Although perhaps it is a bit egocentric, Ignis isn't entirely wrong. Ardyn being absent in this case is a combination of his own time blindness getting the better of him and avoidance. And while he almost considered staying behind to try his hand at battling Charlie and others, he was instead informed he needed to fulfill his obligatory community service hours by helping out in Vorrun. He's sure that Charlie just didn't want to deal with him alone for too long (but that only makes him want the man more, unfortunately for him).
He ends up on one of the last wagons in the caravan and sleeping soundly most of the ride. Ardyn is a night owl who winds down when the sun comes up generally so they're really cutting into his snoozing time here. They wake him up roughly and kick him out only for him to be directed to how he can help.
He can be found a local little shop helping to organize their inventory. His hair is tied up - he really needs to cut it again, but hasn't bothered - and he's even wearing a cute little shop apron. Hearing his name isn't something to cringe from on its own but it's who the voice belongs to that causes that reaction. Of course, he doesn't show any distaste on his face when he turns around and smiles in kind.
"You'll have to excuse me for being less talkative than usual. Early mornings aren't really my preferred time to be active." As they both know. Still, never let be it said Ardyn doesn't know how to pretend and play at pleasantries when it's necessary. "It is quite a nice place though. A good atmosphere and the views-" with a wink directed at the shop owner he's under the temporary employ of "-aren't bad either." If he's on good behavior, it's possible they'll let him go early and sign off on his hours so... Why not use a little charm where he can?
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He ends up on one of the last wagons in the caravan and sleeping soundly most of the ride. Ardyn is a night owl who winds down when the sun comes up generally so they're really cutting into his snoozing time here. They wake him up roughly and kick him out only for him to be directed to how he can help.
He can be found a local little shop helping to organize their inventory. His hair is tied up - he really needs to cut it again, but hasn't bothered - and he's even wearing a cute little shop apron. Hearing his name isn't something to cringe from on its own but it's who the voice belongs to that causes that reaction. Of course, he doesn't show any distaste on his face when he turns around and smiles in kind.
"You'll have to excuse me for being less talkative than usual. Early mornings aren't really my preferred time to be active." As they both know. Still, never let be it said Ardyn doesn't know how to pretend and play at pleasantries when it's necessary. "It is quite a nice place though. A good atmosphere and the views-" with a wink directed at the shop owner he's under the temporary employ of "-aren't bad either." If he's on good behavior, it's possible they'll let him go early and sign off on his hours so... Why not use a little charm where he can?