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A year had passed since the Dawn had returned. Eos still had a long way to go to recover from ten years of night, but the people who lived on her were doing all they could.
Plants saved in makeshift greenhouses were replanted. Any wild animals that managed to survive were cared for and helped along. The fish were beginning to repopulate the rivers and lakes after their eggs had laid dormant for so long.
The cities were the least of the people’s worries. Other than making sure shelter could be had by all, it was felt most important to revive the star that kept them alive.
Still, they were only human and as humans seem to have a need to celebrate the good things, a small group was designated to set up an area to celebrate the year. On the eve before the anniversary of the return of the sun, a masquerade was held for all who wanted to enjoy. They would party well into the night and welcome the sun with toasts and cheers the following morning.
A night of reckless abandon after a full year of working hard.
Making it a masquerade was Iris’s idea. She had spent more time around the masses than any of the others and knew that some would be self conscious about how they look - either from the long night or from injuries sustained during reconstruction. As they wanted to celebrate with as many people as possible, Gladio, Prompto, and Ignis fully supported the idea.
Iris almost immediately started using her spare time to make masks for people. She thought it was heartwarming that so many wanted to honor the last oracle or the King of Light.
The world was still mourning the loss of King Noctis. Even though many had disparaged the king for his long absence and blamed him for the night, no one could deny the sacrifice he gave to save the world.
Many looked towards the sun as if it was Noctis reborn.
Very few people knew the real reason for the encouraged masquerade. Those in the know wanted Noctis to join. Even though he had officially died upon the throne after the fight in the beyond, his closest friends refused to allow the Astrals to take him. Noctis was alive and well, helping with relief efforts, and enjoying a royal free life. Although, he did give his friends insights should questions arise. Sometimes he was amazed at what all he learned while in the crystal.
“This is weird,” Noctis muttered as he and Ignis joined the revelers. More than half of the people were wearing masks of either him or Lunafreya. “When Iris said how many masks honoring me and Luna were requested, I never imagined it would be this many.”
Ignis chuckled, “If only I could see to enjoy being surrounded by the many faces of you.”
“I’m glad you can’t,” Noctis said quietly. He wasn’t sure if Ignis heard him or but knowing his husband, Ignis had and was choosing not to comment. “The decorations are wonderful though. The committee went all out.”
“Are Prompto’s pictures on display?” Ignis asked.
“Yep. I think he made them bigger than he said he was going too. They basically take up the full length of the dance floor!”
“I’m glad. His art should be appreciated.”
They walked around the dance floor until Noctus spotted Gladio and Cor. They weren’t hard to spot. Gladio’s mask was as gaudy as Iris could make it and Cor’s didn’t really hide his face.
“I was hoping one of you would show up in a King of Light mask,” Gladio smirked as they approached. That earned him a playful shove from Noctis. “Iris did a great job on your masks regardless.”
Noctis had to agree. Ignis’s was made to look like a majestic coeurl and his own a black chocobo. “Was your mask by request or did Iris just decide to run wild with it?”
“He asked for bigger and brighter feathers,” Cor said, grinning. Everyone laughed.
“Have to make sure I stand out,” Gladio said.
From their vantage point along the side of the dance floor, Noctis watched the crowd enjoying themselves. It felt amazing for him to see the people of Eos being able to relax. Everyone seemed to be having so much fun. His heart was soring.
Prompto turned up and much to Noctis’s annoyance, he was wearing a King of Light mask.
“I have to honor my best buddy on this day he sacrificed himself for the star!” Prompto said, dodging a swipe of Noctis’s hand.
“You look so weird,” Noctis grumbled.
“Why don’t we step out onto the dance floor and put to use all those lessons we were forced to have as children,” Ignis said. He gave Noctis’s sleeve a slight tug and directed him towards the people dancing. Noctis willingly allowed himself to be directed.
Most of the evening was spent between the dance floor and the buffet. There was so much laughter and more than a little imbibing. By the time Dawn was approaching, Noctis was glad that Ignis was a strong presence to lean on.
A hush fell over the crowd as the first pinks started to light up the sky. Everyone waited for the first rays to peek over the horizon. As the first sliver of sun was seen, a cheer erupted and singing commenced. Noctis couldn’t help but wonder when the Dawn Song was written and how it seemed everyone but he knew it. Even Ignis was singing along.
“Can you still sense the light?” Noctis asked as the sun was finally fully above the horizon.
“Of course,” Ignis smiled, leaning down to give Noctis a quick kiss on the forehead. “It seems I can always sense where you are.”
“Sap,” Noctis said, shifting so that he could better kiss his husband. “But you’re my sap.”
“Always,” Ignis responded, before meeting Noctis for a kiss to start the beginning of the new year off right.