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HALL OF ORIGIN.

The Hall of Origin isn't without its accommodations - after all, humans do live here from time to time, with at least one of them a permanent resident, and even with Arceus' release it doesn't see fit to just make the place into the glass-paned OSHA violation that it normally seems to be.

The building itself contains more or less anything you would need after an encounter like this one, whether you want to sleep or locate something to eat, or simply exist around the others for a while; the large hall you first entered into is likely the best for the latter, and you're welcome to gather there for as long as you need. ...Any food is going to be vegan as hell, however, because no one is sure what else you expected.

Cyrus and all three Commanders are present for the time being, and amenable to being approached; granted, Cyrus is going to remain outside with Arceus like the asocial individual that he is. Meanwhile, Saturn and Mars in particular seem...it's difficult to say whether they seem "better" or not, but they don't seem acted upon by the Red Chain's influence anymore. (Which is likely a good thing, whether they consider it to be such or not.)

There are plans to be made, of course, and things to be done; for now, however, feel free to enjoy the present moment. It's been well-earned.

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[...Arion is absolutely cheering right now, dear gods, he. He might be going for three and just kind of trying to chomp them down with the headhands, but a swift whistle is enough to get him to...semi stop.

...He got two, at the very least, and holy shit he's not usually fond of sweet things but THESE ARE GOOD--]

Careful now. Saying something like that is liable to make you Arion's favorite person. And he's a ravenous one to feed.

[She is going to take one for herself, if he doesn't mind.]

You seem so incredibly in your element right now, Ignis. It's wonderful.

I... [He laughed softly, almost sounding embarrassed.] ...like cooking. It's true that it's not a skill I learned for myself, but...I do enjoy knowing others are happy with the results.

[...That's cute, what the hell. Camilla does find herself chuckling some, as she eats the pastry rather daintily.]

...You can rest assured, Ignis, that the results of this are incredible. You always have been an excellent cook, and this is no exception.

[meanwhile, arion in the background just kind of going pacman on those poor pastries he swiped dear gods he needs manners]

...Ignis, I'm so very proud of you. [Camilla's tone is so utterly warm when she says that.] You know that, right? You've done so well today.

[that's canon and ffxv was a mistake]

Come now, I haven't done all that much on my own. This wouldn't have ended as it did without everyone's efforts.

It's not just that, you know. Though I do admit that your efforts in showing that man compassion alongside the rest of them was truly enviable, and quite legendary in it's own right.

[Camilla's hand goes to grasp his shoulder, if he'll let her.]

...I'm so proud that you've begun to consider your own path in life. I know it's taken so long to even accept such a thing, that you're worthy of it--but seeing you out there, stating it with conviction, was truly beautiful.

...I'm trying.

[Of course he will, geez. Ignis put a hand over Camilla's, giving her a small and uncertain smile.]

It...still does hurt, I won't pretend otherwise. I expect it always will. But that's...what makes feeling everything else worthwhile, right? It's not simply over, so long as I'm still alive.

I know you are. That's what makes all of what you're doing so beautiful, you know.

[Good, because she's not about to let go anytime soon.]

Even if it hurts...even if it will forever, you're absolutely right. You're alive, you're still here among people who care for you and want to ensure you're at your very best--no matter what happens, or however you may falter.

I believe I can speak for all of us when I say we believe in you, and your ability to stay this course.

I think I'm prepared to try, at least.

[And that...well, it was better than he'd been, and it was a start.]

What about you? The offer's more than open, if you decide you need somewhere to go--the world and the Crown City are a mess right now, but it'll get better.

Just keep your chin up, and keep going.

[He's got this, as far as she's concerned. Still, the question...it...]

Do make no mistake; I'll certainly be visiting you as often as I can. There's much I want to see of your world, and I'm certain that it'll be quite the fun time... [Gods, this is a little embarrassing, neither of them have really talked about it outside of themselves.] Tell me, can you keep a little bit of a secret for me?

I should hope you know by now that I can.

[He tilted his head slightly, not seeming all that disappointed by the idea that Camilla likely wouldn't be coming with him.]

I'm listening. You've my full attention.

...I wound up adopting one of our group as a little brother.

[THIS FEELS SO FUCKING SILLY TO SAY, BUT THERE'S A MIXTURE OF EMBARRASSMENT AND PRIDE IN HER TONE???]

Don't go telling anyone else--and please, don't rib him about it, but Jake's been such a wonderful individual...I've always kind of kept a look out for him, and he's had a hard enough time with family in his life. We've been looking after one another for such a long time now, and it's taken so much for him to open up and trust besides. I truly don't want to leave him by himself, and render all of that moot.

[she is such a doting big sis]

...His work is very important, and I'm likely to be joining him in such a thing. But I assure you, with certainty--you will see me again. Perhaps both of us, if I can convince him on a field trip.

[gods bless you, camilla.]

...I won't take it personally. I've Gladio and Prompto to look after me as it is; I think Jake could use your help. I'm glad you'll be there to keep an eye on him.

[He laughed quietly, smiling.]

But I do hope you find your way to Lucis before long--I assure you I'll not be hard to seek out. Just about all those that are left will know who I am and where to find me.

I know you do, Ignis. Really, I'm looking forward to meeting them, when the chance arises.

[Camilla's tone is warm when she says that, but it warms further when she speaks up again.]

...Thank you. I've always been so happy to offer it; he has always been such a strong individual in his own right, but he's always had to battle his demons alone. I want to ensure that he has someone who supports and loves him, and is ready to help him should he ever falter. I really am so very proud of how far he's come, and how he'll continue in the future.

[He can practically sense the sheer amount of beaming that she is doing, probably, holy shit.]

Oh, don't you worry about that. You imply that I'll ever miss a chance to join you in Lucis--I would very much like to go on a hunt with you and perhaps show my true combat prowess alongside you all. It'll be most fun.

[oh no that's adorable.]

...You're a good sister, Camilla. I hope you don't ever doubt that, and I hope Jake knows how fortunate he is. There are far worse fates in the world than to be stuck with you going forward.

[forever]

I can scarcely wait. It's been too long since I held actual daggers, and I've a fair bit of practice to do in getting accustomed to not having magic. I do hope I can keep up

[...IGNIS, THAT SWEET AS HELL, WHAT THE FUCK. Camilla pauses for a second, chuckling a bit though it's muffled, probably behind her hand.]

...That's so very kind of you to say; thank you.

[Heehee~]

Oh, I'm sure you will. I still have much to learn, unless I'm to try taming one of those dragons that your home has access to...

[...]

...Or perhaps I could convince Arion to let me ride him into battle, if he's so inclined. [That might be a touch unfair???] I will have to get a new axe, and perhaps even some experience in whatever the magic is in your world--if you're so inclined, would you be willing to teach me some, when I visit?

I wouldn't try. Our wyverns are terribly ill-tempered, not to mention a bit too small to carry a fully equipped soldier.

[The smile slipped just a little, but Ignis' tone was still light.]

...We don't exactly have magic anymore, I'm afraid--bit of a complex situation. But...well, we'll manage. There's most assuredly no shortage of weaponry, so finding a suitable axe will be no trouble at all.

Ah, I see...I suppose Arion will be coming with me, then, if he's willing.

[...That sounds like a bad subject, and y'know what, we don't need bad vibes in this house, so she is more than content to pole vault over it if Ignis is!]

I do look forward to seeing what sort of beautiful axes your world has been able to produce. I'll certainly be able to take down anything that tries to harm you boys in a heartbeat once I get my hands on one!

[IT'S FINE]

I should warn you Gladio has a terrible habit for flirting with attractive women. His heart's in the right place, but he can be...a bit of an idiot. Should that happen, you've absolute freedom to knock him flat on his back, because I would find that hilarious.

[#friends]

You already fight like him as it is, so I imagine that'll be quite the unexpected surprise.

[...Oh, that gets a bit of a chuckle--one all too mischievous.]

Well, I'll be certain to consider that an order, then. Oh, that poor boy...

[She figures once will be enough, and it'll be amusing when it happens~]

I look forward to seeing how he reacts to that. It's bound to be something I won't forget. [...] And I will be certain to describe the look on his face in detail for you.

This is why I deeply value our friendship. I think you'll fit in with us just fine. [because you're both evil]

No idea how I'm going to explain any of this to anyone, but once I figure that out things should settle a bit.

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