Evening; Town Square...
"Whoa..."
Prompto gaped in awe, mesmerized by the warm glow of lights bringing light to their city when the sun had set.
All around him, his mate and his best friends/Brothers-in-Arms, everybody they see has big smiles on their faces. Males wearing dressy suits, with or without their dress vests/coats that goes with their dress pants, complimenting the clothing of others and being very polite to any girl that acknowledges their existence. The females, either wearing dresses, or shirts to go with their skirts, with many wearing sandals, dress-shoes or even painful high-heels, both single and/or in a relationship, acting like they're at prom night in high school and ready to spend time with their gal pals and/or flirtatious when a handsome gentleman would send them signals that they're interested in them. Children, either wearing dressy clothes or clothing that was somewhat presentable, running through the crowd, laughing and giggling, having fun and burning off adrenaline-like energy, before their parents/siblings/family finds them and pulls them to their table for dinner.
The vendors, many opened with appetizers, accessories, books or other useful/interesting items to sell, beamed up and greeted any passerby that would wave to them, while keeping their mini-shops presentable to attract their attention.
...The only ones not dressed to being festive, are the Crownsguard and the remaining members of the Kingsglaive.
While they're allowed to partake in the festivities and eat food, they have to remain on guard duty and patrol Insomnia.
...Since Noctis' return and restoring the light to all of Eos, during the rebuilding of their city, Cor and Gladiolus had talked amongst the remaining Kingsglaive and convinced their king to not continue wearing the Ring of the Lucii to put up a barrier to shield the entire city, as his father before him did and his father did before him and so on.
Yes, the shield had kept their people safe for many generations... But, to have their past kings give up their own lifespan to putting up a barrier, which resulted many of them to die from poor health, at very young ages and much too soon than an average werewolf would live through, made many of the Crownsguard and Kingsglaive open their minds to know that they can't rely on their king to keep them safe, on his own.
And, that King Regis was wearing the ring and had the shield up, when Niflheim attacked, their greatest defense shattered into million of pieces and lead many to almost all people of Insomnia to die in the process of their shield failing to protect them.
With such a tragic and traumatic event to open their eyes, the Crownsguard and Kingsglaive were not only able to rebuilt their numbers, with many humans and werewolves being descendants of their city for having relations and/or origins of Insomnia through their bloodlines, but put themselves through the ringers to better prepare themselves for another attack.
...And, to keep watch over the city, both day and night of each hour, instead of having their king giving away his life by putting up the barrier.
As officers of the Crownsguard, they are required to wear their uniforms to show their ranks and positions to the citizens of Insomnia... But, because they're members of Noctis' extended pack and Brothers-in-Arms, they don't have to wear only their Crownsguard Uniform for all of the days of the Five Moons Blessings Celebration. Only for at least two days, to avoid showing disrespect of their position when they give their blessings to their king and queen.
So, for the first night, they chose to wear their Kingsglaive Uniforms, presenting themselves as, also, officers of the Late King Regis' army... But, unless they're sitting and/or eating, they can't take off the jacket of their uniforms when out on teh street.
All around him, Gladiolus sees the many smiling faces of people, human and werewolf.
It made his chest swell in pride that he's responsible for their smiling faces; doing his part as a Crownsguard, watching over them and protect them, as if they were his own pack-mates. Even as the King's Sworn Shield, he'll make certain that they will all be able to go to bed, with no fear of somebody trying to attack them. And, if he'll have to, he'll lay down his life, to ensure they would all be safe from any threat that comes their way.
...
...
...Though, to his disappointment, he couldn't find her.
He couldn't find Sarai, or either of her three brothers within the crowd, which was steadily growing larger by the minute. And, because everybody's scents are merging and the Thalassius Siblings' own scent aren't strong enough to be detected, he couldn't try and track them down. And as Noctis' Sworn Shield, he must stay by the king's side and do his part to protect him and Lunafreya.
He hand patted him on the shoulder, revealing to being Ignis.
"Be patient," he whispered. "She'll be here, soon enough. Allow her and her brothers the opportunity to enjoy Insomnia by browsing around, on their own."
The soon-to-be thirty-five year-old was about to say argue with the last part, but Ignis held up a hand.
"Since you've been getting a bit 'too friendly' with your mate that resulted to view someone she and her brothers had, most likely, believe to being a stalker, after discovering you've been watching her on their balcony at night... I believe it would be best to give them some space to figure out their way around the city. And, since they're going to be living in Insomnia, they shouldn't have to deal with being shadowed all the time and must learn their way around the city. -He let out a chuckle.- Besides, your mate should be able to make some friends to interact, without her overprotective Life-Mate to act like her angry bodyguard all the time."
Stumped by the facts that he can't argue with, Gladiolus shut his mouth and breathe through his nose to puff out in defeat.
"He's right, Gladdy." Noctis replied, keeping an arm around Luna and watching his people being festive. "You can't be with her, twenty-four/seven, while you're performing your duties as the King's Sworn Shield, which you already know. She needs to be able to mingle with others, when she can't be with you or her brothers. At least give her the independency to choose and do what she wants to."
Prompto snickered at the disapproval, but defeated look on Gladiolus' face... Then, he yelped when Cindy pinched him through the sleeve of his jacket on his bicep.
"Hush up, Prompto." She scolded, wearing her turquoise shirt with dar-red/maroon flowers and some blue and light-purple abstract of flowers, black-shorts and Cerulean/light-blue Stuart Weitzman Tieland boots. And, of course, is wearing her hat.
In a pathetic, embarrassing moment, Prompto let out weak whimpers that not even a dog wouldn't even find amusing, puffed out his bottom-lip and nuzzling her right-shoulder, holding her right-hand in both hand and against his right-cheek.
"Cici, please don't hate me." He begged, giving her what he claims to being his irresistible puppy-eyes.
The thirty-seven year-old she-wolf groaned under her throat, glaring down at her mate's embarrassing moment to make himself look like a fool by acting like a lovestruck adolescence.
"Prompto..." She growled, but didn't make any move to free her hand from his grip.
Ignis pinched the bridge of his nose.
"For Six Sake, Prompto." He muttered. "Will you be so kind as to stop acting like a pup and, for at least these five coming days, do present yourself as a Crownsguard and one of the King's Brothers-in-Arms?"
Prompto huffed at his older-brother figure's request, but did stop using his puppy-eyes and the whimpering. He still had a slight pout on his face and glared at the older-blonde, as he kissed his mate's hand.
Cindy rolled her eyes, as she freed her right-hand from his grip and wrapped her arms around his neck, resting her head underneath his chin.
"Settle down, Prompto." She ordered, kissing his jawline. "You can afford ta behave, and put aside yer childish antics. And, if yer good, I'll make certain ta give you a reward when we get home."
In hearing that he would be getting something when they get home if he behaves, the thirty-one year-old gave her a devilish look that told him he was more than willing to listen... And, in the heat of the moment, wrapped his arms around her waist, leaned forward and delivered a deep, passionate kiss on her lips.
Noctis was a little uncomfortable of their open display of love, though got passed it when Luna turned his attention away from their friend's little make-out session and pulled him in to give him a loving kiss that got his own beast purring. Both, from seeing how happy she was with the decoration and to remind him that they'll get to have some fun during the festival.
...Gladiolus, while feeling a bit nauseous from Cindy hearing she was going to give Prompto a reward if he be good and almost gagged when the two kissed... He couldn't help but feel jealous of him and Noctis. Watching them hold their mates and to give them their love... To express their joy and unconditional for their Life-Mates... Both of whom had, not only stayed by their sides and are doing their parts to help aid their mates with caring for their people, but were able to accept their seeds and are going to birth a new generation of pups that are going to do great things to help all of Eos, as their fathers and uncles had done.
...
...And right now, having to watch Noctis and Prompto embracing their mates and openly displaying their love and affection in front of public, made his beast wants to go find the Life-Mate he yearned for, after so many years, to confess his undying love for her and to come live with him. To embrace and hold her against his chest, where his wild heart would race and cry to have her at his side.
He wish that the celebration was already over, so that he could present to all of Insomnia his Life-Mate and give her his Mating-Mark... To show every male and female of the city that she was taken, and he's now a mated male and can't be taken from his true love.
...
...And then, when she's ready, they'll lock themselves within their den for days, during the mating season... And, with his strong genetics and wolf-heritage, they'll be starting a pack of their own and, like the rest of his Brothers-in-Arms, will finally gain his wish on becoming a father and having a pack of his own.
A harsh jab against his rib brought him out of his thoughts, yelping from the force Ignis used to administer the amount of force into his cane.
...
...Even when blind, Ignis' glare can stop a Cockatrice in its track and freeze it in fear, as it would do to its enemies.
"Contain yourself, Gladio." The thirty-three year-old growled out, following Noctis and Luna to browse around the vendors and to greet their many subjects and citizens. "...Need I remind you, that this is a family oriented event...? Where even young, small pups are able to smell you getting 'excited'?"
Amber-eyes widened in horror at the mentioning of pups being close by and, immediately, forced his thoughts about his future with Sarai in the back of his mind and urged his beast to settle down.
...Luckily, his blood, also not wanting to scar and/or confuse little ones with his sudden change of scent, didn't put up much of a fight and got his body to calm down.
Ignis hummed in approval when the scent of Gladiolus' arousal died down and the wind and flowers all around them helped rid away the smell... But, behind his shades, his blind-eyes flashed with deep concern towards his older-friend/big brother-figure.
'It's just as I feared,' he thought. 'His emotions is making his blood and hormones more active than we thought. Not to mention, watching and smelling other males getting aroused and trying to attract females, isn't really helping him to not rush on getting Sarai to being his Life-Mate. And, with his thirty-fifth birthday coming up after the Five Moons Blessings Celebration, it's going to make his behavior much harder to control.'
"Hey, you guys!"
His enhanced hearing caught the sound of Iris calling out to them, near a vendor that, to his sense of smell, appears to sell small appetizers. And, with her, obviously, is Libertus.
'Hopefully, interacting with his sister will help keep his behavior intact.'
The group went towards Iris, who was dressed in a short-sleeve dress and black-heel dress-shoes... She even wore a special silver-necklace with a nightingale bird, that once belonged to their mother.
Libertus, like most males, is wearing a dressy suit. But, has a blossom weaved into his dress-shirt and wore his hair into a ponytail.
"Hey, Iris! Libertus!" Prompto greeted, though didn't remove himself from his pregnant mate. "You two look good! Are you guys ready for the best five days of your lives?!"
Libertus beamed at the younger-male.
"You know it!" He exclaimed, just as excited as the blonde. "I can't wait to watch the performances, and finding cool things that people will be selling at the vendors."
"Not to mention, trying out the delicious food Iggy and Tura made from the ingredients the Thalassius Siblings gathered for us." Iris added, which made her feel hungry. "Speaking of food. Iggy, what time will we're be eating dinner?"
The blind-werewolf may no longer be able to tell time with a watch, anymore, but he's able to use the air and sounds to help him figure out what it is.
"Because many have young pups that are going to fall asleep at around nine and/or ten after the excitement and playing, I've taken the liberty to schedule dinner to commence at around seven-thirty. So, a little under an hour and a half. Or, if we're lucky, an hour in thae earliest." He calculated, feeling the breeze blowing against them.
Of course, being an expecting mother, Iris did whined from the news.
And, also being a big fan of his friend's cooking, Prompto joined in on the whining.
"Aw! Really?!" He complained. "We'll starve, Iggy!"
Cindy smacked him in the chest.
"No ya won't, ya overgrown pup." She scolded, as she grabbed him by the ear and pulled his head down. "And don't even think about sayin' ya starvin'. We both ate, nearly an hour ago. And, if either of us gets hungry, there are many food vendors in Insomnia we can eat and will have plenty of room for more, before dinner."
"I know, Cici." Prompto whined, leaning his head to the side. "But their food isn't as good as Iggy's~!"
Iris giggled at his whining.
"I don't know, Prompto." She said. "You never seem to care on who made the food, from all the time you would wolf down your food."
The blonde sent a glance towards the twenty-six year-old she-wolf.
"Yeah, but that's because of my high metabolism!" He replied. "Plus, nobody makes great food like Iggy does, besides Tura, Takka and, of course, my mate."
Gladiolus' sister and brother-in-law turned to each other, and giggled at his words.
"Well, you may not believe this, but Lupe and Ra can make great meals, just as good as Iggy." Libertus revealed.
That was a big surprise... And, something Gladiolus was more than happy to hear, since he's hearing something new about his Life-Mate.
"Really?" He asked, folding his arms over his chest.
Iris beamed up at her brother.
"It's true," she stated. "While Ceph and Talis can cook decent meals, too, Lupe and Ra put in more time and effort to hone their own cooking and are basically in charge on what they would eat, while out hunting. They're, especially, really great at food foraging. Though, they prefer making healthy food and all four of them like eating healthy."
Ignis hummed in approval from the news.
"That's a major relief," he said. "It's not easy for teenagers, mostly human-adolesence, to eat healthy, nowadays. Though, most aren't trying to become hunters as a career/dream job choice. And, with the Time of Darkness had ended, many are looking forward to doing normal career choices, again. Which means, healthy eating habits will deteriorate."
Noctis slightly paled at his friend's deduction, realizing what is going on in his head.
"Oh no," he whispered.
The blind-werewolf started to walk away from the group.
"Hey, Iggy, where you going?!" Gladiolus called out.
"To speak with my mate!" The younger-male replied, before turning to Iris and Libertus. "Iris, I leave Gladio in yours and Libertus' capable paws! And make sure to keep him on a short leash!"
The soon-to-be thirty-five year-old werewolf slightly blushed at his words, as a low growl left his chest.
"Iggy!" He called out, a hint of embarrassment can be heard in his voice.
Seeing the blush on his cheeks and irritation in his eyes... Rather than laugh at his embarrassed embarrassment, the two each grabbed for his arms.
"You got it, Iggy!" Libertus replied, beaming.
"Leave him to us!" Iris announced.
...Luna and Cindy can tell that they knew why Ignis told them to keep the large-werewolf on a short leash... If the hint of concern in Iris' eyes wasn't enough evidence to tell the girls and their mates that she's worried for her brother's state of mind and change of behavior.
Noctis watches the two werewolves dragging a slightly resisting Gladiolus for a little browsing through the vendors... His beast slightly whimpering for his big brother-figure... And, for his soon-to-be imprinted-sister.
'She did tell him that Sarai isn't interested on finding her mate,' he recalled. 'And after hearing how she almost died at the age of five, I wouldn't be surprised or even blame her if she refuses to accept the fact that she's Gladio's Life-Mate... Still, I hope his blood doesn't do something that would cause her to be afraid of him.'
An Hour Later...
"Oh. Em. Gee... IT'S SO CUTE!" Prompto squealed, holding up a small stuffed animal of a yellow-Chocobo and proceed to cuddle it against his cheek. "We need to get this for our pups-! No, wait! We need to get them each their own Chocobo stuffy!"
Noctis, Gladiolus and Libertus gave him blank, slightly concerned looks, while Iris and Luna giggled at his excitement on deciding which Chocobo they were going to get and figuring out how many they should have... Cindy wasn't in the least amused by her mate's behavior.
Iris turned to Cindy.
"You better intervene and stop him from buying their entire stock." She suggested, jerking her head towards the bewildered vendor owner, who backed away from a hyperactive Prompto, who had his arms full of Chocobo stuffed animals and is now going over with picking Chocobo hats and socks.
The thirty-seven year-old she-wolf muttered a "Right..." and went towards the thirty-one year-old blonde.
Before he could ask the owner of the vendor if they had any Chocobo sippy cups and/or bottles, Cindy pulled him back and purchased four stuffed Chocobos.
"We're done! We're leavin', Prompto!" She announced and grabbed him by the ear, carrying the four stuffed animals in a plastic bag with her left-hand, before the blonde could even start to complain about only buying the toys.
Again, Iris and Luna giggled, while very much impressed by her way on handling and keeping Prompto on a very short leash.
Libertus laughing nervously at Cindy's irritated and clear exhaustion from walking on her sore feet.
"Say what you will about Cindy; she knows how to handle Prompto."
"Yeah... Now, imagine Iris gaining her iron will, while she goes into labor." Gladiolus said, smirking at his brother-in-law when he saw him sweat drop from the thought.
...And, happening to hear what her brother just said, Iris kicked him in the shin.
"And this is me not in my calm, collective mood, if you keep messing with my mate, Gladdy!"
They may have an eight year gap between them, but she knows every trick in the book to get back at her big brother and his silly little antics... And one thing she knows that he has a weak-spot for, besides his undying love for ramen, is his instinct to respect and be extra nice and caring towards pregnant females.
And, because she's pregnant with his blood-nieces and nephews, she's much more capable at manipulating her brother to listen.
As she expected, Gladiolus, who gave her a nervous stare and hunched over to hold his shin, grumbled out "Fine..." and looked off to the side. He couldn't tease Libertus, then he best use his time to look out for Noctis and Luna's safety.
The thirty year-old werewolf looked over to his pregnant mate and gave her a gratified smile.
He may be a Beta in the Kingsglaive, but is a lower-rank than Gladiolus... And, for being one of Hunters best fighters and sibling to an Alpha, Iris is his Alpha of their pack.
Libertus knew, one of these day, he'll rank up and become the Alpha Male that Iris deserves to have and rely on. And while he has improved his physical appearance, he has yet to start mentally improving himself to be given a chance to rank up.
So, until he improves his confidence and can hold himself against his brother-in-law's teasing, without any assistance from his pregnant mate, he isn't ready to be taken seriously and show he's ready to be known as an Alpha.
...And, honestly, he finds it very humorous and enjoyable to see somebody, three times smaller than the big guy, himself, putting him in his place.
'So long as he keeps listening to Iris, we should be all good and have nothing to worry about.'
"Whoa! Check out their clothes!" A random man cried out, standing in awe with some of his friends, bringing the group's attention from a slightly pouting Gladiolus to the small crowd forming.
"Oh! So handsome!" A girl squealed, rapidly fanning her face with her hand.
"Their clothing seem a tad bit odd, but they do look presentable."
"For the boys, yeah. But, that short-girl, seems to not match with her brothers."
"True, but she looks soooooooo adorable in that summer dress!"
Their words very much drove the group to go see what their citizens are seeing.
...
...
...Then, halfway towards the small-crowd... Gladiolus caught a scent... The very scent that his mind had imprinted and knew, instinctually and immediately, that it was the very person he wanted to see every second of every moment that he had to be away from.
...When he saw over the crowd's head... His breath was stolen.
He first noticed the oldest of the group: Wearing creamy-jeans, a light-blue shirt with a navy blazer and brown-dress shoes. He, also, has his shoulder-length black-hair in a ponytail.
The second-oldest of the group wore what looks to be crossed between a business suit, and a suit that a groom would wear. Most likely, a plaid suit. Boutique, with Casual wool. Dark-grey/black mixed coloring, with faint white-lines to show the checker-pattern of the clothing. Underneath the suit, the shirt is a dark-maroon color, black Chelsea boots in black faux suede. His short dark-brown/blackish hair is combed, with the bangs on his right-side hanging over his right-eye.
The third brother wore a moss-green, two piece, Summer suit. A white-satin shirt can be seen, from the jacket being open. He has KURU footwear men's Kivi for his choice of shoes. His neck-length black-hair remained hanging, wavy and untamed.
...
...
...And then, there was the last person in the group... The one that has stolen Gladiolus' heart and made him forget how to breathe.
It was easy to tell that it was her; wearing the worn, scratched cowboy hat... But, her choice of clothing is what really intrigued him and the small-crowd.
She wore what can best be described as a Beach Dress, something that many would label as a Hippie Dress. Red, with imprints of lilies and cherry-blossoms. It covers her whole body, clinging more to the top-half of her body to show off her small, thin, but strong figure. The wind made the lower-part of her dress flutter and wave in the air, showing that she's wearing dark-brown sandals that ties and wraps around her ankles and little-feet. The wind, also, had her wavy brownish-black hair dance in the wind and tried to blow her hat away, if she hadn't pinned it to her head with her hand.
...
...
...
...She was beautiful, and Gladiolus was more than ready to whisk her away and give her his mating-mark to bind her to him.
Luna, Noctis, Cindy, Iris and Libertus were happy to see the siblings out and about, as they were looking at a accessories vendor to either buy new accessories, trade in one of their own for something different or even sell an item that the vendor could use and/or sell for a better price for his business.
...While Prompto, too busy to gape at Sarai's choice of dress... Could only squeal, like a school girl.
"Oh. Em. Gee... SHE'S SO ADORABLE!"
His cries did turned the small-crowds' attention, along with other people who was passing through... And, immediately, they saw their king and queen, along with two of his Protectors and Brothers-in-Arms, and got down on their knees to bow.
"Your Majesty!" They all cried out in unison.
Noctis and Gladiolus glared at the blonde, who laughed nervously at having to blow their cover.
"Sorry, guys." He apologized, rubbing the back of his head.
...
...The Thalassius Siblings and the vendor, who also bowed to his king and queen, saw the group... And the three brothers, immediately, glared at the King's Shield and his goofball of a protector.
...
...
...However, as their sister had done with the vendor when she acknowledged their presence and, silently, panicked from the thought of being disrespectful, got down on their knees to offer their respect to the king and queen.
After giving Prompto a glare, Noctis raised his hand in the air.
"My people," he acknowledged. "Thank you. You may rise, and enjoy yourselves in the festivities."
Hearing his blessing and praise, the citizens rose and continued to move along. Mostly, to get out of his and his pack's way. Partly, all being human, to go brag to their friends that they were in the presence of the king, himself and/or eye them from a distance.
The four siblings, however, remained kneeling.
Luna giggled at the soft curse her mate muttered, for his mistake on not including their guests to rise. And, keeping her grip in his hand, gently ushered him and the group to walk towards the Thalassius Siblings... And, to get a closer look at her soon-to-be Sister-in-Law.
"You may rise as well, Honored Guests." She gently gave them her blessing. "And know, while you are in Insomnia, you four are included and accepted as our people."
The four siblings, hearing the queen informing them that they're, also, included as her citizens and are granted permission to rise, all bowed their heads to show their thanks to her blessings and then, finally, rose to their feet.
Cephas, stepping up in the front, folded his right-arm over his chest and bowed the top-half of his body to the group.
"Your Majesty," he greeted... Then, sent a glare at Gladiolus and Prompto. "...Lord Gladiolus. Lord Prompto."
They can clearly hear the warning in his tone, as Vitalis gently pulled a blushing Sarai against him and directed her back at the vendor to look at the accessories they were trying to figure out to buy or not.
...The soon-to-be thirty-five year-old didn't approve of them keeping his Life-Mate away from him... But, he wasn't going to say anything and/or do anything to make them more skeptical of his interest of their sister.
Not when he has a task to get her to be comfortable around him, and open up to him.
...Then, Iris and Libertus came in to have their presence known.
"Hey, you guys!" Iris greeted, beaming at their surprised and, clearly, their joy at seeing her and Libertus.
"IRIS!" Vitalis, hearing her voice, pulled away from a just as equally surprised and happy Sarai and ran to the pregnant she-wolf and embraced her.
Of course, instinctually, Libertus growled lowly at the un-mated male embracing his pregnant mate, but stopped growly and beamed at Cephas, who came to him and pulled him into a bro-hug.
"It's great to see you two, Tus." The oldest-brother responded, before turning to Iris and giving her a gentler hug.
"It truly is." Lupus agreed, but remained behind to stand beside their nervous, but just as equally happy sister at seeing the two werewolves.
Iris beamed at the second-brother, before turning to Sarai.
With a gentle smile, which hid a small-plot in her head to make her brother jealous, she slightly waddled over to the eighteen year-old.
"...Hey, Ra." She greeted, before opening her arms. "Aren't you going to give me a hug, too?"
The hat hid the girl's face... But, they can see a small-smile on her face, as she slowly, and slightly hesitated, being cautious and mindful of her delicate condition, came forth and allowed the pregnant she-wolf to pull her into a hug.
Once in her arms, Iris felt the girl slowly, and carefully, wrapping her arms around her.
...
...She can sense how nervous the girl was getting, with everybody staring at her, but can feel she really was happy to see her and Libertus, who smiled sadly at the girl being shy and uncomfortable as she normally was in public.
...
...And, both feeling gazes of jealousy and a groan from the Sworn Shield, himself, gave them a boost of satisfaction on getting back at him.
However, also hearing the groan and feeling the Amber-eyes staring at her... Along with the vendor, gaping in awe, and other people giving her looks of disgust, Sarai mistook it as disapproval and, immediately, pulled away from the pregnant Iris and, quickly, bowed her body to the girl and the large-male... Trembling, from the thought that she was wrong to embrace the sister of the King's Sworn Shield.
...Along with people, humans, whispering rude remarks to her action.
"How dare she hug Lord Gladiolus' sister?! She could've hurt her, and her pups!"
"Who does she think she is? Being all chummy with the Daemon Slayer, herself, when she's way out of her league."
"She's lucky that Sir Ostium didn't attack her, for hugging his Life-Mate! He would've sliced her arm off for even touching his mate, if Lady Iris hadn't came up to her!"
"I say he should've done so! Clearly, she hadn't been punished for her Chocobo almost attacking Lord Prompto! Let alone, our glorious king and queen!"
"She should be punished for wearing such poor taste for clothes!"
...
...Iris and Libertus, while stunned to hear the whispers going on about the now anxious, flustered girl, weren't surprised that such comments are coming from humans... And they hated how Sarai, whom they imprinted as their sister, is being criticized for something she didn't do, again... But, are more angered and disgusted that such people would speak ill-will about her, in Noctis' own city.
...With him, his mate, and friends to hear their comments.
...
...
...
...Which the group was very much floored that their own citizens would be so rude to one of their honored guest, for no reason.
...
...
...
...
...Gladiolus' beast snarled out at the terrible comments going on about his Life-Mate... His eyes went red.
He just gave in to allow himself to morph into his wolf-form... When, without warning, a voice over some speakers called out over their heads.
...The voice, belonging to Ignis.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I'm happy to report that tonight's dinner is ready to commence. Please, head to your designated tables, which you'll all be given a number by a Service Telebox* to where you're instructed to dine at. Thank you!"
Hearing the announcement that dinner was ready, Cephas was the first to act.
"Pardon us, your majesty." He said, standing out in front while Lupus and Vitalis guide their sister down the opposite path to follow the crowd towards the Citadel. "It was really nice to meet you guys, but we best go find our table and get our food, before the line gets big."
Gladiolus' eyes widened, the redness in his eyes leaving, as he watches his Life-Mate quickly follow her brothers.
"W-Wait a sec!" He called out... His right-hand rose in the air, desperately wanting to grab her.
Only for Iris to grab the hand and hold it down.
"See you at dinner, you guys!" She cried out, beaming at the Thalassius Siblings.
...Then, the moment the siblings were gone, her smile left her face and, turning to her brother, gave him a serious glare.
"...Gladdy," she said. "...You're starting to lose control over your emotions."
Gladiolus winced at her claim, but couldn't deny the truth of the matter.
"I know," he growled out. "But I couldn't just stand there and let the-"
"You have to." Libertus, looking just as serious and worry for his brother-in-law, cut him off. "And unless you want to go tell everybody that she's your Life-Mate, before she can even get to know you and starts to view you as some possessive stalker, you need to get ahold of yourself and have your beast under control. And before you ask, yeah, she heard what they were saying about her and this isn't something new she hadn't dealt with."
If he expected that to bring the group any form of comfort, it didn't. In fact, it seemed to have gotten them more pissed off that their own people are making it worse for Sarai to enjoy herself in her soon-to-be new home.
Noctis had a calm expression, but his eyes showed disgust and deep hatred from there news.
"She's been badmouthed, before?" He asked, hoping it was only recent and is all a misunderstanding of a rumor.
Both Iris and Libertus let out deep sigh, before nodding their heads to their king.
"I'm afraid so." Iris answered, as she grabbed for Libertus' hand and started walking towards her and her group's table, which she already knew where they will be sitting at. "You can thank those children, from Eusciello, for being the cause of the badmouthing. But, as a strong person, she chooses to not let their words get to her and turn the other cheek... Which is what we want you guys to do, and should be doing, when rumors are involved."
She knew that it wasn't wise to leave her brother to stew in on what she just told him and some of her extended pack mates, but she needed to give them a heads up that this isn't something new to the Thalassius Siblings and mustn't let his anger towards his people make him start to go back to the vow he made as a Crownsguard and Kingsglaive.
...Though, she still held one important piece of information that she knew would take his anger a step further to go through a frenzy of rage to find those children and make them fix the mistake they cause to Sarai.
Libertus gently nudged her arm... His blue-eyes flashed her a look of concern, and a hint of irritation.
"You know that we should tell them," he whispered.
Iris let out a deep sigh, then, with her head lowered, shook her head.
"When the time comes, they'll know." She stated, as she laid a hand on her round belly. "...And when that happens, Ra and her brothers are gonna have to accept that fate had brought her and Gladdy to be together... And, that he and our pack will help her to heal."
With the Thalassius Siblings...
"...You've got to be kidding me..." Vitalis growled out, finding that their table is set in the front of the first tables... Directly, in front of the big stage table that Noctis, his mate, his Protectors/Brothers-in-Arms, their mates, and Ignis and Coctura's sons will be eating at.
Lupus, holding his sister's hand, which slightly tightened its grip in his hold, let out a sigh of disappointment.
"Well, considering that we're their honored guests, they would want their 'honored guests' to be easily seen and have everyone to learn who brought in all the ingredients for their five days feasts." He evaluated, though didn't sound very happy to be put in the front.
Cephas, who took off his navy blazer and placed it over one of the four chairs of their table, let out a low grumble.
"We don't have much of a choice," he said. "Let's just take our seats, eat our meals, give our praises to King Noctis and Queen Lunafreya, and head back to the apartment."
The younger-siblings followed their big brother's plan, and went to take their seats. Though, Lupus took the time to pull out Sarai's chair and help her into her seat, like a gentlemen would do, before taking his seat to the right of Cephas.
Sarai remained quiet the entire time. Keeping her head down, with her hat remaining on top of her head to hide her anxious, nervous, flushed face.
Vitalis, sitting to her left, laid his right-hand on the back of her left-shoulder. He gave her a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, Ra." He whispered. "We just need to participate for five days, and then, after we get our pay, we'll be out of Insomnia and go back to our normal lives."
To his words, the eighteen year-old gave him a small-smile. It wasn't that much, considering that they have to stay and join in of the festivities to represent Hunters to give Noctis and Luna their blessings for their pups.
But, still, any form of comfort and, so long as her brothers will remain beside her, was more than enough to give her strength to try and endure one of her most scariest moments she has to endure and face.
...Being involved, in social gatherings.
Because of the many people and tables scattered and set within Insomnia, it took over thirty-two minutes for everyone, excluding the king and his pack, to find their tables and take their seats. Most people around and behind them complained about the holdup. Children, specifically human children, too young to understand why they had to keep waiting and not likely to hold out when hungry, whined and even threw tantrums to their parents and/or relatives that they wanted their food.
...From underneath her hat, Sarai's eyes held great sadness for the children, as she watches some beating their fists against the table and a few screaming at their mom or dad when scolding them to behave.
She has seen many children, both older and younger than her, during her many travels at such a young age... Including the children from Eusciello.
Many of them behaved at a neutral level, but most, the younger ones and a few older, human children, would act as if the world is but a toy to them and have the delusion that they're owed everything that they see must be theirs.
It was rare for her to find honest, kind, selfless children, when going to town to turn in their bounty and/or find a hotel/motel to rest for the night... Let alone, towards her and her scars.
The only ones not bothered by the wait, are the werewolves. And their pups, while they whimpered a bit from their growling stomachs, remained silent and politely waited for their food to come. Their parents would gently pat them on their heads, even compliment and thank them for their patience and assure them that they won't have to wait for much longer.
It wasn't very surprising to the siblings that the werewolves are being more civilized than the humans; their beast-blood helps maturity progress at a very early age, compared to human genetics.
"And this is one of those reasons why we always eat at the back, and not in the front." Lupus sighed under his breath, having his coat off and reading a book he pulled out from one of its pockets.
Cephas glared at one couple that yelled at their seven year-old son to stop banging his fist against the table, which resulted the child to press their buttons by kicking the leg of the table and being pulled aside by his father for further scolding.
He sneered in disgust at their way at parenting.
"Praise Six that our parents raised and handle us to behave," he muttered.
Vitalis' attention was focused elsewhere.
...
...More specifically, towards the crowds gossiping all around them... About his sister.
"Can you believe that she's wearing that rag, for a dress?"
"She's dressed as if she's vacationing at the Galdin Quay. Seriously! Did she even bothered finding a proper dress?!"
"If she's working with Hunters, I highly doubt it."
"It's disgraceful to King Noctis and Queen Lunafreya..."
"And what else? She's wearing that old, dusty hat! She's a lady, not some tomboy! She needs to take it off! It's bad manners, and a terrible example for children!"
That last comment almost had Vitalis stand up, and stomp over to that person and everybody else to demand they leave his sister alone.
But, as if she could read his mind, like she always does, Sarai laid a hand on his right-arm and gave him a shaky smile.
...
...
...He can see the sign of tears threatening to form underneath her forest-green eyes.
The twenty-three year-old's heart went out to her, and offered her a reassuring smile, patting at the hand that rested on his arm.
"I'm okay, Ra." He whispered. "I'm all right, now... Thanks."
She nodded in approval to his claim, but kept her left-hand on his arm, as she removed her hat with her right-hand and sat it on the empty spot on the table.
...His and his brothers' hearing aren't as good as their sister's, but are still better than most of their human hunters at Hunters and can clearly hear some girls giggling behind them... Practically mocking at Sarai for being uncomfortable, and hoping she would keep embarrassing herself to prevent any of the single, hot males from being attracted towards her.
A low groan left his throat, pulling Lupus and Cephas' attention and jerking his head towards the giggling girls to give them a clear warning of their cruelty towards their sister.
The twenty-three year-old had to dig his hands into his pants pockets to clench at the empty pockets, and not give away that those girls are getting a reaction from him instead of Sarai.
...Then, without warning, Sarai held out a red-ribbon in front of his face.
...
...
...By staring at that single ribbon, slightly worn and containing a few stains of blood, Vitalis felt his anger die down and focused on taking cleansing breathing. His hands unclenched his pockets.
Seeing he was calming down and remembers his breathing exercise, Sarai pulled the red-ribbon away and, rolling the sleeve of her right-arm, tied the accessory back on her limb with her left-hand.
She then decided, while they waited, to bring her phone out... Which she pulled out from the pocket of her shorts, which she wore underneath her dress, through a hidden, thin slit of her dress. Once out, the eighteen year-old turned it on and quickly got to checking on new bounties that's been posted for them to take on when they leave Insomnia.
Cephas, also pulling out a book from his coat, watches his sister from across the table.
He's relieved that she's finding something to focus on, even proud that she's keeping their hotheaded brother under control and not make the conversation towards her any worse.
...
...
...
...But, even when she's calm and quiet, he can tell that just by sitting, waiting for their meal to come in and hearing people speaking ill towards her fashion senses, it was taking a massive toll on her and is starting to get tired.
He sent a silent glance to Lupus, who, also, was watching their sister and seeing the sign that she's already mentally drained and started to get tired.
...Silently, they both nodded their heads.
'After the meal, we're leaving the party and heading back to the apartment.'
Sitting a few tables away from them, with Hooch laying by his side, Dave observes the Thalassius Siblings. And like a hawk, he's going to watch their every movement and make certain that they remain in the party.
Another twenty-six minutes later, and everybody was finally able to find their tables and waiting for their king to commence the starting of the Five Moons Blessings Celebration.
When said king, along with his queen/Life-Mate, Protectors/Brothers-in-Arms, their mates, Iris and Libertus... And, Ignis and Coctura's three sons, finally made an appearance and took their seats, everyone stopped talking and watches their ruler in silence.
As their extended pack-mates took their seats, Noctis and Luna remained standing.
The thirty-one year-old king looked over the many tables that can be seen within his range, as a few camera people kept their cameras on him, so that those who are sitting in other parts of the city can see their king on the many giant screens.
...He then began the speak.
"My people!" He called out, his voice strong and calm. "My mate and I would like to thank each and every one of you, for being here, on this blessed occasion, for the celebration of our pups!"
To that, many people cheered and clapped. Some even whistled and a couple cried out "Congratulations!"
Luna gave them a few nods, flashing her smile at her people, as she chose to speak.
"We would, also, like to welcome and thank are many guests that had come far and wide, from their own cities: Lestallum, Altissia and Gralea, to give their own blessings to our pups!"
From the naming of their cities, many rose from their seats and clapped. Many bowed their heads, while those continued to call out their congratulations to the new parents.
Noctis turned to Luna, before nuzzling the side of her head with his own.
Within the cheering, some responded to their open affection by gushing in fondness.
As the clapping continued, Sarai caught a glimpse of Gladiolus staring at her.
Immediately, she kept her head down, but continued to clap.
'Why is he staring at me?' She pondered, blushing slightly. 'I know that many don't approve the dress Layla bought for me, but it isn't inappropriate. And-... The color and the flowers, it's to show one of the many representations of Summer, for the Summer Solstice.'
"And, as many of you have already know, many werewolves are out hunting for the other cities of Eos, to give aid to replenishing the food shortages going on. And though those werewolves aren't with us right now, we want to give them are deepest gratitude and we'll do what we can to help them, when the food shortage situation has been resolved." Noctis announced, which resulted the wolves that are participating the celebration, lifted their heads, humans and/or wolf-forms, and howled up to the sky.
Of course, many of the human children try to join in the howling, but most of their parents scolded them for even howling with them. Telling them that they just insulted their protectors for even howling, when they aren't werewolves.
...And, of course, the Thalassius Siblings joined in... Well, at least to everyone, the brothers howled.
...Sarai did howl... Only, it was in a whispering tone and she kept her head down... And, once again, she heard of their disapproval on not howling with her brothers and being all quiet.
When they all quieted down, Luna spoke up.
"And finally, we wish to thank Hunters: For all of their hard work, for their continuous effort on taking care of the overpopulation of creatures and Daemons. -She stared down at the siblings, smiling gently at Sarai keeping her head down.- Our gratitude, also, goes out to our four honored guests of Hunters. Who, on their own, had provided all the necessary ingredients and food needed to celebrate the Five Moons Blessings Celebration!"
And with that, almost everyone stood up and cheered for the Thalassius Siblings.
...
...
...Well, the werewolves cheered for all four of the siblings... The humans, however, only cheered for the brothers.
Sarai expected it to happen... And, if she was honest, she was completely okay with it.
In her head, she didn't really do much of the work as her brothers did. She mostly went in for the finishing blow and aided with tiring their targets, while her brothers did most of the damage and protected her from any serious threats.
Though, her brothers would state that she's just as strong as they are and had held her own than she realizes... Even much more than they had, when they were her age.
It angers Cephas, Lupus and Vitalis that their sister is being ignored and not be given praises of thanks by the humans judging her for her appearance and behavior, and the misunderstanding with Liliana snapping at Prompto.
But, because they must behave and, seeing that their sister isn't going to let their rude attitude get to her, they continued to nod and wave back at the many guests applauding to them.
When that was settled, Ignis rose from his seat and held up a glass of wine.
"A toast: To our king and queen, and our future princes and princesses of Insomnia!" He announced, resulting others to raise their own cups and glasses in the air and cheering to the toast.
As they toasted, many waiters and waitresses came out with trays of food. Some balanced on their hands, while most using food trolleys, and served each table.
Of course, there are tables on the side that holds more than just what they would be eating, but those food is for later, when it gets late and to give the Crownsguards and Kingsglaives a chance to get their own meal.
On their plate, is Behemoth steak, covered in brown-sauce and topped with a parsley. Along with the steak, what looks to be mashed potatoes with a hint of chives and black-peppers. And, for the final touch, Caesar salad.
Behind him, Noct hears Prompto whimpering with anticipation and eagerness... Along with feeling his puppy-dog eyes eyeing at him to give his blessings to start eating.
...With a sigh, the thirty-one year-old king raised his right-hand in the air.
"Let the feast, begin."
Almost immediately, Prompto and a couple of other werewolves, chowed down on the Behemoth Steak.
It did get many laughter from the civilians, though a few weren't happy by the table manners the king's closest friend is displaying and is setting to the many human children that are watching him wolf down his food.
Luckily, Cindy grabbed him by the ear and, after reminding hin to behave and what was at stake, the blonde was eating as close to a gentleman as a could.
The three brothers shook their heads at his actions.
"He should know better, than to eat like a starved animal." Cephas chuckled, cutting his meat into pieces.
"Yeah." Vitalis agreed, as he turned to a slightly-pale and a clearly disgusted Lupus. "And you thought Ceph and I were bad, when it came to us scarfing down yours and Ra's cooking."
The second-oldest brother could only nod his head, before he looked over to their sister and see what her reaction was.
...What he and the others didn't expect, was for Sarai to quickly push her plate back and cover her face with the napkin that was placed on her lap with her right-hand.
...A clear sign of terror can be seen in her eyes.
Lupus, reacting first to her actions, got out of his seat to kneel beside her and grabbed her trembling left-hand.
"Ra? What's the matter?"
Cephas and Vitalis were out of their chairs as well, forgetting of the many eyes staring at them.
With her left, she raised the hand and signed one word that had all three of her brothers to glare at their plates.
"What?" Vitalis sneered, going back to his food and, cutting one piece of meat, ate the steak... Only to instantly grab his own napkin and spit the meat out.
He turned to the two older-brothers, with Lupus pulling the plate forward and taking a few sniffs at the food, and nodded his head.
"She's right."
Noctis and his pack, also stunned by what was going on, stared at the four siblings, confused and a worry.
"Is there something wrong with your meals?" Ignis questioned, hoping that there wasn't something within their food that's, also, on his sons and mate's plates that could be harmful to them.
Lupus, standing up to his height, bowed to the king and his pack... Then, when raising the top-half of his body back, his greenish-blue eyes held disappointment and disproval at them.
"Forgive us, your majesty." He started, as he gently pushed Sarai's plate away from her. "Before we explain ourselves, we must ask of Lord Ignis a question, first. -He turned to the blind-werewolf.- ...Lord Ignis, did you and the chef staff added soy sauce to the meat?"
A few muttering behind them went on, curious as to why he would ask what the King's Adviser and Brothers-in-Arms had put into their meal.
...Rather than be insult, or start to think they were going to criticize him for his choice of sauce... The thirty-three year-old was, actually, taken back and surprised by the question.
"...Yes... They did." He answered, slowly standing out of his seat. "I'm impressed; you can tell, just by smelling the meat, that I added soy sauce, when it's being masked with other seasoning. -He cocked his head to the side.- Why do you ask?"
...
...Cephas, Lupus and Vitalis all let out sighs of irritation, while Sarai looked over to the side. The napkin, still covered her face.
Dave, knowing what the situation was, stood up in his chair.
"Your highness... Her brothers and I regret to inform you... But, Sarai has a food allergy towards any product that contains soy."
...
...
...And, after hearing the news, a few people from a couple tables away, started snickering. Even, laughing, from hearing what the leader of Hunters just told Noctis and his pack.
"Seriously?! She's allergic to soy?! What a laugh!"
"That's pathetic!"
"She should've informed Lord Ignis, before he and the cooks started preparing the meal."
Sarai blushed at their words, but focused more on slowly breathing through her mouth through the napkin to avoid smelling what had been bothering her since their meal was brought out.
On the stage table, Ignis was very much taken back by the news, just as the rest of his extended pack are.
'She's allergic to soy-based products? Why weren't we informed about that?'
At the right-end of the table, he can hear Cor's heart slightly picking up... Along with the smell of guilt and concern, coming off of his body.
Even if he couldn't see, he still sent the middle-aged male a glare of disappointment.
'You may not be allow to tell us about her personal life, but you couldn't at least tell us if she has any allergies to be aware of?'
He let out a deep sigh, before turning to the four siblings.
"I, deeply, apologize." He told the siblings, half-bowing to them. "We were unaware that one of you would have a severe food allergy. -With his hearing, he was able to locate one of the closest waiters.- Will you please get our guests a new plate, with their steaks not having any soy added to it?"
Immediately, the waiter and another, without any hesitation, came to the siblings' table and took their plates away, off to dispose of the food and to exchange it for a new.
The three brothers sighed in relief, then bowed to the king and Ignis in thanks.
"Thank you, Lord Ignis." Lupus said. "We apologize for disrupting dinner."
To that, Noctis and Ignis both shook their heads.
"This is our fault in this, as well, Lupus Thalassius." Noctis stated, giving them a serious, but reassuring look. "We weren't informed about your sister's food allergy, though we should've checked your guys' files like Cor had. Even more, we should've been cautious if our citizens and other guests have food allergies or not."
He, too, sent the middle-aged man a glaring look, as Ignis spoke up.
"My staff and I will make certain to remember this important information, so we don't have another repeat... Or something with a worse outcome. -He then raised his glass in the air, turning to the many crowds he couldn't see but can hear... Sneering in disgust by their rude comment towards the girl.- Please, guests, continue to eat. However, for those who are concern with what is being put in our feast, do inform a waiter or at least a Service Telebox if you have a food allergy that you can't eat, as we bring you a fresher meal free from any possibility on getting sick."
Most didn't need to be told twice to go ahead and eat, and so they did just that. A few others, mostly werewolves, gave the eighteen year-old worry and sad looks for her inability to eat soy... But, at the same time, they were greatly impressed that she was able to smell the sauce when it's being overpowered by the other seasoning and is in a slightly different color than it should appear to be.
Although, to some of the guests, after Ignis' orders to inform a waiter and/or to a Service Telebox about food allergies, they got out of their seats and went to do as told.
...Since the whole incident, Gladiolus stared at his Life-Mate. He and his beast were stunned to learn that she has an allergy towards soy-based products, and almost ate Ignis' steak that was covered in soy sauce.
He was, also amazed that she was able to smell it and avoid eating the dangerous substance that would've put her life in jeopardy.
Luckily, so far to his knowledge, he doesn't have any soy-based products at his home. Even more so relieved, that he wasn't really big on soy. He doesn't mind eating it, from time to time, but doesn't have any taste for it. And, frankly, it's too salty for his tastebuds for him to enjoy on certain meals.
So, to learn that Sarai has an allergy towards soy, told him he has to be extra cautious to what he buys and make sure that any food they have doesn't trigger her allergies.
To his left, three seats away, Prompto leaned back in his chair a bit.
"You doing okay, Big Guy?" He asked. "I know that was scary, but we're lucky that she didn't eat the steak and Iggy will make sure it doesn't happen, again. So, there's no need to panic and to interrupt their dinner. Okay?"
The soon-to-be thirty-five year-old knew he was right... Yet, his beast can't help but be worry for her and is screaming, roaring in his ears to go down there and check on her.
MUST SEE MATE! MUST MAKE SURE MATE'S OKAY! ALPHA MUST PROTECT MATE! PROTECT WHAT'S ALPHA'S!
Gladiolus let out a groan, placing a hand over his face.
'I would do so in a heartbeat, if I didn't have to worry about her brothers to stand in my way and risk getting her more nervous than she is right now. Not only that, I don't wanna give away that she's my Life-Mate, just yet. Damn it! This may be a bit more tricky than I thought!'
Sitting next to him, Iris giggled at his annoyed, worry look.
'Aww. I never scene Gladdy get all nervous like that, in a long time. -She looked over to Sarai... A sad-smile on her face, as she watches a kind waiter delivered her a new plate, with the Behemoth Steak not having any sauce on it, while the eighteen year-old signed to him a quiet "Thank you..." and smelled her food, before she slowly started to eat her meals.- ...Maybe, if they let him and the rest of our pack in... She can, finally, start to heal from her 'problem' and help them to have people see her more than just a quiet, different person.'
Dinner lasted until twenty after eight, with dessert presented as well: Chocolate cake with chocolate syrup, and hot-fudge sundae.
Most people ate and enjoyed the dessert. Children, especially.
...Ignis would never admit that he's proud of the choice of dessert he and his mate decided to do, but seeing the approval on his face can tell anybody that he's enjoying the dessert like everybody else.
...Although, while the three brothers love the chocolate cake that the advisor and his mate had made... Sarai, who only ate half her dinner, only had part of the sundae before she stopped and went back on her phone.
Her stomach growled at the food she allowed herself to eat... And, having to be stressed from the people glaring at her and still talking negatively at her fashion sense and her allergy towards the soy sauce.
She laid a hand over her stomach, slightly wincing from her stomach getting upset.
Vitalis, hearing the groan and looking over to see the discomfort on her face, immediately reached into his pocket and pulled out a small-white bottle. He forced out one pill, handing it to her.
"Here," he whispered.
Without looking at the pill, the eighteen year-old took the pill and, with her glass of water, drank the pill into her stomach.
She signed a quick message to her brother.
...I'm sorry...
He gently patted her on the shoulder.
"It's okay," he replied. "We'll be leaving, soon. Once performers from Niflheim come in, we'll head back to the apartment."
She gave him a sad look, then started to sign.
Do you think they'll let us? Dave informed us that we have to participate in the festival, if we want to get paid.
Vitalis shrugged his shoulders.
"After what could've happened with the soy sauce, I think Dave will let us leave early to let you rest. -Then, looking at the sundae, he gently pulled it a bit closer to her.- You should eat a bit more. You hardly had anything to eat, today."
Sarai stared at him with sadness, then, looking slightly over her shoulders, discomfort and embarrassment could be seen in her forest-green eyes at the humans, mostly the females, talking negatively about her.
The twenty-three year-old, also, looked over his shoulder and cast them a glare to those who kept staring at his sister that held a clear sign of hatred towards the eighteen year-old.
He then turned his gaze to Cephas and Lupus, who were giving the humans an angry of their own, too.
It was clear that, even if they don't get permission to leave, they were still going to go back to the apartment... Maybe, before they do head back, they'll take their Chocobos on a calm, clear ride for some exercise.
By the time it was half before ten, most of the guests had finished their dinner and/or deserts and are engaged in conversation or on their phones. Many children and pups, full of food and sugar, were out of their seats and off playing to burn off energy.
Ignis and Coctura's triplets were one of the many pups to join the others to go play, with Prompto going with them to keep his promise to watch over them... Though, they did wanted to go over and see the Thalassius Siblings; they wanted to ask them about their past hunts, what kind of monsters and/or creatures they fought and all the places they've been and learn what kind of food they would eat.
...And, for a fact that they can catch the lingering scent of their Uncle Gladio on her and had seen him staring at her for most of dinner, told them that she's his mate and wanted to get to know her.
But, because they can tell that she's uncomfortable and can sense the three males being on guard, they knew now wasn't the time to try and bond with the quiet girl and would best go meet them when they appear to be calm and not hostile... That, and to see if they can give their Uncle Prompto a run for his money, on having to chase the three of them all over before their mother calls out to them to head home for bed.
"Man, those Behemoth's Steak are amazing!" Vitalis complimented.
"I concur to that claim." Lupus agreed, politely wiping his face and hands, after applying hand sanitizer to his palms, with his napkin. "Though, I don't know why many would prefer soy sauce to their steaks; it gives the steak an off salty texture and causes an imbalance to the spices added to the meat."
"And that it messes to the salad's texture and has the mash potatoes sitting in a runny, unhealthy grease-like liquid." Cephas added in, reading his book.
"Well, hopefully, tomorrow's dinner will be a bit more calm and doesn't have another unexpected surprise waiting for us." Vitalis prayed, taking a side-glance to see if anybody was staring at them.
Not wanting her brother to become the next target of their negative comments, Sarai tapped him on the shoulder and signed to him.
Can we go back to the Accessory Vendor, tomorrow? I wanted to see if they have a Moon Pendant and Dark Crest, for one of our hunts.
The twenty-three year-old knew she pulled him away from glaring at Insomnia citizen on purpose; he knew for a fact that the vendor had both accessories, before King Noctis and his group came and attracted an even bigger crowd for people to badmouth about her for hugging Iris.
Though, he did appreciated the distraction and was more than happy to go back to the vendor to find himself a few more pendants and charms to have for their tougher hunts.
He beamed at his sister.
"Sure we can," he agreed. "Heck, maybe can even look for a vendor that has better halters and reigns for our Chocobos."
Hearing the suggestion, Cephas and Lupus both agreed to their brother's idea on what they should do tomorrow.
When ten came, many parents gathered their children and/or pups to take home for their much belated nap.
Ignis and Coctura were no exception, as they both howled to the sky for their sons to return to their side and, after thanking a panting, tired Prompto, took the triplets to their home.
And, of course, many human children whined and protested. While the pups, tired from playing, didn't even yip back at their parents and, willingly, followed them to the beckoning of their beds.
...Then, the youngest triplet of Ignis and Coctura, Arihel (Lion of God), unable to help himself, sprinted over to the Thalassius Siblings and stood next to a surprised Sarai.
...
...There, he held up his little hand, holding up a white-flower that he picked from one of the flower pots that was used for the decorations, while he and his brothers were playing with the other pups.
He beamed up at the stunned eighteen year-old, who had a slight blush spread on her face.
Her brothers, while were taken back from one of the pups' of King Noctis' Royal Adviser came to them and offered a present to their sister, found it so cute that the four and the half year-old wanted to give their sister something so thoughtful.
The eighteen year-old, staring down at the flower... A Night-blooming Cereus, which many would dub as a Lunar Flower... A flower, she and her brothers knows, that represents Hope and Good Fortune.
She smiled gently at the four and a half year-old, as she slowly pushed her seat back to kneel before the toddler. Then, gently taking the flower from his little hand, held the flower to her face and sniffed it.
...She beamed at the now blushing, but giggling toddler, happy that she was accepting his gift to her.
...
...
...Then, placing the stem back into his hand, she pushed back part of her hair to the back of her right-ear, offering him the chance to place it.
...Which, smiling big at her offer, with slight clumsy but careful-hands, placed the flower in her hair and behind her ear.
Clearly, the flower matched her Summer Dress that she received from her close friend at Hunters... It, also, if somebody were to look very closely, seemed to bring out her green-eyes.
Seeing the satisfaction on the toddler's face, Sarai gently laid a hand on top of his spiky blonde-brown hair... And, leaned forward and laid a light kiss on his forehead.
...
...
...Followed by a single message...
"...Thank you..."
Her whisper of a voice made the boy feel very special that she talked to him... That, to her take back, pounced forward and wrapped his little arms around her neck, hugging her and nuzzling his face against her chest. Small-whimpering sounds could be heard, which sounded very happy.
Sarai didn't expect to be hugged by the child... But, seeing the joy on his face pulled at her heart strings.
...
...She had a soft spot for children, since she was a preteen... Once, she even thought about what it would be like to be a mother.
...
...
...But, knowing that no man would ever want her as a wife, let alone a mother to their children, and that her line of work will be her undoing and prevent her any time for her to bond with a child, she threw that thought away and reminds herself to be grateful to being able to spend a few moments with a few children and werewolf-pups who bonded with her.
Slowly and gently, she wrapped her arms around the happy boy, returning the hug and giving a few gentle pat on his back.
Coctura, watching her youngest son embracing his soon-to-be aunt, more than approved her soon-to-be sister-in-law being gentle with the toddler. She can see that the eighteen year-old is great with children and, seeing Arihel likes the girl, just as much as her older-boys seem to approve of her hugging their youngest-triplet brother, told her that she'll be a reliable babysitter when she and Ignis when they need a break from the kids.
Speaking of Ignis, while he couldn't see what was going on, hearing his son's happy yips and whimpering told him what he expected was going on.
"I'm having a hunch that we'll be the next to bother the Thalassius Siblings," he whispered to his mate.
Coctura giggled at his assumptions, knowing he was spot on.
"At least we won't be like Gladio, and stalk her in the middle of the night." She pointed out, sneaking a glance to the King's Sworn Shield and having to fight the build up of laughter from seeing the jealousy in his Amber-eyes towards their son.
Ignis, sensing his older-brother figure/friend glaring at him and Coctura, chuckled at her words.
"So very true..." He agreed, as he kneeled to pick up his middle-child and carry him in his left-arm, before calling out to their youngest-triplet. "Arihel! It's time to go home, Pup!"
Sarai, slightly jumping from the voice and looking up to see Ignis and Coctura standing a few feet from them, quickly but gently removed the toddler off of her and immediately bowed to the parents.
All around her, she can hear more whispers going on about her.
"Does that girl have no sense of respect? How dare she embrace one of Lord Ignis' sons?"
"First Lady Iris, and now Prince Arihel? That girl should be punished!"
"Definitely! Somebody should remind her where her place is!"
"Just because she's our honored guest, doesn't give her any rights, let alone the privilege, to get close to King Noctis and his Brothers-in-Arms."
She flinched at their harsh words... Yet, in her mind, they were right to criticize her and speak ill towards her mistake.
Arihel, confused and sadden by the humans speaking so meanly at his new friend, started sadly at the eighteen year-old slightly quivering form.
He then turned to her brothers, all glaring at the crowd with such anger and disgust, as Lupus got out of his seat and went to kneel beside his sister.
He gave the boy a reassuring smile.
"Don't worry, young one." He informed the child. "She'll be fine. There's nothing to be worried about. -He gently jerked his head towards his parents, both waiting patiently for their youngest triplet to return to their side.- You best head on back to your pack."
Arihel looked over to his parents, seeing each of his older-brothers being held by their mom and dad, dowsing off to sleep. Seeing them sleeping made him yawn and realizing how very tired he feels.
...And yet, looking down at the eighteen year-old, slowly being pulled off the ground and keeping her head down, as if she was a pup that did something very bad, he didn't want to leave her with these people still talking bad things about her.
"Arihel!" Coctura called out, gently hoisting the eldest-triplet a bit higher in her hold. "Come!"
When she uses that stern tone, meant she means business and isn't going to give her sons any chance to avoid doing what they're told.
The four and a half year-old, thinking it would help her, went forward and hugged her left-leg, nuzzling his face against the soft, smooth fragment of her dress.
He then looked up at Lupus.
"...See her, again, tomorrow?" He asked, giving him his best puppy-dog eyes he can make to get him to say yes.
The middle brother looked over to his big and younger-brother, both looking uncertain on what to answer, before looking back down at the toddler. He then looked towards Coctura and Ignis, seeming on waiting to here what his answer to their youngest-triplet will be.
...Then, to his surprise, Sarai slowly kneeled back down to the boy's level.
She gave him a kind smile, before opening her mouth and gave him an answer.
"...Ask your parents," she whispered. "If agree... You can come find me."
To further take them by surprise, she reached for her right-wrist and removed a band... Which had a star-pendant hanging to the band, and held it out to the boy.
The toddler's blue-eyes grew big in awe at the band she wanted to give him. They remained large, as he held out his small right-wrist and allowed her to gently tie it around his limb.
The pendant shined within the lighting. It made the boy giggle at his gift, beaming up at the eighteen year-old, who had a small-smile on her face at his joy over his gift.
Feeling happy that he'll be able to find her tomorrow and just before he trotted back to his parents, he gave her a quick hug and a light peck on her right-cheek.
Sarai, completely off guard, was blushing a deeper red when the toddler kissed her cheek and remained blushing, as she watched Ignis and his pack head off towards their home, each holding a hand of the four and a half year-old toddler.
A gentle pat on the head from Lupus brought her out from her trance, and she quickly returned to her seat.
Cephas smirked at her embarrassed look, while Vitalis was laughing into his left-hand.
"That was so freaking adorable!" He cried into his hand, banging his right-hand against the table.
Lupus gave his younger-brother a disapproving look at his inability to behave, before turning to their still blushing sister and giving her a smile.
"While I do think he's far too young to try and seek your attention, I believe he's far more better of a suitor than a certain someone we know." He joked, hoping that it would help ease her distress of many people staring at them.
...Luckily, seeing her shoulders moving slightly and a small-giggle coming off of her, as a hand covered her mouth, told him and the others that his joke worked.
Cephas snickered at his brother's remark about the toddler.
"Totally," he went along. "After that kiss, I'd say he won her over."
Sarai glared at her laughing brothers. They were going to keep teasing her about her response to the boy kissing her on the cheek.
...Then, she gave them a smirk of her own and, raising her hands, signed to them on her own thoughts to their teasing.
When you put it like that, that means I'm a step closer on having a serious commitment, than you three ever had with your previous girlfriends.
Their response, was to act like they were wounded by her words.
"Sick burn, Ra. Sick burn." Vitalis commented, holding out a fist for her to fist bump with him.
At Noctis' table... Prompto, seeing his nephew giving Sarai a kiss on the cheek... Was laughing into his hand and, just for the heck of it, teased Gladiolus.
"You better watch out and start making your move, Gladdy. Cause it looks like we've got ourselves a new Ladies Man."
Cindy smacked him against the shoulder... Though, she was giggling at what she saw. Thinking it was so precious.
"It's way too early fer him ta even start thinkin' about girls that way, Prompto." She stated. "Though, if there's one thing I know ta bein' true, it's that no girl can resist little boys actin' like gentlemen."
The blonde-werewolf was able to gain some control over his laughing.
"Ain't that the truth." He said, wiping away a tear from his eye. "Still, if Arihel and his brothers had been taken lessons from their dad and succeed on capturing Ra's heart, Iggy's going to be the luckiest man in the world to have a great woman as his daughter-in-law."
...To that, Gladiolus let out a snap of a snarl towards the blonde's direction, unable to leave Noctis' side.
Iris giggled at his girly shriek of a yelp.
"Keep talking about him losing his mate, Prompto, and there will be no doubt that my brother will make certain that your first litter will be your only litter you and Cindy will have." She warned the thirty-one year-old blonde.
Libertus couldn't help but laugh at Prompto's quivering, promising the larger-male that he'll stop.
"Not so fun after all, when you're the one facing the wrath of Gladio's fangs. Hugh, Prompto?" He questioned, in a teasing tone, happy to finally get back at the blonde when he would laugh at his own misfortune to be dealing with a possessive Gladiolus.
Noctis and Luna, watching the scene going on to their left, smiled at their pack.
They always made any party they go to, so very lively. And, now that Gladiolus has found his Life-Mate and had to figure out how to get her to fall for him, is making the night of the Five Moons Blessings Celebration a real joy. And they hadn't even gotten to receiving the blessing that Neiflehm wish to bestow upon them from their gift.
And speaking of Neiflehm.
As many adults returned to their tables, chatting amongst each other, four figures from within the crowd, one of them especially, with high strong pride and elegant with each step, slowly walked towards the king and his pack's table.
When some of the citizens took notice of their presence and saw them making their way towards their king, they went silent and stared at them in awe.
Even the Thalassius Siblings, before any other humans took noticed, were mesmerized by the four people making their way towards Noctis.
When said king, his mate and his pack smelled their scents and saw who it was that was coming before them... They smiled at the four people they'd hoped to see, after so much time had passed.
Aranea Highwind, her loyal friends/Brothers-in-Arms, Biggs and Wedge...
...And, last and creatively not least, Solara... Aranea... And, the late Ravus' adopted daughter*.
TBC
*: You know those Price Scanners at the grocery store (Most likely, seen at Target), that you can find in some of the aisles? Where you can scan the items to see how much they are, or need to press a button for assistance? Think of the Service Telebox like that, along with acting like a phone booth, but in a futuristic-like future... Which, has its own holographic projection of a human, to give it a friendly atmosphere.
*: For this story, Ravus and Aranea are mates.
...Also, in other news... I had my surgery, on the 30th of October.
...
...I knew I was going to be drowsy and sore, but it, definitely, caught me by surprise on how much it would take out of me. I'm doing a lot better, and went back to work. Despite that I can't lift heavy items and can't do excessive activities for at least 4 to 6 weeks (Or, right now, 1 to 3 weeks), I'm doing better than I did a few weeks ago. I may not be updating my stories, while I'm still somewhat recovering, but I'm slowly getting back to story writing.
Hope everybody has a Happy Thanksgiving!
R&R