Title: Home sweet home
Genre: Drama
Summary: Noctis needs all the support he can get to challenge the Empire. Luna believes Gentiana is the key to rally Tenebraeans to their cause.
Chapter 12, part 2: Home sweet home
The streets of Tenebrae's capital were full of hustle and bustle as its citizens went on with their business. It was as if Lunafreya had stepped into a time machine and went back in time before the Empire's invasion. The people seemed to be faring better than the last time she had been home. In contrast she saw the occasional withered beggar huddled under the merciful shade of white stone buildings. Not all of her people had managed to pick up their trades and rebuild their lives after the imperials had lifted the martial law. Still, progress had been made in her absence. She ought to be happy, but she was not.
Imperial flags flapped in the wind, reminding the people just who it was that they now served under. She was surprised to notice a lone teal and white flag with silver embroidery in the shape of a feathered woman with a harp. The people weren't forced to forget their roots and were allowed to take pride in their country's symbol. It would seem the Empire knew how to keep the people subdued. They would not rise to resist the Empire's might when they were content with their lot and would turn a blind eye to the suffering of neighbouring imperial provinces. Luna suspected the Tenebraeans would not be willing to risk what little they had gained since the invasion for the promise of full freedom from imperials. Much work needed to be done to rally her people to stand alongside the Crown Prince of Lucis. She needed Gentiana's support.
"So, your, ah, friend has taken your place in your absence?" Prompto asked as the quintet took in the sights and sounds of the capital.
"She was figuratively my second-in-command", her eyes glazed slightly as she thought of her unlikely ally. "But really she was there just to keep me under control and keep an eye on me. Make sure I did not fan any patriotic flames or contact underground rebels." Prompto glanced at his companions trying to assess if he was missing something left unspoken.
"Doesn't sound like a friend to me", he finally admitted. "More like a jailer."
"She was. But she was the kind of jailer who would give an envelope containing the date of execution as well as the key to freedom", she paused for a moment before coming to a conclusion. "I trust her."
"And we shall trust your judgment, Lady Lunafreya", Ignis assured her.
They walked in silence for a moment longer among the crowds. Prompto took out his camera and snapped several photos of monuments, local scenery and his unsuspecting companions. They received occasional strange glances from the citizens.
Prompto nudged Noctis' side and whispered to him: "Is it just me or we're being stared at?"
"Uh-huh", the prince had noticed it as well. "Must be our clothes. We don't exactly fit in with these getups." Sure enough the four men were sticking out like a sore thumb in their traditional Lucian black in the sea of light colours and airy clothing.
"Best we split up. We're drawing too much attention", Gladiolus pulled out a map of the city he had picked from a tourist stand. The quintet hurried to a nearby outdoor café and ordered regular coffee and Ebony while gathering around the map. "Noct and Prompto will take the straightest path to the Fleuret residence while Luna and Iggy take this longer path. I trust you won't get lost in your own city, Luna", the woman in question hm'ed affirmative as she sipped her Ebony. "Meanwhile I'll go check the local shops and get us four less attracting clothing."
"We should meet up before the residence to change", Ignis interrupted. "We need to take into account that we might not receive a warm welcome. If we are to make a hasty retreat, it's best we are not wearing clothes that instantly pinpoint our location amongst the masses."
"Good point", Gladio studied the map for a moment before pointing at a landmark between their current location and the Fleuret residence. "Alright, we meet up at the railway station. Lots of foreigners and tourists there, so we'll be less obvious. We'll go to the public restrooms to change. Just don't make it too obvious that we're in the same group, okay?"
"Alright! Gonna enjoy the sights and record lot of stuff while going on an undercover adventure! Guys back home are gonna love it!" Prompto slammed his coffee mug on the table in excitement.
"I believe our cover will be blown before we reach the main street", Ignis said calmly as he wiped the coffee stains from the table surface. The eager blonde paid no mind as he bumped fists with Noctis. While the prince wasn't as eager to merge with the masses, he had to admit all this was a little exciting and he did want to tell his father everything he had experienced once they would be reunited.
Luna and Ignis stood up and left the main group to head to the opposite direction of the station. They took several aimless turns before surmising it safe enough to turn towards their real destination. Ignis made sure to eye the crowd around them in case he would spot a face that he had seen previously. He didn't doubt there were Niflheimian soldiers or agents working undercover, ready to trail suspicious individuals such as him if spotted.
Lunafreya had braided her hair in a simple Accordian style in favour of her usual easily recognizable hairstyle. Excluding his obvious foreign clothing, Ignis blended well enough with the crowd. While he didn't have the advantage of lighter hair colour like Prompto, his face was still anonymous and his features did not scream 'Lucian' unlike the other three men's. So far most Tenebraeans he had seen had hair colours varying from different shades of blonde to light brown. It was Gladio and Noct who would have harder time keeping a low profile. Then again, they could still pass for Niflheimians if they put their acting skills to a good use.
"I take it you often buy clothes for each other", Luna interrupted his musings. He adjusted his glasses and politely turned to face her.
"Pardon?"
"He didn't ask your sizes. So I hope he knows or I might get to see some interesting results when you exit the restroom."
"Ah", that could pose a problem. How careless of him not to notice such an obvious issue. "No, we don't buy clothes for each other. But I trust he has enough of an eye for detail to roughly guess our measurements."
The two stepped inside the railway station building and casually looked at the bulletin boards before subtly heading towards the restroom. They could see Gladio was already there, hands resting on his belt as he read a digital advertisement. He was wearing a white button up shirt and long beige slacks fit for the climate. He had left his shirt unbuttoned. That man enjoys showing off his physique far too much, Luna thought.
She made a show to greet him like an old friend she hadn't seen in years. They hugged and chatted excitedly. Gladio turned to Ignis and told him that the last stall was currently occupied by Noctis. Ignis was to take Noct's place immediately. The clothes were next to the toilet seat. Prompto was to take his place afterwards. They had to make sure no civilians would butt in-between or they might have to retrieve their clothes from the Lost Items.
Ignis left to relieve Noctis from his bag guard duty. Luna and Gladio dropped their awkward act and settled to standing around and watching advertisements and crowds.
Luna was looking forward to seeing Gentiana again. She wondered how the dark clad woman had managed while she had been shipped off like a crate to Insomnia. Sitting in the same train carriage as the snobs from the Empire must be one of her least fond memories, period. She had to work really hard to stretch a fake smile and keep herself from lunging towards the enemy who was only few mere meters away from her. She had had to be patient. Her time for vengeance would come, in time.
"You couldn't have chosen anything whiter even if you tried", Noctis grumbled as he approached the duo. "Feel like I'm heading to my wedding."
"Quit your yapping. It's light and airy and I had the good will to choose shorts and a T like your normal clothes. Can't go wrong with that."
"At least you have some colour besides white."
Luna cleared her throat and the two men turned to her in near synchronization. "Gentlemen, we are supposed to be keeping low profile, if you recall."
"Right", Noctis backed away from Gladiolus strolled to a nearby kiosk.
Ignis emerged from the restrooms and took his place at Luna's side. His shirt seemed to be several sizes too small while his trousers were baggy enough to fall to his ankles if it weren't for the support of his belt. He had turned the ends of his trousers to make sure he wouldn't trip over them. Even in such a ridiculous getup he managed to look snazzy.
"Shall we?"
"Let's."
The Fleuret residence was just as she remembered it; tall arched windows with white see-through curtains, climber plants hugging the wooden walls, a small pond with colourful fish and an impressive flower garden Luna herself had looked after. Her mother had planted the first flowers and taught Luna to appreciate the wonder of watching the seeds of your own labours grow. She had sought comfort in arranging flowers and filling as many vases as she could get her hands on during her time as an imperial marionette. She secretly hoped that Gentiana had taken up her hobby as her own.
"Here we are."
"Looks pretty sweet! All naturey", Prompto could see himself wanting to live in a house like this. It was very easy on the eyes and had a relaxing atmosphere compared to the uptightness and gloom and suits of the royal Insomnian palace.
"The trees offer a welcome shade from the scorching heat, at least", Ignis commented.
Here we go.
Luna took a breath and used the door knocker. A moment later the door was opened by a young servant girl who curtseyed to them politely.
"Good afternoon, madam, sirs. I'm afraid the Lady Gentiana does not take in guests who have not scheduled a meeting." Luna didn't recognize the servant. The girl had been most likely hired after she had left for Insomnia. She didn't appear to recognize Luna from old portraits either, as she wasn't wearing her usual hairstyle and white dress.
"Tell the Lady Gentiana that Lunafreya Nox Fleuret has returned home." The servant girl's eyes widened as she recognized the name and invited them in before hurrying to her mistress.
The quintet was led to a living room to wait by another servant. Luna was happy to note that there was a single vase filled with blue sylleblossoms by the window. While it wasn't much of a flower arrangement, she at least now knew that Gentiana still thought of her and looked after her property as she had looked after her for a year in her own perplexing way. Luna just hadn't realized it back then.
They turned to face the doorway in silent anticipation as the sound of clicking heels came closer. Luna rose from her seat, her heart hammering in her chest as the older woman gracefully entered the living room.
"Lunafreya", Gentiana's deep soothing voice filled the silent room. "It has been a long time." Her avocado green eyes found Luna's cerulean. The two women stood still as they regarded each other.
"Too long", Luna agreed, taking a tentative step closer.
Noctis' brows furrowed, Prompto held his breath, Gladiolus sat at the edge of his seat and Ignis checked the room for possible exits.
Gentiana closed the distance and enveloped Lunafreya in a warm embrace. Luna's eyes closed on their own volition as she breathed in the familiar scent she had come to associate as Gentiana. The men exchanged looks, but eased when it became apparent that the Niflheimian woman had no ill intentions. She took a step back and gently held Luna at arm's length.
"They reported you dead at the bombing of Insomnia." Noctis tensed at her words.
"Yes", Luna's smile wavered.
"But here you are, hale as ever and with a ring on your finger."
"A lot has happened", the blonde murmured.
"Indeed. And who are your companions, pray tell?" she turned to address the four men, their identity now hidden by local clothing. Her eyes narrowed slightly as she recognized Noctis from the many wanted posters she had seen across the country. Luna placed her hand on Noctis' shoulder, her voice warm as she introduced him.
"This is my fiancé, Prince Noctis Lucis Caelum", Noctis placed his hand on top of hers to show his support and offered a curt nod to Gentiana who in turn gave a half-bow. "And these are his most loyal subjects and friends; Prompto Argentum", Prompto gave a little wave. "Gladiolus Amicitia, Noctis' bodyguard and Ignis Stupeo Scientia, his royal advisor", the men stood up and shook her offered hand.
"You are far away from home", Gentiana said pleasantly. "You must be starving and tired from your long journey. I've readied you rooms for the night. You needn't worry about imperials as long as you are within my care", Prompto nearly jolted up in his seat at the mention of food. Gentiana cast an amused glance at the young blonde. She called a servant and ordered dinner to be served.
"Come, let us eat."
The meal was as pleasant as their host yet Noctis couldn't shake the feeling that something was awfully wrong. The way Gentiana kept watching her guests reminded him of the cunning calculating look of a predator. He looked at his companions, but none of them seemed unnerved by the dark clad woman. Maybe he was being paranoid. It wasn't everyday he interacted with friendly Niflheimians, after all.
"Ahh, I'm stuffed! Haven't had a good meal like this in forever!" Prompto praised as he patted his full belly in content. Noctis grunted in agreement. When was the last time he had slept? Felt like he had been up for days. His head was so heavy all of a sudden, his eyelids drooped. He fought the unexpected wave of exhaustion and concentrated on the ongoing small talk.
"Do you keep your companions up at night with your violin playing?" Gentiana asked with a humorous glint in her eye and subtle curve of lips. The tips of Luna's ears reddened in embarrassment.
"No, I did not take it with me."
"Would be a different kind of wake-up from the usual phone alarm", Gladio jested. "Not sure if it'd be any more likable, though."
"I for one wouldn't mind a fiddle in the morning! A spirited dance could get the blood pumping nice and quick", Prompto exclaimed.
"A sure way to alarm everyone within five hundred meters, no doubt", Ignis retorted dryly as he wiped his mouth with a napkin.
Gentiana seemed to notice the prince's lack of focus. "If you wish to retire for the night, the guests' quarters are upstairs."
Gladiolus stretched. "Now that you mention it, I'm ready to pass out."
Lunafreya frowned as she checked the clock on the dining room's wall. It wasn't even six o'clock and her companions were acting as if it was ten in the evening. She was certain she had slept less than the men and couldn't fathom where this sudden drowsiness came from. She startled at the sound of Prompto's head falling limply against the hard dining table. Ignis was slouched over in his seat, mouth hanging open as he snored lightly. Noctis stood up as panic took hold of him.
Ketamine.
That witch had drugged them!
"What the hell did you do to us?!" his voice was sluggish and his tongue tripped over words as his mind failed to keep up. Gladiolus turned and blinked blearily at the raving prince, sensing his alarm but not comprehending what was being said. Soon the drug took hold and the two men passed out as well.
Lunafreya slowly turned to face Gentiana, her blood running cold. The dark clad woman merely rang a bell which summoned servants to clear the table. A man, most likely in his forties, stood by Gentiana and waited patiently. "Inform the Chancellor that I've found his runaway Prince." The man bowed and left. Gentiana returned her focus on the petrified blonde.
"It is time we continued our discussions regarding Etro's Gate, my Lady."
Luna looked helplessly at the unconscious bodies of her comrades.
What have I done.
A/N: Things got serious. Cliffhanger! See you next year!
… I kid. ^^ On a serious note, the next part might take a little longer to get done as it'll be longer than previous chapters. It'll also concentrate more on individual characters and how they react to their plight instead of the relationships between the characters; in other words more action and less fluff. So far if my plans hold, it would seem that this chapter will have 4 parts in total.
to Yuto: You're correct! There is attraction between the two women, but neither can quite make out what it is. Luna first sees her as an enemy, but as she leaves for Insomnia, she begins to see things with rose coloured glasses, so to speak. She thinks Gentiana is all good and trustworthy and kinda forgets that she was actually there to interrogate her, even if she did get a bit sidetracked because of her attraction to Luna and with the Emperor's demand for Luna to marry Noctis.