Intro Log: Eat Your Veggies

[hadrielmods]

Who: New arrivals and everyone else!
What: The intro log for January
Where: The colosseum and all around the city.
When: January 10th-16th
Warnings: Luscious greenery and confused newbies

As has become tradition within the good (well, okay) city of Hadriel, new arrivals will awake on the floor of the half-destroyed colosseum. Confused and disoriented, you may be wondering where you are and what you're doing there. Don't worry! Someone will probably tell you sooner or later, as long as you get out of the colosseum alive.

Oh, right. About that. Along with the poor, innocent, vulnerable new arrivals are a number of other new friends! Well, maybe less 'friends' than 'horrifying monsters', but are you really going to be picky? Wandering the arena are Shambling Mounds. These creatures are large, unattractive piles of vaguely humanoid-shaped vegetation. They hit hard, they can take a lot of damage, and if you're really unlucky they might manage to engulf you with their weird plant bodies. If that happens, you'd better try to get free fast - otherwise they'll just walk off with you stuck inside and kill you later at their leisure.

The Door appears to have cast a wide net for 'plant monsters', and while Shambling Mounds are the only ones that can actually hurt you, it's managed to pull in a number of smaller, less dangerous carnivorous plants. Some of them are even kind of cute! So if you were looking for a pet venus flytrap or a new pitcher plant, you're in luck. Scattered around the colosseum are carnivorous potted plants, just waiting to find a new home.

Make a new plant friend, or get eaten by one, or run screaming! Whatever you choose to do, once you find your way out of the colosseum there's plenty of other distractions. Feel free to go explore the rest of the city! Find a house, a new monster, a project to help with, or simply scavenge for supplies. Good luck, and enjoy your stay in Hadriel!

► This log covers January 10th-16th.
► Feel free to make your own logs as well!
► All characters arrive with phones that have network communication and the newbie guide installed.
► Please put your character's name and open/closed in the subject line of your starters!

Comments

This thread will likely contain nothing BUT spoilers for FFXV

[kittycaterer]

[ He's... Fine. As fine as he can be despite what he's been thrown into. Despite the disgusting creatures that put up a good fight, Noctis has made it outside of the coliseum with mere cuts and bruises. He's absolutely parched, but hardly hungry. No... No, the disgusting vegetable-like monsters have effectively killed his appetite for a good while. He's pretty sure he hates them even more at this point. ]

[ There are a few tears in his clothes, buttons and latches come loose as he drags his feet across the pavement. Noctis is incredibly winded after having fought by himself, and all he can think about is catching up with his father. ]

[ His father... ]

[ It's clear that this place has powers in which he is not familiar with. Means to change his placement within its confines at a mere snap of its fingers. But all the while, this place has reunited him with his deceased father. The King of Lucis. Just like that, they were separated. ]

[ He should be adjusted to the mental and emotional whiplash by now. After being trapped within walls of a fortress, desperately searching for Prompto and being fooled by Ardyn's jokes and misguidance? This should be nothing. He had doubted everything he had seen, doubted the existence of his father until he felt his hands take his own. Heard his reassurance grace his ears, and everything just felt too real to deny. ]

[ But Noctis still finds himself at a loss. Still uncertain as to whether or not this is some sort of hell, paradise, or afterlife. Regardless of his doubts, Regis is here, somewhere, and he has to find him to make sure he's recovering. Noctis had found him injured by that disgusting, snow-white creature. He can only hope that Regis has made it out alive. ]

[ He wanders the streets, searching for him. For safety, really. Noctis hisses as he feels a sting at his arm, realizing there's a deeper cut along his shoulder. ]

Damn it.

[ Wild eyes search for a safe place, but for now? They find nothing. Not until he turns to the side and sees... Something-- Someone in the distance. ]

[ Long curtains of white fabric, a glowing gown that is obviously torn to shreds even from this distance. Though her hair is dirty, it's still bright and almost ethereal. Noctis stops without knowing, something in his gut telling him to. Though the Ring of Lucii has apparently been rendered useless, it seemingly tightens around his finger. Possibly in his head, but when a flash of the blue, watery place he had last seen in his dreams has his mind telling him that this is... No. No it can't be her. ]

[ The girl is limping, clutching her stomach. Noctis had bore witness to her demise from such a far distance, but still. Just because Regis is here can't possibly mean that Lunafreya is. Still, she's clearly injured and in trouble, and far be it for Noctis to run for her. ]

Hey!

Hey, you alright?

[devotional]

[ Lunafreya hasn't had the chance to test her magic since arriving, though she already knows that her abilities are far more weak in this foreign place. Her gods are far from her here, and her grasp on her abilities as Oracle are tenuous at best as a result. She has never seen the need to heal herself before this, and thus hasn't tried to; she simply assumes that any attempt to do so will fail. She had caught glimpses of other people during her flight from the coliseum, but she hadn't had the chance to speak with anyone. Her lumbering pursuer had seen to that much, though it hadn't deigned to follow her out of the ruins.

The sound of footsteps causes her to start, and she struggles to stand, turning towards their source. Clutching her side, she winces, leaning her weight against the rock as she shakes a curtain of long, blond hair from her face. Perhaps it's pain making her delirious, or some cruel, strange trick of whatever power that brought her to this place, but she swears she sees Noctis coming towards her.

While that certainly cannot be, Luna lacks the strength to move immediately. She instead swallows hard, forcing herself to remain upright even as blood drains from her face in response to her efforts at keeping herself afloat. The distance between them only serves to make her vision blur as she tries to focus on the approaching stranger's form, and it isn't until he shouts first that she speaks. ]

Noctis...? [ Luna manages, her voice quavering. Gods, he sounds just like him, and she can hardly help the slow shake of a smile that manages to upturn her lips. Her fingers curl into the silk of her dress as she clutches at her wound, taking a stumbling step forward. ]

Surely... I must be dreaming... [ She murmurs, drawing a ragged breath. When the newcomer draws closer, Lunafreya blearily fixes her eyes to his face, and the world around her seems to still. A look of pain that has nothing to do with her wounds flashes across her features as he comes close enough for her to see who he is beyond a shadow of a doubt, injuries and all, and before she knows it, her eyes prickle with heat. ]

Why...? [ She heaves, staggering forward and threatening to lose her balance. ]

[kittycaterer]

[ He is so very tired, having not truly slept in days. The fight in the coliseum tore out every last bit of energy he had within him. But for some reason, he finds the strength to rush across the street and close the distance between himself and the strange girl in the distance. ]

[ But the closer he gets, the less strange the girl appears. Noctis' eyes widen and his mouth goes partially agape, the breath in his lungs exiting and leaving him empty and twisted. He hadn't seen her die, but he bore witness to her demise and had gotten confirmation of her death when he came to. Again... Again, this place brings someone back to him and he-- ]

Luna.

[ He can't think. It's a surprise that he can even speak, but her name falls from his lips cracked and hoarse. Suddenly, he can't move fast enough. ]

Luna!

[ She's clearly seen better days, and he has to wonder if this place has been so cruel as to bring her here at the cusp of death. Noctis' throat begins to burn, and he hurts just being close. If this is another illusion, another instance of him seeing her as a result of his neverending guilt? He can't take it. Not anymore. ]

You're--

Shit. C'mon, I've got you.

[ But desperate and hurt as he is, he reaches for her, working to hold her before she tumbles to the ground. Instead, he eases her off her feet, bringing the two of them down. His eyes are burning, throat tight and face completely drained of color. ]

I got you.

[ His voice cracks again, and he works to hold her tightly, yet delicately. Gods, what is even going on here? Why is she here? Why is she and Regis here? ]

It doesn't matter. W-we'll ask questions later, okay?

[ Frantically, he moves and adjusts them so he can see her injuries. Noctis breathes out almost a sob at the sight of her abdomen. Knowing who had done it, knowing where it came from. Quickly, without thought, he presses his hand to the wound, but realizes that applying pressure this way will do little. ]

H-Hold on.

[ As he had with Regis, he quickly discards his coat. He had managed to at least get it semi-clean before this fight, but there are still remnants of damage. He bundles it up, pressing it against her abdomen while his free arm keeps itself wrapped around her shoulders and keeping her steady. ]

[ She feels real. The blood that has soaked and stained his hands feels and smells real. Questioning it before with his father had nearly gotten him killed, and Lunafreya is in a far worse situation now. Noctis doesn't realize he's started crying until he chokes on a sob when he holds her close. ]

Easy.

[ Noctis quickly places Lunafreya's hand over his bunched-up coat, working to slip his arm underneath her knees so he can lift and carry her. ]

[devotional]

[ She had not seen him in the coliseum, and part of her hardly believes that it's actually him standing before her. Lunafreya hears the shortened version of her name on his lips, the sound sweet and distant, and she wonders if this really is the Beyond after all. Noctis sounds tired, and she can see the flashes of deep red marring his body as he rushes to her side. Luna's expression is one of confusion and sadness, though some small part of her is elated to see him again... though that begs the question of what the chosen king is doing here in this place in stead of Eos.

Even through her haze of pain and conflicting emotion, Lunafreya's focus remains on her duty. So long as she is still breathing, she'll remain the Oracle, and a change in location will do nothing to stop that. When Noctis finally reaches her, Lunafreya allows her body to sag momentarily as he brings her down to the ground, causing her to hiss with pain. Still, she smiles up at him as best as she is able, wanting to lessen the pain that shows in his face as best as she can. ]

So you have, [ Luna murmurs. Her own pain recedes to a dull ache as she settles in his arms, her breathing becoming marginally less labored. ] You are injured. Allow me to try and heal you--

[ She knows he'll be having none of it, what with the way he cradles her, and when she tries to sit up, she cries out in spite of herself as the wound in her side protests. Lunafreya feels Noctis sob rather than sees it, her vision swimming even as she lifts up a hand to press against the heated flesh of the wound upon his arm. ] B-Blessed stars of life and light... [ She begins, the palm of her hand glowing dully. Her connection to Eos is all but severed at this point; she can feel it in the decreased Astral energy that gathers within her when she calls upon it. She does her best to push through the pain in order to grant Noctis succor, and while she's half-blind with agony, she hopes that her efforts alleviate at least some of his pain, as she isn't really in any position to be hoping for more.

Her endeavors leave her even more drained than before, practically limp in his arms as he grabs his coat, pressing it to the wound in her gut. Lunafreya feels herself begin to drift even as he speaks, the desperation in his voice calling her back even as he tries to lift her. ] No-- Don't--- You mustn't overtax yourself, you are also injured--

[ Her breath vacates her lungs as her wound radiates with a fresh wave of pain, but she holds firm. Luna pushes weakly against his chest as he tries to carry her, bridal style, tears of frustration pricking her eyes at her own weakness. Having Noctis worry after her cuts her deeply; her duty as Oracle is to support him, to be his strength. To have him have to very literally carry her spits in the face of her very core, and the fact that there is nothing that she can do about it is enough to make her choke.

The irony of the entire situation is the fact that she'd imagined him carrying her like this, once. It was a silly fantasy, one she'd kept secret and close to her heart. While she'd been worried that their marriage would put an undue burden on him, it was no secret to those observant that she had looked forward to it in some capacity. The thought occurs to Lunafreya even as her strength to fight wanes, and she slumps in his arms, anguished. What a fool she has been. ]

[kittycaterer]

[ Despite the pain in his arms, they bring little difficulty in lifting Lunafreya off the ground and into his arms. He delicately holds her, quick on his feet to start heading through the housing building. Noctis pushes the door with his shoulder, hissing as it presses against his cut, but he pushes on. As soon as they're within the halls, he rushes to the first flight of stairs. ]

[ His mind is racing, heart fighting to beat it and leaving him painfully pumped with adrenaline. Each time Noctis looks down, his eyes seem to lock directly towards her gaping wound. He can smell the watery depths he had been surrounded in through the final dream that gave one last moment with Luna. He recalls her words, how hard he fought to grasp her and how she slipped through his fingers so quickly. ]

[ Yet now, she is solid. Alive... Or as close to alive as she can be. He's tried to look at the return of his father as a second chance, but his mind can't focus on doing that for Luna now with her starting to slip again in his grasp. ]

[ He hears Luna protest with her weak voice, push against him and begin a prayer. Noctis, already in a panic, looks down to her and grits his teeth. ]

Stop.

[ His voice cracks again, eyes glassy with the threat of overflowing with wetness. Of course she would put him before herself, when he's hardly on the brink of death as she. It pains him to know this, to know that her life seems secondary in the face of his duty. ]

It's a scratch, it's nothing. If anyone needs healing, it's you. Save your strength, please.

[ Just as he gets up the stairs, he turns the corner, breaking out into a sprint to reach the room he had found and claimed just days before with his father. ]

[ He feels Luna begin to slip, watching the consciousness begin to fade when he looks down at her again. Blood drips to the floor, leaving a red trail behind him. ]

Damn it-- Stay with me!

[ Noctis exhales a choked, pained sort of sound when he reaches his door. He can't get it open fast enough, and he rushes fast to get her on the couch. ]

Okay.... Okay. Okay.

[ He speaks quickly, hurriedly. As he gets her gently in place, he stands and frantically looks around. Noctis pushes his bangs from his eyes, accidentally spreading her blood across his brow. Bandages... Warm, wet cloth. Antiseptic. All things he had found for Regis. Noctis runs to the bathroom to grab the fixings, everything he needs before he runs back to the couch and drops to his knees. ]

Luna.

[ He leans towards her face, gently cradling her head while his free hand touches her cheek. ]

Luna. C'mon, stay with me. I need you awake for this, okay?

[ He's not losing her again. ]

[devotional]

[ Lunafreya can feel herself drifting again even as his footsteps jostle her, sending pain crackling along the length of her body. She can see the shape of his face through a haze, though it seems to change; so many of her memories of him are of a child, round faced and soft, and she hasn't yet become fully acquainted with the man holding her in his arms. The inevitability of death had brought with it a certain clarity, and she had resigned herself to it. She had thought she'd be happy, dying for the cause, but when she'd seen the desperation in Noctis' face as he'd reached out to her, something inside of her cracked.

Her own selfishness had set her heart to ache as she bid him farewell. It's that same selfishness that keeps her motionless in his arms, she supposes, even as her consciousness threatens to slip entirely. She murmurs his name and swallows hard, forcing her eyes to remain open as she does her best at focusing on her breathing. Lunafreya is vaguely aware of how familiar Noctis is with their new settings, but she doesn't think to comment on it. Her questions can come later.

For all of her best efforts, Luna finds herself struggling to swim through darkness even as Noctis pushes open yet another door. The pain she feels at his setting her upon an unfamiliar couch buoys her further into consciousness, but it also makes her vision go white. Luna can't even make a sound in response to it as Noctis busies himself, and it isn't until he touches her face that Lunafreya's eyes focus enough to take in his features.

Blood is smeared across his forehead, and her eyebrows knit together. With a shaking hand, she weakly attempts to rub it away, ineffective in her weakness. She does her best to square her jaw and put on a brave face when she gently nods in reply to him, her voice paper-thin and cracking when she finally speaks. ]

A... Alright. I trust you, [ Luna manages, smiling at him as best as she can. She allows her hand to sink down to her side as she breathes, turning her gaze to the ceiling. ]

[kittycaterer]

[ There is relief, but it's just barely palpable in the face of how this could end. Lunafreya is absolutely weak, the color from her face gone. And it's clear that she's close to the brink of an end that she hardly deserves to go through a second time. And far be it for Noctis to allow himself to see her die again. It won't happen. Not on his watch. ]

[ Second chance... Just like with his father, this is a second chance. ]

[ He'll ask questions later, make assumptions later. Noctis knows the task at hand, and while he isn't confident in his skills? His father made it out alive after the prince tended to his wounds. Granted, these are far deeper, far graver. Noctis exhales deeply, willing himself to relax at her words. Trust. Cooperation. Good. ]

[ There is a clear look of pain across his face when she tries and fails to wipe the blood from his face. Even on the brink of a second demise, she fusses over her future king. Dedicated to her calling until her last breath, just as before. It's painful to face, but he tries a reassuring smile for her. ]

Okay.

[ Another sigh. Noctis cups her cheeks and presses his forehead against her own briefly. He closes his eyes, takes but a half a second to take in the fact that she is solid and real. Lunafreya's breath, shallow and weak as it is, manages to steel his resolve. ]

Okay.

[ He says it again, nodding as he pulls back. Noctis settles before the center of the couch, where his bunched-up coat covers the nasty destruction beneath it. Carefully, he pulls it off. It's dripping with blood, soaked completely in it, and Noctis quickly tosses it aside. There's a painful look on his face, a sharp inhale to try and keep his resolve at the face of the nasty, grisly wound that appears gaping at her midsection. Shit. ]

[ The fabric of her gown covers pieces of it, soaked in her blood and stuck to the flesh. Noctis hesitates before grasping the ends, looking to Luna's face once more. ]

Sorry.

[ He looks back to the cut, quickly tearing the fabric covering her belly to give himself room. Noctis takes the wet rag, gently applying it to the wound, working to clean it as thoroughly as he can. Thankfully, it appears the bleeding has started to slow down, clotting as intended. Noctis is sick to his stomach, cold to the touch, and he's surprised he hasn't outright lost consciousness to this. ]

[devotional]

[ Lunafreya can see his panic plain as day, and she wants nothing more than to soothe him. In truth, she's terrified; she has been here before, and while her resignation to death had been certain, seeing Noctis again shakes her to her core. Longing overwhelms her, fierce and aching, and she finds herself clawing to remain awake even as her body protests. As much as she wants to frame everything she does for Noctis' sake, this is as much for her as it is for him.

This is the third chance she's gotten to see him again. There are no gods here, and likely no throne; his absence is probably felt across the entirety of Eos, and Lunafreya solemnly makes her singleminded goal one to return him to his rightful place. Her life is but a bargaining chip in the face of his destiny, and while her own feelings for him scream at her to live, it's the voice of her duty as Oracle that she ultimately responds to.

When he cradles her face in his hands, she allows her eyelids to flutter shut, savoring his closeness. She loves him, and it's in that love that she holds no doubt. Romance is well and good, but it's secondary to the devotion she feels for the prince. Lunafreya believes in him and trusts him implicitly, and when he smiles at her, she returns it as best as she is able. He is her first true friend and once-betrothed. Her faith in him is unshakable, and she has no doubt that he will emerge victorious from this, no matter the outcome. ]

It will be alright, [ She breathes, placing her arms at her sides in order to let him work. The fear she feels begins to ebb as she focuses on his face, woozy with blood loss. Through her haze, she watches as he discards his coat. Luna hasn't had the chance to properly examine the wound Ardyn had given her, but upon seeing the way Noctis' face pales, her stomach hollows with reflexive dread. ]

Do what you must. [ She says this even as he tears the fabric of her dress, exposing most of her midsection. Luna inhales sharply at the way the action causes her body to shift, but otherwise makes no noise. She grits her teeth when he begins to clean the gash, giving a soft whimper in spite of herself. ]

I am... I am alright, [ Lunafreya hisses, the sting of the wet cloth causing her to see sparks as her eyes squeeze shut. She does her best to keep silent so as not to distract him, but her body reacts on its own, eager to move away from the painful stimuli. Lunafreya focuses on remaining still even as the blood drains from her face again, the world seeming to narrow and spin even as she lies stationary on the couch. ]

[kittycaterer]

[ It's deep. Ardyn had intentions on making sure Lunafreya would not make it out of Altissia alive. He can practically see the length of the blade based on the entry-wound, how it moved on its way out. Noctis swallows thickly as he tries to keep himself steeled for her sake, despite how horrifying the visual is. Lunafreya's skin is so pale and sickly, and it's clear she's lost too much blood. Their gods are nowhere to be found or seen, yet it is a miracle that she is even a live now. ]

[ Noctis quietly busies himself with cleaning the wound as thoroughly as he can, utilizing what little he has left. He's careful, cautious, recalling the treatment he'd witnessed Ignis and Gladio had practiced on their shared injuries. He can at least be thankful that he's had enough experience to know that he can keep her from bleeding out excessively. He merely nods, assuring her with brief words that of course, she'll be fine. She'll be alright. Because Noctis will do everything in his power to make sure. ]

[ Gods, she doesn't even know Regis is here. The call he'll have to make to his father... ]

[ Noctis shakes out of his thoughts, focusing on the task at hand. When she's cleaned, he exhales another breath to will himself into a calm. He turns his attention to her, offering a soft smile as best as he can. Despite the way his eyes burn and his words crack. ]

Almost done. Gonna need you to brace yourself for this part, okay?

[ With a roll of bandage in his hand, he shifts beside her. Noctis begins to slip his arm underneath her back and shoulders. ]

Lifting on three. Get your arm around my shoulders if you can. For balance.

[ The intent is to get her sitting up so he can wrap her wounds. ]


One.

[ He's shaking. She'll be able to tell. Each second passed bears a reminder and question to the fact that she's here. Alive. And he fights with the wonder of whether or not this is another hallucination. Elaborate and broader than the rest. ]

Two...

[ Noctis swallows thickly, arm fully beneath her where his hand gently cups her shoulder. As he blinks, his eyes burn hotter and fill with tears. His voice completely cracks on the last number. ]

Three.

[ He works to get her half-sitting up, propping himself at his knees so she can lean against him while he works. Promptly, he works to start wrapping her abdomen. ]

[devotional]

[ Lunafreya is ignorant to the depth of the wound, her only indicator of its seriousness being the bursts of pain she feels every time she moves. It's ironic, the way he steels himself for her sake, if only because she's doing the same for him; when she states that she's alright, it's for him. Pain is nothing but something that will slow her down, and she will gladly bear more of it in silence if that's what it takes to support Noctis and his ascension to the throne. Luna doesn't consider this to be an unhealthy mindset simply because it's all she's ever known, and it's because of this that she's happy just to be here, next to him.

Her eyes prickle with heat as agony begins to run its familiar course through her as he works, stabbing at her injury and radiating outwards. Luna clenches her jaw, her fingers struggling to find purchase upon the couch in order to weather the pain, doing her best to keep still so Noctis can do his job. She isn't a fighter like him or his friends, and while she is no stranger to pain, the wound Ardyn had left her burns like nothing else. She suspects that much of this has to do with her communion with Leviathan shortly before its infliction, and the resulting pull of Altissia's tides upon her after Noctis successfully earned the Astral's power. ]

A-Alright, [ She stammers, blinking back tears. It goes without saying that Lunafreya is weak in the face of everything that has happened up to this point, and when he smiles, she scarcely has the energy to reciprocate. She can see the pain in his face, and it makes her breath catch in her throat. Still, she drapes her arm around his shoulders as she's bade, wincing as she shifts closer to him. Her fingers curl to grip his shirt as best they can as he begins his countdown, and she uses the opportunity to hold him in her own way, wanting to ease his frayed nerves. He quivers against her and it cuts her deeper than the wound in her gut.

"One."

Lunafreya turns her head, nudging his jawbone with her nose. The comfort she seeks is for him, not herself.

"Two."

She doesn't bother waiting for "three" before she starts to shift, the soft cry that escapes her lips coinciding with the final number that leaves his. Lunafreya's vision goes white as she slumps against him, weakly attempting to prop herself up with the hand not around his shoulders. It threatens to give way beneath her weight as he deftly wraps the bandage about her torso, working quickly. ]

I had... no doubts, [ Lunafreya says thickly, swallowing hard at the lump in her throat. The worst is over, or so she thinks. Her vision is hazy and she feels herself slipping again, the darkness that threatens to overwhelm her almost welcoming in its oblivion. She sees the glimmer of tears in Noctis' eyes, however, and she gently nudges him as best she can. ] You have done well, Noctis... There is no need for tears. I am... here.

[ Every breath hurts, but Lunafreya gently strokes her thumb against the side of his neck, too weak to move it further. ] You, also... I suppose your wish has been granted. [ She laughs hoarsely, wan as she recalls the words he'd spoken to her before she'd been swallowed by the tide.

Luna expels a breath as she leans against him, eyelids fluttering. ]

You have saved me. In that... I am happy.

[kittycaterer]

[ He tries to ensure that the bandages are firm, not too tight, and careful in their application. There's a moment where the shaking finally stops, but the tears seem to continue with their overflow even as Lunafreya nudges him with her nose. It's difficult to work with one hand, but he manages. Thankfully... And once the job is done, he can sigh with relief. ]

[ Her words are broken, but soft. "I suppose your wish has been granted"... They burn deep in his core, recalling what he had thought was just a strange dream speaking to him of her death. In but a short sentence, Lunafreya confirms that she visited him once more before her departure. That in completing her duty, she made one last effort to see him one last time. To comfort him and do as she was bred for. It's painful, harsh, but it's the reality of who they are. ]

[ Noctis exhales, and it's pained when it comes out. He feels her caress, her gentle nudge, and he sits back and realizes that Gladiolus was right. He's selfish and unaware of his duty and station, taking everything for granted until it's either pried away from him or seriously damaged. Ignis... Prompto... ]

[ What kind of king does this make him? And is this truly his second chance? Does he even deserve one? And is it selfish to think Lunafreya and the King have been revived for his sake? ]

[ Noctis feels a pain in his chest, even as claim of happiness drips from Lunafreya's lips. With a pained hiss through gritted teeth, he works to fully embrace her. He's gentle, keeping the one arm wrapped around her shoulders while the other reaches around to cradle her head. Their foreheads press together, noses touching while wet and large tears continue to trickle down his face. ]

Y-Yeah.

It was.

[ He can barely talk. But for her, he tries. Noctis' fingers tangle through her hair, clutching it as he commits the feeling of her against him to memory. Noctis cares for Lunafreya deeply, and while his true feelings have been lost on him even in the wake of a wedding that never happened? He knows for certain that living without her was the worst experience of his life. Lunafreya is a part of him; the Oracle to her King. The King to his Oracle. Born and created by the Gods for a greater purpose in which they were set to seek out together, yet separate. Destiny tore them apart and kept them miles away from one another, yet here they are... Together. ]

I won't let you down, Luna.

I promise. I won't lose you again.

[devotional]

[ Lunafreya is blearily aware of the care Noctis takes in making sure that his bindings are secure, her vision already swimming from this much. She focuses instead on the tears that flow freely down his face, and she remains silent in their wake. It's all she can do to keep a hold on his shoulder even as her head lolls against him, matted strands of long, blond hair falling forward and covering her face. Her breathing is still labored, though the worst has passed.

She thinks the world of Noctis, and knows that he will make a fine king. His journey has been arduous, fraught with tragedy and hardship, but the fact that he is still here, whole and carrying on, is a testament to his resilience. Understanding the value of things one takes for granted is part of the growth process, and it's a hard-earned lesson that Luna had the misfortune of learning as a young girl.

Lunafreya knows not the means for which she was brought here, but in some small, twisted way, she is thankful for Hadriel's foreign gods. They are not her own, but surely they are capable of small mercies, if they brought her here for another chance to see him. Death is always a possibility, of course, but she will fight tooth and nail to remain by Noctis' side for as long as she is able as his Oracle and friend.

When he holds her, she weakly presses her brow to his, allowing her eyelids to sink closed. Her breathing finally begins to steady itself as she feels his fingers, comforting in their tangle with her hair, and she expels a soft puff of air. ]

I know... you won't.

[ She wants to say more. Desperately. But she is so, so tired in the wake of her pain, and Noctis is here. She is warm. Safe, for the first time in what feels like an eternity. The same welcoming darkness begins to creep behind her vision, beckoning her into its embrace as she breathes, slow and deep. It's all Lunafreya can do to gently nudge her nose against his as she feels herself beginning to slip away again, and this time, she doesn't try to fight it.

She's safe wherever he is, and the darkness abides. When Lunafreya loses consciousness, it's with the assurance that he will be there when she wakes. ]

[kittycaterer]

[ Noctis feels her against him, feels her nose press his own and her eyelashes begin to flutter against his. In their embrace, he wills himself to commit every little feeling to memory. The fear, the worry, the simultaneous relief and happiness that she's here with him and safe. While Lunafreya's complexion is off, her skin is still warm. Her heart is beating and her lungs fill with air and release as needed. She's alive. And so, he hangs on to it. ]

[ He hangs on to her words, labored as they are. But he feels her begin to slip again, and Noctis finds himself unable to move for the time being. The prince holds her close, though he's almost as still as stone when he feels her slip. ]

Luna... Luna--

[ There's immediate worry that her slipping away is to death's embrace, and Noctis holds his breath as he waits for confirmation. For anything. And he chokes out a sob when her soft breath caresses his face. Relief again, knowing she's alive. Noctis sniffles and struggles to steel himself as he gently places her back down on the couch. He reaches for a blanket draped over the back-rest, delicately placing it on top of her. Before he stands, he reaches for her face once more, caressing her cheek. ]

[ He won't lose her again. He refuses... And he'll make sure she knows how grateful he has been for her support and service. How much he's missed her in the last twelve years. ]

[ Noctis makes way for the kitchen to grab his phone and make an immediate call. ]