wanted to see how much information the Lucians had. If they had pieced together that Dratos was the traitor or not.
Cor seemed to have figured it out. As he downloaded the photos and went through them. Ardyn had seen him connecting the dots. Looking over each picture of Dratos, and individuals Dratos was talking too. He had heading out quite quickly. Making a straight to the royal chambers to tell his King.
Cor had just been about to tell Regis, when Ardyn had been found out. Ardyn wasn't quite sure how that had happened. His invisibility was powerful enough to hide from an Astral- he annoyed Ifrit to no end sometimes with it. How had Regis found him? Magic had probably been involved. Ardyn remembered feeling a tingling of static when he had first entered the royal chambers- and judging by the fact that he was currently recovering from being burned to a crisp Ardyn assumed electricity had been involved.
"Are you with us Chancelor Izunia?" Regis asked, crouched over Ardyn as he was. "Apologizes. I was not sure who we were dealing with. I activated my magic without consideration."
"Why are you apologizing?" Cor asked. Stepping into view. He had his sword summoned and resting on his hip. "I would think he got what he deserved. Following me around and into your personal chambers."
Regis looked back over his shoulder at his companion. His voice became clearer as Regis spoke. Ardyn's ears slowly fixing themselves. "You know how long I have wanted to ask this man questions. Generally fruitful discussions do not start with electrocutions."
Cor Leonis raised a doubtful eyebrow, "Not the fun ones at least."
Ardyn couldn't help but find a bit of humor in that. He laughed, but it quickly turned into a coughing fit. His lungs not quite being fully reformed yet. Ardyn tried to raise himself up to open his airway. He was somewhat successful. A whole new wave of dizziness over came him. His entire left side flinched as the room flipped and twirled around him. Ardyn closed his eyes and coughed. Trying to ground himself. Trying to get his body to reform itself quicker. It was rather unbecoming of him to lay down on the floor after all. The last thing he wanted to do was look weak and pathetic in front of his enemies.
The other two men took his sudden jolt as some kind of muscle spasm. Regis reached out a hand to steady his shoulder- or to offer comfort. An understandable human reaction.
"Stay back." Ardyn hissed. Not wanting to be touched in the slightest by King Regis. The progeny of his treacherous brother and the god which had betrayed him to the shadows. The words came out backwards and ghastly. Like a dying man's last breath. His throat was still reforming. The words reverberated not by sound, but inside the very souls of the human men. The same way an Astral's did when they spoke.
The way the words reached them drew reactions from all three men. Regis withdrew a hand sharply, as if he had been electrocuted. Cor took a fighting stance, becoming serious. A hand ready to draw his sword and slash with force. Ardyn continued to lay on the floor, but his head started to spin in a whole new direction.
That had never happened before.
"Reg." Cor said tensely adjusting his stance, "Back away from him."
Regis wisely gathered his walking cane and rose up to his feet. Unhurried in his motions. Moving with all the grace expected of one in charge. Meanwhile Ardyn was still on the floor, vulnerable.
Ardyn could feel both man standing above him. Watching him. It made his reforming skin prickle with agitation. Ardyn swallowed and felt his still unformed throat spasm. He coughed again. This time it was rougher, wetter. Something dislodged from the back of his throat. Blood splattered on the ground, as well as a black cancerous sludge, mixed with undulating tissue. It began to sizzle immediately. Burning away because of the Crystal's proximity. Ardyn could feel himself losing control over his more human appearance. His body was slowly regenerating, but it was regrowing back gray and discolored. Dark scourge started to drip down his eyes and out of his nose. It created black wisps where it dripped onto the floor.
Ardyn had never been killed by lightning before. It was quickly making his list of top ten things he would avoid repeating. Being this close to the crystal was slowing down his demonic regenerative powers as well. In the back of his mind a voice which sounded a lot like Bahamut's chuckled with satisfaction. Ardyn wasn't actually sure if the voice was the actual god or just his imagination. He clenched his jaw.
Ardyn was done with lying on the floor. Looking pathetic and weak. If his demonic regeneration was not going to be sufficient, then he had other options to work with. Ardyn rested his weight on his elbows and bowed his head. He closed his eyes. Concentrating. The magical lights above them flickered. The air around him grew darker. His demonic aura spreading out. Whispers filled his mind. The demonic souls he had absorbed over the eons. Protesting what he was doing.
Ardyn ignored them. Knowing that beneath the darkness he had other powers. Powers which had been buried in the darkness. Powers he had thought gone... until he had dragged them up from the depths of the hell that was his soul.
Light bloomed in his hands. White and golden. It flickered like the lights above them, until with enough determination it became steady. Ardyn pressed it up against his chest and concentrated. He thought of the sinew, muscle and tendons. The cells which made the tissues, which made up the organs. In his mind he visualized a biopsy Verstael and he had done a life time ago- litterally- on a still alive prisoner of war. With an MT similarly opened up on the second table in their lab. The two of them comparing the effect of scourge on bodies. Bloodily stitching together how the disease affected flesh.
Ardyn pictured what his throat was supposed to look like, and then WILLED his body to knit back together. Not with the sticky sludge of scourge; but with actual flesh and blood of the power of light. The magic branched out to the rest of his body. His world stopped spinning as his inner ear righted itself. His burnt flesh stopped flaking away. Pulling taunt and reforming. Ardyn used his mind to imagine how his body was supposed to be structured, and then directed his magic to make it so. Light built in his cupped hands, which he pressed against his chest.
Ardyn reformed himself. Using powers that had laid long dormant within him. Sitting up on the floor, and then onto his knees. A golden aura glowing around him. Shinning from his core outwards. Ardyn inhaled, and then exhaled. Feeling whole and properly put back together for the first time in a long time. A proper human, with flesh and bones. He let the light in his hands flicker, and then faded. The darkness which inhabited him had spread out to orbit around him while he healed. Shadows dancing across the walls like a carousel. As the light faded they came back to him. Seeping into his flesh and soul. The wounds left over from his imprisonment reopened, and he felt scourge sour the blood in his veins. The demons dug themselves in then sighed, settling back into place. Hanging around his soul like a chain. Ardyn rolled his shoulders, and adjusted his scarves. Setting the weight to where it could hang comfortably.
Ardyn opened his eyes. As black as night, and then slowly fading into a proper human white. As he willed his appearance to be more human. Sitting back on his knees now, he looked over to his audience. King Regis and Cor Leonis were both watching him with mixed emotions. King Regis looked to be more critical. As if he were assessing each step of the process and taking notes. The Marshal's guard was fully raised. He looked ready to fight if need be. As loyal of a guard dog in this life as he was in his last one. Ready to fight even minor deities if need be. Though Ardyn would have expected nothing less from someone who went toe to toe with Gilgamesh.
"There. Much better." Ardyn told them both with a confident smirk. His voice actually working properly this time. He gathered his feet and stood up. Something that ended up being a mistake. His world tilted. Vertigo throwing him off balance. Ardyn stepped and reached out. Catching himself on the wall. His suave demeanor breaking as he tried not to fall back immediately to the floor. Ardyn had forgotten how much proper healing magic took out of him. He had been spoiled by the low-cost but sloppy regeneration his scourge powers gave him.
King Regis watches Ardyn find his footing, before he speaks. "So it is true." Regis stepped forward leaning on his cane. "You did start as an Oracle."
Ardyn lets out a single breath of air. Through his nose. "Is that what you were told?"
"I was told very little, actually." Regis said with a serious tone, "Most of the events of 2000 years ago have been erased from history. Or altered to fit a nicer narrative. The founders of our nation worked very hard to keep key details from ever being learned by the public."
Ardyn was not surprised to hear this. He had discovered much of the same in his last life. In this one he had not followed up on that trail. Nothing had changed time wise from before Ardyn's time. No longer wishing to drive himself mad with revenge. It was still very much a sore spot for him of course. He had lost a lot that day. His future, his wife, his humanity...
"I looked into the matter after our last encounter. The conflict between Somnus and yourself. Some things you said stuck with me." Regis continued. "I discovered many thing, but the truth of what happened... it has only left me haunted with more questions." Regis confessed to Ardyn, and then made his request.
"I know that it might be a bit inappropriate of me to ask, given what I have just put you through." Regis gestured to the floor. Ardyn looked down at it. There was a him-shaped shadow on the floor. Caused by the discharge of electricity. The room also smelled of burnt and putrid flesh, as well as scourge. "However, I would desire to ask you some questions. To hear your side of the story. Please."
Ardyn looked at Regis, and. His eyes slid over to Cor Leonis. The man did not seem surprised by Regis' request. Ardyn judged that the man already knew what they were talking about, given their close friendship.
Cor made eye contact with Ardyn, and raised an eyebrow. "Don't look at me. I'm not apologizing for anything."
"Well at least one of you has not forgotten who your enemy is." Ardyn remarked. He stepped away from the wall. Carefully. His balance was still a little off. He made his way out of the kitchen. Into the gaudy dinning room.
"Bring me something strong to drink." Ardyn ordered, using the wall to walk more than he would like. The world was still refusing to not spin. "And I will forgive you for killing me, and maybe- MAYBE answer some questions."
Cor and Regis took his offer in stride. The two of them stayed in the kitchen briefly to regroup. Regis came out shortly. Limping because of his bad knee- an injury Ardyn had given him some years ago. He was carrying a tray in one hand, his walking stick hanging off an elbow. On it was a selection of cold cut finger foods, fruit, and snacks.
"I'm not sure if you have eaten." He offered with a smile. Setting down the tray. Then sitting across from him at the dinning table.
Cor returned briefly. He set down a set of saucer cups. They were flat, round things. With black crackled glaze. Gold accents peaking out from underneath. Cor handed a matching bottle to Regis. Who stood up, and began to slowly serve the drink. It was mostly clear, but with a white cloudiness to it.
Ardyn felt his mouth tinge with anticipation. It had been years since he had sake- decades actually, almost five of them. Rice was not a staple crop in Niflheim. So the main drinks to find there were ales, beer, vodka and the like. They imported Wines from Altissia of course, and the favorite drink of his husband was a Red Ulwatt Tenebrae. Riced based drinks such as Sake were rarely produced outside of Insomnia. When it was the quality often left much to be desired. Ardyn had originally grownup with the drink, of course. Having been born and raised in what would become Cavaugh. It was a drop of nostalgia from a home that otherwise had changed in every possible form.
"Is this suitable for you?" Regis asked. Seeing how Ardyn eyed the liquid. Checking that the drink he was serving was favorable enough.
"It will do." Ardyn kept his eagerness out of his tone. Regis poured the second cup. Ardyn gently picked up the first of the saucers. Holding it by making a C shape with his fingers. Ardyn swirling the liquid within the shallow dish. He took in aroma of the drink, taking in the spiced smokiness of aged alcohol, before taking his first sip. The alcohol was sharp, with just the hint of flavor.
Regis returned to his seat, but kept the bottle on hand to serve. Cor did not join them at the table. He instead stepped to stand behind Regis at a parade rest. More of a faithful servant apparently, then a friend.
Ardyn took his time to savor his drink, setting the saucer down once it was empty. Regis reaching over to pout him another serving. Ardyn picked up one of the cold cuts, making a small sandwich with meat, crackers and cheese. "In my time. History was taught by the elders. They told stories by the village campfire during the nights. We did not have what you would consider a proper education."
Regis considered this, and the noon son positioned outside the window behind Ardyn. "Yes, I imagine things were quite different back then."
"A lot of things change." Ardyn knew this all to well. He took a sip of his sake. "3000 years before the events you are so interested in hearing about, the Empire of Solheim was so large, the sun never set on it's borders. They had proper schools. Proper education. Classes. Colleges. Much like they do today." Ardyn expounded, making a circular motion with his hand. He leaned back in his chair. Taking a bite of his food. Chewing it thoughtfully. "Did you know they used to have computers?" He asked Regis.
The King's brow pinched. Cor made a surprised and somewhat doubtful sound.
"The stories my elders taught us." Ardyn held out his hand. He crossed one leg over his knee and telling his own story, "Said the kingdom possessed the ability to make metal think. That could calculate the trajectory of the stars, and tell you exactly where you were, or how to get to where you were going." Ardyn told the two men before him. He remembered the dusty face of the elder who had told Ardyn this. Many life times ago. The whispered stories they shared with the group of young curious minds. A heavy book resting on their knee, and the wood crackling in the fire behind the man. Everyone looking over their shoulders and keeping an eye out for danger.
"The current age of technology is not to different from the furthest humanity has ever developed." Ardyn picked up his saucer again, and swirling the drink around. "Our ships- the Niflheim air ships. They were created from designs and artifacts found from the Soulhiem kingdom. From the floating ruins found in the sky not far from Graela, and the rocky islands that you can find in Tenebrae. Back then, they were just as commonly in use as they are today."
"Is that so?" Regis said with some wonder.
Ardyn set down his sauced. It clinked on the black lacquered wood. "Yes, and it was the Gods who cut that civilization down."
Ardyn leaned forward. Bracing his dominate hand on his knee, "For as the people advanced, they began to realize that they did not need the Gods to live satisfying lives. This angered the Gods- and to humble humanity the entire civilization of Soulheim was raised. Cities burned, the wilds froze and the earth itself was sundered. Soulheim's technology was destroyed, burned and buried. The once thriving nation left in ruin." Ardyn looked to Regis, making sure that his words were getting across, "These days your people called it the Great Astral War- The Old War- in reality it was actually a slaughter."
Regis's brow furrowed and pinched. He was trying to comprehend the horrors Ardyn was painting. Ardyn knew it was a lot to take in. He was not done with his story, however.
"3000 years after the fall of Soulheim, people here in Cavaugh still feared the wrath of the gods. We did not read in daylight. Or teach openly out in the sun. No. Not where the gods, or those carrying out the will of the Gods could so easily find us."
Ardyn remembered his Elder teacher. How the man had died. An arrow whizzing through the dark. Piercing the Elder square in the stomach. Soldiers from the village marching into the clearing. Grabbing at crying and screaming children. Tossing them in nets and cages. To be punished communally before being returned to their homes. The young adults around the clearing drawing defensive weapons. Helping as many as they could escape. Ardyn had been one of them. That night was the first time Ardyn ever killed a man. He still remembered his father's face. When he realized that the teenager whom his soldiers were falling to was his own son.
Somnus had visited him the next day in the communal jail. Happy to have a chance lord himself over his brother. Why would you ever desire to read, brother? don't you know how much of a danger such a thing was? Was their father not a priest of Bahamut? Was Ardyn not a holy man himself? did he not know how dangerous unrestrained thoughts could be?
Ardyn felt his jaw tighten at the memory. The darkness and shadows in the room around them became heavier. His relationship with his blood family was was such a mess. It was ironic in founding a kingdom, his family who so once hated knowledge came to rely on those few who had escaped their wrath. Those who learned to count, read, and keep track of numbers. Ardyn wondered if Regis knew that the scribes of his kingdom started out as slaves chained to desks, and children had been forced to learn the trade and be further put to work.
Regis' expression slowly became grim. "That is very concerning. I am sorry to hear."
"You said you wanted to know the truth of 2000 years ago?" Ardyn asked. Leaning back in his chair, resting his elbows on the arm rests, and lacing them across his stomach. "It is the same truth as it was 5,000 years ago. The gods do not care for us. In fact, I quite suspect some of them would rather be rid of us entirely."
Regis exhaled. Leaning back in his chair and rubbing his upper lip. The man was thinking over everything Ardyn had said. Ardyn let him. He sipped on sake, and ate some more food. Letting the man digest the new knowledge he had been given.
It was not Regis, but Cor who broke the silence, "So how does this work into what is going on presently?" Ardyn gave the man a thoughtful look. Cor returned it with an icy gaze. Firm and ready for action. Exactly the kind of internal force one would need to take on the gods. Ardyn decided then and there that he wanted the Marshal on his side of things, as much as possible.
"What happened between me and Somnus 2000 years ago was only an inciting incident." Ardyn told them, then asked for his own information. A discussion was not just one person speaking, after all. "How much has Ignis told you of his past life?" Ardyn picked up his drink once more. The alcohol hit his tongue, and Ardyn had to resist the urge to made an appreciative noise. It really had been too long since he had a good taste of his homeland.
"Ignis gave us a summary of everything leading up to his death." Cor reported, almost clinically. "But anything after that is just speculation. Gladio had no new information for us. They have not idea what could have caused time to double back on itself, or why.
"My son has yet to regain his memories." Regis added on. Rubbing his fingers together. A pinched worry to his eyes. "In fact, judging by his reactions this morning I suspect that the Gods responsible for this might be keeping him specifically from remembering."
"You think so?" Cor turned to Regis.
"It is clear that the memory enchantment seems to be focused on him, and the boys." Regis pointed out, "He also is having rather strong reactions."
"That is... not a theory without ground." Ardyn considered this. He had never thought that the memory enchantment might have been specifically targeted. With those connected magically to Noctis just being in the cross fire. That would explain why the others had broken free of the enchantment first.
"Can you give us any information as to what happened?" Regis asked of him, the 'or do you want to' written in his expression. "Or tell us of how it all ended?"
"There is not anyway I can describe it." Ardyn ran a hand through his beard. Scratching his neck. He had not shaved that morning. "The sun went out. The world fell to ruin. First the plants died, and then the animals- even the insects eventually ran out of things to scavenge." Ardyn thought of the deafening silence of that world. Especially at the end of it all. Things had become so still, that even the wind had stagnated.
Eos, the planet, itself had died. Ardyn remembered standing in the dry mud of the Duscae region. Looking out in the distance over the valley of the disk. Demons glowing in the distant dark. The meteor glowing like a ghostly after image. Not as bright at it once had- when the sun first went out. Even it's power was no more. Noctis was standing beneath him in a ditch. Next to an outcrop of old stone. Older than he had been before being taken into the crystal. The beard he sported made him look scruffier than Ardyn. The King wiped the sweat from his forehead, and stepped back from the outcropping. Tired and exhausted. He looked up, and over at Ardyn. A hollow look in his eyes. The younger man finally giving up. I don't think this is going to work.
"The Astrals only sent Noctis to sacrifice himself once everyone and everything was dead." Ardyn surmised grimly. "We were beyond the point of no return. By killing ourselves the planet would be rid of the scourge, but there was nothing left by that point."
Regis sat up at this, realization hitting him "You two worked together. You worked with my son in order to alter time?"
Ardyn did not respond initially. Ardyn had been avoiding unpacking that box for a long time now. Though his mind was nothing but compartmentalized things he did not want to remember or think about by this point.
"In a way." Ardyn saw no use in denying the claim. Noctis had been... involved. Though the actual moving of time had been only Ardyn's doing. He still remembered Noctis' giving him a wide eyed look- just before the massive amount of magic he had summoned was redirected- and the world around them disappeared in more ways than one. Ardyn grimaced, He was already feeling the dull pain of the warp strike he was due when Noctis broke through his memory enchantment.
"Neither of us were happy with the state of things." Ardyn expanded his explanation, "Leaving things like that, it was..." Ardyn just shook his head, then drank the last of his drink.
"So you defied the gods." Regis remarked thoughtfully. He considered something for a moment, picking up the drink bottle, and offering to refill Ardyn's cup. "Or at least some of them."
"One in particular." Ardyn mentally gave the crystal a crude gesture. Outwardly he offered his cup with an outstretched palm.
Regis refilled his saucer politely. Then set the bottle aside. "Yes." Regis picked up his own drink. "Explain this too me?" He requested politely.
Ardyn eyed the man, "How much do you already know?"
"Our first meeting was the catalyst to my research journey." Regis explained, waving the hand holding his drink, as if he were turning the page of a large book. "There were holes in my memories. An enchantment not unlike the ones our sons currently suffer from. The things you said then stuck with me though. It took me about a year to puzzle out the whole truth. Digging through the records kept here, and in Tenebrae."
That was impressive. Ardyn had worked away at the spell on Prompto for years before giving up. Deciding to focus his efforts elsewhere. Even though the locks on the memory spell around the boys seemed to be breaking- Ardyn still was not quite sure how best to absolve them. Judging from his experience with Gladio, it seemed like the memory enchantment had to be broken from the inside out.
Ardyn thought of the camera he had left for Prompto, and his newly healed heart bleed a bit. Knowing that the next time they met, Prompto would no longer look at him with the same bright, hopeful expression. Ardyn swirled his drink bitterly. "I am curious to know how much you actually do know already."
Regis drew himself up, and then offered Ardyn an outline. "I know that the founder of our Kingdom; Somnus Lucis Calem. His true name was Somnus Izunia."
Ardyn's wrist stilled. His drink spinning before coming to a stop. He didn't look up to meet Regis' gaze. Holding himself in restraint of an outward reaction.
"He betrayed you." Regis continued to speak, this time a bit softer. "Taking the throne from it's rightful, chosen King."
Ardyn flashed back to that moment. Holding his bloody wife in his arms. Letting his anger get the better of him, and summoning the dark powers which had been tempting him. Turning into a demon for the first time. Ardyn closed his eyes. It was not long ago that such memories would rile up his temper. Cause him to lose control. Thirst for revenge. That had been a life time ago. He was putting that behind him. Ardyn reminded himself of this and slowly set down his saucer cup.
"Allow me to make something clear. There was NO rightful King." Ardyn informed King Regis. Letting the truth cut through his anger. He had meditated over this for ten years, after Noctis had been taken into the crystal. After finding no satisfaction in finally achieving his 'revenge' as he has do put it. Claiming the throne in a ruined Inomnia had left Ardyn feeling hollow. Something he had more than enough time to sit and think about.
Regis listening to him critically. Maintaining eye contact. Ardyn's honey brown contrasting against the man's ice blue. The same as his once-brother's.
"The Gods played us for fools. Manipulated us for their own ends." Ardyn could no longer keep the rage from his voice. He stood up from his chair. Cor tensed, Ardyn ignored him. He turned, and walked up to the window. Outside it looked like a rain storm had been threatening the city off and on. Ardyn looked up through the clouds, towards the sun. Shinning brightly in the sky once more. A golden gift that humans had never imagined could be taken away.
"They told me that by taking in the scourge I could heal the planet. They told my brother that he needed to cut down and burn those afflicted with the disease to keep it from spreading." Ardyn recounted bitterly. "They told my wife that she had to be the one to choose between the two of us." Ardyn reached forward, and ran a finger along the edge of the window frame. "They set us all against each other- and then left us alone with sharp knives."
Cor, behind Regis frowned, "Your wife?"
Ardyn turned to look at the man, "Yes. Aera Mirus Fleuret. The first Oracle of light."
Cor sucked in a breath of surprise, and looked to Regis. This information did not seem, to surprise the King. "Your healing powers." Regis asked, "Are they different from the what the Oracles uses?"
Ardyn turned and opened his arms. Leaning his head off to the side. "I wear a lot of hats." Ardyn could not help but be a tad theatrical. Speaking of which, with a twist of his wrist he summoned his black fedora. His hair was probably a mess after being electrocuted, and then healing. If there was any benefit to being within range of the Crystal- it was that he wouldn't have to be brushing out scourge from his hair later. Just the blood. Did you bleed when you were electrocuted? Ardyn guessed he would find out later when he showered.
Cor flinched at the sound of a sub-space being activated. His hands immediately jumped to the sword on his hip once more. Cor stared at the hat as if it was the biggest threat he had ever seen in his life.
Ardyn found more than a little satisfaction in spooking the man titled 'the immortal'. He brushed off his hat, and placed it onto his head. Making sure it sat just so- "I can't heal the scourge. If that is what you are asking." Ardyn walked back over to the dinning table. He picked up some grapes from the food tray Regis had offered to him. "No, that is only something the Oracle can do."
Ardyn popped a grape into his mouth and swallowed it quickly. "Isn't that fun?" He asked the other two men with a smile. "Coming up with this convoluted plot? Of Kings and magic and crystals- such an epic story. A chosen King of light to destroy the darkness of the world." Ardyn pointed a finger and waved it like a conductor.
"Yet the one thing at the heart of it all- they gave the power to truly heal the scourge to the Oracle. They HAVE the ability to give us a solution. Yet instead of making that power more accessible to humans. The gods spend 2000 years setting up the most elaborate light show one can think of?" Ardyn asked the two men rhetorically. Then popped he another fruit into his mouth, shaking his head. "Why? To me it is clear that they have no-"
Ardyn's rant was interrupted by the turning of the doorknob to the front of the room. They all tensed, and turned. Witnessing Regis' Shield, Clarus entered the room. The older man was still wearing his councilor robes, and he was carrying a whole stack of papers and a tablet. Despite having the magical ability to store them away at a thought.
Clarus Amicita froze in the door way, noticing Ardyn's presence immediately. "I see. So this is how you found out who our traitor is." He said, looking to Cor.
Cor hesitated, "Not quite, but yes." The Marshal said stiffly.
"Wait." Regis held up a hand, looking over his shoulder at Cor, "You found out what now?"
"That is what I came here for originally." Cor explained, and produced a set of camera binoculars. He explained to his King how Ignis had confiscated them from Ardyn, and he had downloaded the pictures the man had been taken. Wanting to show them immediately to Regis. Getting sidetracked of course by Ardyn's 'shocking' appearance. Ardyn appreciated the man's word choice.
Clarus meanwhile approached the table and put all of his things down beside Regis. Electing not to sit, but instead resting his hands on the back of a chair. His nose wrinkled. "Why does it smell like burnt meat in here?" He asked the room. Cutting Cor's explanation short. He looked at his companions. "Did you two leave the oven on again?"
Everyone fell silent for a beat. Then Ardyn spoke up with great amusement, "See; and people wonder why I don't like family reunions."
Clarus looked at Ardyn with confusion. Regis drew himself up, and folded his arms in front of himself politely. "I apologize for that once more, Chancellor."
Ardyn popped the last grape into his mouth, and picked up his drink saucer. "Honestly. The day I meet a distant relative and don't die- well wait, I guess that has already happened." Ardyn considered his meetings with Noctis in the previous time line, "Or rather it didn't- if it was before the time alteration does it count?" He asked the men across from the table somewhat seriously.
"No." Cor seemed to have a decisive answer already.
"That is certainly an interesting question." Regis settled back in his chair, taking a drink of alcohol, "I would say that it certainly counts to some degree."
"I have no idea what you three are talking about." Clarus shook his head, and then waved the conversation aside. Getting them all back on topic.
"I spoke with Dratos before coming up here." Clarus announced to the room, "He says he might have an idea who our resistance leader is. Or at least a lead."
"Did he?" Ardyn asked with some delight. Cor gave him a long, thoughtful look.
"Did he?" Regis mimicked Ardyn's words, turning to Clarus.
"Yes. A Glaive named Libertus Ostium." Clarus explained, "Dratos says that he's got a history of asking questions about their orders. Voicing how unhappy he is about things. Apparently after coming back from the front lines- he has been attending meetings with a group referring to themselves as 'The Treaty Haters'."
"Do you have his file?" Cor asked with a frown.
Clarus went through his stacks of papers. "Yes. Here." He set the papers on the table so that all three men could look at it together.
Ardyn creeped up to the table, and sat down in his chair once more. Laceing his fingers together to watch the men. Clarus looked up at him with a frown. "Oh, don't mind me." Ardyn requested with a smile, "pretend I'm not here."
"You aren't going to tell us if this information is right or not?" Clarus asked with a scowl.
Ardyn smiled coyly, and played hard to get. "Well I wouldn't want to spoil anything. Now would I?"
"The pictures you were taking. They were all of Dratos, and the men he was speaking to." Cor started with addressing Ardyn, then moved to Regis and Clarus, "He was following the Generall specifically."
"So you suspect Dratos might be bad." Regis realized and closed his eyes. Reigning in his frustration. "This is exactly why I didn't want him as General."
"I know- you said he found this guy? How?" Cor pointed to Libertus' file and looked to Cor.
"Says he's been on Dratos' radar for a while as possible trouble. Just never had a reason to do an investigation." Clarus considered this, and the fact that Dratos might have lied to him. He looked at Ardyn, then back to his King. "Are we sure it's Dratos? We have no concrete evidence- unless Chancellor Izunia is willing to supply some." Clarus gave Ardyn a look which implied that he would not trust such evidence anyway.
"I like you." Ardyn told the man with a smile, "It's a pity you're too loyal to someone else."
Regis raised his hand, stopping Clarus from retorting. "Given what information we do have. I can not dismiss the possibility of it being Dratos." Regis ruled.
"If it is Dratos we wouldn't know. We would have put him in charge of finding himself." Cor cursed under his breath, "So much for us having any advantage of them not finding out we know."
"What to do. What to do." Ardyn tutted, "Such a heavy weight the crown is. Not that I would know."
Regis gave Ardyn a level look. Ardyn opened up his arms. Unabashedly letting the man read him like an open book. Regis pulled Libertus' file closer to himself. Then picked it up. "Tell General Dratos to bring Libertus in for a hearing. After the Niflhiem party leaves. My throne room. We will adjudicate as the council if not this Libertus is a traitor, and test Dratos' reactions."
"A weighing of souls." Ardyn raised his eyebrows. "How interesting. I will be sure to get a front row seat."
"If you are going to be lurking about, warn me. Otherwise we might have another... electrical issue on our hands." Regis advised the man. He had wards set up in the throne room as well. Given their effectiveness against Ardyn, he thought they might come in some use against any would be traitors.
"Wouldn't want you to be guilty of- of what is it called? Avunculicide? Twice in a row." Ardyn picked himself up from the table. He adjusted his hat, and his coat. "Well Gentlemen. It seems you are in need. I will leave you for now. Until our paths cross again." He waved his fingers and then made his departure. Heading out of the dinning hall and into the entry room of the King's Chambers.
"What does he mean 'avunclidide'?" Clarus asked as he left, "-cide means death. Like homicide."
Regis sighed heavily, "It means the killing of one's uncle."
"Why would he say that?" Clarus asked with frustration, "I really can't leave you two alone for forty minutes?!"
Cor only seemed amused by Clarus' anger. "Well. There's a him-shaped burn mark in the next room that can explain why."
"A WHAT?" Clarus asked, his voice increasing with a sharp level.
Regis sighed again, rubbing his temple, "You are going to want to take a seat my old friend. This is going to take a while to explain."
Don't forget to reblog to share with your mutuals! The whole story can be read HERE on A03.
Summary:
Libertus always knew his big mouth was going to land him in hot water one day.
He just never expected it to be this hot.
Ch. 25: The Weight of a Man's Soul
The Dungeon elevator churned as it ascended. The steady sound of metal wires being fed through a mechanical system. The Elevator was old. Probably older than everyone in said elevator combined. Having been installed when the Citadel was built. Some 800 years ago- and never replaced as far as Libertus was aware. A testament to the steadfast engineering Insomnia was known for.
Libertus was quite familiar with the noise. As when he wasn't on the front line, he usually rode this elevator down to work a guard shift, or up to escort prisoners. Just as he was being escorted now.
Libertus could name each of his captors currently, and they also could name him. Having worked together off and on for some six years now. A lot of them were buddies he had gone drinking with. They had been avoiding eye contact with him. More than a few had even expressed uncertainty at the accusations being thrown at him. Though Libertus refused to show any familiarity to them- especially in front of the higher ups.
Libertus knew what he was being accused for- treason was a high and very subjective crime. If he was found guilty soon lot of fingers were going to be pointing any anyone he was close to- or that they thought he was close too. A witch hunt of speculation and accusations.
Damn it. Libertus was really in it deep this time. He wished he was better with words, like Nyx. Perhaps he could have negotiated and gotten out of his predicament. Libertus knew that opening his big mouth would just get him into hotter water. So he stayed silent, and tried to keep a level head. As angry as he was at this situation- arguing and yelling at people would probably only make him look MORE guilty.
The elevator came to it's zenith with a squeak of gears, and a guard opened up the metal grating to the elevator. Libertus waited for everyone in front of him to step out of the way, and then followed them without protest. His pace walking down the hallway was slow, being that he still had a broken leg. Libertus tried not to dilly dalley too much. He knew very well that should Lord Clarus or Cor order the guard to bodily drag him down the cooridor- they would.
Instead they all walked in silence. The only sound in the corridor being their foot steps, and the drag of Libertus' chains and his uneven gait.
The holding room they came to was a small, hexagonal space. The walls were made out of the same plastered stone as the corridor. However, the floor of the room changed. Becoming a plate of black, polished metal. A surface which shifted a little bit as all of them stepped into the space. There was a metal loop welded onto the middle of the floor. Libertus stepped up to said hoop, already knowing the procedure. Two guards placed a hand on either of his shoulder. A third guard stepped in front of him, and with a hooking tool secured Libertus' chains to the floor. Libertus let this all happen, knowing that bidding his time would be more to his advantage- rather than trying to escape.
Lord Clarus Amicita circled around him, considering Libertus' cooperative nature. The man stopped before him. Arms behind his back. "You probably already know this- but this is a court-martial. So you do not get a lawyer." Lord Clarus didn't sound the least bit apologetic. "The King will allow you to speak on your defense- he requested some others to speak on your behalf. Which is why I will ask again; is there anyone you would like to be brought to speak on your character?"
Libertus glared past the man at the wall, and kept his mouth shut. Already having given Lord Clarus his answer. He knew how these things worked. Anyone Libertus said was a friend would be targets. Something he was not going to let happen.
"Very well." Lord Clarus looked to Cor Leonis. The Marshal uncrossed his arms and left without saying a single word. Lord Clarus followed him. They used their key cards to leave the room. The heavy door slamming as it swung close.
Libertus was left alone with the six fully armed guards who had escorted him up from the dungeon. Each of them moving to stand up against a wall of the hexagonal room. Standing in a circle to watch him from all angles.
A long beat of silence followed. As they waited for everyone upstairs to be ready to present Libertus to the court trial.
One of the guards spoke up. "Libertus."
"Don't." Libertus stopped them from speaking. He closed his eyes. "Just... watch your backs in the next few days. Keep your heads down. Alright?"
All of the guards shifted uneasily.
The sound of foot steps above them made them all look up. The roof above them shifted- and then the flat ceiling above him split open. Casting Libertus in a spotlight. Libertus adjusted his feet to be shoulder length apart, and he inhaled deeply. Standing up straight. The metal floor beneath Libertus fell just about an inch, and then it slowly began to push upwards. The hydraulic system beneath their feet pushing the platform- and him directly upwards- and into the throne room itself.
Libertus had been on this very platform many times as a guard, so he was not surprised by this development. It took only a few seconds for the hydraulic lift to raise him up the two or so meters up. Much like a stage performer might experience entry to some productions. Libertus supposed that comparison was a little fitting. Only the consequences of this performance would be much heavier.
Libertus tried to not look too nervous, as the platform came to a stop, falling just short of flush with the floor. Each of his guards stepped back- so they were on the proper ground level of the Throne room. As they did the metal platform raised just another inch- and several locking pins fell into place, locking the prisoner platform flush with the throne room floor. You might not have even known it was not the same floor, were it not for the two hinged floor tiles laying to either side of the platform, and the texture of the metal platform itself.
"I present to your majesty, the accused." Lord Clarus' voice spoke out, projecting through the throne room chamber. The Shield was standing on the second platform of the throne, directly up the set of stairs before him. Lord Clarus looked up to King Regis, but gestured down at him with his hand. "Libertus Ostium of the King's Glaive."
Libertus had seen a hand full of trial cases at this point. He knew what was expected of him. What a good citizen looked like- and how a guilty people tended to behave. Libertus was not happy with being where he currently was. However, he knew that shouting at the spoiled nobles before him would do nothing but assure his conviction.
Time to play loyal citizen. Libertus thought, and then bowed low at his waist, despite his chains and broken leg. "Your majesty." Libertus spoke to the floor, "It is an honor to be brought before you. I hope that we can clear up this misunderstanding."
Boots stepped up on his left. They were General Dratos'. Libertus could see him scoff out of the corner of his eye. "He plays innocent."
"General, please mind yourself." Lord Clarus did not approve of the General's remark. "You will get your chance soon enough to speak. Libertus Ostium, you may rise."
Libertus rose up out of his bow. He took a second to take in his surroundings.
The platform he was standing on was made to be at the center of the lowest tier of the throne room. This he already knew. His guards had backed off to stand against the walls of the lower section, and there were more on the fringes by the doors and such.
Dratos was standing directly to his left. Behind them both were six or so people. Some of them were Glaives- most of them from his own platoon. Most of them were in uniform, but two or three were wearing the nicest civilian clothes they could scrounge together. Like they had been called in while off duty. Which didn't make sense because Libertus had JUST seen both of them before his arrest.
There was one man Libertus knew wasn't a Glaive though. He was hand cuffed and down on his knees. Two guards standing beside him with guns. That man had a black eye, and a split lip. Libertus stared at the man he was the owner of the arcade that he and some of the other Glaive liked to frequent. What the fuck was he doing here?
"Libertus Ostium." Lord Clarus spoke, and Libertus turned back to look up at the head council man. Lord Clarus was apparently going to be leading this trial. King Regis rarely ever spoke to people himself. Especially if they were commoners, or considered lower class citizens. As an immigrant Libertus would be considered the latter. Despite the fact that he had done 4 deployments in the King's name, and earned his citizenship some years ago.
"You are brought here today before the Crown and the Lucian Council. Accused by General Dratos of Treason. Conspiracy against the Crown. Holding intent to stage a Rebellion- and operating a propaganda mill." Lord Clarus listed off these accusations, then folded his arms in front of him politely.
"How do you plead?"
Libertus chose not to speak to Lord Clarus. Rather he looked above him, directly at the King. Who did not shy away from making eye contact with him. King Regis was sitting back on his throne, watching the proceedings with interest. "Falsely accused, you Majesty." Libertus said with clear confidence. Then bowed his head.
The Nobles above and to either side of them stirred. King Regis made no move to silence them. Dratos beside him scoffed and shook his head.
"Very well." Clarus was not caught off guard by Libertus' declaration. "General Dratos. As the one accusing Libertus of these crimes. Please, do present your case ." He looked to the other man, and then nodded. Giving him the floor.
Dratos took a step forward. Swaggering his weight in a display of that astronomically large ego he carried. Libertus could not keep himself from rolling his eyes. Honestly. He would put a large amount of Gil on Dratos being the actual traitor here. He might have been the top dog in the Glaive- but the man probably resented the fact that Clarus, the King and Cor were still above him in terms of rank.
"You Majesty I have shared most of this information with you already. So, allow me to present my findings to the court." Dratos spoke to the room as a whole. "This morning your Majesty called for a security meeting. One of Lord Clarus' spies had discovered that the Imperial Chancellor had not just suspicion- but HARD EVIDENCE of a third party who wanted to interfere with the signing of the Peace Treaty."
"Anarchists!" Dratos dramatically raised a gloved finger, and declared, "Who do not want Lucis- or the Empire to win this conflict. Rather their goals are just to keep the state of war ongoing- to sow chaos, and seize power for themselves. Their aim was to kill one or more of the present crowns for the Peace Treaty talks. The King, his son, or the Emperor and his new heir."
Dratos turned and raised a hand up towards the throne, but turned to the council members on either side. Continuing his story. "So, his Majesty ordered me to investigate, and I did." Dratos took a few casual steps to the side, before turning and walking back. Pacing as he spoke.
"It was a conversation from a few days ago. One which buzzed in my ear as the King informed me of this supposed plot. Thus where I began my investigation. One of my Glaives- they mentioned that Libertus Ostium here had been complaining quite vocally about the treaty in the locker room. Something I did not think much of at the time."
Libertus realized what Dratos was referring too, and where this was going. Shit. He was screwed.
"I began inquiring around in his platoon, and other fellow service members. Learning that not only was Libertus Ostium quite opinionated against the Treaty - but one more than one occasion had he mentioned a group, who refer to themselves as the 'Treaty Haters'."
Dratos turned to look at Libertus, "It seems that Libertus was unhappy enough about the Peace Treaty to do more than just complain."
The room above them filled with whispers, as the council members above them digested this information. Dratos paced back to Libertus, placing a heavy boot on the trap door to the prisoner.
"Nothing to say to your defense then?" Dratos asked, almost goading him to say something.
Libertus felt anger boil under his skin. He kept his mouth shut though. He knew that speaking out of turn during these trials was basically just shooting himself in the foot.
Dratos waited just a second. Then when Libertus did not crack he turned. "So, following this trail I began to look into these so called 'Treaty Haters'. Now Libertus before had handed out some flyers." Dratos held out a hand. One of the guard stepped forward, and handed handed him a folder. He opened it. Then took out several slips of green paper.
Libertus recognized the green slips. He clenched and unclenched his fists. "Placing them not just in the Glaive locker room, but also in the general weight training room. They are coupons. To an Arcade." Dratos took the green slips, and gave them to Clarus. Who handed them to some noble's servant. The gray-haired servant adjusted his glasses, looking at the coupon. He then carried the papers up to the throne, where he handed them to the Prince, and then to the council to look over.
"I sent some guards to investigate- and they found something very curious."
From the file in Dratos's hand he peeled out a flyer. Dangling it by the corner by just the pinch of his fingers. It was white, but with a bright orange graphic. Very easily recognizable. It was one of the main flyers the Treaty Haters had been distributing around Insomnia, ever since the armistice had been announced. It had been distributed out amongst protesters- taped onto walls and cars- plastered just about everywhere over the last few weeks.
The orange graphic was a cartoonist depiction of Ravus shitting himself on the throne, when being told that the Niflheim Army had broken through the Cavaugh Pass.
"Your majesty the Arcade in question is a front." Dratos explained, sorting through the papers in his hands, "Its true intention is to act as a printing station. For Propaganda aimed directly against the Crown. Against the treaty being signed, and calling in some cases," Dratos produced a second flyer, this one with more text than art, he read it, giving the throne a sideways look, "'For the removal of the upper classes who do nothing but call profit from the common man's death'"
Dratos shoved the flyer back into the folder. Then he tossed the whole thing like a disk. Flyers went everywhere. Scatting like snow across the upper balconies of the throne room. Dratos saving the servants a step in distributing it. White and orange graphics with hateful catch phrases and offensive pictures scattering everywhere. One of them landed on Libertus' should and he shrugged it off.
"I arrested this man." Dratos placed his hands on his hips and turned. The guards dragged the kneeling behind Libertus forward, "Who supposedly owns the establishment. He didn't want to release any information at first, but with some persuasion." Libertus noted that the arcade owner's hands were both broken, "He told me that he was just in charge of the front operations. That the true man behind the Treaty haters was a man who called himself. 'The Gates to Liberty'."
"I am sure that to all of you esteemed nobles, and your majesty, that I do not have to inform you of what the suspect's name means in old Lucian." Dratos paced around Libertus, like a courel, "So. I arrested Libertus Ostium post haste."
Dratos turned on his heel back towards Clarus. Opening up his arms. "And thus we find ourselves here today."
The room stirred with voices for a moment. Council members sharing their opinions with each other, or their attendants. More than a few of them were picking up the thrown flyers and viewing them. Some looked incredibly offended. The King was not distracted by the mess. Starring down at Dratos with cold blue eyes.
Lord Clarus looked up to King Regis, and they held a small conversation just through eye contact. Lord Clarus turned back to Dratos. "Do you have anything more to say? General Dratos?"
"Yes. I have brought six of my Glaives in today. Three of them, you Majesty are men who were approached by Libertus and heard him speaking about the treaty haters." Dratos gestured to the soldiers behind Libertus. "In what I now suspect were attempts to recruit people to his cause." "
I also, upon your request have asked three Glaives who are close to Libertus, and would like to speak on his behalf, for his defense."
Wait- friends? Libertus' brow pinched, and he looked behind him at the Glaives gathered. He eyed up the six of them, and then looked forward. His heart picking up a beat. He wasn't friends with any of those guys. Sure they might work together but- something about what Dratos had just said didn't quite add up.
Libertus glanced at the General, but the General wasn't looking at him. Rather up at the King and Lord Clarus.
"Those for defense will speak when the time comes." Clarus announced, for now "Let us hear from these witnesses first."
Dratos nodded and stepped back. There was some shuffling of where people were standing. The first Glaive took center stage before the throne. He bowed and then introduced himself. He then began to explain why he was there. How he had over heard Libertus talking about the treaty haters in the locker room. Then been approached by General Dratos that morning and questioned about the encounter. He talked about how Libertus was always passionately telling them about something or the other. How in the last few days he had made it very clear that he was not happy with the treaty.
Once he was done giving his account Clarus asked the nobles if they had any questions for the man. The nobles one by one standing up and asking questions.
Libertus listened, and felt like someone was hammering a nail into his proverbial coffin. The man wasn't lying, not even the least bit. Libertus HAD talked to him, and some others about the Treaty Haters. In the last week or so he had been very vocal about his dislike for the Armistice. Crowe had always said his big mouth was going to land him in hot water. He supposed she was right.
The next Glaive told them about how Libertus had come in with the coupons and said that a 'buddy of his' ran the arcade. How Libertus distributed the coupons, and even invited them several time to go visit the arcade after work. Things that were once again the TRUTH. Libertus had learned about the arcade from an old circle of Galahd friends. Libertus always made it a point to go out and support the Galahd refugees who had managed to open their own businesses- having been his own business owner in a past life. Libertus had stopped by and then offered to put some coupons out to drum up business. Playing games at an arcade was a favorite pass time for most people in Insomnia. Since home gaming systems were so expensive- and most of them were out of their houses more than not, given their deployment schedules. Libertus liked bringing people to that particular arcade because it was Galahdian owned, and they had a decent selection of beer.
Libertus had NOT known it was a meeting place for anarchists. Of course. If he had known that he would have been a lot more careful about so openly promoting the place. Damn it.
The last Glave stepped forward. This one pretty much reiterated what the other two had said. "There is something I also would like to add." They said towards the end of their statement. "When... when we as a group tend to go drinking after our shifts, your majesty. Libertus is often very loud- and he lately has been expressing some things which I think would be relevant to this case."
"What sort of things?" Dratos prompted.
"Things about how we should be retaking Galahd for ourselves. How we don't need Lucis, or... or the King. Not that this is something I believe. Your majesty." The Glaive clarified, nervously bowing. "Just that is the sorts of things Libertus would always talk about. Quite passionately I might add."
There were murmurs through out the council on this statement.
Libertus stared at the Glaive. THAT was an out right lie. Libertus did not often agree with the King and politics in Insomnia. However he had NEVER once tried to suggest that they try to fight this war on their own. That would have been ONE; incredibly stupid. The Lucian army with all of its resources and man power had not been able to make grounds against the Niflhiem army in some almost 25 years. TWO; landed him in hot water faster. Insomnia was not exactly a place that practiced free speech. Saying anything against the King- especially in a public setting- could get you exactly in the kind of hot water Libertus was in now.
"Just to surmise." Dratos stepped forward once more. "I believe that Libertus Ostium is in charge of at least a portion of this. In that his goals were to recruit people for his cause, to sow doubt and chaos into citizens, and to ulitmatley- possibly- carry out an assassination attempt on your Majesty's life, and that of Prince Noctis." Dratos bowed to finish out his speech.
Lord Clarus waited for Dratos to rise back up before speaking. "Very well. Thank you for your presentation, General Dratos."
Lord Clarus adjusted the long sleeve of his robe, and then turned to him, "Libertus Ostium." Libertus felt his shoulders tense as his name was spoken.
"What have you to say for your defense?"
Libertus inhaled, then waited for the Throne room to settle. The Council Members were still settling over Dratos' words. Not for the first time Libertus wished that he had Nyx's charisma. He his hands felt sweaty. He had no idea how he was going to get out of this hole.
Libertus cleared his throat, and shifted his weight. Then he beseeched the throne.
"First of all, your majesty, I would like to make it clear that I had no idea that the Arcade was part of anything illegal." Libertus started simple, "I had no idea. How would I? I'm a fully deployed Glaive?! I'm on the 3-4 rotation."
"I spend three months out on the front lines, come back for three months, then go back out for another three! Six months out of the year I am on the front lines." Libertus pointed out, "How am I supposed to run a whole ass rebellion against the Crown- when most of the time I am out there defending Lucis and Insomnia? Most of what I do is IN SERVICE to your Majesty, to this country. You think I would be committing myself to such service if I did not fundamentally care about this country?!" Libertus asked to Council at large.
The council members exchanged looks, in what Libertus hoped was a promising manor.
"Now I don't knows what General Dratos is talking about this 'Gate to Freedom' being the name of their supposed leader." Libertus put the name into quotation marks, the chains on his wrist rattling just a bit as he did so. "If their name was 'Quintus' would we be arresting everyone who's mother thought the number five was lucky?" Libertus proposed the absurdity of what was happening. "I have no idea who this man, woman, or person is. All I knows is that General Dratos, for some reason, thinks that my name connects me to them. It is only a loose connection- and I think that jumping the gun and trying me for treason is a mistake on his part, when there clearly needs to be more investigation into these matters."
The Council members whispered amongst each other as Libertus took a pause. Lord Clarus prompted a question, "Care to explain then, why you were distributing coupons for the arcade then?"
"Backs when I lived in Galahd, I owned my own small business." Libertus prefaced, "I know how hard it is to drum up business. Especially when you're starting fresh." Libertus explained, "Your Magesty I frequently distribute coupons for business owned by Galahd Refuges. As well as encourage people- usually either my friends or coworkers to go visit such places." Libertus explained, "In fact- these are not the only coupons I have brought and distributed. There's more than a handful." Libertus listed them off the top of his head, "A ramen shop on the 6th- a food stall that specializes in Galahd cuisine just on the edge of the grift- and a local Galahd grocery."
Lord Clarus seemed to find this interesting. "Is that so? Tell me, how did you first come across this arcade?"
"Uh, If I recall correctly I heard about the Arcade through another squad member of ours, Luche." Dratos recalled, "He told me there was a pinball tournament going on, which I decided to attend. Then later, I asked the owner if he wanted me to hand out some coupons."
"So, you were invited to the Arcade? and then became associated with it?" Lord Clarus asked for clarification.
"Yes." Libertus confirmed.
Lord Clarus seemed to think this was important. He looked behind him towards the Marshal. However he had no follow up questions.
A noble woman stood up. Speaking from the upper right hand wing. "Explain yourself on these locker room discussions the General and other Glaives mentioned."
Libertus shifted his weight, "I will admit. That personally, I do not agree with how his Majesty handles some things." Libertus confessed, "I lived through Niflehim's seizure of Galahd. My parents were killed by them- and so were most of the people I cared about."
"I once again -privately- do not think that the peace treaty is a good idea. Most of these locker room conversations were done exactly as such- locker room conversations. I never was trying to rally people against the King. Or recruit them for a rebellion. Nothing like that- and I NEVER made claims that we should branch off and start our own resistance." Libertus stated, then pointed to the last Glaive who spoke, "I don't know what he's saying about me trying to start some kind of rebellion group-"
"That is my understanding of what he was saying." The Glaive Libertus was speaking about crossed his arms.
"What does that mean? When even was this conversation?" Libertus asked, "We got back form the front lines what, like a week and a half ago? I haven't even done drills with yous guys!"
"Enough!" Lord Clarus raised up and stamped a single foot. The resulting noise was loud enough to echo in the chamber. "We will have order."
Shit. Libertus grimaced and pulled himself back. He had gotten out line. His anger was getting the better of him. The whole throne room settled down for just a moment, before continuing on. There was a squeak of a door above them. A woman in a black suit came from a side door, and began talking quietly with the Marshal. Cor looked over to Clarus, then he walked forward. The woman followed, and began quietly speaking with Lord Clarus as well. After a moment the Marshal peeled away. Walking up the stairs towards the throne. Libertus and the entire council watched as Marshal Leonis placed a hand on the back of the throne, leaned over, and began to whisper something into.
King Regis sat forward on his throne, "Let them enter." King Regis spoke for the first time since Libertus had come into the throne room. His voice clear and serious.
The woman standing with Clarus turned, bowed, and quickly left through the hidden door she had entered through.
Marshal Leonis stepped away from the King, adjusting his suit Jacket. He stood above, and "We have had an interesting update to the claims of this- which will now be brought before the King forth right."
Whispers rippled through the court room, and people shifted on their chairs. The Crown Prince stood up from his chair., and walked down from the upper level to stand beside his father. The gray haired servant and his shield moving to stand with him. The Prince asked a question, but the King waved him off. The three giving him confused looks, and then of forming up on the King's right hand side, like a group of personal guards.
The double doors at the front of the throne room opened. A royal crowns guard stepped through, "Presenting!" They said, pausing after the word, so to give everyone a moment to pause and listen.
"His Imperial Highness! N-IP01357!"
Whispers erupted across the room. Not all of them happy. One distinct voice remarked on the audacity of the Imperial Heir to waltz into Regis' throne room and just demand an audience.
Libertus got a bad feeling in his gut. He turned as best he could, given that he was still chained to the floor. The Royal Guard opened the double doors with an official air, and then stood to the side.
The Imperial Heir walked in. The throne room was getting darker, given that the sun was fully setting. Yet in the provided by the crystalline lights overhead, the MT's golden hair almost glowed in the dark room. His white official robes, and red tassels billowed dramatically as he stepped into the space. Walking with confidence right through the middle of the room. Inserting himself between Libertus and Dratos.
A collection of Imperial Guards entered behind him. One stayed specifically at the Prince's side- but it was not just Imperial soldiers who came through the door.
"Libertus!" Crowe called out with a stage whisper, and brushed past the Imperial Guards. Running up to him and throwing her hands around his shoulder.
"Crowe!?" Libertus asked with surprise. As his sister hugged him. He looked over her shoulder, at the next person to approach him. "Nyx? What the hell are yous doing here?" He asked with dread. This was the last thing he wanted. If he couldn't prove himself innocent... these two being so close too him could get them in hot water.
"It's a long story." Nyx walked up to him. The prisoner platform Libertus was on sunk a centimeter. He placed a hand on Libertus' shoulder. Then looked sideways at General Dratos. Crowe pulled back and looked towards the General as well. Libertus could feel the anger burning under her skin. He looked between him and them. Getting that bad feeling again.
"You lied to us!" Crowe accused General Dratos, her voice echoing in the throne room. "You said that Libertus wasn't going to trial immediately! That he was going to be in holding! What the fuck is this?!"
Dratos rolled his eyes "Those plans changed-" he offered an explanation only half-heartedly.
"BULLSHIT! You're a lying coward!" Crowe accused, stepping forward.
"ENOUGH." Lord Clarus boomed. The room quieted down at his echoing voice. His words becoming a barrier between Dratos and the Glaives. As the air pressure in the room actually dropped.
"What is the meaning of all this?" King Regis asked, in the following silence.
The Niflheim Heir stepped forward. Boots clicking on the smooth marble floor. The Prince kept their hands behind their back, and their eyes trained upwards on the throne. Though they drifted off to the left hand side, and up just a bit. Towards one of the window sills.
"I was hoping you might help me with that, King Regis." The MT Prince spoke firmly. Though, his voice was higher pitched than most men his age. Despite the conversation being quite serious, Libertus found it a little hard to take him too seriously. "There are rumors of traitors in your ranks. I believe I might have just encountered a handful of them. As I just fended off an assassination attempt."
A wave rippled through out the upper levels of the throne room. Libertus cursed under his breath. Knowing how serious such a thing was. The peace treaty had not even been officially signed yet. To have something like this happen would blow the armistice out of the water- and the Niflheim Armada was in a prime position to assault Lucis directly. The Lucian higher ups seem to recognize this, and they buzzed with activity.
"Bring them in." The Soldier standing at the Niflheim Prince's side commanded. The doors to the throne room were still open. Allowing for Eight Imperial Soldiers to pushed through the door way. Each of them paired with another of their kind- and holding an injured Glaive captive. The soldiers dragged their captives to stand front and center, in a line behind the Niflheim Prince. The people Dratos had brought in to give testimony all had to move off to the side. Standing on the far side of the General. The lower portion of the throne room was becoming quite crowded. Despite how large the space seemed to be. It was like a proverbial a lion's den.
"King Regis, these four men assaulted me in the hallway not but a hand full of minutes after the peace negotiations broke up." The Niflheim Prince explained, holding out a hand to the four glaives being held prisoner. Though he kept his face turned towards the throne. Slowly he then gestured toward Libertus- or rather Nyx and Crowe. "If it were not for the observant eye of these two, someone might have gotten seriously hurt."
That was choice words- considering that it looked like ALL of the Glaive in the Niflheim Prince's custody were injured. One of them had a very broken arm. Two of them looked to be actively bleeding. Three of them were new recruits who had just passed their tests. Libertus recognized them from the training hall The fourth was was Luche however. The second in command of the Glaive being gagged by a maroon cloth being used as an improvised gag. Libertus raised his eyebrows with surprise. The man sneered and then looked away. His eyes burning with anger.
"What happened? Exactly?" Dratos asked with a serious tone. He turned to look at the group critically. Eyes lingering on Luche for just a moment longer than the others. Eyes flashing the color of steel.
"I will have one of these honorable Glaives tell you the details." The MT referred to Nyx and Crowe, "They have quite an interesting story to share."
Nyx was not the brightest of their friend group. Nor someone with the best common sense. However, Nyx knew his cue when it came- being the most charismatic out of their trio. "Your Magesty." Nyx stepped forward and bowed low at the waist. A few drops of blood dripped onto the marble floor at the motion. Libertus only noticed then that his best friend had a cut on the side over one ear- that his family braids were missing. Something that made Libertus cover his mouth with surprise. As in their culture that signified a cutting of ties from their home land.
"This story is a long and a bit complicated- but I believe that I should preface that I have good reason to believe that General Dratos is the one who should be held on trial for treason."
"Excuse me?!" Dratos said with understandable offense. Bristling at Nyx. His eyes turned from their dark blue to dark steel. Which no one really noticed. Save for the Niflheim Prince, who was watching the man from the corner of his vision.
"That is a very serious accusation." King Regis decreed from atop the throne, "You better have a good reason to back up such a claim."
Nyx looked up at the throne, rising from his bow. Meeting Regis' eyes directly.
