Prompto The Oracle
5/6/18 13:49![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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.
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.
M.E. 745, Fall
18/6/18 18:22 (UTC)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
18/6/18 18:40 (UTC)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
18/6/18 19:00 (UTC)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
18/6/18 20:00 (UTC)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
18/6/18 21:27 (UTC)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
18/6/18 21:58 (UTC)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
18/6/18 22:32 (UTC)'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
18/6/18 22:50 (UTC)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
18/6/18 23:07 (UTC)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
18/6/18 23:31 (UTC)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
18/6/18 23:58 (UTC)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
19/6/18 00:21 (UTC)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
19/6/18 04:11 (UTC)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
19/6/18 06:02 (UTC)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
19/6/18 06:26 (UTC)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.
M.E. 752, Winter
19/6/18 07:14 (UTC)Rumors began to circulate that she would become the prince's bride-to-be once he become of marrying age, and they wouldn't be far off the mark. The young noble had certainly wormed her way into his heart upon the virtue of allowing the heir apparent to simply be himself.
Something that helped Noctis' magic grow more potent, oddly enough, as one more barrier seemed to slip. Yet as time passed, he began to realize his heart did not solely belong to 'Luna'.
Prompto,
That's a shame. I hope you get to see one someday. They're such gentle creatures in person, and great friends besides.
Not unlike a certain someone who's stolen a part of his heart, nine years ago. Yet he doesn't write that part out.
It's nothing. Should have been able to make them years earlier. And you're right, it would be nice to travel, huh?
Don't say that. Even the most gilded of cages eventually rust and break.
I've found you have to start making time for fun when you get older, yeah. Something a new friend of mine's begun to teach me.
I know, it's hard. But we will see each other again soon. Niflheim cannot stop what is ordained no matter how much they fear it.
Attached is a few photos from his coming of age ceremony the previous year that he never got to send before as the film was still developing. The first is of a somber looking Noctis as he stands beside his father and Gladiolus - his Shield and then newly-appointed Crownsguard. Behind them is the very young man who had tried to gift him Noctis' first Ether, always at Noct's right - the Hand of the Future King. The second is of his father gifting him with his own glaive: the Engine Blade. The third, however, is different: Noctis is dancing with a noble woman that looks to be only a few years older than they, blonde hair tied back in a braided bun. The room appears to be a ballroom within the Citadel.
Each image has notes on them, save the second. Naming who they all are and their significance to the young man. It's Noct's little way of including Prompto in his life, and he even includes a copy of the itinerary for his coming of age ceremony.
He takes the time to draw the black chocobo, this time with a large brown chocobo on his left, and a white chocobo on his right. The tan chocobo to the right of the white. They all seem happier than any of the previous, yet they still remain within the bubble... the black reaching with a healing wing to the one alone in the mountains.
And, like the last time, there are vials of ether in a black velvet pouch. Six of them.
M.E. 752, Winter
19/6/18 07:34 (UTC)He got the feeling that things were progressing as they should on Noctis' side. He smiled sadly just a little bit, because he didn't think there was much hope for something to happen to his cage. Soon enough, the Empire would be making moves, and they were going to expect him to help.
Noct,
Thank you for the ether, it's been a godsend sometimes, but I'm not working as much as I used to. The composition on them is perfect though.
I don't know that I will, but whatever happens to me isn't important in the scheme of things.
You look good, happy, Noct. I'm so relieved. It's nice to see you have a new friend.
They killed the Glacian. Already things are being interfered with. I don't know if that will affect the final outcome or not, but...
Stay strong, chosen king.
I'll send my prayers to the Astrals for you.
Prompto
He didn't have anything fun to add, he didn't know how to describe that his resources were limited. He added a photograph of himself, sitting posed with a smile, thin as it was, hand wrapped around the Trident of the Oracle. It was a promotional picture of sorts. Propaganda from the empire, really.
The chocobo still had its beak shuttered, his wings bound as well, the cage just a little smaller. This chocobo had its eyes closed. But, despite the bleak imagery, he included the sun to shine a little light, some kind of hope lingering.
Prompto was going to sleep on it, and probably rewrite it, tear the page out, but Pryna took the book to Noctis instead.
M.E. 752, Spring
19/6/18 08:05 (UTC)Prompto,
Keep them. They will last a long time, no matter how long it is they sit. A little magic dad taught me that slows time's effects on small objects. I'm not as proficient with it, or any magic, really, that he is, but...
It's important to me what happens to you. No matter what, you're my best friend.
Maybe even more-I know they did. Pretty sure the shift is what caused my back problems to flare up then. Guess what I lack in proficiency I make up for in sensitivity.
Dad's growing older at a quicker rate than my grandfather. I may have to ascend before I'm twenty-five at this rate.
...Did I ever tell you that I only let those who know who I really am call me 'Noct'? Kind of silly, huh?
My thoughts and prayers go with this message.
Noctis
When Pryna returned to Prompto bearing the chosen king's response, her coat was much silkier than before. Well-groomed and well-fed. Prompto didn't need to describe it because, despite her divinity, her matted state had made the point clear. Not to mention Ignis' comments on how Prompto seemed thinner than he had when he'd seen the young man in person.
Speaking of, Ignis' skills have only gotten better at preparing meals. Which is a good thing, considering the gifts Pryna would return with: a perfectly-preserved package of food (a bento of fried chicken with rice and assorted fruit and vegetables) that was good served either hot or cold, and some packages that only needed hot water added to rehydrate into a nutrition-packed soup. Thin packages that could be easily hidden. A few more ethers, as well. Even if they aren't used right away, they're again easy to conceal.
Noctis took the lessons he'd picked up from playing that series Prompto introduced him too so long ago and turned it all into an art form. Ignis, too.
M.E. 752, Summer
19/6/18 08:21 (UTC)Prompto set up at a small outpost in Gralea. There was no sound but he was holding a woman's hand, his expression serious and his eyes wide. He said something. The woman looked alarmed.
Armed guards pulled the woman out of the way, and aimed guns at Prompto. He looked annoyed and pushed the barrel out of his face, displeased. One of the other guards came up behind him and hit him in the back of the head with the butt of the rifle.
They waved off the people, shuttering the event and the video cut out.
Since he'd done something so foolish as to admit something he should have, he'd been kept in a proper cell. Ardyn Izunia visiting on an off to taunt and tease and remind him his position should not be underestimated. He belonged to the Empire. There would be no salvation for him. He would dance to their tune.
The letter has a few streaks of dirt on it, and two dried spots as though he'd cried a little bit.
Noct,
Don't worry. Don't worry. I heard things got out.
I'm okay. Fine. Really.
They still need me. I did something stupid.
Anyway, the Oracle is still human, and makes mistakes.
I'm honoured you consider me a best friend. I consider you the same.
I'm sorry to hear about your father. I hope he's able to slow down soon so that doesn't happen.
I honestly don't know what's coming your way right now.
Prompto
There are no chocobo drawings this time, but instead stars in the night sky, his sketching area coloured in dark.
M.E. 752, Summer
19/6/18 08:54 (UTC)His father would never get any better. He had to accept that he would lose the only blood relative he ever knew and take his place. Prompto was being used as a tool for the Empire. And now, he feared that the others he loved would one day be...
He'd been crying into Ignis' shoulder when Umbra came. Unable to keep it together in the one place he knew no one would hear unless he let them in.
There is no letter. Only a brief sketch and a minuscule mp3 player stuck inside. Volume already on the lowest audible setting, and earbuds plugged in. There's only one, untitled song on the device. A song no one but the player and Prompto has heard; a piano solo that is as raw as the words and feelings he wishes he could have conveyed in words, but could not. Chords of worry and sadness blended in with a lingering sense of hope so masterfully it's likely hard to believe the melancholic piece isn't something he composed himself beforehand. Yet, he didn't. He simply turned on the recording device in his phone, set it down on the music stand, and began to play. Eyes closed as his fingers danced upon the ebony and ivory keys. Filling every note and chord with pain and love.
The sketch on the page nixes any semblance of symbology. It's just him, resting his head on the grand piano's keys. A black dog resting at his feet as moonlight pours in from a window to his left. A few dried spots on the page above it.
M.E. 755, Spring
19/6/18 09:15 (UTC)He'd been thin and drawn, but he looked like he'd made his peace with whatever had happened.
Prompto had merely tried to change his own fate and failed, so he had nothing to do but accept it.
The sketch, the music were lovely, but Prompto took the lack of words to mean that Noctis maybe didn't want to speak, so he didn't send a response back for a long time. They were hard, and risky as it was. His pen was being kept in Umbra's pouch.
Pryna was always the troublemaker, and although she didn't carry word, she did visit Noctis a few times during the period, just to offer a nuzzle, a lick of the hand.
Now when he worked, a guard remained at his side, always. Ensuring that no words beyond pleasantries were spoken, no words but prayers and blessings. They extended his work day, to make up for the time he missed.
The schedule had him heading back to Leide and Duscae, a show of strength and a victory lap. They were closing in on Lucis. The schedule was public, circulated to draw people who so rarely could see Prompto to give them the opportunity to do so, even if the guard was so strict.
He couldn't entirely forget about the Lucian prince. He wrote finally, coming closer to the prince's twentieth birthday, if he remembered correctly.
Hope you and your father are well. I'm traveling again. Isn't that lovely?
Prompto.
The chocobo this time was still in the cage, stretching his wings, but he was surrounded by vicious sabertusks, they were closing in on their prey.
Even though he hesitated to send this letter too, he did it, short as it was. He also included package of sweets from the heart of Gralea.
M.E. 755, Spring
19/6/18 09:49 (UTC)The Oracle had not been forgotten by the future king.
Prompto had not been forgotten by Noctis.
During the trip through Leide, Prompto likely would have spotted a young fisher at the back of the crowd. A hat and high-collared shirt hid most of his face, but those blue eyes were unmistakable. Looking on with a young woman wrapped around his arm. They'd gotten married the spring before, and finally allowed to leave under heavy guard (that remained ever disguised) for their honeymoon this year. To Galdin Quay.
The fact that it overlapped a part of the 'tour' was simply a 'happy coincidence.'
Umbra did not have to travel far for this one.
I saw. Not only because of how publicized this little 'tour' is.
Forgive me for not sending a letter last time. Try as I might, the words wouldn't come. Only the notes in my head.
I was worried sick. We all were. Still are.
My prayers are with you always,
Noct.
The black chocobo held a fish in its beak, wings mostly healed but also surrounded by sabertusks. He knows.
M.E. 755, Spring
19/6/18 15:12 (UTC)He looked exhausted. He was about the midway point in his tour and being run ragged, and giving the Empire a good image. He did however catch the news of their marriage which pleased him, he was happy for his friend. As much as he might like him, that was never meant to be. The Astrals just did not work that way, not for him.
Umbra could not go back immediately, and alert him. It was too dangerous and he understood that.
Prompto got his letter when the people were finally sent away for the night and he was taken to a tent of all places, where his dogs were waiting for him. He smiled, but still felt like his decision not to write much had been the correct one. The future king did not need to worry about him, for he was hardly his problem.
Noct
I hear congratulations are in order, and here I am a year late. I apologize. I do hope that your chosen bride has made you happy. I've heard more about you today than I have in a long time.
I'm glad to hear it all.
Your melody was beautiful, please don't apologize for it. I have it memorized.
You need not worry about me any longer. You have a future to concern yourself with. Pieces are moving into place. I can feel it. You'll know what to do when the time comes.
I'm so close to the Archean, I can hear him calling. Can you?
Not yet, I bet. Soon.
Just remember, everything happens for a reason.
Prompto
The yellow chocobo in the cage with its wings spread apart, has a few lines erased from it in the picture. It was blindfolded and muzzled, and disappearing, in front of a crowd of onlookers, with big smiles on their faces. It dreamed a musical note, that it couldn't sing.
The artwork was cathartic, although he shouldn't send it to Noctis, so he ripped it out of the book, but not having anywhere else to put it, had to hide it in Umbra's pouch, although he told him not to share it with Noctis, it would be in there.
M.E. 755, Spring
19/6/18 16:09 (UTC)"Noct..." she called, a couple tears shining in her eyes. It did not take someone with great vision to know how much the young Oracle meant to him. Anyone who spent even fifteen minutes listening to him, or even look to him whenever the boy appeared on the screen for could see it. How much longing reverberated in his voice, how hard he pushed himself in his training. While she never read what was in the book, she saw the doodles of chocobos he would sketch in his notes.
Now she understood why he started to in the first place, and slipped the sketch into his hand as he paused in reading the letter.
The spots on the pages are still damp when Umbra returns to him, a scent of ash lingering on the pages.
Prompto,
Don't worry about it. We only just got to celebrate it ourselves in our own way. And we are happy, but
My heart does not entirely belong to her or to our people. For years, it has cried out for another. A young 'chocobo' trapped within its cage, bound and gagged and forced to sing to its predators' tunes.
The protection of the future and the stone divine has ever been the role of my line. Yet as the days go by, I realize I can't imagine a future without you.
That piece I sent you... that is the truth that exists in my heart. It has ever since that day in Tenebrae.
Please, stay safe. Remain strong. When you waver, listen to it again. Remember you are loved.
Noct
The picture has a white chocobo hugging the blindfolded yellow with her wings, the black nuzzling into its neck. Luna, too, asked that she be included in any sketch he sent to him. She is also the reason why he even wrote most of the letter. Knowing how much it would tear him apart to keep his silence.
M.E. 755, Spring
19/6/18 16:32 (UTC)But, he didn't think it was very realistic, because his freedom wasn't in the cards. He expected he would fulfill his use, and the Empire would decide they'd had enough of him.
He could feel Titan calling out to him, reaching out to forge that connection that would weaken him further. The Empire was going to be so pleased, after the forced one with Shiva, this one was happening naturally. It might be easier to kill Titan then.
For Noctis to take control of the future, he would need to be prepared. He directed his prayers and devotions to asking Titan to consider Noctis. To please see him as the true king.
It was a few days before he could answer, still working on his pre-ritual prayers because very soon, he would be expected to stand before Titan and reinforce his demands. He could feel it.
Noct,
Your words are very kind and cherished. I'll never forget them for as long as I live.
You need to listen now.
You will hear him soon.
You must answer the Archean's call.
I have always told you, that what happens to me does not matter, and that remains the same, but still...
Thank you.
Prompto
There was no chocobo drawing this time, there wasn't time really, this was a warning, it was getting close to the moment, and Noctis needed to listen for it. That was all Prompto could do to warn him.
It wouldn't be long before he was brought to the Disc of Cauthess to speak to the Archean himself, to awaken him from his slumber.
The Empire had a strict timeline, or so he thought.
The dark, slimy Chancellor appeared because he thought they should take a trip to Insomnia of all places.
M.E. 755, Spring
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