Untold Omens
Chapter Ten: Viscaria
"There," grunted Gladio once the two long couches were pushed against the wall. "That should be enough room."
"Why do we need this much room?" huffed Prompto as he tumbled onto the couch in a tired flop.
"Space wouldn't be an issue if Gladio wouldn't throw me into the ceiling without warning every time we do this." Aracelis scowled.
"It's not like I ever dropped you." He countered with his arms crossed. "I always catch you afterwards."
…Ceiling?
Noctis and Prompto exchanged a look of amazement.
Confused by the whole exchange, Ignis cleared his voice with a cough. Basking in the gentle warmth of the afternoon sun, the quiet young man stood beside the autumn-chilled ceiling to floor windows in the Amicitia living room content to hold a quizzical Talcott in his arms as he watched the proceedings.
Gladio, Noctis and Prompto were maneuvering the furniture against the wall while Aracelis rearranged a bouquet of flowers on the dining table in the other half of the room. Iris rambled away by her side, describing how she and Noctis had to scour the Citadel's gardens to find the viscaria flowers.
Ignis was still at a loss as to why this gathering came to be. His morning started with an aggressive weekend brunch invite from Aracelis—likely to appease her overly doting mother. One moment, he was in the Hester's living room reading to Talcott and the next, Aracelis came storming into the house. He was confused as to why she was carrying a bouquet of flowers, but before he had the chance to ask, the brunette grabbed hold of his arm and dragged him up and out of the house with Talcott in tow.
From how Aracelis and Gladio argued over one thing or another, Ignis half-expected the two to have yet another fallout when the lot of them crossed paths with the older teen. Contrary to his expectation, their quarreling did not happen. Instead, the older Amicitia's gaze gravitated to the bouquet. Neither he nor Aracelis exchanged words, but the two seemingly came to a mutual understanding of sorts. Idly, Ignis wondered if there was a meaning to these flowers known only to them.
"If you don't mind me asking, what exactly are we doing that requires Aracelis getting tossed into the ceiling?" Ignis inquired as he glanced at the height of the room. There could have been a second floor if the ceiling was lower.
"Dancing lessons!" cheered Iris. "You know, for Princess Lunafreya's Regency Ball that's coming up."
Ignis paused at the younger Amicitia's declaration. Of course, the ball was to celebrate Princess Lunafreya's one-year regency while her mother, Queen Silva left Tenebrae to perform her oracle duties. Along with the majority of the upper echelon, Crownsguard and those of noble standing were also expected in attendance. As the heir to his uncle's counthood, Ignis was expected to participate.
"Noct and I were supposed to take lessons in the Citadel, but that's sooo boring!" complained Iris. "So I thought it would be more fun if Gladdy and Arie taught us instead!"
"Unfortunately," muttered Aracelis under her breath as she shuffled the bouquet into the vase.
"It's going to be so much fun!" Iris flailed her arms like noodles in excitement. "I never got to go before! But since Gladdy has to stand guard as Kingsglaive, dad said I can go. As long as Arie's willing to take me."
Aracelis pointedly said nothing. It was obvious to him that she would rather stay home than go to this ball. He's attended similar events in the past. In his experience, these formal evening commemorations weren't intended to be jovial so much as ceremonial. A chance for the aristocracy to reaffirm or estimate public relations with one another.
It was the kind of event where one too many social slip ups could cost you your reputation. It's a fine balancing act to make your presence known without becoming a nuisance. Not to say these parties were completely unpleasant. He's grown fond of sampling and investigating the various exotic cooking from the other regions of Lucis offered during these gatherings. Perhaps this time, they will serve the customary cuisines known to Tenebrae. Given the guest of honor is the new regent, Princess Lunafreya.
"I see…" murmured Ignis before he glanced at Prompto curiously. "Will you be attending the ball as well, Prompto?"
"Who me?" Prompto pointed to himself in confusion before shaking his head. "I mean I'd love to, but I don't exactly have an invite. And Noct's not really in a position to ask for a plus—oomph!"
Ignis blinked when the prince discreetly elbowed Prompto in the stomach. The blond paused in confusion and glanced to his raven-haired friend in question. Noctis didn't look at him, but his gaze was obviously averted to not meet anyone in the eye. Quickly, alarm and confusion crossed Prompto's face before his eyes widened in realization.
"I mean, it's no big deal!" He hastily amended, dismissing himself.
"Come on, move, move, move!" Gladio clapped his hands, loudly demanding everyone's attention. "We don't have all day!"
Ignis barely knew the older teen beyond the few short meetings where they encountered one another. However, contrary to Gladio's impatience, he seemed fairly excited about the lesson. Ignis had only acquired basics in order to prepare him for the day he inherits the counthood but it's quite possible that the Amicitia genuinely enjoys dancing.
The quiet teen found himself a curious spectator to the lesson. Since he didn't need to partake in the actual lesson, he took to keeping Talcott at bay from stumbling onto their makeshift dance floor. The toddler was less than agreeable for the most part, constantly squirming and trying to crawl out of his arms. It wasn't until the lesson was underway and the dulcet ballroom melodies filled the room that the toddler finally decided to settle down to watch with rapt attention.
Exuding the assertive presence of the Amicitia line, Gladio took command of the room. Prompto and Noctis fell in line, having been trained by the older teen before. Albeit, the blond more readily than the prince. From the moment, Aracelis herded the group over to the Amicitia household, the raven-haired teen was on eggshells around both Aracelis and Gladio.
Could Gladio's guard placement at Kingsglaive have anything to do with the prince's current unease?
"Given the ball's less than a month away," noted Gladio shortly after explaining how to match the type of dance to the melody being played. "Your best bet is to focus on the foxtrot and the waltz. That'll cover the three-beat and four-beat rhythm songs."
The notable lack of aggressive chastising aside, Gladio took to showing the group the necessary footsteps to the foxtrot with Aracelis for his dance partner. Back tense and ready for anything, Aracelis was akin more to a duelist than a dance partner as the two skillfully glided around their makeshift dance floor.
"Slow, slow, quick, quick and—" Gladio repeated the pattern every two wide strides forward, followed by a quick sidestep to the left, mirrored in reverse by the brunette.
Whereas the Amicitia lead with a stiff sort of grace and confidence, his dance partner was decidedly alert. The brunette's focus was solely on the muscular teen attempting to preempt each of his movements. Her tense grip on his shoulder was made all the more apparent by the creases on his gray hoodie.
By the third rotation around the room, Ignis finally witnessed exactly why she was so anxious. At the last step, the muscular teen suddenly—and without warning—lifted his dance partner and swung her into the air. Even the death grip she had on him was not enough to prevent the momentum of the throw.
"GLADIO!" screeched Aracelis in anger as she went flying towards the high ceiling.
Ignis, along with Noctis and Prompto gaped in awe. Talcott and Iris on the other hand clapped gleefully, blissfully ignorant of the terror of being thrown in such a manner. With a flourished spin, Gladio moved into position to catch the freckled-brunette as if it was all part of the dance. The moment Aracelis' feet landed, she was quick to push away from the older teen began pummeling his arm.
"I—told—you—to—STOP THROWING ME!" exclaimed the infuriated girl.
Undeterred by his friend's ire the Amicitia sniggered, parrying her hands and dodging her attempts at hitting him. Aracelis, expecting this from the start, appeared chagrined than truly angry with him.
Ignis couldn't help but be reminded of his repetitive exchanges with his uncle. Albeit, those were nowhere as violent or as personal as what these two shared. Ignis was quick to squash down the ugly sense of jealousy that bubbled up in his chest.
"Hey big guy, you're not expecting us to throw our dance partners are you?" asked Prompto flippantly before flexing an arm. "Cause apart from you, the rest of us are seriously lacking in the muscle department."
"Speak for yourself," quipped Noctis. "I can throw you easy, now that you're my size."
"No one's throwing anyone!" snapped Aracelis. "Ignis! You're taking over the lesson! Gladio, you can teach Iris while babysitting Talcott."
Gladio grinned behind her as she stormed over to Ignis.
"A-Are you certain?" Ignis asked, taken aback as the toddler was plucked away. Talcott happily clung to his sister before cradling into the older Amicitia's open arms.
"I've had enough of being thrown into the ceiling for one day," grumbled Aracelis impatiently. She pulled Ignis towards their makeshift dance floor. "Since Gladio has already shown them the foxtrot—horribly I might add." Here she shot a dirty glare to her old friend before returning her attention to Ignis. "You can show them the waltz."
Aracelis rolled her eyes at his shy hesitation. His back and shoulders involuntarily went stiff as she pulled one hand to her waist and clasped the other in her own. With a shallow breath, Ignis regathered himself and corrected his posture. He waited for the appropriate beat of the melody before he warily led their dance.
"One, two, three—" Ignis emphasized on the first beat, repeating the pattern in a demonstrative manner as they proceeded with the dance.
Right foot forward, left foot sidestep and right foot follows
Each move he made, the shorter girl mirrored in reverse.
Left foot back, right foot sidestep and left foot follows
The two danced across the room without a single misstep. The girl resembled a wind-up toy, pitter-pattering around after being wound up. It would be no surprise to him if Aracelis memorized the steps as if dancing with him was merely another class assignment.
Rotate and repeat
The awkwardness of being in such close proximity with another person normally would have made him uncomfortable. This… wasn't as bad as he initially feared. Despite the mechanical quality to their motions, Ignis enjoyed keeping up with her.
They went through the set two more times before he loosened his hold around her waist and lifted their hands overhead. Tentatively, Ignis met her gaze before she dutifully twirled through. Their hands remained clasped as they took a step back to spread their free arm wide. In a finishing display they pulled back into their initial dance position.
A faint smile crossed Aracelis for the first time since the dance started and Ignis found himself returning it. So caught up in the dance, he had almost forgotten about their audience until Iris cheered loudly. Aracelis' smile widened as she broke away to give the younger girl an indulging curtsy. It was just like the brunette to be proud of a job well done, regardless of circumstance.
Once Aracelis stood up from her curtsy, she immediately directed her attention to the prince and the blond. "Now that you've seen both dances, let's get to practicing. Prompto, you're with me. Noctis, you're with Ignis."
"Wait! I'm with—" Prompto yelped as the older girl grabbed his arm and dragged him off to another corner of the dance floor.
He turned to Noctis with the intention to start the boy on the basic steps, but paused when he noticed a somber expression on his face.
"Is something the matter, highness?" Ignis asked when he noticed Noctis' gaze lingering on Prompto and Aracelis.
" I think… Aracelis is still angry at me," murmured the prince.
"Angry?" repeated Ignis curiously.
"I mean… You saw how quickly she avoided me," reasoned Noctis. "She's probably still angry that I…" He shook his head, unable to finish. "The only reason this whole dancing lesson is even a thing is because Iris was the one who asked for it…"
"Is that what she said?" Ignis glanced over to Aracelis before continuing. "Or what you believe?"
Noctis silently followed his line of sight.
Prompto frantically apologized as the older girl fought back a grimace. From the looks of the situation, the blond must have accidentally stepped on her foot. Despite Aracelis' insistence that she was fine, he continued to nervously beg for forgiveness. His pleas became so incessant that Aracelis had to slap a hand over his mouth to silence him.
"Aracelis…" Ignis carefully pieced together his next words. "Is a straightforward person. If she really didn't want you in her presence, she would be more obvious about it. She's not exactly one to mince words."
Noctis pulled his gaze away from the pair returning his glance to the older teen, brows pinched in confusion.
"I haven't known Aracelis for long." Ignis continued. "Gladio even less, but I have noticed that the two share something in common."
"Again Prompto," sighed Aracelis. In her attempts to stop Prompto from constantly apologizing, she had taken to reciting a peculiar little song about chocobos of all things. "And, I—want—to—ride—my—chocobo—" She sang it—quite off key one may note—in a waltz rhythm as a means to distract him.
Gladio fared no better with his much shorter and more hyperactive pupil. He awkwardly held up Talcott in an upright position directly in front of Iris, puppeting the squirming and giggling toddler as a makeshift dance partner for her. Despite his clumsy efforts to retain her attention, the younger Amicitia remained gleefully distracted. She had taken to freely dancing about rather than trying to learn seriously.
Both she and Gladio were obviously exasperated by their respective students, yet they continued with long-suffering patience.
"They're not particularly good at expressing themselves." Ignis disclosed with a hint of humor. With a shake of his head he returned his attention to his own pupil.
The prince finally looked ready to continue with the lesson, now reassured that Aracelis wasn't truly upset with him. Taking into account the poor relationship between Gladio and the younger boy, he could see why the gruff older teen would have issues teaching Noctis.
If Aracelis was truly upset with you she could have pushed for Gladio as your dancing teacher instead.
She wouldn't have assigned him the one person she insisted could serve as the prince's perfect royal adviser, Ignis noted to himself darkly. If only Noctis were savvy to her many strange actions indicating a strong obligation to look out for the crown's best interest.
Though more likely… The quiet teen's gaze drifted back to the overburdened Amicitia. It wouldn't be a surprise if every action she took was actually for his sake…
Ignis concentrated on teaching the prince the appropriate steps to each dance, not allowing his thoughts to delve further into the relationship between Aracelis and Gladio. While not the most enthused student, Noctis could be surprisingly determined if properly motivated.
"Man… I kind of want to go to this party now." A cheeky grin crossed the blond's face as he playfully knocked his shoulder against Noctis during a water break. "If only to get a shot of you messing up and stepping on Princess Lunafreya."
"Shut up." The grumpy prince muttered dryly, swatting him away, clearly more upset by the prospect of Prompto's absence than the boy's teasing behavior.
"I'd probably stick out like a sore thumb around all the nobility anyway," laughed the self-deprecating blond.
"Not necessarily," interjected Aracelis. "The majority of Crownsguard are not part of nobility and they're attending. You could always apply and join if you want your own invite in the future."
"Yeah, but that's Crownsguard," dismissed Prompto with a wave. "You have to be like Gladio to—"
At the last second, the blond hastily slapped a hand over his own mouth. A visible twitch appeared at the corner of Aracelis' eye. Whatever had happened, it was clear none of them were ready to talk about it. At the threat of the impending morose about to befall the group, Ignis did his best to muster enough courage to interject.
"If you're interested, you can attend as my plus one," offered Ignis to preemptively break the growing tension. All eyes were suddenly on him and belatedly he quickly wondered if he should have kept his silence.
"Seriously?" The freckle-faced boy's eyes lit up hopefully. "I mean… is that okay? Are they going to give you trouble for it? I mean… you're nobility right?"
"As Aracelis noted, Crownsguard will also be in attendance. Not everyone will be of nobility," reasoned Ignis. "As long as you don't cause any trouble, attending as my friend shouldn't be a problem."
If he thought Prompto's eyes were bright before, they were practically glistening now. The next thing he knew, the blond tackled him with a grateful hug—nearly bowling him to the ground had he been relaxed.
"Thank you!" shouted Prompto gratefully. "Igster you're seriously the best!"
Ignis froze at the nickname.
Logically, he knows the blond is clueless to his secret racing life. Even so, he found it difficult not to react to the nickname. It was strange to hear someone outside of that part of his life using it. Albeit, the rest of the racing community referred to him as 'Iggy' and the only person to really use that nickname with him was Claire.
Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Aracelis discreetly turning away with a hand over her mouth. There was no doubt she was amused by the use of his nickname out of its normal context. His only solace was their mutual agreement in secrecy. However, the small relief he had was immediately forgotten when it suddenly dawned on him that Claire must also be attending the ball.
Maybe he could have found a way to stay home that day, but it was far too late now. Ignis barely managed a weak smile so as not to offend the younger boy tightly hugging him. "You're… welcome."