[video]

[impatienttraveler]

My, if this isn't the most delightful surprise.

[The stranger spoke, looking at something just off camera. He smiled ever so slightly, shrugging it off as he walked about. Judging by the scenery moving behind him, he was likely somewhere within the central city still.]

Truly, I have yet to see a more accomodating set of cities in all my years. And I hear it's election season as well? I do hope I'm not too late to participate. Even though democracy is as foreign to me as this city...

[He smiled so sweetly, playing off the 'new arrival' card to its fullest. Yet if he truly cared about making his voice heard in such a way beyond idle musings, none could truly say. What was certain, however, was that this was bound to be far more interesting than he likely gave credit for, especially as he goes back to watch the debates... If he isn't rudely interrupted, that is.]

Best of luck to the candidates.

Comments

Audio

[culinaryvision]

Something leads me to believe voting and democracy isn't your area of expertise.

Audio

[impatienttraveler]

[He notices that audio response almost immediately, a bitterly faint chuckle escaping him before he so much as deigns to respond.]

Ah yes, the hapless prince's most loyal retainer.. You would know that far better than anyone else here, wouldn't you?

[He doesn't even attempt to feign having naught but disgust for the man and everything he stands for.]

Audio

[culinaryvision]

[He's quiet for a moment, and if anyone sees him, he's frowning so hard, and looks like he's concentrating.]

There's quite a bit I know, and one of those things is that your arrival isn't welcome.

action! ( ignis probably has the good sense to mute this after the initial outburst... )

[alternas]

What! ( noct just went from nap mode to about an eleven. )

What the hell... it— it can't be him, right?!

Action

[chocobosnap]

[He can't be on his phone twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, so he doesn't catch the broadcast at all. He's out for a run to clear his head. Some days he's bothered more than others by creeping thoughts and now that the holidays were over, he can't help but consider the fact he probably gained five pounds alone. A run is in order.

Running is nice. Relaxing. It lets him clear his mind and usually lets him feel more relaxed and centered, and this run is doing it. The footfalls are keeping a nice even beat in his mind and his breathing is good.

Prompto rounds the corner and nearly runs into his worst nightmare.

He skids to a stop, eyes wide as he's breathing hard. There are no words for this kind of encounter. He thought he was safe!]

Action forever

[impatienttraveler]

[Probably a good thing too, or else he could have caught wind of so many other things. Much like the fact he already knew at least one other of the helpless and hapless prince's retainers was already here, which meant the likelihood that the others were nearby was a chance he could not ignore.

Luckily for Prompto, however, Ardyn doesn't seem to notice him right away, as absorbed in conversation as he is... Perhaps it would be the perfect opportunity to flee?]

[chocobosnap]

[He wants to run, badly, but he's braver than that. Noctis is here, his friends are here, and a whole bunch of innocent people are here.

He's afraid, he's terrified, he's going to have the biggest panic attack later - but right now, he's a soldier, a Crownsguard, and Ardyn is the biggest threat.

He pulls his gun out of the armiger, flicking off the safety as he takes aim.]

[ Video ]

[bright_imperius]

[ Considering, polite smile: ]

Have a bit of an interest in politics?

[ Video ]

[impatienttraveler]

In a sense, yes. I was a chancellor for quite some time in the imperial court back home, so I must say I'm intrigued.

Video ]

[bright_imperius]

Chancellor? Sounds like a pretty important position.

As diverse as the cities themselves are, there's nothing very imperial about any of the local governments. They're pretty uniformly democratic, which ... is novel.

[ Smile and a shrug ]

Seems to work for them, though!

[ Video ]

[shieldyourass]

[ Someone doesn’t look happy. Arms folded. Scowling. Watching. Not quite actually growling like some kind of animal. It’s a sneer instead: ]

You.

[ Video ]

[impatienttraveler]

[Well. This certainly is a surprise in comparison to the little gunman and the adviser. Congratulations, Gladiolus. You actually got him to look surprised.]

My, someone has certainly aged since we last met...

[Which likely says something, considering. Not that it changes the situation much.]

[ Video ]

[shieldyourass]

[ Pardon him if he doesn't seem proud about that.

Debates taunting him, letting him know he's dead - but he stops himself last minute.

He really wants to just. Rail against and yell at this asshole, but.

Patience. Wait until he can actually strike him down.

His jaw tenses, grinding his teeth. ]

You.

... Stay the hell away from us.

Clear?

voice

[softlyspeaks]

Oh no, you're never too late for politics! I'm sure voting might still be in session!

Maybe.

I should check.

But thank you for your well wishes.

voice

[impatienttraveler]

No matter. I will check myself rather soon.

[He'll never let it be said he wasn't proactive - regardless of his distaste for being brought here and away from all his carefully laid out plans.]

Though I suppose it would be embarrassing not to know. I assume you are one of them, yes?

[Video]

[sword_dancer_e]

[It's a bit before he comments. He's avoided anything and everyone here, even passing on both balls, though the Castlevania one had seemed interesting for other reasons. He had voted however, so this was a pertinent topic.]

I found it strange, too. Giving it some thought; it might be better than some systems.

[Video]

[impatienttraveler]

Oh? [He raises an eyebrow.] Well, don't let me stop you.

[You have him curious now.]

[Video]

[generalgrievous]

There is still time to vote.

I am General Grievous, deputy Guardian of Nova City and a candidate for Guardian in this election. I trust you will make the correct decision.

[Which, by his tone, means vote for him.]

[Video]

[impatienttraveler]

Then I suppose I should hurry. It wouldn't do to be late.

[You know, he almost likes the cut of this fellow. About as much as he can like anything, that is.]

Ardyn Izunia. A pleasure, General.

( video ) sometime after the initial reaction...

[alternas]

That your idea of a joke?

( noctis here isn't laughing. in fact, he looks pretty... upset? angry? SEETHING? how about all of the above.
good thing he took some time to count to ten before replying finally. )

No one would ever vote for you, once they know about all the things you've done.

( video until otherwise stated )

[impatienttraveler]

Now, why would I ever joke about something as important as politics?

[Really, he should know better by now. counting to ten is for chumps]

I never expressed interest in running myself, Noct - only how the system of government functions.

video;

[liveandforgive]

[well then. isn't this guy elaborate. he's in the library right now, doing even more research about the world for further clues (still coming up dry, but hey, Cloud's trying!) but he's taken a break to skim through the network when this man pops up]

Not much of a politics guy myself.

video;

[impatienttraveler]

[What can he say? He gets cold far too easily.]

A pity, then - considering how it tends to bleed into every aspect of life.

[Video]

[myfayevalentine]

*Faye is out and about in the city as well. Only, she's in a cafe taking a break from shopping rather than exploring or anything more useful. What this guy says is very true, she suddenly realises, so she can't help but comment with a small shrug of her own*

Hmm... It really is more accommodating round here. I haven't been run out of anywhere yet.

[Video]

[impatienttraveler]

Judging by what you've said, it sounds as though it is a common occurrence for you elsewhere?