Last Of The Kingsglaive

“Your mother was a wise woman. My people feel the same way about the Galahdian Sea, back on the islands. We can find a good bed and breakfast to hold up at for awhile, I'm sure. I'll leave that job for you and your charm... you know this territory and the people better. Never been out this far into the Empire. Never expected to be. I'll try not to start any fights."

Nyx's low voice spoke up to her with a trace of a returned smile, stealing a glance at the blonde Princess on his shoulder and the wistful smile she herself wore as she revealed the memory of better times. Likely that had been before this region had become mostly an arid desert... he could only imagine what it had been before the Empire stole it. They went on for a time, and sometime around dusk, he found them a good, safe spot, where the coast of Sablio and the sea were visible off in the distance. Not too far a walk to the seaside territory... the Nilfgaardian garrisons and checkpoints visible, along with the buildings of the town, their lights beckoning. They would have to sneak around, into the city, by nightfall. Parking, he turned off the car behind a good sized, rocky hill among shrubbery, slipping the keys into his coat pocket and leaning back with a breath of his own. At her suggestion, he looked Lunafreya's way again... nodding, memories stirring, of the plan of action he'd come up with awhile back.

“There are some hooded cloaks in the trunk, among our things. Recall picking some up at one of those clothing merchants, at some point. Knew we would have to move through civilization at some point. We do tend to stand out a good deal... yourself especially. Let's check... better safe than sorry.”

The Kingsglaive suggested, leaning in to press a tender kiss to the top of her head, before rubbing her shoulder and beckoning to her to follow him. Opening the door and stepping out into the rocky ground, he drew a breath of the heated air as he exited the vehicle, weapons and coat shifting about. He smelled the sea again... and it almost brought him back to the islands... but not quite. The air was wrong here... not entirely like his memories. Harsher. He scanned around the perimeter of the area for any animals or hostiles... but they turned and made his way back around to the trunk, popping it open and rummaging around inside, waiting on her to join him. Before long, she had, and he located the items he was looking for. Two hooded desert camouflaged travelling cloaks to blend in and deal with the sun. After the desert of Leide, knowing they would have to brave another, he had taken the precaution. He passed one off to her, speaking again as he checked on the rest of the supplies and items they had found and purchased along the way, drawing out the essentials.

"Here's yours. Nightfall isn't far off, not long left to wait. I hate leaving the Prince's car out here... she got us this far, kept us alive. If we can find a way to safely get it to the boat we take out of here... we'll do so. Maybe I can get a jump on the garrison's troops... take them out quietly before our departure. Otherwise we can hide it... come back for it, at some point... after your work in Altissia is accomplished. We'll take what we can carry with us... weapons, Gil and provisions. In case it's not safe to return here."

❝It would be a shame to abandon our steed here - she has been with us since our very first day in Lucis. Do you recall?❞ It feels somehow far off, and as if it were only yesterday all at once. Such is the passage of time in war - they all cling to happier days.

But their happiest are still to come. For they are so, so very close to that fateful final duty. To meet with Leviathan, and return to Noctis his ring, his power. He shall bring an end to this accursed darkness, and the world will at last be free. That is her calling. And when at last the world no longer has need of her…perhaps she shall find a new purpose for herself. She looks over at Nyx, and smiles.

With his accompaniment, of course.

❝We shall be able to breathe once we arrive upon the shores of Altissia. Oh, the stories I have heard - a city upon the sea, the ocean beneath your feet and the waterfalls to your side. And the gondolas! It is their primary source of transport, for one of course cannot simply drive on water. Have you ever ridden a gondola? They are these small boats, and they look so very romantic. At certain times of the year, Altissia is transfigured into a dazzling wonderland with fireworks and twinkling lights as far as the eye can see. Perhaps once our business is concluded, we may remain for such an event? I do so adore such things.❞

"All too well. Wouldn't have made it this long or this far without her, I'm sure. Fingers crossed we don't have to leave her out here as well. Left too much behind us, as it is. It'll be good not to have to keep running away, for a change."

Nyx's low voice agreed with Lunafreya, giving the vehicle another approving look and patting the heated, dark metal. He didn't tend to get fond of equipment and transportation methods, but the Prince's vehicle had been with them long enough to change his tune in this instance. Especially all the scrapes they'd got into with Niflheim on the run... the times it had saved them. He would return for it, if he survived what was to come... but it was on what lie ahead of them he had to focus on. Yet she turned her thoughts and spoke excitedly of the good that awaited them, instead of the bad. Even now, despite it all, she held on to her fond memories and knowledge of the land awaiting them... with little focus on the dangers that still lie between them and it. While Niflheim loomed large over his head in the present and near future, in hers she focused on the pleasant past and potential positive future. All the same, the optimism was a bit intoxicating... as it had been from the start, and just what he needed at his side. Light in the darkness. Finding his thoughts and words, he uttered a low chuckle as he gathered their supplies, passing some off to her, as well as her weapons.

"I've never seen or been to Altissia... nor ridden a gondola. Our boats in Galahd were much less fancy or romantic, just for fishing and fighting... but I look forward to seeing and experiencing both with you, Princess. Especially without having to be surrounded by Niflheim troops when we get there. Assuming the city is still neutral. Be nice to have somewhere I don't have to keep looking over my shoulder. Course I still will be, part of the bodyguard business, eyes at the back of the head. Tenebrae was a pleasant change of pace, be good to have something like that again. Gladly stay for such an event with you, after we see through our tasks. Will be like that evening we enjoyed in Insomnia, from your description. Before our whole world went crazy. Crazier."

The Kingsglaive smiled a bit wryly as he worked, despite himself, at nearly the last pleasant memory he'd had within Insomnia, at the party with her, amid the fireworks. He'd had no idea what would happen come the next morning... his world turning upside down... all of their worlds... that their fates would be bound... but they had made it this far, were still alive, despite it all, the odds stacked against them. By now, overhead the sun had steadily lowered, only the last bit of light remaining... but it wouldn't be long before that too vanished. They were as ready now as they would ever be... there was no sense putting it off any longer. They would use the stealthy way in if possible, and violent one to deal with the Niflheim troops if necessary. He hoped for the former, but was prepared for the latter... and knew his training of her would pay off for her, if more violence became necessary. He checked his weapons over a final time, before putting on the cloak to disguise himself and hide his hardware from view, pulling the hood down over his head. Looking back the Princess' way again, he spoke up to her once more with a nod.

"Think we can start walking to Sablio now. Already getting dark out... will be so by the time we get there. Be on your guard, as ever. We'll find a good spot to slip into the port town, then get to work. Not quite over the finish line yet... in my experience things tend to get more complicated and dangerous around this time. When the end is in sight. Or maybe that's more of my pessimism talking. Ready when you are, Luna."

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The Kingsglaive escorted the Princess inside, nodding politely to the familiar Leidan cooks and waitresses behind the counter who looked back between the two of them with mixed confusion and amusement. Whispering among themselves as they made their way to a booth in the back of the diner, no doubt. Taking their seats, one of the waitresses was quick to bring them down their menus, clearly wanting to steal another look at his evening company... no doubt familiar from some of the news broadcasts going around. He doubted most of them didn't recognize the royal, even dressing down to blend in... and those who didn't recognize her would be told by the ones who did. Sure enough, the waitress winked at him knowingly before departing as rapidly as she had dropped off the menus... and apart from thanking the waitress, Nyx remained silent until she had left, and Lunafreya spoke up again, asking his recommendation. Blue eyes returning to hers, he smiled, consulting his own menu as well as he spoke quietly, for her alone to hear.

“Hmm. Way I see it, you can't go wrong starting out with a tall milkshake with whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate and sprinkles with a cherry on top. Something tells me one of those would be right up your alley. Then again, I think you'd like everything on the menu."

Nyx chuckled under his breath, leaning back a bit further in his booth seat and relaxing, absently scanning the menu himself... though his suggestion for her sounded just like what he needed himself, then. He payed more attention to their surroundings in the diner, and her. There weren't many others in the place besides the staff at this hour... a few older customers up at the stools by the counter drinking coffee, reading their papers, watching television... a couple scattered tables occupied as well. He enjoyed the subdued, quiet atmosphere and relative privacy of the place more than Yamachang's... that was for sure... even if he preferred the Galahdian cuisine. Always one thing or the other to choose from, between two establishments, each with advantages. He preferred the ambiance here... the lighting, jukebox playing old tunes... and most of all, her companionship here among it all. Setting down his menu, he rubbed his jaw absently, looking the blonde young woman's way again and speaking up some more with relaxed amusement.

“Haven't been here in quite awhile. Been busy, we usually came here for celebrations, and there hasn't been much to celebrate, of late. Doesn't hurt to have another reason to come back. A good looking one with a sweet tooth, and who draws attention without meaning to, no less. Must be nice to get away from that Citadel for awhile. Be able to just be yourself."

She is far from ignorant to the whispering around her, but such a thing has been her constant companion these twenty-something years, for there is nowhere the Oracle can go where her visage is unknown. She takes in this unfamiliar atmosphere with great interest, before her curious gaze turns back to Nyx.

❝I am myself wherever I go, for I am the Oracle. And I am the Oracle foremost, wherever I go,❞ she says mildly, her hands folding neatly before her. ❝But I understand what you are saying, and I appreciate it. Your company this evening is most appreciated.❞

Before long, the waitress brings their order, and given there are others who have been here longer than they, whose tables are still empty, Luna can only assume their milkshakes were someone’s utmost priority a moment ago. After thanking the waitress politely, she toys with the straw in her drink and sighs.

❝It is a menial trouble,❞ she muses quietly. ❝Little more than a champagne problem. I shall want for nothing all my life, while there are those with scarcely the resources for food and drink who would walk on broken glass just to meet me. Yet I bemoan that very fame that brings comfort to so many. What a selfish impulse.❞

"Right back at you. And I appreciate the appreciation. It's few and far between, in my experience."

Nyx smiled faintly back at the Princess, relaxing a bit further into his seat, his attention on the others of the diner gradually receding, and focusing just on their table. It wasn't too long before their orders came around to the table, and he thanked the waitress again, taking his milkshake and bringing his straw to his lips, sampling it, though paying more attention when Lunafreya spoke up quietly again. Shared some more of herself, her vulnerability in her thoughts. Some of the worries she held. He was hardly surprised, given her role and what was expected of her. A cage made of gold was still a cage, no matter how you looked at it. He didn't yet know all the particulars of her role as an Oracle... but he could imagine they were a heavy burden on her shoulders, alongside her status as a royal, all the expectations of a life others had prepared for her, with limited choices. Reaching over the table, he settled his hand over one of the blonde young woman's gently, squeezing it a bit, and trying to offer some reassurance in touch and his own words alike. Considering them carefully, and low voice speaking so only she could hear them.

"Troubles are troubles, regardless of their size. We all deal with, make the best of, the cards life deals us. Couldn't imagine living in your position, just as I'm sure you wouldn't want to be in mine, out on some battlefield. We have experience on our own paths the other doesn't, that prepares us for our duties... but that doesn't mean we can't set those paths aside now and again. Share something good together. Doesn't hurt to be selfish now and again. Only Gods and Saints can forever exist for the sake of others alone. Oracle and Kingsglaive or not... we're still just people at the end of the day, whatever uniform we wear."

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"Right... almost forgot about the car, having a good weapon again. Shouldn't take long, she's in good condition. We'll give it a look over, then we can head over to the gas station and fill it up, then get some shut eye."

Nyx's low voice lay out their plan... before closing the trunk again after scavenging what he could carry, then making his way around to the front of the car to check under the hood. He was pretty sure it was still in tip top shape... or at least enough that he didn't have to break out the tools from the trunk, just yet. He pointed out a few of the parts for her... but knew there wasn't time at this hour for a full lesson. He could do so out on the journey. When they were done, they got back in the car fired it up and backed out on to the road. It didn't take long to reach the gas station across the street... the staff there waiting on him, and gassing the vehicle up for him, the mechanics outright whistling, impressed by the Prince's car, running their hands over it and asking to check under the hood. He allowed them, given their hospitality... and they seemed to agree with his assessment that it was still in great shape. Though he had the feeling if he didn't put his foot down they would come up with or cause a problem to keep the rare vehicle in their shop awhile.

When the car was gassed up and ready to go, he pushed the hood back down, climbed in and drove them back to the motel's garage, parking it safely. He led Lunafreya back into the hotel, up the stairs, down the hall and towards their room again, hand on the Enforcer pistol in his pocket and one of his concealed Kukri blades all the way, scanning for anyone else... but thankfully they were all tucked away in their rooms, by now. Reaching and opening the door for her, he checked inside first to be safe and stepped back when he was sure it was clear, remaining alert, eyes on their surroundings at all times. When she slipped inside, her went in after her, closing and locking the door behind them again... and only then did he release a breath, rubbing his stubble lined features slowly. Keeping his coat on, he moved over to the couch at once, settling down on it, and trying to relax a bit more, to come back down. Opening his eyes, removing his sidearm from his pocket, he examined it for a moment, then he looked over to the Princess again, nodding and speaking up.

"Good to be inside somewhere secure again. How much we're going to be exposed out in the open, going forward, best to make the most of it. You get to bed, Princess... I'll stay up a bit longer. Want to check over this weapon, and see if I can catch anything useful on the news. Never know."

Luna hesitates, watching the Glaive with her hands clasped before her. ❝But you must be tired also. Please, rest while you can. The journey before us shall be arduous at best.❞

Though she knows better than to assume one of Regis’ own will submit to exhaustion while there is work to be done. Luna busies herself readying the beds, checking the windows, listening all the while to the hallway outside so she can know what sounds are normal, and what sounds are not.

A complimentary tea set has been left for them, and it is the most welcome sight she has been met with all day. Luna is diligent in her brewing, for it is the one thing that always brings her comfort. She times the steeping as her mother did; with a softly-hummed song. And when at last it is ready, she looks to her guard, who appears absorbed in a news story about the fall of Insomnia.

❝Nyx.❞ Her hand settles gently on his shoulder. A kind way to get his attention, but also a gesture of comfort. Of solidarity. For not a day shall ever go by for either of them, that the very thought of that once-grand city shan’t put a pit in their stomachs. ❝Milk and sugar? For your tea. There is nothing better to help one rest, you know.❞

"I will, soon. Don't worry about it, had far less time to sleep between missions, not so long ago. But I'm here to worry about you, not myself. Nothing I can't handle."

Nyx's low voice reassured the Princess with a look and nod the blonde young woman's way. While she tended to preparing the tea, he turned his attention back to his Enforcer machine pistol and the news... seeing the footage of Lucis' devastation... the Empire's forces... and the Emperor and Chancellor alike at a celebration ceremony in their capital of Gralea. The two of them so haughty and clearly full of themselves over the spoils of their victory, showing off the glowing Crystal they had seized... that he had been forced by circumstances not to pursue. Acting just as they had been at the party in Insomnia... kindly and charming images hiding tyrannical, demonic natures. He had to resist the urge to shoot the screen. Still, he had the feeling that despite their seeming victory, they were inwardly displeased not to have gotten the Ring... to say nothing of their Supreme Commander and Diamond Weapons' fates in the ruins of Insomnia. It was the only comfort he could take from the gloating propaganda broadcast.

On the local news, he saw images flashing on screen showing pictures of the Princess Lunafreya, Prince Noctis and his friends as well, the broadcasters asking anyone who had seen them to report them to the Empire at once, offering a sizable reward. It turned his stomach a bit to hear... but at least they thought him and the rest of the Kingsglaive to be dead... thought that the Princess was travelling alone. Maybe he would be able to take them off guard more easily this way... though it was a matter of time before they updated the broadcast to include his picture and a bounty on his head along with them. His firearm and knives would suffice, for now, but they were going to need more hardware, and soon. He didn't even want to imagine how many troops lie between them and their destination. Her voice and hand on his shoulder brought him back from his reverie of contemplation, turning from the television and back her way, to find she had finished the tea. He returned Lunafreya's smile at once, answering her request with an appreciative nod.

"Both, please. Appreciate it, Princess. Don't remember the last time I had any tea. If we're lucky, find more of it around, maybe we can change that along the way."

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doortotomorrow

"There's no safer place for me to be." - Lunafreya

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fyeahlunyx

light-of-etro

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garbria

Nyx by the wonderful @mashollings ! Their art is amazing and they're lovely to work with, I can't recommend them enough!

I love it, he looks so good!

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doortotomorrow

LUNYX Final Fantasy XV / Kingsglaive

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@glaiveofgalahd x

Luna smiles. It is a relief to see how he relaxes; how her words have their intended effect. She scoots as close as the console between them will allow, resting her head against his shoulder. Though the lands are barren, the drive is surprisingly peaceful. That is the one and only advantage to the Empire’s plight upon this place: with nobody but them daring to set foot in these parts, they cannot be ambushed. Never could she have imagined finding peace in such a wasteland, but Nyx has a way of setting her at ease. She could almost fall asleep like this.

Before long, they find themselves approaching civilization again, the barren landscape coming to an end. It is tempting to relax further, but if trouble should find them, that will be the most likely place. ❝You are quite right. I have the utmost confidence in our teamwork, but we’d do well to avoid the risk. There are some charming bed-and-breakfasts in this area - Mother used to being Ravus and I to the coast when we were young.❞ The memory brings a smile to her eyes. ❝She swore the ocean could heal the soul, on par with the Oracle’s power to heal the body.❞

Luna cracks her window, awaiting that first gust of sea air. Of course, when she came this way as a child, the land was hardly so ravaged - she has to wonder if the small towns she remembers still exist, or whether they’ve been taken for the Empire’s purposes. She almost doesn’t want to see it - doesn’t want to witness the destruction of another of her precious childhood memories. But there is no other way to journey forward; and forward they must go. Blessedly, they find a place to park the car. It would be a shame to just leave their steed behind; hopefully they will be able to take her with them. But that cannot be her first thought, not with the garrison in sight. Luna heaves a sigh - she had not dared to hope this would be easy, and it seems she was right. ❝I wonder if it is worth attempting a disguise.❞

“Your mother was a wise woman. My people feel the same way about the Galahdian Sea, back on the islands. We can find a good bed and breakfast to hold up at for awhile, I'm sure. I'll leave that job for you and your charm... you know this territory and the people better. Never been out this far into the Empire. Never expected to be. I'll try not to start any fights."

Nyx's low voice spoke up to her with a trace of a returned smile, stealing a glance at the blonde Princess on his shoulder and the wistful smile she herself wore as she revealed the memory of better times. Likely that had been before this region had become mostly an arid desert... he could only imagine what it had been before the Empire stole it. They went on for a time, and sometime around dusk, he found them a good, safe spot, where the coast of Sablio and the sea were visible off in the distance. Not too far a walk to the seaside territory... the Nilfgaardian garrisons and checkpoints visible, along with the buildings of the town, their lights beckoning. They would have to sneak around, into the city, by nightfall. Parking, he turned off the car behind a good sized, rocky hill among shrubbery, slipping the keys into his coat pocket and leaning back with a breath of his own. At her suggestion, he looked Lunafreya's way again... nodding, memories stirring, of the plan of action he'd come up with awhile back.

“There are some hooded cloaks in the trunk, among our things. Recall picking some up at one of those clothing merchants, at some point. Knew we would have to move through civilization at some point. We do tend to stand out a good deal... yourself especially. Let's check... better safe than sorry.”

The Kingsglaive suggested, leaning in to press a tender kiss to the top of her head, before rubbing her shoulder and beckoning to her to follow him. Opening the door and stepping out into the rocky ground, he drew a breath of the heated air as he exited the vehicle, weapons and coat shifting about. He smelled the sea again... and it almost brought him back to the islands... but not quite. The air was wrong here... not entirely like his memories. Harsher. He scanned around the perimeter of the area for any animals or hostiles... but they turned and made his way back around to the trunk, popping it open and rummaging around inside, waiting on her to join him. Before long, she had, and he located the items he was looking for. Two hooded desert camouflaged travelling cloaks to blend in and deal with the sun. After the desert of Leide, knowing they would have to brave another, he had taken the precaution. He passed one off to her, speaking again as he checked on the rest of the supplies and items they had found and purchased along the way, drawing out the essentials.

"Here's yours. Nightfall isn't far off, not long left to wait. I hate leaving the Prince's car out here... she got us this far, kept us alive. If we can find a way to safely get it to the boat we take out of here... we'll do so. Maybe I can get a jump on the garrison's troops... take them out quietly before our departure. Otherwise we can hide it... come back for it, at some point... after your work in Altissia is accomplished. We'll take what we can carry with us... weapons, Gil and provisions. In case it's not safe to return here."

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@glaiveofgalahd x

She says nothing to Nyx’s guess at her motivations. He isn’t altogether incorrect, but to say so out loud feels somehow wrong. To those less fortunate, the luxuries offered in Tenebrae and Lucis are indistinct. She is a Princess; her table shall be full and her roof shall be secure, regardless of what nation makes it so. Her gripes are hardly dire.

Yet, she is restless. Writhing beneath the wing of the most loving family in all of Eos, as these years have not shaken the feeling that there is somewhere else she ought to be. Something else she ought to be doing. She cannot fault the King in his kindness for bringing her here; but she likewise cannot shake the guilt that her presence has made matters worse for everyone. As Noctis is preparing for his future, so, too, should she be. But with her teachers and training grounds a world away, there is only so much the young Oracle can do.

Luna heaves a sigh, deciding she won’t wrestle with the question of her happiness tonight. She is having fun, and for now, she can pretend it is the same thing.

Those who hail from the mainland are easy to recognise. They carry themselves differently, speak in a more casual drawl, and they are far less dazzled by royalty. A few people whisper and stare at her, and she offers them a polite smile - but her evening is permitted to continue uninterrupted, which is more than she can say for those spent in the Citadel.

She finds a booth toward the back of the diner, and begins flicking through the menu. Luna’s tolerance for sugary treats is tragically low, but that cannot stop her from indulging here and there. She has an image - and a figure - to maintain after all; but she also has a Tenebraean sweet tooth that will not go unsated. ❝You are more familiar with this place than I. What do you recommend?❞

The Kingsglaive escorted the Princess inside, nodding politely to the familiar Leidan cooks and waitresses behind the counter who looked back between the two of them with mixed confusion and amusement. Whispering among themselves as they made their way to a booth in the back of the diner, no doubt. Taking their seats, one of the waitresses was quick to bring them down their menus, clearly wanting to steal another look at his evening company... no doubt familiar from some of the news broadcasts going around. He doubted most of them didn't recognize the royal, even dressing down to blend in... and those who didn't recognize her would be told by the ones who did. Sure enough, the waitress winked at him knowingly before departing as rapidly as she had dropped off the menus... and apart from thanking the waitress, Nyx remained silent until she had left, and Lunafreya spoke up again, asking his recommendation. Blue eyes returning to hers, he smiled, consulting his own menu as well as he spoke quietly, for her alone to hear.

“Hmm. Way I see it, you can't go wrong starting out with a tall milkshake with whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate and sprinkles with a cherry on top. Something tells me one of those would be right up your alley. Then again, I think you'd like everything on the menu."

Nyx chuckled under his breath, leaning back a bit further in his booth seat and relaxing, absently scanning the menu himself... though his suggestion for her sounded just like what he needed himself, then. He payed more attention to their surroundings in the diner, and her. There weren't many others in the place besides the staff at this hour... a few older customers up at the stools by the counter drinking coffee, reading their papers, watching television... a couple scattered tables occupied as well. He enjoyed the subdued, quiet atmosphere and relative privacy of the place more than Yamachang's... that was for sure... even if he preferred the Galahdian cuisine. Always one thing or the other to choose from, between two establishments, each with advantages. He preferred the ambiance here... the lighting, jukebox playing old tunes... and most of all, her companionship here among it all. Setting down his menu, he rubbed his jaw absently, looking the blonde young woman's way again and speaking up some more with relaxed amusement.

“Haven't been here in quite awhile. Been busy, we usually came here for celebrations, and there hasn't been much to celebrate, of late. Doesn't hurt to have another reason to come back. A good looking one with a sweet tooth, and who draws attention without meaning to, no less. Must be nice to get away from that Citadel for awhile. Be able to just be yourself."

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@glaiveofgalahd x

Luna is mostly quiet as Nyx inspects their vehicle. Hardly her area of expertise, so she keeps out of the way - though his musings spark something within her. Noctis had been quite innocent indeed when he came to her family at the tender age of eight. As gentlehearted then as their correspondence would suggest he is now; indeed, it was what drew her to him. More than to have her as a good Oracle, he desired to be her friend; and together, they had laughed more than Luna ever has before or since. For one so consumed by his own good nature, it is almost tragic he should have such a violent destiny foisted upon him.

Made for peace indeed.

But it is not Luna’s place to judge the word of her Gods. If this is the path ordained for him, she will not doubt his ability to walk it. Just has she has accepted every other hardship in life, so, too, must the fall of Insomnia be the will of the Gods. The death of Nyx’s sister. Of her mother…

Luna shudders, and shakes off the thought.

❝Good news at last.❞ She steps forward to peer into the trunk. Most of the weapons would be nearly useless in her hands; though her training had encompassed polearms. It was never Luna’s intention to take up arms if she could help it, but if the Empire’s actions have taught her anything, it is that such a course of action will surely be inevitable. She reaches for the polearm, balancing the weapon in her hand. It would indeed seem whomever is responsible for this array of weaponry desired only the best for the Prince.

❝At least our journey will not begin in utter destitution. We’ve enough to get started.❞ She places the polearm back into the trunk. ❝Let us secure the vehicle and return to our room. We shall want to leave here no later than first light.❞

"Right... almost forgot about the car, having a good weapon again. Shouldn't take long, she's in good condition. We'll give it a look over, then we can head over to the gas station and fill it up, then get some shut eye."

Nyx's low voice lay out their plan... before closing the trunk again after scavenging what he could carry, then making his way around to the front of the car to check under the hood. He was pretty sure it was still in tip top shape... or at least enough that he didn't have to break out the tools from the trunk, just yet. He pointed out a few of the parts for her... but knew there wasn't time at this hour for a full lesson. He could do so out on the journey. When they were done, they got back in the car fired it up and backed out on to the road. It didn't take long to reach the gas station across the street... the staff there waiting on him, and gassing the vehicle up for him, the mechanics outright whistling, impressed by the Prince's car, running their hands over it and asking to check under the hood. He allowed them, given their hospitality... and they seemed to agree with his assessment that it was still in great shape. Though he had the feeling if he didn't put his foot down they would come up with or cause a problem to keep the rare vehicle in their shop awhile.

When the car was gassed up and ready to go, he pushed the hood back down, climbed in and drove them back to the motel's garage, parking it safely. He led Lunafreya back into the hotel, up the stairs, down the hall and towards their room again, hand on the Enforcer pistol in his pocket and one of his concealed Kukri blades all the way, scanning for anyone else... but thankfully they were all tucked away in their rooms, by now. Reaching and opening the door for her, he checked inside first to be safe and stepped back when he was sure it was clear, remaining alert, eyes on their surroundings at all times. When she slipped inside, her went in after her, closing and locking the door behind them again... and only then did he release a breath, rubbing his stubble lined features slowly. Keeping his coat on, he moved over to the couch at once, settling down on it, and trying to relax a bit more, to come back down. Opening his eyes, removing his sidearm from his pocket, he examined it for a moment, then he looked over to the Princess again, nodding and speaking up.

"Good to be inside somewhere secure again. How much we're going to be exposed out in the open, going forward, best to make the most of it. You get to bed, Princess... I'll stay up a bit longer. Want to check over this weapon, and see if I can catch anything useful on the news. Never know."

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Mega Fluff [accepting]

These days have seen Luna snatched from the depths of sleep by every manner of cruel interruption. From Imperial servants seeking to do her harm, to footsteps in some motel hallway; near indistinguishable in the heightened state necessary when one is trying to avoid capture. But this morning is different. Exhausted as she'd been, she'd neglected her dinner the night before leaving her quite hungry now. She peers over at her companion, still fast asleep - usually, it is he who manages their meals. But the morning is cold, rain beats down on the camper's roof, and Nyx has worked himself to the bone lately. Luna is hardly experienced in the kitchen, but surely this once she may fumble together a passable breakfast for them both.

Padding softly toward the kitchenette, Luna reaches for a discarded apron, optimistic. For she has communed with Gods - how much trouble can a small stack of pancakes cause her?

A great deal it turns out, as ten minutes later she is staring down at her very burnt first attempt, frowning to herself.