Hearth and Home | Nyx Ulric | FFXV

Prologue

Set before the events of Kingsglaive and FFXV. This story revolves around King Regis' daughter, Aeliana Lucis Caelum. A tale of a young woman's fight to protect her family, her kingdom and her knight.

I don't own anything but my own Original Character(s).

*****

"One more time."

"That's what you said the last seven times."

"One. More. Time," Nyx Ulric smirked as he extended his hand to the raven-haired woman sitting on the floor of the training room. "I mean it this time."

"Right," his blue-eyed partner scoffed, "tell me why I agreed to this again?"

"Because his highness insisted that his only daughter learn how to protect herself, should she need to," Nyx replied, his hand remained outreached, "and I was chosen as the lucky one to train you."

The young woman glared at her long-time childhood friend. She refused his offer, pushed herself off the floor and smiled a devilish grin. "Lucky indeed. I will wipe that smirk off your face, Sir Ulric." She readied her stance as she stepped one-foot back, legs slightly bent and shoulder-width apart, fists forward, eyes glowing. "No more going easy. I will make you bow."

"Well then, Lady Aelia," Nyx let out a low chuckle, "Bring me to my knees."

He readied his stance. "One more time."

*****

Aeliana turned off the shower faucet and reached for her dark gray towel hanging adjacent to the door. After wrapping the towel around her slender form, she stepped out of the shower and walked up to the foggy mirror. She wiped a single hand over the glass so that she can see her hazy reflection.

It's been several weeks since she's been training with Nyx. Every Wednesday and Thursday early morning for the last nine weeks, to be exact. Her father, King Regis Lucis Caelum CXIII, insisted that she and Noctis allotted time each week to train in the Citadel training room.

Protection. As descendants of the Lucis Caelum bloodline, you must be ready for any event, even those that come to you in threats. Always be cautious.

As the crown prince and heir to the Lucian throne, Aeliana's younger brother, Noctis, was the one that King Regis had shown most concern for. Since he was a child, he was required to train with Gladiolus Amicitia. Gladio wasn't too keen on it in the beginning, but that all changed when his sister, Iris, visited the Citadel one night and caused a bit of a stir in the palace that Noct took the fall for. Since then, Gladio found new respect for Aelia's stubborn younger brother and he taught Noct to be a great, blade-wielding warrior.

Although the King shared what seemed like more concern for his son, he held his only daughter with high regard.

You have your mother's eyes. Every time I look at you, I see her staring right at me. You must take care and learn how to defend yourself. Noctis will be King one day, but I need you to help guide him when that time comes. You and Noct are everything to me, my daughter.

King Regis made a special request for a young soldier in the Kingsglaive to train Aeliana at least twice a week. Due to their friendship, the King decided it was best that his daughter learn from the person she admired as a friend and as a guard, Nyx Ulric. Unlike Gladio and Noct, Nyx and Aelia became friends the moment King Regis saved the young boy after the invasion in Galahd. Aelia was aware of the events that unfolded when her father took him in. She knew that Nyx lost his younger sister in the invasion. She knew that Nyx constantly blamed himself for not being able to save her. She knew it haunted him. Very rarely did they ever talk about it. Even his best friend and fellow glaive, Libertus Ostium, didn't feel it was his place to divulge anything further. Although she wanted to help her close friend, she thought it best to not interfere with things she knew she couldn't change.

Instead, she treated him as part of her family. Even though Aelia was a royal, she insisted on Nyx regarding her as his equal, telling him to neglect the titles and just call her "Aelia." He was hesitant, but obliged, letting out an occasional "Lady" a time or two when speaking to her. However, he noted to himself that he would always remain proper when speaking of her.

Aelia took one last long look in the mirror.

Aeliana Lucis Caelum. Princess. Daughter. Sister. Friend.

"My life is my duty, my kingdom is my life. Hearth and home. This is who you are."

Aelia let out a long breath and exited the bathroom to ready herself for yet another day in the Lucis Capitol of Insomnia.

*****

Author's Note: I haven't written fanfiction in several years. I'm quite rusty, but getting back into it. Thanks for going on this journey with me. Stay tuned!