Work Text:
Despite all the layers, the fabric of her wedding dress was not nearly as heavy as Luna had anticipated it to be. Looking at herself in the mirror once again, Luna’s eyes traced the draped fabric and the small peek of the petticoats before traveling up to the cinching at his waist and the slightly dramatic neckline. There was the slightest hint of cleavage and Luna felt herself warm slightly at the thought of showing off so much of her décolletage in front of so many people (for she knew the wedding would be part spectacle, part political gathering). She glanced away from herself, simply thankful that the fabric was kept so light so that she would not need to worry about the neckline slipping down from the weight into something far more dramatic.
“Lady Lunafreya… is there something not to your liking?” The hesitancy in the seamstress’s voice made Luna flush further at the thought of her appraisal of herself (rather than the dress) came off as some unintentional slight.
The dress was nearly finished, the designer having been quite up for the task when the order that Lady Lunafreya, Oracle and soon-to-be queen of Lucis, needed a wedding dress designed and fitted as soon as possible. Luna had heard she had not slept until it had been finished, something that she assumed would impress and be to the standards of other dignitaries— though she felt it more appropriate to ensure that the designer got a proper thank you and a promise she would get adequate rest. The rest was left to the seamstress partnered with her, who had called Luna for a fitting a mere week and a half after she had learned the design of the dress had been completed (so another thank you would need to be in order.)
So the seamstress and the various Fleuret family employees had found a spare room in Fenestala Manor and set up shop with a large stand with an even larger ornate tri-fold mirror that allowed for a good look from multiple angles. From Luna being led into the room, undressed and then redressed in volumes of white fabric, it had not been long until she found herself before the mirror. As edges, hems, and excess fabric were neatly pinned and tack stitched, Luna had plenty of time to look herself over while moments of silence allowed her too much time with her thoughts.
“No, I simply— I am thinking of the ceremony.” Her words were tinged with the shyness she felt and as the seamstress and Gentiana shared a knowing glance, Luna’s face burned further as she realized that perhaps that statement had held too much truth to be gleaned by the more mature women.
“It will be wonderful.” The seamstress deftly arranged the skirts, her statement genuinely warm and assuring. Luna watched as Gentiana gave a simple nod in agreement, murmuring something to the other women as she herself reached out to pull aside the fabric on Luna’s left side to reveal more of the under layers. Luna contented herself with watching the two of them, allowing herself to accept the statement in the hopes that maybe some bit of it would be true. Certainly some parts might be wonderful, but she would be a fool to allow herself to forget why she was even having the wedding in the first place.
“Lunafreya.” Luna jumped slightly, being pulled from her thoughts back to the warmly lit room, where Gentiana’s hand was gently resting on her arm. She was looking up at her, her serene expression calming Luna immediately.
“I wish to discuss other arrangements— the floral elements and any personal requests we can request be accommodated.” Gentiana’s hand lingered for a moment before dropping from Luna’s arm so that the seamstress could replace her to try on one of the many variations of sleeves and gloves she had brought to the fitting per the designer's instructions.
The flowers were easy to decide on, Luna could not see herself without sylleblossoms nestled amongst peonies, alstroemerias, and jessamines for her bouquet and any arrangements made. As for personal touches, Luna thought for a moment as the third set of sleeves were gently pulled from her arms, the seamstress dismissing herself for a small break and to retrieve some more pins and fabric to draft a different sleeve style. With just her and Gentiana in the room, Luna turned from the mirrors to meet the other woman’s gaze directly.
“I would…” Luna paused, collecting herself for a moment. “I would like for a picture of Mother to be present, in some fashion. Perhaps if Regis is willing to hold it— Should that be allowed. It need not be political…” Luna trailed off again, knowing fully well any decision she made or request she made would be viewed that way.
The thought that her mother wouldn’t be present in any way at her wedding had been eating at her and she felt proud that she had thought of a way that she could be present without it being something that could be picked apart. She had already planned to suggest the idea to Noctis, somehow, and perhaps he would want a picture of his own mother but that would be for him and Regis to decide since she was unable to be there with them to discuss details.
“I just simply would like her to be there with us.” Gentiana nodded and Luna felt the cool touch of her fingers on her arm again. They looked at each other, years between them that allowed them to discern what the other might be thinking, before nodding in near unison.
“I will inquire, and see that your wishes may be honored.” Gentiana bowed her head slightly and Luna shut her eyes for a moment as she listened to the sound of Gentiana’s dress rustling with movement and the eventual sound of her footsteps fading.
Opening her eyes, Luna glanced towards the mirrors, her eyes moving over herself once more before flicking over to the figure she saw standing towards the very rear of the room. The lights that had been set up to better illuminate the work area did not quite reach where he was standing, but Luna would recognize the silvery blond hair and white uniform her brother donned anywhere.
“You can announce yourself as one would normally do— you usually do not have qualms doing so, brother dear.” Her tone was playful, perhaps not sincerely so, but she would not allow for her surprise at his appearance to be apparent. “To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?”
Ravus’ arms were crossed and even at the distance, Luna could see through the mirror that his expression was stormy. It did not take much to discern that he must have been there for longer than she had realized and what might be weighing on his mind.
“I was informed that there may need to be a liaison present for any requests about the ceremony, so I volunteered. Is my presence not wanted?” Of course Luna knew it was much more likely that Ravus had been sent to ensure everything was holding up to whatever standards the Empire was imposing on the ceremony— and that nothing surprising was being planned.
“Of course not, I am quite happy to see you, though you do not seem to be of the same mind.” Her tone was questioning without being accusatory, wanting to get whatever was bothering Ravus out of the way. Ravus did not allow her to guess for much longer, as he let out a derisive snort before moving to stand beside where she was standing, his arms crossing as anger flashed across his features.
“You wish for her to be there, yet you would allow him to display her?” Uncrossing his arms, Luna watched as he strode his way towards her, stopping just shy of the platform she was displayed on. Anger laced his words, words that had been practically spit at her.
His vitriol towards Regis was not a surprise, and while Luna had been worried about the political implications of her request, she knew the largest obstacle would come in the shape of the deputy high commander before her. She resisted the urge to stoop to his level, instead gesturing towards one of the tables in the room that had a small tray with a pitcher and some glasses on it.
“If you wish to pick a fight with me, dear brother, then the least you could do is pour me some water.” Luna met his eyes, her arm lowering to gather up some of the volume of fabric surrounding her. “After all, I am held quite captive at the moment.”
Ravus winced at her words and Luna realized that there was more that could be read into the statement than she had intended. There was an awkward beat before Luna cleared her throat and gave a flippant little gesture towards the water. Luna watched as he turned on his heel to walk stiffly to the pitcher and she glanced down at the skirt of her dress, biting her lip as she thought about how to proceed. She accepted the water with a soft sigh, taking only the smallest of sips before placing the glass back into Ravus’ outstretched hand.
"Ravus, I--"
"Lunafreya, you of all people should--"
"Ravus, you know how I feel--"
The two of them talked over each other for a moment before Luna swiftly raised her arms, her palms out towards Ravus. It had the intended effect, as the room got quiet once more as Ravus slowly closed his mouth and stared at her. Luna slowly lowered her arms as she gathered her thoughts, her fingers nervously readjusting the bracelets she had been trying on earlier.
The air between them was tense and Luna wished she hadn’t given Ravus the remainder of her water just so she had something to hold. Instead, Ravus was toying with the glass, his lips pursed together tightly as he stared intently at her in the mirror. Luna met his gaze, refusing to back down but she allowed her expression to soften after a moment.
"This is truly my one wish for this wedding, you or the chancellor— or even the Emperor himself can decide the rest.” She turned from the mirror to look at him directly, moving to clasp her hands together in front of herself. A multitude of microexpressions flitted across Ravus’ face, too quick for Luna to discern each of them. She could tell he was struggling with his thoughts, but what exactly those thoughts were, Luna was not sure.
“Sister,” Ravus’ tone was softer and Luna relaxed for a moment, glad that he seemed to understand. “I just implore you to think of the political ramif—”
The look Luna shot at him is likely what made him choose not to finish his sentence, or maybe it was the fact that Luna had started to gather up her skirts to get off the stand, absolutely tired of the way this conversation had turned. She had been hopeful that Ravus visiting her would be an enjoyable thing, especially since despite the circumstances it was a huge moment in her life.
“Lunafreya, please, I just—”
“Ravus, no, listen for a moment.” Luna dropped her skirts, teetering on the edge of the stand as she pointed a finger out towards her brother. His hands were outstretched, maybe in an attempt to calm her or more likely to keep her up on the stand, but Luna swiped between them to poke at his chest.
“One wish. For the father, not the King, the father of my soon to be husband to ensure that mother can be present in some way to see me be married.” Luna exhaled slowly, her words having come out in a steady stream. She could feel the tell tale itch of tears but she would not cry at this moment. “That is my single wish, Ravus, one that should not be hard to allow from either side.”
Ravus, for his part, at least had the dignity to look cowed by her display. He moved to grab her hand, gently pulling it away from him and Luna took a few steps back as he let go of her. With a care she hadn’t seen from him in a long time, he readjusted her skirts and smoothed the wrinkles she had been making in the fabric.
“Very well. I will hold my tongue and see to it that it happens, should the father agree to it.” Knowing how much that took for him to agree to just that, Luna reached out to gently squeeze his shoulder.
“Thank you.” Luna smiled at him, seeing a small hint of a smile from him in return before she decided there was enough heaviness. It was not often she got to see him and if she could have a positive time with him then maybe that could help her with the conflicted feelings she had about the wedding and the changes that came with that.
“Well, dear brother, since you are here, what are your thoughts?” She gestured to the dress and she watched as Ravus moved back to look at her, his arms crossing as he gave her a full look over. Luna nearly laughed at his serious expression, happy to be amused at her ever meticulous brother taking the request as seriously as possible.
“Truthfully?” Ravus moved to rub at his chin, his brow furrowing as he moved forward once again to carefully arrange Luna’s skirts a different way. This time she was unable to hide her laughter, nodding in response as he moved back again to look up at her.
“The lack of sleeves is quite—”
“Besides that! She is going to get them.” Luna laughed again and the teensy smile returned to Ravus’ face for a brief moment before it was replaced with a look of utmost contemplation.
“If I am not to consider the lack of sleeves then… You look absolutely stunning, dearest sister.” His expression had not changed and there was a weight to his words that Luna had not been expecting. The itch returned to her eyes but she was unable to keep a few tears dropping down onto her cheeks. A surprised laugh hiccupped out of her and she gratefully took the handkerchief Ravus held out to her.
“... Thank you.” Luna dabbed at her eyes before folding the cloth up to hand back to him, their fingers briefly touching for a moment. Ravus himself looked as if he was only a moment away from his own emotional outburst, so Luna moved swiftly to pull him over towards her so she could embrace him.
With those words, it was as if everything she had been holding back regarding the wedding was unleashed. She looked beautiful. Everyone would see that, Noctis would see that. Noctis who she has loved for as long as she had known him, a love that had shifted, evolved, and deepened over the years. A love that she wasn’t entirely confident was reciprocated but she believed may have roots within him somewhere.
Their mother, father— so many people wouldn’t get to see her on the day. A day that had been forced onto her, and that she knew her secret delight about was overshadowed by the trepidation that the union was to always be loomed over by some larger darkness. Yet, she still had to pretend to be overjoyed while still presenting as the Oracle and within her duty. It was a complicated and absurdly thin tightrope act she felt she had to walk until all finally revealed itself.
The thoughts jumbled around in Luna’s head as she squeezed around Ravus, her face squished against him as she felt him slowly put his arms around her. It wasn’t until he held her tighter that she knew her brother had finally made an appearance. The two of them stayed like that for a long moment, enough time for Luna to compose herself and to give Ravus time to relax and enjoy the rare moment they got to just be siblings.
Finally, Luna pulls back and looks to Ravus, only to see his gaze directed at the mirror before them. She watched as Ravus looked back to her, her own gaze following suit, and the tenderness of his expression nearly brought her to tears once again.
“You resemble Mother, so incredibly so.” The statement was whisper quiet and Luna believed he had not fully intended to say it out loud. She was grateful that he had though, because as she closed her eyes and thought about how there would be a far more tangible presence of her mother at the ceremony than some picture that would be held. The thought soothed Luna and she had a moment of calm clarity that while founded in all her worries, she would have people there with her to carry her through the day and onward. She just hoped that one such person was beside her, gently wiping away at the tears that had made their escape.
“Are you happy with it? You are the one wearing it, after all.” Luna let out a little sigh, taking a second to think as she pulled away from him. Her hands found the skirt once again, smoothing it before reaching up to gently adjust the neckline.
“I believe once the sleeves are on—” There was a moment for the joke to bloom and the two of them started laughing, while Luna assured that she loved the dress. Movement in the mirror caught her eye and when Luna glanced over to it she saw a familiar sight behind them, though she could not feel the tangible physical presence of Gentiana. Perhaps she had been worried, so she had been checking in, but the smile she gave Luna comforted her further.
There was a shuffling noise in the distance that grew louder as the seamstress rushed back into the room. Ravus moved away from Luna, turning away from everyone that was ushering back into the room and Luna was sure he was glad the attention was mostly on her as he composed himself.
“Lady Lunafreya, I called the designer and she suggested using these sleeves instead—” The seamstress took hold of her arm and once again, fabric slipped over her skin. Luna’s attention was diverted though by the sight of Gentiana and Ravus talking with their heads close together. Luna could not hear what they were discussing over the chatter of the woman beside her, but her attention must have got theirs as they both glanced towards her. Perhaps sensing her curiosity, Gentiana moved towards her while Ravus moved to drag a chair towards the stand.
Comforted that Ravus was going to stay, Luna glanced into the mirror to see herself with long fitted sleeves that somehow made the dress finally fit perfectly for her.
“It truly was just the last piece it needed.” Luna glanced over her shoulder at Ravus, the smile on her face mirrored on his. Looking back at the mirror, her eyes roved over herself, then Gentiana who was carefully adjusting her sleeves, then to her brother whose expression held a tenderness that made her heart ache.
The sleeves were not the only thing I needed here today to feel ready for what comes next.
Knowing she was surrounded, and would be later, by those she holds dearest in her heart, Luna smiled brightly at herself in the mirror.