Meeting in Secret (Stella)

Noctis mulled over the note he had received one more time. He had to have glanced at it several times since receiving it. One of his couriers had brought it to him. No one, save for Noctis, knew what the letter had said. He wasn't sure why but a part of him told him that he should have brought company along despite what the message suggested. Even still, Noctis couldn't allow someone else to get hurt because of him. Whoever had sent him this letter, Noctis would be ready for whatever they might throw at him should this be a trap. That, he had enough confidence in himself with given his new found powers. They were, of course, still developing which made him a walking time bomb but he was starting to gain better control of it. He could do this!

Once the driver he had took him to the spot where he wanted to be, Noctis paid the man and stepped out. He was careful to pay mind to his whereabouts. He didn't need someone taking notice of him which could result in more trouble for them or himself or both. After all, his face wasn't exactly unknown.

At the moment, Noctis's eyes were his usual crystalline blue color as he walked down the street with his hands in his pockets. With his head somewhat cast downward, no one would really notice him at first as he walked in their midst. People couldn't see his face to identify him. Glancing from side to side, Noctis searched for the street address he had been given in the note. Finding the right street, Noctis checked to ensure no one had been watching him before casually turning down it. Now, his eyes had gone from the crystalline color to that golden one as his mind went into thought. He was wary of what he might find but prepared. Taking his hands out of his pockets, Noctis came to a stop just before what looked to be a small cafe. Why the person wished for him to come here, he wasn't sure. Shrugging, Noctis entered the cafe and looked around in silence.

'Am I late?' Noctis wondered as he checked his wristwatch. No, he was just a minute early. Lifting his gaze, once more, Noctis looked around the given area. No one really knew Noctis's eye color tended to change so now that they were golden, it made it difficult for people to realize it was him since most were used to seeing the crystalline blue.

Spread my wings

And I'll learn how to fly. I'll do what it takes 'till I touch the sky.

This might not be the best idea she had ever had.

Glancing to the right, the princess nervously reached up and pulled the hood further down over her face. So far, her cloak had worked. She had yet to be discovered on her quest to find and speak to the Prince of Lucis. Only one soul knew where she was, so if this went wrong, only one person would know where to come to find her. Her lady maid - Elise. While Elise hadn't exactly been fond of the idea she had come up with, she had nevertheless gone along with it, and even helped Stella find clothing that wouldn't cause her to stand out. She had been thrilled to have the support of her maid, someone who was more like a mother than a servant. Elise had also arranged for Stella's message to be delivered to the prince himself - a feat she hoped had been accomplished. It had been simple, asking him to a cafe she knew about, one where hopefully no one would recognize her as who she was, and where they could speak mostly in private.

She was almost there. Stella had taken a cab until she was relatively close to the location she needed to be. Nerves had caused her to ask to be let out blocks away from her target - so she would have time to ready herself. And so now she found herself hurrying through the dim streets toward the location she had given him. Perhaps she could speak with him in such a way that would end this war. She was so tired of the war. There was other ways, probably some very much better then this. Or perhaps she should leave it to the people who were actually charged with this war, these problems. That was her place. Still, her father didn't seem to be able to resolve this, and neither did any of the other kings. They were too old, too set in their ways. In her eyes, they would never change, and never try to make things right. The last time, when she had thought finally that advancement might be made, the attack on the kingdom had stopped things. Stella hadn't known that peace treaty had been a sham until the attack had come about - and such actions had appalled her. Had that ruined all chance of peace for the future?

It was a distressing thought. Stella had been raised in a time filled with war - and had lived her life with it. Yet she hated war. She yearned for a time of peace - any bit of it that she could have. Why did the wars continue? Lucis had the last crystal, yes, but was that important enough to take all these actions and allow so many to die for the cause? She would argue against it, but it was obvious that her father thought it was worth doing so. She mourned the man he had become in recent times. Why had he allowed himself to get so greedy and hungry for power? She hoped she would never understand, but Stella was quickly realizing that he wasn't the father she remembered of long ago. Not the same that would have held her and comforted her over a scraped knee. Her mothers death so many years ago had changed him, and he had never seemed to recover after that.

While she felt guilty that she was going against her father, she knew deep down that he was beyond helping. She would have to go against him if she wished to end this war. That being thought, Stella slipped into the cafe and paused to look around. Violet eyes flickered from beneath her hood, but she didn't see him. Disappointment set in, but she glanced at the clock as she made her way toward a seat. Five minutes early. He still had some time. With that thought, Stella slipped into a seat that allowed her to watch the door. Yet she couldn't help but wonder. Would the prince come? She hadn't even thought about it until now, but what if she had made all this effort - sneaking out in the dead of night to get here - and he didn't come? She felt her stomach tighten at the thought. But no...he had to be curious of that note she had sent him. He would come.

And it seemed as if at that moment the door opened. Stella's violet eyes flickered up and rested on the young man that had walked through the door. Her heart leapt. She went to wave him over, but remembered then that she was in a cloak for that purpose. She hoped to speak with him for a minute before she revealed who she was. By that time she hoped she could judge if he would grab her and turn her in or...what he would do. Rising from her table, she slipped toward him until she was close and rested a hand on his arm. "Prince Caelum...I wondered if you would come."

Notes: None :3 Wearing: I shall link it soon Setting: evening in a cafe Tagged: Noctis Words: 886

made by Δ ashy of caution; shine

Noctis's golden irises turned an even more golden color when suddenly, someone had slipped their hand upon his arm. Hearing a feminine voice, Noctis slowly turned his head toward who it was. It sounded familiar. Whoever she was, she had wondered if Noctis would have come. Honestly, he wondered why he had come here alone as well. If it were trouble, he could handle it. He could summon his Falchion at a moment's notice if the need be. Judging by their voice though, it was warm and welcoming. Maybe he had run into a friend and all this time it was just this woman trying to contact him? What was she contacting him for?

"I could not ignore it...whether you are friend...or foe, I will take matters into my own hands."

Noctis, from what he could gather, whoever they were there was a reason for their secrecy. "I take it there's a reason why you're wearing a hood over your face and why you chose such a place to discuss whatever matters that you have in mind." It hadn't been a question but merely a statement as he turned to her. From what he could see, the place seemed rather small and there weren't that many people here. A perfect spot to make conversation if there ever was one in such a public setting. He scrutinized the figure before him, trying to see into the hood but the lighting in this place prevented him from catching any details other than the lower half of her face which only revealed to him a chin and lips.

"You seem to know me...but who are you?" Noctis finally questioned her as he folded his arms. She sounded familiar, that much was true but he could be wrong in his assumption of knowing whomever this was. The gold coloring in Noctis's eyes remained the same as he patiently waited for an answer from this mysterious woman. He allowed his peripheral vision to expand while he stood there in case there were any foes lurking nearby that might be helping this woman.

Spread my wings

And I'll learn how to fly. I'll do what it takes 'till I touch the sky.

Stella would remain behind her hood for the time being. From behind it, violet eyes hidden by the dim lighting looked at the prince when he turned to notice her. Something stirred within her, something she didn't quite understand. Prince Noctis had always stirred something within her - but she had always thought it was because they shared the ability to see the light. His words were generous - he wasn't jumping to conclusions quite yet at least. Tilting her chin down slightly, Stella squeezed his arm very lightly and then dropped her hand back to her side. "I desire to be a friend. I would never wish to be your foe." As true as those words were, Stella might find herself pitted against Noctis in the future and she knew it. That tore at her slightly, and yet she didn't quite know why. Perhaps because she knew her own father was in the wrong. She wished they could leave the crystal alone and not be bothered with it. Yet the pull of Niflheim was strong, as was her fathers greed.

Stella didn't say anything for a moment. It wasn't a question, she was perceptive enough to realize that. Regardless, it deserved a response. "What I wish to speak with you about would not be wise in front of prying ears. If I requested an audience with the prince, no doubt your guardians and others would be present. This needs to be for your ears." How true that was. Stella wasn't sure what his relationship was with his guardians, but she did know that they were close. No doubt they would be included in any conversation she would have had in the castle - if they even allowed the princess of an opposing nation to get within the castle gates. She had no way of knowing if they would believe her desire for peace, or if they would think her act one of secrecy and to gain access to their inner areas. It was no such thing, but they would not know that.

The princess was prepared for the eventual asking of the question. Who was she? Stella nibbled on her lip while she thought of the answer. Finally though, she gently shook her head. "For now, I am an ally." Turning partially away, she gestured toward the table she had been resting at previously. "Come, the corner provides an escape from the prying ears around us." Without hesitating to see if he would follow, the princess of Tenebrae started in the direction of the dimly lit corner. This would provide her the chance to maintain her secrecy for the time being. Once she knew he was alone - and that he wouldn't attack her upon sight - she would reveal who she was. The cloak and hood could not hide her regal stance or her dainty steps before she gracefully slid into her seat that would place her back to the wall. Alone, and in the kingdom of Lucis, she had no allies - while any here would surely fight for the prince. She needed to maintain any bit of a step up that she could get.

Notes: Nuffin' Wearing: Cloaky and hooded Setting: evening in a cafe Tagged: Noctis Words:565

made by Δ ashy of caution; shine

This lovely template is made by Nocty HEROES get remembered... Noctis was being wary with this stranger. He chose his words carefully when he stated whether they were friend or foe. He wasn't sure which she had been but her voice sounded familiar to him. He was thinking that this woman may be a friend but he wasn't going to voice it. It wouldn't be wise to make such an assumption without seeing who she was first. When she gently squeezed his arm, it felt as if it were a reassuring gesture before the woman released her grip on him. It allowed Noctis to calm a little. The vibe this woman was giving off was familiar and calming. When she spoke, he wanted to believe what she was saying but anything could happen. Noctis's foes were cunning and it would be unwise to underestimate their level of cunning. "I would like to hope that we can be friends..." Noctis replied, trailing off. He had then gone on to state that there had been a reason for her to be concealing her identity from him right now and choosing such a place to speak to him. Even though it hadn't been a question, the woman had stated that it was only for his ears to hear what she had to say. So, clearly, she was someone that didn't want to deal with his guardians back home and those that worked in the palace. She either feared the conflict that would come of it or had to hide herself away from them since they wouldn't likely trust her. For now, she gave him no reason to suspect her aside from her hiding her face and being so mysterious. When he had asked who she was, the woman just shook her head and stated that for now, all he needed to know was that she was an ally. "...Alright." The woman then turned away a little before gesturing toward a table. When she did, she spoke to him once more. It had been set in the corner of this cafe. A perfect spot to get away from the prying ears from the way it was separated from the rest of the crowd. Determined to get to the matter of things, Noctis merely nodded in agreement. "As you wish." With that, Noctis had walked over to it and taken a seat that lay directly across from where the hooded woman would likely sit. As he did so, Noctis searched the crowd for anyone that seemed to be eavesdropping. Where there had been the occasional curious glance no one appeared to be worth noting. There wasn't anyone suspicious for him to keep an eye on. No one, save for the woman in her concealing garments. The young prince permitted his gaze, then to return to the woman now that he had been sure no foe was lying in wait for him to drop his guard. "So what is so important that you needed me to come here and speak with you?" Noctis had questioned her. It hadn't been rude, merely curious. Surely, he knew, it was something important. After all, why go out of her way so much to have him go out of his way to come out here? No, Noctis wasn't stupid. He was certain that this had to be something very important and he was going to find out just what that was. Hopefully, he could figure out who this woman was by the time the end of their conversation took place. He knew she was someone familiar. Her voice seemed to cause something inside of Noctis to stir in answer. There was that feeling of familiarity and then that sense of something that Noctis couldn't quite describe. His subconscious had picked up on the woman's voice and recognized her despite Noctis not really knowing who this lady was. So, where Noctis's mind didn't know it was Stella, his subconscious did. It was only a matter of time before he remembered where he had heard her voice before. ...But LEGENDS never die.

Spread my wings

And I'll learn how to fly. I'll do what it takes 'till I touch the sky.

The princess held her breath after she mentioned that the only knowledge he needed was that she was an ally. Was she truly though? Stella hesitated in the half truth. Right now she doubted she would be counted in his eyes as an ally. She'd attacked him before, and their countries were in conflict. People made mistakes though, and she was no different from the majority, even if her name said otherwise. In the depth of her chest beat a heart that wanted desperately to become his ally. To have him agree to help her stop the war if at all possible. She held no real plan, but at the moment she wanted to see who would side with her in a desire for peace. How ironic. That one would have to fight so hard to bring about a peaceful situation. It shouldn't have to be that way, but Stella couldn't foresee a future where it wouldn't occur.

She could release her breath when he agreed to stop pressing her about who she was. Stella exhaled the breath she'd been holding and nodded her appreciation. "Thank you.", she finally said softly. He seemed to be taking all of this in stride, without any outward show of anger, annoyance or surprise. From what she had seen of him and spoken to him about, she would have expected no less. Yet...he knew not yet of who she really was. Would his demeanor change if he knew that this was the princess of Tenebrae speaking? She hoped it would not, for that would defeat the purpose of seeking his aid. Closing her eyes again, Stella attempted to battle down her fears of how the night could go. To do that, she slipped her hand to her drink - uncovering her obviously feminine hand - to clasp her drink and bring it to her lips.

His question was an appropriate one, but now that she was here, Stella realized she hadn't yet formulated what she had wanted to say to him. Here, with him sitting across from her, she was at loss in what to say. Nibbling her lower lip, she fingered her glass and thought for a moment before she continued. "I come because of the kings.", she finally started. "The kings of the nations around the world, they fight for a dying cause. They fight for power, for greed, endlessly they fight." She nearly slipped out the words 'our fathers' in that beginning part of the speech. Yet she managed to avoid saying something that would have immediately given her identity away. “The kings are old, set in their ways, this conflict will never stop. They look for ways to continue this endless fight. A circle, going around and around, always moving, never ending." Stella realized she was on a touchy subject. She tried to remain mild, but as she spoke, obvious passion flowed through her voice.

Shifting slightly in her chair, Stella leaned forward again, her eyes now looking down at the table, a bit of golden hair slipping from the darkness beyond her hood without her knowing. “I wish for this cycle to stop.” Lifting her eyes, Stella glanced at the prince from that same darkness, pausing to allow him a chance to speak.

In effect, giving him the power to make a decision. Let her continue or ask her to leave.

Notes: None :3 Wearing: I shall link it soon Setting: evening in a cafe Tagged: Noctis Words: 603

made by Δ ashy of caution; shine

This lovely template is made by Nocty HEROES get remembered... Noctis wasn't going to assume anything right now. If he assumed, it could just mess things up. It was best to just go in with a fresh mind. However, that didn't mean he wasn't wary of her. A part of him really wanted this person to be an ally and not an enemy but another part of him warranted to keep his guard up. Noctis would do just that. After all, so much depended on him in the event something were to happen to his father, Regis. Noctis wasn't going to make too many unnecessary risks. If this person proved to be treacherous in the end, he would not hesitate to take them down if he had to. Of course, he didn't wish to do that but his circumstances put him in that position when all rested on his shoulders. As she thanked him, Noctis inclined his head. "You're welcome." There had been a bit of a silence between them as the woman in the cloak seemed to finger her glass in thought. After a moment, she answered his question. She was here because of the kings. Noctis furrowed his brows as the woman continued. She came because of the kings fighting a dying cause. All they cared for was greed, power and endlessly fought. No doubt, she was speaking of those that lead Tenebrae and Nifleheim, his kingdom included but why come before someone like him? Noctis was a prince of the kingdom of Lucis. He was probably just as much an enemy to her as the other two were. According to this woman, is was a never ending cycle. The two kings weren't budging on anything and were always looking for a way to continue the fight between their kingdoms. He gave a knowing nod of agreement. Noctis knew very well of the war his father fought. Regis, mostly, continued it if only to ensure the safety of Lucis and to protect the crystals they had. Mostly, the fact they were attacked was because the other kingdoms wanted the crystals. If the crystals fell into the wrong hands...well, Noctis and his father didn't want to think what would happen if that were to take place. "I cannot deny the fact that this war seems to never end. So long as kingdoms attack Lucis, my father will retaliate if only to keep the crystals from falling into the wrong hands." It was clear there was passion in this woman's voice. Who she was, well, she was beginning to become all the more familiar to him. He was certain that he had heard her voice once before. As the woman stated that she just wished for the cycle to stop, Noctis thought on it before slowly nodding in agreement. "I would like for it to stop as well...not an easy endeavor, however. Fools set the rules, after all." Noctis let out a sigh at this before shifting in his seat, sitting back but still well poised as he surveyed the cloaked woman before him. "I'm guessing you have a proposal?" Noctis questioned her after a brief moment of silence. ...But LEGENDS never die.

Spread my wings

And I'll learn how to fly. I'll do what it takes 'till I touch the sky.

Stella could feel her respect for the prince before her rising. Every time she had been around Noctis, she had felt his grace and elegance. Hard to deny that he was royalty, very hard. For a moment, she smiled while she wondered if he realized that her station in life must be higher than the commoner. Her speech was far from common, she realized, but Stella hoped that her appearance caused confusion until she was ready to reveal who she really was. If she could keep her identity hidden, then she would ensure her safety and ability to leave Lucis. Everything hung in the balance created by itself, that Stella believed that thoroughly.

When she did get up the courage to finally speak her mind - or perhaps the determination - Stella was left for a moment in silence. From underneath her black hood, the princess peeked out at Noctis and waited. The air seemed unusually heavy to her senses. Stella would have sworn that she could feel time itself, chiming through the otherwise silent tension. She was preparing herself for the worst even while hoping for the best, if she even knew the best or worst outcome. For a moment, she considered the possibility of him yanking back her hood, revealing her to be an intruder and having to flee for her life through the streets of Lucis. The vision was an amusing one, if nothing else. From her dealings with prince Noctis, it seemed highly unlikely he would act so rashly or rudely.

Still, she had high hopes that he would not tell her to leave and would instead align with her on the matters which she had spoken. It was perhaps a long shot, as she was nearly asking him to align against his own father, but the risk was worth the potentially good outcome.

She was rewarded when he seemed to agree with what she had spoken. Stella's shoulders relaxed slightly when he spoke, and she found herself nodding along. A little voice in the back of her mind nagged at her. Noctis spoke of his father merely defending the crystal...but could he really have no ulterior motives for keeping it? While it seemed unlikely and Stella didn't trust it completely, for the moment she accepted his judgement. "Even if those actions are merely to defend, it will continue to spark resistance among the other nations." Her voice was heavy with sorrow when she thought of the cycle. The continuous cycle.

But did she really have a proposal or plan? "I'm loath to admit I was more concerned on the possible repercussions seeking your aid might bring, than formulating a precise plan.", she admitted almost sheepishly. Fingering her drink once more, Stella judged his reaction and finally lifted her hands. Clasping her hands on either side of her hood, the princess hesitated for a few moments. Once she revealed herself, there was no going back. Swallowing her hesitancy, the princess eased her hood back until her face was revealed. "Prince Noctis...I apologize for concealing my identity. I thought it necessary at the time." Cutting her eyes to the side, she took in a deep breath, her lips parting slightly. "We both can see the light. No matter your feelings, this is a useful ability - one we can use perhaps to help end the cycle."

Notes: I don't know why my avy is Seven... Wearing:Hoody and cloaky Setting: evening in a cafe Tagged: Noctis Words: 604

made by Δ ashy of caution; shine

This lovely template is made by Nocty HEROES get remembered... Noctis wasn’t exactly sure what his father’s other motives were in protecting the crystal. He knew, of course, his own motives. Noctis wanted to keep the crystal from getting into the wrong hands. If it fell into the wrong hands, the consequences would be drastic. Noctis couldn’t afford to let an enemy kingdom get their hands on it since the power of the crystal was too great. It could destroy things if the crystal wasn’t handled appropriately. It wasn’t just that but it was in Noctis’s blood to protect it as well as his kingdom and its people. He would do anything to protect those things even if it killed him. As for selfishness, Noctis didn’t really have that except when it came to his being reckless in following orders his father gives him. Noctis hated the idea of being shackled. His rebellious nature tended to cause problems for his father and had caused a bit of a rift but not enough for the two to hate each other. ”And yet…bowing down to the will of the other nations will cause destruction to the world and those who live in it…so you see, it has to be defended. …Such power cannot be allowed to fall into the wrong hands.” Noctis left it at that. If she believed his motives otherwise, he cared not. He didn’t have to prove himself to others. Cor Leonis always bothered him to prove things. Of course, Noctis always did but it would require him to be more talkative. Noctis wasn’t that talkative of a person. Somehow though he felt that this woman would understand what he was saying and why he had to protect the crystal. The young prince went silent as the woman stated that she had been more focused on the idea of meeting him in secret and the consequences rather than a formulated plan. As she said this, the woman fingered her glass before finally lifting both of her hands to her hood while Noctis looked back at her in some curiosity. She surely had something to hide. Then, she revealed her face to him and Noctis finally realized why she had sounded so familiar. His golden irises seemed to be even more golden at that very moment in his surprise. His eyebrows had noticeably rose as his eyes subtly widened in response before Stella, the cloaked woman, apologized for concealing her identity. That explained a lot. ”This explains…much.” Stella opted to not look him in the eyes after apologizing as she looked to the side. As she continued, Noctis listened to what she had to say. He had been surprised when they had been forced to fight that time. Although he disliked the idea, Noctis had been forced to fight back. A rift had taken place between them then only because they had been pitted against one another. Stella, apparently, hadn’t a choice that time. It seemed only because of circumstance they had been enemies then. What about now? He wanted to believe her. A large part of him wanted to believe her but was it wise? Cor and Ignis wouldn’t have it. Still…Noctis couldn’t help but feel Stella was being genuine. ”…You’re apology is accepted.” Noctis took into account what had been said as he mulled over her suggestion about the light. He remembered that night very clearly. It had been a surprise to encounter someone else who could see the light. Judging by what Stella said, Noctis thought about it. How were they to use that gift to stop the war? ”I only foresee the light when others are about to die,” Noctis moved the hand that had the ring on it. Right now, neither of them had been aware of the significance of such a ring or what powers it might hold. ...But LEGENDS never die.

Spread my wings

And I'll learn how to fly. I'll do what it takes 'till I touch the sky.

Stella knew that his words were correct, even if she didn't exactly like them. She knew nothing of his father aside from what she had been told. From what she had been told, he was much more tyrannical than his son - which was the reason she was appealing to him, instead of his father. Just that he was remaining when he could otherwise have run off by now said something about his character. He would not be one to run if the situation became a challenge. She could not say the same for her own character, but Stella hoped in the same situation she would be one to remain steadfast and not flee to safety. She had done enough that in her lifetime, running both behind her family and from her family. She could learn much from this young man, and wished to do so. "Indeed. I meant no disrespect by my words.", she said softly. "Merely defending is not enough though. The other kings, they are filled with lust, as if snapping wolves fixated on their prey." Stella wasn't sure what to do about it - it included her own father. Yet she knew the further from his grasp the crystal was, the more obsessed he became with obtaining it. She had been pushed to the background for the crystal many more times than she could keep track of. It was with downcast lips and features behind her hood that Stella's shoulders drooped slightly from her otherwise regal bearing. "I have no idea how to fix it, either.", she said in distress.

Finally she decided to reveal who she was. For the first moment her violet eyes flickered to the side to give him a moment of privacy. Perhaps deep down she didn't want to see the emotions that would play across his face. What was she to him, after all? She was a woman who had been known to him only as the woman to betray his small level of trust to her family and attack him for no reason other than which country she had been born. It was a pathetic reason, she would admit it now. At the time however, the ties of family were strong on ones mind and body. Even now she felt torn, but Stella was intelligent, and she realized her family was in the wrong currently.

They had always been.

Bolstering her courage, the princess looked back toward Noctis. She could see the surprise that was still playing across her features. She wished to believe he could forgive her actions, excuse them as a lack of sense for a moment, but ultimately no matter what pressure her father and the household had been placing on her shoulders, it should have been her decision in the end. And in the end, unfortunately she had chosen to betray that trust and attack him. But they were both still living, a tribute that one or the other - if not both - had been unable to complete a finishing blow. "Thank you.", she replied in appreciation. She didn't have to be told how important his acceptance at this moment was, both for her own safety and to herself personally.

"But that's the entire point!",she finally burst out passionately. Recovering herself, Stella continued more slowly. "In this war to come, nay, already upon us, many will die, Noctis. And we can see the light before it happens! Together we would be able to see the deaths before they came, perhaps directing the war down a different path and saving the lives of the innocents." It would be exhausting work, but worth it. "I realize we cannot save every being, but we might be able to make a change. Together. I cannot stand back and allow my father and the other kings to slaughter their subjects simply because they are ravenous wolves attempting to get the Lucis crystal. Will you be able to live with yourself if you allowed it?"

Notes: None :3 Wearing: Cloaky Setting: evening in a cafe Tagged: Noctis Words: 700

made by Δ ashy of caution; shine

This lovely template is made by Nocty HEROES get remembered... ”No offense was taken.” Noctis left it at that, he wasn’t in for an argument. In fact, he was curious about what Stella had to say. He had thought they were enemies because of the fight they had that time. It looked as though Stella had merely been a victim of circumstance and had been forced to fight Noctis. Still, he couldn’t be sure. Stella appeared to be genuine but for now, he’d have his guard up. A large part of him wanted to believe her and trust her but another part of him warned him about her. He would allow the conversation to progress if only to see if he could gauge what her true intentions were, if any were hidden from him. When Stella had said defending wasn’t enough, he nodded at that in agreement. ”True…unfortunately, no matter how one sees it, only fighting seems to be able to stop it. Unfortunately…as you can see…that’s counterproductive. No matter which way you look, only war can stop this. The peace talks…they only end in failure.” As Stella exclaimed that she had no idea how to fix the situation either, Noctis went quiet. He wasn’t sure how to fix the problem. No matter how he looked at it, it seemed like the only thing that they could do was continue to fight a war. It would be nice to have no bloodshed but however one looked at it, someone was always going to end up getting hurt over it. That was just a simple and harsh fact of life. When Stella had thanked him, Noctis had merely inclined his head. Finally, Stella got into explaining what she had meant about their ability to see the light. They had both called it the light because that was how it seemed to them just before someone was about to die. Noctis wasn’t sure how he had this power. His father certainly didn’t have it. At least, Noctis didn’t think his father did. The dark haired prince almost lost his act when Stella had suddenly burst out passionately that their ability to see the light had been the point of her explanation. Their ability could help them detect who would be dying soon so they could figure out a means to change that. Now that Stella mentioned it, they could try it. Who was to say it would work though? Then again, who was to say that it wouldn’t work? It would be exhausting but it wasn’t something that wasn’t doable. The issue with that was actually doing. Together, they would have to come up with a plan. ”Alright, I see your point…now, how do we prevent these deaths when our fathers are the ones in charge? Are you suggesting we rebel behind the scenes and pull strings unseen?” ...But LEGENDS never die.