Castles they may crumble

[berriedmemories]

WHO:XV Cast
WHAT: General catchall
WHERE: Probably mostly at the XV cottage
WHEN: spring/summer 2025
WARNINGS: blanket CW for depression (Noctis), suicidal ideation (Ardyn, Cor, Ravus), and general PTSD from a bunch of men that've been through hell. See subject lines for specifics

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[berriedmemories]

Noctis' smile wavers as he watches the subtle shifts in Ravus' expression. There's a lot there, a lot for him to process. Noct knew there would be of course but there's still some part of him that wonders if it's too much. Too soon. If Ravus is still too raw from so much loss for the reminders not to hurt more than the gesture to start anew might soothe.

Then he's pulled in close and feels the gentle press of that kiss to his hair and he releases a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding. Relief enough that he has to press his face into Ravus' chest for a moment to stifle a snort of disbelieving amusement. It's been so many years and so very much has happened he's somehow surprised that Ravus recalls the name of that silly book.

The look Noctis flashes up at him is mischeivous, though. Warm and relieved as he nudges Ravus lightly, nodding towards the shelves encouragingly. "I dunno that they could handle Captain V but you'll never know if you don't look~"

[errant_knight]

"I believe the point was no one could," Ravus says as he follows the guiding nudge toward the shelves. He doesn't part from Noctis' side, even as he sweeps his gaze over the shelves, looking for a tell as to how the titles are organized. He gets some semblance of an idea based on both the tome's purpose, and then its contents. Spellbooks and guides, namely, aren't categorized by things like romance or action.

Once he's found, more-or-less, what they're looking for, Ravus slides his finger over the spine of a curious looking book. He tips it out from the shelf, turning it over in his hands. There's a brief epigraph on the back, and Ravus reads it aloud.

"'The Shark of the Tall Sea tells the tale of a fierce widow set upon vengence for her late husband. Laurentina, alone in the world and against all odds, must navigate both the stormy seas and her own tide-swept heart as she battles pirates and privateers in this action-filled adventure based on a true story.'"

His gaze flicks up from the navy blue binding to gauge Noctis' reaction. There's an amused sort of brightness in his eyes too, before he adds, "will you make me do the voices for this one as well?"