9th of August, M.E. 755
Niflheim has continued it's saber-rattling. Everyone is on high alert. An emergency meeting was called today regarding their exploits as the Glaive were re-deployed near Cauthess. Aleya's brother is no doubt among them. I expect he probably will not return for a while.
However, I shouldn't focus on such things at this moment.
I'm to speak with Noctis immediately after dawn breaks to apprise him of the situation.
I can only imagine his opinion of being woken so early on his holiday from work.
14th of August, M.E. 755
Tonight, I am writing away from my residence. It's late, and I should not be writing at all, but far be it for me to break from tradition.
I had to leave my residence because another guest occupies it. I'm staying at His Highness' private residence, for the time being.
Today was Aleya's birthday, and we were both allowed the day off to celebrate. The morning was ours; We had breakfast at our favorite café, and I took her to the local zoo. She loves animals and wildlife, so I thought it might be an appropriate gift for her. She appeared to really enjoy herself and thanked me profusely. We had a grand time; I wish we had more days when we could be so calm and carefree.
Noctis, Prompto, and Gladio met us for lunch and we proceeded with the afternoon itinerary, which included watching the Loveless play that we couldn't catch the last time we tried. Gladio bought her the soundtrack after the play was over with. I find him to still be a flirt. Hopefully she'll know better than to fall for it.
As it was late, I sent her home with a few documents to review. We needed them tomorrow for the meeting. Though it required Noct's signature, she and I were hoping to put the finishing touches on the report for Noct to review and sign prior to our afternoon meeting. However, I received a message that tomorrow's meeting would be moved to first thing in the morning, rather than later in the afternoon as planned. Alas, as it was due in less than half the time planned, and she had the paperwork in her possession, I had to trouble her with a call.
I felt guilty about calling on her birthday in the first place. The guilt only amplified when she answered the call, sounding a bit out of sorts. I suspected at first that she was merely tired and possibly preparing to retire for the day. However, there was no sleepy mumble. Her voice became taunt and alert, perhaps even a bit strained. I even heard traffic—a car horn—in the distance. When I asked her location, she informed me that she was at a hotel close to the Citadel. More inquiries and explanations later, and my blood ran cold.
Someone had invaded her home while she was away. What was worse, the culprit was found within once she returned to her residence. She had been smart enough to realize the door had been forced open, and so she immediately put up her guard as she entered. If she had not, she might have not seen the dark outline of the man sitting in the chair in her living space, waiting for her.
He spoke her name, but she was already running. In the space of the few hours I had left her behind, she had called Capital Security, filed a report, been questioned, and sent out on the dark streets of Insomnia on her own to find more secure lodging. (Which, I might add, is unacceptable!) She found her way to the hotel and had been entering it when I called her.
I demanded that she wait in the lobby until I could arrive. And, catching the urgent timbre in my own voice, I explained that I needed the aforementioned document. If I had said that I was coming to check on her, she would have argued. It was best to make the excuse that I was only coming for the document that required Noct's signature. She'll do as I ask if she feels it is for work.
In any case, I arrived in record time, no doubt breaking a few standard traffic laws in my haste. I barely threw my car in park before I dashed out. At least I had the sensibility to kill the engine remotely as I ran—through a Lucian downpour—and made my way to the hotel in which she planned to stay.
There she was, sitting in a corner seat of the lobby, chewing on the tip of her thumb anxiously. She was staring out the window, my briefcase that contained the official documents in her lap. Her eyes were round and weary, and somewhat terrified as well. Otherwise, she looked the same as when I had dropped her off. She worse the same clothes and shoes, albeit they were now damp from the rain. Her hair was equally wet.
I've never felt so many things at once. When I laid eyes upon her, I was relieved, to be sure. It was the same relief I felt after Noct arrived home from that horrible daemon attack—terribly stressed, but equally relieved. Along with the relief, I also felt ire at whoever would have done such a thing and put her in such a position She had been chased out of her own home with no provisions to speak of, most likely to catch cold after fleeing in the rain. On her birthday, no less. Under the ire and relief, I felt an overarching concern for her well-being. I felt the need to comfort her, to provide whatever she might need, and to protect her from those that would seek to harm her.
I found myself staring stupidly at her, only thankful that she seemed to be in one whole piece. I couldn't move my feet. I rarely feel such panic. (I suppose the last time I felt it was when Noctis fell out of the gesko tree at the tender age of six years old. I thought if he somehow survived the concussion and broken leg, I would be hung by the neck for allowing harm to come to him.) I have been trained to drown out panic and think with complete lucidity. After all the years since that I've invested in combat training and disaster drills, I had really thought myself to be stronger than the paralyzing anxiety that seemed to constrict me.
She finally glanced up and caught me standing there, only feet away from her. She leapt up quickly. I don't even remember what she said when she spoke. My senses were abuzz with fright. When I finally came to my senses—which felt like an eternity but was most likely in quick order—I found her rifling through the briefcase in acute alarm. Her hands were still trembling. She nearly dropped the case twice.
I reached out and placed my hand on her shoulder as she spilled numerous apologies. I assured her no harm had been done. In absolute transparency to my journalism, I admit I was so relieved to see her safe and sound, the documents meant very little to me. The old wall could have tumbled down, and I'd have scarcely noticed.
To make a very long story very short, I invited her to ride along and see Noct, to get her mind off of the events of the evening. Again, in transparency, I already had worked out a plan, and I simply refused to leave her at the hotel. For all I knew, the very same madman could be lurking about in the hallways. I wasn't going to let her out of my sight any longer until that rancid sabertusk had been found.
When Noct heard the story, he was nearly as incensed as I. He offered to call the Crownsguard immediately and comb the city.
Aleya, of course, refused. She had already called the Marshal, who had promised her that he would look into the matter.
We both decided it was in her best interests to stay in the most secure area of the city; Being, of course, the Citadel. Furthermore, I offered my own room. I knew it would immediately draw a rebuttal, and it did. She fears what would be said if people found out. She began to expound upon the permanent stain it would leave on my crystalline character. Why my reputation is such an investment that she willingly guards, I'll never understand.
Noctis rather callously retorted he could simply make it an order. After all, Gladio has a spare bedroom, but it was late, and Iris has school. There is no way either I or Noctis would allow her to stay at Prompto's house, as Prompto's house is empty all except for Prompto. The boy's reputation is un-mired, and he wouldn't even know how to begin to make a move on her. Still, the rather difficult situation it would put them both in couldn't have been lost to Noctis any more than myself.
So here I am, on the sofa in Noctis' rather large living area. I can hear him snoring from here. His job is done, and I learned long ago that nothing can keep him awake when he desires to sleep.
Would I have the same fortune!
I kept thinking about how anxious she was when I accompanied her to my suite at the Citadel. She kept her face hidden—as if anyone wouldn't immediately recognize her if they saw us together anyway. She of course had no spare change of clothes, so I loaned her what I could. As she's significantly shorter than me, she had to roll up the hems of the pants and sleeves. (I have no idea why I found that so charming.) I've none of the toiletries she's used to. If all else fails, I suppose she can retrieve a few of her things from the office. I've grown accustomed to finding lip balm and lotion hidden among my office supplies. If not, I told her she's most welcome to use what I have on hand. The poor girl is so worried about being caught in my room; I wonder if she's thought that she'll smell like me in the morning, too. After all, she's using my shower products, my clothes, and my bed…
And with that, I think it perhaps best to stop putting my thoughts on paper.
15th of August, M.E. 755
Today, I had much to do. Meetings are becoming more frequent and less scheduled.
I had to give a personal recollection of Noct's faring to His Majesty first thing this morning. Apparently, I have a pending promotion due to my diligence in matters pertaining to His Highness as well as towards the Kingdom. It's an upgrade in title only, alas. They don't pay me for my service with my own wages. Although, one can hardly complain when one receives all they need with no personal expense incurred.
Niflheim grows more ambitious. I'm afraid the war outside our walls is hard-fought and very little rarely gained. The Glaive—though they do battle with great valor—lose more within their ranks with every passing day.
Prompto's graduated to advanced combat lessons. It's my understanding that the Marshal feels he should hone his ability to do battle in an entourage. It seems he is likely to be a permanent fixture of the future kingship.
Uncle's feeling poorly. I meant to drop by and see him today, but Aleya offered to go in my stead. Though I regret missing the chance to see him, I was very busy, and found her help invaluable. Besides, he's quite taken with her. I'm sure they got along famously.
Speaking of my assistant, she seemed flustered that I returned to my dwellings early this morning, before the sun was even up. She felt I most likely caught her sleeping, and wished I had woken her. Of course I caught her sleeping, and of course I didn't wake her, but she needn't worry herself about it. There was very little else to do. I needed to change and collect my things before the day began. After all she went through, it didn't matter to me that she slept in.
She also complained that I had enough concern for her to purchase her a spare set of clothing. It's nothing special; the sort of thing you can only find at a shop that stays open all hours of the day and night. That was the only option I had. But she didn't complain about the quality at all. She seemed embarrassed that I had gone so far as to include a fresh set of lingerie. Nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone wears them—or rather, everyone should. She's perturbed that the sizes were so close to accuracy. She doesn't believe me when I say I guessed. I don't think she believes me to be so fortunate to have guessed so precisely. I'm a mathematician by nature. Why is it so hard to believe?
She's had great trouble making eye contact with me since this morning. Hopefully her discomfiture will wear off in due time.
Long day ahead tomorrow, and as I didn't sleep even a moment last night, it's best to end the summary of the day's events here.
17th of August, M.E. 755
The Marshal wanted a private meeting with Aleya today. I have no idea why, as I was not invited. Directly afterwards, Noct requested to speak with her. Again, I was left in the dark. They spoke quite a while without me. Should I be offended?
Aleya says nothing, but I can tell she's anxious. She seems on edge. Of course, if I had a madman stalking me from the shadows, I'd be on edge as well. She also fears the rumors will alight anew if anyone finds out where her current—albeit temporary—lodgings are. It isn't only that, however. She fears every new casualty report from the front will bear the name of the only family member she has left.
On that account alone, Aldercapt should pay.
It has been a bit strange, I suppose. I have to gather my things before I leave for the evening, and she insists that I call her on my way back, lest I catch her sleeping again. It's odd to walk into my own private residence and find her there every morning—hair down, bare feet. The coffee is made and garula bacon is usually simmering on the stove. She keeps the place immaculate. I've never seen even one of my things out of place. Not even a hint of dust. If my uncle had any idea that our relationship was bordering on domestication, I'd fear for the state of his heart. He's likely to die from elation. I suppose he'd at least die happily.
Those pleasantries aside, it hasn't been entirely difficult. Learning how to commute hasn't been unbearable. Traffic is pleasant so late in the evening and so early in the morning. Furthermore, I can help Noct put the final touches on his upcoming speech—the new law he intends to enact on his birthday in a few weeks.
I've told Aleya to dress in something smashing during the upcoming celebration. I'm sure she'll understand why once the surprise is revealed.
22nd of August, M.E. 755
I've arranged for temporary housing for our dear Aleya after the incident she suffered this early morning.
Noct, Prompto, Gladio, and myself were all going through our training paces in the Great Hall this morning, alongside various members of the Crownsguard. A few Crownskeep passed as well, tidying up here and there. Aleya entered, looking quite fatigued and rubbing her neck and shoulder.
Prompto inquired as to why she so appeared by some flippant 'wrong side of the bed' remark. She simply stated she hadn't slept well the night hence. To which, unfortunately, our rather un-astute companion replied quite loudly, 'Maybe you're just not used to sleeping in Iggy's bed, yet'.
I am positive his voice echoed off every brick and floated on the breeze beyond the outer walls. The whole room had unfortunately gone silent just as he had spoken. Leya's face drained of all color. I honestly thought I might have to catch her lest she faint. One Crownskeep ran into one of the side-benches as she walked, as she was so busy staring our direction. Everyone else either gave us ignorant childish grins or tried to pretend they hadn't heard anything at all.
Noctis muttered something under his breath—something rather stern, if I had to guess. I didn't hear exactly. I had gone deaf in my shock.
Gladio caught on quickly and slapped the unfortunate smaller man on the back of his head. 'I thought you better than that. You know Specs doesn't like that kind of cheap joke,' he stated.
I muttered an 'indeed' dryly, but I didn't have the wits to play along. I was too busy with trying earnestly to catch her eye, to cast her an apologetic glance.
Prompto attempted to clarify, but Noct threw an arm around his neck and choked him. I think it was a feint, but I'm not certain. Something was said about teaching him a lesson. I can't recall all of it.
Leya just stiffly turned and left our presence, making her way to the archery room in complete silence. I didn't see her again until around noon. At which point, I figured I'd best arrange something better than an apology. I managed to procure a private suite with the help of Uncle. A temporary residence, to be sure, but he is happy for her to use it until her brother returns and safe lodgings were to be had. No one has to be the wiser. Now that everyone in the Citadel is paying attention, if they find her here, she'll have a valid excuse. Hopefully it will die out with the rest of the rumors.
Uncle's beside himself. He had no idea. I bloody wish he would have never found out. Now I'm likely to never hear the end of it. This little incident will only add fuel to that particular flame.
As for Prompto, I must do something about that mouth; Teach him what happens when it wanders too freely. I suppose it juvenile to slip something extra in his dessert tomorrow?
30th of August, M.E. 755
My word, what a gift! Noctis received from his father a vehicle. She isn't just any vehicle, mind you. She's blacker than the night sky, sleeker that the crystal we're sworn to protect, with the power of a Behemoth, and a purr of a coeurl kitten. Can't say I'm not a bit jealous. This is Noct's first real taste of power. Let's see how he handles it.
He states we're all to go for our first ride in the Star of Lucis tomorrow morning. Gods save me! While I enjoy the though of being in such a beautiful machine, I don't enjoy the risk it will put to my health with Noct piloting her.
We're all happy for him, though. Leya said if she knew he would be getting a car, she would have bought him sunglasses. Leave that part to me. I have an eye for appropriate frames.
Speaking of Aleya, she was lovely today. She continues to be bold enough to wear color to colorless official events. Today was a light blue lace gown of some sort. It caught the color in her eyes. I didn't dance with her this year, as we both seem intent on minding our distance. Prompto, Gladio, and even our dear prince did, though.
She was quite emotional about the whole thing, especially dancing with our dear Heir after his official proclamation. While even I can't remember every line, there were some phrases that I'll never forget. For example: "These walls are meant as a refuge, not as a barrier." "Who are we to proclaim our birthright for this land? Even the Founder King was not conceived here nor birthed here. He only worked hard to build it, as should we all." "If being Lucian and living in Insomnia means we look down upon our brothers beyond the wall, I am ashamed to say I am Lucian. However, if it means we are protectors—guardians—for those beyond; If it means being a welcome comfort to those who suffer from the horrors we are spared; Let me be proud to rule. Let me proud to be Lucian. If I can expand such blessings, I welcome all—those within these walls and those without—to build a world in which all can know peace."
It was at this time that he enacted sanctuary laws and provisions for immigration, and announced stiff legal penalties for anyone who harassed or otherwise harmed any immigrant looking for refuge within the city.
I couldn't have been more proud. We knew that such a proclamation would not be well-received by many. And yet, he had the courage and fortitude to take his stand, moving forward to enact his will despite the consequences. He was every ounce the prince his father wanted him to be in those few minutes. I caught the pride in his father's eyes. I agree with his assessment; He'll make a very fine King indeed.
As for Aleya, even if she hadn't felt a personal attachment to Noctis before, she certainly feels one now. I caught her crying, though she fought admirably to try to conceal it.
When the party began to die down, I went looking for Noctis, who had suddenly disappeared. I found him in the outer hallway stairwell. Umbra paid a visit with a letter from LunaFreya; No doubt she's wishing him a happy birthday. When I rounded the corner, I saw Noct reading and Aleya seated on the floor next to him, the divine messenger curled up in her lap as if he were the most normal canine in the world. The moon and the streetlights of the city shone through the window they sat under, bathing them in a whitish-blue light. Side by side sat the two people who meant the most to me, perfectly content and natural in the others' company. Would that I had access to Prompto's camera at that moment! It was a lovely scene, indeed.
Lovely scene, and lovely day. I'm sure it's one I'll not soon forget.
It dawns on me that I am Ignis Scientia: an orphan of a Royal Retainer and an Accordite elite, picked by the very hand of the King to watch over his son—to watch over Lucis—for as long as I draw breath. I will no doubt become the second highest official in the land, and the responsibility is both humbling and astounding. I have the pleasure of roaming these walls, of watching Noctis grow into a proud and capable ruler.
As much as I am Ignis Scientia, I am also forever grateful.