Ardyn Chooses to be (More) Petty
Aka the AU Timeline of I&V
M.E. 743
The Red String is Tied
At age 10, Ignis is assigned as Noctis's (7) advisor and
caretaker, beginning a lifelong connection that would
shape both of them.
M.E. 752
Solace in Drink
Noctis comes home drunk and is given chamomile tea (a
family recipe) and a stern lecture. Despite everything
this marks a period of understanding and mutual closeness
between the two young men.
Early M.E. 753
The War Worsens
Fueled by technological advantages and Ardyn's assistance
in research on daemons in the field of Magitek, the
conflict between the Empire and Lucis takes a turn for the
worse. Regis considers his options limited in a
long-standing, losing battle of attrition.
Late M.E. 753
Divergence
Ardyn, influenced by an unknown force and having witnessed
Regis on the battlefield decades prior, makes the fateful
decision to enact his revenge with a more personal twist
of the knife to all that wronged him. He appears before
the King as an apparition, posing as the spirit of a
concerned royal ancestor, offering tempting alternatives
to a man desperate to avert disaster and deny the fate
that he knows awaits his son...
M.E. 754
A Miraculous Comeback
Ardyn teaches Regis Ars Aeterna, a method of utilizing the
Ring and the Crystal to manipulate time itself. Using this
newfound ability, Lucis makes a staggering recovery. The
Empire begins to be pushed back, but the conflict
intensifies, putting strain on both sides.
November M.E. 754
Trial by Fire
With rapidly worsening health and the leadership of Lucis
in a restless uproar, Regis makes the decision to send
Noctis and his retinue to assist in the war. He hopes the
experience will push the Prince to lead and strengthen
their bonds, preparing Noctis for the heavy burden of
rulership.
Early M.E. 756
A Temporary Peace
Scrambling to identify how Lucis has been able to turn the
tides after decades of losing ground, the Empire
reluctantly withdrawals to regroup and re-access, planning
on identifying the cause via reconnaissance and fortify
their army in the same move.
A ceasefire agreement is reached between the two empires.
Mid M.E. 756
Wounded
For the first time in over two decades, Lucian citizens
beyond Crown City live free of the shadow of war. However,
relations remain strained between Insomnia and its counterparts:
Galahd, Cleigne, Leide, Duscae, and others.
Regis directs resources toward humanitarian aid and
recovery efforts. Feeling a deep regret for his decision
to shelter Noctis from the world, Regis doubles his
efforts by immersing the Prince in intense courses of
governance and diplomacy.
March M.E. 756
Go Forth
Noctis and company are brought before Regis with the
double task of repairing diplomacy to outer regions and
for him to strengthen himself in preparation to rule. Regis
rescinds power over the armiger weapons, restoring them
to their locations in each tomb.
March-August M.E. 756
A Task and Fresh Skies
Over the course of four months, Noctis claims three of
the Royal Arms: the Bow of the Clever, the Scepter of the
Pious, and the Shield of the Just. Betwixt these
explorations, he makes frequent stops along the way,
aiding locals and winning them over. In the face of
freedom on an open road (and a boat at his disposal)
Noctis ropes the group into going deep sea fishing for a
couple weeks, stopping in Cielmerscintillant, Accordo's
renowned trade capital.
Late August M.E. 756
Matters of the Heart
Resenting Ignis's renewed propriety and forced to think
about his future, tensions between Noctis and his advisor
grow to a boiling point- resulting in a confession that
would change everything in an instant- yet nothing, all at
once. Noctis, heart aching, orders they return home.
September M.E. 756
Unending Devotion - and Love
Between mounting meddling from the Empire, Ignis
navigates his role and sentiments for Noctis, ultimately
deciding that remaining at his side and supporting him
properly means being true to himself and his feelings.
Their connection is reforged, stronger than ever.
Meanwhile, Regis senses his encroaching end and rushes to
fortify Noctis's position as heir. His efforts are cut
short as his abuse of the Ring catches up with him,
Ardyn's machinations coming to fruition in the most
horrifying way possible.
October 13th M.E. 756
Noctis Crowned King
Miserable and sick with grief, yet steadfast in his
resolve, Noctis assumes the throne as King CXIV of
Lucis. His rule is welcomed, but strenuous. A difficult
path awaits him.
AU and Timeline Render Created by Vaer1