#ardyn ox oc

[sky-writes-daydreams]

How They Met Chapter 25

A/n: Only a few more Chapters to go, Dolls!! XD This has been one of my longest projects so thank you to everyone who has stuck around. This has been one of my biggest challenges but honestly I feel I might be stronger for it. so... like always please enjoy. The likes and reblogs mean the world to me :) 

@valkyrieofardyn @shigekihizashi @blindedstarlight @lola-mcevil13 @the-altissian-authors

I skipped outside happily. Ardyn was behind me getting his hat on and sighed.

“You know after last night, I’m shocked you’re even walking.”

“What can I say? The soak in the tub did me some good.” I looked back and gave him a wink before running ahead laughing. I had on earmuffs with matching gloves and one of his thicker scarves around my neck. The jacket was something he had them get for me on the way here and it fit perfectly and kept me warm. I hit the empty snowy field across the drive and quickly just fell into a pile and started on a snow angel. He followed and chuckled one he saw me.

“You won’t be able to get up without messing it up.”

“Oh well.” I got up then and  looked back smiling.

“Still looks cool!” He sighed then shaking his head before just following me. I was having fun. I hit a patch of ice on the way over and ended up skating just a bit before falling into the snow laughing. It didn’t even hurt. I found a clump close by and got an evil idea.

“Hey Ardyn…”

“Yes?”

“You’re like a public official right?”

“Of course. Why?”

“Well in insomnia there were laws protecting people like that from assault and such.”

“Correct. I’m sure we have such rules here as well… Why?”

“Well… Would it count if it came from me?”

“Um… Probably not.”

“Good!” Right as he looked over, I launched the snow clump at him. It hit him square in the chest of his buttoned jacket. I laughed a bit as he looked at the snow stunned before kneeling down.

“Oh no…”

“You started it. Forgive me if I finish it.” He had a good sized one and soon launched it at me. I jumped behind a drift then and laughed as it hit the ground. At least till I got a face full. He started laughing then. For a bit we had our own snow war. It was fun and honestly.. It was worth getting snow in my bra for. I got to hear him laugh. It only stopped when my snowball went past him and hit something metal. We both stopped then worried I had hit a car when we saw it was Ravus. He had caught it with his metal hand. Ardyn smiled then.

“Commander.”

“Chancellor. Forgive me for ruining your fun but you’ve been requested to report in at the council.”

“Damn Already?”

“Yes sir.” I pouted a bit then. Ardyn sighed and brushed off.

“Oh very well… Allow me to show skylar to the study first.” Ravus nodded and I hopped over the snow drift then and got ardyn’s hand. Ardyn smiled a bit and held on as we headed inside.

It was honestly very quiet inside here. I saw a few other officials dressed in nifelheim colors staring as we walked in and I moved closer to his side.

“Relax…” I nodded a bit but didn’t let go. I saw a few whispering as we approached and he gave them that winning smile I had seen on the Tv. I hid my smile behind the scarf until they passed.

“Chancellor mode on huh?”

“Oh don’t even…” I laughed then and Ravus looked over. I just smiled at him before letting go of ardyn and getting next to him.

“So how are you doing Ravus?”

“Fair…. I see you’re getting used to the area?”

“Eh. What I’ve seen so far… Never really dealt with the cold so that’s a hassle…. But I think I can handle it!” He nodded gently then and looked forward.

“Might have to see if you can take any hunts here. It would help you learn the area and the daemons that lurk around.” I perked up then.

“Hunts? Oh I’d love to…”

“Ah. Thanks for the reminder Commander… I need to talk to him about that.” I looked back at Ardyn and he smiled.

“The hunts are usually controlled by Research chief verstael Besithia. He would be the one that would need your help the most.”

“Whoa… That name is a mouthful…. But alright!” Ravus even chuckled then before stopping by a door. We were pretty deep into the building. Ardyn came forward then and got a key out. It slid into the lock easily and turned just as quickly. He opened the door and let me slip in. I was in book heaven. Shelves were filled with books. In the middle was a sofa and a table for meetings. Behind them a nice desk with a comfy looking chair. I could see there was a side room where I could hear a fire going.

“This is my private study…. If you want, you can wait here till the meeting is over and we can have lunch.” I nodded then slowly getting the gloves off and into my pocket.

“What are the books about?”

“Just favorites I’ve collected through the ages. Lucian history and such. A few fantasy Novels are in the next room.” I nodded smiling then.

“I’ll hang out in here.”

“Alright. I’ll send a maid for refreshments ok?”

“If you want… I can always get them myself.” Ravus chuckled then.

“I think it would be smarter to use the staff. This place gets confusing. I’d hate for you to get lost in your first two days here.” I looked back at him and Ravus was completely straight faced. Ardyn was less so.

“I’m not that bad at Directions guys. I could figure it out.”

“Oh we know. But… It seems like you underestimate how big this place is.”

“Well what floor are we on?”

“Fourth.” I gave Ardyn a look and he smiled.

“They started up but then decided down was better after shiva.”

“Oh….” He nodded.

“So It’s best to leave it up to the Maids and such. They learn the whole place before ever being let loose on their own.” I nodded then and sighed.

“Alright. I’ll play along.”

“That’s my girl.” Ardyn stepped closer then and instantly I was in a small kiss. I didn’t want him to let me go but all too soon he backed off. I huffed gently making him chuckle.

“Relax. A short wait and I’ll be back. Promise.”

“Good. Or you’re losing your scarf.” He chuckled then and I smiled before they left.

I got the rest of my snow gear off then wandering around. I even sat behind his desk just to see how comfy the chair was. He had really good taste honestly and the view out the window was amazing. Snow was still falling gently but with the sun out, they looked like little diamonds. I stayed there watching till the snacks came but then I went to the other side. I started checking out the books and soon found a new one I hadn’t read before. I sat down on the couch near the fire getting warm with my cup of tea and a little plate of cookies close before getting lost. It almost felt like home again as I kept reading.

I had changed positions a few times just so I could find a comfy position to read from. When the door opened, I was stretched out over the couch with my socked feet facing the fire as I had my head resting on the pillows as my book was on the arm rest. I only heard them when he spoke.

“She’s around here somewhere sir… skylar?” I lowered the book and sat up a bit.

“Ardyn?” He peeked in and smiled.

“There’s my love. I have someone I want to introduce to you.” I froze then as a man walked in. He was in armor even now. He almost looked like an angry garden gnome with a badly trimmed beard. I quickly got off the couch and straighten out my outfit as he came even with Ardyn in the doorway.

“Skylar, this is Research Chief Verstael Besithia. Sir this is my lover and the huntress I mentioned.”

“Ah Yes… A pleasure, my lady.” He bowed slightly and I tired to do the same back. He had a really gravely voice that honestly… Set me on edge.

“The Chancellor has spoken about your prowess in battle. Said you were a force to be reckoned with.”

“Possibly. I’m just good with a weapon sir and knowing when to run and when to give it my all.” He nodded slightly then.

“Where is your weapon?”

“I’d believe in our chambers sir. I had a friend of mine back home help me build her.” Ardyn nodded then.

“Already eager to test her out?”

“Out of Necessity. One of our research outposts has recently been abandoned due to a pack of coeurl.” I was smiling but it slipped when I heard. Ardyn looked over then.

“Skylar?”

“.... how fast can you get me out there?” The Older man stopped then.

“Young lady do you not understand? It’s a full pack. I’d have to get…”

“No one else.” I moved then getting my boots back on quickly.

“I…. I once went on a hunt of them all over my home area. I’m used to them. Sure they’re a version more used to the cold but a coeurl is a coeurl.” I jerked my right boot on then and quickly tied it off before standing.

“You want to see if what he said was true? Get me out there. You’ll see.” He nodded then.

“I know that look. Very Well. Meet me out front. I’ll have commodore highwind drive your snowmobile. Chancellor?”

“I’m coming as well.” He nodded and left. I followed him into the next room and started gearing up. Ardyn was close.

“Lunch has been pushed back then?”

“Sadly….” I got my scarf on then and took a deep breathe. I still had a hard time not getting flared up.

“You know why…”

“I do. Only reason I’m not arguing… ride with me on the way back.”

“No problem…. Thank you.” I turned then and he was gently smiling. He came close and moved my scarf closer before kissing my forehead.

“You need this…. So let’s take out these daemons…. Then… I’m thinking Gnocchi.” I laughed a bit then.

“Works for me babe. As long as we get dessert first.”

“Well when else are you to eat it?”