Ardyn had been asleep for a very, very long time.

The last thing he remembered before being taken by the Crystal was approaching, kneeling, and waiting for confirmation from the gods that he had done their will and would be named as the chosen king of Lucis.

After that- darkness.

The next thing he knew he was falling.

A pair of arms caught him and lowered him gently to the floor. There was shouting, the echoing of footsteps and the clanging of metal nearby. What a rude awakening.

With a mind still heavy from such a long slumber, although he as of yet isn't aware, Ardyn blinks rapidly as his eyes are forced to adjust to light once more. He turns his head slightly, expecting to see one of his bodyguards, or perhaps Somnus. The man he lays eyes on is completely unfamiliar, however, and the armored guards rushing over to them are wearing nothing he has ever seen before.

Come to think of it... where is he?

Ardyn's mind is slow to take in his surroundings and interpret them, but even at a snail's pace, he still knows this place is foreign to him. Where have the gods taken him? Who are these people? He has so many questions, but he won't be able to ask any of them amidst the clamor of people running in and out of the chamber.

Whatever this is, he doesn't like it. None of this feels right.

And yet his limbs feel numb, heavy as stones when he tries to move them. Overwhelmed with confusing and feeling far too helpless, he fixes amber eyes on the man who had broken his fall. Perhaps he will have answers.