Having just arrived in Altissia, Noctis and his crew were amazed at the sight. Cid had pulled in the royal vessel into the docks and they get off.

Prompto: What's next? Immigration?

Noctis: What do you mean? There's still more?

Y/N: Well, we have to pass through security here, so yes, there's still more.

Going through the empty line, they walk forward and the Altissian gatekeeper stops them.

Gatekeeper: Sir! What is the purpose of your visit?

Noctis: Purpose? Uh...Ignis, a little help.

Ignis: (sigh) Utterly hopeless. We are scholars of the culinary arts, and we've come to study the renowned cuisine of your fair nation.

Gatekeeper: Is that so? I wish you an enlightening stay.

Ignis: (to Noctis) Another one you owe me.

Y/N: Jeez, you need to work on your talking skills. Especially your negotiation ones. (mutters) At least he didn't recognize us.

With gained entry, they cross through the security checkpoint, now stepping foot onto the city on the water. They looked around at the sights.

Prompto had already pulled out his camera, scouting for spots and areas where he could use it for pictures. Y/N was taking in the architectural sights while Noctis, Ignis, and Gladiolus could see the delicious delicacies, Ignis taking notes on how they're made.

They stop as they turn to each other to discuss their plans.

Gladiolus: You wanna check Weskham's place out?

Prompto: Yeah. "Let's all go to Maagho!"

Ignis: Perhaps we'll even make it in time for tea.

Y/N: But it also can't hurt to explore the city, you know, get the lay of the land.

Noctis: Then we better start looking now.

They then start to walk around town, ogling the sight. Cid had stayed behind with the royal vessel.

Prompto: It's a photographer's dream.

Noctis: What a city.

Y/N: Hmm...it's got the romantic factor to it

Noctis: Looking to swoon Aranea?

Y/N: The hell I am.

Noctis: It's still an option.

Woman 1: (gasp) They're extending the exhibit for Lady Lunafreya's wedding dress.

Woman 2: (gasp) The Vivenne Westwood? But wasn't that a memorial of her passing?

Woman 1: Well, now it's a memorial for her safe returning. Let's go see it while we still can!

Y/N: Ya hear that, Noct?

Prompto: Could that be the dress we read about in the papers?

Ignis: Doubtless. The designer's name is the same. 

Prompto: Wanna check it out?

Y/N: I'm down.

Gladiolus: That depends on the groom. Might still be a sore spot, what with his wedding getting called off.

Prompto: Who says we can't call it back on? It can still happen.

Y/N: Sure, walk up to the governor of Altissia and say, "Hey, we found the dead prince and he's still alive. Let's get the wedding back on!" Not unless you want an ass load of magitek troopers on us.

Prompto: Ohhh, right.

Ignis: True enough. Let's keep an eye out for it.

They continued to walk through the city, browsing through the many shops they had on display, and admiring the views, which seemed to be the main attraction.

Prompto: Oh! There's supposed to be a real good photo spot around here.

Noctis: Let's check it out.

Prompto: Yeah, let's go!

The blonde photographer leads the group up to a high area to get the palace in the background. He sets his camera on the stand and they all get in place. The camera shutter clicks and they take a look at the photo.

(A/N): Imagine yourself next to Ignis. Whatever pose you want to do.

Heading back down the steps, they overhear a nearby conversation.

Woman 1: This way to the dress?

Woman 2: Yep. Same street as the estate.

Ignis: Seems we're on the right track.

Man: They spared no expense on the dress. I'm glad I caught it when I did.

Prompto: (chuckles) The people have spoken.

Ignis: Good to know the prince isn't completely forgotten.

They arrive at the exhibit the dress. It looked beautiful, but it was hard to see as there were many people that had come to see it.

Prompto: One hell of a crowd.

Ignis: And that's the dress. My word.

Y/N: (murmurs) Beautiful...

Noctis couldn't help but think of Lunafreya, bring it a smile to his face.

Prompto: Everyone looks so happy. And it's all because of this one dress.

Noctis: Yeah.

Prompto: Real glad for you that Lady Lunafreya is safe and sound.

Noctis: Yeah.

Gladiolus: That settles it. You gotta make it happen--become a symbol of the peace. After we tie up all the loose ends, let's think about the ceremony.

Ignis: A fine idea.

Noctis: Yeah, I'll think about it.

After finishing looking at the dress, they continue their search for Weskham's bar. The sun begins to set. 

Ignis: The city looks quite lovely at twilight.

Prompto: Yeah, but there's something lonely about it, too.

Soon enough, they were riding a gondola to their destination. They then arrive at their destination, the bar under a building.

Gondolier: Fantastic! Call when you need a ride back!

Y/N: Well, he was nice. 

They soon spot a dark-skinned man, about the same age as Cid, standing behind the table. He had grey hair with a monocle on his left eye.

???: Welcome to Accordo, lads. Cid mentioned you'd be dropping in.

Y/N: Then you must be...

Weskham: Weskham Armaugh, as you've gathered. My word, you've grown, little Prince. Ah, but of course--you were only a babe at the time. So this is your maiden visit. Enjoying it so far? You doubtless have many questions, so ask away.

Noctis: This country is apart of the empire, isn't it?

Weskham: Hoh? You're wary, I understand. But there's no need to jump at every shadow. Just be aware that the terms of our independence grant the empire free rein to come and go as they please.

Ignis: We'll bear that in mind.

Weskham: It's admittedly a one-sided arrangement. Most everything we do requires Niflheim's permission, and they wouldn't knowingly permit the Oracle to appear before the public. How our government spun that is quite a mystery.

Noctis: You really think Luna will make an address?

Weskham: If every radio broadcast is to be trusted, absolutely.

Ignis: Where is Lady Lunafreya?

Weskham: In the city somewhere, but no one has caught so much as a glimpse of her. The media has been conspicuous in its silence on the matter, which speaks volumes of government intervention. That'd certainly explain the rumors of disgruntled imperial officers leaving the city. 

Noctis: Is anything changed with Leviathan?

Weskham: For now, it's business as usual at port, but word is the government will soon open the Alter of the Tidemother.

Gladiolus: In preparation of the rite.

Weskham: Ah, but on the other hand, they're scrambling to stockpile emergency provisions. This begs the question: if they're anticipating the Hydraean will wreak havoc, why would they allow the rite to proceed?

Noctis: So you see lots of Niffs around here?

Weskham: We do. Sometimes even at my place. Theirs is a familiar presence, and the citizens don't think much of it. Thought, the high commander did cause a stir when he showed up the other day.

Noctis: Ravus.

Y/N: So that's why people were talking about him staring at the church.

Weskham: So soon after they felled the Archaean in Lucis, his arrival fuels rumors that they will next come to Altissia. The empire's not content ruling all the land--they want the heavens as well. Well, if you need anything else, you know where to find me.

Noctis: Thanks, preciate it.

The sounds of heels on the wooden floorboards could then be heard. Weskham looks to his right, a pleasant smile on his face.

Weskham: My dear Camelia, it's been awhile.

Soon, the group look to where Weskham was looking. She was wearing a turquoise business suit and had white hair, looking to be in her middle ages.

Camelia: I heard about your distinguished guests.

Weskham: Ah, you've an ear for gossip.

Camelia then turns her attention to Noctis and his Crownsguard.

Camelia: Gentlemen, I won't waste your time. My name is Camelia Claustra.

Ignis: First secretary of the Accordo Protectorate.

Camelia: You should know, we have Lady Lunafreya in our care. And the empire demands we surrender her.

Noctis: (disbelief) What?

Camelia: Yet I am loathe to acquiesce unless we stand to profit. Hence I've come to discuss terms...with the King of Lucis. If you've a mind to talk, come to my estate.

Camelia then turns around and walks the other way, her personal guard following also.

Weskham: She can be oblique at the best of times, but I assure you her heart is in the right place.

Prompto: Oh. Okay.

Weskham: At any rate, you must be weary from your journey. Might I suggest you seek your beds for now and ponder matters anew in the morning?

Noctis: Yeah, we'll do just that.

Departing from Weskham's bar, they get back into the gondola and ask the gondolier to take them to the Leville.

The calming boat ride is what eased their nerves as they stared in the starry night sky. But this calmness wasn't going to last forever. The Hydraean was soon to be awakened.

Arriving at the Leville, Gentiana was waiting for them. Umbra was also at her side.

Noctis: ...Gentiana.

Gentiana: (pets Umbra's head) Ahead lies a future uncertain, yet sure is the astral memory, wherein the King may walk.

Having gained the Messenger's Amulet from Gentiana, Noctis heads to the front desk to rent a room for the night. Tomorrow, they head to Camelia's estate to negotiate.

Next Day

Prompto: Well, guess we need to go talk to Camelia.

Gladiolus: Yeah, like we have any other option.

Ignis: There's no telling how events will unfold. Let us prepare before making our way.

Y/N: And make sure you get on her good side, Noct.

Noctis: Yeah, she can sit tight awhile.

First grabbing some breakfast and exploring the city a bit more, they then make their way to Camelia's estate.

After arriving at the estate gates, a guard escorts them to Camelia's office. The same white haired lady awaited them to discuss terms and agreements. A plan of sorts. Noctis was inside the office while his Crownsguard remained outside on guard.

Camelia: Thank you for coming.

Noctis had to befit his manners as if they were a king so he could strive for full cooperation with her and win her trust.

Noctis: No sweat. First things first...thanks for coming to greet us in person.

Camelia: It's the least I could do for a king. Weskham didn't extend me an invitation, so I decided to extend my own. Though circumstances have changed, both the king and the Oracle are finally in Altissia.

Noctis: You said that you have Luna in your care. Doesn't that pose a risk to your nation?

Camelia: Is the king concerned for our relations with the empire? But it's true, the Oracle is a risk--one we are prepared to shed with. Whether we do so depends on you. Now, let me ask some questions of my own. Why does the Oracle seek to awaken the Hydraean?

Noctis: She wants to forge a covenant so I can receive the Leviathan's blessing.

Camelia: (chuckles) The answer I wanted to hear. And yet, king or not, it can't be a simple affair for you to receive a god's blessing. Let me be frank: the potential chaos worries me. You know better than most what took place in Lucis with the Archaean. Tell me, what happened?

Noctis: I met Titan and he gave me his power.

Camelia: Just like the legends. Though the empire doesn't like the way the story goes. Even as we speak, they mobilize their forces. It seems there's no avoiding chaos. It will most likely come to war. However, I don't care to host a battle on my soil, the gods and the empire be damned.

Noctis: I don't supposed you'd cry over the empire's losses.

Camelia: An intriguing suggestion...

Noctis: Seems to me you wanna proxy to fight the empire.

Camelia: Very sharp, Your Majesty. But before we go into that, there is one matter I'd like to settle. Without further ado, let us talk terms. If you wish to hold the rite, you must ensure my citizens' safety and aid in their evacuation.

Noctis: Alright. I'll do as you ask.

Camelia: (stands up from chair) I'm pleased to hear it. As long as the people's safety is assured, I have no qualms with your rite. And that is not all. Once the rite has begun, I will not be accountable for what follows. You are on your own.

Noctis: Not a problem. We know how to take care of ourselves.

Camelia: Thank you. I'm sorry we cannot do more, but as I'm sure you are aware, few armies can stand against the might of the imperial fleet. That is all for the terms. To review, you are to ensure our citizens' safety and engage the empire. Do we have an agreement?

Noctis: We'll help however we can.

Camelia: Lest you forget, this is a business deal. A flippant attitude will earn you a flippant response. A final warning, though I doubt it'll come to it. My duty is to protect the citizens. Should any harm befall on them, there will be reckoning--for both king and Oracle.

Noctis: There'll be a reckoning for you, too.

Camelia: A leader must know when to bring out the steel. Surely you understand this.

Noctis: Yeah, I think I get it.

Camelia: Yet "getting" is not the same as accepting. Still so young, and still so much to learn.

Altissian Guard: Madam, it's time.

Camelia: Assign three of your own for the evacuation effort. Whom you choose is up to you. According to our intel, the imperial fleet will be four warships strong. Steel yourselves for a full-scale battle. I'm glad we could talk. We can each act in our own interest to our mutual benefit.

She extends her hand and Noctis shakes it. A deal had been formed. Afterwards, Camelia watches Noctis and his entourage leave from her office window.

A door opens behind her, Weskham walking in.

Camelia: I can't promise something I can't help.

Weskham: Of course. You certainly opened up to them, though.

Camelia: What can I say? I have a soft spot for the young and tragic. They've lost Regis, they've lost the Crystal...was it so long ago the last Oracle was taken from them? We've seen the empire go mad these ten-odd years.

The Day of the Rite...

It was the day of the rite and Noctis and his crew riding in a gondola. Ignis was speaking to them of their plans.

Ignis: During the rite, we see to it the empire does not harass Leviathan.

Y/N: Easier said than done. The MTs will be swarming the area as soon as the rite starts.

Gladiolus: Yeah. Gonna be tough to pull off before the king receives her power.

Prompto: And with three of us on evacuation detail.

Y/N: Which leaves me with Noct.

Ignis: Indeed. The best we can realistically do is to help the Hydraean help herself.

Gladiolus: What kind of help you talkin' about?

Ignis: Just like Titan, the empire will seek to immobilize Leviathan.

Prompto: Ah, with the harpoon things?

Ignis: If we can dislodge them from the, goddess, she will have a fighting chance.

Gladiolus: Sounds good in theory, but don't push it. It's pointless unless you can get that blessing.

Ignis: Stay flexible, stay alert.

Y/N: Yeah.

Noctis: Alright, will do.

The three of them, Gladiolus, Ignis, and Prompto get off and head to where they needed to be. Y/N and Noctis remained on gondola. It was nearly time.