childrenofbahamutlogs | EVENT #3: VORRUN WELCOMES YOU

Entry tags:

EVENT #3: VORRUN WELCOMES YOU

A CALL FOR AID

Charlie comes on the network with a grim expression. Some papers are held in one hand and Dimitri stands like a statue behind him.

"I have received an urgent request from our neighbors to the east, Vorrun. Their council has heard of your good work for the local communities and has requested assistance with a sudden influx of aggression in the local wildlife and a disturbing trend of monster attacks. Vorrun has suffered losses in the past and the current population is struggling to keep these assailants at bay.

They have requested our help in not only fending off the attacks, but figuring out the source of the issue.

We will secure transport to Vorrun via a small wagon caravan.

This is wholly optional and you may stay in Town if you like! Or, you can visit Vorrun as a tourist during this time. I just ask that you are polite and sensitive to our hosts. We will be leaving tomorrow at eight AM. Dimitri will remain in Town for those who do not wish to attend."

To do what, exactly? Well... Now might be as good a time as any to begin testing your skills as a newfound dragon.

To those that will be traveling to Vorrun though, Charlie ends with: "Thank you, we hope to see you bright and early!"

HAPPY HELPERS

Vorrun is a city-state located in a steep valley nestled between two mountain ranges. As such, it is blessed with a verdant landscape and plenty of rain. The mornings often come covered in mist that lifts throughout the day but adds an ethereal quality to the locale.

The people of Vorrun tend to be largely Beastmen due to this being a sanctuary for them. Very few children of men live in the city, but there are some here and there who have earned the local's trust and respect. The architecture is reminiscent of what some offworlders recognize feudal Japan.

All around, the locals go about their business as usual. There is an undercurrent of anxiety due to the recent attacks yet most appear to be doing the best they can to remain optimistic. They are also wary of newcomers given the rather isolated nature of the place. Once you engage with the people though, they are overall polite and friendly.

While offworlders learn for more information on how they'll be helping as Charlie and Nobu meet initially, there are a handful of things to do around the city-state.

Hot Springs

bonded with dragon souls though

may be more pronounced

Community Service

endear the local populace

Enjoy The Local Plum Wine

plum wine

increase in luck

eight (8) hours

Hide & Seek

find her kids and tell them that supper is almost ready.

twenty or so

disguised themselves

HUNTING FOR ANSWERS

GAL-OTHY-MOS by Hiroyuki Sawano

1:15 / 5:09

▶︎

Click here to listen.

Hiroyuki Sawano is a Japanese composer, arranger, lyricist, pianist, and music producer best known for his work on many anime series, video games, television dramas, and films. His pieces tend to have exceedingly strange titles, featuring numbers, symbols, and letters from various different alphabets. He stated that he decided this because he wants "people to be able to listen to the songs in their own way and have their own reaction."

code

After a day or so of delegations and working through red tape, offerworlders are allowed to investigate among the mountain range. Their instructions are provided by Nobu who appears to be an authoritative leader.

Everyone is warned again about the increased aggression of the surrounding monsters, but hopefully a cause might be found.

It is recommended to work in pairs.

ABANDONED BATTLEFIELD

The war-torn remnants of an old battlefield from Vorrun's war with the orcs. Old, broken weapons and armaments stand as ghostly relics of the horrors that this place saw.

⁂ Possible Encounters: Poltergeist, Troll, Troll Mutate

⁂ Item of Interest: Ornate spear - Amongst a collection of broken spears, this one is intact and without wear

ROVAAN NAH'S GRAVE

In the bottom of a crystal clear pool, the massive bones of an Ancient Dragon lay undisturbed. This is the final resting place of the great Draconic Saint, Rovaan Nah: The Roaming Fury.

⁂ Possible Encounters: Allosaurus, Boar, Elk

⁂ Point of Interest: Black, oily sludge seeps from a rock nearby the water. It hasn't contaminated it yet but appears to be oozing that way.

MOUNTAINSIDES

The high cliffs make for a difficult hike, but for a dragon with wings, they are no obstacle. Lush moss hangs from every surface and the ferns are thick. This old-growth forest feels just packed with secrets.

⁂ Possible Encounters: Awakened Giant Wasp, Giant Lizard, Roc, Corrupted Orc

⁂ Item(s) of Interest: A bundle of scrolls is hidden in a tree somewhere. Trying to read them gives one a headache and appears to be in a language that is indecipherable to most.

CASCARA PASS

You can only come through this way with an escort from Vorrun. The pass is dark and full of winding passages. One could easily get lost if they did not know the way by memory. Take care and avoid deep pools of water here. Tempting as they might be to jump in, the escort advises against it.

⁂ Possible Encounters: Aurumvorax, Cloaker, Dire Flat Worm

⁂ Item of Interest: Abandoned along the pass is an old, charred painting of a woman in a veil, with inscription "fire purifies all" along the bottom.

WAYSIDE BAY

A hidden bay that Vorrun receives their trade through. It is a small but busy port is bustling at all hours and well-guarded. They will, of course, let investigators come through and see what they can find. Yet, they will be under close watch so no funny business.

⁂ Possible Encounters: Elemental Spirit (water), Flail Snail, Giant ~~Enemy~~ Crab

⁂ Item of Interest: Hidden by the sand under a dock is a Draconic Medallion. It is of obvious importance, but exactly what can't be determined.

Notes

⁂ If you have any questions, suggestions, or feedback relating to this post then you can leave it here.

⁂ The partner plotting post for this event/quarter is up!

⁂ Please sign up here to see if your character finds the item/point of interest listed in the searchable areas. We will be RNGing for who finds them. Even if your character doesn't find the artifact mentioned in the post, we will be giving other clues, information, and so on to everyone that receives something if investigating.

⁂ These artifacts are also meant to spark discussion and theories among characters rather than actually answer what's going on here. We encourage those who find the artifacts to share this information ICly! All will be revealed... in due time! For now, have fun putting the puzzle pieces together.

⁂ The sparring requests page is now live! We hope it's a fun little surprise that people enjoy utilizing. It's for fun, mostly, but also to provide an IC avenue for characters to get more comfortable with their new dragon selves.

⁂ Thank you for your patience on this post as we recovered from a difficult April! We hope you enjoy visiting Vorrun and look forward to the changes we'll be making re: the quest board and a couple of other adjustments planned!

⁂ Full Navigation ⁂

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ooc: Plotting post here!]

A - Hard At Work

It goes without saying that, with how wide the area is that needs to be investigated, certain little accidents are just bound to happen. Perhaps it is a near miss encounter with some wild beast. A slip and tear against some rocks, or a nail sticking out, or grasping branches. There's a likely chance that one even ruined their own clothing from transformation mishaps.

Sensibly, one could go find Charlie, if they don't have the skills themselves. But maybe they aren't aware of the option, the man is busy... or they may be running an errand for one of the locals.

In that case, they'll be directed to a lovely little shop full of silks, where the owner will then direct them to a certain corner of the shop...

Which is where Ignis has settled in, clearly doing all sorts of little repairs and even some embroidering. How has he endeared himself in so quick a time to be doing simple work for someone like this? Don't worry about it. (Mostly he's lucky that the actual shop assistant is helping with visiting family and can't come in.) Regardless, he waves whoever over.

"So, what's happened now? How bad is it?" Chop chop, he hasn't got all day.

B - Child's Play

While it's been a long time since he was a proper child, well, Ignis was the oldest out of a pair, and thus is quite familiar with just what little children like and demand. So when he's tasked with finding all the troublemakers for dinner.... He has an idea.

Worker smarter, not harder. And sometimes that can apply to play, too.

Those who are just making their way through Vorunn may get a small jumpscare when Ignis suddenly lands in front of them or nearby - partially transformed, wearing hakama and an open-backed halter top for comfort. No wings out just yet, but massive clawed feet and a very long green tail with shimmering crystalline feathers at the very end of it.

A tail that, clinging all along that very considerable length, holds a good few children.

If Ignis can recognize anyone as being from Town - and especially those who have already gone through the full transformation process - he'll pause to glance over them while the children giggle and laugh from the little adventure he's taken them on (coincidentally in the direction of their home). "Ah, hello. I don't suppose you have a bit of spare time? My tail is getting rather tired, you see." So he could benefit from lightening the load.

C - Hot Springs Episode

With his clothing work, helping wrangle unruly trickster children, various other works of service for the town, and of course doing investigations with his own.... Ignis has done a fair bit in his stay. It's been pleasant, honestly. Vorunn reminds him just enough of some traditional respects of Lucis that he feels just a touch more at home.

This includes, of course, the hot springs. And with all he's done, well, they're quite a sight for sore eyes.

Anyone who decides to go into the co-ed baths whether by choice or because they got lost will find Ignis quite comfortably relaxing in the springs, arms folded along the rocky edge and his cheeks in turn resting along them. His draconic features are most certainly out in full display for now - his pale shimmering horns curving out from near his temples, deep brilliant green wings floating along the water's surface, and the ripples in the water giving away his long tail. The claws on his hands, where visible, are deeply crystalline, and seem to hold a touch of opal red to them amidst all the green intermingled in with it.

Considering the way he has to open one eye to peer upon any new patrons, he was clearly quite happy relaxing... but there's no objection to company. It is a public bath, after all.

"Hm, hello there. First time here?"

D - Wildcard

[I'm good for most other ideas, and am happy to make more top levels!]

Ever since that little exchange on the rocky talkies, he and Ardyn have not actually met up with one another.

Ignis would like to believe that it's because his little tactic was effective. That Ardyn is so revolted by a little bit of courtesy and even the idea of forgiveness that he has purposefully avoided him. However, it is a bit egocentric, he must admit. After all, it seems that with no ties to the Empire, the man falls into absolute squalor and apathy.

He hasn't even had to stalk him to his home to find this out. It's easy enough to hear, if one only looks at the sort of posts he makes and the nosy enough people who try to get involved with him, such as Elidibus.

So that means it is just as likely that the man simply feel into some sort of drunken stupor and hasn't bothered to emerge for any socializing in the same way that Ignis does - even if really he only does so in passing as he gets ingredients for dinner or new clothes for the many individuals in his household (and Lady Lunafrey now, as well, of course).

A pity, really. Pastries only stay good for so long.

But the good thing about the Armiger is that it keeps things fairly fresh no matter what. (The real problem is keeping Noct and Prompto's fingers from them, really.) So he makes sure, the night before they all get up into the wagon, to make a fresh batch of Bell Berry Tarts.

Not that it's something which goes into effect right away. While he wants to ruin Ardyn's life quite soundly and make it so that he feels absolutely no desire to ever even look at his own again... well. All good things in time. The most important thing is and always has been how those he loves are faring, and, for a very early wagon ride, that means fussing over them to a degree. Making sure Noct is as comfortable as he can be considering the early mornig and an uncomfortable ride, keeping Prompto company while he's forced to stay still for an extended period of time, and simply enjoying Gladio's company.

There is Lady Lunafreya to consider... but, well. Ravus is her knight, isn't he? Ignis gladly concedes any further care and protection of her to him.

The busyness doesn't stop there, either. There are lodgings to consider, who stays in what room, making sure that they all stay focused on what they're really here for with the investigations, and various other little things like assisting those about town. There is a lot to do at any given time. Ignis won't let Ardyn think he's so important to take over his life.

Besides... There's always a perfect timing for these sorts of things. A good time to strike. Ignis remembers those lessons well, something that was shared in common both for politics and combat. A good bit of life advice.

The most impact has to be considered carefully, and you never know when you'll get your chance.

For his instance, it happens after he's made sure that all the others have come back from their investigations, and is simply out and about for a trivial little task. Just something he wanted to get done, but didn't need to. He spots Ardyn, all on his own, clearly dragged into a menial little task as a part of Charlie's demands for community service.

There's no better time than now. Ignis can realize that immediately. So he takes a breath, tucks all of his hatred and anger and bloodlust away into a neat little box far away from the light of day for now similarly as he has in the past when dealing with Citadel nonsense...

And fetches the pastries out of the Armiger.

"Ardyn!" When Ignis approaches, it's with a small smile on his face (which doesn't quite reach his eyes, don't worry about it) and a small bag held in his fingers. He's wearing the traditional clothing of Vorrun for now - a simple dark grey yukata with white birds on it, and a matching jackete - with no signs of his draconic changes. For now, of course. "It's good to see that you're out and about. How are you? I noticed you'd been a touch distant on the wagon as we all traveled here, but I was a touch preoccupied, I'm afraid. This is a lovely country, isn't it?"

Edited 2025-05-14 19:59 (UTC)

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?

Ah, there it is. Some of the politician that had clearly held some weight in the Empire. All polite smiles and charm - even if that charm is the sort of hamfisted flirting that one might do in a cheap club. Ignis has certainly heard that sort of thing before.

Well, it was only common sense that this wouldn't be easy. If it were, then they likely could have solved so many of their issues a long time ago. He was quite prepared for that.

So Ignis returns the smile readily, although he tempers it just a touch with something like... hmm... pity. "Indeed, it is quite hard on you, isn't it? I hope you were at least able to catch up on some rest during the ride here. Perhaps there are things you could do in the evenings, if you had your heart set on helping." A hand to his chest as he stops besides the man. "If you'd like, I've come to familiarize myself with at least a few of the locals since we've arrived. Perhaps I could inquire on your behalf.

"Ah, but that's all business. Actually, I was quite delighted to realize I recognized you through the window." He gestures lightly to Ardyn. "I wouldn't want to interrupt your work too much, but are you perhaps due for a short break? We haven't had a moment to speak with one another, despite our promises to do so, and I had wished to give you something after all this time."

Pulling his hand back, Ignis curls it at his chin. "Ah, but only if you have a break to spare. I wouldn't want to interrupt your work too much, or be an imposition to the good owner of this establishment."

"Oh, no need. All my complaining aside, this place has treated me quite nicely. I couldn't just put them out like that without my help. But your offer is appreciated." His words to the unaware sound perfectly cordial and polite; Ignis, no doubt, recognizes the barbs beneath at that hint of pity towards him.

But if schmoozing works, it does. Most people don't seem to care to dig too deep into whether or not his flirtations are genuine. In his experience, many don't really care if it is or not and he works that in his favor where he can. Like now, when he casts a questioning glance to the shopkeep about taking a break.

'Go on,' she says, giving a small huff. He isn't supposed to leave unattended, according to Charlie, but Ardyn's managed to weasel his way into getting what he wants yet again. Why would he change if his behavior is rewarded, after all? "I thank you, miss, and I won't be gone long enough for you to even miss me. You have my word."

If it gets on Ardyn's nerves even a little bit, Ignis will gladly get struck by a barb or two... Not that he's letting that show so clearly either. Just the same polite smile, even as he pays close attention to how Ardyn conducts himself around others.

Here, in a foreign town that's heard less about Ardyn or had a chance to speak with him at all, it seems like he really is doing quite well for himself... Ignis can't imagine why, personally. It's all the charm and fashion sense of a used car salesman. Still, he supposes there's no accounting for taste.

At least he's willing to play along for now, smiling back to the shopkeep. "I won't take him far at all, either, I promise," he says politely, which is true enough. The best thing to do in a situation like this is to make sure that Ardyn has eyes on him. And in this case as well, in the chance that the people here gossip well enough or even if they talk to Charlie directly...

As they approach the door, Ignis smiles brightly at Ardyn and pulls forth the pouch from where he'd tucked it away. "Ah, before I forget, here, my good man. The bell berry tarts which you asked me to make for the next time we saw one another."

So. If anyone asks. He simply helped Ardyn take a break, and even brought snacks for him.

Innocent and friendly.

As they step onto the streets proper, Ignis keeps talking. "I must admit, I remembered the recipe purely by luck! I have my uncle to thank, since he hardly minded when I watched so many reruns of old cooking shows. A few of the recipes I saw on there managed to stick, and that happened to be one of them. How fortuitous, don't you think?"

Ardyn likes to think of himself as something closer to a flowering prickle bush. Enticing enough on the outside to the unaware, but he won't catch everyone off guard. It doesn't mean he won't still sink a thorn or two into them regardless. Only when he needs to, but playing the unassuming and charming older man schtick works out for him more than it doesn't.

The shopkeep at least seems satisfied enough with both their reassurances. Whether or not she relays this to Charlie, well- That will yet to be seen. It's not as though Ignis (or anyone) can actually do anything to him that matters anymore. Yet, they can undoubtedly hurt him in other ways.

This is - in a strange roundabout sort of way - one of them. "Did you now," he starts, unconvinced. Despite the falter of his facade, he does take Ignis' offered treat. Politely. "And how did you manage upon the ingredients here? I presumed they were only available on Eos." Well, no, he didn't.

Because bell berries don't exist. Neither should this tart, but here it is. Insulting him.

This isn't the first 'port' that Ignis has ever been to in his life - especially not this particular period of his life - but it is certainly the smallest. At the same time, there is a sort of familiarity to it. The urgency, the secrecy, the guards constantly watching any new faces with a severe intensity...

Yes, that's a life he knows quite well.

In some ways, it's enough to tug at old memories, and the connection makes him almost protective of this hidden little town and the way it tries to thrive despite everything. Certainly, it's enough to have him somewhat thoughtful as he and Prompto venture through the bay to see if there is anything the two of them can possibly find that the rest of the guard couldn't.

There is a lot to look through, however. Even for a "small" port, it is still a port, with a great deal of items filling up the docks and being transported all over - even if sometimes it's just to move it out of the way for the next thing coming down the pier. It's frankly a good thing that it's him and Prompto who volunteered to come in and look; this is certainly an area that demands those who can be quick on their feet.

But it's exactly because it is so large that Ignis suspects they may have to come back another day, especially with how unfamiliar they are with the entire place and just what it is normal for it.

That is something that can be for the future. For the present, they will have to do with a simple break after hours of looking around and Ignis having to occasionally keep Prompto's attention on track. Cracking his neck a bit, Ignis makes sure to step out of the way towards a small rest area to the side - no doubt for dock workers to take their own breaks while out of the way.

"It is good to see that they aren't completely isolated," Ignis comments, leaning against a wall as he watches another ship set out towards open waters. "Perhaps one day, it will be fully open again. Have you ever spent much time near docks, Prompto?"

"Docks? Nah!" Prompto says with a shake of the head, trotting towards the rest area with a surprising amount of energy left given the hours of work they put in. He always did specialize in endurance running. "I guess you could count Galdin, but did we really spend much time there? Oh, and all the ones I sat on while Noct spent hooooours fishing. Huh! Okay, maybe I have spent plenty of time at docks..."

Plopping down on a crude wooden bench, he interlocks his fingers and stretches his hands over his head with a dramatic yawn. "Whoof! We've been booking it, but it feels like we hardly made a dent. Running on a hamster wheel or something like that. You holding up okay, Iggy?"

Being reminded of so many pleasanter times, for all that they prodded at one's patience, is enough to make Ignis chuckle. "I think those little docks are a touch different than the ones which see such high traffic."

Mainly they were for fishermen to spend five million hours obsessing over their quarry, while Gladio heckled Noct for him to have a turn and Prompto threatened to lose himself in the weeds.

Despite those memories, they don't distract him for long, and he looks back out towards the rest of the docks where so much movement is still happening. Even when Prompto speaks, he doesn't turn his gaze away. "Well enough. I'll be fine for the rest of the afternoon, so long as you are." A small huff. "And besides... Considering the importance of this situation, I would be pushing myself regardless. Getting on Charlie's good side is going to be quite important, I think." And for more than just making up for that time he murdered Ardyn.

Prompto loves that chuckle. He really wishes he could hear that more- hopes that now, in this world, perhaps he can. Ignis with all his wit, charm, and special brand of love, truly left a gaping hole in the blonde's heart after the group parted ways at the end of the world.

For now, at least, in these quiet moments, Prompto can appreciate the time he does get to have with his loved ones. Exploring and lending helping hands where they can- much like old times. "Yyyyep! I'm more than fine. Super-fine," Prompto winks, pointing finger-guns at Ignis from where he's seated. "But, dude, you always push yourself somehow. You're a whole lot like the lizard living in my brain honestly. Never resting."

Said "lizard" snorts in Prompto's headspace, a wave of disapproval washing over him before it fades.

"Breaktime sounds good though. We will get our huge breakthrough one of these days and blow Charlie's mind. Yo, isn't it kinda wild like, gods exist here and just chat with anyone?! Astrals sure weren't like that."

Nah. Much more violent, in Prompto's mileage.

Well, there's no doubt about that. Ignis is fully confident in his ability to get results, so long as he's given some amount of time for it. Already he's been arranging for himself to investigate various other places as well. With a wide enough net, he's sure to catch something. Will that 'blow Charlie's mind'? Hard to say. But it will be a step in the right direction in regaining trust.

That is all fairly... unimportant, however. Not when Prompto brings up the Astrals, and Ignis stirs a touch.

Besides his talks with Gladio... He's been fairly quiet on his plans against the prophecy. Part of that is because he's not sure of the fine details yet, what he will wholly need. To go against the divine is something that one cannot do merely on a lark. There is a lot of planning he must do, in more areas than one.

Another part of that is because, even though Ignis views it as a completely sensible course of action considering the circumstances, some people might get a touch anxious if you bring up "I think we should kill at least one of the gods" randomly over tea.

But this... This has a bit more lead-in, he thinks, so Ignis hums for a moment, choosing his words carefully.

"Indeed. They were considerably more distant than anything else. Which makes for a rather curious relationship, when they would demand so much of people, and put prophecies upon us. It does make one wonder what weight such prophecies truly have against us."

Prophecies... That makes Prompto's smile falter ever-so-slightly, though it recovers back to something Ignis will easily see as not entirely real anymore. Prompto knows about prophecies. Too much, really. The reality of what has to happen back home is something he's tried to just ignore for now. To enjoy the blessed second chance he has before it is snatched away and he's flung back home, to that dark hell, alone in a world where they are all destined to lose Noct.

Interesting, then, for Ignis to talk like he is. Implying that it may innately be right to question things ordained by the Gods, or even the Astrals. Prompto once had that spark of hope. It was all but snuffed out after 3 years of waiting and fighting. "...Yeah. Somethin' I had a lot of time to think about back at home, when everything went dark. The answer was always the same after a few years. Not to be a downer or anything- still were ways to keep things going. I always kinda wished there was something I could do about the way the world went. It's why I helped make infrastructures and comms for the outposts of humanity." But, learning about the prophecy is in Ignis' future too, as far as Prompto understands it. Is there a different one he knows about, from here? "What kind of prophecy did you overhear out here that has that on that brain of yours?"

It is clear as day to Ignis, now, when the sun fades from Prompto's face, replaced by something cheap and artificial. Once more, he thinks of the miserable future that Prompto lives in right now, how he struggles through it. As he explains a part of it, Ignis moves away from the wall, and instead goes to settle alongside his boyfriend.

"And you did do something about the way of the world," he murmurs, reaching up to brush his hands upon Prompto's cheek. It won't wipe away that miserable look, he knows that. Still, for this rare bit of PDA, he is trying.

"I can only imagine how many lives you saved, putting up communications like that."

To not be able to communicate with others... It's not only isolating, but, in a time like that he's heard, it can be deadly. Being able to speak with others is invaluable, and Ignis won't ever let him forget it.

"However, here, I have heard no such prophecy. Rather..." Letting his hand fall back down to his side, Ignis tilts his head to the side. "I've had to question things as I've known them. For example, while the prophecy demands so much... It hasn't mentioned some rather important things. Our being here being a primary demonstration of that."

And you would think the Chosen King becoming a dragon would be pretty damn important to mention.

Ever since returning, and having a full night's sleep... It's become clear that Ignis has found his stride again. His purpose. Gladio likely never doubted that his boyfriend would, but perhaps the difference is clear compared to before. After all, learning the prophecy was immediately followed after with going blind, and then getting to the Empire.

And, well... A lot of things that Gladio didn't get to be there for, in the world he remembers.

But here, he gets to see the way that Ignis wakes up with a little more steadiness beneath his feet and a sharpness in his gaze of a man on a mission. How it gets cut and forged with every day, rather than already sharpened with desperation. Gladio likely doesn't even need to ask just what's got him going like this, having been told the answer before by another Ignis, or perhaps Talcott, or anyone else. This one will readily answer if he hears it, however.

He's going to find a way to stop that prophecy.

He's going to stop fate.

However, whether in Lucis or here in town, the answer to that is something that requires time, patience, and lots of research. Ignis has a feeling that there is a solution to this problem out there somewhere in this world, and he needs to work towards it. Good directions in his opinion have been learning the magic of this place with the help of Sveargith, and repairing his relationship with Charlie. You know. After that time he killed Ardyn. Which he still doesn't wholly regret, and is a cherished memory of its own in some ways, but it has been a bit of a set back.

These aren't the only reasons he seems so readily interested in visiting Vorunn, of course. Fact of the matter is that they're all meddlers in their own right. Going to help solve a mystery and help people is simply something of a habit by now, even if the early wake up time is a nightmare for their prince.

...But it's hard to deny that undercurrent.

That's likely part of why when they are being tasked with looking into various areas in an attempt to locate the issue of aggressive wildlife, the grave of a draconic saint seems to stir some of his interest especially so. While he could venture out with anyone.... Well, perhaps there is some measure of trust when he takes Gladio with him.

An interesting place, truly. Mostly inhabited by wild animals more than being at risk from any proper monsters, and those are really chased away easily enough - especially with the two of them, used to even worse fare while camping back in places such as Lucis.

Ignis is as meticulous as always, keeping track of anything which seems out of place in such a serene setting, noting animal behaviors, all of that. It may give Gladio some idle time to note that, perhaps as a result of becoming older or gaining control over himself or even both, Ignis is much more relaxed in utilizing draconic abilities - wings to gain a birds eye view, claws to help him get up difficult areas, and even simply looking more animalistic when in town to make the locals feel more at ease.

A productive day, to be sure... but a busy one. Once they've finally finished up, the sun is shimmering on the horizon about to tuck itself to bed, and Ignis checks on the rocky talky with the rest of their little party. Whatever he hears back has him pause, an eyebrow raised judgmentally.

...But that's none of his business.

Instead, still clad in his ankle-wrapped hakama and an open-backed shirt for the ease of transformations, he presses the rock to his lips while looking out over the scenery. He's seen a wealth of beautiful sunsets, truly. Their journey has been filled with difficulty, pain, and heartache... but the sights are incredible. This is one of them, and it pulls at his heart. More importantly, it reminds him of the very light weight he has carefully attached to his cloth belt - a small bag with two stalks of bamboo sewn into it.

Coming to a decision, Ignis tucks away his rock into its proper place (notably not the bamboo pouch) and smiles at Gladio.

"It seems the others shall be rather preoccupied. So, shall we finally have a proper date all to ourselves?"

Considering all that's happened, dates really have been the last thing on their minds. There's simply not enough time for it with all the housekeeping and research he's been doing back in Town, and, well... Clearly, from Ignis's time, there's been other reasons to be busy as well.

Vorunn offers some relief from all of that. No housekeeping, no cooking. All he needs to do is drop by into town to make some inquiries, and then he's found the perfect place where he can pick up a large bento for them both. If Gladio opts to take the heavy thing rather than let Ignis carry it as he heads towards a little dirt path outside of town, well, he won't complain. Instead, he stays close with him and enjoys... well...

Everything.

He enjoys the conversation with Gladio. He enjoys the way the energy and noise of Vorunn fades behind them as they make their way through the trees. He enjoys the stretch of the shadows, a night in which they need not fear daemons lunging for them as they simply go to a little spot he's heard about, which overlooks the town.

The sun pulls a purple sky over them, the last remnants of light, and Ignis stares over it. Drinks it in, commits it to memory, before he looks back to Gladio with an adoring smile. Small, but intense in its sincerity.

"You make all of this wonderful, you know."

Gladio is already stretched out on the grass beside him, looking up at the sky and enjoying the colors before they fade completely. At Ignis' words, he looks over at him with a grin tugging at his lips. "Oh, just me, huh? Not the beautiful locale or the incredible sunset or the fact that you didn't have to cook tonight? Seems like a lot to give me credit for."

It's been a good day. Fighting, spending time with Ignis, seeing new sights and trying new foods, and maybe most significant of all, getting to use their skills to help others. Gladio certainly enjoys simply getting to have a quiet life with the people he loves, especially after everything they've all been through and the misery that will most likely await them all if they ever end up going back to Eos and having to pick up the threads of the prophecy again, but his sense of duty and all the time they spent helping people on their road trip does have him tending to get a little restless when they go too long without putting everything they can do (which includes both their skills from home and their new dragon abilities) to good use. And not just their own personal benefits, either; given the scope of what they're capable of, helping only themselves simply can't be justified. So he's in a pretty great mood...and obviously Ignis is, as well.

A perfect night, all things considered. He can think of maybe one thing to make it more perfect, but Ignis would probably skin him alive before he'd consent to a roll in the grass out where anyone could see them. Still, Gladio can be perfectly content with what he's got.

"With all the good work we have done today, I have no doubt we will allowed back to this locale whenever we wish, so long as the weather is agreeable. Food, as well, and I can recreate that whenever I wish." Settling down a bit besides Gladio, Ignis braces his weight against one hand. "And while I shall never take for granted a beautiful sunset... I have seen so many in my life."

He leans over his love, just a little bit, and hopefully he is forgiven for blocking the view for but a moment. "You, however? Gladio, nothing in the world could ever replace you at my side."

That's all he allows before he steals a kiss, and then sinks down against Gladio's side, into his embrace, so that he isn't blocking the view any longer. There's still some food to enjoy in the quiet night, and they'll want to light a lantern sooner than later... But those are all things they can do in time. He still takes so much delight, being able to walk out into the forests and only having to worry about regular beasts for the most part. Here, the night is not such a death sentence. It makes him feel rather greedy, truthfully, wanting to steal every night he can.

Ignis tucks his head against Gladio's shoulder. "I've become rather contemplative, since... coming back, I suppose is the proper term," he muses aloud. "It makes for a strange contrast, thinking back to my memories of when I first arrived here." A low chuckle. "I put you through such ridiculous difficulties. Silly little things that I think I would have grown past, or gotten over, in small inconsequential events in our life in the crown city, and yet which unfortunately ballooned ridiculously during events like this, with me at that young age." A low sigh, heavy in how content it is. "Well, I've caught up a touch more, at the very least... although if it were to do with me as a person, then it always was thanks to you."

His hand crosses over himself, comes to rest along Gladio's torso. "That's what the entire peculiar event has taught me, I think. So much good in me was because I could look to you, and see what a good man truly was."

"Now that I don't believe." Gladio lifts a hand to brush through Iggy's hair, tracing fingers around the shell of his ear. "I mean, I believe that you believe it, and that you mean it when you say it. But I had a lot more growing to do over the years than you did, so I don't know how good of a role model I could really be said to be. I even managed to wreck as good of a thing as us for awhile, and it was me who needed to fix myself to get us back on track.

"And yeah, I would have done that work on myself regardless of you or anyone else, because you know me - I'm not going to just sit back and give anything less than my best. I don't think I could if I tried. But becoming the kind of man you deserved, a man worthy of being by your side...nothing could have motivated me as much as that did. And that feeling's been guiding me practically since we started dating. Not just to be better, but to be better for you. And I think if you asked pretty much anyone who knows both of us, they'd say I've changed more than you - that I needed to change more than you - and that if anyone's been good for anyone, it's you who's been good for me." He rests a hand over Ignis' on his chest, stroking a thumb along the back of it. "So if I'm a good man now, any kind of beacon worth following...it's because you lit my way first."

Everything Gladio says is hardly a surprise. Men like them are always men of high standards, never truly satisfied with where they are in life. Always needing more of themselves, always striving to improve, always viewing any little flaw with the harshest criticism.

Still. Really now.

"Sometimes, I daresay you put me on a pedestal," Ignis murmurs, resting his hand over Gladio's just to take in more of his warmth. "Or perhaps it is that we have been together for so long in one way or another-" Because clearly even when broken up, they never truly moved on. "-that you think only of the most recent moments."

His fingers idly shift up against Gladio's palm, feel the callouses that feel near permanently etched in there. "But I was a clumsy youth, Gladio. Perhaps you've put it behind you, and yet there's still no denying it even when I met you here. I had lived my entire life in such a narrow little cage.... With no complain, mind you." He chuckles lowly. "All I wanted to do was be helpful to Noct. So my life was all classes, all focus. I would never say I was unhappy, exactly...

"But I could always have been even happier. And somehow, I never quite connected the dots. Never saw the most obvious path in front of me."

Sighing, he shifts his head until his lips can brush against Gladio's skin. "Not until, one day, you asked if I wanted to see what the night sky looked like, unblocked by the lights of the crown city, and we went camping."

It's a memory he'll always hold fondly in his chest. How could he ever let it go? "I don't believe I will ever forget that night for as long as I live, you know. All of my worrying on the way there about all the little things I was leaving behind, the big things that wouldn't fall just because one single teenager was missing... And then the content way in which we set up camp together, a little domesticity even in the face of so much potential danger."

And...

"The way the stars looked - stars there before my eyes, no equipment necessary, shining so brilliantly there over the trees, more color than I thought could ever exist in the night... And you, there besides me."

Ignis smiles, achingly fond, just recalling it all. "I had such a revelation, looking at you there in the moonlight. Seeing the way the stars showed every beautiful curve of your jaw, shined in your hair, lit up your eyes. I realized that you lived in such a different way to me, and it was such a wonderful way. I'd always known you were courageous, and talented, very attractive-" This is said with a low laugh, Ignis twisting their hands so he can hold onto Gladio's, bring it up where he might kiss his ring finger.

"But it was then that I realized... You lived a more open and full life than I did. That you knew how to do that was incredible to me, back then, where I had never even thought to step outside my life in my uncle's apartment, later my own, and the Citadel. I don't think you realize how incredible you've always been to me, my love, and how you became ever moreso.

"Perhaps I'd always known all of that deep down... but it was beneath the stars that it was brought into crystal clarity for me. That you lived out there in the rest of the world, incredible and courageous and kind, good, and not afraid to go out to see the stars with your own eyes."

Gently, with purpose, Ignis takes Gladio's hand, and moves the other so that he can press something small and cool into it.

A ring, the metal curving and twisting like branches, with hints of the stars and moon peeking through, and a single beautiful green gem in the midst of it all not too unlike Ignis's own green eyes.

"Gladio... I want to be in that world with you, beneath the stars, for the rest of my life."

"Mm - a pedestal is usually considered an appropriate display for a work of art." Gladio turns his hand to take Iggy's, bringing it up to press a kiss to the side of his palm. Iggy will be able to feel the curve of his lips when he does; he knows damn well he's being unacceptably smooth, bastard man that he is.

He listens quietly, eyes warm, as Ignis recounts their first date - which Gladio hadn't quite had the nerve to explicitly call a date when he'd asked Iggy to go, simply because he wasn't really sure Iggy would have agreed if he'd considered it one. Not just simply because of Gladio's own questionable romantic reputation back then, but because Gladio had his doubts Iggy had - or would allow himself - any interest in something so personal and non-Noct-related as dating. So while he hadn't exactly hidden that the outing would be rather intimate, just the two of them out there among nature and the stars, he hadn't ever declared his intent in so many words. He'd just...hoped that the right circumstances would help open the doors he wanted.

And damn, hadn't they. He'd succeeded beyond his wildest dreams. He still marvels at it, even now, and getting to hear what's also one of his own most vivid memories from Iggy's perspective somehow only increases the wonder rather than explaining it away. Something so worth having should never have been so easy for a dumb teenager to grab onto.

Really, though, Iggy's trip down memory lane is him waxing particularly romantic tonight. Gladio is about to call him out on it, even tease him about it, when something is pressed into his palm. And, of course, naturally, he opens his hand to look down at it.

For a moment, stupidly, he has the fleeting impression that Noct is summoning. Which is ridiculous - Noct's not here, neither are any of the Six, and even if any of them were, Gladio's not sure Noct would still be able to summon them at all. But there's that same electric feeling in the air, and a heaviness as though all the oxygen is being sucked out of his lungs by force. A moment of truly breathless stillness before something unspeakably huge and powerful moves, inexorably.

The green of Ignis' eyes glints in his palm. A green he never has to fear will dull.

In some corner of Gladio's mind, where his most cherished fantasies live, he'd always known he would marry Iggy one day. But the truth of the matter is that he'd never really thought about making it a reality. Between Ignis' own fiercely guarded privacy, their positions as Noct's retainers - and how a confirmed public relationship might affect that - and it just never really feeling like the right time for some reason or another, it had been something Gladio had felt was somewhere off in their far futures. Or, perhaps, a personal understanding between them never to be made truly official. Though the closest he had ever gotten to making plans was the certainty that he would be the one asking. After all, Iggy, with his even deeper sense of duty and dedication to Noct than Gladio's own, so easily lost in that duty to the exclusion of his own interests, and with his privacy in regards to his personal life...surely Iggy would never be the one to consider or suggest such a thing.

Maybe the only thing more amazing than his and Iggy's relationship, to Gladio, is how completely he can still manage to be wrong about someone that on most days he could swear he knows inside and out, even after all these years.

"Ignis," he finally croaks, managing to snatch some breath back from wherever it's all gone. His eyes - glued to the ring for far too long - finally look away from the stone and back into the real things. That perfect green, a forest made to get lost in.

Somehow, it doesn't even occur to him to say 'yes'. Mostly because he doesn't think, between either of them, that the answer was ever for a second in doubt. He can and will say it a hundred times if Ignis asks, or wants to hear it, no fear there, but in terms of Iggy needing to be informed, it can't even be possible that he doesn't already know.

Indeed. There's not a single thing to doubt, as he looks into that gaze which has kept him so warm on so many an evening. Ignis smiles up into it, his fingers stroking across those rough palms which have worked so hard for so many years - longer than even Ignis has known him in more ways than one.

"Gladio," he murmurs right back, voice soft beneath the verdant leaves which surround them.

"May I put it on your finger?"

That's all the 'yes' he needs, right now.

"Yes," Gladio murmurs, without hesitation. Don't mind the glitter on his lashes; those are just some extra stars in the sky come down to rest. Definitely not tears.

If the stars would like to rest upon Gladio's lashes, his face, Ignis won't mind their presence. Still... he thinks he'd prefer those stars glittering within his chest, searing in their brilliance.

And as he delicately picks up that ring, slides it onto one finger where it of course fits perfectly...

He thinks he's one step closer to that. To being able to call this man husband.

For now, another word will do, and his hands cup over Gladio's one so that he might bring it up to his lips again. "My fiance," he breathes, and chuckles right after from the way it leaves his mouth so. "It sounds even better to say than I had dared to think it would."

(no subject)

swordlily - 2025-07-23 12:34 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

threevirtues - 2025-07-24 18:02 (UTC) - Expand

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

EVENT #3: VORRUN WELCOMES YOU

Ignis Scientia | Final Fantasy XV

OTA

Closed

[ardyn] back back back again

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

[prompto] defying fate

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

[gladio] starry nights and bright hearts

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

(no subject)

(no subject)