Arrival in Tenebrae

[threevirtues]

It's a message that goes on a long journey, with all that they are struggling through - sent over radio, passed over hands when radio waves aren't enough. Ignis honestly does a good chunk of the work himself in some form or another, because he can't stand doing anything less. Not when he's already feeling a little tender himself from... recent personal events.

And it's exactly because of the journey it must go on that he makes sure to keep it simple. To make sure that there's no chance of any important information being lost or mangled.

Ravus: I need to research Tanabraen history and legends. Give me access. Please.

He's not expecting the answer to come so quickly, honestly, considering the state of things, but it is firmly in the positive, and so he leaves the research he's gathered back home to others, and takes the trip. Brings Talcott along as well, because he thinks it would be good for him to see other countries. To remember there is an entire world beyond their own little patch of land, and that peace is possible between nations. Even with someone who might have once been an enemy.

It is far too easy to fall into ideas of black and white. But if they are going to wait for Noctis to return, then they must make it a place returning to.

Through a bit of happy accident, they actually manage to make fairly good time all the way to Tenebrae. At least, Ignis finds it to be a happy accident up until he's informed that His Majesty Ravus Fleuret is busy in a meeting and won't be able to meet with him right away. Ignis finds that perfectly acceptable, with Talcott in their room, and is content to wait outside the meeting room so that he and Ravus waste no time.

...That he manages to overhear some rather intense yelling and arguments is just happenstance.

When Ravus emerges from the room, he'll find Ignis leaning against a wall outside, waiting patiently. "That seemed to go poorly," he comments as mildly as though he were observing the weather.

He expects Ignis any day now, but given the dangerous conditions of damn-near the entire star, Ravus doesn't hold out hope for an early arrival. So when he leaves the senate room, flustered and snarling, Ignis' voice startles him enough that he rounds on the other.

"Ignis-" like the name catches in his throat, and the moment of tension falls away into a comfortable air. Ravus' expression lessens to one of exasperation rather than rage. He doesn't care to take out his frustration on his friend. "A pleasure to see you as well. Though your observation is, as always, astute."

Sighing, Ravus gestures with his claws for Ignis to follow him as he begins to away from the cursed meeting room.

"Come, I need a walk to clear my head. If I must hear yet another patronizing report on the economics of crop yields within the next hour, I will surely need a better frame of mind. Lest there be blood for the staff to scrape out of the grout." How Ravus hasn't murdered any of his court yet is a practice in self-control, but even that's clearly being tested. It's in the too-sharp click of his heeled boots on the tile as he moves.

"You arrived earlier than expected. You'll have to pardon me for not being able to meet you at the airstrip."

Well, he hardly needs any further hints, now, does he? Ignis pushes away from the wall and falls into easy step alongside Ravus. Likely he should follow decorum a little better in the face of royalty... but he suspects that Ravus far prefers this sort of thing.

"It seems that despite everything else, good luck can still exist in the world," he says wryly before shaking his head. "Yet there is no need to worry about meeting us on arrival. I can see that you've got quite a lot on your plate." There's a pause as he looks over Ravus, taking him in. Unlike Noctis, unlike even himself, he doubts that the other man ever got an education on what to do when it came to politics, to handling people. No small portion of his life, after all, involved being in the military. A military that hated him, nonetheless.

"Do they always give you such trouble, or did we merely arrive on a bad day?"

Ravus barks a short, bitter laugh. Oh, if only this were a bad day and not, say, his new normal.

"I do not seem to inspire them the same way I held sway in the Empire's ranks. They think me defanged as their king, I suppose." Ravus shakes his head, looking none to pleased about that notion. "They know I was never raised to rule. Lunafreya would have taken on that responsibility once our mother stepped down from the throne. My promised position was as her knight and champion. Not..." He makes a face that's nothing shy of disdain. The dismissive gesture just adds to it as he flexes his claws. "Not a pawn in this wretched game of politics."

That off his chest, Ravus pinches the bridge of his nose. There's a migraine brewing behind his eyes, he can already feel it.

"I am a commander. I command. My troops obey. And if they do not obey, they are brought into line without mercy. But such efficient brutality is frowned upon in civilized society." Because Ravus refuses to think of Niflheim as civilized after everything. "I don't know how you stand it, really."

"Ah, to step away from the simple swing of a sword to the dominos of politics," Ignis remarks. "Most manage by becoming either terrible workaholics, or finding some other more pleasant vice to indulge in."

Or, if you're Ignis, you can overachieve and do both. Maybe even do more than both. Ebony will probably kill him sooner than later, especially with how its only all the more reliable than a lot of drinking water, but he's fine with that. Not even the worst way he could die, as he's now well aware.

"But there are ways to be efficient and brutal in civilized society as well, only the weapon is a great deal less physical." He waits just a moment to make sure no one is peering about before he reaches over, hand a light weight to Ravus's arm, before he pulls away again. No need to start a rumor mill going. "There is the nice way as well, which I imagine Lady Lunafreya was quite skilled at. However, with your particular situation being what it is... That would likely take too long."

And they really don't have the kind of time for fussing about.

"Still, you're sick of politics. Don't let me natter on. Where are we headed, or did you simply need to work off the energy?"

"I am not a man of vices." He could do well to be one though. Even Ravus thinks as much with the way he wants to do anything else but be in that senate room again. "But I could stand the distraction, that is certain."

Ravus watches sidelong as Ignis sets a hand on his arm. The touch is feather-light, but appreciated. Enough to remind him, that as Ignis had said, good luck can be found in the world. Ravus thinks all his luck went into somehow keeping this man as a friend over the years.

"Oh, you might think so. Might think her prone to the carrot versus the stick," he says, but there is a quiet, resigned lilt to his voice that Ignis likely very familiar with, having spent so much time with Gladio. The tone of an older brother to a very willful little sister. "But my sister was a master of playing her cards. Her most holy hands would never, of course, be so unkind, but her tongue was sharper than steel. I know she'd have the right of that court without question." Ravus can't help but shake his head, and perhaps it is a good sign he is so willing to speak of Lunafreya without wilting like a lonely willow.

"But you are right. I am. I tend to find myself wandering out to the gardens often these days without direction. But the kitchens are on the way, which I wonder if you might appreciate more?"

There's a saying, about time healing wounds. Maybe that is what is happening here now, that Ravus is finally able to speak of his sister without falling apart so. Or maybe it is something to do with staying busy, with having to grow.

Ignis would like to think that there's something about the Ravus company keeps now as well, compared to Niflheim, but, well. Judging by the sound of that meeting, not much good is coming from there.

"Even so, that can also still be thought of as 'nice' in some definitions of the word," Ignis says, although he stirs. "Well, if they are on the way, then I see no reason why to not mix the two destinations together," he says, which may be just a bit greedy. Still, if he's already decided that he will be here a while (no use wasting such a long trip), then...

"It may actually prove to do us some good, looking into the gardens you have here..."

Lunafreya never deigned him to live, but he has done so anyway. To persist. If it's to honor her memory, he doesn't make mention of it ever, but living for another is all Ravus really knows how to do, so he does it still. But he can say it is less terrible than he might have once thought. Even during the endless night.

"They are not much these days. Once, Fenestala's fields overflowed like waterfalls to the earth below her spires. But they are a kind reminder that living things are wont to persist. I would show you the proper fruits of that persistence when the dawn comes again." Ravus inclines his head further back towards the edge of the manor.

"For now, you're welcome to what it provides." Which is mostly very sparce herbs, and a few precious flowers, namely sylleblossoms. Still, the woody stems of the fragrant herbs grow with middling success under special lights mounted to the outside lamp posts. Rare treats when the earth is all but salted without the sunlight.

What's been gathered and dried of them is stored in the Manor kitchens Ravus leads them to. It's empty now, most of the staff gone away at this point. The exit they usually take leads to the gardens, and Ravus nods toward it.

"As you like. I need not remind you that you are always as welcome as you wish to be." If Ignis wants to wander or hunker down here, that's his choice. Ravus gave him free passage on his first visit anyway, much to the chagrin of the staff and his court. Letting a Lucian dignitary be unescorted, loose in the Manor had been called obscene. Ravus had taken it as the perfect opportunity to double down.

"This includes access to the royal archives upstairs. You seemed pressed for information judging by your message?"

There is not much anywhere these days, Ignis knows. Every day even back home, there is constant discussion and work in regards to dealing with the struggles of keeping up food. He is in fact quite familiar with the struggle, considering it is one that he contributes to as often as he can inbetween his own research. Of course he would never say he is as much a plant expert as, say, Professor Yeagre, but Ignis is an expert on food. Foraging for it, keeping notes about it on their journeys, knowing the nutritional facts of all of them and what would help keep people going longer, healthier longer...

And from that foraging, he's also been taking care to gather what seeds and other similar things he could in anticipation of a day when dawn breaks once more. Under that light.... Those plants will have their time to shine.

That's what's on Ignis's mind as he mostly takes a look at what may have changed in the kitchen and its storage, just to see if suggestions he'd made last time had been taken into consideration. He'd known that his presence was a bit of an upset, so to speak, so he'd had to recall old lessons on politics and softness that hadn't much of a place in the roadtrip that had taken up so much of his time. Make suggestions in a way that were acceptable.

He thinks that his accent had helped, at least just a tad. It wasn't how people thought Lucians spoke, which was silly. Regional differences and such - at least, that was what his uncle always said, and Ignis is fairly certain that he's always kept it because of talking with him so much as he grew up. So when he speaks, so long as they're not actively thinking about it... He suspects that on a subconscious level, they forget to put on the label of 'Lucian' onto him, and that helps in some respects.

"Remind me to give you some of my notes on agriculture techniques we've been trying in Lucis," he murmurs. "And yes. I came across some things in a few of the ruins we've been looking into that indicated a connection with Tenebrae that I wanted to investigate. I may merely be chasing ghosts, but... Well, it seemed as good a lead to pursue as anything. I appreciate you being so liberal with the freedoms I allow. I know it only brings more troubles to your doorstep."

"I will do no such thing. Pass them to my secretary." Ravus grumbles about having to deal with enough growth reports and seed yields from the worst of his court enough to last him a lifetime. Lord Dominik is a constant thorn in his side, and if he patronizes Ravus about not knowing the chemistry of nitrogen cycles in the soil one more time, he's going to be unceremoniously tossed off the ramparts of the Manor.

That said, Ravus waves it off. He'll deal with them... Hopefully.

"Everything at my doorstep is trouble these days, but on occasion, something worth opening the door for does blow in. Besides, it is a rare opportunity to make my court squirm. They aren't so bold as to outright defy me, but I know they cling to old order, and we've no need of it now. " See, Ravus can play these political games on occasion too. It's rare he wins, but he does try.

"Besides, I am well aware of your needling tenacity. If I restricted your access to anything you truly believed you needed in your endeavors, I have no doubt you'd simply find another way. The easier path is to let you carve it yourself."

Ah... Ignis turns his head away just slightly, although it doesn't hide that little smirk on his face. "I am truly honored you have hold my tenacity in such high esteem," he says, voice rolling in its tease. "Still, I do appreciate it. I imagine I will be here for quite some time indulging your hospitality once more."

He pauses, looking over the labels on some dried herb containers. Lifts one, to gauge its weight and how much is left. "If there is anything we can do for you in the meantime, do let us know. I've been helping with daemon extermination back in Lucis, and I will easily do the same for you here, if you need someone outside the confines of your own military forces." And there can be no doubt about Ignis's own abilities, considering Ravus has seen them for himself.

Also, yes. He did say 'us'. He did bring someone else with him.

"High esteem? You flatter yourself so shamelessly, Scientia." Ravus says flatly. Which is fond for someone like Ravus, really.

Fonder still, and visibly so, is the fact Ravus softens hearing that Ignis will be staying awhile. It makes sense, logically. The trip between continents is not an easy one to make, so stay for a good length of time makes it more worth the effort. But does the man really need to call it indulging like that?

Ravus snorts.

"And deny me my sport? What was it, 'the simple swing of the sword' that you said? No, I have a more sophisticated ask of you." Ravus watches the way Ignis visually catalogs the spices of the royal kitchens, and thinks he knows precisely how best to put Ignis to work without question.

"Anything you want from the archives, and whatever you need of my staff during your stay, in exchange for wrangling my court into order. Tenebrae can survive under my hand, but it will need so much more to thrive. I cannot allow it to be jeopardized by their squabbling in such times."

That said, something else sinks in, and Ravus arches a brow.

"You've said 'we' too many times to be a slip. Did you bring your little entourage with you?"

So that's the arrangement, now, is it?

Ignis doesn't answer right away, still looking over the spices as though they are the most interesting things in the world, before he returns it to his place. "Hardly an entourage," he says, only addressing that last question. "I simply brought Talcott with me. I thought it would be a good experience for him to have, and he is an excellent assistant besides." It will make the research go a little quicker.

But for the real matter at hand here... Turning around, Ignis leans back against the counter and crosses his arms. "I believe we both know that it is one thing for you to give me such amount of freedom that I could walk nearly anywhere in this country at my leisure, save perhaps your bedroom," he says. "I can be seen as simply a favored guest, then. Someone who did you a kindness in the midst of war and is be repaid as such. Yet to involve me in politics is an entirely different matter. Any one of those people who will have done proper research will know that I am not only Lucian, but His Majesty Noctis Caelum's retainer."

And if they've really done their homework, they'll know that Ignis is far more than just a glorified secretary and could slit a lot of peoples' throats in their sleep.

Or in public.

"If you want me to wrangle the lot of them, then we will need to think carefully on how to approach the matter at all." A sigh to accompany the frown makings its home on his face. "Just from the way you phrase it, I imagine that simply doing research on your opponents to give you isn't good enough."

Talcott? Ravus tries to keep a straight face on the matter, but ends up clearing his throat reflexively to keep down any other indicative noise.

"I see," he says, and shakes off the rising heat of awkward embarrassment in his chest. Thankfully, there's another matter he can redirect to.

"I have considered the matter extensively, truth be told. The old order of Tenebrae is at its end. I am the last of House Fleuret, and no other noble house has been a substitute since it's founding. I have no intention of... Siring an heir, as it were." Ravus purses his lips, glancing off. This is not his favorite topic, clearly. Unfortunately, it's been discussed in his presence too frequently.

"And so this order will die with me. Something that could happen any day. I haven't the time to care about what makes them uncomfortable. Make no mistake, I have no love of Lucis, but my grievances need be at the wayside now. Even this adjustment period will be a luxury. But I want things in sharp order before that can become a problem. They must heed me now, yes, but I cannot have it all fall apart when I am gone. At the very least, I require assistance with the framework of order... Or the threat of you. Either, or. "

Terrible liar, Ravus Nox Fleuret is. No wonder he struggles with politics. Yet the matter about Talcott can be pressed and prodded about some other time.

Instead, indeed, those very politics are what they should be focusing on here, and he listens to Ravus's woes patiently. If Ravus is indeed determined to have things fade away with him, for the Fleuret lineage to fade away like this with no further Oracle (perhaps, if they are fortunate, no need for another Oracle), then... Ignis must admit that getting this all whipped into shape during his lifetime is indeed for the best.

"The threat of me shouldn't be what you rely on," he warns mildly. "This isn't my kingdom, after all, and you shouldn't rely on an outsider for something like that. But... I understand your concerns." He sighs, brain churning. There's going to be so much he'll need to do....

"...If I am to engage in politics, then I will need a reason to them. A title of some sort. I can say all manner of things, but they will dismiss me as merely an outsider. Did you have any idea on that, before you decided to ensnare my help, or should I be the one to make that suggestion as well?"

Ravus isn't so bold as to think he's gotten away with anything. But at least he's not pressed about it. Grateful enough that he relaxes his shoulders some, and ends up with his hip leaned to the counter.

"Perhaps I grow tired of that word holding so much sway: outsider. Still, I know it will not be easy, and I know what I ask is a tremendous effort, but there is not another I trust to such a task."

As for a title, well, Ravus hasn't thought that far ahead. Which becomes apparent when he furrows his brows in thought.

"A title...? In truth, I hadn't considered it. I was not even sure I could convince you to agree." Ravus tips his head one way, and then the other as if it helps him see the thought process a little more clearly.

"There is... Something, I suppose. I could knight you. Traditionally, the royal guard do not speak in any conferences, but they have a right to it if they see fit. As personal chosen of the crown, you would, by all rights, be able to push my will. My father was knighted by my mother before he became the royal consort, and was given grace among the house lords for it. I don't recall there being a rule saying I could not knight a Lucian."

Frankly speaking, he had assumed that Ravus would simply give the decision to him, and Ignis has to admit that he's already thought of a few ideas within the last few moments. Perhaps a diplomat from Lucis (not what he was trained for but it doesn't matter). Maybe he could use some of his knowledge from agriculture to be a part of a cooperative effort for bringing the world back from a mass extinction event. There are options.

Except then Ravus goes and says that, and all he can do is stare for a good long moment.

"I.... see," he manages at last. "And... Ravus, You know I must ask what my duties would be, as a knight of Tenebrae? What exactly would I be expected to do?"

"In reality? Very little, as most of the duties of a knight are not things I could ask you to uphold. However, the oath you would be asked to swear would be as thus: your service is to me, and myself above all others. You would be asked to lay down your life to protect mine regardless of the danger. Were I ever challenged to honorable combat, you would be oathbound to take my place if I deemed you my champion. You would be asked to accompany me anywhere outside the Manor by default, and by request, anywhere within. Including my bedchambers, yes." Ravus adds the last bit with a roll of his eyes. He does not expect it, of course, but Ignis is the one that mentioned that access first. It's only fair to tease him back.

"But more importantly, a knight of Tenebrae is expected to deliver the edicts and mercies of the crown without question. Your blade and word is my will, given form. That is the oath sworn the chosen few of the crown, and all the men of House Fleuret, are expected to swear in service to their Queen. Or King, in dire times such as these."

"Ah, and we find a problem already," Ignis remarks. "My oath to Noct is something that I wouldn't take so lightly as to even appear as I am replacing it, I am afraid. I won't deny that being your knight would make things rather easy in terms of court politics... but this is something I wouldn't tarnish. For my own pride and loyalty, if nothing else. And besides..."

His voice turns just a touch soft. "I wouldn't give an oath like that to you with the intent of lying about it, Ravus."

It's expected, really. The lie wouldn't have been easiest sell, notwithstanding the fact Ignis has already been given freedoms well beyond formality. But if anything were easy, Ravus doesn't think he'd be in this situation of needing help to begin with.

"It was merely a suggestion. As I told you, I hadn't gotten this far in the planning of it all. There are other avenues to the same end, and I'm sure you will find something or other to use."

Ravus doesn't quite know what to make of that last bit. The way Ignis' voice softens at the edges makes his heart do strange things in his chest, but he'd hardly expect anyone to hold that sort of commitment to him. Not when he's already turned traitor once.

"Regardless," he says after a moment. "You'll have time enough to plan if you do agree at all. I've yet to hear that from you."

Ignis inclines his head to Ravus. "No... I suppose you haven't, have you?" And that is a question that he cannot quite avoid.

Truth be told, the idea of getting involved in the politics of another country like this when he still needs to worry about his own, when he still needs to do so much more for Noct in his absence... It's not the most appealing thought in the world. Probably that would just make things messier for him in the long run.

But... This is all for Noctis. Things he needs to look for for Noctis. In that case...

A slow sigh. "I'll agree. You are doing me a great kindness, after all, one that would be a massive debt on its own to settle. I suppose untangling your court is large enough payment. I'll have to think of an acceptable way to be entered into your court, but there are numerous options - a foreign consultant, for starters. But before any of that, I'll want to sit in on one of your meetings. I won't speak or any such thing. You may even use me as a secretary if you like. But I need to see how things go, from start to finish, before I can even think of a suggestion to give you."

Ravus watches him far too intensely, a particular, concerned frown creasing his brow. He doesn't like the hesitance, the weight to that sigh. Perhaps he's giving himself a way before he speaks, but he doesn't think it matters much.

"Ignis," he starts, and crosses his arms before his chest almost in the same fashion Ignis does."Despite what many would believe, only my arm is steel. Not my heart. Do not do this because you think it the only way to have my help. I know you to be more clever than that: I did not have a plan for you accepting the proposal. Which means I did not expect to have you agree at all. And yet I've not revoked your access to anything."

This may very well be yet another reason Ravus is terrible at politics. He's too willing to show his hand, and won't wring an opponent to fold. Not that he thinks of Ignis as a foe. No, he's a friend.

"If there is anyone who understands the twisting compromises one must make for those they love, it is myself. I would not subject you to that. Do this only if it will not hinder your duty, but not to fulfill it."

Considering the slightly shocked look that pulls at his gaze, not nearly enough people call out Ignis on things like this. In fact, prior to this moment, the count was at a solid one. Adding one more to the list can only be a good thing, quite frankly.

"I... Well." Ignis glances away for but a moment, with a little twist of a smile on his lips, before he meets Ravus's eyes again. "I do appreciate it, Ravus, all the moreso. Although really...." Pushing away from the counter, he steps closer to where Ravus is, and the light catches his eyes a bright green as he smiles at the man. "I can see now why you've been doing so terribly in politics. Your heart really is too kind."

And he's sure that just saying that will have the other man positively bewildered.

"You may regret giving me such an opportunity to get involved in your politics with a caveat like that, however."

Ravus looks rather pleased with his triumph, head tipped back just a little to watch Ignis down the length of his nose. He's even awarded one of little smiles Ignis dolls out on occasion, and it feels like a treat.

Perhaps he should have savored it a touch longer, because Ignis puts him on the backfoot immediately after. The sheen of those gorgeous eyes, the knowing look, and that perfect smile- Ravus has to do his utmost not to choke on the breath that catches in his throat.

It's Ravus' turn to look away, brows furrowed as he tries to settle the race of his heart. His too kind one, as Ignis says. The silver can only snort at such an accusation. Never mind the color that creeps up on his sharp cheekbones.

"That you would say something so asinine does not shock me, and yet I find myself wondering just what delusions you think you are seeing in me." He huffs, but doesn't much keep up the ruse of being offended altogether long. Just enough to compose himself, and look pleased with himself again.

"I think my regrets will be far outweighed if I can see Lord Dominik in stuttering outrage over a Lucian dignitary just the once, actually."

"Ha. In contrast, that pettiness will do you quite well in politics." But with that, the smile shifts away, and Ignis rests his hand upon the counter to lean on it. They're a good bit closer this way, but it isn't on his mind at all. "Truth be told, getting myself tangled up in foreign politics isn't something I particularly like the idea of. Even in the more immediate present, it seems as though it could be something that would trap me here longer than anyone could expect, when we're least expecting it, and I have far too much to do with all of my research and helping efforts back in Lucis."

His finger taps against the counter. Just once. "Then, in the long term... I do have to wonder what that would mean for the future. When Noct returns and we deal with the Starscourge-"

And he has to return. He has to return and stay alive. Ignis won't settle for anything less. He can't.

"-that will earn him a great deal of weight alone. Not many will be able to argue with someone seen as such an immense hero. Yet that will not necessarily make politics easier, especially when he'll want to do things fairly." A sigh- a fond one, but a sigh nonetheless. "So I have to take into consideration such matters, especially since Tenebrae will be one of the few still strong nations left in the aftermath, I imagine."

Yet despite all that... He looks back up at Ravus. "I think I will still do it. Even without you having to twist my arm. I think.. it would possibly be for the better, if I could help be the bridge between our two countries again, especially in such dark times. And we are friends, aren't we?"

Ravus is quiet while Ignis muses aloud. Watching, patiently observant as the man works through pros and cons, certainties and uncertainties of the future. As close now as they are, it's almost fascinating to watch the way fractions of Ignis' thoughts translate to his body. The tug at the corners of his mouth, or how he settles his hands. Ravus subconsciously files those things away as something he thinks he likes.

When Ignis settles on his course of action, Ravus nods in affirmative.

"Of course we are." No hesitation. Ravus doesn't know much about friends or having them, but he is certain that what he feels towards Ignis could not be anything less.

"We have taken in no small number of refugees from Niflheim as well. They will want their place in the new dawn, I've no doubt. Establishing a strong link between Tenebrae and Lucis now provides a buffer to the decisions that will have to arise when that time comes. I believe it will be mutually beneficial to us both. My biases towards you aside, of course. "

"And my bias towards you aside in turn." But it's just a little teasing, that phrase, before Ignis pushes himself away from the counter and back towards the door. "You've had a long day, and Talcott and I have just arrived. I can go over the details of my place in the court more finely tomorrow. I think a collaborative project for agriculture and technology should do fine enough. The paperwork, and then my sitting in on one of the meetings. We can proceed with stronger ideas on how to tackle it all after those details are done with."

Pausing as he holds open the door for Ravus, Ignis considers him. "So what do you feel you struggle with the most, when it comes to politics such as this?"

He follows after, pinching the bridge of his nose. Just considering all the paperwork that will have to be pushed through come the next few days has that burgeoning migraine starting up again.

"Agreed. It is not a task for today. I'm sure the journey was not easy to make either. If you need more than just a night's rest, do not hesitate to say so. The guest wing and its offices have been set up for you as per usual."

At Ignis’ question, Ravus frowns deeper than usual.

"I am out of my depth on most subjects, and it makes proposals difficult to push through. They know more than I do, and they know that. Each of them, while I do believe they wish the best for our homeland, has very different ideas on what that means. So they bicker, and I am not qualified to say who is right, and who is wrong. It dissolves into chaos. I could bring them to heel, certainly, but it sows distrust. They see the High Commander, and not their King."

Listening to it all, Ignis can't say he's surprised that this is an issue. He stews over it as they go along to the gardens, turning over ideas and directions in his head.

"Well, you don't need to know everything about the subjects that they bring to you," he says, as they step into cooler air rather than the stuffiness that seems inherent to castles and manors. "And I think they know that, on some level. It's why they bombard you with information and bickering, to keep you from forgetting that." Stopping in the artificial light meant to keep the few plants here alive, Ignis rests one hand in his pocket.

"If a King were to know everything in the world, then there'd be no use for retainers." A smirk, there, beneath his glasses. "Which would rather put me out of a job. Still, you seem to be treating it as though it's wholly different from your time in the military."

Ravus fills his lungs with the cold, clear air of the gardens. And while the scent of sylleblossoms once sat sweet and familiar in his chest, just the the faintest remnants of it now are still comforting.

"And loathe I'd be to leave you without task," Ravus says with a sigh. "You might go insane."

Ah, but there's another of those slight gestures Ravus keeps watching for. The sly curl of his lips. The artificial light is too colorless to lend Ignis' expression any favors, but Ravus enjoys it all the same.

"Is it not? I have been exceedingly cautious of employing Niflheim diplomacy."

"I wouldn't fall back to using Niflheim diplomacy, but... There are some similarities that might be eluding you." Crouching down by some of the plants, Ignis inspects them even while he talks.

"For example... Let us say that you and Aranea were taking part in an operation of some sort. There may be things you aren't familiar with, yet you're trusting in her expertise and the good relationship you both have. Yet I suddenly come to you with an objection of some sort - let us say I know the area where the operation will take place and believe that we may have to contend with the local wildlife in a way no one has consider and could use up resources we can't afford to waste."

A small nod - towards the plants, nothing else - and then Ignis rises up to his feet again from where he'd been crouched down. "So. How would you handle that, Ravus?"

Again, Ravus is quietly observant. Normally, he is overly protective of the sylleblossoms growing here, but doesn't find himself altogether worried as Ignis looks them over.

"That seems rather obvious but, much in the way I would trust in her plan, I would default to your expertise. You are not a man that would frivolously derail a solid plans for no reason. If you had knowledge of a factor we had not considered, I would take it into account and heed your warning. Should the operation still be viable, I would insist you accompany us as a guide to ensure it goes smoothly. If not, then I would ask for your input on a new solution. You are good at what you do, and we share rapport, so I have no reason not to trust in your knowledge."

It's not necessarily a surprise that is Ravus's response, but still. With the way he puts Ignis's expertise on such a high pedestal, it's enough to make a man feel a touch arrogant. He really will have to watch himself in Tenebrae so he doesn't get a swollen head.

"Exactly. And that is very much how politics goes as well. You say that the men in your court want to all help Tenebrae in their own way, but if they truly did want to do that, they would be better than a bunch of squabbling children."

A nod to Ravus.

"Well. I suppose I'll help you separate the wheat from the chaff in this respect. After that and a bit more investigation into your court... I'm sure you'll take to it all well enough. Now then, if I may request the King of Tenebrae to escort me to my room..." A small teasing smile. "I can introduce you properly to Talcott."

He may have a point there. Their egos are getting in the way. If they are prioritizing that above the needs of Tenebrae as a whole, then Ignis may very well be right about the need to remove those who aren't up to snuff. Ravus can only agree with a decisive nod.

He makes the mistake, of course, of catching that smile. Ravus huffs imperiously, mostly to hide a less dignified thing like returning the look. Despite that though, it's instinct to offer his arm like he might properly escort Ignis, and not just accompany him. Like he's not the entire King of Tenebrae, and is instead, just Ravus, escorting a crush he fancies a welcome friend.

"Ah, pardon..." Ravus tries not too sound disappointed when he remembers it's likely to cause Ignis trouble to be seen on the arm of the King. He shifts to settles his arms behind his back, hands clasped properly. "An old habit. But yes, err-" well, the topic of Talcott is no less awkward than that mistake.

"A proper introduction, of course. Right." It's not a lie, he swears! His first meeting with Talcott was NOT proper at all.

Hm.

"Old habits can indeed be hard to break," Ignis comments lightly as he falls into step with him. Familiar as he is with this place now, thanks to Ravus, Ignis could probably find his room with his eyes closed. And it's hardly any need for them to dawdle, considering the long stride they both possess.

But he lingers anyway, just to make sure there are no eavesdroppers when he asks, "So, when did the two of you meet?"

Ravus nearly chokes on his own spit. A few clearing coughs, and he looks to Ignis with a weak leer.

"I haven't the faintest idea what you mean. Were you not introducing us?"

All that bluster only gets the most unimpressed of raised eyebrows. "You can meet before being introduced," he points out. "And if you are going to try and lie to me, dear Ravus, then you may want to polish up on those skills."

Sighing, he looks back ahead. "Besides, you've been reacting every time his name has come up, and more severely than if you simply knew his name or family."

Dear, is he? And yet Ignis is clearly trying to murder him outright.

A terrible, defeated sigh.

"Fine. We met on one of my expeditions to Lucis. I was on my way to oversee the dismantling of an Imperial base near Hammerhead, and ran across him."

"Is that so." Ignis's tone is deceptively mild. It sounds far more embarrassing than that, if Ravus was attempting to lie to him about it to the point of choking on his own air supply, but he'll let him off for now. Perhaps he'll see what he can tease out of Talcott.

At least then it will be a challenge instead of the feeling that he is kicking a puppy in the rain.

Or maybe he'll talk to them both about it while they're all in the same room. That could be interesting.

"Then I'll be glad to be the bridge between two acquaintances. You can spare a moment to talk, couldn't you? And I'll want to speak with Talcott about the change to our itinerary as well."

"I can spare it, yes. My time is yours until tomorrow morning. I called a suspension on the current motion to... spare us all bloodshed." Ravus isn't the least bit suspecting of just what Ignis will do with the topic of Talcott, but he doubts it'll be in his favor. It's not quite dread that sits in the pit of his stomach, but he's not in love with the unknown factor either.

So when they ascend the main stairs, and head to the guest wing, Ravus nods towards the grand suites.

"The staff may not have finished bringing up your gear, given your early arrival, but I'm sure Lady Maria will having happily escorted your assistant to your rooms."