Kenneth
*"Noct my darling, come inside, dinner is ready."* His mothers voice would forever stay within his head for all of his long lived days, of this thing he was certain. She'd been a hard woman most of the time he'd known her, but as if a magic spell had been cast in the mornings and at night, she'd be his morning and evening star. He'd enter the house through their complicated stairway system of thin poles sticking out of the rocky terrain and she'd be there, a gleamingly beautiful picture of radiance- her raven black hair thick and brushed, her silver eyes full of life and a unquenchable fire. 

They'd eat and she'd speak of his father with a look of someone entirely smitten, and they'd talk of all the amazing things Noctis was going to see one day. Of endless blue skies over fields of poppies and dancing dandelions, of terribly wondrous beasts, mountains of gold and ancient creatures old as the world itself. 

She'd been dead a long time even before he had fallen into the ravine, now she wasn't even dust remaining on this land. He felt the way he had after her death, when he'd been twelve years old and with no one else to turn to- wandering Aeterna and seeking purpose. A single crystal tear drifted from the corner of his darkened silver eyes, a drop of sorrow from eyes that never threatened to betray the emotions hidden beneath. 

He casually wiped away the tear as he cooked their breakfast, some eggs he'd scavenged alongside a bowl of berries and nuts and some tiger steaks that sizzled over a cheap pan he'd purchased as part of a cooking set. 

Ebony Rose rested against a log, the ruby rose on the pommel glinting like a watchful eye. It's scabbard was worn and had once been as beautiful as his armor- but time had worn it away. His clothing however was neat and clean as it always was, though he had his cloak draped over the handles of his makeshift sled where the remains of the Serrated Tiger now sat, preserved by a careful application of wind and fire magic. 

Whe

N he'd see Valac start to stir, he'd give the demon breakfast and sit on a log across from him, gazing at him with those silver eyes that almost seemed to pierce through clothes and skin to see the core of a person inside. Chewing slowly on his steak, he'd speak after a minute of silence. 

"Good morning Valac. How are you feeling? Your sword is there beside you. We're about a days travel out from the Eternal City."
Irma
*Valac would've awakened, his torso bolted up, as he held his face. Breathing heavily. He quickly broke out into a sweat. His hands were shaking... Recalling the dream he had. Recalling of that day, where he had first awakened his dormant power. Witnessing a grand massacre, feeling utter euphoria at the carnage. The sight of barbarians, with dirt roads, debris and stone brick completely collapsed on the roads. Fires burning, crackling with the sounds of yelling, blades clashing radiating in the background. Feeling the brutality of killing barbarians. The sounds of bones shattering, joints popping, flesh tearing, he gave a disgusted smile. That being sadistic yet distasteful that he enjoyed such a dream. Even at his fall, being cut down into oblivion, burning, boiling. Soon he composed himself, his lips would return to monotony.

Seeing his comrade by his side, what he would consider his best friend, felt quite bright as their encounter... Everything previously was nothing of fiction. Hearing the popping of embers to the left of him, as he now was sitting upright.* 

"Morning my always spiffy comrade." 

*He snickered a bit, not wanting to linger on the faint memories of his wild yet brutal dream. One that was a memory of the past, a reincarnation of a series of terrible events. One that started his journey, to understand what he was.* 

"Not bad. How about you? You're looking a little mellow today. A days worth of travel left? Hmm... I have a question, why is it that you want to go to the Eternal City?" 

*He spoke, he knew that for himself, Valac sought answers. He can't shake the feeling that this wasn't where he really wanted to go. The Eternal City gave off that vibe of something awaiting, but something unpleasant. He placed his hand on his abdomen, feeling the scar he had left trying to reach toward that state again in order to harness its power. Control it. Without having to lose control, or have difficulty suppressing.*

*He had done such a terrible yet painful task in order to reach what he wanted. Though, he could never get the hang of it. He grazed his fingers for a few moments. He's still quite surprised by the divine radiance that Noctis had. Always looking neat, and clean, even after traveling for a few days. He knew it was of his magic, but it still gave him awe. His comrades strength far superior than his, even questioning why he was with him. It felt like he was a leech, but at the same time, he can't help but think there was more than generosity to this. A plan. He was quite speculative, and pessimistic.*.
Kenneth
"Not mellow at all my friend, contemplative perhaps at worst." He said smoothly as he set his plate aside and threaded his fingers together. Valacs healing factor was a wonder to Noctis- it was **Not** A blessing that Noctis himself had. It was incredibly hard to hurt Noctis but he wouldn't heal from damage he did take, not like that. Noctis could recover from wounds *Quicker* By enhancing the aspects of his body that aided in healing, but that was his extent. 

"Well.. I told you. I want information, there are things I very much need to understand. I've actually determined why else I want to go- money. We are going to need more of it, and where else then the epicenter of the nine realms? If there is ever a place to make money, it's where people congregate. There are many benefits to going Valac. I won't force you, but I do think it's the best place to get information on you in a secure fashion. You seem apprehensive. Want to talk about it?" He asked calmly as he fished a bronze coin from his pouch, turning it over and over in his hand as he seemed to be contemplating something about it, however his attention hadn't shifted away from Valac either. 

It was almost supernatural how he seemed able to focus fully on two seperate things at one time.
Irma
"If you don't mind... Please elaborate on the information you desire. You stated that you need information, yet information on what...?" 

*Valac was curious, he had heard him state it before. Wanting an elaboration, some insight on what Noctis is thinking. Noctis kept himself shrouded with mystery, and even if he was his comrade, he can't help but wanting to know. Maybe even aid in his quest. His comrades lack of expression or clarifying information was a little worrisome to him. He shook his head in denial, as he wanted to go with Noctis. He was the only person he knew, the only person he can trust as of currently. There was no where else for him to belong or go to. So he had to remain with his comrade, he felt as if there were no other options but to see this through.* 

"I'm coming along no matter what. I want to find a way to repay your kindness somehow. I can't just abandon the only person that had even granted me a temporary sanctuary, but yes... I'd like to talk about it."

*Valac always curious of his mysterious comrade. He felt like there was more to that than just going to the Eternal City for information. He slowly stood up, stretching a little as the sound of his joints stretching would create a few loud pops. He felt relief... He hadn't rested normally in so long. He can't help but feel like Noctis had more ideas than just information. Maybe it was with Valac, or maybe it was an operation. Maybe it was too personal, or a matter that he cannot comprehend. Valac already speculated that Noctis was an assassin of the sort. Being so powerful, yet so sly, so quiet, subtle... It really defined one who can be categorized in such an occupation. Valac was meant to be crafted in the same way, but never reached his threshold or true power. He lacked the practice of maintaining silence, along with prowess. He placed his hands tenderly into his pockets, a comfortable placement. He was thinking, and pondering wanting to confirm his speculations. Seeking for answers.*
Kenneth
"Some things you'll just have to find out with time- there are things I can't explain even if I thought I wanted to. Right now, I unfortunately have to be cautious. You'd get the same answer from me had you known me five years or even ten, it's just the way I was brought up." 

His teenage years had been spent being shaped by Scipio to be a weapon, a dagger in the dark, a spy, an assassin, a force of nature- all walking a delicate tightrope. 

"So I can't tell you what I'm seeking yet, partly because I don't know. I can only ask you to trust me as you've done so far." He responded, getting up and turning the coin over in his fingers. 

"I can tell you that you need to develop some new skills though. That beast was strong- yes, but you shouldn't have been defeated so easily. You need to develop more skills because if you can control your dark power, you can't just let yourself be a punching bag until the big spooky comes out. So today we're going to test you for some magical aptitude."