newrecipe | OPEN POST | VOICETESTING

So that rat bastard really is holed up in there. [A disgusted scoff as she shifts positions and looks away.] Had heard the rumors, but no real confirmation.

[She then looks back over at him, head canted in a thoughtful yet observing angle.]

Must suck knowing he's taken over your royal city like that.

While I have no concrete evidence, it seems a reasonable assumption.

[One he's quite unhappy to be making, if the heavy sigh that follows in any indication, but he appreciates the condolences she offers-- perhaps moreso because of how blunt she is, as ever.

Some things don't need dressing up with fancy words.]

He's making a mockery of what Insomnia once was. It's been ages since we lost our home, but his claiming it is worse yet. A part of me is grateful that I can't see with my own eyes what he's done to the place.

Small blessings there, I guess. Definitely not missing out on much. [A small sigh.

Sometimes she wishes she didn't have to, but she had her role to play, especially since she's one if the few commanding officers left, most of them having turned or turned on after all hell broke loose.]

How long do you think this'll last?

My honest opinion?

[He knows not everyone buys into prophecies, but of course he does. He'd practically been raised with certain ideas of how things would go in mind, and yet he had never quite imagined how far they would fall before the end.

He exhales slowly, shaking his head.]

Until the King returns. When that will be, I unfortunately cannot say. But I believe that he will-- he must.

You're really putting a lot of faith in him, huh? You'll have to forgive me for not believing the same.

[Honest as always, and spoken with that slight dry, almost sarcastic tone. Though there's a bit more bitterness veiled behind the strength of her words.

She had placed hope in Noctis before, believing he would get to the crystal, get his kingdom back, and dispel the darkness. Not disappear into it. She had even gone back into Gralea, waiting in case, but after a year of nothing, she's become a bit jaded about it all. Some part of her still hopes in the young king's return, but it's very small and she's more or less returning to her usual beliefs.

Which is to focus what's in front of her and trust the ones still living.]

That is my role.

[The words are few, but his tone speaks volumes. It's his job to believe in Noctis, to have faith in him, but there's more to it than that. Noctis was not simply a charge, a responsibility. They were friends, brothers, and Ignis chose to follow him, chose loyalty of his own free will rather than out of obligation.

He would not blame anyone who felt differently. He knew full well why they might. He could not begrudge Aranea that.]

You are free to believe what you like. Perhaps my own belief remains steadfast so that others need not trouble themselves. Faith, however, does not have to mean inaction. Every aid we can offer those who are here now is well worth the effort.

Now those are words I can agree with.

[Although she maintains that earlier tone, she will ease up just a little out of consideration for whom she's speaking with. Which isn't very common in itself.]

But I doubt you're just helping with keeping the faith. You told me what the others are doing and I've explained myself. What are you doing these days?

[That question gives him pause, unlike the ones that had come before it. Their server buys him a bit of time by stopping by with their plates, but it's only a few brief moments, and at last Ignis frowns as he reaches for his fork, turning it between his thumb and forefinger thoughtfully before taking proper hold.]

Not nearly enough.

[That much, he believed to be true.]

Passing information to the appropriate parties when I can. Helping to organize the relief effort here in the city, and doing my part to ensure that refugees are not overlooked. Physically, I'm at something of a crossroads. Assisting with organizing the rationing of food and funding shelters is all well and good-- necessary, but I'd like to do more.

[He's aware that it's selfish. He does not feel sorry for himself, but he is angry about being limited, about having so many of his skills taken from him.]

I'd like to re-learn to hunt. Gladiolus won't hear of it.

[Given his condition and how they met, she's not too surprised about what he tells her. Even without the blindness he seems more the behind the scenes organizational type. The last part, however, surprises her a bit.]

You mean he's babying you and trying to keep you safe and sound. Wouldn't have expected that.

[With that opinion, she starts cutting into the chicken.]

Want me to help, instead?

He thinks he's doing me a service. 'Protecting' me.

[He'd done it immediately after the incident, as well, insisting that Ignis stay behind, keep himself safe. Ignis himself had refused, and it had been Prompto that stepped forward and reminded Gladio that it was his own choice to make, no one else's.

Ignis Scientia was nothing if not proud.]

It's his job to act as shield. In Noct's absence, he tries to protect those who are left, whether we like it or not.

[He pauses, midway through spearing some of his dinner on his fork.]

Surely you're too busy for that.

[Gladiolus sounds like he needs to learn to chillax and not treat the man like a complete invalid—but she keeps the thought to herself. Mostly because she had already started to eat and she'd rather prioritize that than dish insults.

So after she swallows and works up another forkful, she answers with her usual indifference.]

I keep myself busy, but a girl could use a break every once in a while. Besides, you have skills. In these times everyone needs to pull their weight, and right it's being wasted.

Pissing off the bodyguard helps, too.

[There may be a light smirk in her voice.]

[For a moment, he's uncertain of how to answer. When he'd first been injured, it was at his own insistence that his friends allowed him to continue on alongside them. They had never once made him feel as though he was in the way, as though he were a burden-- those were feelings he was fully capable of thrusting upon himself. Still, this was something different.

Aranea seemed to feel that he was fully capable of regaining his old skills, at least to a certain degree. That part was new.

He exhales slowly, letting another brief peal of laughter.]

An excellent bonus. It's very entertaining.

[Gladio didn't often lose his temper, but this once, Ignis would love to see him proven wrong.]

If you're serious, I would be remiss to overlook such an offer. I--

[The vote of confidence alone means a great deal to him, even if he can't quite articulate it.]

Thank you.

Don't get sappy on me now or I'll change my mind.

[Another dry remark. The gratitude she had expected, but not the laughter as brief as it was. That had both surprised and amused her. Is the offer really that odd? Well, it actually might be.]

And don't think I'll be going easy on you, either. Though not what I expected, I did say I'd train you boys some more.

Is gratitude seen as 'sap' now? Have the times changed so drastically?

[He raises an eyebrow in question, but the smile that pulls at the corner of his lips is enough to confirm that he's almost as amused by her gruff manner as he is appreciative of the offer itself.]

I promise, I would be insulted if you were. I won't be coddled.

[He'll push himself to his limits until he knows exactly what he's capable of.]

Only when you seem a loss for words. [Nonplussed, she reaches for her glass. Well, water's fine for now. She'll probably go out for a beer later.]

But good. Coddling is definitely not my thing. I'll be in town for a couple of days helping around the area, so just tell me when you're ready.

Would tomorrow morning be too soon for your liking?

[Always well-mannered, even when making plans to retrain himself with deadly weapons.]

Should it fit into your schedule, at least. Mine is remarkably clear for the next several days. One of the benefits of being so heavily involved in organization is that a job well done means things run rather smoothly without you. Unfortunately, it can also be rather dull, given enough time.

[Putting a chef's knife or a dagger back in his hand, and properly, would suit him much better than the downtime.]

Rarin' to go, huh? Yeah I could probably pencil you in.

[Even if she was more of a night owl, Aranea still rose with the sun. Of course, that was when the sun could still be seen. With the everlasting darkness, "morning" is now just an arbitrary hour.]

Just meet me by the landing zone, just outside of town. Should be large enough and still give some privacy. [Unspoken, but she's being a little considerate for Ignis. Doubt either of them would want a peanut gallery for the first session at least, especially if he needs a lot of practice. She can subject him to ridicule later.

But then there's a small pause.] Or do I need to pick you up?

[Spoken half in jest, but also part serious. She's not sure if he really knows the way, and last thing she needs is to have him get lost or have a mishap before their first session.]

I see no need to waste any time.

[Which was to say that yes, he was eager to get to work-- and to make good use of their time while she remained in Lestallum, before other efforts called her elsewhere.

He pauses for half a moment. He doesn't have it in him to admit that assistance may very well be necessary, fiercely protective of his independence as he is. Instead, he opts to find a more delicate way to ask, without confessing that he might be unable to make it there on his own.]

I'll give you my home address. The least I can do is offer you coffee and breakfast in exchange for your time. We can walk over together afterwards.

[There is something to be said about a person who has a certain eagerness and readiness like Ignis is expressing. Shows some strength and resolve, as well as further proof that the man wants to be back on the field. Proof that while he is physically impaired, his spirit is far from it. She could respect that, but she may also push him harder because of it. Not to be an ass, but because she knows there is potential there, just as she sees it now.

And yet he still manages to surprise her in such an unexpected yet amusing way. That proper politeness is just so...laughable in a way. At least to her, a woman who is quite the opposite. It makes her wonder what could break that rigidity, so he'll hear the light amusement in her voice as she answers.]

Giving a girl your address after treating her to dinner, but offering breakfast but without asking her to sleep over first? That's a first. Bet you confuse a lot of girls that way.

Perhaps I do.

[He'd never given it much thought from that particular angle, but even in living his life the way he did, following a very carefully laid-out path for himself when he could, he can certainly see how it might look from where she's sitting.]

I simply believe in offering both credit and thanks where they are due. I realize that's rather uncommon these days. Old-fashioned, I suppose.

Hah, you actually admit it. [A small chuckle. This guy really is weird.] All right, fine. I'll take your old-fashioned "gratitude."

The coffee better be good, though, or you'll have a rough day instead.

I do attempt to be reasonably self-aware.

[He knows what he's like-- even without his friends present and taking every opportunity to remind him through teasing.]

I assure you, you won't be disappointed.

[Ebony is that good, after all.]

The dinner, I hope, is living up to the recommendation?

[But will there still be Ebony in this dark, new world?]

It's not too bad...could use some more spice in it, though.

[He may have stocked up upon moving to Lestallum. He has some reserves left.]

I've told the proprietor that a number of times.

[He laughs lightly, followed by a rueful smile.]

I don't think many people are willing to trust a blind man's culinary expertise.

[He could make better.]

Haven't had your cooking so can't really say either way. But if they won't listen, prove it to them.

[She works another forkfull, silverware clinking against the plate.]

Just cook your own and make 'em try it.

[Clearly she speaks as if she doesn't suspect that he's lost whatever amazing touch he had before. Maybe more difficult, but he's had a year. Surely he would have worked on that at least.]

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