kingkingcxiii | Hugtopia Mailbox/Inbox

Please don't misunderstand. My son is right. I would be greatly honored to stand at your side and give you to such a wonderful man. I just did not wish to assume.

Of course you may. What is on your mind?

Then I suppose it is decided. You shall guide me to my groom on the day he and I are to wed, unless you change your mind before then.

Pretending for a moment you were of noble blood rather than royalty, if you had taken on a ward, adopting her as your own in all but name, would you find it offensive for her to take your family name and share it with her soulmate?

Ardbert has no family name, nor do I. My surname, 'Ra', is one I created to better go unnoticed. I think I would like to have a family name. Something taken on out of love rather than made by fear.

I have no intention of changing my mind, so rest easy on that account.

[It is impossible to convey through text, but there is a content smile on Regis' face. Of course, as she asks her question, his expression shifts through several more emotions including sadness, disbelief, and hope.]

I would be honored to share my name with such a person and her beloved. At home there are those I would share my name with if was not for the limits being royalty brings, but in a place such as this, those limits do not exist.

I think Edmont would be of the same mind.

You are so very much like him in many ways. He loves his children above all else, and did the best he could to express that love within the confines of highborn society.

If I were to take his name and share it with Ardbert, I believe he would be thrilled by how much of 'fuck you' it would be to the society that denied him his son. No other High House could claim their name across multiple worlds.

Era de Fortemps.

It does not seem right. It feels unbalanced.

Ardbert de Fortemps.

His name looks much better, and flows well on the tongue. I think mine is missing something. I am not sure what.

What is your opinion, Da?

[Regis' response is delayed a little as he processes the 'Da' at the end of all that. Her calling him 'dad' had been surprising enough, but explained well by the lingering feelings from the Echo she got off Noctis. This is a version all her own and it warms his heart so much.]

Were I in his shoes, I know that I would feel that way. For the good of our people, we may have to follow certain rules or traditions, but that does not mean we have to like them and do not take joy out of seeing them subverted whenever possible.

You are right, though. Saying your name with that last name does sound slightly off. A woman from Eos might keep her maiden name in a name like that, but I do not know if you would wish to use yours after what you have told me. Perhaps you could pick another from one you are close to? I would offer my own as I would be greatly honored for you to use it, but I do not want to inflict 'Era Lucis Caelum de Fortemps' upon you. It is as unbalanced as your name without anything else seems to be.

'Ra' will always be a part of who I am and was. It kept me safe and helped me to grow, but I think I am ready to leave it in the past that I might focus on the future.

Unfortunately the Amaurotines had no family names, and Hades' favoured mortal life was emperor Solus zos Galvus of Garlemald. If I had married Hades, by right I would be Era yae Galvus...but the empire is an enemy and threat to both myself and my people.

In addition to that, the man I fear most is his great-grandson, Zenos yae Galvus. Though he is now Zenos zos Galvus, I suppose.

If I adopted 'yae' to my name he would likely see it as my allowing him a claim to me as it means I am the empress, or empress dowager. And for all my strength he is still capable of overpowering me with little effort...

So for many, many reasons it would not be a feasible option. Were things different it would make the choice quite easy as 'Era yae Fortemps' is not so horrible upon the tongue.

[ The offer catches her by surprise, and while Era Lucis Caelum de Fortemps is a mouthful she doesn't want for various reasons (Aera being one of them), she would truly love to honour the family she's made here as well... ]

Perhaps...

Hemera Lucis de Fortemps?

Does that sound all right?

The problem with texting is that you cannot see my face and right now, I am wincing at all the complications you just had to go through, but I suppose if names are to be a true reflection of who we are all angles must be looked at.

I would be absolutely thrilled to have you use 'Lucis' if you would like. It means 'of the light' on my world. I am not sure if it would translate to the same on yours or not.

[He does have to wonder, though, knowing the bits and pieces that he does of her past, if 'of the light' might be a bit too literal to be comfortable.]

That is why I enjoy both text and emoticons. Emoticons are good for expressing expressions, whilst text means I've time to consider my words without pressure. 💃

Mayhap one day I will be so bold as to claim my title as empress. It would certainly put my trusted comrades in a position to restructure the empire.

I believe 'Lucis' has a similar meaning in my world, though what it means to others in my world does not matter. To me it means family, just as Fortemps does.

In ancient Greek mythology 'Hemera' is the primordial goddess of day. In Egyptian mythology 'Ra' is the sun god.

It seems that no matter how I look at it my identity will always be tied to light. I don't mind the association—it suits well enough.

Hemera Lucis de Fortemps.

But I'll still be Era.

Hopefully, that day will present itself soon. You are already are making wiser decisions than many other rulers do when it comes to leading their countries--trusting your fellows to aid you and the people. I cannot see your rule being anything other than beneficial for them.

"Light" and "family." If one must be tied to something, there are not much better things to be linked to.

Yes, you will be.

...

Is there a way to do a hug with the symbols and such you are always using?

I'd much rather not be tied down to any one place. Perhaps if laying claim to Garlemald becomes necessary I can simply dissolve the empire into a democratic parliament. Then I can continue traveling freely, aiding others without the stranglehold of politics.

An argument could be made against 'Light' in my case, though I do not mind it.

The emoticon? This is a hug: 🤗

That sounds like a good plan. In my experience, if one wishes to be somewhere else, they will not be focusing on what they need to in order to rules successfully. Your proposal would allow you to travel while still having someone in charge of the area helping it to heal and grow.

I did wonder if that might bring up bad memories, but if it does not bother you, then there is no need to worry.

🤗

Did that come across okay?

Unfortunately, my desire for travel is the least pressing concern in this hypothetical scenario. As the Warrior of Light it would be improper to tie myself politically to a single nation. I am meant to be a neutral party, which is what permits me to aid all nations freely.

Then there is the additional concern of how many Garleans and those of Garlean territory who have died by my hand or my actions. As you can imagine... I not supremely well-liked up north.

But speaking of politics, I hope you don't mind if I try my hand at some manipulation of Lucis-Nifleheim politics via Verstael on the chance he may return one day with memory intact. I discussed it with Ardyn and he is tentatively accepting of my idea. I hold an advantageous position that would be a shame to waste.

It did, yes! 🤗

[To say that Regis is curious about what she is going to try would be an understatement. He lets the other topics lie and focuses on the one she has just mentioned.]

What do you mean when you say manipulation? I would rather he do things of his own free will should he return to Eos with his memories intact, and yet I know he is not likely to do as much as needs to be done without some...push in the right direction.

That is precisely what I mean — a push. Or perhaps more a gentle, persistent nudging in a particular direction. I elaborated upon it to Ardyn some time ago. I will be lazy and copy it.

One moment!

[ A few minutes later she follows with this copied text: ]

I had said:

“He seeks to bring glory to the empire whilst also indulging in his passion for knowledge and discovery. Inventing things and solving problems. Doing that which no other could achieve before him. These seem to be his strongest motivations.

I could be wrong, of course. It's evident that his primary goal is to aid Nifleheim in recreating Solheim, and his talent and passion for research has been a great boon in that regard.

What he seems to value most is his intellect and rationality. From what I've gathered, he loses at least one of those things in the future and is aware of it. He seeks to prevent this by taking a different path.

If said different path were to bring power to the empire by means of a cure it would benefit himself, Nifleheim, and also Eos at large.

My posited theory for a cure is impractical and expensive. He would need to draw from resources dedicated to other areas of the military (primarily weaponry) in order to facilitate initial testing of this treatment method. If it works, he would spend more of the budget on researching ways to make it more efficient and less costly. I also doubt he would limit himself to a single hypothesis, spreading resources further to come up with other methods to treat and cure the Scourge.

This would be incredibly helpful to Lucis and occupied nations. The benefit any cure — however inefficient or impractical — would bring Nifleheim is that it provides them an immense bargaining chip. So while it would still leave them in a better position than the other nations, Lucis and any allied rebel forces could work together to steal the research.

In short: his wants are very straightforward, and thus easily manipulated. You just cannot push too far in one direction, else it will be obvious.”

It still would not be pleasant by any means, but it may reduce the number of civilian casualties in addition to offering more opportunities for Lucis to gain foothold.

Fight from the shadows and weaken the empire from within. Watch as it inevitably crumbles from the weight of its ambition. There is no doubt they will overextend themselves.

[It takes Regis a little time to respond as he reads over what she has sent him and thinks on the possible implications. Eventually, he has to admit her plan is a workable one. One that has more possibility than the horrible future that seems to await them all. There is only one thing that bothers him.]

I have already managed several successful infiltrations into their labs, so I believe that stealing a cure, or at least enough information so we can replicate it, could be done. What worries me is if they can actually find a cure. Both prophecy and the Astrals seem to suggest that only the power of the Chosen King can drive it away. Granted, Niflheim and Verstael himself, give little credit to those views, so if anyone could find a cure, it would be them. They do seem to believe in the power in the Crystal, though, so we may have a repeat of the same battles if they decide that the Crystal itself is key to their cure.

Edited (Typo!) 2020-10-08 07:56 (UTC)

I don't put much stock in the words of gods or prophecies, and I don't think very highly of the Crystal of your world. But a cure is not the same as driving a disease away. Unless people can develop natural immunity over time there will be no way to fully eradicate the Scourge.

It is a parasite — specifically an alien form of malaria. It is transmitted via bodily fluids, with blood being the most efficient vector of infection. It cannot tolerate the ultraviolet radiation emitted by the sun.

I posited a treatment for the recently infected — haemodialysis. Quickly filtering their blood through a dialysis machine equipped with an expansive array of ultraviolet lights to kill off or weaken the parasite before it can truly take root in the body's tissues. This would be unable to reverse any physical changes that had already occurred. It would also be impractical on a large scale, expensive, and slow. It is, however, a place to start. It seemed an obvious thing to me yet Verstael had never considered it. Likely because he had never really pondered a cure before.

It would be an incredible challenge of science. I believe the allure of achieving the impossible will aid in his choice to find a cure for the Scourge, should he decide upon that path in the end.

I will say that if Nifleheim does acquire a cure, or even a reasonable treatment, civilians will flock to the empire in desperation. Life will likely not be pleasant for them, though I cannot imagine it being much worse than the way things are in the future I've learned of. Having people prostrate themselves before the emperor would have a high probability of making the empire complacent in their power, which would allow Lucis and allied forces yet another weakness to exploit.

In short: if Nifleheim focuses on a cure it will leave you an opening to gain the advantage in the war, and perhaps even end it. That is my priority.

The period of time you and Verstael are from is critical in determining how just how difficult Noct's future will be. Bring the war to a standstill. Survive. Keep being the hero to your son as he becomes hero to the world. Nothing could ever make him feel more safe than his daddy being there with him.

[There is another long pause before an answer comes, this time because Regis is needing to parse out the exact meaning of everything. He is a politician and historian, not a scientist. That is why reports--reports that hinted at the very information she is telling him, but never so clearly--stolen from the Niffs went to others before coming to him. People whose livelihood focused on biology and the like, instead of ruling a country. Eventually, he feels he understands it as well as he is going to be able to and leaves it at that. She understands the scientific aspects of her plan, and he has no doubt that Verstael does as well. The only part he really needs to understand is the very end and that is no different than what he is already doing.]

After the attack on Founder's Day, I began putting together plans for a new protective force. Before, I spread a few abilities to many soldiers, but it may be more prudent to find those who can better handle the full scope of the magical abilities the Crystal can give. They will basically be able to be my sword and fire in the field, even more than their previous counterparts. This will allow me to spend more time where it matters and give us a new way to slow the Imperial advance.

It was a handful of years ago now, when empire came and slaughtered all but a scant few of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn. Our numbers had already been quite small.

Alphinaud decided to gather together adventurers and create what he called the Crystal Braves. They were meant to deal with problems too large for any one of the city-states. They were meant to ease the burdens of the Scions.

They were largely refugees of Ala Mhigo, embittered by the Eorzean Alliance's poor treatment of his people, and their refusal to take Ala Mhigo back from the empire's grip.

They betrayed us.

I had dinner with my friend, the sultana of Ul'dah. Nanamo drank of her wine and collapsed. Her wine was poisoned. I was framed for it with help from the Crystal Braves. I had no weapons on hand. Raubahn — the leader of the Immortal Flames, Ul'dah's military force, and who viewed Nanamo as something of a daughter — came to my defense and lost his arm for it. He was then tossed into prison.

Papalymo, Lyse, Thancred, Y'shtola, and Minfilia all ensured Alphinaud, Tataru, and myself were able to escape. At the time we fully believed it was at the cost of their own lives. Merlwyb (leader of Limsa Lominsa) and Kan-E-Senna (leader of Gridania) could not offer us sanctuary despite knowing we were innocent, because politics.

We fled north, to Coerthas. Dearest Haurchefant took us in at once, offering hot chocolate and reassuring words. He pleaded with his father to take us in as wards. Eventually he did.

Later, the same one who lead the betrayal also lead the followers he gained to a slaughter upon the militarized border of the empire. He summoned Shinryu, using his pawns as fuel for the beast-god. Papalymo sacrificed himself to seal Shinryu long enough for us to find a way to defeat it.

Of course, the man who betrayed us had dressed his followers in the armour of each city-state's military, thus the empire took this as the Eorzean Alliance declaring war.

Countless deaths all prompted because we had put our trust in the wrong person. We were utterly blindsided.

Ensure that the refugees you take in are not living in squalor. Galahd was an ally to Lucis. You cannot open your bosom to your ally's people and not do your best by them.

Give them adequate representation upon your pitiful council and if the others fuss pull rank on them.

Ensure you communicate with your people, ask them to aid in providing a home for those who have lost theirs. Have the refugees aid them in turn however they can. Try to minimize the resentment that may develop between them.

Offer them all that you can. Give them no reason to betray you. They are your people now, too, until Galahd is free. Make certain they know it. Not only is this the right thing to do, it is also insurance. Portray it as such to the council if need be. Surely they could see the benefit of having more loyal bodies to aid in the cause against Nifleheim.

The mistakes of my world needn't be repeated in yours, Da.

Galahd is more than our ally. They are our people, once a part of Lucis just as all others whose homes now lie outside of the Wall. I have not forgotten the lands which the Empire now claims as its own. Their people are still Lucian and always will be. I do all that I can for them and always will. The one thing I cannot control, though, are the opinions of those who feel they have been wronged.

[He is no tyrant, no Emperor. He will not take free will and freedom of opinion from his people. They have already lost too much.]

I already know that a betrayal will happen sometime during Noctis' time, though I don't know how similar it will be to the one that you describe. I have not learned the details yet, partly because of the pain it would cause my son to relive the rebellion that caused my death; however, I believe I may soon have to ask him to tell me more. I cannot try to change that which I do not know.

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