Hearth and Home | Nyx Ulric | FFXV

Chapter 4

The top of the Regalia was open, exposing the luxurious interior of the vehicle to the rays of the sun hovering over the clear, blue skies. The lands outside the Crown City stretched far beyond, covered in grassy plains that lead to steep hills and high cliffs. A vast array of creatures roamed the lands as vehicles and citizens took care not to disturb them.

The two young women have been traveling for about half an hour in silence, their destination reaching closer. Crowe leaned back in the driver's seat, her eyes focused on the road before her. Her jacket laid in the backseat as she absorbed the warmth of the sun on her light skin. She decided to dress comfortably today with just a v-neck tank top, jeans and combat boots, knowing she probably didn't need the full protection from her glaive uniform, or the sweat from it either.

Aeliana never shifted her gaze from the side of the Regalia, taking in the sights as they sped through the region. "I almost forgot just how beautiful this all was," Aelia spoke, breaking the silence between herself and the glaive.

"You don't get out much do you, Lady Aelia?" Crowe asked, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

Aelia's eyes were still entranced on the lands in front of her. "No, not much at all. I didn't have a need to," she replied softly. "Everything I needed was in Insomnia. Unfortunately, I can't remember the last time I stepped foot outside the city limits."

"Really?" Crowe raised an eyebrow, still focused on the road. "I would think that making appearances outside the Capitol would be part of your duty as a representative of the Kingdom, being a princess and all."

Aelia shook her head. "I can see how one would think that, but ever since we've been at odds with Niflheim, my father thought it would be best to limit the appearances outside the city in regards to my brother and me. I'm assuming he didn't want to take any chances."

"I see..." Crowe replied. "Your father really cares for you and your brother, doesn't he?"

"I like to believe so," Aelia gave a faint smile, her gaze never shifting. "However, I'm not quite sure if Noctis would agree right now."

"Why's that?"

"I don't know. I think maybe he feels the pressure of being the crowned prince. Father was always a little bit harder on him than he was on me. Noctis will be King one day and I don't know if either of them think he's ready for the responsibility," Aelia sighed. Strange how I'm telling her these things and I barely know much about her... She finally turned her eyes onto the young female glaive. A few strands of Aelia's hair blew in front of her face as she raised her hand and tucked her hair behind her ear. "What about you?" Aelia asked. "I feel like we know each other but not familiar with one another, unfortunately. Are you close with your family?"

Crowe didn't answer. Aelia felt as if she asked the wrong question and didn't pursue it any further.

"The soldiers in the glaive are my family," Crowe softly responded after a moment that seemed like an eternity. "So, yes, I am close with them."

"I've noticed Libertus has a deep fondness of you," Aelia smiled. "Nyx, too."

"They're my brothers to the end," Crowe replied. "Lib is always running his mouth on how I'm like a little sister to him. Even though it gets old at times, I will always be grateful to them."

Aeliana nodded and turned her gaze back to the plains. The two young women returned to sitting in silence the rest of the way to the Hammerhead.

*****

It was almost noon before they reached their main destination. Crowe turned into the entry of the Hammerhead and parked in front of the garage, turning the ignition off. They stepped out of the Regalia and slowly stretched out their arms. "Finally here," Crowe announced.