[PSL] that ardyn thing

[carbungle]

Dumping ground for the Weird Uncle Ardyn PSL, something something shenanigans

Comments

[equinoct]

[Happily, he is lifted, though he does glance around them for any of the Crownsguard in the vicinity. There's one standing by outside some office or council meeting or whatever other important room his father vanishes into all the time, just past Ardyn's shoulder.

Noctis sticks his tongue out at them, so very princely.]

It's not dire, it's stupid. People are stupid.

[scourgingstars]

Good heavens, this does sound serious. Shall we find somewhere to discuss it?

[a most important audience with his highness, of course]

[equinoct]

[He nods at once, leaning in to tuck himself up against Ardyn's shoulder for a more stable carrying position, arm around his neck. He pointedly gives the poor hapless Crownsguard the stank eye as they pass.]

[scourgingstars]

Now, little star, you shouldn't be too harsh on the guards. They'll answer to you one day, after all.

[equinoct]

[The brat child in his arms is undeterred.]

That means they'll have to listen to me when I tell them not to do something.

[scourgingstars]

Most likely, yes. Whatever has you so upset?

[equinoct]

Um...

[He wiggles a little in Ardyn's grasp to lift himself up, cupping a hand around the man's ear as he whispers,]

They were talking about you... and it wasn't very nice.

[scourgingstars]

Oh, good heavens. And that's what's bothering you ever so much?

[equinoct]

Of course it is! You're part of the family, so it's their job to guard you, not lie.

[Uncle!! He likes you! Badmouthing isn't allowed.]

[scourgingstars]

Now, now, my dear. You mustn't worry so over every little thing. I assure you that it's nothing of consequence.

[equinoct]

How is it little? Isn't it bad to say things like that about people?

[Are all the lessons he's been getting about courtesy LIES, uncle!?]

[scourgingstars]

Well, yes, but you just let me worry about that.

[Gods knew he was more than used to it, but he wasn't about to admit that to a literal child.]

[equinoct]

[Noctis puffs his cheeks out stubbornly.]

I'm gonna worry about it when I hear it!

[scourgingstars]

Noct, you are a very kind snd compassionate child, to be so upset on another’s behalf. I’m touched, truly. But dangerous as the power if words may be, I think I’m quite a bit tougher than a few wayward remarks.

[equinoct]

Mm...

[He frowns, ducking his head and thinking for a moment with all the intensity that a small child can muster.]

So what am I supposed to do, then...?

[He certainly can't just keep his mouth shut about it.]

[scourgingstars]

Just try not to listen to it. The gossip of soldiers isn't something you should have to worry about, Your Highness.

[equinoct]

I can't turn my ears off!

[He reaches out and covers Ardyn's mouth with both hands.]

And don't call me that.

[scourgingstars]

[he has been effectively silenced!]

[(for once)]

[equinoct]

[Oh. apparently he can turn uncle's mouth off.

Gingerly he draws his hands back.]

Are you gonna do anything about it?

[scourgingstars]

Oh, I didn't plan on it. Rumors and the like don't bother me in the slightest.

[equinoct]

What about Dad? We should at least tell him. He'd get mad too if he heard people talk like that.

[He doesn't know much about being a king yet, but he knows that it's much scarier to have a king be mad at you than a little prince.]