A/N: This was inspired by Last Resort by Cid_Raines and by the fact that Ravus' action didn't make much sense to me while I was going through the game until I started thinking of his anger towards Regis as a coping mechanism. My HeadCanon is that Ravus' anger towards the King of Lucis is a coping mechanism to safely get angry towards something without his anger and frustration putting his sister in danger while under Niflheims control. ( /works/10440720)
Lance stared at his computer screen in surprise, he was looking through the email's sent to him through his job as a professional speaker not really expecting to receive anything that would convince him to leave his family and his new, highly enjoyable job as Refugee Liaison for the Crown. A title Ventus created after he saw Lance working so hard to help the many refugees and the Kingsglaive; it meant that the man now had a seat at every council meeting and a lot more work but Lance didn't mind it at all as the many smiles he received were rewarding.
Now as he reread the email requesting his presence for the opening week of a new conference center, Lance held mix feelings about it. He reached for his phone, sending Sylva a quick message asking her to come see him as soon as she had time and then set the email aside until she could get here. He kept going through the rest of the messages until a knock on the door interrupted his actions. He beamed as his lovely wife, still in her scrubs, opened the door and peaked in, ''Is everything ok Lance?''
Lance leaned back with a smile, ''I need your opinion on something if you don't mind?'' Sylva moved in, closing the door behind her as she walked over to look at what seemed to be the problem. Her reaction matched Lance's initially but the wide grin that followed and sparkling eye told Lance exactly what would happen next. '' I suppose I'll let them know I will be attending with you at my side.'' He gave a sigh, accepting the kiss Sylva pressed on his forehead as he started his reply to the invitation. Sylva grinned, '' I'll arrange for Prompto to stay with Cor or the Prince while we are gone. Cor does owe Prompto that weekend at the Chocobo farm.''
3 weeks later, Lance stopped the car as directed by the MT's guarding the entrance to Tenebrae and scrolled down the driver side window. ''Your authorization please.'' A man's voice sounded from the speaker while an Mt extended its hand. Lance took out the pass that had been sent to him a week ago and handed it over wordlessly. The Mt retracted it hand, turning around and walked back to scan it. Lance cast a glance to Sylva, sitting a bit too quietly for his liking in the passenger side of the car. She was staring intently at the MT's patrolling the gates leading into the city, her face showing only patience but Lance could see the cold calculating way she was looking at the mechanical infantry that was now the main weapon for the Niflheim armies.
He leaned over and whispered, ''How many ways?'' leaving the 'to destroy them' unsaid. Sylva turned and whispered back, ''Only 101 ways.'' She gave her husband a soft tender kiss before returning to her gazing. A knock on the window had them both looking at the man suddenly standing beside the car, '' My apologies Mr Argentum but I have a message for you from the Lord Regent. He wishes to invite you to stay at the Nox Fleuret Mansion for the duration of your stay in Tenebrae. He insists on it actually.'' The tone of voice and the gate keeper's words told the couple that refusing the invitation wasn't really an option. Lance smiled politely, ''Of course, it would be our honor to stay with the Lord Regent. '' The man nodded, looking bored and proceeded to return Lance's pass as he gave detailed instruction on how to reach the entrance of the manor.
As they passed through the heavily guarded gate and entered the city itself, the trace from the invasion of Niflheim a little over a year ago were still very much visible. There were Niflheim army guards patrolling the streets and MT's stationed at almost every corner throughout the city. Sylva shook her head, ''Such high security, I'm guessing it means they are having problems with resistance from the population.'' Lance hummed, ''If the reports Cor and Ventus were getting then yes, not enough for the Niflheim commander to worry about but enough to warrant extra guards and patrols.'' Sylva grinned, ''Good. This will make things that much more interesting.'' Lance shot a loving gaze at his wife, knowing exactly what she meant.
As they approached the mansion surrounded by trees, the couple could see more details of the place. The mansion was large but what drew their gaze was the obviously new additions to the grounds. A new wire fence with cameras facing inwards was present at the edge of the property, the only road leading in or out blocked by a guarded gate and patrols were visible around the perimeter of what used to be a mansion opened to the citizens of the city. Now it looked much more like a prison then a mansion with all the security fixed on keeping people inside rather than out. Lance grew a bit nervous, approaching the heavily defended mansion to slowly stop before the gates. A man approached, wearing the uniform of a Niflheim captain and gave them a brisk salute, ''Mr Argentum?'' Lance nodded as he half leaned through the open window, ''Welcome to the Nox Fleuret mansion. Lord Regent Finor has been eagerly awaiting your arrival. Please go right in and follow the instruction of the staff once you arrive at the front doors.''
Lance replied, '' Thank you.'' Just as the man turned around and motioned for the gate to be opened. The heavy buzzing sound of machinery activating preceded the grinding sound of the gates slowly opening to allow the Argentum entrance. The drive up the long driveway was silent with Sylva looking around her and taking in all the details she could in the short time she had before they arrived at the manor itself. Waiting at the top of the steps leading to the massive front doors of the manor, stood a man dressed in red silk suit and a black overcoat, the Lord Regent Finor himself. The man gave a wide smile and opened his arm in greeting as he started walking down to meet Lance when the speaker got out of the car. '' Welcome Mr. Argentum to the lovely imperial province of Tenebrae. I am the Lord Regent appointed by his Imperial Majesty himself, Divin Finor. I hope your trip here was agreeable?''
Lance moved around the front of his old car to meet the Lord with a formal bow before he replied, '' We thank you for your kind welcome and the unexpected pleasure of staying at the renowned mansion of the Oracles.'' He motioned to his wife who was moving to stand beside him, '' May I introduce to you my lovely wife, Sylva?'' Lord Regent Finor gave a thing smile as he laid his eyes on the woman standing beside his esteemed guest, ''Yes you did mention you were bringing her along with you when you accepted our generous offer to speak at the opening of the new Imperial Tenebraen Conference Center.'' He gave the barest of nods before dismissing the woman out of his mind to concentrate on his guest. ''Please allow me to show you around. Do not worry for your car and belongings the staff will see to it.'' Without waiting for a reply, the lord turned around and started walking forcing Lance and Sylva to quickly catch up to him.
The man's behavior was exactly what Cor had warned them about when the Marshall had learnt of Lance's acceptance to the job offer. The Lord Regent Finor had made a name for himself in the short time since the Niflheim invasion as a man who thought of females as nothing more than a nuisance and who used his new found position to entertain intellectuals from all over Eos as a way to show off his own intellect and power. The monologue the man kept up as he brought Lance and Sylva through the old halls of the mansion only furthered the growing disgust Sylva kept carefully hidden away under a polite face of interest as their host went about describing the history of Tenebrae as though he had witnessed it personally and even, at times, as though he had played a part in the events he described.
The Argentum's were quite happy when their host finally stopped in front of a door and explained, ''These are your quarters, the staff have already brought your belongings here. Please settle in and let the staff should you require anything and they will see to it, within reason of course. I will send something to bring you to dine with me tonight.'' Lance gave the man another short bow, ''You have our thanks for your thoughtfulness and hospitality.'' The Lord Regent gave a small nod with a self-satisfied grin plastered on his face. As he turned to walk away, Sylva spoke up, ''My apologies if I am speaking out of turn but I was wondering if we would be dining with the Lady Oracle and her brother?'' Finor didn't even turn around to answer the question, ''I'm afraid that only Lady Lunafreya will be attending tonight. '' He left before Sylva could ask anything else.
They waited into they were safely inside their assigned rooms before allowing their guard to slip a bit. ''That was quite the odd wording.'' Muttered Sylva, moving to lean on the large bed in the middle of the lavish room. Lance nodded, ''Yes though his behavior towards you is absolutely disgusting.'' The man was looking around the room, the white and silver colors of the Tenebrae lineage surrounding them. A walk in closet had its door open with their unpacked bags left on the ground while another door lead to a large luxurious bathroom with a Jacuzzi bathtub and spacious shower alongside a marble sink counter with high end products waiting to be used by the couple. ''Let's get ready shall we?'' Asked Sylva, getting up and moving to where her jewelry box had been set by one of the staff. She opened the small box and quickly found the present an old techno savvy friend had given her a few years ago.
The small necklace was made of silver with a delicate butterfly pendant with a ruby crystal as the CenterPoint. She pressed a finger to the ruby until it vibrated once. Lance was quick to move to her side, taking the necklace when it was offered to him and putting it around his wife's neck. With that done, Sylva moved around the rooms, carefully through it with deliberate intent. She smiled as she finished going through their room, taking off the necklace and replacing it in the box before declaring to her husband, ''All clear! There isn't any bugs or cameras in here. At least that wretch cares about allowing his guests their privacy.'' Lance smiled, ''Good, that's one less thing to worry about.'' Sylva hummed in agreement, taking a quick look at the clock before shooing her husband out of the bathroom. '' Indeed but we still need to play our part until night falls so unless you're planning on joining me in the shower, off you go!'' Lance laughed, letting her push him into the bedroom and after stealing a kiss simply said, '' I still have some work to do on my speech so I'll pass for now.''
Almost two hours passed before a knock on the door announced the time for the diner with their host, Sylva and Lance sharing a glance before Lance opened the door to show a maid waiting patiently in front of the door. ''Mr and Mrs Argentum, Lord Regent invites you to dine with him. If you are ready please follow me.'' Lance nodded, '' Of course, lead the way miss…'' He gave the maid a genuine smile, watching as the maid looked surprised, averting her gaze with a small blush, ''There is no need for a distinguished guest such as yourself to know my name.'' Lance gave a small chuckle, taking one of the maid hand and giving it a chaste kiss, '' Non sense miss, I enjoy talking with everyone including such a hard working lady as yourself.'' Sylva hide her smirk under a polite smile and pushed just a bit more, '' I agree, surely you have a name to match your dedication to your work.'' The maid blushed even more, '' My name is Yule.'' Lance gave the hand he was holding another chaste kiss, '' A wonderful name indeed. My many thanks for showing us to our host Miss Yule.''
The maid gave a bow, her cheeks still slightly red as she turned and showed the couple to the dining room where Finor and a young teenaged girl were already seated. As the couple walked through the doors, the Lord Regent got up from his seat at the head of the table with a wide smile toward Lance, ''Ah, and here is our guest, I hope the room was to your satisfaction?'' Lance smiled politely as he was gently guided to sit at the right of the man while Sylva was escorted to sit beside the young lady who had yet to lift her eyes from her hands. '' The room is wonderful and more then we could have asked, you have our thanks once more for the gracious accommodation.'' Finor simply waved away the compliment and sat back down, motioning with his hand to the butlers who quickly started serving the food before diving into a conversation with his guest about some of Lance's previous conferences.
Sylva sat down beside the young girl who sat much too still and quiet for the nurse to feel comfortable. She waited until the butler moved away to start bringing the food before quietly saying, ''There are a lot of people worried about you and your brother, my son among them.'' The girl jerked her head up to stare at Sylva for a single moment before her eyes turned to watch the Niflheim man talking with Lance, body tensing up before relaxing a bit when Finor didn't even glance at them. Sylva had to really fight not to frown at the reaction, the nurse looking more closely at the child and noting all the things that simply screamed that something was wrong. There were fading bruises barely visible at the edge of her sleeves, heavy looking bracelets that look uncomfortable and whose edges left red marks in her wrists. The darkened circles under the young girl's eyes and the thin arms added to the picture of a scared and likely abused young lady.
There was still strength and determination in her eyes, Sylva noted with a sigh of relief as the nurse motioned to her husband keeping the Lord of the manor occupied with conversation, '' Don't worry about them, my husband is very good at keeping others focused on him when he wants them too. You are Pryna's mistress correct?'' The lady Oracle, Lunafreya Nox Fleuret, turned back to look at the lady who was talking to her in such a casual way. With one last glance to verify that Finor was not paying any attention to her, Luna nodded and asked, ''Are you Prompto's mother?'' Sylva smiled, reaching into her purse and taking out her phone, she gave her own glance at the men talking before opening the photo gallery on her phone and showing a the picture of Prompto napping with Noctis on the sofa from a few months ago. Luna's reaction was instantaneous, her body relaxing as she looked at the two boys sleeping together peacefully.
Sylva smiled, she handed the phone over to the princess as the butlers moved around to serve them all food. She quickly noticed that all of the butlers' shooting worried looks at their princess but very few of them actually gave her food from their trays. Her own plate full, Sylva started transferring some of it into Luna's almost empty one since it would simply go to waste and at 13, Luna was soon to start growing and needed the food. She smiled at the murmured thank you and continued her conversation with the girl once the butlers were out of ear shot. ''Are you injured?'' Luna shook her head slightly, slowly starting to eat while casting glances at the men. Sylva hummed, ''Your brother?'' Luna tensed up, her head bowing to look back to her lap, a slight trembling shiver passing over her body, ''I don't know, they won't let us see each other… not since… not since the Lord Regent arrived.''
Sylva took a bite of her own food, using it to hide the frown that wanted to make itself known. She continued to eat, slowly encouraging the young lady beside her to eat. ''This is only a guess but they are threatening your brother to keep you quiet, aren't they?'' Luna tensed up, given Sylva the answer by that simple movement. She offered the girl a smile, '' The weather is supposed to be rather warm tonight, you might want to keep a window open to let some fresh air in.'' With that, Sylva ignored the confused look the oracle shot her and moved the conversation to more mundane things, mostly centering about the knowledge the Oracles learnt about healing and medicine in general. The dinner was delicious despite the fact that Sylva's worries about the Nox Fleuret siblings made the food taste more like ash and as soon as Finor suggested that the ladies left the men to talk alone, Sylva allowed herself to be escorted back to her room after once last reassuring smile towards her dining partner.
Lance glanced at his departing wife, using the smile that he couldn't prevent from emerging to convince the obnoxious, self-serving Lord Regent that he was quite interested in their current subject. While their initial plan had been forced to change with the rather forceful invitation to reside in the mansion, Lance and Sylva had been able to adjust to it rather quickly and Lance was determine to give Sylva all the time she needed to have her fun. Sylva followed the maid, Yule back to her room, making small talk and learning that the staff had corridors for their exclusive use throughout the mansion since Lord Finor thought servants moving around to be distasteful and preferred not to see any of them unless absolutely necessary.
The nurse stopped in front of her room, ''Miss Yule, forgive me for being forward but what caused those bruises on your arm?'' Yule eyes widen in shock, her right hand rising to cover the bruises showing through the lace of her sleeves, '' It's nothing much, Lord Regent Finor decided I was moving out of his way too slowly. They hardly bother me.'' Sylva tutted, gently drawing the young lady into her room and grabbing her ever present medical kit as she looked for a cream made especially to treat bruises. She grabbed it, taking a bit of it out and transferring it into another container before giving the smaller one to Yule. ''Here you go. Put this on the bruises before going to bed tonight and again tomorrow morning, that should be enough to make them fade completely. If you run out of it for any reason while I'm here let me know and I'll give you some more.'' The maid looked between Sylva and the medicine in shock, a trembling hand grabbing the container before she gave a deep bow, '' Thank you! Please if you ever need help let me know and I'll do my best!'' Sylva smiled and escorted the now beaming maid out of the room, she had work to do.
First thing to do was take another shower, this time using scent free soap. She carefully arranged her hair to look a bit coarse before adding a few touches of make up to change the more visible features of her face such as her cheek bones and adding a beauty spot beside her lip. A quick look through their clothes allowed Sylva to find the various articles that together formed a passable maid uniform such as the ones used by the female staff here. Her close examination of Yule's outfit while they walked back to the rooms had been enough to allow Sylva to add a few details using a sewing kit. By the time she was done sewing the last things together, Lance could be heard approaching while talking loudly with the Lord Regent. ''Thank you for escorting me back Lord Finor. It has been a wonderful evening but I am expected early tomorrow to go through the schedule for the opening ceremony and address.'' ''Of course, please do not worry. My staff will have everything ready for you in the morning. Shall I send one to wake you up at around 6 in the morning?''
Sylva hide the fake maid outfit out of sight before going to open the door, '' 6 sounds perfect Lord Regent.'' She declared in her husband's stead. She felt the man stare are her in annoyance, ignoring it to give a kiss to Lance who chuckled and leaned into it. '' Yes 6 is perfect. Have a pleasant evening Lord Regent.'' Lance and Sylva both bowed and patiently waited for the man to leave before retreating to the other side of the door. ''Well?'' Sylva asked. Lance sighed sitting wearily on the bed as he watched his wife take out the maid outfit and quickly change into it. ''I was able to convince him to talk about the architecture of the place. He even showed me some of the initial plans for the place that still existed in their library.''
Lance carefully slid out some papers from his sleeve with a smile, flattening them on the bed for Sylva to see. ''He also bragged about having strict orders for the staff and guards that the Oracle is not to be disturbed until morning once she has been sent to her room. The room is over here. '' Lance tapped a room in the upper floors. '' You shouldn't have too much trouble reaching it if you go through the hall and then climb out from here.'' He tapped another room on the floor below. Sylva nodded, her eyes following the corridors she had to take to reach her goal. '' What about the boy?'' she asked. '' On the opposite side of the place if I understood what Finor was implying correctly.'' Sylva looked up as Lance explained, ''When I asked him about Ravus Nox Fleuret, Finor said that he was still learning proper manners befitting a prince of conquered territory and that until he did so, Ravus would be get away from his sister as to prevent him from being a bad influence on her.''
Sylva sighed, ''Luna basically confirmed that they are threatening Ravus to get her cooperation. Will you be ok to get to the boy while I go get the girl?'' Lance smiled, leaning his forehead on Sylva, ''Dont worry about me. This isn't my first time remember?'' Sylva returned the smile. ''All right then, we should get started. The Oracle's disappearance wont be noticed until morning if Finor was telling the truth but I doubt they wont notice Ravus disappearing if he is being kept under watch.'' Lance smirked, '' We'll find out soon enough. I'll meet you back here with him as soon as I can. Be safe.'' Sylva gave her husband a kiss for good luck before slipping out of the rooms and into the empty corridor, carrying with her a few surprises to place around the mansion while she had the chance.
Lance waited for a few more minutes after Sylva left before starting to move himself. He didn't bother with hidden or disguising himself, having gotten the permission from his supposed fan to walk around the mansion at will except for a specific garden at the back of the mansion. As much as he was confident that Ravus was being held somewhere in that supposed garden, Lance needed to start with a few preparations first. He spent the first half hour simply walking around, ignoring the MT's stationed throughout the halls keeping a vigil for intruders. After that he approached two guards who had their arms full of drinks and food, '' Need a hand?'' He offered.
The guards looked at each other and then at Lord Finor's guest who had simply strolled up to them and offered to help them, '' Sir?'' Lance chuckled, '' No need for that, please call me Lance. I was just wondering if you needed some help with carrying those?'' Lance motioned to the objects in their arms once more. The guards still looked hesitant and so Lance went ahead and grabbed a few things, some of the heavier things without trouble. ''that's very kind of you Si.. Lance.'' The younger of the guards said not saying Sir when Lance lifted an eyebrow at the man. Lance chuckled, '' Don't worry about it. I couldn't sleep and it better not to disturb my wife when she is resting. Now where too?'' It didn't take long for both men to start being comfortable around Lance who laughed and joked with them as though he had always known them. The guards were heading to the monitor room as they had the night shift and Lance found himself being invited to play some card games for as long as he wanted.
'' That's quite the invitation, are you sure? I wouldn't want you guys to get into trouble if someone learns I was in there.'' Asked Lance. The older guard, Colin, just shrugged, '' Who's going to tell him? The Lord would rather we don't even look at him. Posh noble bastard.'' Lance held the door open as the other two greeted their coworkers before all five men, 4 guards and Lance, settled at a table to play some poker. Lance took care to lose more often then he won, as he listened to the men talk about how boring their jobs were and how useless it was when the MT's were able to do the same thing without them standing around being bored. With a few probing questions, Lance found the last information he needed. Ravus was guarded by 2 MT's at all times while the key to his room, more like cell if the guards laughing description was anything to go by, was held by the Lord Regent himself. There was also a dedicated feed, a guard motioned boringly at one of the monitors, and some electric alarms set to sound if someone were to enter the prisoner's room without the proper authorization.
Lance guided the discussion away from Ravus and played one last game of poker, losing everything he had and using that lost as an excuse to leave without arousing suspicion. Before he left, he offered to throw away the empty bottles of beer and snacks that had been finished by now. Lance used that to approach the monitor that showed Ravus' room door with the 2 flanking MTs, casting a look at the guards concentrating on the new game of poker, he quickly slid a thin stick into one of the open ports and watched as the image blinked on and off once. One security mesure down, a few more to go before he could go get the Tenebraen Prince. Lance bid the men farewell and left the control room with no one the wiser for his sabotage and wondered back towards the area he remembered as the forbidden garden.
Lance hummed to himself as he walked, keeping an eye out for anyone who might cause trouble but the more he approached the garden, the quieter the area became. The garden was deadly quiet, with no birds or night time sounds being heard within its walled off area. Lance was unsettled by the quiet, used to the noisy night of Insomnia even the almost constant sounds that existed with the Citadel. It wasn't hard to find the place where Ravus was being held, it wasn't a room at all but rather what appeared to be a garden shed reinforced with concrete and iron bars. The two MTs were silently standing guard on either side of the door, at odd intervals moving to look around them before settling back to their empty forward stare. Lance kept watch for a little while, trying to see if there was a pattern to the MT's movements but they seemed to be random. With a sight, Lance stepped back into the corridors and walked away from the garden. He had an idea on how to get past the Mt's and the other security measures but he needed a distraction and for that he needed Sylva's help.
Sylva slipped through the door and into the empty corridor without trouble, easily finding the corridors Yule had mentioned as they were marked by a red circle at the bottom of the walls. She quickly found and borrowed a cleaning bucket, hiding her surprises within them as she made her way to her various targets. The first place she visited was the kitchen, mostly empty at this late hour, only a single cook and maid still up in case their master decided he wanted a late night snack or drink. She smiled at them and returned their greeting while heading to the cellar where Finor had mentioned they kept the man's vast collection of wines and beers for special occasions. She took out some of the fake jewelry, twisting the glass parts off in order to prime the fuses for a remote detonation, checking to verify the trigger could clearly receive the signal if needed. Satisfied with the strength of the signal, she put the miniature bombs throughout the cellar while pretending to clean some of the older bottles. On a whim, she grabbed some of the smaller ones to bring back with her. On her way out she spotted an open cabinet with several keys in it, some numbered and some named. After a few moments of reading through them, she quickly borrowed the extra key to their room, not wanting to take any chances that someone who decides to enter uninvited using it.
She left as soon as she was done, heading towards Finor's office to start her revenge against the Niflheim empire who had sent the Intruders that had caused so much pain to her son. It didn't take long to find the office nor to gain entrance to it when she quietly pried the door off its joints. Slipping in and repositioning the door took longer than finding what she needed. With a pleased smirk, she carefully opened the various letters the Lord Regent had finished writing and with practiced ease; Sylva carefully changed some of the text to fit her needs. She found a list of names with what appeared to be numbers indicating some kind of ongoing bet. A second paper, folder and tucked away between two files answered what is was. The Lord Regent, chosen personally by the Emperor as he so gleefully bragged about, was running a black market operation on the Oracle's healing abilities and on many priceless Tenebraen artifacts.
Sylva took a picture of the papers and sent them to a reporter she knew that would ensure the news would make the front page of all the Niflheim's journals and news reports. Giggling quietly, she replaced everything the way it had been when she first entered the room and left after stealing a few extra envelops and pre-signed blank papers. The man truly was a fool, left with such an important job and he cut corners at every opportunity for his own gain. At least it would make her revenge that much more satisfying. She unlocked the door and after making sure it would lock once closed, left the office to finally go see the young princess. Sylva moved with determination, nodding to the guards but otherwise acting as though she had every right to be there until she arrived at the room right below the Oracle's.
She entered the room, looking around to verify the single bed room was empty before entering and locking the door behind her. It was apparently used for staff hired for special events but it was currently empty which was perfect for her intentions. Leaving the bucket and its stolen content out of sight of the door, Sylva opened the window as wide as it would go. She leaned outside to look around and found why Lance had suggested she come here to reach Lunafreya. On the wall was a series of broken bricks, burn marks still visible, it didn't take much to guess it was unrepaired damage from the invasion. It made perfect handholds for the sprightly nurse to use and climb to the open window of the room above her.
Lunafreya was awake and snuggling with Pryna and Umbra when they both looked towards the open window. Luna followed their gaze and had to bite back a scream as a maid slipped through the window quietly. It took a few second for Luna to recognize who it was with the slight light from outside. ''Mrs Argentum? How?'' She looked in stunned disbelief as the woman who had been so kind to her during their brief meeting walked up and sat down beside her when Umbra moved to make space for her. ''The result of a misspent youth I'm afraid.'' Sylva replied as she offered her hands to the surprisingly silent dogs to smell. They both did before licking the hand and jumping off the bed. Luna relaxed, both messengers were at ease with the woman and it allowed Luna to do the same.
Sylva smiled at the young girl, only a few years older than her own child, '' I suggest you pack a bag with what you cant leave behind so we can get going.'' Luna shook her head, '' I cant! If I leave Ravus will…'' Sylva put a hand on Luna's shoulder, ''My husband is taking care of your brother so don't worry. You will both be reunited before dawn.'' Luna looked conflicted, she didn't want to cause trouble and if Sylva's husband couldn't get Ravus out? What would happen to her brother. A soft nudge had her looking down to see Umbra with a bag in her mouth while Pryna was waiting patiently beside the open window. Sylva laughed, '' I think they are saying its time to go.'' Luna nodded, taking a few deep breathes to calm herself, putting away the fear she felt into a small corner until she could safely let it out before moving. She grabbed the bag from Umbra and turned to start packing wordlessly.
Sylva nodded and then turned to look at the pups. ''Better start with you two.'' She said towards the dogs. She undid the apron, quickly tying it together to form a sling and quickly putting Pryna who was waiting patiently by the window. Getting down was a bit harder than climbing but still not enough to worry Sylva. She dropped the beige pup carefully on the floor before climbing back up to repeat the same thing with the other dog. By the time she had climbed back for the third time, Luna was finishing her bag, carefully tucking a note book into it before zipping it up. ''Ready?'' Asked Sylva, waiting as Luna looked around before the young girl nodded and handed the bag to the older woman. Sylva had to move more slowly now, helping the princess to climb down from her room using the broken bricks as holds, thankfully Luna wasn't afraid of heights and was able to concentrate on where to put her hands and feet to safely descend the few feet's separating her from the lower level.
From there, it was ease from Sylva to give Luna a quick make over using what was already there in the room. The bedsheet was white and easily to tear and fashion into a scarf and the blackout curtains made for a passable makeshift skirt when tied around the thin girl's waist. The last touch was picking up a garbage can, putting Luna's bag and her two companions in there before letting Luna carry the cleaning bucket while Sylva lifted the can without trouble. Luna was very tense the first few times that they passed people, either staff or guards but when she realized they saw the general look of the uniform and little else, she was able to relax and quickly copied Sylva's determined way of walking. The walk to their guest room was stressfull for both ladies and pushing the door open after making sure no one was around to see it had them both release a sigh of relief. Sylva letting the can drop quietly while Luna did the same with the bucket.
''I'll take care of those, you go on and make yourself at home.'' Sylva said, quickly taking the girl's things and dogs out of the can before emptying the bucket of the stolen items. Just as she was about to return outside to return the borrowed stuff, Lance walked in alone. Luna shot up looking frightened as she saw Sylva's husband return without her brother. Lance glanced at the princess before asking Sylva, ''I need a distraction can you do it?'' Sylva frowned, '' When and where?'' Lanced moved passed his wife and grabbed at one of their travel bags. The bottom was solid but held a hidden compartment that held what Lance needed to his plan. He replied as he straightened, '' As soon as you can and close to the back garden.''
Luna spoke up, voice filled with barely contained panic, '' Where is Ravus? Whats going on?'' Lance turned to look at the young girl, offering a calm smile before answering, '' Your brother is being held in a converted shed in the back garden. He is guarded by two of the MT's so I need a distraction to get their attention while I sneak up to them. Sylva is rather good at those.'' He motioned to the woman in question before continuing, '' I know you are worried but please don't be. Your brother will be here with you soon and as long as we are around you both be safe.'' Luna looked down, her nails digging into the palms of her hands as she hesitated over what to do once more. Sylva and Lance didn't wait for her to do anything reckless, already heading back out with Sylva telling the girl, '' Stay in the room and don't open the door to anyone. We have the only keys for it.''
The couple locked the door behind them, Sylva carrying the bucket and garbage can with her as whispered her plan to her husband. ''I put some of my toys in the wine cellar Finor was bragging about, is it close enough to the gardens for your plan?'' Lance took back out the floor plans he had borrowed from the library and checked, it was. The kitchen had a connecting door straight to the back garden, most likely there for when the garden was used to grow fruits or vegetables. ''That will do perfectly though its quite the waste of wine.'' Sighed Lance mournfully. Sylva laughed quietly, ''I stole a few of them when I put the bombs initially.'' She chuckled at the look of utmost love she received, '' You are such a wonderful lady.'' He murmured before they went their separate ways. Lance headed back to the garden, carefully making his way out of sight of the MTS and he waited.
Sylva grinned as she moved to the kitchen, the two staff members were still there and Sylva wanted to keep any injuries to a minimum where possible and so she approached them and said, '' Sorry to bother you but I saw that honored guest of Lord Regent Finor looking lost on my way here. I don't know where his quarters are maybe you can both help him more than me?'' The cook swore, '' Where did you say he was?'' Sylva pointed away from wine cellars and with a shared glance both staff left the kitchen to go look for the supposed wandering guest. With one last check to see if everyone was gone, she left the bucket, can and threw part of the uniform by the cellar door before she snuck in to change the charges to a 1 minute countdown. She ran off as soon as she set the first charge since it would trigger the others quickly, and made her way back to their rooms. She quickly opened the window and waited with Luna for Lance and Ravus.
Lance heard the blast more then he felt it, the rush of hot air passed by him roughly, hot and dry but tinted with the smell of wine. As he had planned, both MTs quickly turned to approach the source of the warmth, their sensors collecting all the information they could get to deal with the situation efficiently. Lance took advantage of their focus to run up to them, uncorking the small bottle and drizzling both Magitek with it. The effect was almost instantaneous as the pretrial scourge antidote quickly destroyed the daemon that allowed the machine to move so efficiently. Sylva had insisted on bringing 2 vials of it to see if she could increase the current formula using the healing waters of Tenebrae but this was a better use for one of the vials.
With both MTs out of commission, Lance quickly scavenged some of the wires in order to deal with the alarm that would sound if he opened the door. It didn't take much time to find the cables for the alarm and Lance used the scavenged wires to create a parallel circuit that would trick the alarm system into thinking the door was still closed. Behind him, the first shouts of fire could be heard but Lance was confident that no one would come here considering the fact that the cameras would show nothing wrong on the monitors. He grinned as he quickly picked the lock and quietly pushed the door open.
His grin dropped and he swore as he got his first glimpse of Lunafreya's brother in the crumbled mess lying shivering on the bare ground. Lance took two steps towards the boy before Ravus noticed his approached, the young man forcing himself to look at the newest threat with anger and disgust, determined not to show any weakness despite the injured state he found himself. Lance stopped moving raising both hands in a show of peace, ''Prince Ravus?'' The injured boy stayed silent, body coiled unto itself in an attempt to protect himself from further injuries. '' My name is Lance Argentum, I am here to help you escape. Your sister is already safe with my wife. Will you allow me to move closer?'' Lanced whispered, kneeling down to further diminish the threat to the teenager.
Ravus' eyes widen in shock as the strange man told him that Luna was with his wife, he didn't know if it was real and it didn't really matter, '' If you hurt her!'' He tried to scream only to dissolve into a series of harsh cough instead. Lance stayed where he was despite his desire to try and help the poor boy, instead dropping his hands and keeping a lookout for anyone approaching while the boy tried to catch his breath. It was because of that watchful state that Lance spotted the beige streak bouncing towards the shed. Pryna quickly darted past Lance until she could put her cold nose on Ravus' face and with a few whines got him to pay attention to her. '' Pryna?'' Ravus murmured as he reached out to hold onto his sister's dog.
Pryna gave a soft bark, licking Ravus once then twice before going to sit beside Lance. Ravus frowned, what was the messenger dog trying to tell him? Was she saying to trust the man and his claims? Lance waiting, not daring to move as Pryna seemed to talk with Ravus from where she sat beside him. After a few minutes, pierced only by the shouts of the staff and guards fighting the fire spreading through the kitchen, Ravus slowly pushed himself up and with a hateful glared told the stranger, '' I'll follow you but if you have lied about my sister being with you it will be the last thing you do.'' The voice was raw and filled with pain and Lance nodded quickly to prevent the teenager from straining himself further. '' This way then. Do you need help?'' Lance asked but Ravus shook his head, stubbornly pushing himself to walk past Lance and through the door of his prison.
Lance keep close to the staggering boy, ready to move if it looked like Ravus was going to collapse. The dark night prevented Lance from seeing just how injured the boy was but what he could see told enough. Bare feet and ripped clothes showed glimpses of thin legs and arms, too thin for Lance's liking while Ravus kept a hand tight around the crook of his right elbow, trying to limit the limbs movement. Pryna walked right by Ravus' feet, rubbing against his legs periodically as the dog lead the way carefully towards the now open window of their rooms. Luna waved as soon as she saw her brother staggering nearer, only just retaining a shout of joy while Sylva had taken one look at the boy and moved away from the window to start preparing what she would need to treat any and all injuries the lanky teenager undoubtedly had. Ravus looked up to see Lunafreya waving at him from a window on the second floor and the sudden relief he felt at seeing her unharmed allowed the pain and exhaustion to take over and Ravus collapse. Lance swore as he caught the boy as he dropped like a stone and quickly dragged him into his arms.
''Get Sylva, she'll need to pull him up since I cant climb with him on my shoulders safely.'' He told Lunafreya. Luna nodded and left the window to find Sylva in the bathroom carefully laying some towels on the floor. '' Your husband need your help. Ravus collapse! Please help him!'' She begged. Sylva looked up and nodded, '' Alright but I need you to start getting things ready for your brother.'' She pointed at her medical bag, '' Take everything that's in there and put it on the counter, the instruments go here, '' She tapped one of the towels,'' and the rest behind them.'' She waited until Luna nodded before she left the room and headed for the window. Lance had Ravus in his arms, thankfully the boy was light enough that Lance could easily lift him high enough for Sylva to grasp him under the shoulders and pull him through the window and unto the floor. In the light of the room, Ravus' injuries and general state were horrible and Sylva almost growled in anger and horror.
She didn't wait for Lance to climb before starting to check the prince's injuries, quickly making a mental list of everything she saw and knowing that it was only part of the whole. His right elbow was dislocated and his forearm showed signs of having been broken at least twice but not allowed to heal properly. His left arm was peppered with bruises and hand marks and as she leaned closer she could see that his wrists had been rubbed raw by shackles of some kind. His hands were cut and several of his nails were missing on both hands. His face was pale and too thin for a boy that should be 17 or so. There were bruises all over the left side and a few finger marks along his jaw and throat. His clothes had once been white but were now bloodied and dirty, the rips showing more bruises underneath his clothes and his legs were in no better condition. As Sylva slowly lifted his feet she saw that the soles of them had been thoroughly whipped and there were strips of skin hanging off with blood dripping from the reopened injuries.
Lance had by now climbed back to the room, put down Pryna and closed the window as a nod from Sylva told him to pick the too light boy up and followed her to the bathroom. Luna gasped in horror as she saw the state her brother was in, her eyes filling with tears as she reached out to touch him with trembling hands. Sylva caught her before she could and she whispered to the girl, '' I'm a nurse so trust me to do my job. I need you to keep an eye out and help me if I need it. Can you do that?'' Luna nodded, a few tears making its way down her face as her lips trembled. Lance gently put the boy into the tub where Sylva could easily reach and clean him as she needed. Between both of them, they quickly striped Ravus of his clothes and Sylva set about using a towel to clean off all the blood and grime that stuck to his injuries. As she did so she added a few more injuries to her mental list: at least 3 fractured ribs and one broken; a blooming bruise across his stomach which made the nurse in her worry about the possibility of internal bleeding and disgustingly fresh cuts across his inner thighs.
As Sylva and Luna worked to start treating all the injuries, Lance moved back to the bedroom and slipped off his bloodied clothes, stuffing them into one of the bags before putting some clean clothes on while keeping a close eye on the situation emerging from the kitchen. The shouts and movements were getting closer and Lance hoped that they would at least have enough time to take care of Ravus' injuries before they had to hide the two children from their host. Lance stood protectively by the door for a few moments before deciding to leave the room. He made his way to find the source of the shouting, finding the staff working hard to fight the ever growing flames. He saw Finor in his night dress, shouting orders left and right as the fire spread from the wine cellar to the kitchen oils and beyond. ''Whats going on?'' asked Lance as he joked closer.
Finor glanced at the man, ''Dear Argentum, I'm afraid that a fire has started in our kitchen. Please don't worry about it and return to your room. '' said the Lord. Lance frowned and said, '' Are you sure its safe? Perhaps it would best if we leave the mansion and stay at a hotel for the night.'' Finor was about to answer when another explosion happened, the blast pushing them a few steps back and Lance even had to cover his face with his arms. Finor stared in horror at the sight while Lance made his decision, '' I believe I will be leaving here with my wife. I wish you good luck in controlling the blaze before it damages anything important or take any lives. I will see you at the conference this week.'' Finor could only nod dumbly as his eyes were glued on the flames.
Lance keep his smile under control as he ran back to their room, '' Sylva, Miss Lunafreya!'' He shouted as he entered. Luna looked pale as she poked her head out of the bathroom, '' ?'' Lance smiled walking up to her and looking over her form to watch his wife at work, apparently stitching some of Ravus' injuries. '' The fire is growing, I doubt it'll spread too far considering its burning on oil and alcohol in a stone mansion but even so its enough that I convinced Finor to let us go to our hotel as we originally planned.'' Lance explained with a smirk.
Sylva shot him a smile, '' Perfect I'm almost done here. If Lunafreya is able, she could start throing everything in our bags so we can leave quickly.'' She asked the last part to the girl in question who nodded firmly as she answered, '' I'll do it.'' Lance gave Luna a smile and helped her get all their bags out and start putting things away. He did put aside a set of clothing for Ravus and one of Sylva's longer shirts for Luna. When their bags were done, Lance left Luna to finish helping Sylva and started moving their bags to their car, parked in the underground garage. Two trips was enough to get everything into the car and when he returned to help Sylva, he found them all ready to go. ''How shall we do this?'' Asked Lance, motioning to the children. Sylva was helping Luna into the shirt Lance had left out for her, when the young girl proposed, '' The cameras in the Parking Garage don't work. If your car is there we can just walk over to it.'' She noticed Sylva and Lance looking at her startled and blushed, muttering an explanation, '' I heard some of the guards complaining about it because Finor didn't want to pay to have it fixed…'' Lance laughed, reaching out to pat Luna's head, forgetting for a moment she might be used to it.
Sylva smiled, getting up and clapping her hands together, '' Then it's a plan. Lance can carry Ravus and we'll make sure the way is clear.'' Lance nodded, moving over and gently picking up the unconscious boy, holding him protectively to his chest and the four plus 2 dogs quickly made their way out of the Nox Fleuret Manor. Luna was tense and kept looking around with tired and sad eyes making Sylva reach out to lay a hand on her shoulder in silent support. Luna gave a watery smile to the woman and kept on going. It didn't take long for them to reach the elevator going to the garage and everyone released a sigh of relief as they were able to descend without seeing anyone. A silent conversation passed between Lance and Sylva before they both turned to look at Luna. ''We need to pass through the gate and its guards.'' Luna paled having forgotten about them. Sylva hurried to reassure the girl, ''Don't worry, there are some advantages of owning an old car.'' She chuckled before reaching unto the back seat and pulling the whole seat up. The back seat was empty in the middle allowing for extra baggage space or in this case a safe place to hide 2 children. It would be a bit of a tight fit and Sylva was a bit worried about Ravus being in such a situation but they didn't have the time to come up with something else.
Luna nodded, understanding the situation easily and slipping wordlessly into the empty space. Lance waited until she was comfortable before slipping Ravus beside her. Sylva took out one of the blanket she often kept in the car and wrapped it over the two children; then almost as an afterthought, Sylva took out her cell phone and handed it to Luna, ''Do you know how to use this?'' Luna nodded, Noctis had showed her how when he had been here before the invasion. Sylva smiled, ''Good use it if you need too. Lance has his phone and his number is under his name.'' Luna nodded again, quickly checking she remembered correctly before moving slightly to face Ravus and lay a hand on the side of his face. Sylva put the seat back down and made sure everything looked ok before joining her husband in the front. Lance wasted no time to get the car started and getting out of the Manor, the fire only slightly visible from the front of the property.
Thankfully, the guards took a single look at them, gave a once over of the mostly empty car and waved them through the gates. Sylva and Lance sharing a look and sigh of relief once they were further away from the burning Manor. Lance stopped at an empty corner, in order to move the children from under to on the back seat. Ravus giving a groan of pain and starting to panic until Luna took one of his hands and whispered to her brother which allowed him to relax back into a peaceful sleep. The hotel Lance had initially booked was owned by an old school friend and a single call ensured them a room with a private elevator from the indoor garage to their suite. All of it at a steep discount in return for Lance bringing the owner's daughter to meet some of the renown researchers that would be attending the conference starting in two days.
As Lance went to the front desk to grab their keys and speak quickly with the owner, Sylva took the time to check on Ravus, relieved to find that none of his injuries had reopened during their hurried departure. Luna was leaning heavily against the bench, refusing to let her brother's hand go as she dozed fitfully. Sylva smiled, happy that the sudden change of plans had ended up with the Nox Fleuret being safely with them rather than still imprisoned by the Niflheim Empire's men. Lance returned just as quietly as he left, taking the time to watch the children sleep and sharing a relieved smile with his wife before Sylva reached to wake Luna up. ''We have to move to our room and then you can sleep as much as you want.'' Luna woke with a start, her head moving quickly from side to side as she found herself somewhere new. Sylva and Lance waited patiently for her breath to settle and her mind to catch up on the last few hours before they started moving. Lance picked Ravus up, being carefully that Luna could still hold unto her brother while Sylva picked up some of the bags, the ones with her medical equipment and their shared basic necessities. The rest could wait until morning. The rise to their room was quiet, Luna returning to lean heavily on Lance and she crawled beside Ravus as soon as Lance put the boy down on a bed. Within minutes, the children were knocked out snuggling with each other protectively. Lance gave his wife a quick kiss before they also got into bed and fell asleep just as quickly. The next 9 days would prove interesting to say the least.