[It's not as if Ardyn knows everything; he shouldn't expect those answers. But the ones who'd know aren't here, and... based on how brief a conversation he was granted with the two Astrals with whom he'd spoken so far, he doubts he'd be told the truth regardless.
Still... it's hard not to feel uncomfortable about it, now that he knows, and it shows clear as day in his expression.]
Sorry. That was a weird one. I- it can't be any easier for you than it is for me.
[Is this their fate? Shared destiny, shared death, and a shared revulsion of their opponent's face, as the one who stole away their life, their happiness, their hope for any future? Somnus killed Aera and ruined Ardyn's life. Izunia killed Luna and tried his best to do the same to Noctis. Like a set of scales being balanced, the weight of vengeance laid against a bloodline of the man who is no longer alive.
Maybe it's even worse. He was selected as the Chosen when he was a child, before he had any strength, before his abilities were known, before they knew if he'd ever recover from the Marilith attack. Maybe he was picked by the gods not by any sort of inherent worth or qualities but because of his face. Wouldn't that be the ultimate degree of pettiness--
...That's... a bad train of thought to follow when he's already struggling with his own self-worth and impending sacrifice. He closes his eyes and buries his face against one hand. Stop, stop.]
no subject
[It's not as if Ardyn knows everything; he shouldn't expect those answers. But the ones who'd know aren't here, and... based on how brief a conversation he was granted with the two Astrals with whom he'd spoken so far, he doubts he'd be told the truth regardless.
Still... it's hard not to feel uncomfortable about it, now that he knows, and it shows clear as day in his expression.]
Sorry. That was a weird one. I- it can't be any easier for you than it is for me.
[Is this their fate? Shared destiny, shared death, and a shared revulsion of their opponent's face, as the one who stole away their life, their happiness, their hope for any future? Somnus killed Aera and ruined Ardyn's life. Izunia killed Luna and tried his best to do the same to Noctis. Like a set of scales being balanced, the weight of vengeance laid against a bloodline of the man who is no longer alive.
Maybe it's even worse. He was selected as the Chosen when he was a child, before he had any strength, before his abilities were known, before they knew if he'd ever recover from the Marilith attack. Maybe he was picked by the gods not by any sort of inherent worth or qualities but because of his face. Wouldn't that be the ultimate degree of pettiness--
...That's... a bad train of thought to follow when he's already struggling with his own self-worth and impending sacrifice. He closes his eyes and buries his face against one hand. Stop, stop.]