The road to Galdin Quay was a breathtaking sight. As we left Leide's desert, we arrived in the lush greenery and high cliffs that occupied the area by the water. But before we made our way there, Cindy asked us to make a delivery to a man at a nearby outpost in Longwythe. He owned a small motel and he was in desperate need of an item that only she was able to provide him.
As Ignis parked the car, Noct got the package and left the car when it came to a complete stop. He talked to the owner of the motel and placed the box on the counter.
"This place is pretty uh," Prompto trailed off, trying to find the right word to describe the motel.
"Quaint?" I asked, seeing if that's the word he was looking for.
He nodded, "Yeah, quaint."
I sighed and crossed my arms, stepping away from the group to look at the scenery. I had never felt so sheltered in my entire life. The rest of Lucis was a whole new world compared to the Crown City. There were little to no people out here unless they lived in the other regions of the kingdom. I sighed and stared at my feet, a soft grin on my lips.
"Hey," Gladio voice rumbled from beside me.
I raised my head to look up at him for a moment and then turned my gaze back to the distance.
"Do you still feel sore from that dual horn?" He asked.
I shook my head, "I'm fine now. It's nothing I can't handle..."
I felt him tuck some of my hair behind my ear and I moved away, staring back at him, "G-Gladio...don't..."
"You're so shy," he chuckled. "Didn't expect the Immortal's daughter to act like a school girl."
I scowled and turned my back towards him.
"I was only kidding, baby girl," he said afterward.
"I said before-" I started but he interrupted.
"To not call you that, I know. But I can't help it," He gently placed his hand on my shoulder and turned me to face him. "It's perfect for you..."
My heart was pounding in my chest and my cheeks flared once again. It annoyed me that I couldn't control my emotions around this man. I couldn't take my eyes off of him as he leaned closer. My height of five foot three was nothing compared to his height of six foot six. He towered over me like a giant and it didn't help that his amber eyes kept me stationary. One of his long, calloused fingers stroked my cheek and a smile crossed his scarred face.
"Do you blush often?" He teased.
"N-No," I stuttered, looking away from him. "It's sunburn!"
"Baby girl, your skin may be pale but I don't think you're that sensitive to the sun," his voice was so deep right now and it wasn't making me feel any better.
I knew Gladio had a reputation as a ladies' man and I wasn't very fond of that. How many times did I have to see him giving other women the same treatment he's giving me at the moment? I wasn't any of those tall, blonde, tanned women who he had flings with. I am a warrior and I didn't need anyone pining for my affection.
"You're a terrible liar, Alma," he gave me that delectable crooked grin.
I gulped, ready to take another step back when I heard the sound of a dog barking. I turned my attention towards the sound of barking and saw a black dog whose tongue hung out from his mouth. He made his way towards Noct, carrying a red notebook that I was all too familiar with. He used that notebook to communicate with Lady Lunafreya throughout the years, and the dog who delivered it back and forth was named Umbra.
Once Noct was finished talking to the motel's owner, he knelt before Umbra and rubbed his head affectionately, "It's good to see you, buddy."
"Bringing us stuff!" Prompto jumped excitedly. Like Noct, he adored animals. "Atta boy!"
I sighed and knelt as well, scratching behind Umbra's ear. He nipped at my arm affectionately and panted. "Good to see you again, boy."
"That dog can really track a scent," Gladio said.
"Certainly 'nose' how to find us," Ignis smirked, impressed with his pun.
Noct, Prompto and I groaned, rolling our eyes, earning a laugh from the prince's advisor.
"Just a sec," Noct opened the notebook and pulled out a pen, reading Lady Lunafreya's message to himself before writing one down and placing a picture inside. I caught that lovesick smile on his face and he closed the book, giving it back to Umbra. "All set. Take care out there." He stroked his fur once more and stood up.
"I know, you're not gonna tell me-" Prompto sang.
"Then don't ask," Noct couldn't stop himself from blushing.
"-what was that all about?" The blonde asked anyway, only to hear his best friend answer with a sigh. "You don't say."
"Let us head for Galdin then," Ignis said as he got into the driver's seat.
Prompto shrugged and jumped in beside Ignis, and Gladio, Noct and I took the back.
"Hey, Ignis, think you can turn the radio on? I want to listen to the news," Noct leaned forward and told our tactician.
"Certainly," he nodded and turned on the radio just in time to listen to the treaty signing.
"Lady Lunafreya of Tenebrae has issued an official statement regarding the forthcoming treaty." the newscaster spoke as we drove down the freeway.
"Words cannot express the joy in my heart on receiving word of this coming peace. Nor the pride I take in my betrothal playing a part in this historic moment. On this joyous occasion, some have voiced cause for concern, the fear I will be unable to fulfill my duties as Oracle. Please, rest assured, my marriage will not stand in the way of my calling. You will find me in your towns and villages as you always have, and I shall continue to bless you all," Lady Lunafreya's voice spoke gently yet with determination as she gave her statement.
"Luna," I heard Noct mutter her name, his soft raspy voice filled with adoration and passion as he remembered her.
I looked over at him and held his hand, squeezing it gently, reassuring him that he would see her again soon.
He smiled at me and rested his head on my shoulder, "Thanks, Alma."
"You're welcome," I closed my eyes as I felt his soft hair against my cheek.
"Lady Lunafreya will set forth from Tenebrae for her wedding ceremony in the coming days. Please be advised that, during this time alone, her duties as Oracle will be suspended."
I laced my fingers with Noct's and he leaned closer, closing his eyes to take a nap.
"So the marriage is in the treaty?" Prompto asked as the breeze was beginning to smell like sea salt.
Ignis nodded, "Of course. Simple formality."
"One of those 'symbols of the peace' deals," Gladio added.
"So it's more like a marriage of convenience." Prompto leaned back in his seat.
I replied to his statement, "Lady Lunafreya is alright with the marriage nonetheless."
"And Noct here likes the idea," Gladio looked over in our direction but I didn't dare meet his eyes.
My best friend sighed as if he heard what we were talking about and Prompto snickered.
"What's that? 'I do?'" He giggled.
"Buzz off," Noct retorted with one eye open. He closed it and made his head comfortable on my shoulder again. "I'm taking a nap..."
"Aw! He does like it!" Prompto cooed and turned back around in his seat.
"Seems like he still hasn't outgrown puberty yet," Gladio laughed and pulled out a book, beginning to read where he had left off last.
"Shut up," Noct grumbled.
We arrived in Galdin Quay minutes later. Ignis pulled into the parking lot and turned the car off, allowing us to get out and stretch our legs. The sea breeze was cool against our skin and the sound of waves was like music. By the shore, couples played by the water and young adults all gathered around to drink some beer.
"The ferry should be arriving soon, right?" I asked as we walked up the steps and onto the pier, making our way towards the restaurant.
"It should be here in a few minutes," Ignis stated. "And then, we will be in Altissia in time for Noct's wedding."
"Loverboy's finally getting hitched," Gladio smirked and slapped Noct's back gently.
"I'm still your best man, right?" Prompto asked the prince, who gave him a single nod.
"Yeah."
Just as we entered the restaurant, where the employees greeted us with a bow, a mysterious man walked towards our direction. He was a middle-aged man with red violet hair and strong facial features. His nose was tall, his jaw was sharp and full of stubble., and his amber eyes looked complacent. He wore a long, black jacket that had a white and gray trim, and matching trousers. He wore a red scarf and a hooded, gray and white mantle, a black fedora resting on his head.
"I'm afraid you're out of luck," he smirked deviously.
Noct cocked an eyebrow and narrowed his eyes at the man, "Are we?"
He gestured to the pier behind the restaurant, "The boats bring you here."
Prompto spoke from behind Gladio, a look of suspicion also evident in his eyes, "What about 'em?"
"Well," the man shrugged. "They'll not take you forth."
"And what's your story?" Gladio asked, stepping forward. He didn't trust the man one bit.
"I'm an impatient traveler, ready to turn ship," he spoke as he walked passed us. "The ceasefire's getting us nowhere." He came to a stop and turned abruptly, throwing what looked like a coin in our direction.
Noct's first instinct was to cover his face so that it wouldn't hit him but instead, Gladio caught it in his calloused hand. He opened his palm and looked over the coin, looking back at the man to glare at him once more.
"What's that?" I ask, a glower also on my face. "Is it some sort of souvenir?"
"They make those?" Prompto asked as he looked at the coin in Gladio's hand.
"What? No!" Noct shook his head in denial. We had never seen a coin like this before.
The man gestured to the piece of silver, "Consider it your allowance.."
"Yeah?" Gladio brought said hand into a fist again and stepped up to the man, staring into the same shade of amber they both had. "And who's allowing us?"
The man only responded by opening his arms and walking away. "A man of no consequence." He spoke, walking down the pier, leaving us to wonder how such a man like him existed. I knew something wasn't right about him. Although he held mystery and charisma, he was far too amiable. And why would a suave man like him travel all the way over here to Lucis when the Crown City was barricaded due to the treaty signing? Surely there were other places he could visit that were up to his standards but then again, things haven't been right ever since the war with Niflheim began.
"Let's head for the ferry," I said to the guys, walking down towards the other pier, an uneasy feeling welling up in the pit of my stomach.