Prompto The Oracle

[chocobosnap]

 The Empire came for Tenebrae with a ferocity far exceeding their expectations. 

For better, or worse, they decided that surrender was the best course of action and the people of Tenebrae were rounded up and subjugated according to Emperor Aldercapt's will. 

One reason for taking Tenebrae was to capture the oracle, one young Prompto who took his escort in stride as he was taken from his home and moved deep into Niflheim. 

From that moment, he lost his connection to Lucis, and his life completely changed. 

Noctis had been staying with them back then, when the attack came, but he was gone now, presumably back to Insomnia. 

Comments

M.E. 744, Fall

[chocobosnap]

Prompto was sitting on bench built into the window of his new chambers, looking out over the unfamiliar terrain of Niflheim. He had been brought there with the fall of Tenebrae and had been living in the tower since. Noctis must have been worried, and he spent a good deal of time thinking - he had infinite amount of time to do that - and settled on sending his dog messengers to bring Noctis a letter.

He requested a journal, and wrote to him:

Chosen future king Noctis Lucis Caelum,

Man, that's a mouthful. Perhaps you won't be offended if I address you as Noctis?

I'm sorry you had to bear witness to the attack in Tenebrae. You might have worried. I'm fine. Almost everyone is fine, for they surrendered.

I have moved to Niflheim.

It is a different experience. Last week I spent the afternoon in the garden. It was most relaxing.

I have faith the Astrals are watching over you. I hope you are feeling better. I believe in you.

Yours truly,

Prompto Argentum, Oracle

p.s. Please offer Umbra some water. He will be tired from the trip. He'll await your reply and bring it back to me.

Re: M.E. 744, Fall

[warpstriking]

Noctis had been delighted to see the familiar messenger when he arrived, and it wasn't long before he sent for a bowl of water for the dog. Yet as the servant went to do so, he found himself reading the letter over and over again. His heart aching with each reread to the point Ignis had noticed and rested a hand upon his shoulder, pointedly looking away from the journal in the crown prince's hands; he valued Noct's privacy, as he rarely ever got any due to his royal blood.

Especially now, as he was only just taking his first steps since the attack.

It took a few attempts for him to figure out what to write, and yet... it took far more willpower to let Umbra go after that. "Tell him... I'll be okay. And I hope we can see each other again soon."

Prompto,

Not at all. Actually, just call me Noct. And of course I worried. You're my friend, and your people have been ours for so long.

We've been praying for you all since we got back. Dad especially wishes there was more he could have done.

Took my first steps since the attack. Nearly made it to the end of the table before I fell.

Six keep you safe,

Noctis Lucis Caelum

p.s. Gave him food as well.

Attached is a little sticker of a chocobo. Something he hopes helps brighten the other's day a little.

Re: M.E. 744, Fall

[chocobosnap]

The day that Umbra returned with the letter had been exhausting and trying and Prompto was glad to see him, welcoming the messenger with a big hug, and a ruffle behind the ears. It was a nice day outside, from what he could see from the window, the sun shining onto the courtyards below.

The residence he'd been given was nice, impeccably decorated, but that was hardly of interest to him when it meant he was trapped like a songbird in a cage. At moments he resented it, but he also understood that holding that in his heart was doing him no favours.

The Astrals would protect him. He had to believe that.

Dear Noct,

Thank you for returning my letter. It has been my pleasure to read it and it looks like you took good care of Umbra, thank you.

I'm sure if he could talk, he'd tell me all the adventures he had getting to you. Maybe he even came back on a pirate ship. Ever wonder what animals do when we're not watching them?

I'm so glad you were able to take steps. Really proud of you Noct, I knew you'd recover.

Thank you for the chocobo sticker, chocobos are my favourite animals. I hope to see one up close one day.

Don't worry about me, the Six will keep me safe, I'm sure of it.

Did you ever finish the book you were reading? Can't remember what it was called...

It's not important. Anyway, I hope to see you again.

Prompto Argentum

He didn't have any stickers, but he could draw a smiley face at the bottom of the page before he attached it to Umbra and sent him off on another adventure to find Noctis.

Re: M.E. 744, Fall

[warpstriking]

When Umbra returned, it had been a day full of studying lessons sent in by his teachers and tutors on top of hours of physical therapy. It had been painful, very painful, and he felt his magic growing weaker as his legs grew stronger. It was Umbra's concerned whine that got him to lift his forearm from over his eyes, The young prince rolled over, gingerly scooting over to make room for the Messenger to hop up on the bed with him. He earned a few ear scratches doing so, before he took the notebook from him.

His favorite animal, huh.

Prompto,

'Course I would. And it's no problem. Umbra's a good boy.

Now that you mention it, yeah. I wonder that, too. What does he get up to going back and forth?

Too bad. I'll keep worrying, and know that you're in our prayers.


Noctis Lucis Caelum

p.s. The book's Beyond Stars. I'm still trying to, but I still need help with some of the words.

Hidden inside the notebook lay an entire pack of chocobo stickers. He'd try to get a picture of a live one for next time.

M.E. 745, Spring

[chocobosnap]

It wasn't for lack of trying that his dogs tried to get to him, but Prompto ran into some trouble with his captors. He was not an adult, not poised yet as he would no doubt become, and he'd come across something he shouldn't have.

They wanted to ensure he would keep quiet about it.

He'd gotten the letter during a good day, and it wasn't until much later that he'd be able to write back.

Dear Noct,

I hope you had the chance to finish your book. I loved the stickers, even though I couldn't use them. Thank you.

Sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you.

I know one day we'll meet again. I've seen it. I'm looking forward to it.

If you like, I'll make up a story for my next letter.

I picked this up. Hope you like it.

Prompto Argentum.

Inside the notebook this time is was a trading card from a video game Prompto had been trying out named 'Assassin's Creed.' It was the first game, brand new and everything.

M.E. 745, Spring

[warpstriking]

When Prompto failed to respond for one week, then two, then a month... He had begun to fear the worst. Combined with his frustrations over his waning magical range that only grew worse while he tried to train with his father, he had enough. He hated this constant waiting, not knowing; which only got worse when all the girls at school would...

He was lying on his stomach on the bed in his private chambers with a pillow over his head when he felt a wet nose prodding his side and heard the whining.

It was another week before he could respond. Both because of some tests and-

Prompto,

Don't worry about it. I'm just happy to hear from you again.

I was worried. Umbra seemed more clingy than usual.

And, yeah. I finished it. Twice.

Can't wait to see you again. Already feels like it's been forever.

If you're collecting the cards to that series, let me know. It's super popular here, too.

Noct

Resting inside the notebook was an ultra rare he'd gotten his hands on from the same game, and above his response was a sticker of the Assassin Brotherhood logo.

Re: M.E. 745, Spring

[chocobosnap]

The smile when he got the book back was amazingly bright, despite how things were going. He wished he could say more, reassure Noctis more, but it was too difficult. He didn't need to know. Prompto would paint a rosy, optimistic picture for him, if he asked.

Noct,

It's a pleasure to write you, I only wish I could do it more often. Umbra probably sensed your distress. He's pretty good about that.

I'm glad you finished your book. Mostly, I read the Cosmology.

Thank you for the card, it's amazing.

I don't have another one to send you, but I drew a picture of a chocobo for you.

-Prompto

(Sorry I'm not an artist.)

At the bottom of the page was a picture of a chocobo chick, with a musical note to indicate it was chirping.

M.E. 745, Summer

[warpstriking]

Noctis takes a picture of that little chocobo chick sketch with the phone his dad gave him so he could look at it any time. While he wishes he could have responded sooner, well. He was grounded.

Prompto,

Yeah, starting to realize that myself. And sorry I couldn't reply sooner. I got grounded.

I've been reading a lot lately, though the Cosmogony's still too hard for me to read myself.

It's okay. I got extras if you want em.

(It's still cute though.)

Noct

At the bottom, there's what looks like a black chocobo chick with another musical note, facing the one Prompto drew. Despite the obvious little kid attempt, it somehow looks lonely. It's tiny wings clipped.

M.E. 745, Fall

[chocobosnap]

Prompto had been busy, because his captors as he thought of them, had decided to put him to work for their ends. A slimy man lurked about until he was taken to the mountains and the most horrifying thing happened.

He'd been exhausted after that, and feeling more and more like destiny was playing itself out in front of his eyes. He didn't know if Noctis would feel the shift or not, if Lucis would hear of Shiva's untimely demise.

Noct,

I was delayed. I apologize.

Do not despair, it's a difficult text and if it wasn't my job, I probably wouldn't read it either.

There are more exciting things, after all. I still haven't finished the game though. I'm working on it!

Prompto

This time, the image was of his little yellow chocobo ice skating, even though it wasn't winter, and on the other end of the page, a small, gilded cage for the chocobo to return to when it was finished.

At the top of the page, in the right hand corner, was a perfectly preserved snowflake.

M.E. 745, Fall

[warpstriking]

The next response is on a separate sheet of paper in far neater handwriting, taped inside the notebook. The reason why will be made apparent soon.

P,

Don't. Just don't.

Had to ask Ignis to write this. Don't worry, he hasn't seen anything. Just couldn't write it myself.

Are you okay, at least?

My back's been worse since just before we heard the news. My magic's waned since I started walking again. Carbuncle says it's because of the bad men who didn't want me to wake again.

Iggy had to finish the game for me. Should have seen his sneak fails, it was great.

He's also glaring at me while writing so I'll stop there.

Noct

Because he can't sit up long enough to draw it, there's a chocobo sticker on the actual notebook page. A very tired chocobo.

M.E. 745, Fall

[chocobosnap]

Noct,

Don't lose heart, and don't give up.

You'll get through this, I have faith in you.

My trials are merely beginning, but are insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

Stay strong.

I did finish the game at least, but I don't think I'll be able to play any others.

There is possibly travel in my future, though I expect Lucis will not be on the itinerary.

I serve a purpose, so they won't kill me. So don't worry about me, okay?

May the Astrals protect you,

Prompto

He didn't draw a picture this time, actually, the writing was somewhat messier than before, as though he'd been in a rush.

M.E. 745, Fall

[warpstriking]

Noctis may or may not have accidentally found a way to trigger his elemental magic. The hard way. Upon seeing the letter. The atmosphere in the room had been akin to a summer storm before Ignis managed to calm him enough to get him to say what was wrong.

But then, he always had a strong affinity with lightning.

Prompto,

I know. Made a promise, didn't I?

I won't let you down.

Even if they are, they aren't 'insignificant' to you. To me, either. A trial's a trial.

Miss you.

Noct

M.E. 748, Spring

[chocobosnap]

For awhile, from Prompto's side, was radio silence. He didn't send any letters, he really couldn't, he'd almost been caught the last time and the empire wasn't thrilled with Gentiana, or the dogs but they were barely tolerating them. He spent a lot of time meditating, talking to the Astrals. They told him that these trials weren't important.

He needed to persevere so Noctis could play his role. He hoped he was getting better, that his back wasn't so terrible, that the Astrals gave him a break.

Apart from Noctis, no one in public had seen him in years by that point.

For some reason, they decided it was time for his own ascension and he took his position as Oracle officially, and then the Empire began using him as PR, going to regions to heal the sick, but it finally got him out of Gralea at least, although he was still under heavy guard.

Noctis,

It's been such a long time. Umbra has really missed you.

I really hope your back is getting better, or has gotten better I guess.

Your letters make me smile, when I can use it. You always have the best stickers.

This time, I am sending you a small gift. Umbra is taking care of it for me.

I hope you get it.

The fresh air is really great you know?

Tell me what fun things you've been doing.

Prompto

This time, he included a picture of a chocobo, singing, sitting in a box with the lid off. Also tucked into the journal was the program from his ascension, with the photograph of twelve-year old Prompto looking sombre and serious in his new white garments, that looked like the empire spared no expense in the outfitting of the Oracle. After all, they had control of him, not Lucis.

Umbra was also holding onto a packet of cookies from Cartanica.

M.E. 748, Spring

[warpstriking]

So much had changed the last three years. Yet not a day went by that the crown prince hoped, in the back of his head, that his pen pal of sorts would be able to send another message. That he would be able to escape his captors long enough to write.

Noctis clung to any news from the Empire in the vain hope that there would be word of him. That he would be able to at least hear that his friend was alright. He learned at a very early age how to be silent so he could sit in on the council meetings. Learned to handle the boorish topics until the old men and women finally reached the important topics. It helped that Ignis sat beside him for each, and his Shield and mentor weren't far behind.

Yet on the evening he finally got to remove those stuffy robes, Noctis nearly jumped when he heard that familiar bark of a warning before Umbra all but barreled into him and apologized for the long absence with nuzzles and licks. It was the first time in a long while that Noctis smiled so genuinely for anyone but Ignis.

...

He wanted to be selfish. To keep Umbra here just a little longer so that he had something of Prompto besides the now-laminated card he kept on him at all times, or the photo on his lock screen of the tiny little sketch of a chocobo and what Prompto had just sent him. Yet he knew now; he was old enough to understand that his words also gave the other boy strength.

So, after a tearful hug goodbye and as many ear scratches as Umbra would allow, he sent his reply back.

Prompto,

That- was pretty obvious. It's going to take the servants a while to get all the dog slobber out of my council robes.

It's gotten better, though there are still days where it is hard to get up in the morning. Well, harder than it already is considering my penchant for studying into the late hours when no one's looking. But that's nothing, now.

I suppose congratulations are in order.

Yet I only hope this letter finds you well. That the Astrals afford you a small break as you travel.

My duties do not afford me much time for extracurricular activities, and the parkour club kicked me out because they thought I was cheating with magic (I didn't). But, it was fun for a while.

Otherwise, I've been playing more of that series. There's a handheld game, now. Maybe you can poke at it between stops?

And, like I said before. Just call me Noct.

Noctis Lucis Caelum

The entry had a large sticker of several chocobos on it, nearly one for every season there was not a reply, and one more for good measure. Also included was a picture of a very sleepy Noctis leaning against a taller boy a couple years older with light brown hair and glasses, face covered in freckles and a couple moles. Both sat in silence in the back of a car in traffic as someone in the shotgun seat took the picture for them. Every other shot he had of the two of them was super serious, but this one was innocent enough. And with a marker, he pointed an arrow at the boy with the name "Ignis" scribbled by it. There was also a picture of the royal stables, a black chocobo nuzzling into Noctis' cheek.

Umbra was also holding a small packet of cookies that looked like they were cherry flavored.

M.E. 748, Summer

[chocobosnap]

Prompto was going to write more regularly, but the best he could do was the next season. In the Empire, there was a lot of talk about him working hours, seeing patients and performing healing magic. When he was escorted anywhere, he was surrounded by four to six guards, depending on where he was. They were incredibly restrictive of his movements once the eyes of the public were off him.

The people he met talked about how friendly he was, how much he helped, and how nice the empire was for letting him tour their small towns. The rumours were just about what Prompto was doing, and nothing about how Prompto was doing.

His note is scrawled quickly again, slightly off balance from the travel, and on a separate page, written at different times with different pens, before being stuffed into the book in a rush. There were no pictures this time.

Noct

Sorry. I wasn't sure if you still wanted me to, because it's been so long.

I'm glad that you still want me to though.

Sorry for Umbra's bad behaviour, he knows better, but he just likes you.

Thank you for the congratulations.

I hope you'll tell me more about parkour club. And that game. It sounds really fun.

Prom

It looks like he had to pull the paper away quickly in the middle of signing his name, and it's not secured in the book or anything, just shoved in, a little wrinkled.

M.E. 748, Summer

[warpstriking]

It didn't matter how long it would take between messages. He would always wait. Keep himself busy in the meantime, sure, but he always waited. Usually in the gardens, one of the few places he could escape to and be alone. Even though they themselves were little more than a gilded cage.

The wrinkled piece of paper is missing, mainly because it's going to be hidden away in Noct's private chambers from now on. When Umbra returns, it's almost as though he received a bath and had his bandanna washed. Mainly because of how long it takes Noct to finish writing. There may have been a few days where the prince fell asleep doing so, and it's fairly obvious where some of the words have been smudged.

Prompto,

You know, I'm gonna have to start keeping score how many times you apologize to me for the silliest things.

You don't have to worry about that with me. It's more than fine.

And it's fine. Again, I didn't mind it. The servant may have for a few minutes, though. So I'll pass along that apology.

You're welcome.

Also, my notes kinda got a little long so I'm just sticking them inside the notebook.

Ignis has been attempting to recreate the dessert we shared while I was in Tenebrae. I'm half tempted to ask what the berry is, but I don't think I could stop myself from smirking at him when I notice the package for the wrong thing.

Noct

And, sure enough, there's at least seven pages of notes on Assassin's Creed's sequel games, and one about his time learning parkour. Something he thought would give him an edge considering his weakened magic and keep Gladio on his toes.

There's also a very tiny box with one of the failed pastries inside it. It's still good, though? Just made with strawberry.

M.E. 749, Winter

[chocobosnap]

When Umbra came back so well cared for, it touched Prompto's heart. He hated the time in between but in the interim there would be small article, barely a few words.

'Oracle's Procession Attacked: Heretics Arrested.'

The article didn't talk about much, nothing about Prompto, except to say the tour was ending, postponed for a later date.

In the fall of 748 M.E., Pryna went to see Noctis instead of Umbra and she would stay for five days. She carried no notes, or words from Prompto, she was just there.

Finally, the book would come back with Umbra near the end of winter.

Noct

Thank you for your notes. It sounds awesome.

I believe they're made with Ulwaat berries, actually.

Sorry. Hard to get my hands on a pen sometimes.

The pastry was delicious though, you could tell Ignis that, if he even remembers making it.

I have a feeling our paths will cross again someday.

Prompto

His cheerful, singing chocobo is no longer singing, but sitting in a cage, in this picture. He isn't sure when he'll be able to write again, but he hopes it will happen again.

M.E. 749, Winter

[warpstriking]

Noctis' eyes widened when Pryna appeared, bearing no notes or word from Prompto. Yet he made sure that she was well taken care of all the same. It was growing close to his birthday at the time, finally turning another year older. There was always a space on his bed for her to rest on, and before she left, he gave her another pastry for Prompto. This time it was blueberry. A step closer to right, but so far away.

Then Umbra came, the day after Ignis' birthday. Noct actually remembered this year without prompting. It was a tiny miracle.

The entire time, though, he feared the worst. The article was too vague. As if it had been a ploy to take away what agency Prompto had even while guarded so.

Prompto,

It is. Wish I could share more than just my notes.

I'll keep that in mind, and also marking down another on the apology list.

Already did. Hope the last one and this one get to you.

Our paths will cross again. I promise. Until then, my prayers go with this message.

Noct

Noctis adds a little sketch of a black chocobo resting its head on the cage belonging to the small, once-singing chocobo. Like it wants to peck off the lock but can't.

And, of course, there's another pastry. This time, made with raspberries.

M.E. 751, Fall

[chocobosnap]

Being under lock and key to the extent he was, was kind of tiring and after the attack, security was heightened and it made for a loss of privacy. He was finally moved back to Gralea, to his old quarters, around the time Noctis would be starting school.

Once there he finally got a little bit of breathing room.

Hello again, Noct.

I'm finally back home, that's something. If you can consider this home.

I have room for Umbra and Pryna again, so they're pretty happy. And there's a garden here. Some sunshine, fresh air.

High school right? Sounds fun. Are you going to join a club or something?

I would take pictures. Don't send me a camera, I can't hide something that big.

I don't know how things are going to work out going forward, but stay safe. I believe in you.

-Prompto

This time, his chocobo is sitting in a fenced in garden, the musical note back. If nothing else, Prompto learned how to draw chocobos.

M.E. 751, Fall

[warpstriking]

News of the Crown Prince of Lucis' acts of charity likely reached Prompto long before the next letter does. He's been busy during the summer months, especially. Even so much as helping Ignis with his own donations to the refugee center. Mostly because Ignis noticed the look in those stormy blue eyes of his every time he saw a group of friends playing and roughhousing with one another.

Something Noctis is resigned to never have, now that the novelty of having the heir apparent as a classmate has long since worn off and all his classmates ever do is talk behind his back about maybe approaching him and asking the same questions they always do. What it's like, how many servants personally attend to him...

He doesn't even hesitate to kneel down and hug Umbra as if he were an old friend when he shows up while he's leaving school one day. Because he is. The good boy even gets to ride in the back seat with him back to the Citadel.

Hey, Prom.

Hard to consider it that, huh. I can kind of relate, though it's not nearly as bad for me as it is for you.

Glad to hear they're happier again. Pryna seemed pretty worried when she visited.

Yeah. I'm not joining any clubs, but I am volunteering in the spare time I have. Mostly at soup kitchens and animal shelters.

And that's my line. Please, stay safe. I know you do.

Noct

Noctis adds another black chocobo, a little older, but wings still clipped. Sitting alone with his head down while other chocobos of varying breeds play together. A tan chocobo sits beside the black. Wearing glasses.

If nothing else, he's gotten used to drawing chocobos, too.

M.E. 751, Fall

[chocobosnap]

He didn't have to wait long at all for a response this time, because Prompto was doing his own vocational studies, so it isn't difficult for him to sit and study a book.

Noct,

Pryna didn't mean to worry you, she's very affectionate though. She was a little scared with what happened.

I think I'm going to go on tour again, very soon.

I think we're even crossing the ocean, although not Insomnia, of course.

I'm as safe as I can be.

Prompto

This time he drew a chocobo on a boat, but still in a cage, because the cage traveled with him.

He was right, he was going to be passing through Altissia, to Galdin Quay and through some Empire-owned lands on the other side. It was like giving good press for the Empire. 'Look how much Niflheim cares about the people' kind of PR.

M.E. 751, Fall

[warpstriking]

Noctis responded almost right away, wishing more than anything that the Council would allow him to go, escorted by his Shield, to even get a glimpse of his old friend the moment news of the continued tour. He'd be so close...

He hates this. Especially seeing his father fall as his right knee give out in front of him the day before. How he has to make use of a cane to get around, now. He knows what that means.

Prompto,

I know. We all were. I only hope we helped keep her calmer while she was with us.

Tried to convince the Council to let me out of the safety of the Wall. They forbade it, too angered by the political message. Too afraid of a second attack when...

They need me here, just in case.

Noct

The black chocobo is drawn inside a bubble, his wings pressed up against the bubble's inner surface. Looking out to the one on a boat, inside the cage.

A young man that looks like Noctis' only friend helped his elderly grandmother to visit Prompto for healing while they are in Galdin Quay. Hair down, no glasses, but same color hair and vibrant green eyes wearing a very plain lavender button down shirt and jeans. He spared Prompto a faint smile and word of gratitude, handing him a customary gift before helping his grandmother back to the ragged-looking car.

M.E. 751, Fall

[chocobosnap]

Prompto, on sight, was not terribly impressive. He was only five foot seven, even though he was just shy of sixteen. His clothes were pure white and starched appropriately.

With every person he saw, he was offering kind words, a gentle smile before the healing.

Just on the other side of the canvas of the tent he'd set up, were two guards at his back, two guards at the front of the line. Most people saw them as protection for the Oracle.

He also looked tired, as though being there for hundreds of people at a time was a drain. A drain on his magic. A drain on his link to the Astrals. Prompto had said he'd been busy, but most of what he was healing was the Starscourge in people.

"Thank you." Prompto spoke to the familiar stranger, thanking him for the gift, before it was set on the table with the others. "May the Astrals shine their blessing upon you." He smiled.

Prompto would not actually get to open the gift, his guards tended to take them, a lot of people brought food which they tended to claim for themselves. He wouldn't get to respond until he was back on the boat.

Noct,

Duscae was simply lovely. I'd never been there before.

I had the feeling I'd be back though. That makes sense, after all, the Archean rests there.

It isn't time for that yet.

My tour is over, it's time to go back.

I am beginning to think fate has something else in store for us.

Prompto

The yellow chocobo is back in its cage, reaching for something, a flower, just out of reach of the tip of its wings.

M.E. 751, Fall

[warpstriking]

"No, thank you, my lord Oracle." It took quite a bit of willpower to keep himself from bowing, but he had his grandmother who required his aide. Yet sharp eyes caught the movement at his accent: Altissian, not a native of Leide. There are simply some things a child does not outgrow, even after over a decade in the Crown City.

Yet he makes no move that the others did not make, and does not linger overlong.

The guards will find that there is no food in the unmarked and inconspicuous box, only a small vial of ether that, were it not the prince's chamberlain, likely would have cost a pretty penny to obtain. Several months' salaries, in fact. There are no finger prints of any sort on it other than their own and Prompto's.

Prompto,

Never been so far, myself. I'm jealous. There's supposedly a chocobo outpost there, to the east of the Disc. I hope you got to see them.

I've only been to Leide once, myself, when we were still children. The fireflies that gather near the few bodies of water are spectacular at sundown.

My training has begun to intensify. Don't know how often I'll be able to respond as quickly as I have been.

Dad's using a cane. It's been hard to focus lately. But, I can make curatives now.

I hope these help you stay on your feet, Prom.

Noct

The black chocobo remains inside the bubble, also reaching for the same flower, that lay just outside of its 'protection'.

The pages are slightly dampened in places, yet there are two vials hidden inside a tiny little black pouch Umbra carries. Both are ethers. When Umbra left him with the response and curatives in tow, he felt a delicate hand lightly tap his shoulder. "Prince Noctis, are you alright?"

"Y-yeah, I'm fine. ...It's Lunafreya, right?"

M.E. 752, Winter

[chocobosnap]

It had been awhile since anyone had heard from the Oracle, or seen him since he went back to the empire, but that was how things were.

Prompto was treating nobles and dignitaries, whoever the emperor saw fit to bring before him.

There were whispers about possibly going to Insomnia, possibly being offered up as some kind of token as though he had no agency of his own, but he supposed he didn't. He was a prisoner through and through, albeit a nicely kept one.

The ether vials were something nice and thoughtful and amazing. Noctis had talent and he was proud of him.

Noct,

It's winter here all the time now. I'm staying somewhere new, no garden I'm afraid. Nothing to even take pictures of.

I didn't get to see the chocobos. It's too bad. I've never seen one.

It's alright, take your time. Umbra loves to visit you.

Your magic is impressive. I'm impressed.

I always thought it would be nice to travel.

Ah well. You'll have better luck than I will.

I guess we're getting older, not much time for fun, huh?

Prompto

The caged chocobo is surrounded by mountains now, a cloth wrapped around its beak. No one could hear what the chocobo wanted to say.