Water Flowers

4

Chapter 4: Insomnia Falls

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As the stranger walked up to the group (Y/N)'s grip on her friend's arm tightened. Prompto's face sharpened into something close to a glare. There was something about the way this guy smiled that hit a nerve with (Y/N), the nervous look on her face slowly melted away.

×

"What's your story?" Gladio questions, narrowing his eyes at the stranger.

The stranger moves again. "I'm an impatient traveler, ready to turn ship." He earned a couple of untrustworthy stares. "The ceasefires getting us no where."

His gaze meets everyone's eyes but stops when he meets your gaze. A soft and genuine smile is directed towards you and with a flick of his wrist a coin was thrown in Noctis's direction.

Gladio catches it, looking down at it curiously. "What is this?"

The stranger spares Gladio a glance. "Consider it your allowance."

You take a deep breath feeling your body start to shake at the thought of speaking to this stranger. Why did he even send a smile like that your way? Does he know something about you that you yourself do not?

"W-Who's allowing us?" You try to ask calmly, but you're cursing at yourself mentally for the inevitable stutter. The man once again smiles at you.

"A man of no consequence." He answers. He then proceeds to walk past you, raise his arms and return them to his side while walking away.

Noctis rolls his eyes. "Yeah right..." He mutters, obviously annoyed.

Prompto gave your hand a comforting squeeze. "You believe what that guy said about the port being closed?" He poses.

"Why don't we find out for ourselves..." You speak, slowly letting go of your friends arm.

Moving forward, it is apparent that the 'man of no consequence' was correct and that the port was indeed closed.

Prompto couldn't help but start frowning. "Aww man. Not a ship in sight. What gives?" He voices, following Noctis as he starts walking back.

"According to my sources," A man pipes up, catching your attention. "The Empire is giving strict orders not to let any vessels leave the docks of Altissia."

"Real shame if you were late to your own wedding right Prince Noctis? Name's Dino by the way, pleasure."

Dino glances to his side, beginning to think as he teasingly clicked his tongue in thought. "The crown Prince of Lucis hunting in his fancy car, surely you didn't think it would go unnoticed - at least not by this reporter. Lucky for you this reporter has integrity. If you want to remain incognito, I respect your wish - in exchange for a favour."

Noctis crossed his arms, his look sharpening into an annoyed one. "What do you want?"

The reporter smiles. "Hey, I knew you'd come around! Let me see your map."

Noctis hands Dino your map, to which the reporter marks a specific location and hands it back. The ravenette raises an eyebrow at this and Dino informs you that he wanted you to find some rough gemstones.

Prompto turned to face you, a hand on your shoulder. "(Y/N), you've been shaking ever since that weird dude talked to us, why don't you keep Dino company?"

You stare at your friend, confusion shining in your eyes. "B-But--?"

"Don't worry okay? We'll all be fine," Prompto points out, glancing behind you as he realizes the others were gone. "I'll see you soon! Stay safe!"