Exeuntes, a Story Based on Final Fantasy XV

Chapter VII: Nathan.

Pictured: Fenestala Manor, Tenebrae, Kingdom of Tenebrae

Song used:

11. Paradise by Coldplay 

August 31st, 2020 - It's been a while but here's an edited update. 

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Nathaniel Sodalis Ashwolf was born on the seventh of July, M.E. 746 in Tenebrae to Ignatius Ashwolf and Aurelia Caelius. Ignatius was a member of the Tenebraen Guard, its military when it used to be an independent kingdom. His mother was a member of the Crown Council of Tenebrae, a body of the queen's closest advisors. His brother, Charles, was born two years later on the eighteenth of July, M.E. 748. Nathan had a wonderful childhood in Tenebrae: running around its lush, green mountains with his brother, watching the Oracle work her healing magic, and being surrounded by the love and care of his family and friends. Even when times were tough, the Tenebraeans would always be friendly and work together. He couldn't have asked for a better home. Sadly, his happiness only lasted until a few months before his tenth birthday.

On the first of May, M.E. 756, the Oracle's daughter, Lunafreya Nox Fleuret ascended the throne to become the Queen of Tenebrae. The coronation took place a few days after her mother Sylva Via Fleuret stepped down as part of an agreement with the Empire of Niflheim. Fifteen days later, Niflheim launched a surprise invasion on Tenebrae using the agreement's signing ceremony as cover. Ignatius, one of Sylva's bodyguards, died as he shielded her from the blade of Iedolas Aldercapt, Emperor of Niflheim. There are reports that the new Oracle managed to escape but her current whereabouts are unknown.

A few days after the invasion, Niflheim declared Tenebrae an Imperial province and General Safay Roth was appointed as governor. His forces moved swiftly to establish control of the surrounding area. Although the Empire had notified Nathan's mother that Ignatius was killed in an accidental fire inside Fenestala Manor, she knew that it was impossible that her husband had died in such an easily preventable accident. Nathan remembers crying with his mother and brother when she told him the news. She promised she would always stay by their side, no matter what. Several days later, leaked reports confirmed that the fire was a cover-up by the Empire. Aurelia knew that she, Nathan, and Charles were no longer safe.

Fearing the worst, Aurelia decided to take them back to her homeland, the Kingdom of Lucis. The journey was horrifyingly difficult. Because the train tracks—the main mode of intercontinental transport—were heavily guarded, Aurelia decided to move westward by land. Her destination was the westernmost point of Zoldara Henge where Lucian and Accordoan ships were rumored to be evacuating anyone brave enough to make the dangerous crossing across the Cygillan Ocean or the Sathersea. Even though the odds were heavily stacked against them, the Ashwolf family braved the journey, often walking a great distance each day. When they were lucky, they hitchhiked in the back of Imperial trucks headed in the same direction. On one occasion, they were almost caught red-handed as an Imperial soldier was inspecting the cargo of a truck they happened to be on. Aurelia, summoning all her strength, seized the rifle the soldier was holding and hit him in the head. She then proceeded to run out of the truck with the rifle, motioning for her children to follow. The rifle is now showcased at the Royal Museum of Lucis, a testament to his mother's courage.

Nathan vividly remembers hiding with other Tenebraeans who were seeking safety in underground passages built centuries ago. While waiting for a chance to escape, Aurelia worked as a secretary for the Empire and collected all the information she could on Niflheim's military operations. More than a year later, on the second of June, M.E. 757, the Ashwolfs, along with several other Tenebraeans, finally gained passage on the LRV Tenebrae, a newly-commissioned Lucian Royal Vessel. Upon her arrival at Galdin Quay on the Lucian continent, Aurelia was made a Member of the Royal Lucian Order by King Regis for the information she gathered—which helped prevent Niflheim's annexation of the Lucian region of Cleigne.