Christopher
"A race...?" 

*As Noctis began to ran, Valac was initially not prepared for it. With Noctis getting quite the head start... Valac quickly followed suit, but couldn't catch up to him. As much as Valac was dexterous and agile, he can't compare to this demigod. He hasn't reached his maximum potential... Therefore he was at a disadvantage. He utilized dark magic to attempt to catch up, enhance the physicality in his legs, darkness etching around his legs creating strands of wickedness gyrating around his quadriceps, and calf. Pushing him to the limit as he began his sprint to catch up to him. Valac was actually beginning to sweat.* 

"Holy shit! No shot I can beat you!" 

*He said as he was quite humble about his lacking physical prowess. Seeing the man launch like a rocket through the forest was incomprehensible to him... It was evident, even utilizing his magic to amplify his power, he couldn't reach him. Noctis was way too far and even achieving a great lead upon Valac. It was no possible... Valac skid his feet across the ground, dirt and debris flying off as he stopped himself. He let out a gasp as he was breathing a bit heavy. He shook his head, raising up his right hand, looking as if he admitted defeat.* 

"You're definitely not human... I couldn't even feel the magical energy seeping off of you... You didn't use anything... Yet you have the lead... What are you really?!" 

*He said laughing a bit, admiring his comrades power as Noctis was just far too superior in physicality than Valac was. Valac... Wanted to become that, strive to be that. It inspired him. That whisper... Again repeated that word, "Ichor". Valac felt like... If he could obtain that, it would be one piece of the puzzle in order for him to get stronger. He needed to achieve the level Noctis was, if he even wanted a chance to win the race, or even equalize the playing field. He took the loss on this one, and in return... He had new admiration for his comrade. The darkness would recede from his legs.*
Cynthia
As the race came to an end, Noctis slowed down before jogging back over to Valac. He wasn't surprised, in his own time there had only ever been four demigods physically stronger than him that he'd known. Those four had the monstrous kind of strength that sparked and ignited legend, it was an overwhelming force of devastation that could shatter armies. Noctis didn't have that level of strength, but he rarely knew an equal to his sheer physical ability. 

It was a funny benefit of being the child of the god of Beauty, one did not expect strength to be a gift of his. Yet any who knew Masculo knew that the body was one of his greatest treasures, and thus Noctis' affinity for Enhancement magic had been born. 

"Good, good!" He said, a drop of perspiration not even present. He'd only just begun to warm himself up, his endurance was superhuman as well. He could run faster than a horse at full gallop without being enhanced, when enhanced... Well... There were beasts renowned for their deadly speed that could not escape him should he chose to hunt. It was how he traveled Aeterna so fast- he simply ran wherever he needed to go. 

"Don't be discourage Valac, you'll surpass me one day I'm confident of it. Once we discover what you are and figure out how to unlock your powers- well I think you'll be a force to be reckoned with. Hear this though Valac." 

He spoke the last sentence with a tone of severity only found in those who had held power and maintained it. The type of person who'd known leading men in battle and commanding others and never once had to fake it.

"You must not try to awaken your powers alone- we do this together. We don't know what will happen when we start to break the chains that bind you- you could cause calamity and hurt innocents. That I cannot abide by." He sounded like Maze, the do gooder Half Angel. He agreed with her though, her severe face and stuff personality aside, he admired her morales. He hoped to meet her again one day, having people like

Her in his life might help him to rebuild himself. 

"Do we have a deal?" He asked Valac.
Christopher
*Hearing Noctis's inspiring words, he cannot help but wonder would it even be true? He thought Noctis was more of a general, but his now closest comrade. His breathe would soon pacify from its somewhat erratic state. Fully bringing up his posture from his bent over yet temporarily exhausted look. He placed his hand on his chin, pondering for a moment before nodding in agreement. Though, it felt like Valac was already doing this... Trying to achieve the discovery of own being and what lies dormant within. He could never think of a way that he could do this alone. He can't help but feel... Quite reliant on Noctis. Ever since yesterday, Noctis had given him... Something he never really had. He sounded his thoughts, wanting to clarify a few things.* 

"If I'm honest... I cannot disagree, but I also can't help the fact I cannot do this without you. Ever since first meeting you... You feel important. Wearing such attire and armor as yours... It's luxurious, your strength incomprehensible. Something about you, you're like a puzzle piece, or the keys to what lies within. I can't think of doing this alone, even without you, but I can't help it... I feel like a leech." 

*Valac gave a lengthy explanation, expressing his thoughts to his comrade. Showing true trust, yet the feeling of guilty was weighing on his heart. He felt like he was just smooching off of him, because of how kind and generous he was, though it may not be true. He wanted to return the favor, and he had to stick by the man's side if he were to ever get a chance. He looked down at his hands for a moment before continuing...* 

"We're too distracted, let's find the leading cause of why live stock is missing... Then we can talk about this later. From the voice in my ear, to this... Topic..." 

*He looked serious, but stood by his comrade's side. Only wishing to follow his lead. Since they had the task at hand, it was important that they finished their quest. Of course if they wanted to reach somewhere...*

*Rather, achieve their desired goals at the Eternal City, Valac thought that... The Eternal City itself wasn't the answer. Noctis was the answer. Though, he wanted to aid his friend, and return the favor somehow by going to the Eternal City, or even aiding his efforts of reaching there.*
Cynthia
"Very good idea. Let's see... Oh yes. I won't be fighting whatever we find, Valac. I'll be leaving it up to you." He said nonchalantly, as if he hadn't just dropped a bomb on his traveling companion. 

"First step of your training is to see exactly where your strengths lie. Besides this creature might not even be dangerous." He said as he scanned the area, using Enhancement to boost his vision and peer into the shadowed trees. He spotted some dragging tracks, some deer or other beast that was dragged away, and headed off in that direction. 

"Whatever we are looking for was pretty hungry. Hope you're in the mood for some exercise my dear friend." Noctis said, his fine black boots easily treading the uneven terrain. He seemed to move as if he'd been born in those jungles, despite having all the softness of a man who has never left the city's walls before. With one hand resting on his sword, he chewed his lip softly. 

"But if it's dangerous enough it should pay our way for a bit into the Eternal City. Enough for some room and board while we get situated." 

What felt like only a few months ago, he had been one of the richest demigods in the Empire. His wealth had been quite marvelous and he'd had all the backings of the Eternal Empire. Now he felt as if he were back in his youth, wandering the world seeking purpose. Of course this time he had enchanted armor and the Ebony Rose. With that sword he could weather any storm.