18 December 2019 @ 02:12 pm
[OPEN] EVENT.010  
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!}
 
 
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[personal profile] lucere on December 19th, 2019 03:05 pm (UTC)
[It shouldn't surprise him that this leper would be keeping tabs of all those hailing from Eos. Regis shouldn't be surprised but he is regardless. He stops struggling once he realizes there be no escape. There's not much he can do as of right now in this diminutive state. Never in all his life did he ever feel so helpless and powerless. To be placed in such a horrific state at the whim of his enemy is enough to make him ill. Regis resigned to silence until Ardyn spoke of the Draconian. It's then that the little king's expression shifted from absolute fury to grim acceptance.]

The Draconian cares nothing for mortal men.[He mutters while trying to keep the grimace off his face.] A truth that was once hidden behind pious creed.

Even the kings of yore care nothing of the living lest their hand be forced.

[Regis had to plead with Somnus to allow his Glaive to wield the ting. If he hadn't, Nyx and Lunafreya both would've surely died and the ring itself would've fallen into imperial hands. That much he does remember after his untimely death. The fact he had to plead for their lives proves that point well.]

If you let the past be, whatever peace you've gained is yours.

[The glare he gives speaks volumes. Regis is helpless but he will fight him for Noctis's sake if nothing else. Despite all his kingly accolades and praises, Regis is a father at heart. Noctis's happiness means the world to him. He's a far cry from the late King Mors who only sought power above all things else. It's both a weakness and a strength.]

My son spoke only of your crimes.

[He grumbles darkly while attempting to see if he could escape Ardyn's hold again. He doesn't how to fly with these dainty little wings but he flutters them anyway.]

All of them.
[personal profile] profanation on December 19th, 2019 05:00 pm (UTC)
[ It was not a happy admission for Regis, and it was not a happy confirmation for Ardyn, either. Somnus had ever been a jealous, grasping boy. Being hallowed as an immortal king had not changed him at all. Well, why would it? Ardyn had run into him just under forty years ago now. If he had remained so high and mighty, so assured and full of pride for two thousand years, would he have changed after only forty more?

And yet Ardyn remembered the pain in Somnus' eyes, when the armour had fallen and his spirit had stood there. He remembered the implicit admission of guilt, remembered the unspoken damnation of a request from the gods that he had too easily sprung upon with his own envy.

It made him even more furious with him, with his line, each of them as guilty as him for never questioning, for never seeking, finding, unearthing, cedeing - anything.

But this wasn't the place to spit all that venom. It wasn't the time for it. The fury seared and was followed by the rushing hunger of the Starscourge... and tempered by exhaustion. It was so close to being over now; why bother being hurt by it anymore? Ardyn pushed it away, and wrapped himself in the smug malevolence that gave him some surface level of petty enjoyment. ]


Glad to see my reputation precedes me! But it really was remiss of him not to add that part on, you know. It's very important to our continued lives here, and - oh, my, I'm not holding you too tightly, am I?

[ He opened his palm, but not before he'd placed his other under it so that Regis would land there. He had felt that weak fluttering of his pretty little wings, and guessed that he'd not be able to just flit away yet. Letting him stand freely six feet off the ground was a perfectly fine way to threaten him. ]
[personal profile] lucere on December 19th, 2019 05:56 pm (UTC)
[The very notion of turning against his Caelum name wasn't an option a lofted to Regis. It's as Ardyn thinks, he was groomed far too well by those who believed in the lies of an Astral. He'll never excuse his part in this tale of treachery and lies. His story already ended at the bloody tip of Glauca's sword. Regis has no reason to seek redemption of any kind since his fate is already sealed.]

Our continued lives? [He almost scoffs.] There's naught much else to continue here---!

[For a brief second, his heart stopped. It stopped and panic crosses his face once he realized that Ardyn let go. The pull of gravity is cruel even here in this alien world. Regis was certain that he was going to die. His mind goes blank and his eyes grow wide with fear until he mercifully lands within the villain's palm. Regis didn't even notice he was holding his breath until he suddenly gasped for air. He crumbles down to his knees, his hand clutching his chest as he tries his best to regain his composure.]
[personal profile] profanation on December 19th, 2019 08:11 pm (UTC)
[ The small, nasty spark of amusement that he got from Regis' fear was enough for Ardyn. He didn't care about Regis, not anymore. He was dead, buried, and part of the one-hundred and fourteen death blows that would eventually see Ardyn into the Beyond. He didn't matter anymore. He wasn't worth the energy to hate -- not as a person. A footnote, an ill-fated fool in a hateful bloodline, but not a man worthy of contempt.

Ardyn let his fingers curl loosely up so that Regis would have something to lean against if he lost his balance. He didn't hem him in or grip him. It was just to offer a frame, a bolster, as they started moving. ]


Oh, I agree. It's a waste of time, but unfortunately it's a waste of time only I seem eager to end. And so I expect a modicrum of peace and quiet to exist whilst your son and his friends play house and squabble, moon-drunk, over their attraction to each other.

[ Where were they all? Really. Even Leonis should be able to drop the tiny King off. ]

Likewise, I'd expect the same from you. No one who doesn't have to know ought to know, hmm?
[personal profile] lucere on December 20th, 2019 03:34 pm (UTC)
[Regis shamelessly latches onto one of Ardyn's fingers in a moment of sheer panic. He's not about to take any chances after that nasty little spell earlier. The humiliation of it all still stings but Regis much rather be alive to feel it than dead. The elderly king has yet to deal with the trauma of losing his kingdom. The figurative wound still stings and being at the mercy of this villain makes it deepen.]

Do you know no shame? [He asks with a glower as he peeks up at Ardyn.] Asking for peace when you've offered us none in life? I suppose I should feel grateful for this chance to let bygones be bygones.

[This is all too much. Regis lets out a quiet sign as he hangs his head.]

You've given your word before only to doom all of Lucis in your quest for vengeance. How am I suppose to believe you now---Wait.

[The little king falls oddly silent as he peers up at Ardyn with a look of sheer surprise.]

Their attraction to each other? [He blinks his eyes slowly.] You mean Noctis and his friends?

[Regis falls oddly quiet as his mulls over this obscene thought. There's no possible way that his son is attracted to Ignis, Gladiolus, and Prompto is there? His son only seems to have eyes for Lunafreya but then again---]

Oh.

[For a moment there, Regis forgets his kingly decorum and lets out a chuckle.]

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

[No truer words were ever spoken when it comes down to the Caelum royal family. However, Regis silences his tongue before it could betray him any further.]
[personal profile] profanation on December 20th, 2019 10:55 pm (UTC)
[ Regis' arms around his finger made something stir in Ardyn's heart. He crushed it before it could form. What good did looking at any Lucis Caelum and thinking what would have happened if...? do? He'd done that enough in the crumbling castle, walking old corridors lined with faded portraits and old photographs. He instead made himself smirk, thinking of the power he had over him, as unfulfilling a meal as that was. ]

Are we in Eos? Is this pretty, lunatic place our blighted star? What need have I to bring the dark here? What pleasure is there for me to be hated here just as I am there? No, I think we'll keep that to home, and be terribly estranged family in awkward co-existence for the time being.

[ He spoke as though Regis hadn't said anything about attraction, or Noctis being like himself. Instead, he was scanning the crowd for a familiar face, and didn't glance down until Regis chuckle registered to him. Then he did look, and cocked his brows.

Then he smirked. ]


Is that so? Hm, I suppose I'd owe Verstael two thousand gil, if he were still alive.

[ But he was gone, another nuisance of history, and Ardyn caught sight of a stern face in the crowd. ]

Ah, the Marshal! Wonderful. I'll deposit you with him posthaste... but oh, it's a rather busy floor, and the throng has obscured him. Here.

[ He tilted his hand over one of his many scarves, splaying his fingers and flexing his tendons until Regis had no choice but to gently slide off his gloved palm and land in the folded material. It smelled of ash and sandalwood, but there was a strong but pleasant heat radiating from the virulent colours of this new scarf -- Ardyn's fire-god friend had given him it, after all.

The other, one, that was. ]
[personal profile] immortalmarshal on December 21st, 2019 04:41 am (UTC)
[Cor, meanwhile, has been trying to relax at this festive holiday event. There's no question that he looked rather dashing in the outfit that he wore - clearly something that he didn't quite choose all by himself, but it still suited him nonetheless. He's only on his second cocktail because his eyes keep scanning thru the crowd for the tenth time tonight.

Part of it is because it's so hard for him to relax. Coming from a war-torn land, and then spending the last few months realizing that something demanded his attention - and more often than not, his aid - of the not-so-relaxing nature. And yet, so far, the party seems to be full of people who appear to be happyily chatting away without showing any kind of threatening behavior...

But then there's the other reason he keeps scanning the crowd. Regis, it seems, has suddenly disappeared into the mass of cheery faces, and that Concerns him. His dear friend doesn't just blend in, as formal as this occasion is. It doesn't help that he has a sinking feeling in his stomach as well, something related his bodyguard instincts flaring up more and more--

And then he spots Ardyn's face, and his own face shifts from stern concern to an outright glare of warning. Why is he here of all places?

...wait...he never told Regis that--
Aw, Shit. He starts to move among the crowd now, more actively looking for his old king. Only he's yet to realize that the meeting he fears has already occurred. After all, it's hard to tell from a distance just who exactly is riding on that damn redhead's shoulder...]
[personal profile] lucere on December 21st, 2019 02:44 pm (UTC)
[Ardyn is right. Why would he want to bring the darkness here to this innocent foreign world? This realm has done nothing to earn his scorn. The Six has no dominion here. Foreign gods precede over these lands and they care nothing about the Caelums and their ridiculous quarrels. It's as Ardyn says. Their strife means nothing here. It's almost insulting to hear such words spoken by the man who perpetrated his death but it's oddly refreshing too.

Regis shoots Ardyn another look. It's not the same heated glare he given him earlier but it's still a glare nonetheless. The longer he stares at this man the more he wonders about what could’ ve been. It's annoying how the mind wanders but he has no control of it. If the Gods hadn't lied, then maybe Eos would be at peace now. Of course, this means that Ardyn and he would've never met. Ardyn would've been long buried by the time Regis was born. He would've been another fixture within the palace in the form of an ornate tombstone bearing the title of the Founding King instead of Somnus. He would've had heirs too. All young Kings and Queens most likely blessed or cursed with mauve hair. The line of Somnus would've continued but in a different fashion. Maybe Regis would've found himself born into a lineage meant to support their king in the form of advisors instead of rulers. Ardyn and Somnus were once brothers meant to rule together. The two houses could've united under one banner and crush all opposition with righteous glee. His son wouldn't be the Chosen King and be allowed to live life free from godly intervention.

This is the thought that passes briefly through Regis’s mind as he stares at Ardyn. However, the fleeting thought leaves him quickly as it came once Ardyn speaks of a bet.
]

I beg your pardon?! [A bet? What in the Six?! Regis huffs indignantly and rolls his eyes. It's a mannerism that Noctis adopted from him. One that Ardyn probably witnessed a few times in person.] How cheeky.

[Offense aside, Regis jumps a little once Ardyn spots the Marshall in the crowd. From this angle, Regis couldn't see him but suddenly the former chancellor gets a bright idea that gives him a fright. He yells once this man carts him up to his scarf. Regis is forced to let go of his finger and grab ahold of that blessedly warm fabric. He flutters those dainty little wings again in a fit of anger causing them to glow gently with an ethereal golden shine. Eventually their luminous shine fades once Regis finds calm. He lingers thereupon the scarf looking rather aggrieved but as soon as he spots the Marshall, his expression changes to joy.]

Cor!
[personal profile] profanation on December 21st, 2019 09:24 pm (UTC)
[ Their eyes met across the crowded room. Leonis looked away quickly, though Ardyn wasn't smug enough to assume it was in fear. He was, however, amused enough to think that it was in search of King and Prince, to warn them at he was here. That made his lips hook in a scythe's edge of a smile, and he sighed, shaking his head. Errant locks of his red-violet hair swayed perilously close to Regis' head as he did so, and brushed the tips of his faintly glowing wings. ]

Honestly, these young men. How do they expect us old fellows to keep up with them?

Do hold on, Regis.

[ Perhaps Emet-Selch was rubbing off on him too much - if one could pardon the crass pun - because Ardyn couldn't resist being theatrical in front of Regis. He raised his hand and snapped his fingers. Instantly, all movement in the Ballroom stopped, frozen in time.

Looking down at the tiny king on his shoulder, Ardyn winked. ]


But we've got a few tricks up our sleeves, don't we? One lame man to another.

[ And he took off, his heavy, lupine tread almost entirely obscuring the favoured leg in his gait. He wound through still dancers and frozen guests until he and Regis were in front of the Marshall. Ardyn took a few steps back, adjusted his gloves, and then snapped his fingers again.

Time resumed. He beamed at Cor. ]


Ah, Marshall Leonis! Just the man. I have something very important to hand over to you.
[personal profile] immortalmarshal on December 22nd, 2019 06:28 pm (UTC)
[Cor couldn't exactly tell if time stopped or not. He may have access to the Armiger, and may have some small magic when Iris is full, but he couldn't possibly detect the fact that time stopped. It didn't stop the brief moment of dread, that something was wrong, as soon as it seems that Ardyn appeared before him out of the crowd.]

--Ardyn...!

[He spits the name out like a curse, eyes narrowing dangerously. There's heavy suspicion, yes, but Regis will likely tell that there's a warning glint to them as well. For a brief moment, he seriously considered rejecting it - very vocally and very obviously. But they are at a gala, and years under Regis' reign has taught him to only make a fuss if it was utterly necessary.

And as much as he wants to believe it is, the logical voice in his head points out that Ardyn has not caused any true harm, or pose as a real threat. Yet.]

And what exactly could be so important to me? I wasn't even aware you celebrated the local holidays here.

[His eyes scan over the other man, trying to figure out what the former Chancellor is up to...and then he freezes as he sees a tiny figure nestled among the scarves. That face...it couldn't be...!?]
[personal profile] lucere on December 22nd, 2019 07:12 pm (UTC)
[There’s no stopping Regis from rolling his eyes a second time at Ardyn’s comment but he has to kill the smirk that almost formed. He shouldn’t be mentally laughing at any of this. It’s not amusing, not in the slightest, and Ardyn is a dangerous threat still even if he proclaims otherwise. The former chancellor is no kin of his but rather an enemy of the crown. Ardyn killed far too many to be redeemed in his eyes. Regis should hold onto his hatred and gaze at Ardyn with the same level of disgust he has for Iedolas and the man who slew him. He should cling to his hatred and denounce any ties to this sinister bastard but yet, he feels hesitant.

Hatred eats away at a person until there’s nothing left. Regis knows it to be true after watching the same level hatred eat away at his father. This is why he hesitates. He doesn’t want the wickedness to overwhelm him but he’ll never forgive.

He will never forgive Ardyn for his crimes.
]

Quit your bellyaching and catch him. [He all but grumbles while briefly brushing away those red violet locks away. They tickle against his wings but Regis does his best to not seem humored.] The faster this ordeal passes, the better.

[Despite his grumbling, Regis does raise a brow at the ‘lame’ comment. He knew that something was off about Ardyn when he first laid eyes on him at the Citadel. While Regis always figured his eyes were playing tricks on him, something told him that Ardyn had a slight limp. It’s not as drastic as his own but still an oddity worth noting. Was it from an injury or hereditary? Regis may never know but he used to stand tall without the aid of a cane.]

Cor! [The little king is positively glowing now like a little firefly.] There’s foul magic afoot here! Most foul and most wondrous but I wish for neither after experiencing this!

[So dramatic...!]
[personal profile] profanation on December 22nd, 2019 07:25 pm (UTC)
[ Ardyn caught himself before he rolled his eyes and huffed out a breath. He'd never say gods above again, but he found it on the tip of his tongue at Regis' dramatics. Was it a genetic disposition, passed to him and Somnus from parents he could barely remember? How awful to consider!

He plastered a jaunty smile on his face, meeting Cor's angry stare even as it slowly faded into one of shock. ]


Ah, noticed, have you? Nothing escapes the eagle eyes of the Marshall!

[ Ardyn reached up and, with a gentleness and care that was entirely too deliberate, lifted Regis from his scarf and held him out to the Marshall. ] A truly terrible spell to be under! But I wouldn't worry. A little Moonlacing goes a long way in Lunatia. He'll likely be right as rain if you do that for a while. [ He didn't know, but it as a safe assumption. Besides, it was funny to think of Cor awkwardly trying to be gentle with his precious King while maintaining that contact. ]

Do make sure he doesn't get up to mischief, now. I can't always be around when a Lucis Caleum makes a mess.

[ That's a joke, because he's the mess a Lucis Caelum had made. Well, one that a Lucis Caelum and the Draconian had made, but that was splitting hairs. Isn't he so funny, Regis? ]
[personal profile] immortalmarshal on January 5th, 2020 07:40 am (UTC)
I legit forgot that this wasn't on the comm; no wonder I lost it for too long
[That Regis is glowing with magic is no surprise. It's only midly surprising as well that his old friend and (former?) King looks like the ruler of a Fae Court. There's been strange magics on this world, after all. No, what surprises Cor the most is how small Regis is...and on the fact that it's that damn mauve bastard handing him over to the Marshal.

Cor is quick to scoop Regis up into his hands, and to hold him close to his own shoulder. And yet, there's a gentleness with such fast movements, almost as if he is handling a glass figurine. For a man (in)famous for being rough and blunt, he can apparently be gentle when most needed.]

What he does and doesn't do is none of your damn business now, Chancellor. Just stay out of way...for the rest of the night, at least.

[See? No drawn blades nor death threats being uttered. He can be 'polite'...even if he's still shooting Ardyn a glare that could melt steel.
[personal profile] lucere on January 6th, 2020 07:37 pm (UTC)
It's okay!
[While the Caelum royal family are known for their association with the throne, they're also known to be quite dramatic. That is just something that's been passed down from generation to generation and it certainly didn't skip a beat with Regis. The king scrambles quickly into Cor's hands, more than satisfied that he's no longer hitching a ride with the mauve one. He spares Ardyn a parting glance in a look of gratitude but after enduring such humiliation, Regis simply wants this bloody night over with. Still, he's grateful to be alive and not squished under that bastard's heel.]

You possess more of a penchant for mischief than I do, Izunia.

[He's not to become first name bases with this man but at the same time, he doesn't want to refer to him as a Caelum. Just the thought of Ardyn being kin to him is enough to make him quite anxious. While the truth is known to him now, Regis doesn't wish to unveil such truths to Cor. At least not now among so many others. There's plenty of eyes upon them already and twice as many ears listening.]

I offer you my gratitude for finding the Marshall but unfortunately, I must bid thee farewell.

[He clings to Cor's finger to keep himself upright. Standing within someone's hand is quite difficult because of all the grooves. It's so uneven but he manages to do just that. ]
[personal profile] profanation on January 9th, 2020 12:36 pm (UTC)
[ Ardyn smirked as Cor managed to snatch up Regis without touching his hand. It was a far more callous snub than his angry words, and both were delightfully funny. Was he meant to be intimidated? Oh, he would have so dearly loved to have been able to feel intimidated by this man. A fiercely loyal blademaster who could easily open up his throat would be so delightful to goad, if he could get any result from it.

No matter.

Ardyn gave a low, flourishing bow. It was far from respectful, and not least because he didn't lower his head nor drop his gaze from Regis. ]


Ah, but only because I've had longer to practice mine, your Majesty! I would curse your ill fortune, but I think we both know you don't believe that it is. I shall see you around, I suppose.

[ He straightened up. His gaze flicked to Cor. ]

Whether or not you see me is a different matter, of course!

[ And, giving a jaunty wave, he turned on his heel to lose himself in the crowd. ]
[personal profile] immortalmarshal on January 13th, 2020 01:23 pm (UTC)
[Cor does not cease his glaring at Ardyn until the other man truly disappears into the crowd. And yet, a part of him really, deeply wishes to not let that mauve bastard go off to do whatever mischief the Marshal suspects him to be up to. Especially if Noctis is nearby...!

But for now, he tries and gets Regis to settle onto his shoulder, slowly walking towards any nearby doorways or balconies. Anywhere that might afford them a few moments of privacy, even though Cor is keeping his voice low anyway.]

Are you alright? He didn't do anything untowards you, did he?