[ For once, he's absolutely quiet, letting Noctis' words roll through him. For a long time, he doesn't speak, quiet in his own thoughts and world.

He knows the lengths that he'll go to save Noctis, hell, he's even had nightmares about his own death. He doesn't like to remember those dreams. As soon as he's up most days, he's quick to wash them away from his own mind.

He knows he's strong, he's worn the Ring of Lucii, but hasn't told the full tale yet. They were in the middle of that when this completely blindsided him. He hadn't expected himself to fall to pieces like this and for once, he's not ashamed of it. For once, he wants the contact, despite not being a touchy feel type of guy.

His grip only tightens on Noctis, afraid of what's to come for their future. He knows he'll have to accept it someday, if he ever can, but that day is not today.]

Noct. [ His voice is a little stronger than it was before, having calmed down a bit. ] You're stronger than you know. [ If Noct can accept this and he can't, then that makes the prince much stronger than him. ]

I hope you know I'll do everything in my power to find a way to save you. We've got ten years.

[ He takes a deep breath. ] When I saw you on the altar, I didn't know what to think. [ he admits freely ]

Luna, she was, dead. I couldn't tell if you were okay until Ravus tried to kill you. He blamed you for Luna's death. I had to get in the way of his sword, putting myself between you and him.

I had my dagger to block his attack on you. [ he amends after an afterthought. ] I had to fight him and talk him down, get him to see to reason. I drove my dagger into his right wrist.

The only thing he wanted for Luna, was to be free of her calling. To live and love as she pleases. I want the same for you, Noct.

[ At least he's talking again, as a means to distract himself and to finish off his own story. ]