[OPEN] EVENT.010

[lucere]

ＳＮＯＷ ＷＡＹ ＯＵＴ

[Maybe this little trip to Nevei Forest was just what Regis needed to help take the edge off. While the former monarch is still quite uneasy, the lush evergreen backdrop of this lovely forest is more than enough to lift his spirits. It's much better than tolling away in the awful snow back within the city. News of this lush destination came to him in the form of an advertisement he seen on his phone. It didn't take much for Regis to pitch the idea to Noctis and the others, especially Cor.

Most Lucians are quite averse to snow after all.

Nevertheless, Regis decides to rent out a room within one of the more rustic villas in the resort. The architecture here is quite a far cry from his days in Insomnia but the villa is still quite fetching. He settles by the fireplace nursing what seems to be a cup of tea while dressed quite casually in a black shirt, dark slacks, and sleek black leather shoes. For this particular ensemble, Regis chose to wear his newly purchased off-gray waistcoat for that hint of formalness.

Even though he's no longer a king, Regis is still royal. He can't exactly get away with just wearing jeans and a t-shirt, unlike his son.

The lack of room service at this villa is a bit of nuisance but Regis doesn't seem to mind all too much. His gaze drifts as he watches the slow trickle of tourists wandering about within the main hall. Eventually, he grows bored with people watching and starts searching for conversation. Despite his grim expression, Regis is quite sociable.]

Enjoying yourself?

[He questions a random passerby with a pleasant smile.]

Ｆｉｒｉａｌｉａ Ｅｖｅ Ｂａｌｌ

[The expression upon Regis's face is cross in between absolute rage and devastation. Who would've guessed that Regis would suddenly be transformed into a fairy during the middle of the performance? Certainly not Regis but that's beside the point. The former King of Lucis cannot help but huff indignantly at his current state. Had he not been reduced in stature to that of a fairy, he would've been relatively fine with the thought of sporting a colorful pair of translucent fairy wings and elfin-like ears. However, Regis wasn't so fortunate and is now at the mercy of the giggling guests surrounding him.

He gives them a frigid stare that is colder than Shiva's teet while idly fixing the cuffs of his handsomely elaborate suit. Regardless of his fairy-like form, Regis still looks very much like a king. He's just tiny and adorable right now much to his displeasure. While he does his best not to look bothered, Regis is considering how flustered he looks.]

This is not quite how I thought I would enjoy my evening.

[He grumbles under his breath while wishing he could have a cocktail.]

ＡＮＤ ＴＯ ＡＬＬ Ａ ＧＯＯＤ ＮＩＧＨＴ！

[A wistful look settles within Regis's gaze as he watches others enjoy themselves at the ice-skating rink. While he's a little too old in his years to enjoy such festivities anymore, Regis certainly possesses some fond memories of his youth. He was never particularly good at ice-skating but Aulea was. His late wife was as graceful as the wind despite her razor-sharp tongue and even sharper wit. He cannot help but think of her as he watches the other patrons on the ice. Regis spotted a few familiar faces in the crowd. No one particularly noteworthy but many of them where guests who joined the ball the other night.

He's back to normal size again, folks! It seems that horrid fairy dust finally is worn but how?

Regis certainly won't say how anyone on the savvy might be able to figure out in two guesses. Still, Regis is quite relieved to be back to normal size today despite his forlorn expression. He's a less decadent in style unlike last night choosing to wear an all-black ensemble with a dark wool coat with a slight militaristic flair. The old king lingers by the ice skating rink lost within his fond memories.]

ＷＩＬＤＣＡＲＤ

{feel free to make your own prompts!}

Comments

firialia eve ball

[profanation]

[ Balls were, by and large, onerous events. Aldercapt had enjoyed his pomp and ceremony, and there was no better way for the Niflheim upper crust to flash their military ranking without appearing to grandstand. Ardyn had flitted in and out of them, a word here, a smile there, lingering where not wanted and avoiding where he was. They'd never been enjoyable - just a means to an end.

In many ways, this Firialia Eve Ball was much the same. Ardyn had a reputation to uphold here, too, and though he didn't need it as much as he had needed the trappings that came with Chancellor, he still had to put some effort into it. A little, a least.

He milled around. The handsome, well tailored suit he wore was only partially marred by the three scarves had had refused to leave off: they'd clashed so erratically with the elegant black lines. He actually looked quite formal, handsome even. All a part of the show.

A small crowd had gathered in one particular area. Ardyn sauntered over, his tread careful, yet still with that deliberate, lupine heaviness despite his slight limp. He peered over a shoulder at the object of interest --

-- and almost did a double take.

It wasn't a surprise to see King Regis Lucis Caleum, 113th of the line of Lucis, here in Lunatia. Word got around in the Lunar Scientia about newcomers, and Ardyn looked out for any who called 'Eos' their home, and especially any with that surname. He'd known he was here.

He just hadn't expected to see him so diminutive, and sporting such delicate little wings.

If he'd been under my boot like this, he thought, I'd have squashed him like an insect, Bahamut or no Bahamut.

Clearly his throat, he pushed his way through the little knot of strangers and, with a wide smile and a carrying voice, proclaimed: ]

King Regis Lucis Caelum! Imagine my surprise to see you here - and so changed, at that! Has a forth moon lit up our perilous skies, or is this simply a danger of this most delightful gathering?

[ His smile was wide, his bow flourishing and flamboyant, and his eyes sharp and cruel. ]

[lucere]

[Regis was in the middle trying to shoo away the onlookers when that sickeningly familiar voice captures his attention. Almost all the color drained from his face the second that mauve bastard spoke. He stands there frozen for a moment, his eyes wide with terror before suddenly switching into something akin to hell, fire, and brimstone.]

Chancellor Izunia. [He announces the alleged chancellor's name as if it's a curse.] To what do I owe this displeasure?

[It takes a lot of work to incur Regis's wrath. He wasn't told by the others regarding Izunia's presence here within this world. Maybe Noctis and the others thought it would be kinder to keep him ignorant of Izunia's presence. That could very much be the case since Regis swears he can feel his blood boil as Izunia greets him.

It's offensive. So terribly offensive. Regis almost can't breathe at this point. He feels sick just by the presence of this awful man. It's enough to make the former King of Lucis mute with unbridle rage.]

Spare me the pleasantries for there will be none.

oh my god SELF check for typos smh

[profanation]

[ Ardyn laughed, loud and uncaring, for the benefit of the crowd. They were clearly enjoying Regis' complete rudeness, and what better way to play it up? He put a hand on his chest as if offended, but none of it showed in his voice nor his expression. ]

Oh, come now, your dispossessed Majesty! There's no need to be crass; 'tis the season to be merry and bright!

[ They'd taught Regis well, hadn't they? The hangers on, the courtiers, his manservant, his chamberlain, his tutors -- all of them. Despite being palm-high and sporting such pretty little wings, he held himself with all the regal fury his title suggested he should. Noctis could never manage that. But then, Noctis had never been raised to rule, had he? ]

You appear to be in a spot of difficulty. Shall I...?

[ He trailed off, suggestively, twirling his hand in the air as if looking for the end of the sentence. ]

Don't fret! It's fine~

[lucere]

Dispossessed.

[The emotions drain from Regis's malevolent expression only leaving the bitter chill of stoic disposition behind. He swallowed the curses upon the tip of his tongue and buried them deep. He will not give Ardyn what he wants. The melancholy and gloom that eats away at him is not for Izunia's pleasure. Regis will not sully himself or the pride of his people even if it kills him.

No, instead he keeps his head high and his icy gaze pinned upon the devil before him. Ardyn is right about him being well trained. His cold defiance against the chancellor's goading is almost poetic. Onlookers watch them with suspense as if this is some mere play but little do they realize there's a battle brewing. It's an unfinished battle hailing from a distant Star cursed and yet blessed by the Gods.]

What a convenient word to wield so gleefully like a scythe.

[Regis might be barely a palm high but he stands tall and regal nonetheless. The crowd starts whispering about the little fairy king in amusement and awe. However, Regis pays them no heed. His gaze is only focused up the serpent that looms over him with such sadistic glee.]

Your assistance wasn't needed prior and won't be needed now---

[He pauses momentarily as he squares his jaw.]

Adagium.

snow way out

[tayoru]

[ Regardless of where Ignis goes when outside the city limits, he always likes to at least try to get his bearings and have a decent assessment of how to get to his lodgings on his own. That's the farthest he's usually allowed out of anyone's sights, but thankfully with the cozy conditions in the town and the lack of snow in Ignis' way, he has a nice walk to himself before he finds himself stopped by a familiar voice. ]

A very comfortable degree, yes. Far preferable to how one would be trapped within the city at the moment. [ And as much of a hassle as it is for him, a blind man, being shuffled around to a completely new location, he'd much rather not deal with that snow storm. ]

How are you faring, Majesty?

Re: snow way out

[lucere]

I'm quite well, Ignis. [Judging from the mirth within his tone, Regis is quite content after all. He sounds a little different than last time. He's much happier than before but still somewhat reserved. Though. that might change once he finds the mulled wine.] Thank you for asking.

This was perhaps the best way to beat the cold.

[There's no damn way he's dealing with snow. The poor king can barely walk at this point. While his bad leg is getting better, Regis wouldn't dare wander out there within the snow and ice. It would be near suicide.]

Would you like some tea? [He asks once he realizes that Ignis been wandering about for most of the day.] Or is Ebony still your preferred brew?

[Yes, he remembers just how much Ignis prefers that brand of coffee. They share a commonality there.]

[tayoru]

[ Ignis still finds it strange to be able to experience such warm, casual conversation with Regis, let alone in the comfort of a quaint little town where the chill barely bites back and he can hear the distant sound of voices in the background from passer-by. It still feels like a vivid dream, to hear him the way he used to be, but knowing that man is present before him, live and well, just the way Luna was just weeks ago... Ignis shakes the thought aside.

This isn't the time for mourning or remorse. If the king would like company for tea, he can mostly certainly receive it. Ignis' duties do not stand upon Noct alone. ]

His Majesty knows me far too well. [ There's almost an inkling of embarrassment as he chuckles. The moment Ignis discovered the benefits of coffee in his chaotic life to the crown, it became difficult to ever find him without a reliable cup in hand when bombarded with paperwork. And when Ebony came into his life soon afterward, the two were nearly inseparable. ] Unfortunately this world finds itself lacking in Ebony, much to my vexation. Tea however will serve just as well of a substitute.

[lucere]

[If this is a dream, then let it be the best dream. The mirth in Regis’ tone is proof enough of his content as he speaks idly with Ignis. There's absolutely no tension in his voice. He sounds almost as light and airy as Noctis sometimes. There's a carefree whimsical tone to his voice. It's the voice of a man currently unburden by somber thoughts. It seems that Regis is determined not to let his mind wander too much while in the presence of such blessed peace. That's a good thing considering the alternatives. Regis hasn't come to terms with how everything ended, least of all with his death. If he allows his thoughts to wander too far, he'll find himself unable to enjoy his time here. That's why he does his best to distract himself and thankfully, Ignis is a good distraction.]

A pity that is! [He states with a lighthearted chuckle that seems to light the room with joy.] When Cor and I went shopping earlier, I was desperately in search of anything resembling the brands I once knew and Ebony was one of them.

[He places his teacup aside on the table before gingerly rising off the couch. His bad leg isn't acting up too badly today but it's still tense. The leg brace he received upon the hour of his arrival has done wonders for him. Regis can almost walk without the use of his cane but not very far.]

Shall I fetch you a cup of Earl Grey with a hint of bergamot and rind's oil? If so, how many sugars would you like?

[It seems that Regis is delightfully humored at the thought of servicing the chamberlain for a change. This shouldn't come as too much of a surprise since Regis, despite his kingly accolades, is quite humble. When he's not playing his role as the king, he’s quite easygoing.]

And To All A Good Night

[r_ratedcostume]

[After the festivities, Nemuri changes from her ball outfit to something more comfortable and warm and goes to wander. She finds herself watching the obstacle course before heading to get something warm to drink, then heading back to the ice rink to watch the rest of the skaters.

Seeing an older gentleman standing near the rink too, she walks over and gently taps his arm. She offers him an extra cup.]

It's cocoa, they made me extra. You look like you might need a warm up.

[lucere]

[A look of surprise crosses Regis's grim expression once he's jostled out of his thoughts. He owlishly blinks his eyes once he catches a glimpse of the friendly woman. She reminds him faintly of his late wife thanks to her long black hair but that's where the similarities end. Still, it was enough to make him pause some. Ever since he arrived here in this world, Regis has been toying with the possibility of possibly seeing Aulea again. Just the thought alone makes his heartache.]

Oh, thank you! [He answers with a faint smile as he accepts the offered cocoa. It's nice and warm, exactly what the doctor prescribes for such chilly weather.] This certainly beats freezing half to death.

[The old king jokes before taking a small sip. It's sweet. Not overbearingly sweet but certainly sweeter than normal. Thankfully, it's still to his liking.]

Although, it's honestly not as cold here as it is back in Lunatia.

[r_ratedcostume]

[She smiles as he takes the cocoa, then looks out over the skaters again as she sips hers, listening to the man speak.]

Lunatia? Is that where you're from? [She hadn't heard of it, but she'd keep that to herself for now. She'd rather listen to him talk about it for now.]

snow way

[realimperfect]

[ In a way, this covered set up reminded Re-L of home. Romdeau Dome had been the best (and only) place to be for her entire memory, and yet... being back to a place under its own kind of Dome made her a bit ill at ease. Not that it would be obvious under the collected front she is so used to putting on day in and day out, ever the collected fellow citizen.

Still, restlessness had a way with making their temporary place to stay feel stifling, as soon Re-L left Iggy in their villa to fuss, as he typically does - though he's left in place on purpose. No one needs their entourage to rat them out for being stressed for no reason, after all. Most people would enjoy a temperature controlled winter wonderland, but of course, always one to be different, here she is, distinctly kind of stressed.

Thankfully Regis breaks her out of her overthinking about the greenhouse, blue eyes trailing to the older man before her shoulders rise in a slight shrug. ]

If it weren't for the hail storms, I might've stayed in Lunatia. I'm too used to the cold for my own good, I guess. That didn't bother me so much as the lack of power.

[lucere]

Likewise, actually. [He couldn’t help but chuckle a little when he heard her answer.] The random power outages were a bit much for me to handle.

Dealing with the cold is bad enough but that? It would be a slow death sentence for me.

[Regis doesn’t handle the cold well. He never did. Even though he’s only fifty or so, the bitter chill of this season is too extreme. Of course, he has the Crystal to blame for that truth since he’s been aged beyond his years. However, he cannot imagine being stuck in his apartment bored to hell without an ounce of electricity. Regis would probably freeze to death.]

Tell me, what do you think of these lovely villas? I actually prefer the rustic look here over the futuristic architecture of the city.

[He lets out a content sigh as he glances around.]

It has a delightful ambiance of you ask me.

[realimperfect]

My Entourage needs power for charging, every so often, and he's much too large to move once depleted, so we made the move. [ Since Iggy does the cooking so she doesn't burn the place down, she kind of needs him operational and nearby, so a place with power was ideal, even if the bitter cold didn't have much effect on either of them.

Still, she's candid as Regis asks about the place. ]

It looks old. [ And, of course - ]

I also dislike the greenhouse overhead, but I think that's a dislike only I would have.

And to all a good night

[affabel]

[There was something about the holidays, wasn't there? Even here, so far from the life he'd known, there was just enough familiarity in the Prismal's year end celebrations to stir memories of what had been left behind; close but not quite right, foreign in ways that left a lingering sort of wistfulness Abel doubted he was the only one to feel.

Not that there was much fondness to recall when it came to Christmas back on Earth, the season more an excuse for his father to garner recognition and ensure his continued seat in politics than something he indulged with his family. Staunch expectation and even stiffer suits, slipping into well versed neutral pleasantries at the Firialia Ball had been more of a recognizable tradition than the delight found in hanging brightly colored decorations and sharing warm cheer.

It had still been enjoyable though, trying to learn about the rest of it. Having the freedom to indulge in the more whimsical simply because he could, now.]

Not going to give it a try yourself?

[But the practiced ease of putting on a good show might not have left him completely just yet, a light joke offered once he came to a pause by Regis, curiosity in the skill of those skating over the ice having drawn him over in the first place.

Abel certainly wasn't going to go out there and make a fool of himself- not without being asked by possibly the only person in Lunatia he'd risk a little dignity for, anyway. Luckily for him the wandering adventure around the resort (and probably the continued health of his ankles) was a solo affair.]

[lucere]

Oh, no! I wouldn't even dare at this age.

[Regis replies as he peeks over at the young man beside him. At first, he thought it was either the Marshal or his son wandering over. Cor kept him company throughout most of the day yesterday after the ball. He still couldn't get over the fact that it was none other than Ardyn who recused him getting mobbed by the crowd. Who would've guessed that stage performance would've ended with half the audience transformed into diminutive little fairies. That was quite the ordeal. Regardless, Regis seems to be in good spirits now.]

But what about yourself, young man? [He questions with a faint smile upon his lips.] I could picture you upon the ice more so than myself.

[The young man beside him looks as athletic as Noctis and his friends. He's probably twice as graceful as the rest of them since Regis swears his son was born with two left feet. While Regis wishes he could go out there upon the ice, he knows better. That bad leg of his is bound to give him trouble if he dares to try. It's an unfortunate truth that constantly haunts him.]

[affabel]

[He'd managed to avoid the fairy ordeal- more than a little overwhelmed by it, truthfully, coming from a place where magic was talked about in storybooks and not anything believed in reality. Lunatia as a whole had been quite the experience, even if space travel and foreign planets were more on the familiar side of things.]

Oh- I've spent more time these past few years behind a computer than on any ice, I don't think I'd impress anyone if I tried. Least of all myself.

[There's no real embarrassment behind the admission though, academics had always held more interest than anything athletic, were a far more important foundation to his becoming a Navigator.

Maybe here though... without a space ship to pilot and maintain he'd have to find some way to pass the already seemingly abundant time. Probably wouldn't hurt to learn a little defense either, given magic was apparently a thing now and he barely even knew how to fight.]

Better to leave it to someone more experienced. It's not so bad, just watching.

wildcarding you at the ball

[emergence]

May I have this dance?

[ is this old king used to young ladies offering a hand in dance? after the fairy dust had worn off, she'd apparently decided to try and keep him out of harms way by offering the chance at a dance with him.

in her blue chiffon dress, she cuts quite the figure. and while her smile doesn't quite reach her eyes, she's doing a good job of trying. ]

Nice! A dancing prompt!

[lucere]

[ That whole fairy business was a bit too too bizarre for his liking but thankfully, Cor is a loyal friend. The embarrassing ordeal lasted a bit longer than he would’ve liked but somehow he managed through it. All details aside, Regis returned to the ball with the Marshall in tow looking like an angry thunderstorm. He had resigned himself to nursing a glass of wine until the most stunning woman here at the ball suddenly approached him.

She wore a beautiful chiffon gown that clung to her like water. The woman almost looks like an Altissian fashion model but something about the stern look within her gaze speaks otherwise. Nevertheless, Regis sets his glass of wine aside and offers his gloved hand.]

It would be my honor, madame.

[ Just who is she? She doesn’t seem to be a friend of Cor’s but she possesses the same brooding intensity as the Marshal himself. Regardless, Regis is quite grateful for her assistance.]

i like dansu dansu

[emergence]

[ she's not sure whom he actually is, in regards to all these people. but he carries himself with a stately air that's hard not to notice - and that accent would set anyone's heart aflutter, if she's honest.

so she smiles, curling her fingers around his and gently leading him to the dance floor. ]

I'm pleased to have the honor, then. Would you prefer to take the lead, or shall I?

[ evidently she's prepared, either way. ]

ＳＮＯＷ ＷＡＹ ＯＵＴ

[omkara]

(Kanda took opportunity when opportunity came knocking. One of the ways he could make chroma on this holiday was to help out around the festivities be it performing on a musical instrument or doing small jobs such as helping out in the kitchen. At the moment he found opportunity to perform for some of the transients on a handpan. The particular song was a tribute to the feel of fire, not just the look of it but the sound of the rippling flames lashing against wood in a hearth, how the cracks of burning wood echoed within one's chest. The sound of the handpan was meant not only to be heard but felt. It was a part of his meditation, one of the many things he learned about after his .. childhood.

When he first came across the handpan was something he was surprised by, pleasantly and he didn't waste any time in snatching the item up, along with a tongue drum. They were expensive but well worth the effort to afford them. Kanda felt the instruments were priceless, in all honesty. However, that wasn't what he meant in translating through the song. A since of security and peace was what his effort was going into now. After the song he massages his hands and looks around to see if anyone was paying him any mind or still going about their business. Either way was fine, he was still getting paid for his contribution for the entertainment.)

[lucere]

[ Regis remembers briefly seeing the youth before within the kitchens but didn’t expect to find him here playing to his heart’s content. The soft dulcet tones of the handpan adds a whimsical flair to this quaint little villa. It’s soothing with a wonderful rhythmic tune that eases Regis' troubled mind without being overbearing. It’s a welcomed addition here unlike the singing choir that graced the villa earlier. Regis much prefers this charming little tune over anything more fantastical. It reminds him that he used to have an ear for music back when he was still learning how to play the piano. It was another hobby of his that was soon left behind once he became king.]

How beautiful. [He praises with a faint grin.] I can tell your well-practiced.

[ The youth before him seems Lucian by appearance but possesses an old-world flair to him that reminds him somewhat of the refugees from Galahd. While he doubts the youth hails from Eos, Regis cannot help but see the comparison. The young man seems to be around Noct’s age. ]

Are such instruments common in your culture?

[ Smalltalk never hurt anyone, right? Hopefully, he's not being a nuisance. ]

[omkara]

(Kanda moves from the handpan to walk over to where the older gentleman was speaking to him from. He takes a seat beside the other. He's wearing a pair of large pants with a thin waist, a pair of shiny black no-slip shoes, and an oversize white-shirt apron that had a string tied around his waist. It was the uniform the kitchen workers wore. He huffs and reaches out his hand, a small curve to the corner of his mouth as he grins at the other.)

Have a tip for me?

(He means by chroma, he waits to see what the other will do before he caters to the older man's curiosity.)

I use it for meditation, hard to do that in this place.. so I use it in crowds for work.

wildcard

[14000605]

[ Curiosity had Stephen visiting the enclosed resort town of Nevei that had opened, he assumed, to attract Prismals and Moonblessed alike to indulge in a little holiday spending. Buffets, nightclubs, bars, theater performances, and all that general festive cheer was enough to draw anyone in. Stephen wasn't immune to the quaint charms of a rustic villa or the sleek luxury of their modern counterparts. It was all very nice but Stephen was practical and when necessity demanded it, quite rational.

Everything about Nevei was out of his current price range. Any Chroma he did have he was storing and he wasn't desperate for creature comforts so asking or begging for the kindness of a stranger was out of the question. Which leaves him to exploring for the sake of sating his curiosity and then attending the Firialia Eve Ball out of shear inquisitiveness.

He's dressed in a suit, well-fitted but relatively inexpensive with an empty glass tumbler in each hand.

There's soft instrumental music playing, courtesy of the band, and fireworks twinkling in the dark sky above. The celebration paints a pretty picture. Stephen takes a moment to enjoy the sight before continuing on his original path. There's a man, older and well-dressed, silver hair and a full beard not too far away. Stephen can sense, may it be misplaced intuition or not, that this stranger will be good company. ]

Care for a drink?

[ It sounds like a pickup line and it could be, later, after Stephen's had the chance to size the man up. He offers Regis the empty glass. ]

I'd have guessed what you want but it saves us both the trouble if you just tell me.

this is perfect!

[lucere]

[ Once Regis’ bad knee starts hurting again, he decides it's fine time for him to relax. The old king did enough dancing and socializing for the evening. He's content watching the orchestra play from afar until suddenly someone approaches. Regis curiously glances over at the newcomer with a hint of amusement in his gaze. ]

Bourbon is typically my alcohol of choice-- [ He answers as he takes the glass with a slight smirk. ] But wine will do.

[ Just when Regis thought this party was winding down for the evening, a mysterious stranger emerges out of nowhere. This has the makings of a novel but whether it be a romance or a thriller has yet to be known. Even so, Regis is quite amused nonetheless to meet someone almost close his age here. There's an awful lot of youthful faces here, more so than he anticipated. This makes sense in its own way but he cannot help but be somewhat taken back by this sharply dressed gentleman. ]

What about you, kind sir? What's your poison of choice?

[ Harmless flirting doesn't hurt anyone. Besides, his entourage is too busy enjoying themselves to notice. ]