Event || The Festival of Light

[eternitymods]

Who: Everyone!
When: August 18th - 25th
Where: The Empire
What: The Festival of Light is here! Feel free to use any of these prompts. NPCs tag will come sometimes this week. Please mention it in your top-level if you'd rather not be tagged by a random NPC.
Warnings/Notes: N/A

EXPOSITION OF THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHT
— Third District || August 18th – August 25th || 10:00 to 23:00 —
The museums in the 03rd District are open to visitors and are home to many relics predating written history. A lot of those old relics are items of archaeological interest or look like they could be really advanced technologies if they weren't broken beyond repair. Prototypes for Magitek Armor of a new age are exposed, alongside fragments of what are believed to belong to the legendary WEAPONs, machines that belong to the same category than Ultima WEAPON.

The section for Eidolons has all the Eidolons the characters have met so far as well as others yet undiscovered displaying on a gigantic wall-covering painting. The largest Eidolon on the painting appears to be a dragon some characters may recognize as Bahamut, he is so big he dwarves the other Eidolons and should one pay attention, his wings are actually the background of the painting.

Interestingly, someone has doodled something that looks like Ultros over Leviathan on the painting...


SUNNY STARLIGHT
— Ninth District || August 22nd – August 25th || 07:00 to 19:00 —
Do you really believe because it’s summer, you can escape the beauty and magnificence of Christmas? Think again. There is one thing all the nations on Vaikuntha are of one mind on: the wait from the December 26th of a year to the December 24th of the next is too long. This is why a band of Moogles, Lalafells, Bangaas and Zoras from all across the Empire have occupied half of the Ninth District. Decorated trees, Christmas music, people dressed as Santa Claus (and probably dying because of the heat), fake gift boxes as well as a very large and pretty box for donations all await you!

Kids below the age of 15 will all receive a gift if they come: plushies made in the likeness of the main villains of numbered Final Fantasy games! And when you press the button hidden on their stomach, they speak a random line. Who doesn't want a Sephiroth plushie saying "You are a puppet" or a Jecht one repeating "Cry, cry, cry" all day long?

It's like a dream come true!


MIDNIGHT AIRSHIP
— Twelfth District || August 20th – August 24th || 23:00 to 06:00 —
For the late sleepers, it is possible to board a special airship prepared by Hypellos to party up in the sky. The Airship flies all around the Imperial Territories and should characters so desire, they can ask to stop by one of the two other cities. Whether they want to dance, to eat or to enjoy the view, it might be a very fun and relaxing activity. It is also a very good place from where to watch the fireworks… Or to scout for an incoming Tarutaru and her weapon toy.

Note that all the personnel onboard are Hypellos. They are very serviceable and nice, but can try the patience of those not used to their accent. Of note, one Hypello is green and appears to be angrily stalking anyone heading for the "Sunny Starlight" event. He is quite sneaky though and will always manage to get away before being approached.


MOGNET EXPOSITION
— Ninth District || August 22nd – August August 25th || 07:00 to 19:00 —
The half of the Ninth District not occupied by Christmas fanatics is occupied by the Moogles working for the Imperial section of Mognet. Split for the regular Mognet for a decade, Imperial Mognet has managed to thrive. Imperial iMog Slates have all sorts of functions other iMog Slates could only dream of, such as games, grammar check and that kind of stuff. All of those things can be visited at the exposition! Not only that, but the Moogles are also putting on display things that have nothing to do with Mognet but more to do with Moogles themselves.

Come and visit the exposition to discover the rich and amazing culture of the Moogles! Kupo Nuts, Fur Dye, Fake Kupo Nuts, Pom Shiner, Carved Kupo Nuts, booklets titled "How to Use Your Cuteness to Exploit People," Mognet Bags, Deluxe Kupo Nuts, Sheets to Prepare Future Strikes, Mog Beds, Explosive Kupo Nuts, Kupo Champagne—

There is no end to what might be learned from Moogles!


CHOCOBO RACES
— Sen Riqeaux || August 23rd || 15:00 to 20:00 —
A Chocobo Race will be held all around the city! Will you compete? Shall you win? There are no prizes as all the money earned through the race is given to the Safety of Sparks Golsaucia movement. Those participating can bring their own Chocobo or get a temporary one from the people organizing the race. It will be a very bad Chocobo though, so they shouldn’t expect to win… Beware the Hamsters and Marlboro during the race though. It’d be a real shame to end up getting eaten while racing.


SHOPPING
— City's Outskirts || August 18th – August 25th || 07:00 - 20:00 —
On the city's outskirts are all manners of stalls by shoppers eager to make some money. You can find everything there: plushies, food, clothes, souvenirs, books and even cosmetics. Why, one of the merchant is even selling contact lenses covering nearly all of the rainbow's spectrum aside from green while another sells all kind of swords, even the supposed legendary Excalibur! This might be the perfect place to take on O'aka's Quest if you so wish!


MINI SPARKS GOLSAUCIA
— Eleventh District || August 19th – August 24th || Anytime —
Specially for the festival, stallholders from Sparks Golsaucia were invited and brought a few attractions to display what they can do. Noticeably, there is a shooting stand—Once again, a treasure chest game where characters are presented with ten chests and can open only one-- Prizes range from one Gils to gigantic plushies. The novelty this year is something called the "Kupo Boxes," Boxes you punch open and you get something: perhaps something wonderful like a 1 million gil ticket, more often than not though absolutely nothing. Will you try your chance? Be careful, your wallet might not survive it.


TOURNAMENTS
— Tenth District || August 19th – August 23rd || 10:00/15:00/20:00 —
There is a Blitzball Competition taking place during the Festival of Light! Characters are free to go and watch the matches, so long as they can pay for the tickets. At the same time, a Triple Triad competition is taking place. Characters are free to enter the Triple Triad tournament if they so wish. Characters who know Triple Triads have decent chances to win. And even if your characters lose, what matters is trying, right? There are no prizes to be won, as all money goes to the Triple Triad For Everyone associations.


CULINARY ATTRACTIONS
— Second District || August 18th – August 25th || 12:00 to 13:30 / 19:00 to 21:00 —
What would a festival be without free food and banquets? Not really a festival. In the fourteenth district, there is a banquet and many stands held by people from all over the Empire. All kind of food can be found here-- Refined food, pastries, cakes, cooked meals, etc. It's virtually impossible not to find something to like in all of this, and it's all free! There are, however, guards standing around on the lookout for Gourmands who would be tempted to ruin the fun for everyone. After what happened two years ago, better be careful.


THE OPERA
— Ninth District || August 18th - August 24th || 22:00 —
There is an opera every day for all to see for free, titled "A Goddess's Tears." It is a retelling of the creation myth, but shown from the (presumed) perspective of the Goddess of Death. The play depicts the Goddess as someone who started out as a rather sweet person, but whose life took such terrible turns she wished to die and resented life. Yet, death was too scary of a prospect for her and she couldn't choose what was better, Life or Death. As the play progresses, she decides both are equally terrible and resolves to create a world where those very notions shall no longer exist.

As the play unfolds, toward the ends the story becomes what people are more familiar with. However, rather than letting her die wordlessly, the four heroes appease the Goddess's soul by singing. As the four heroes sing, the Goddess smiles and sheds a single tear before passing away. It is said the play is very emotional, sensible people might want to pass on it.


HOUSING
— Fourteenth District || August 17th - August 27th || Anytime —
Before, after and during the Festival of Light, the characters will all need a place where they can rest. Thankfully for them, people coming with the Curti Center delegation are all given the keys to stay in one of the abandoned houses in the 14th District. Truth to be told however, those house look anything but abandoned. Why, it's as if people had been living in them up until very recently, given how either clean and ordered they are for some, or chaotic and neglected they are for others (Characters who were present in Melodies of Life will be able to notice the houses are nearly identical to what they were just before the time skip during endgame, though there are a few eerie differences).

At least, it's a good place to sleep!


ARDYNIAN DISCOVERY
— Fifteenth District || August 18th – August 25th || 10:00, 15:00, 20:00 —
Everyday, it will be possible to get wheeled motor vehicle driven by imperial soldiers and go visit one of the other cities, case in point, Ardynia! Not much is done over there for the Festival of Light, but it is worth checking out, if only for the Wizard and Jester Jobs. It is a thriving city with people from all over the Empire, and it appears to be something of a shopping center for the imperial region.

And most importantly, discover the official headwear of Ardynia: the Fedora! It is said Archaeologists have imported this fashion trend to Ardynia when they pass by, but none know whether this is true or not. While most citizens have enough senses not to actually wear this dreaded hat, those who do wear it really look dumb doing so. And those who don't look dumb look like they'd make jokes about your pet's untimely demise while you're still crying about it.

Perhaps is is best to stay away.


PARASRAYA DISCOVERY
— Fifteenth District || August 18th – August 25th || 10:00, 15:00, 20:00 —
Everyday, it will be possible to get wheeled motor vehicle driven by imperial soldiers and go visit one of the other cities, case in point, Parasraya! Not much is done over there for the Festival of Light, but it is worth checking out, if only for the Archaeologist and Catmancer Jobs, as well as the Weapon Master Association. It is a technologically advanced yet small and cozy city...

... If it wasn't for a tragedy plaguing the city: cats, cats everywhere. If the meowing doesn't kill you, the constant flow of cats asking to be pet, fed and to sit on your lap might. You may even encounter a few tired citizens paying you money to take care of the cat infestation around their house. Others however are really defensive of the cats and will hunt anyone trying to bring harm to them. Of course, the source of all these cat-related troubles can be traced back to the origins of the Catmancer guild.

But, perhaps it is a story best left for another day.


FIREWORKS
— First District || August 18th – August 24th || Midnight —
Fireworks will be launched from the Castle starting 00:00 and will end at 01:00, everyday of the Festival. No matter where you are in the city, anyone should be able to watch them with ease if they so wish. Unfortunately, it means falling asleep before midnight may be a bit hard with all the noise. On the 25th, characters will be with dining with the Empress as the fireworks happen.

Comments

[hashtagdaddy]

A. Housing - August 17 (OTA when Gladio is outside the house unless somehow an NPC is inside their house...)

Arriving in the Empire put Gladio ill at ease. The newness and beauty of the land did little to help, somehow only adding to his distrust. As he walked into their rental house, with Noodle floating behind him, Gladio dropped his bags in the room he'd be sharing with Ignis before looking around their temporary home.

He offered his help to his housemates and took some time to make note of the possible entrances and exits - Gladio planned to keep watch each night, or maybe switch off with Iggy. Provided the man decided to sleep at all. Noct and Prompto would need all the sleep they could get, so he wasn't going to ask them to join the rotation.

"This isn't too bad. Defensible enough and the layout is pretty simple." He spoke to whoever felt like listening as he started checking out the kitchen and what wares they were provided.

He'd take a walk around the house a bit later, where he might meet any of the others staying in the area or any natives that came by to check out all the visitors.


B. Exposition of the Festival of Light - August 19 (closed to Ravus, NPCs free to interrupt)

Shocked that Ravus even accepted the offer of viewing the museum together, Gladio makes sure to keep their bodies far enough away as they walk that any onlooker would see them as nothing more than friends.

"Want to check out the Eidolon section first? Or are you as interested in the Magitek section as I am?" A smile accompanies his words and he makes sure to remind the man at his side about their little wager.

"And don't forget our bet, Ravus."


C. The Opera - August 20 (OTA)

Gladio hasn't seen an opera in ages and this one sounds promising, if the reviews are anything to go by.

He takes his seat and watches, completely spellbound. The performance is excellent and he thinks he might try convincing some of his housemates to see it while they're here.


D. Midnight Airship - August 21 (closed to Ignis and Ravus, NPCs free to interrupt)

Gladio walks up to Ravus and Ignis with a grin. "Do you two want anythin' to drink? Might wanna keep it to one glass of champagne or wine, t'keep our wits about us... but nights out are always more fun with a toast."

Despite the uncertainty of this whole Empire business, it's nice to spend a night with his lover and his best friend. Hopefully said best friend won't spill any juicy secrets of past misadventures to Ravus while they enjoy fireworks from above.


E. Shopping - August 22 (OTA)

There is so much to see! So many vendors hocking their wares and trying to draw him in. Promises that his girlfriend would love this scarf or that bracelet, that these trinkets would look marvelous hanging from a window, that his eyes might look so much better in a different color.

Everywhere he turns, someone is selling something and trying to entice even more visitors to step inside the stall and make a purchase.

Gladio isn't completely opposed to buying something from Sen Devadatta, but the people he would buy for deserve the best and he'll hold his metaphorical (and literal) purse strings tightly closed unless the potential purchase is a prize indeed.


F. Mognet Exposition - August 23 (OTA)

Gladio knew he had to do something for Noodle, so when he heard about the Mognet Exposition he immediately made plans to take his perfectly awesome Moogle to the fun. Dressed in a vibrant purple dress, her fur dyed a lovely shade of pink, and her head adorned with a carefully placed white lace bow, there was no way for Noodle to get lost in the crowd of Moogles.

"Alright Noodle, wherever you wanna go we'll check out. Just make sure you don't get too far ahead of me, please?" He wouldn't forgive himself if something happened to her just because she got excited and flew too fast.

"This is amazing - kupo! Oh, look at those Mog beds! C'mon let's go!!" Noodle's excitement was contagious and Gladio found himself smiling as she raced towards the display.

At least she wasn't trying to make him look at the Imperial iMogs - he didn't trust them to not have some kind of tracking or listening devices inside of them. If getting Noodle a fancy bed and some Pom Shine and (maybe as a secret gift) some Deluxe Kupo Nuts meant they could stay away from the iMog area, Gladio would be just fine.

G. Wildcard - OTA (OOC: Something you want to do that isn't in any of the prompts? Let's have some fun!)

E.

[sullenstallion]

Whatcha buying, kupo?

[A familiar voice comes from somewhere down near Gladio's feet. It's Salmog, the eternally talkative Moogle...except when his partner is around. He has an iMog slate out, his claws rapidly texting multiple of his Moogle friends while he continues to speak up at the hulking human.]

It's a rough world out here, kupo...there are deals everywhere, but the real treasures are hard to spot, kupo. Of course, I've been keeping my eyes on this set of antique—

[And then he falls completely quiet, tucking his iMog slowly back into his bag. Salmog then slips into the crowd and vanishes. Seconds later, Dylas slithers up, a bag under his arm.]

Oh. You're awake this time.

[hashtagdaddy]

[Gladio doesn't expect the chatty Moogle, but smiles down at him anyway as Noodle flits down from her shoulder perch.] Hey, runnin' away from Dylas again?

What antiques - kupo?! How can we find the good stuff?

[When the talkative thing runs off, Noodle gives chase - she really wants to know where the good things are so she can show Gladio and he can buy cool gifts for his friends and his boyfriend... and maybe for her too.] Hey! Come back, kupo!!

[The Moogle's sudden departure immediately tells Gladio that Dylas is headed this way, so he's not shocked when the Naga comes up to him.] Hey, you fell asleep too.

[A grin colors his words and he not-so-subtly glances at Dylas' bag.] Buy anything yet? Or are you still browsing?

[sullenstallion]

I didn't have a choice, remember? Something thick was weighing me down all night.

[He should really stop using that word to describe people in public. Dylas crosses his arms and straightens so that his human torso is at Gladio's height.]

I dunno what I'd buy. Everything here is a little too loud for me. [But he's here anyways. He wants to buy something for Yue.] This stuff's perfect for a guy like you, though.

[Somewhere, Noodle and Salmog are having an adventure of their own, yes/yes?]

[hashtagdaddy]

[Gladio still laughs at being called thick in that context, and he hopes Dylas has figured out that the laughter isn't directed at him. Because it's honestly still hilarious.]

Kept you warm, didn't I? [His face goes from mirth to one of mock offense, and heavy sarcasm colors his next words.] You wound me, sayin' somethin' like that. Sure hope your Moogle is treatin' Noodle better than you're treatin' me.

[He can't keep it up much more and winds up laughing again.] Nah, this area's mostly junk anyway. Usually it's th' harder-to-spot stalls that have the real good stuff. But that's based on markets back home... so it might be different here.

[sullenstallion]

Yeah. You did. It's pretty inconvenient when only half of my body is warm, though. I almost pushed you off and left you on the ground.

[He scoffs like anyone would actually believe him. He hopes someone would believe him. He doesn't want people just coming up and laying on him.] A

I can always treat you worse if you're disappointed. [He crosses his arms, idly looking past Gladio at a stall of small clocks. Nothing too exciting. Probably noisy at the turn of the hour, he thinks to himself.] There's not a lot of market back where I'm from. We had the grocer and the restaurant and the smithy, but not a lot else most of the time.

A. Housing - August 17

[keymemory]

Sora had received arrangements for his own housing but at the moment he was out and about patrolling the neighborhood. The place was pretty nice, actually, and he was enjoying the stroll between alleys, blocks, and taking in the sights of the houses he passed.

He had on a small bag for this escapade, this Festival of Lights business. On top of having only just arrived he was trying his best to absorb all of the information best he could but it was a bit overwhelming. So, walks like these helped calm his mind and ground himself to the here and now. Rather than fuss and tire himself out mentally and eventually physical over worrying about all the things he had to keep in mind.

Nunumu was, of course, walking beside him. Every so often his moogle would make an adorable little chirping noise that was low enough Sora was sure the moogle wasn’t trying to get his attention and yet high enough he could smile over it. It reminded him of a cat’s purr. Just something so relaxing and appealing about the chirping.

Sora had come across a home which appeared to have the door open so, naturally, he went up the driveway and walked into the home. His trek into the home was calm, curious, and naturally the first room he found himself idling in was the kitchen. Nunumu, who was like-minded as Sora, was already opening the fridge and Sora followed after to peer into the cool space. The fridge was so clean and fully stocked! like someone had just gone grocery shopping.

“Hm, what do you guys even eat anyway?” It’s been days and days since he’s been with Nunumu and he saw the moogle eat various types of food but some sort of nuts, or whatever, were the moogle’s favorite. The question was more meant for like what were a moogle’s staples in their diet?

“We sustain ourselves from our partnered newby’s dream energy… kupo!”

Sora’s eyes widened and he looked down to the moogle with a soft huff. “What, really? Woah!”

“No…. Kupo.” The moogled made a soft noise and there was a definite huff from the small thing’s lips.

Sora rolled his eyes and moved from the fridge with a cheese stick in one hand and an apple juice cartoon in the other. “Har, har … harrrr.” He said behind his back as her heard the rustling of his moogle partner finding his own treat in the fridge.

Sora then came to the foyer and found some abandoned luggage and, being the curious and astute boy he’s been for as long as he remembered, he thought it’d be a good idea to start opening the packages to find some treasure.

An intruder?!

[hashtagdaddy]

Gladio had taken the time to scope out the rooms, and was looking at the view outside the room he'd be sharing with Ignis when he heard some rustling from the kitchen. At first he thought it was one of his housemates, but the Moogle's voice that followed was unfamiliar.

Thankful that he'd taken off his shoes after entering the room, he silently made his way towards the foyer and could not believe his eyes.

Some punk kid and his Moogle were rummaging through their bags! Who did this brat think he was?

Gladio drew himself to his full height and crossed his arms. His feet slapped the floor as he deliberately stepped towards the boy, all six-foot-six of him radiating irritation and distrust as he glared at the kid through narrowed eyes.

"Who th' hell are you and why are you going through our things?" Though the growled words were a question, Gladio's snarl made it clear that the answer better be a good one.

um, it's not delivery, it's Di'sora?

[keymemory]

Sora had found some pretty neat shirts, most of them were too big, but there was a tank top that might fit him! He also found a toiletry bag and began to smell the different things inside of it. He hadn’t a clue what half of the stuff meant but he did find some gel, perfume, and toothpaste. Nunumu was trying on some underwear, after a few chirps the moogle spoke up. “Why’s it say pink hero, when these are blue? Kupo!”

Sora glanced over to the underwear that were far too big for the moogle. “I’unno, why are you trying them on.. you’re naked… like all the time..”

Sora went back to exploring some of the other suit cases and he pulled out a small tube of what smelled like coconut. “Wonder what that’s for..” He tossed it aside and started pulling out some more clothes.

Suddenly he dropped everything in his hands as he fell back on his butt, from his previous position of sitting on his knees, as a sudden tall man was huffing and puffing at him. He hadn’t realized there was anyone here! “Wah!?” Sora’s eyes were wide and his heart palpitated with an intense discomfort to his chest. “You scared us!” Of course, Nunumu was unfazed but Sora felt like he had to include the moogle because he certainly couldn’t be the only one shocked here.

“I didn’t know you were here! I mean..! The door was open!” As in unlocked.

Sorry for the delay - just lmk if you aren't into backtagging

[hashtagdaddy]

"I scared you?!" Gladio's voice is dangerously low. He doesn't care that this is clearly a kid because the little shit is going through his things - his personal things. And the kid's furry sidekick is wearing a pair of his underwear that he'd planned to surprise a certain someone with... and now he'll have to burn them.

At least the intruders haven't broken anything (they damn well better not have).

"An unlocked door to a house that isn't yours is not an invitation to just come inside. And it definitely doesn't give you any right to go through bags and try on clothes that don't belong to you." He's seething with irritation. Did this idiot have no manners? And the Moogle too?!

Noodle, having heard the commotion, flies and perches on Gladio's shoulder. "Get out, kupo! You made a mess, kupo, and ... and leave or I'll get mad, kupo!"

Gladio continues staring down, menacingly. "Put everything down, tell your Moogle to take off the underwear he's ruined for me, and go outside. We can talk out there and maybe I'll convince Noodle to behave."

Seriously, he is not amused and neither is the fuming fuschia Moogle.

it's all good, :)

[keymemory]

Sora took a step back from the suitcases, his moogle now wrapped in his arms. “Nearly this whole housing area is abandoned.. I didn’t know.” He helped his moogle with the underwear and dropped it back in the open suitcase. He looked between the man and his moogle then down to Nunumu. “Alright, alright.. we’re leaving!” He looked up to the other, more surprised now than anything!

He took another step back and reached the door where he let himself out and down the porch. No sense in making the man and moogle even more upset! Goodness!

B

[sonoftenebrae]

I haven't forgotten. [Ravus' reply carries just enough amusement to avoid being grumpy. He's in a rare good mood. The Imperial visit has given him purpose, and for the first time in a very long time, he is facing a potential enemy with allies by his side. Things could be much worse.]

The Eidolons first. They may not be our Hexatheon, but we should not discount their power.

[He grabs a pamphlet on the way in to the exhibit and passes it to Gladio, using the motion as an excuse to brush fingers. He knows the other man would rather skip to the Magitek display. Ravus won't go so far as to say 'Thank you', but he can show his appreciation covertly.]

[hashtagdaddy]

[He accepts the pamphlet with a tender smile, blushing faintly at the soft touch of their fingers. No, he's not a blushing virgin - and Ravus damn well knows that - but he's aware of the man's aversion to public displays of affection and is touched (ha) by the gesture.]

That's true. We need to know what we're dealing with in the way of the Gods here, not just with respect to their weapons and other tech.

[Gladio gladly falls into step beside Ravus, letting him take the lead and set the pace as they walk the display. He can't deny the beauty of the artwork on display and more than once Gladio finds himself hovering slightly over Ravus' shoulder, his chest ever so slightly grazing the man's back, to read some of the placards.]

Pretty fascinating, actually... [His whispered words are meant only for Ravus' ears, but the timbre of Gladio's voice usually means anyone standing next to them could likely hear as well.]

[sonoftenebrae]

[No one will ever accuse Gladio of subtlety. Ravus shivers as Gladio whispers his opinions of the display close to his ears.]

Yes, there is some cross-over between the Eidolons and our Astrals, though they are not exactly the same. They could be distant relatives, perhaps...if you ignore Typhon and...whatever Ultros is.

[Ravus walks the length of the painting, noting the known Eidolons and the more vague shapes of those unknown. He stops in front of Bahamut, clenching his fists.]

It would seem he is here as well, in some form or another.

[eternitynpc]

[ Lo and behold: as Ravus and Gladio discuss the Eidolons, something happens.

They would be able to hear the distinct noise glass shattering, coming from the Magitek exposition. And soon, a man screamed. ]

Thief! Someone is stealing the swo— No, mercy!

[ More screams followed, this time with people running out in panic as the man who had asked for mercy was now begging for his life. Then a second voice came from the Magitek exposition. Deep and booming, whoever was speaking wasn't panicked. He was, however, quite offended. ]

Thief? Me?! I shall not allow you to slender my name! This weapon is mine of right, draw your sword miscreant and prove yourself worthy of it should you deny me mine right!

[ The first man is now whining. It is likely he might need assistance. ]

F

[shinra_dog]

It wasn't so much that something happened to Noodle, but in her rush poor Sohma happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

"Uf!" The little fluffs collided and Sohma's glasses fell to the ground. He immediately dropped and began searching for them frantically before they were broken.

#whoops Only 13 days later .........

[hashtagdaddy]

"Kupo!! I'm so sorry." Noodle straightened her bow as she fluttered down to help look for Sohma's glasses. "I'll help you, kupo, look."

Gladio arrived at the scene of the crash fairly quickly and could only shake his head, though he made sure to keep an eye out for the Moogle's spectacles. With a whistle to catch Noodle's attention, he pointed to a spot on the ground.

She gave a little whoop and quickly snatched them up. Squeaking another apology out, Noodle began cleaning the lenses on her dress. "I should have been paying attention, kupo. I don't think they're broken..." She held them out to Sohma for inspection.

/patpat

[shinra_dog]

Sohma blinked his little eyes and reached forward cautiously to take the blurry things he presumed were his glasses. "I hope not... They're quite delicate, you know..."

Thankfully, they weren't broken; miraculously, not even scratched. Sohma adjusted them once more before looking up and stopping short. "O-oh, Miss Noodle! I didn't recognize you... You look... quite lovely today."

<3

[hashtagdaddy]

Noodle immediately blushed, her cheeks going a dark scarlet at the compliment. "O-oh thank you Sohma..."

She whirled to look at Gladio, having no idea what to do in this kind of situation. Having him call her adorable was much, much different from having Sohma complimenting her - and calling her lovely at that! But her human companion only smiled and sent a look of encouragement her way - no help at all!

Fidgeting with the hem of her dress, Noodle turned back to look at the handsome Moogle.

"You look ... very handsome today too, kupo. A-are you looking for anything in particular here?"

E!

[boomchucka]

"No, really, I don't need any jewelry," Selphie repeated firmly for the fifth time to a nearby merchant who was trying to sell the girl a clearly overpriced bauble that she wasn't likely to wear.

Despite the flippant exterior and occasional thoughtless comment, Selphie was at her heart a practical woman. The years of military style training were to blame for this aspect of her personality and there was a simple rule that she followed when making purchases; if it didn't serve some sort of purpose, it wasn't worth the money. Sure, having a timeless trinket to mark a special event was important and all but it wasn't something that she was particularly interested in.

"Come now, miss," the merchant tried again. "The jewels in the pendant would simply make your eyes pop and I bet you could find a suitable partner in no time!"

Selphie frowned darkly at the merchant before speaking in a tone of finality. "Sorry, but he's not here and he wouldn't be impressed. So no, I don't want to buy your wares."

Perhaps someone should step in before Selphie starts shouting at the pushy merchant?

I ... am the worst I'm sorry

[hashtagdaddy]

A familiar voice caught his ear and Gladio walked over to where it originated. Spotting Selphie, he made to wave and shout a jovial hello until he noticed her posture and the way a nearby merchant kept thrusting a necklace in her face.

Not good. Not good at all.

Adjusting his stride to look more intimidating than normal, he headed towards Selphie with a menacing glint in his eye. "Hey Selphie. This guy giving you a hard time for not wantin' to buy his junk?" With muscular, tattooed arms crossed over his broad chest and a mildly accusatory look in his eyes as he stared at the merchant, Gladio painted a threatening picture.

A

[immortalmarshal]

Sometime in the late afternoon, there's a knock on the door. Should it be ooen, or if Gladio opens the door for him, he will find Cor standing on the other side.

"Mind an early visistor?" He inquires, curiously alone for the moment. Even his moogle isn't by his side, even though Tommy insisted on going with them for this trip.

Only took 11 days to answer the door

[hashtagdaddy]

Gladio hears the knock and, Shield instincts finally back in full, makes sure he is the one to answer it. Seeing Cor on the other side, he opens it wide and ushers him in.

"Not at all, Sir." He closes the door once Cor is inside and leads the man to the small sitting area. "What brings you by?"

better than my response time XD

[immortalmarshal]

"Just seeing how everyone is after that long air trip." It's a valid enough excuse, should anyone be outside long enough to listen. Cor steps inside quickly, though, eyes darting around to take in possible exits and cubbyholes.

"Your father and Regis are still checking out the place given to us," he adds in a lowered voice. "Are all of you here, or did you boys get split up between houses?"

I honestly can't even remember how we split the houses, but I think it was this way.

[hashtagdaddy]

"We're all good, none the worse for ware." Gladio's initial response is pitched equally loudly, but he quiets his voice once Cor is inside and the door is shut.

"Ravus and Hope were put in a separate house, but Noct, Iggy, and Prompto are all in this one too. We finished our sweep of the place and didn't find anything." Except that dumb kid and his Moogle who came in and went through their things ... but that's neither here nor there. He'll tell that story another time.

"I trust him with the kid, though, so I don't think we have anything to worry about. And Ravus definitely knows how to scout that house."