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Gilgamesh Headcanons based on my fanfic, ‘Bound by Blood’.

Read it here on Archive of Our Own. 

Gilgamesh is generally a silent man and would often confine himself away from other people’s company. But if he is with his close set of companions, then he’ll be open to banters here and there.

His patience runs long, but he is quickly angered by childish behaviour a.k.a. Somnus and Veritas whenever they squabble.

He likes eating cashews and olives as snacks. His favourite food are peppered meat dishes with fresh vegetables and fish dishes with lemon. He hates soups with fish in them.

His favourite drink is mulled wine or plain wine, but he is known to have a strong resistance to liquor, even the strongest one which comes from present day Accordo and the potent ones that the tribes make like Vannath liquor.

He dislikes no animal in general. But don’t give him chocobo chicks because they always squawk at him as if he’s murdered their entire tribe with his eyes.

Gilgamesh has long hair that he ties to keep away from his eyes. Despite his gruff exterior, this man is the cleanest in terms of physical appearances.

His skin is tanned for all the time he spends outside. The contrast between his silver hair and tanned skin makes him stand out from the crowd.

He doesn’t have a ‘lover’ per se, but define lover in the first place, though. This man is known to have his liaisons but is awfully secretive about them; not even Ardyn knows about all of his rendezvous but he certainly knows a good amount.

In turn, he knows a lot about Ardyn that the latter would rather not let him know.

Gilgamesh is surprisingly good with flutes and any wind instruments.

He’s trained himself with a huge variety of weapons that not even Tonitrus Izunia could beat him in a friendly match, even when Gilgamesh was still a teenager.

He is always seen either on his own or with Ardyn and Somnus. Often times he is seen with Veritas, but this is a rare occurrence. As Gilgamesh puts it, if Veritas is there, Somnus would be there, too.

He says he has no time for books, but much to Ardyn’s surprise, Gilgamesh has already read everything in his library. He is quite a reader during nighttime or in the hours before dawn.

Gilgamesh’s position at the Citadel is an army general, but only goes out to battle if badly needed, which was not usually the case. His prestigious position gives him the right to accompany the Lord Protector’s sons without question.

No one knows why Tonitrus had trusted him, but it was rumoured that the Lord Protector knew of his life before the massacre and thought that such a person who saw the world as it is would be able to shield his sons the very same way Gilgamesh did for himself.

Gilgamesh’s eyes are that of a vivid blue hue, resembling the color of the meteors at Cauthess and Lestallum.

His eyes as well as his hair and height were notable features from the clan he came from, the invading clan who terrorised the continent for years.

His body is peppered with scars and burns from all the abuses he received while at the settlement he and his mother lives in. - Gilgamesh has tattoos of an eagle's wings on both his shoulders but he would not tell anyone who asks him where or when or even why he got them. - His mother is from the continent, though from where, Gilgamesh couldn’t point out.

Gilgamesh had been close with his mother as they only had each other even from he was a child.

He learned how to wield weapons not because of the clan’s rule that all children of the state must learn how to fight, but because he had to. He first used a blade against a man who tried to sexually assault his mother. As a result, Gilgamesh had killed a man at the age of eight.

Assaults against his mother was not a rare occurrence and the young boy was glued to his mother at all times.

His mother was a quiet one and would only talk when she is alone with her son. In the settlement, she would work as a bread maker and would often times polish the weapons in the armoury for extra income. However, she had no say if one of the higher officials wanted her. Gilgamesh knew that if he fought back, he would put his mother in danger. His mother also warned him not to do anything.

Gilgamesh never knew who his father was although it was implied by his mother that he was a general of the invading army who took her settlement.

Before marching off to Keycatrich, her mother died of an illness. He didn’t know what the illness was even until the present day. Alone at sixteen, Gilgamesh was finally free to avenge his mother.

During the Massacre at Keycatrich, Gilgamesh was able to kill the men who used his mother. In the battlefield before his desertion, he swiftly put an end to their lives.

‘Bound by Blood’ is my fanfic of FFXV, focusing on the life of the brothers Ardyn and Somnus during the ancient days of Eos. (First posted here on December 14, 2018)

Read more about Ancient Eos based on ‘Bound by Blood’:

Dossier

World Archive

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Archive of Our Own

Hello everyone! I’ve made an account over at Archive of Our Own for FFXV fanfic stories. My stories posted here will be available there as well as the updated versions of ‘Bound by Blood.’ 

I find it easier to post them over there and while there are not any super explicit sexual content at the moment, I’m pretty sure there will be in the future so it’s safer to post it there. <3

Episode Ardyn is already out but I’m not going to delve into that yet. Aside from the fact that I’m not yet prepared to be a sobbing and hateful mess, I do like to write ‘Bound by Blood’ until it’s come to a point where I feel comfortable enough to play EP Ardyn. 

If you fancy reading about Ardyn and Somnus during ancient Eos, please head on over to my account. I wrote the story starting with the two brothers as children and their relationship with their parents, the Lord Protector Tonitrus Izunia and Vespera. <3

Click the bold text below for the link. I hope you’re all having a good time! 

the_truth_will_light_the_sky on Archive of Our Own

Bound by Blood

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FFXV March 25, 2019 UPDATE

Guys, there’s a huge update on FFXV main game and for Comrades today, if I’m not mistaken. 

I launched FFXV and the update file is about 9GB.

My heart can’t stop pounding.

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Incorrect Quotes from ‘Bound by Blood’

Talks at four in the morning do not contain thoughts of sense, only that of shenanigans, much to Ardyn’s dismay.

Veritas: ‘Sardyn!’ 

Ardyn and Somnus: ‘No.’

Veritas: ‘It’s hard to say both your names. That nickname is now official.’

Gilgamesh: ‘I dub thee, Lords Sardyn.’

Ardyn: ‘Astrals forbid, are you two drunk?’

Gilgamesh: ‘We don’t get drunk.’

Veritas: ‘And then they’ll call their kingdom, Sardynia. You know, it’s Somnus plus Ardyn and Izunia. Isn’t it amazing?’

Somnus: ‘How come I only get one letter of my bloody name on that? It’s unfair, I tell you. And Ardyn gets the whole ‘ardyn’ part and Izunia only gets the ‘ia’. You’re fuckin’ biased, wench.’

Veritas: ‘You’re such a complainer, Som.’

Ardyn: ‘Oh he’s just warming up.’

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Servitude

Summary: Eight year old Somnus wants to be a soldier much like his father, Lord Protector Tonitrus Izunia. He enlists the help of his older brother, Ardyn, only to find himself knowing the true meaning of what it means to be a soldier.

The heat of the summer sun scorched his skin, his throat bone-dry in the arid wind that was barely even there. Ardyn felt the sweat trickling down his neck and the dirt clinging to every pore of his body, eliciting an annoyed grunt from the young boy.

‘Are you sure father will be there?’, eight year old Somnus asked, scurrying up to catch up with his older brother, picking up pieces of branches to use as temporary swords and slashing against imaginary enemies with it.

Ardyn nodded, hands constantly wiping his sweat-filled brows. He would rather stay in the library of the Citadel and bury himself in all the books available for his perusal. But Somnus had other things in mind, such as swords and daggers and the mission to ask permission to train.

The young boy prodded his brother to no end, making sure Ardyn puts in a good word to their father for him so that he could finally be a soldier like Tonitrus Izunia himself.

Ardyn persuaded the boy to take up books instead, to choose to fill his head with strategies and wisdom rather than force and weaponry. His younger brother did so, only for a time. After a while, Somnus started asking him for his help once again.

Somnus Izunia makes sure to get what he wanted if he knew he can handle such a thing. And he can. So with that confidence he asked Ardyn once again, and this time, his brother complied, much to his satisfaction.

However, he needed Ardyn to secure that permission with a letter of explanation as Somnus was on his third probation of the week for messing around one of the retainer’s stables, letting loose all the dagger quills that the noble man had tried his best to tame as he was such an avid bird lover. The retainer was not too happy about it, but Tonitrus Izunia is even more frustrated with that incident more than anyone else.

The boy was a trouble maker, that’s for sure.

People all around the city state of the Citadel clicked their tongues that the son of their Lord Protector was such a mischief maker. They were certain that such a trait would follow through even as he grew older, that much they were sure of.

Pity that Ardyn was calmer and even more diplomatic than his wild brother, though the older brother does not seem to be so inclined to take up his father’s position as protector once he became of age. It was clear that Somnus would inherit that title.

Both locals and outsiders alike shivered at the thought, but for now, they eyed the two brothers as they made their way to the Citadel’s main fortress, mischief following Somnus around like a shadow as he ran over a vegetable seller’s wares. The boy apologised, yes, but secretly took a small piece of date and popped it into his mouth, clearly making his apology invalid.

Ardyn lightly thwacked the back of Somnus’ head with the letter of permission in his hand as soon as they were out of the vendor’s sight.

‘Must you always be such a rascal?’ Ardyn asked, obviously irritated by the way his brother was making a fool of himself.

Somnus procured a date from his other hand and handed it Ardyn.

Ardyn raised a brow and Somnus thought he was in for another smack. Only, Ardyn reached out to it and ate the stolen piece of date, chuckling to himself.

‘Oh you do share your spoils, do you not?’

Somnus laughed in return. ‘I don’t forget to thank my brother, of course.’

‘Well, pray that you won’t forget that I am your brother or else no one else will be hauling up your sorry hide once you start stirring up trouble again.’

Ardyn unfolded the letter in his hand as he and Somnus climbed the white staircase that leads up to the council room. Somnus stared up at the towering fortress of the Citadel, its white-washed walls gleaming so beautifully like pure sugar in the sunlight.

He had always marvelled at the way it made him so proud that his father was the one at the top of it all.

One day, he’ll be like his father. He’ll be as smart as his brother, too.

Ardyn abruptly stopped and Somnus bumped into him. Muttering words he read from his composed letter, Ardyn turned towards his brother. He wagged a finger at him, his eyes staring hard into Somnus’ deep blue and unfathomable eyes of ocean depths.

‘Now you listen, Somnus. You will let me do the negotiating while you stand beside me. Agreed?’

Ardyn’s voice made Somnus feel sheepish yet he fully understood his brother’s intentions. Ardyn was definitely going to let him get that permission from their father, and so the young boy nodded in agreement.

The two sons of Tonitrus trudged up the Citadel, their footsteps echoing loudly. Somnus’ footsteps were so loud that Ardyn had to admonish him. Somnus, not used to the silence, dared his brother to a race.

Whoever gets to the top first will have the last piece of sweet pastry at dinner. Ardyn hauled Somnus’ collar but the boy slipped through his grasp and ran as fast as he could to the top. As soon as Ardyn reached it, Somnus was panting and sweaty all over, but a triumphant grin decorated his lips.

‘I get to eat your dessert!’ He smiled.

‘Well, that’s all well and good for you, brother, if only today happens to be a day that dessert will be served. Too bad we’re observing frugality since there’s a shortage on fine wheat from Cleigne.’

Somnus’ smile faded at the realisation that all his efforts of running up the stairs and getting him all unpresentable to their father was wasted.

Ardyn chuckled, fixing Somnus’ hair and shaping them into a more acceptable hairstyle of that of the lord protector’s son.

‘Sometimes, Somnus, one must think before they act. No matter how beautiful the reward, if chances are not in favour of you, why bother? You’ll end up in the losing side.’

Ardyn’s words lingered in the air as Somnus tried to memorise it all. ‘Well, I can always count on you to do the thinking.’

His older brother laughed at his comment. ‘You must think for yourself, Somnus. That way, you will know what to do when you are alone.’

‘But I won’t be alone. You’ll always be there, right?’

Somnus’ voice carried a hint of sadness in them and so Ardyn lightened the mood up.

‘Well, yes of course I will. Until we both get married, that is. Then we’ll all be busy with our own families.’

Somnus’ nose scrunched up in the not so picturesque idea of taking care of little babies and wiping the vomit off of their faces.

‘Well, you be busy with yours then. I won’t get married.’

‘Sucks for you, I’m sure,’ Ardyn chided yet Somnus thought he was on the right. There are far better things than marriage, he was certain of that.

The council meeting was taking longer than they expected, so the two brothers gazed out of the window that overlooked the whole Citadel as they strained their ears for any news of the outside from the doorway that was right beside the huge window. No luck, the room was sound proof, much to their disappointment. They were hungry for news of the world outside the walls of their city state, but travel was most definitely not a choice as the ongoing skirmishes have peppered the entire continent; it was unsafe to venture out especially for leisure.

Looking out from a safe distance from the window, Somnus pointed out all the places he’d like to see; the Weaverwilds, Lucinia Sound, the far-off reaches of Duscae and the rock of Ravatogh.

Ardyn mused on the idea of visiting Alstor Slough as it is a prominent settlement that has a variety of herbs and plants as well as new species of animals none at the Citadel had ever seen before. His eyes then strained to the far-off coast of Angelgard, remarking on the beautiful form and the way it looked so divine in the light even though it was too far away.

The brothers discussed the various things they’d like to see and wondered how marketplaces in the west looked like as well as how the people of Vannath dressed. They were pretty sure the tribes folk would wear light clothing as they lived in huts unprotected from the sun. Somnus expressed his desire to wear such a garb as the Citadel’s garb was too heavy and layered for his tastes.

Before Ardyn could agree, the door to the council room swung open. The two brothers observed the nobles and barons as they walked out of the room, their expensive garb sweeping the floor in all their glory, embroidered details and gold trimmings shimmering in the golden light.

Somnus was suddenly aware of his unruly countenance so he tried his best to wrestle his hair into place, but most of the strands still stuck out, much to his dismay.

‘Ah, the lads are here. Let me look at you,’ Arctos, a burly man with a friendly set of brows and friend of Tonitrus and head of military strategies, regarded the boys with fondness.

‘So, what brought you two lads up in this dreadful tower?’

‘It’s not dreadful, it’s amazing!’ Somnus exclaimed as the man smiled.

‘We’re here to see father, Lord Arctos,’ Ardyn replied.

‘Ah, so you are.’ Arctos knelt down and fixed Somnus’ hair.

‘Your mother would be so annoyed at the state you’re in, boy,’ the man said, smoothing down Somnus’ clothes. ‘You must look presentable to everyone, do you hear?’

‘Oh, we tried to tame his hair to no avail. I declare it a fruitless attempt on your part,’ Ardyn said with a chuckle and Somnus shot him a glare.

‘Well, then. Let’s not keep your father waiting.’ Arctos stood up and gave the boys a smile of encouragement. ‘And remember, behave. I won’t tell your father about the broken vases,’ he said before following his fellow retainers down the stairs.

Ardyn leaned over Somnus and whispered in a hiss. ‘What vases? What is Lord Arctos talking about?’

‘Oh, you know…’ Somnus was sweating cold when he realized he hadn’t told Ardyn of the Tenebraen vase that he broke this morning.

But before Ardyn could press him further, Tonitrus’ voice echoed from the council room, beckoning them to enter.

‘We’ll talk about this later,’ Ardyn said with gritted teeth as he put on a smile for his father. Somnus thanked the Astrals for Arctos’ good deeds and prayed he may have more good deeds to do, especially for him.

The sons of Tonitrus Izunia announced their presence just in time for the father to see his sons entering the room.

Tonitrus Izunia stood tall and proud against the light of the summer sun, the white on the side of his hair a silvery piece of wisdom in every sense. His calloused hands were littered with scars and yet his eyes carried a child-like mirth that seemed to always see his sons as sources of his delight and pride. His robe was of a dark shade of blue, the black embroidered details were nothing compared to the grandeur gold of his retainers and his feet were only clad in sandals and not of expensive boots from the east and his limbs contained no ornaments at all — Tonitrus is a man of simple needs and simplicity is his virtue.

Ardyn and Somnus bowed in respect to their father and Tonitrus smiled in return.

He smirked as he saw Somnus biting his lip; ah, that look was all too familiar now.

‘I suppose you’re both hungry just looking at the state of your countenance. Tiring day, eh, child?’ Tonitrus inquired of his youngest son who only answered in the affirmative. Ardyn gave him an apprehending glare as soon as their father turned to open another door that leads to his own private solar.

The wind shuffled in from the room to where they all stood, the coolness of it a welcome respite.

‘Well, whatever it is you wanted to tell me, my sons, we can all talk about it here. Come.’

As soon as the door closed behind them, Tonitrus sat down on his place by the window, eliciting a frightened gasp from his youngest son.

‘Don’t sit there! You’ll fall off!’ Somnus exclaimed.

‘Oh I’ll be fine. There’s another ledge below to catch me if I happen to tumble off, come see.’

‘I- I’d rather not.’

Chuckling at his son, Tonitrus turned to watch Ardyn’s well-orchestrated expression of diplomacy.

‘So, what’s this all about?’ he asked, making himself comfortable in his place on the window sill.

Ardyn handed the letter over to his father. He and Somnus waited until their father had finished reading the contents of the letter that was remade several times before ending up with this very version.

The edge of Tonitrus’ brow jerked upwards. The youngest Izunia’s throat bobbed in dreadful anticipation.

‘Somnus has been reading a lot of books about military strategies, father and he’s proven to know more about it than the average soldier,’ Ardyn started talking.

Tonitrus smiled at him and Ardyn kept quiet. He knew that smile all too well, so he kept himself silent as Tonitrus continued on, folding the letter in his hands and regarding Somnus with a look of intent.

‘So I allow you to train, Somnus. What then?’

Somnus glanced at his brother who clearly had this question in mind long before they arrived at this moment. But Ardyn didn’t reply. Instead, he urged his brother to answer for himself.

‘I shall be a soldier like you,’ the boy answered in a small voice.

‘But what do soldiers do?’

‘They have swords and they go out to battle.’

‘And?’

‘And…they win?’

There was a stark silence in the room and the boys shifted uncomfortably in their places.

‘That’s the most favoured outcome. But what else?’

‘They travel from place to place and they save those that need saving.’

‘Go on.’

Somnus’ fingers pressed hard against his sweaty palms, the look his father was giving him was scaring him. But he wasn’t going to be scared. He’s a grown child now. His voice grew louder just a bit, gaining some measure of confidence from the strength of his resolve.

‘They fight against evil and they make sure everyone is safe. They train all day so they would be strong enough to fight. Soldiers are brave and they’re never afraid of anything or anyone.’

Ardyn held his breath; his brother did answer well.

Now the two sons waited.

And waited.

The light shifted in the room, casting bright lights against their skins and eyes, shadows growing on the walls for every second that passes.

And so Tonitrus finally gave his word.

He beckoned his children closer to the window and they obliged; Somnus held on to Ardyn’s hand so he wouldn’t be afraid to go near the edge. He is very much afraid of heights.

‘Look. Down below and up to that horizon is our city. As soldiers, we protect our land from invasions, from those who mean us harm. We also provide our people with security and the promise of a wonderful life void of war.’

Tonitrus’ calloused finger pointed to the rest of the horizon.

‘Those beyond are not our land. But we protect them nonetheless should the occasion calls for it. They may look different than us, but we help them all the same. Soldiers fight for their land, but they also fight for the right.’ He ruffled Somnus’ hair as the  boy stared up at him in understanding.

‘Sometimes, soldiers are afraid and that’s alright. Because when we are afraid, we fight harder, we become even more brave. And sometimes, soldiers come home defeated, but that does not mean we are not soldiers anymore. Even defeat makes us stronger. And every death should make us kinder and more compassionate.’

He pulled his sons closer to him, embracing them as he looked out in the horizon once again.

’The Izunia line fights for the right of life, that’s what made us who we are. We do not fight because we are soldiers; we fight because he have to. Someday, we won’t even have to don armour and wield weapons. Someday, soldiers’ efforts would make this world into a better place. And finally, the family of Izunia will be a family of peace-bringers. And we would want that, yes?’

Ardyn and Somnus gazed into their father’s face with renewed respect and admiration.

‘Yes, father,’ the brothers answered in chorus, their chest heaving with humility.

A gentle smiled etched in Tonitrus’ lips, his hands patting his son’s shoulders affectionately.

‘So, do you know what you have to do once I allow you to train, Somnus?’

Somnus nodded and hugged his father’s waist. ‘I won’t let you down, father.’

’Nor I,’ Ardyn joined in and grinned at his father who was very much moved at that moment.

After a pause, Tonitrus’ smile turned into a grin. ‘I know you won’t. I can feel it.’

The afternoon sun glowed bright against the white marble walls of the Citadel and Tonitrus Izunia found himself face to face with his wife.

Vespera Izunia stood in front of their bedroom window, looking beautiful as always with her dark hair flowing down to her waist in an elegant but simple braid and her lips a shade of healthy reddish flesh that Tonitrus had always loved.

The corners of her eyes showed a hint of fatigue and yet she showed renewed energy as soon as her husband had entered the room.

‘So, has Somnus told you of his wish?’ she inquired.

Tonitrus embraced her from behind, kissing the side of her cheek. His voice carried the usual fondness for his sons as was always the case whenever he talked about them.

‘Yes. He’d been very persistent. Ardyn was such a patient brother to endure Somnus’ incessant urgings.’

Vespera chuckled, holding her husband’s hands in hers as he clasped them closed on her growing belly. ‘Ah, he is. He’s inherited that patience from me, I believe.’

A playful scoff escaped Tonitrus’ lips as he replied. ‘Oh I bet he did. But I’m very much certain that Somnus got his mischief from you.’

‘Fair enough. Ardyn is as quiet as you are and Somnus is very much like myself when I was his age.’ Vespera sighed in content as Tonitrus rested his chin on her shoulder.

’And so, when does Somnus start training?’ she inquired, tilting her head to look at his eyes.

‘Tomorrow.’

Vespera was surprised to hear it happening so soon, but Tonitrus pacified her fears.

‘He knows what he has to do, my dear. Somnus will one day inherit my position as Lord Protector. He needs to learn what makes a good protector as soon as possible, what with all the invasions and skirmishes going on, our boy has to be prepared to face it all. And with the right mindset, most importantly. Many a soldier had gone out to battle for pride and they have all died or returned home broken in spirit. Somnus has to learn it all while I’m still capable of teaching him everything he needs to know.’

Vespera’s lips quivered. ‘But what about Ardyn?’

Tonitrus’ mouth twitched. ‘What about him?’

‘He’s your son and your first born at that. What will happen to him once Somnus assumes position?’

‘We do not need to worry about Ardyn. He…that boy has too much wisdom in him that I’m confident that he’ll prove to be a worthy strategist, just like Arctos is to me.’

Tonitrus walked to face his wife, his hands caressing the unborn child.

‘Ardyn will guide his brother, I know of it. I do not fear for his future for I know he’s compassionate enough to care for everyone. He could have been protector, but he lacks inclination to fight and Somnus has that. Imagine, Vespera, our sons fighting side by side to protect the light of the world, bound together by the strongest of bonds — the bonds of blood and brotherhood.’

Vespera caressed Tonitrus’ cheeks.

‘I do hope they do, my dear. For every battle won or lost, a man does not return home the same.’

And she was right.

‘And I pray that war does not change our sons as much as it has changed the world.’

‘Change they must, only for the better.’

[the-truth-will-light-the-sky]

Oh Noct.

You would have looked more precious than the piece of jewelry called the Crystal if it weren’t for those dirt peppering your person. And that smirk would have been sexy too were it not for...

Who am I kidding, though? Noct would look schmexy even if he’s lathered in mud. 

Damn, Mr. Noct-tease Lucis Caelum.

Why.

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Veritas Lux Seculum

Hi guys! Here’s a character design sketch for my character, Veritas, for my fanfic series titled ‘Bound by Blood’. Below is also some facts about the dear girl, err, woman.

Veritas is aged twenty at the time she met Somnus who is turning twenty in the same year.

She is the youngest of three siblings. The eldest is her sister, Ancora, who married a man of the Causcherry Plains clan; they have a son of two years old. Her brother is named Urso.

Her father Vis is originally from the Shore of Caem whilst her mother, Natura, hailed from the Vannath Coast.

When her mother is pregnant with her, her father decided to seek refuge at the Citadel to escape the tensions between warring states. He knew that it was only a matter of time before the states would be at each other’s throats. And he was right.

Veritas was born in the Citadel during spring.

Growing up in the Citadel, she was still surrounded by her family’s tribal culture because both her parents continued on with their practices while adapting to the rules of the Citadel.

Veritas, like her mother, is barely at five feet in height. She also has small hands and feet and her face carries a certain youthfulness that people mistake her for being younger than she actually was.

She has a fondness of the ocean and would always climb the walls of the Citadel just to see the huge expanse of oceans and the way they blend well with the skies, causing trouble with the guards...if caught, that is.

She’s shy and rarely goes out to meet other people. But when in private, Veritas is considered the goofball of the family. She’s always ready for a joke or two and is even known to love laughter more than anything else.

Veritas can be trusted with herbs and embroidery, but never with cleaning.

She is learning how to make bread without burning them. The only thing she can cook well is soup.

Her parents are both learned people and they taught her how to read and write. But most of the things she currently knows she learned from the libraries of the Citadel...and her mentor, Ardyn.

Sometimes she acts rather brutish and always hangs out with her brother in his forays into the woods and loves it whenever he teaches her how to wrestle.

She has a habit of playful punching. She’s considered a tomboy but she doesn’t look like it. Instead, she looks rather coy that people would be surprised to know that she actually acts differently from their impression of her. Somnus Izunia fell for this coy exterior and was rather surprised when she tackled him off his chocobo for insulting her.

Veritas loves to walk barefoot, much to her sister’s dismay. But when they bought her a pair of sandals bought from a travelling tradesman, she immediately wore them and had never worn any other footwear after that.

She is the least pickiest of eaters in the family. She can survive the day eating only nuts and berries as well as thin slices of bread with butter or cheese. As long as she gets to drink hot tea, then she’s fine.

She’s rather clumsy and would often times fall or trip even on flat surfaces.

Veritas has a canine companion. There are not a lot of dogs in the Citadel so she was surprised to find a dog following her about. She never knew the owner so she kept her. She had to register her at the offices to keep her, though. She got in trouble when her new fluffy friend peed on the head officer. Later she met him alongside Ardyn Izunia. His name was Arctos and he is a friend of Tonitrus. He proves to be a kind man despite his initial frightening demeanour.

Veritas likes to wake up early in the morning but she suffers from bouts of insomnia from time to time, though she still manages to wake up before dawn. One would not be surprised to see her falling asleep or staggering in broad daylight in sleepiness. But when something has caught her excitement, expect her to forget that she barely slept at all.

When she’s close with someone, she’s not afraid to be sarcastic.

She met Ardyn when she was nineteen and he was already twenty three. The older man found himself being chased by a hive of bees when he was trying to gather leaves for his medicine practices. The young lass immediately pulled him inside a house that has its door left open and closed it. Ardyn thanked her for her aid, only to find both of them running like crazy when they realized they were inside a stable of untamed Mesmenirs.

After that, they befriended one another. Ardyn became a mentor and brother figure to Veritas, who in turn taught Ardyn herb craft which is a family practice.

She visits Ardyn’s study most of the time. It is through Ardyn that she learned of higher studies like philosophy, higher thinking, history, science, literature and even military tactics. She hated politics and arithmetics.

She accidentally met Ardyn’s younger brother, Somnus, when she was twenty. She and Somnus turned out to be the same age.

Their first meeting was a disaster as Somnus, despite Veritas healing him from a ghastly wound in the chest while they were inside the Great Halls of the Six, realized that she was originally what he calls an ‘Outsider’.

The two would clash each time they’d meet, though Veritas tried her best to avoid the seething youth. Somnus on the other hand, always seems to seek her just to spite her origins.

In the next few meetings, Ardyn would try and reconcile the two and in time they did. Though it is an everyday occurrence to see Veritas and Somnus arguing all the time even about the most mundane of things.

Somnus is the one who started calling her Vera since he wouldn’t say her full name as it ‘tangles his tongue’. He’s the only one who does so, though.

Veritas is loyal to fault, almost in naivety. 

She is the only one in her family to start believing in the Astrals and she would slip in to the Great Halls of the Six just to pray and ask guidance.

She hopes that one day, all the clans of the continent would be united. Not by a king or queen, but by mutual understanding, but she knows that’s a pipe dream. Somnus kept telling her that the only way to achieve peace is war, that it is inevitable to clash against the other in order to have that most coveted unity.

Has a habit of cracking her knuckles -- it sets off Gilgamesh. 

She can be rather good at stealth as well and this helps her sneak around in places where she’s not allowed. 

Saves Ardyn the hassle of gathering herbs for his medicine for she brings them herself, along with freshly baked bread which Somnus covets like a soldier would covet weapons.

Alrighty, that’s it for now! You can learn more about Veritas through my ‘Bound by Blood’ series and in my other writings as well. As a quick note without revealing too much, Veritas ends up an immortal that’s why we see her in the rest of the fics during the modern Lucian timeline. More will be revealed about her soon and her on-going dance of swords with Somnus.

Bound by Blood Masterlist

[the-truth-will-light-the-sky]

Part Two A: The Culture of The Citadel and other city states and settlements across Ancient Eos

Facts about Ancient Eos during Ardyn and Somnus’ time based on my fanfic series titled ‘Bound by Blood’

Culture as a Society

The Citadel

The Citadel is very strict, and the society is very much tight-lipped, almost bordering on prudent.

Rules are strictly implemented and those who do not follow know well enough to bow down to the punishment or face being banished out of the Citadel.

Despite the immovable stoicism of the rules, the people of the Citadel are an amiable lot. They welcome travellers and new-comers with hospitality and curiosity — it is a given that whenever something new arrives in the walls of the Citadel, the citizens are already clamouring for new things to learn.

They are a loyal bunch; once friendship is made, it is unbreakable. Hence, those who turn their backs against their friends, allies and families are considered ruthless.

Higher Learning is a prize in this society. They value teachings of philosophy, Higher Sciences such as Astronomy and Evolution, Literature and Poetry, Music and above all, Military Tactics.

Military might is important for this society because of their constant battles with invaders some decades ago. They became a city state that boasts of safety and sanctuary because of their military prowess and they intend to keep it that way.

However, the only ones who are able to enlist themselves under military training are those of noble birth. Others can be conscripted as soldiers with a certain limited knowledge while their upper brethren are able to learn tactics and weaponry.

Fathers and mothers both play an active role in raising their children. There is no hierarchy between the spouses; whoever is able to uphold a certain role can do so. However, the father is almost always the one who has the last say in things, but not without consulting his wife beforehand.

When it comes to their children’s relationship with their siblings, there is reverence of the elder children by the younger ones, always respecting their decisions and their contribution to the family household. The youngest are expected to learn from their elder siblings.

The Citadel is able to accept the settlers from various clans. As a state who is innately curious and has a fondness for learning new things, the novelty that the settlers brought with them became irresistible. In time, most of the learnings brought about by those people were incorporated into their society such as herb lore and the charting of the stars, of weaving and metal gilding, to name a few.

In return, the Citadel taught these people about a systematic set of rules and innovations to housing and techniques in building things of higher quality with stronger materials and metals such as ore and iron.

Some of those settlers were able to marry into the native household, though this is not a common occurrence.

The Citadel values the contributions of these settlers and the immigrants were able to live in peace.

However, this amiable and harmonious relationship with the settlers or immigrants had changed ever since the attack of one of the army skirmishes against Tonitrus Izunia’s travelling caravan. This travelling caravan was carrying the Lord Protector himself and his family, along with some of his trusted retainers when they tried to form a diplomatic relationship with those of the Vannath Coast.

The army from the west hailing from the state of the Disc of Cauthess was able to penetrate the defences of clans surrounding Leide and was slowly moving towards the Weaverwilds.

Tonitrus’ caravan was caught in the crossfire and his youngest son, Somnus, was taken hostage.

One of the leaders of the clan of Cauthess has physically abused the young boy and demanded that Tonitrus surrender the Citadel to them or he will kill the child. Tonitrus was able to annihilate the man and held his child in his arms before decimating the second regiment of the Cauthess Army. But Somnus Izunia was traumatised by this event and carried hatred in his heart even until his adulthood.

Somnus Izunia began calling those who lived outside the Citadel as ‘Outsiders’, a term of intense hate and disgust. Others followed suit in the name-calling.

This sets the events of ‘Bound by Blood’ into motion alongside the outbreak of the Scourge.

The rest of the clans

The Deserts of the Weaverwilds and Longwythe Peak

The clans from the deserts of Leide are what one would call free-spirited, but they most certainly are fearsome warriors as they are a hunter-gatherer kind of clan.

They are a sturdy bunch, withstanding desert storms and cold airy winters in their tents and makeshift stone houses.

They thrive on their terrain for food and clothing. Their clothing cover most of their bodies such as robes and headgears to protect them from the sand. Veils are an important garb for both men and women to show a certain anonymity. In summer time however, their clothing will shift to a more lighter fabric but the way they dress it upon themselves are similar to what was mentioned earlier.

These people are artisans of weaponry. They are believed to be the ones who invented the crossbows which they used for hunting.

They value medicine and Star-reading (which is the art of knowing what can happen in the skies next, from storms to eclipses among other such things).

People from these clans are considered grumpy upon first meeting, as they carry themselves with an air of caution and curt tactfulness. But once one has shown no signs of enmity, these people are considered one of the most hospitable clans in the continent. Tea is served almost immediately upon entering their homes and sweets were given to revitalise the visitor’s energy.

The Coasts of Vannath, Caem, Cygillan,  Cape Shawe, Upper Styrian Swells, Allural Deep and Lucinia Sound

Vannath Coast

The coast of Vannath are home to friendly tribes of fishermen.

But most of all, this tribe is known for their wisdom on ship building and thus were able to travel from one continent to the next. 

Their territory stretches to the coasts that face the ocean on the eastern side below the Citadel. It is a fact that they are also related to those who lived by the Shore of Caem. 

Those from the Vannath Coast are adventurous and often times stubborn to a fault. 

They face many storms in one year, thus making them a resilient bunch. 

They wear clothes that are mainly light as they never encounter winters. 

They are almost always barefoot and could never stay at one place at a time. 

Their family system is similar to that of the Citadel, but children have equal statuses amongst each other and are free to live independently if they are able to do so.

The Shore of Caem

Those who were from Caem were famous for their herbs, embroidery and their salted fish. 

They are known to use shells in their clothing as well as with their way of relaying messages to their brethren at Vannath Coast without being intercepted. 

Families from the clan living by the Shore of Caem are solitary people. They keep to themselves most of the time, tending to their herbs and healing crafts as well as to their embroidery and rarely go to other tribes in the continent. 

Despite their solitary nature, they are well-known for their hospitality. Expect a warm meal and a place to rest even if their household is small if one ever comes to visit. 

Their family system is matriarchal; the women will tend to most things related in the household even the income. The father is expected to provide protection to his family as well as offering advice to his children should they wish to ask for it. Learning is provided by both the parents as well as the grandparents. 

Their clothing is considered to be ‘loose’ in terms of style, as they do not have a distinct way of clothing themselves. 

Instead, the prominent feature of their clothing style is their pattern of embroidery which is very distinct to their clan, as well as their incorporation of shells in their adornment.

Lucinia Sound

There are little known facts about those who live near the Lucinia Sound. 

The settlements along the coast are not permanent and barely a decade would pass before the clan will leave the place in search for another stead. 

The climate and the harsh seas are thought to be hindrances for any sort of settlements to take place in this area. 

There are traces of settlements from clans coming from Galadh, Cavaugh and the Weaverwilds staying at one point along the coast, but there are not a lot of evidences to dictate that people stayed here for a long time.

Shores of the Cygillan Ocean, Cape Shawe, Upper Styrian Swells, Allural Deep

The shores of the Cygillan Ocean house mostly the scattered settlers from both Vannath and Caem. These people have settled in the shores only for some time and such residencies only last a couple of months due to severe weather conditions in the areas.

The same could be said of both Cape Shawe and the Upper Styrian Swells. These two shores are the nearest to the Rock of Ravatogh and most of the ash that fell during one of its eruptions some centuries ago had produced shorelines that prove to be uninhabitable due to the toxicity of the chemicals that came from the volcano. However, these sites today have been a focus of biologists due to the rare specimens of fish and crustaceans, as well as new types of Marlboros and Sahagins. 

Allural Deep, being situated beyond the highest mountains of Leide, prove to be one of the hardest of shorelines to visit in the continent. The turquoise waters are home to the rarest of fish species ever to be found in Eos. Seafarers from Vannath and even from different continents dared to sail their ships here, only to find themselves scurrying back home. Legend has it that the twin of the Adamantoise turtle still lives beneath the waves, and its cries could be heard, although some argue that it is actually a giant serpent, the so-called Father of Midgarsommrs, dwell in beneath the ocean floor. These two, if awakened, would cause havoc that even the Astrals would have a hard time fighting. So, such legends also prevent any sort of settlements in these areas, though there are some brave souls who dare venture out into these beautiful but dangerous waters to show their might...and to catch the biggest prize of all, the Allural Carp. Unusual home for a carp, yes. But one of the rarest species of carp in Eos, even until today’s standards.

Duscae

The City State of Cauthess

The city state of Cauthess is a smaller state compared to the Citadel, but these people are considered to be one of the biggest in terms of territories. 

Its territories include the Mencemoor, Kelbass Grasslands and Rydielle Ley.

Their strategy of claiming lands from all across the continent proved efficient and beneficial to their conquest of taking the whole of the land mass for themselves.

People from this state are considered proud and quick-witted. 

The heat of the meteor allowed them to craft weaponry that would give them more advantage in the battlefield against the other clans. 

Their clothing consists of long flowing robes made of fine silk; do not be fooled as these materials are light on the body and their ingenuity in crafts enabled them to create a fabric that seals in both the cold and heat. 

The family system is patriarchal; the father is in charge of all things but the mother is required to provide the education of their children. 

Food consists mostly of meat as the abundance of beasts in the area made this possible. However, lack of a sea water fish diet caused a certain anomaly in their eyes — their eyes would have bright blue specks around the irises, a distinctive feature of those coming from this clan. 

This state is known to be involved in slave trade, taking people from lands they have invaded and sells them off to other city states who would engage in such an illicit activity.

Alstor Slough Settlement

Clans around Alstor Slough are considered to be the most vibrant of all the settlers around the continent. 

They are always up for a smile or a laugh, even if life in the area can be tough due to storms and draught, as well as harsh winters and even wars. 

Their resilience and hardships under such circumstances make them a compassionate and sympathetic bunch. 

Their hospitality is among the ones revered in the continent. They allow other clans to living amongst them, asking nothing in return but the assurance of peace. 

Food is plentiful in this area and so a huge array of cuisine is available, though their main dish will always be vegetables and fish is their main source of meat. 

These clans live harmoniously with one another. Their dialect is harder to understand, however. Nevertheless, language has never been a hindrance to them creating alliances with other settlers and nomadic tribes. 

Education is given by mentors in the settlement and parents are required to send their children to classes in order to learn how to read and write in their language as well as other practical skills.

Clans and settlements that did not retain any traces of their residencies

Kettier Highlands

Those who live in the Kettier Highlands are artisans and builders. 

Most of their houses have been destroyed because of wars, but their legacy of architecture and village mapping can still be seen all throughout Duscae. 

Not much is known about these settlers since records of their residence in the highlands had been destroyed when the city state of Cauthess has invaded the settlement. 

The settlers from this area had moved to the Citadel for sanctuary however, and some of their cultural contributions exist even today in the Citadel.

Causcherry Plains

Living near the city state of Cauthess, these people suffered the most of this state’s attacks thus leaving them with no trace to leave behind as war ravaged their homes. 

In the time of the Scourge, Causcherry Plains was home to gentle folk who valued farming about all. The Saxham Outpost became one of the modern places that featured independent farming families thriving in the area. This is partly due to the efforts of the settlers here two millennia ago who tilled the soil and nourished it with tireless dedication.

The abundance of lush greeneries and forests provided the settlers with as much food as they could gather. 

They are known for their fondness of preserving their fruit with sugar (presently known as jam), as well as salting their meat for future use.

Settlers from this area are also known to be one of the friendliest people in the continent, always offering shelter to those who need it as well as giving a basket full of Duscaen oranges for their visitors.

However, this clan were never able to have education and never had any sort of written documents, nor were there any traces that could prove that they had an education system.

Despite this, the oral tradition of this clan survives until this day. Their songs are famous all across the continent, being sung as people worked hard in their labors.

Risorath Basin

The clan that settled within the swampy area of the Vesperpool are considered the most mysterious of settlers in the continent.

These people are isolated from the rest of the continent and not all of them are used to seeing people of diversity. 

The only connection they have with the rest of the world is Lestallum where they would buy ingredients and medicine that are not readily available in their terrain.

The thunderstorms that ravage the area had pushed them to create houses that are made of stones, rivalling the building techniques of those in the Kettier Highlands.

However, it is a mystery as to why these people suddenly disappeared from history. The near proximity of their settlements near the ancient ruin of Solheim pushes historians to come up with connections between the two.

What was known of this ancient people, thankfully from sources in Lestallum, is that they are the best when it comes to herb lore. 

They do not heal however. What they do with herbs have got to do with magic. The people of Lestallum once feared this people’s herb that restored vitality to those who lost them, something that they call an herb that is surrounded by flames, only, it looks more like a feather. This so-called herb is in fact a feather and it is presently known as the rather expensive but life-saving ‘Phoenix Feathers’. 

Their language is also very much unknown. It is said that they speak almost as if in a haze or akin to a whisper, and that one has to strain his or her ears just to hear them. 

[the-truth-will-light-the-sky]

As Noct maneuvered the Regalia Type F in the sky among spectacular views of  Cleigne and the Cygillan sea, his companions Prompto and Gladio had been snoozing almost the entire time since take off. Ignis wouldn’t stop talking about all sorts of facts and information about the places he sees from up high, remarking on the number of lakes and power grids that dot the continent. Noct was very much interested in his royal advisor’s ramblings, especially since he’s already set his eyes on new areas for his fishing adventures. Apparently, such talk has bored their two companions who dozed off peacefully as the two of them continued on with their talk. After a while though, the two were awakened by Noct’s sudden burst of excitement when he saw just how huge the lake above Callatein’s Plunge actually was. LET’S FISH THERE! He exclaimed. Upon awakening, Prompto stared into the abyss, seemingly trying to get his senses back. The same can not be said of the burly Shield. Hands plastered upon his sweaty face, and maniacal mutterings uttered from his lips, Gladiolus begged the prince to land the damn thing. It was now universally known that Gladiolus Amicitia is afraid of heights. He’s been putting up with Noct climbing those things that hover over the terrain just to catch a good view or to hunt some cactuars. But now, this was a different thing. 

Ignis: ‘So, I suppose my talk wasn’t that boring wasn’t it, Gladio? All this time you forced yourself to sleep just to forget that we’re about a thousand feet from the --’

Gladio: ‘Shut up, Iggy.’

Noctis: ‘Woah, big guy’s scared of heights. I didn’t know --’

Gladio: ‘Noct, land this damn thing on the ground or I swear I’ll ruffle your royal visage.’

Noctis: ‘Shh, chocoboy’s sleeping.’

And the banters continued on but Prompto was undeterred, sleeping soundly and dreaming of chocobos and food.

Talk about sleeping on cloud nine.

[the-truth-will-light-the-sky]

Gladio: How do you keep your hair so fluffy?

Noct: Hey hands off and I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Caught these two in their usual shenanigans. I wish I could have snapped more shots of this moment, haha!

[the-truth-will-light-the-sky]

Part One: City States, Settlements and prominent landscape in Eos during Ardyn’s Time

Facts about Eos during Ardyn and Somnus’ time based on my fanfic series titled ‘Bound by Blood’

I am finally able to compile most of the things that have been swimming in my mind about the city states of Eos as well as settlers. In my previous chapters of ‘Bound by Blood’, there are mentions of warring states that Ardyn’s and Somnus’ father, Tonitrus had to fight against. Here are some facts about the states and clans that dot the continent presently known as Lucis.

Eos was a continent peppered with different clans or tribes, each with their own varying traditions and dialects.

During this time, Eos wasn’t a continent ruled by peace as most states and minor clans had started fighting one another. There are those who fought for peace and there are those who fought to gain territories for themselves.

The rest of the tribes are living independently, most of them are nomadic in nature while some settled near rivers, oceans, mountains and even around the meteor with its heat.

These city states were formed when the clans grew in number and developed their set of governing systems. Some of the known city states at the time (not counting Solheim as that civilisation had long died out) were the following (written down in their present names)

Insomnia (formely called the Citadel), 

Cauthess State

Cavaugh 

Galadh

There are other states as well, but unfortunately, any written records of them whatsoever did not survive to the present day due to the wars. 

In other continents, there are the city states known today as the following (also in their names that we know of today)

Accordo (Altissia) 

Tenebrae 

Galadh 

Niflheim

Not all city states were at peace with each other. The state from the Disc of Cauthess was at constant war with those from the smaller states, even with the largest settlement that lived around the Alstor Slough.The Citadel was the only one who did not participate in any quarrels.

The settlements as well as the nomadic clans were often times caught in between the fighting. Among those caught in the quarrels are the tribes from Alstor Slough, Vannath Coast, as well as those from the Mencemoor, Weaverwilds, Kettier Highlands, Kelbass Grasslands, and Causcherry Plains to name a few.

Duscae’s Alstor Slough was once a bigger lake with the majority of its ‘bowl-like’ perimeter filled with different kinds of fish and provided a richer source of food for both settlers and beasts alike. However, with the increasing and constant heat coming from the nearby meteor and the decline of seasonal storms led to the lake’s diminishing water levels.

This goes the same with Leide as the hollow area in the desert used to be a deep large pond, the area that is behind the presently known Hammerhead outpost. People thrived around this area and became a stop over for people traveling from the Citadel, presently known as Insomnia, to other states in the continent. It is a place of trade and markets surrounded the basin.

The area known today as Keycatrich is a well-known encampment of the Citadel which serves as a training ground for soldiers. High ranking officials would go here to discuss military tactics while they trained their soldiers.

The Citadel is made to be a place of sanctuary and not military might, thus the people used Keycatrich for most of its military trainings. But Tonitrus himself can conduct meetings in the Citadel once a threat arises. Having two main places where the soldiers could be sourced from (east and west), this proves to be an effective strategy to catch invaders in the middle, effectively trapping them until the enemy yields. It also serves as two defences on both sides. Their amiable relationship with the tribes along the desert terrains of the Weaverwilds and almost the entirety of Leide generally brought a deal of relief to the citizenry of the Citadel.

Pallareth is considered as a trade route, although the route takes one through the difficult terrain of the mountains. This is a quick route to the sea, however, especially to those living near the area. A lot of settlers tried to live in the mountains of Pallareth, only to find themselves leaving the place because of the harsh torrential rains.

There were a lot of lighthouses built all throughout the continent during the height of the Scourge. These lighthouses would use different kinds of  ways to illuminate the areas surrounding them. Some lighthouses are made of sturdy materials while some are just makeshift in nature. Nevertheless, these beacons serve as protection against the threat of wandering daemons. One of the most notable of lighthouses that also remain to this day is the lighthouse at Caem. Prominent lighthouses are to be found in the present day Keycatrich perimeter and across it by the Lucinia Sound. These lighthouses also serve as watchtowers for the Citadel and Keycatrich itself, serving not just a light source but also in military advantage. Somnus Izunia himself is fond of climbing these lighthouses to look over his state’s domains as well as the world beyond the confines of the Citadel’s territories.

The area now known as Old Lestallum is a thriving marketplace for both settlers and states alike in the Duscae and Cleigne region. Clans living between Maidenwater and Dynneldale or River Wennath sell their freshly caught seafood here as well as those living from Cape Caem and Cape Shawe. 

After a few years, Old Lestallum found a new plot of land that is now the present day Lestallum. Lestallum became a city state that is neutral in its alliances. It rivalled the strength of the state that lived by the Disc of Cauthess in terms of harvesting the power of the meteor but Lestallum was never involved in any warfare; it mainly focused on trade. Attacking Lestallum would cause a bigger problem for those at Cauthess since Lestallum has many connections with various tribes and states.

Callatein’s Plunge is a famous spot for a lot of water rituals that most clans would always travel here just for that purpose.

Most settlers are found near bodies of water, especially rivers since a requirement of a good settlement is water.

The Rock of Ravatogh is considered a sacred volcano and none dare to step on its rocks. The Ravatoghan area however, became a major source of metals for most of Cleigne and Duscae. 

Those in the outskirts of Cavaugh were a strong clan who tried to invade the Citadel countless times throughout the decades. Their military might has always been a source of fear amongst those who live in the Citadel. It was only during Tonitrus Izunia’s time as the head protector of the state that these attacks were stopped. In the next few years, his son Somnus Izunia will be in charge of fending off minor skirmishes that threaten the walls of the state.

The fighting between the states of the Disc of Cauthess and the surrounding settlers and smaller states brought turmoil in the continent, uprooting those who lived in the Kettier Highlands and Mencemoor from their homelands. The fighting has been on-going for nearly a decade and unrest is a constant struggle for those caught in the middle of the military clashes. Thus, most settlers sought sanctuary in the Citadel.

These settlers were allowed to live in the outer perimeter within the protective walls of the Citadel and in time, most of them were able to get occupations and trade in the Inner walls of the Citadel.

Along the outer walls of the Citadel were huge openings of land that resembles those of the crags at Taelpar. These areas were sources of minerals such as iron and ore. Places such as these are vital to sustaining the state’s economy.

Within the walls were vast farmlands that helped provide food for the citizens. Most of the farmers were the local settlers while a small percentage of them were tilled by the settlers.

In time, the settlers became integrated into the society of the Citadel and proved to be valuable not just because of their resilient work ethics but also because of the wealth of culture and knowledge that they imparted with the local citizens.

The settlers were hunters and gatherers, while some were artisans and others healers. The mix of their traditions helped the boom in economy and traditions. The once quiet society of the Citadel became a bustling state of energy, balanced in equal measure with the set-in ways of the natives.

The walls that surround the Citadel are not as sturdy as the present-day Insomnian walls, but these boundaries were made of strong material which, at the time, were impenetrable even against weapons of those days.

So that’s that for a while. I’m writing about the cultures of the Citadel and of the other city states and settlements. These clans and states play a major role in Ardyn and Somnus’ time. 

[the-truth-will-light-the-sky]

Noctis Lucis Caelum, King of Lucis

I always feel so emotional whenever I go back to Insomnia. There’s too much to feel, really. But I can’t stop taking photos of him during this time. I just want to shield this man from his fate. But he is ready to face it all. 

Noctis. Not just a man, but a king worthy of life itself.

I’m proud of him.

[the-truth-will-light-the-sky]

Rainy Days in Insomnia

Young Prince Regis and his crew all cope with the rain differently. So, which one overthinks things and who gets to spend the entire day listening to jazz?

Prince Regis

Contrary to belief, Prince Regis loves the rain.

In fact, he rejoices whenever it pours.

The main reason for this is the fact that he has the excuse to stay in the Citadel.

And when he has nowhere else to go, then he’s got a very good reason to go and visit his father, King Mors.

The prince would engage his father in every conversation possible, or challenge him to a game of chess to which the prince always, always loses.

He doesn’t mind his chess blunders, however. Every moment he can spend with his father, whether he gets a good scolding, a long lecture on chess, politics or even ehem, adult things,  Regis doesn’t mind at all. At least he doesn’t have to attend to his princely duties that would take up so much of his time away from his father.

During rainy days, Regis is very much the only person who is active in the Citadel.

He’d bother Clarus to no end with his talk, or ask Cor Leonis to  spar with him. 

Sometimes, Regis would pitch some of the Crownsguard or Kingsglaive for Cor, amused in the confused expression of the young soldier whenever someone tries to flirt with him.

If no one else is available to be engaged in conversation and other such things, Regis amuses himself with books.

The other thing he ever bothers himself with is music. He can’t play any instruments save for a couple of songs in the guitar, but he listens to his collection of valses, concertos and most of all, songs by the latest Jazz or country singers. 

With the latter, Cid was a huge influence. Not the cowboy kind as the prince is not fond of it even one bit, but the relaxing, home-feel kind of songs.

Expect Regis to drink a hot beverage, especially chai tea whenever the weather gets cold and dreary.

Owns a very expensive foldable black umbrella. He likes keeping it with him if he has no choice but to travel in the rain. He would share it, but of course, not with strangers. 

He’s the one who, if he had the choice, would buy a transparent umbrella. But he’s supposed to be incognito out in the streets so he can’t.

Also, speaking of choices, if the young Prince can be extra lively in the halls, he would. Although, he’s the one who’s bound to be greeting everyone with an extra cheery tone just to lift the mood. 

Sleeping on a cold night is one of Regis’ favourites. He looks forward to it with a smile on his face.

He curls up in his luxurious Lucian duvet, feeling the soft texture of his bedsheets against his skin even as the Fulgurian shows his might in the grey skies.

He likes to spray his room with a light scented perfume to help him ease in to beautiful sleep.

Regis is actually very indulgent of himself in the rain. Expect him to reach for a nice slice of decadent cake and a glass of wine as he’s all cozy in front of the fireplace either in his study or in his father’s solar as the rain pours outside.

A warning or not. Don’t sit beside Regis on the couch, especially on a rainy afternoon.

Because if he falls asleep, he’ll cuddle the next person until he wakes up half an hour later. Everyone learned this the hard way. 

Not even Cid’s excessing cursing of ‘son of a garula’ or ‘wretched bastard’  or ‘gerrofff me or I’ll strangle yer royal throat kid’, Regis won’t budge. And boy, Cid would never stop making everyone wake Regis up. It makes for a good photo op for Weskham, however.

Clarus Amicitia

Clarus is a sleepy man on rainy days.

Nothing lulls him to sleep better than the soft pattering of rain on the roofs and windows.

No one is surprised to see the man nodding off on meetings or curled up in a corner of the solar, a book laid flat on his face, snoring the rainy day away.

No amount of coffee wakes him up.

The only thing that could stop him from falling asleep on a grey day is a sparring match.

So when the rain comes, everybody shuffles away from the young Amicitia’s path.

No one wants to be his sparring partner for the whole day, not even Cor. He’s much too strong for everyone.

Regis made the mistake of accepting his request and ended up looking as a haggard, rain-soaked and ruffled chocobo after that. Never again, said Regis.

In days when Clarus can resist the temptation to sleep in as it rains cats and dogs outside, he’d be found walking around the perimeter of the Citadel several times.

It is during these rare days that Clarus can be engaged in any kind of conversation. He’s a bit of a curt man, but when it rains, he relaxes somewhat, thus making him quite open to socialising with people he works with.

Clarus is the one who can detect if it’s going to rain because of his hobby of watching his environment.

As soon as Clarus predicts the rain coming, Weskham would buy all of his ingredients to stock up for his ‘rainy day comfort food’.

If he’s supposed to be out in the rain, he brings out his huge umbrella. It fits everyone under it.

Clarus likes to sleep in early during rainy nights. He can’t be made to stay up when the feel of his comfy bed beckons him to a wonderful night full of sleep.

Veritas a.k.a. V

She has a love-hate relationship with the rain.

Veritas likes the fact that whenever it rains, everybody stays indoors. It brings everyone together.

A busy Regis becomes very much engaged in every conversation. A sleepy Clarus is lightly snoring on the couch as everybody huddles by the fire. A contemplative Cor puts up the best topic for debate. And Cid, well…Cid brings in the fire in the cracker. Meaning, he’s the one who gets everyone either arguing or laughing in the room, even King Mors.

Veritas is very much inclined to delve into her ‘gentle hobbies’, as Regis likes to call it.

The immortal would curl up in one corner, preferably near the window or the fire and start doing some embroidery work. Sometimes, she’d take a pencil and her notebook and would start to either draw or write. And when she finds a new book, she’d be busy reading it, too.

Just don’t leave her with nothing to do on a rainy day.

Rainy day makes her feel down. She remembers the days she spent with the First King of Lucis and how he held her inside the Citadel for days just so she wouldn’t escape him. She hated those days. And the rain makes her remember such horrible things.

Cid is the one who is able to coax her to get up from her seat and hover over to watch the card game.

She’s highly likely to tell Cor Leonis of what cards Regis has in his hand, to which Regis calls her out on it, daring her to try the game herself. 

She tries it, but fails. All the time. She’s horrible with games.

She’s the target of one such Prince Regis whenever he’s in one of his dancing moods. He’d pull her up from her seat to whirl her about the room as his favorite valse is playing, says he needs to practice for that moment he finds the opportunity to dance with Aulea. She agrees; he can dance, but not without mischief.

She’s not averse to sparring. She’ll spar with Clarus. But only once. 

Her energy’s too low on rainy days.

Except when she has been engaged in some sort of activity the day before, then she’ll be inclined to try and finish it even on a dreary day.

She’s extra sociable in rainy nights. She’ll be happy to answer questions or tell stories. Just don’t ask her about Somnus Lucis Caelum her ex-something. She’d clam up and change the subject all too obviously. 

Veritas likes to drink hot chocolate as she gazes out into the window.

The smell of the rain doesn’t bother her at all.

Cid Sophiar

Rain? What rain?

Cid Sophiar doesn’t care whether it is raining cats and dogs or blazing like a hundred degree oven outside. Nothing stops him from doing whatever it is that he needs to do.

He likes to work on his cars and machines even if the rain is dripping down on his skin, as long as his precious leather jacket stays out of the way.

One is bound to find the mechanic strolling about Insomnia in the rain without his umbrella.

He doesn’t even get sick when he does so.

He likes to feel the rain against his skin, revelling in the way it falls on him.

When it rains and Cid is with his friends, expect a whole tirade of stories.

Cid likes to tell stories whenever the rain pours down. Everyone is there with him escaping the rain, so he has all the reason to be sociable, right?

He almost always tells the exact same stories that whenever he has the dialogues coming up, either Regis or Weskham would mouth the words quietly while doing the exact same gestures as Cid does when he blurts out the lines.

When he has the chance, he’d blast up the volume of his radio as it plays his favourite songs.

Regis curls in the sofa of Cid’s house, pulling the pillows over his head, groaning in contempt.

However Regis might hate Cid’s rainy day playlist of swamp music, the prince is delighted to partake in Cid’s delicious comfort food: tacos.

Everybody loves Cid’s comfort food for rainy days. Veritas especially loves the chili, to which she is the direct competitor to the limited stock of it against Cor Leonis.

But when the night comes and it is still raining, Cid Sophiar becomes quiet.

He likes to look out the window, watching the rain against the glass, the bokeh effect of lights beautiful in his eyes.

He stares a lot at his hands, too, wondering just how his life is going by in front of his eyes. He can be very mellow in rainy nights.

But when the morning comes, he forgets everything.

And he’s Cid Sophiar all over again. All fire and energy, as usual.

Cor Leonis

The sulkiest boy in Lucis.

Cor Leonis hates the rain.

Allergy boy. Sneezes incessantly whenever it starts raining.

He can’t go outside to get some fresh air.

Plus, it gets him into one of his moods.

On rainy days, Cor Leonis contemplates on his own existence.

He questions the decisions he’s made or the ones he is going to make.

His family is of a lesser status as those serving the Crown of Lucis. His decision was to make some sort of distinction for themselves. But he was wondering if he did the right thing.

Instead of going to school or acting like boys his age, he was serving the King of Lucis, secluded within the walls of the Citadel, hearing of news of threats against the kingdom instead of listening to jokes or lessons.

He doesn’t mind those, however. What he kept thinking about is if he’s worthy to be serving the royal family in the first place.

Aside from this, there’s just something about the rain that makes him feel so aware of things.

He’s extra observant of the way the light shifts in the room whenever a storm cloud passes by, or whenever the fire crackles in the fireplace, the distant sound of cars drowned out in the rain, or the sweet scent of hot tea as it lingers in the air of every room in the Citadel.

He likes to stand in front of the windows and just stare out into nothingness, a cup of coffee or barley tea in his hand.

He’s rather fond of the conversations that King Mors and Prince Regis would engage in. He’s often being invited to join, and the laughter or the banters that would echo in the room would comfort him from his rather dreadful reveries.

Cor likes the valses in the rain, too. He likes to listen as the records play out with the scratches echoing from the speaker.

He’d listen to the music as his hand touches every surface he could find, revelling in the way that his senses are even more sensitive in the rain.

Rainy days are the best time to make Cor Leonis memorise something. He’s got nothing else to do, so better make the most of it and ask him to memorise a military strategy or a poem, or anything at all. Except maps, of course. He’s bad at remembering geography.

Weskham Armaugh (before they left for Accordo)

The deep-voiced retainer loves to take things easy on a rainy day.

He’s not sleepy like Clarus nor is he moody like Cor.

No. Weskham drops every appointment he makes and stays indoors. 

He can do some paper work and research, but his priority is to sit back and relax as he listens to the rain.

He’s one of those ‘romantics’ who would light up a candle in his room, put up some incense or sandalwood scent, as well as playing some soft music like jazz to complement the mood.

He’s an intellectual, but he doesn’t shy away from feeling his senses, mainly those that eases some of his troubles away.

Expect him to run a bath at the end of the day, warm and relaxing, a glass of wine in his hand as he reads his new book.

Despite his ‘idle’ state, Weskham gets most of his work done during rainy days. The more relaxed he is, the more he can focus on his work.

Weskham whips up the best soup or pasta on rainy days and everyone looks forward to it.

His friends, and even some of the Kingsglaive would wait in the kitchen as he finishes up his delicious food.

The kitchen becomes one of the liveliest place in the Citadel because of him.

Even King Mors would look forward to Weskham’s famous Lucian Tomato and Olives Pasta.

He’s most susceptible to singing while it’s raining. It gets him into one of his moods wherein he can be heard singing from outside his door.

And he’s got a really good voice, too.

[the-truth-will-light-the-sky]

So a while back I wrote this piece called ‘Odium’ that tells of the time that Somnus ordered the massacre of a village outside his city. His intentions were morbid, but most of all, discriminatory. 

In my headcanon in this story series called ‘Bound by Blood’ to which Odium is a part of, Somnus was traumatized by a horrible tragedy in his childhood that involved people from a different clan, as Eos at that time is still not a unified place. This event caused his strong hatred against those who are not his people, those he calls the Outsiders. 

When the scourge started spreading widely, he associated the scourge with the ‘filth’ of these people. Now he found a stronger reason to purge the world of two Scourges : the Starscourge itself and the Outsiders. 

And so he set forth a series of campaign of burning villages in the continent, able to hide his association with it by sending his men to do his dirty work. 

He did burn a city himself and there wasn’t even any trace of guilt as he heard children and people burned alive using Ardyn’s liquid fire. 

But his struggle was when he found himself becoming close to an Outsider, and that his own brotherly love for Ardyn as well as his jealousy for Ardyn’s fame for his kindness and generosity as a healer complicates things even more for Somnus. He is a trouble maker while Ardyn was the opposite.

What he destroys, Ardyn fixes.

I was shivering when I saw the Episode Ardyn Prologue this morning, especially that burning part. Astrals.

Somnus is one sadistic bastard...but I would want to explore more about how he turned out that way. 

Here’s the link for the Stories Masterlist that links the ‘Bound by Blood’ series that talks about Ardyn and Somnus’ past. It’s a bit jumbled at the moment, but I try to fix them chronologically. I add more and more detailed fics in between, however.

I am very much excited for Episode Ardyn, though the journey of waiting and writing makes me so sad most of the time. I do like to write this series with a bit of divergence with the canon one. 

I’m bleeding for the One True King of Lucis, but I also bleed for the broken bonds of blood between the King and his traitor of a brother.

[the-truth-will-light-the-sky]

The Master Tactician at work, reviewing the targets before Noct fires away. As expected of Mr. Ignis Scientia.

‘Are you surprised?’ he asked. 

Noct just sighs and fires as soon as Iggy nods his approval.

[the-truth-will-light-the-sky]

I find myself musing so much about Regis Lucis Caelum. What sort of a man was he, how he was a father, a lover, a king and a friend. So many questions are racing in my mind.

We saw him as a King who was devoted to his son and the kingdom, unafraid and fair in all his judgments. 

Now, I’m thinking about writing a short fic of him as he traversed Lucis with his friends when the King was once a prince -- young, carefree and a tad bit too reckless. 

With that in mind, is there anything you’d like to know about Regis? I’m hoping to see what I can find in my mind to write about him. 

He’s an interesting man who had so much to sacrifice -- he deserves to be heard, too.

[the-truth-will-light-the-sky]

Time would eat away everything, but for now, let this moment be ours

Summary: Young King Regis realizes the strain of being king, but his son is more important than his failing health.

The light peeping from the dark Lucian curtains that hung in the king’s bedroom glimmered upon the Lucian King himself.

He saw the light pink haze of its presence upon his closed eyes, feeling the way his skin touches the exquisite fabric of his similarly exquisite bed.

Lying there for a time, he stretched out his limbs, moving every finger and toe, breathing in the usual scent of woodsy perfume that lingered about his rather enormous room.

When his feet reached beyond the edge of his blanket, he recoiled his legs back. It was far too cold a room to spend in.

It has been a long time ever since he ever felt warmth in this room. 

‘Ever since she left me and ascended,’ Regis suddenly thought.

Somehow, waking up was becoming even harder for him nowadays.

She wasn’t there for him to hold on to in the mornings when he just wanted to remain a man and nothing else, or joke with him in the middle of the night when sleep won’t take them both.

Regis gave up the fight against the cold, however, and braced it, throwing the blanket off of him and shivered as the cold assaulted his skin.

As his bare feet touched the carpeted room, the Lucian king found himself staggering.

The room tilted and he fell on the floor with a groan.

Cursing himself for being a tad too dramatic, he hauled himself up on the edge of the bed. He inspected himself for any bruises, but there was none.

Only, he found himself unable to properly use his right leg. He poked at it, tried to twist it and even shook it. He laughed at the way he would have looked.

But that would have been for another day. Today, however, Regis found that he couldn’t even walk properly.

A man of thirty three who couldn’t even walk straight.

The weight of the ring in his left hand felt even heavier now.

Ah.

He was sure he wouldn’t have enough time. And so he walked with a limp to where his son slept in his chamber.

The moment he opened it, a smile quirked at the side of the king’s lips.

Huddled between numerous pillows and an assortment of thingamabobs, young Noctis Lucis Caelum slept as soundly as ever.

‘The burdens of the world are not yours to carry,’ Regis thought to himself as he slowly sat on the bed. ‘Let them be mine.’

His arms softly gathered his son, feeling the child’s slow breathing on his skin as he cuddled him, eyes shut tight with stars on his lashes.

Time would eat away everything, but for now, let this moment be ours, my son.

He felt the young boy’s arms reaching out to hug his father, and Regis couldn’t help but cry in joy.

Regis Lucis Caelum has always been dramatic, Aulea always said. And she was right.

She was always right.

The young king brushed the stray dark hairs away from the boy’s face and smiled as he saw the way Noctis’ lips moved, talking of carbuncles and fantastic worlds that only roamed freely in his dreams.

He let the child sleep the early morning away as he hugged the boy closer, pushing back his own urge to cry. But he did cry.

And Cid could call him a sissy over and over again like broken vinyl player for as long as he wants but he doesn’t give a damn.

Today, I shall be no one else other than ‘Father.’ Being King can wait.

The next day, young Noctis pulled a long black stick from the edge of his bed, wondering why his father would even carry such a heavy thing.

Regis chuckled as he observed his son’s curious expression, the young boy’s brows meeting together in a soft clash.

‘Whassis?’ the boy asked in a jumble. Regis smiled as he matted the boy’s unruly hair down.

The thing in question was in fact, a cane. Made of exquisite material of Tenebraen oak and Lucian metals, the cane was gilded with fine mythril-like silver. But of course, the handle was the important part of it. It was made of nothing special, really. But it was very comfortable indeed.

The cane is strong enough to injure anyone if he so wishes to hit someone with it. But of course not, there are no rooms for such violence in Regis’ mind, yet.

The father held the cane in his fingers and laid on his stomach on the bed, leaning closer to his son.

‘It’s a toy,’ he grinned conspiratorially.

‘Toy?’ the boy asked curiously, a smile forming in his lips.

‘Yes. And it’s a magic wand!!!’ Regis exclaimed, suddenly turning to lie on his back as he pointed the cane upwards to the ceiling with a dramatic swish.

Noctis’ eyes grew wide and his imagination run wild. The young boy squealed as he demanded his father to do tricks and magic, gripping Regis’ hair and jumping on his stomach, being the carefree boy that he should be.

The young king obliged, of course.

Outside the room by the door, Cor Leonis stifled a laughter. He’s supposed to be on guard duty…silent guard duty. But how could he?

‘Sorry I’m late. Ignis wanted to borrow some books. What is it?’ his partner V inquired with a quirk of her brow as she settled in her place opposite him.

‘The king is now a horse,’ Cor said trying to act so formal about it, but he couldn’t even piece the sentence together without laughing.

‘The hell are you talking about?’ she asked, incredulous.

’Today his majesty is wielding a magic wand,’ Cor replied with a snort.

‘Ah so today is pretend day, isn’t it,’ V said with a similar snort. ‘So the young prince found it amusing to ask the king to change himself into a horse.’

’Seems so.’

V found herself snorting at the image of her friend and liege pretending to be a horse just to make his son smile.

‘You shouldn’t eavesdrop, Cor Leonis. That’s rude,’ she said, but the mirth in her eyes showed how much she rather liked the image of father and son shielded away in their own carefree world on a rather hectic day.

‘I should say the same to you,’ Cor replied back, his ears red as he tried not to laugh too much.

From the inside, they heard the prince squeal in delight.

‘A jabberwocky!’

‘A cat!’

‘A garula!’

All sorts of noises spilled outside the room. 

Clarus Amicitia walked passed and then doubled back as soon as he saw the two supposed guards red in the face, eyes spilling with tears and all sense of dignity as Crownsguard rolling down the floor as they struggled, no, shamelessly laughed by the door. 

As soon as he heard the King crying forth a declaration of war against peas and vegetables and a spirited cry of agreement from the young prince Noctis, Clarus Amicitia headed on towards the meeting room.

He shut the door tight behind him and smiled at the people who were waiting.

Today, I’ll let you be a father, my friend, Clarus thought to himself.

And so the battle was won and Regis Lucis Caelum had successfully taught his son to eat small pieces of vegetables. He had ‘swished’ the accursed vegetables into ‘marshmallows’ with his magic wand, his son’s imagination running wild as the young boy chomped down his supposed green enemies who have turned into delectable sweets. 

Regis had never been so thankful for owning a cane. It doesn’t matter how the Ring takes away much of his years. 

Today. 

Today is what will always matter.