Bonus Chapter 17.5: Pretty in Peaches

It wasn't snowing when she arrived… which was unique in and of itself.

It had been so long since she last visited here that she could feel guilt rising inside her. As if her prolonged time away from here somehow meant she had been neglecting her friend. Though, how much time had it been really? Sure it had been weeks in the First, but in the Source it was much less than that, wasn't it?

Either way, when she next opened her eyes, she was standing among the frozen, grey stones of Camp Dragonhead. She gazed around wearily at the familiar sights, feeling oddly comfortable now that she was back in an area that she knew and didn't need to fear becoming lost.

She thought that she heard a couple guards speaking on the battlements above her, but she didn't stay long enough to find out as she headed out to the northern exit—only one destination in mind.

She didn't know why she had come here. It was just the first thing that popped into her head when she was leaving the Greatwood behind, and she was too weary to think of anywhere else. Besides, she managed to pick a few of the 'foreign' flowers before leaving Rak'tika and felt that it would be good for her to visit and see if how things were faring while she was here.

That was how she found her steps carrying her across the snow to a familiar ledge that overlooked Ishgard in the distance. She arrived at the gravestone, the metal from the broken shield starting to show the tiniest hint of rust around the edges... she would have to fix that when she had time. But she then set the otherworldly flowers at the foot of the grave, knowing that he would have liked them.

She then sat down in the snow as she observed the memorial, reading the words etched upon the stone, and felt herself sigh.

"You would have loved to hear the tales I have to say about the First," she whispered softly as she gazed at the name before looking sadly to the broken shield.

She sat like that for a few minutes before her eyes turned to the distant horizon and could see the sky lighting up with warm oranges and reds as gold lined the very horizon. She had arrived just after sunrise, it would seem. Somehow, she felt much better being here with normal day and night… where she didn't have to look to the sky before wincing away in pain; somehow, as fond of the First that she was becoming, she could not deny the comfort she got from the idea of a brand new day with bright azure skies and white, fluffy clouds.

A sharp wind suddenly blew through and she shivered.

Shivered? That's something that hadn't happened in a long time… she had long since gotten used to the cold of Ishgard and she could handle it even in the middle of a blizzard. As one of the many inhabitants of Camp Dragonhead once said to her, she was like a snow wolf, for the cold didn't bother her.

Well, so much bothered her these days and she supposed that this was just one added thing to them.

She hid her face in her arms, wrapping them around her legs as she felt her knees pressing up against her forehead.

She was so tired... all the time...? And now all of this was tormenting her. There were so many thoughts racing around inside her head... and of right now she didn't know how to handle them.

Was it all true? Was Hydaelyn... a primal? It would explain much but...? What did that make her then?

Y'shtola argued that there was no possible way she could be a thrall because she didn't act like one. After all, aren't Hydaelyn's words: 'Hear, feel, think' the complete opposite of being tempered? But until now, Hydaelyn never directly ordered her to do anything. She gave onto her a blessing that was more of a tool to achieve her own goals rather than they be of Hydaelyn's own command.

She then remembered so long ago when she was first confronted with the primal Ifrit and how he had tried to 'claim' her as his own.

Ifrit said he can't smell the taint of another upon her but therefore she must be of the 'godless blessed's number'. And then later on when Garuda tried the same thing; she say that she could smell 'her foul stench' and that 'she has touched her'. She could only assume that they meant Hydaelyn.

The more she thought about it, the more she began to wonder. She didn't just have the Echo... after all she had also had the Crystals of Light, which supposing possess a tiny fragment of her power. She then remembered when Ysayle used her Crystal of Light and the power that it contained... and that was with just a fraction of her strength. It made her shudder to think of what her full strength was.

She reached inside to pull out the remaining crystals she had. The sixth having lost almost all trace of power from before when she confronted the Warriors of Darkness with the other Scions... before that power seemed to have been given back to Hydaelyn so that she would be able to release Minfilia and then send her to the First.

As for the Warriors of Darkness… they had turned their backs on Hydaelyn, believing that she had forsaken them. She could still recall Ardbert's fury as he tried to attack Minfilia and would have if she had not stopped him.

The five of them were furious with Hydaelyn because of the Flood of Light and believed that She had abandoned them. They had turned against Her so much so, that they sought the aid of Ascians and then gave up their mortal bodies in order to then go to the Source and cause a Rejoining. Their reasons were mostly to try and undue their mistakes and make things right… but she also had a feeling that it was also partially just to spite Hydaelyn.

So those chosen by Hydaelyn had to be more than tempered, right? They still had a will of their own…?

But she could never seem to say no… was that the reason? Does being tempered by Hydaelyn simply meant that she cannot say no to someone?

These thoughts continued to swirl about her mind like a ship out on troubled waters. She just wanted to scream out all the anxiety that was inside her... to do something so that she was no longer suspended in this misery and confusion.

In fact, she was so lost in thought, that she didn't register the slight crunch of footsteps in the snow from behind her…?

She didn't even look up, even as she felt the slight shiver of cold from another gust of wind, until she felt something warm and heavy being draped across her shoulders.

Her head jerked up in shock, and her eyes widened to find none other than Lord Edmont there with her, and having wrapped a thick quilted blanket around her to guard against the wind.

"Lord Edmont?" she asked in surprise as he gave her a kind smile.

"I had just come to check on how my youngest son was fairing at his new position here," he told her, "Imagine my surprise when I heard from one of the guards say they saw you arrive just as I was preparing to leave. When they said that you were heading up near the Stone Vigil, I knew why."

Claire felt herself turn red at that, though she hoped that he would pass it off as merely the result of the weather. If he noticed, he didn't say anything, but she could have sworn she saw him smiling as he sat on the snow besides her. It was a strange thing to see a man clothed in such fine garments sitting in the cold snow cross-legged like he did this every day, but she greatly appreciated his company.

"I am told that you come here from time to time," he commented as they looked to the grave together.

"When I am able," she confessed softly as she tightened the blanket around her shoulders.

"Full glad I am to see you this day," he commented, "You should hear the rumors that are being said about you. I would be afraid to believe in even half of them."

"Oh, I can imagine," she sighed.

"I listen in from time to time just to hear what kind of theories are going around," he chuckled and she shook her head, half smiling at that.

They sat there together in silence as they stared at the memorial. Neither of them seemed able to find something to say for some time... just enjoying the time here as the sun rose up full into the sky. It was some time later before their silence was broken.

"What was he like?" she asked softly, "When he was younger?"

She wasn't sure why she asked that now of all times, but the idea simply drifted across her thoughts and her mouth seemed to open without her realizing.

"Haurchefant?" he sighed as he gave it a moment to think it over before finding an answer. "A bright and eager lad. Stubborn as a Chocobo though… once he made up his mind, there was no unmaking it. He had decided from a young age that he would become a knight, and so when I first gave him my blessing to begin his training, he would practice all day with that little wooden sword of his in the practice yard. Always the first one in and the last to leave. He became very good with it at an early age."

She smiled at the thought. She could just picture a young Elezen boy with silver hair swinging a sword around with reckless abandon.

"After he became friends with young Francel, the two of them would spirit away on some grand adventure," Lord Edmont chuckled, "Francel always followed him around though, even though he was half his age at the time. Oh, the trouble my son got them into… but he was always there to help get him out. Defending the people of Ishgard was his greatest ambition… and so when he earned his knighthood… words cannot say how proud I was."

He sighed again and she watched how he gazed towards the city in the distance.

"So much change has come to Ishgard… I come here from time to time to tell my son of it," he told her, "He would have loved to have seen how far we've come. So I do my best to keep him updated on all the changes."

Silence feel between them for a moment before he gazed back at her.

"But what of you?" he asked, "I was informed that you were away on an important mission to see if you can awaken your fellow Scions?"

She looked down at her feet, resting her chin upon her knees again as she thought of all that had happened.

"So much has happened," she told him quietly, "I know not how to begin."

"I see," he said quietly and seemed to wonder how best to respond to that before asking, "Why don't we return to camp and I'll make you some hot chocolate while you tell me?"

Because how cold she was feeling all of a sudden, such a thought didn't sound like a bad idea at all, and she nodded in agreement. He stood up and offered his hand to her, like the gentleman he was, and pulled her up to her feet.

She took another hard look at the grave before she took the arm that he offered her, and looped her own arm through his as he led the way back to Camp Dragonhead.

That was how she found herself in the affectional dubbed 'Falling Snows' and watched as he brought a steaming mug before her.

She took a sip and a familiar warmth washed through her at the taste.

"I'm not sure if you told me this… but it was you who taught Lord Haurchefant how to make hot chocolate?" she asked him and he seemed surprised by the question.

"Yes? He had a slight sweet tooth when he was younger," he answered and she just smiled back.

"It tastes just like how he used to make it," she said and a warm look came into his eyes as he gathered a few logs for the fireplace.

"I am flattered that you said that," he chuckled, "And even more so that you seem to be enjoying it?"

She took a few sips and felt waves of nostalgia washing over her... which seemed to bring her back to when her life wasn't so complicated... or rather not as complicated as it was now.

"Now then," Lord Edmont said as he pulled up a chair next to her after he finished stacking the fireplace, which cast a soothing warmth over the entire room. "Why don't we talk about what is troubling you so?"

She wasn't sure how much to tell him, but before she knew it, she found herself speaking more and more than she had for a while. She told him of the reason the Scions were seemingly locked in slumber, traveling to the First, the sin eaters, the Flood, what she was doing over there... and once she was talking she found it hard to stop. Lord Edmont's eyes grew larger with every passing minute that she did speak, but he did not say anything until she caught him up on her adventures in Rak'tika.

She paused there as he seemed to struggle digesting what he just learned.

"Were it to be anyone else who told me this tale, I would find myself concerned for their state of mind," he confessed, "But I can see the way that you look as you speak of it, and I have no reason to doubt you. Especially, when the proof is right in front of me."

He then reached over to gently tuck a lock of hair behind her ear, and she saw how he let the pink and white strands slip from his fingers and she gazed back sadly.

"You are hurting, aren't you?" he asked in concern, and she let out a sigh as she looked to the mug still clenched in her hands tightly… holding onto it as if it was the only thing that was keeping her grounded.

"You were never one to do anything by halves are you?" he then asked. She couldn't help it, but she laughed, and the sound seemed to bring a smile to his face.

"That's the smile I was missing," he told her kindly. But he ran a hand through his graying hair as he struggled to figure out what to say.

"Where do I even start?" he asked as she returned to her usual silent state. "I am aware of what Ser Aymeric told me of what happened at the front lines... as well as being aware of your sudden disappearance."

"How long have I been gone?" she asked, suddenly worried.

"Only a few days," he reassured her, "The rumor now is that you are on a secret mission. Most seem to believe that you are under another quest to save the world. Well, they weren't entirely wrong, are they?"

She felt her lips twitch slightly before nodding and asked, "How is the fighting at the borders?"

"It has reached a stalemate and neither side seems eager to engage in a fight right now. Or so my eldest has written to me," he declared. And seeing her questioning look, he reassured her, "Artoirel is doing very well. Aside from some minor injuries, he has pulled through and is continuing to lead his knights bravely. Any spare knight here at Camp Dragonhead has answered the call, so we are short-handed for the time being. Emmanellain has be holding up well, all things considering. Though I believe we have young Honoroit to thank for that. Full glad I am that my son has such an invaluable assistant in such matters."

Claire was relieved to hear that both of his sons were doing well. She wouldn't know what to say if something had happened.

"And the city itself?" she asked.

"Ah, yes," he said, "The people are continuing to improve with every passing day and we are ensuring that supplies are heading to the front lines. Anything that can be spared, which, sadly leaves the rebuilding of the city delayed for the time being. Though there is talk about asking if we reach out to experienced adventurers to aid in the reconstruction effort. We shall see."

She would love to see that, see them able to rebuild the city. She wondered how it would look?

"All in all, it sounds like we are holding the line as well as can be expected for the time being," he told her before he gazed down at his drink. "But now you are telling me that Garlemald is planning to unleash poison… this Black Rose, upon our forces there? And that is what will lead to the Eighth Umbral Calamity."

"That was what the Exarch said," she confirmed, "And we do know that Black Rose is real enough. We are doing what we can to try and ensure that doesn't happen, but…?"

"But everything is up in the air at the moment," he finished for her grimly. "I see. Just one more thing to pray for, I suppose."

Prayer... why did it feel that praying only made things worse?

"So where are you planning to go to after here?" he asked curiously and she blinked before confessing that she left without explaining to anyone and that she knew that her time was limited. She was sure that she would be told off for this later on.

"In that case, if you think you can spare a moment, why not accompany me back to Ishgard?" he asked and she looked up in surprise. "I will need to return to the manor tonight, and though the roads are not as dangerous as they once were, I would much appreciate an escort. And I was quite loathed at the thought of asking one of the knights here when we were already short-staffed. That is, if you think you can spare the time?"

She wasn't sure if he was being completely honest about that, but the idea of going back to the First with all of this hanging over her head like a blade about to be brought down was enough to make her want to scream, and she agreed. Once she finished her hot chocolate, she walked with Lord Edmont back the roads that headed straight for the city. Perhaps he sensed that she was too drained to speak after all that she told him, and so he did much of the talking on the way back.

He was more than willing to talk enough for them both as he took her on a tour throughout the city after crossing the bridge and the changes that are already taking shape. He explained that he found himself walking through the city streets, sometimes one or both of his sons would join him, other times with Ser Aymeric as they looked into matters that needed to be changed or improved. Or to simply ensure that Ser Aymeric didn't spend all his time locked up inside and chained to his desk.

But he did confess that he quite enjoyed the walks alone as he wandered through the Pillars, the markets, even down to Foundation if his mind wandered long enough for him.

That was when she noticed the brightly colored flowers here and there... peach and cherry blossoms? Flowers, in general, were a rare sight in Ishgard, and she had to wonder why there were so many scattered about.

When she pointed the flowers out to Lord Edmont, he gaze down at her with mild surprise and said, "In honor of Little Ladies Day, of course. Since opening up their borders, Ishgard is able to relax and enjoy the celebrations much more openly than before. And so it seemed a fine idea to celebrate such an innocent event, especially in light of the fighting at the borders."

Goodness, was it already that time of the year? She had almost completely forgotten. She wished she could pay a visit to the city states and see their decorations; if only she had the time...?

But she pushed that out of her mind as she enjoyed the walk through the city again. She could see the places that were slowly being rebuilt, and seeing the people walking about. The people here seemed to be so much... happier... freer... and more than a couple waved at her when she passed.

She did enjoy it for the most part, able to forget the darker parts of her mind when she was appreciating the bright sky, the chatter and noise coming from the streets, and even the tolling of the cathedral bells. But as they wandered over the Brume, Lord Edmont pointed out to explain what the Firmament was and what they were planning to do with it.

"So they're going to start the rebuilding with the Firmament?" she asked him wondrously, already curious to see how it will turn out.

"Yes, well, like I said before, we are short with able working hands and so there is talking of having Adventurers aid us," he confessed, "But Lord Francel is still working on the blueprints and preparations. So it may be some time before the entire project takes off. At the moment he is working on the designs for a centerpiece with a fountain in the square and he's trying to decide the final look for it."

"What has he come up with so far?" she asked curiously.

"Well, he has designed four smaller statues around the fountain, and he's wondering if he should make it an elaborated fountain or a statue instead for the centerpiece," he stated, "You should hear some of the suggestions he's heard. Some of the people have even been asking to have one built in your image."

She stared up at him in horror and he laughed once again at the look she was giving him.

"Rest assure that Lord Francel talked them out of it, knowing that you may become uncomfortable about it," he reassured her. She let out a relieved sigh as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders and guided her off towards the markets. The markets, who have always been busy, were now near to overflowing with shoppers and stalls. With Ishgard open to the rest of Eorzea, the marketplace has truly blossomed and everyone was enjoying the benefits with what came with it.

She couldn't help but feel a surge of pride go through her at the sight of it all as they strolled by the stalls, not really paying too much attention of what was being sold. At least until they passed by one particular stall, where a familiar woman named Elde all but leaned out to wave to her. That was when they got the logo of the store out front and Lord Edmont's eyes rose slightly at the sight of it.

"Is there something you want to tell me?" he asked as they looked at her name upon the sign.

"No," she said, but she was fighting a smile as she said that.

But all the way through the Crozier, she ended up coming across other familiar faces, all of whom were waving to her. When she spotted young Lady Laurisse and Fremondain, she went over to speak to them, who were more than thrilled to see her, and with the swords she had made for them each hanging at their sides.

They spent a few minutes catching up, before informing her that they sadly had to leave for now, but hoped to see her again soon.

She waved them off, only to look around and found that Lord Edmont was gone. Thankfully, she found him a short distance away at another stall and was speaking with the merchant.

When she strolled over to him, ready to apologize if she kept him waiting, she overheard a part of their conversation.

"Oh, yes... I think we can have it delivered as early as tomorrow morning, Lord Edmont," the merchant promised as she filled out a notepad.

"Wonderful," he said, "Now I understand it is such short notice, but I am willing to pay extra if you can get it to me on time."

He stopped immediately when he heard her approach and he seemed slightly taken aback by that.

"What are you up to?" she asked him suspiciously, and he raised his eyebrows at her.

"What makes you think I was up to anything?" he asked with a smile playing on his mouth this time. He then turned to the merchant and added, "You will receive your payment in the morning, as agreed."

"Yes, my lord!" the young merchant said happily as he led her away from the stall, and Claire had the impression that he was eager to press on and changed the subject. While curious, she didn't think it polite to ask.

By the time that they left the markets behind, the sun was already halfway across the sky and it looked like an early evening was coming when the snow clouds came rolling in. She was startled at how fast that the day seemed to be moving—even more so when she heard the people in the market getting ready to head home before another snowstorm hit.

Upon noticing this, Lord Edmont suggested that they return to the manor and warm up after they finished their stroll around the city, and she nodded in agreement.

They spent most of the rest of the day outside, while he seemed to be enjoying the part of a tour guide, and pointed out both the history of certain places and buildings that they passed before they finally made their way back up to the Last Vigil.

They crossed over the plaza, his hand resting upon the railing for the staircases that led them ever upwards so that they were overlooking the Jeweled Crozier, where most of the shops were closing a little early so that they could head home safely. The sun was beginning to dip below the mountains in the sky at this point and so the reds turning more too purple and shadows were deepening around them before the sky was covered completely by thick clouds—casting them almost entirely in darkness.

Though, by this point, they were within sight of the manor and hurried the last few yalms to the front door.

She had been hoping to talk to Lord Edmont a little more, but sadly, there was urgent business waiting for him. According to one of the knights stationed outside the doors, after greeting them, he explained that some of the other nobles were waiting for him in the drawing room to discuss 'urgent' business and she heard Lord Edmont audibly sigh.

"With my eldest on the front lines, I have taken over all household work for the time being," he explained to her apologetically. He offered for him to send them away until tomorrow, but she shook his head, reassuring him that she understood, and that he should do what he needs to.

He looked really apologetic before calling over another servant and explained the situation to him before asking to escort Claire to her room and bring some food up for her since he did not think that this meeting would be ending anytime soon.

Claire was alright with this because she could feel exhaustion settling in. Now that she thought of it, she realized that she had been up now for the last few days—at least she felt like she did. It was hard to tell with the Light-filled sky back in the First. But she was grateful for his hospitality as she was taken to her room.

She merely requested something light and to bring it up whenever he had time, which he bowed low before leaving her to her own devices.

She dropped her travel bag with a loud noise on the stone floor before collapsing upon the soft bed. As soon as she hit the mattress she was already straying in and out of focus, despite the slight chill in the room and the darkness outside the window was broken up by large flakes beginning to drift about… the beginning of a heavy snowstorm.

She didn't even realize how long she laid like that, only that after what felt like a few minutes, she heard a knock at the door and she wearily got up to see who it was.

The servant from before had just returned with a tray of some bread, cheese and fruit. She was grateful to have something more in her stomach and she thanked him as he also stacked the hearth with wood to warm the room.

"Is Lord Edmont still in his meeting?" she asked as she bit into an apple.

"I am afraid so," he chuckled, "Old men know how to argue, I fear. I don't think that they will finish until long after midnight tonight."

She was disappointed but she thanked him once more as she waved him off and finished her meal quietly.

She also made the effort to change out of her armor and into a much lighter tunic and kecks before finally lying down... feeling so comfortable at that moment that she drifted off almost instantly.

She wished that she could say that she had peaceful dreams that night. But that was far from true.

She had many nightmares over the years, but this ranked easily as one of the worst ones she could ever remember having.

*Dream*

There was nothing but darkness all around her. It was as if she had fallen into a pit of ink, that was how thick and dark everything was around her. But she could still see herself through the gloom... glancing down at her hands which she could seep perfectly. It was as if she had stepped into a chalkboard or something similiar. She didn't glow, but she could feel the light shining from within her skin.

No sooner did she realize this did her arms and legs were suddenly snapped out and froze. She let out a startled gasp as she began to struggle, trying to get her limbs to move… but there was no point… it was as if she was suddenly chained up and she could not move an ilm.

She tugged at her arms and legs, trying to get them to be more lifelike than a statue when something in the gloominess around her began to glow. She stopped struggling long enough to gaze at the faint light that was slowly making its way towards her. One would think that light would be welcomed in this dark place… but instead it was just causing her to grow more and more anxious as it continued to grow brighter and larger. She then felt the slight gust being blown to her face… and the sounds of beating wings. She gulped and felt a cold sweat at the sight of the creature appearing… elegant and graceful all in one… but she recognized the pure white of the wings and the oddly empty feeling that it seemed to radiate.

It was a sin eater.

The sin eater was both beautiful and terrible all at once. A tall, slim figure dressed head to toe in shining armor that was as white as marble. Its helmet opened in the back so that long white hair cascaded down their back in full and thick waves while wings as white as a doves, cast the dark shadows around her away so that she was bathed in their light. The only part of this figure that wasn't coated in armor were the eyes... which were looking at her through the helm. She closed her own eyes, turning her head away, not wishing to see those empty, sightless eyes looking back.

She felt the cold armor on her skin as the eater grabbed her chin and forced her to turn her head back so that it was staring straight forward.

'Look at me...'

The eater was speaking to her. But still, Claire did not dare open her eyes. She fought harder than ever to try and free herself from her bounds, but she felt as if she were held bound by steel restraints for all the good it did.

"Look at me..." the eater demanded in a firmer tone.

Again she kept her eyes tightly closed, and refused to give in as she struggled more, thinking that if she could just free one of her arms then she may have a chance...?

But this eater was very strong, she could feel that in just the grip... knowing that it could crush her skull if it chose to.

"LOOK AT ME!" it finally shrieked and Claire pulled her head back as far as it could go, and suddenly it was as if the spell holding her shattered and she was falling backwards. She was so shocked that when her eyes next snapped open, she could see the eater directly above her as it let her fall backwards—appearing as some sort of angel of death cloaked in the dark—and she felt herself land somewhere very cold.

She gasped for air as she something grabbing at her, once again, holding her as if bound. And again, she struggled and fought, but she could feel something scratching at her to keep her still.

What in the seven hells was going on? Where was this nightmare?

She glared down, seeing that what was holding her were ghostly hands... hundreds of them, each holding her in place as they seemed to sprout out of the dark.

She was breathing hard and fast, trying to keep herself calm and not panic... but the feeling of the hands on her skin felt unnatural and she fought the urge to scream even though that was all she wanted to do at that moment.

"Something wrong? Hero of Eorzea?"

Her head jerked upwards at the sound of that voice. It couldn't be... why would he be here?

She looked to the darkness as she heard the crunching of metal upon a stone floor... though as far as she could tell there was no 'floor' here. She watched in shock as none other than the Black Wolf, Gaius van Baelsar, stepped into view. This was his appearance when she first met him... everything to his armor and thick, horned helm, as he walked towards her... looking very different from his more current look as the 'Shadowhunter'.

She just stared at him as he slowly walked towards her... wondering what was going on.

The armored figure slowly turned and was speaking directly to her.

"In other lands I was considered to be no more than a beast, a wolf that endlessly howls for bloodshed," Gaius's voice said, slightly muffled from the helm covering his mouth, "Yet where I hail from, in my homeland of Garlemald, I was seen as a hero. I brought stability and prosperity too many provinces... for without a strong leader to take hold of the reins, the people would surely have lost their way."

She blinked and he disappeared as quickly as he came... but not before she heard his voice whisper, "Is that truly so different from what you have done?"

She shook her head hard, trying to focus more on getting out of this place and worrying about what would come later. No sooner did she think that did she hear a deep rumble... a deep voice that she heard only once before... as great dragon wings covered her vision and she froze at the sight.

And the voice of Bahamut spoke next to her: "I was never supposed to exist in this world... and yet did I linger. Born from the desperate hopes... but you have seen the cruelty that was brought to my children by your kind. And so instead of granting me the sweet release of death, I was imprisoned and so my hatred for mankind grew and grew until it became a raging blaze that none could extinguish."

The large wings then vanished from her view and she let out a shaky gasp of relief. But she froze a moment later when Bahamut's echoing voice faded as he asked, "Knowing all that you know now, can you claim that what they did was right and my children in the wrong?"

No, they weren't wrong. But that doesn't mean that...?

But it seemed that these voices were far from over... for she heard another beating of great wings and a roar that, to this day, cause her to shake as she recalled one of the fiercest battles she ever fought.

"It hath been our duty to watch this star, yet how could those as weak and pitiful as men be entrusted to do such a task?" the voice of Nidhogg spoke now, and she was now desperate to get out of here as she tried to wrench herself free from these disgusting hands. "Men are born, live, and die... merely insects in the long run of the river of time. Would it not be better that those who were long lived to watch and tend this star... better that than betrayers who would break the oaths of their own free wills? I loved and lost and wished to see those responsible for my pain to suffer. As have you."

She could have sworn she felt the sharp wings beating offer her head, chipping her on the top of the head as if the incarnation of revenge had appeared.

"In the end, was all that was sacrificed truly have no meaning?" he asked her.

"No, I refuse to believe that," she gasped out, shaking her head like a great dog in the desperation to forget what she just heard. "What is this?"

But Nidhogg had already left them and her eyes snapped open at the sound of robes brushing past.

Walking right by her, without so much as glancing her way was the archbishop as he was before he took the mantle of King Thordan.

She wanted to scream out as she saw him. Though he did not look her way, he did stop, his back to her as he was walking by and he spoke up like the others before him.

"I was born upon the stories and hymns that my people told me," he said, the tip of his jeweled staff touching the ground, and he sighed as if a great weight was upon his next few words, "Lies, of course, all of them had quickly turned out to be when I grew to a station of power and influence. Once I learned the truth, I knew of the change that would follow it... as well as the hopelessness of the knowledge that our own ancestors destroyed that fragile bond that is peace. But should we have been forced to sacrifice our sons and daughters to a foe who will never be satisfied no matter how much blood is splashed before us? That is why I tried to take matters into mine own hands, yet we already know how that ended. Could you truly say that I was wrong? When the idea of true peace could have been achieved? Especially since it was by my willing sacrifice?"

He then continued walking forward as if he had never been interrupted as he finished, "Am I truly the villain? Or is that from merely one perspective?"

"I don't know anymore," she gasped, exhausted, scared, and confused by all of this. Why would her past sins not let her rest for even a moment?

She then felt a warm hand touch her cheek her she looked up at once to see a figure with bright blue hair gazing back at her with a slightly sad glance.

"Mide?" she asked in confusion, having not seen her since she sacrificed herself to become Alexander's core...?

"I wished for a future where we could live in peace," she whispered to her gently, still looking at her with a sad smile. "A grand utopia where the fruit of all our labors would bring a paradise to all. It was a beautiful dream... but it ended in a nightmare. I allowed the foolish hope of a better future to blind myself to what was in front of me and ended up bringing something into this world that never should have existed. And so I chose to atone for my part in this mistake. It was my choice and mine alone... but you understand that feeling, do you not?"

She lowered her hand before fading away like the others as her voice echoed around them, "If it were up to you, would you be willing to do the same? Or would you die with any lingering regrets?"

"Any regrets?" she whispered, "I sometimes wonder what will be waiting for me with all the people that I've...?"

She trailed off as an irritated tutting noise came from behind her now. Twisting her head around, still all but immobilized by the ghastly hands, she saw Yotsuyu standing there with her pipe between her long fingers.

She didn't look at her with hatred or anything, there was just a dead kind of blankness to her cold eyes as Claire stared back.

"I was a child born into a world where I wasn't wanted," she recited, "I was orphaned before later being abandoned time and time again for the rest of my life. Used and abused for the sake of other greedy souls who took advantage of my pain and misery? I never knew the joys of being loved... and so a deep burning hatred took root in my already empty heart, so I suppose that it only made sense that I would feel no remorse when I turned my back on my own homeland. For how can you feel that you betrayed those who were never on your side to begin with?"

Yotsuyu then shook her head, as if she could not believe what she was saying, before turning her back on her and walking away into the darkness.

"But you too have been used before, many times, and yet you still march on like a wind-up toy that has no choice but to follow its master," she asked before leaving her, "But it makes one wonder who is truly the one who is unable to move without the other?"

Oh, why don't these voices just kill her already and save her from having to listen to them? She just wanted to fade away from here... to be allowed some peace and quiet while she slept. She was so tired...?

"Lifeform is experiencing a severe energy depletion. Appropriate action recommended… engaged."

No...

Feeling as if it were with a great effort, she looked skywards as Omega's mechanical eye glance down at her from its spider-like body.

"Even you...?" she sighed as Omega blipped and beeped.

"Accessing memory data," it said, "To follow the commands was all I was created for. And to the ends of the universe I did travel. But upon arriving it was no longer possible to return to home coordinates and no foe to battle against?"

How could she answer?

"Will your journey be as meaningless in the end?"

"No, just… please leave me alone…" she croaked out, unable to take this whole thing. Omega left her alone once again as another figure appeared, and this time, she didn't have to take a long look to know who it was. With a massive effort she raised her head to find Zenos appearing this time.

He did not speak for a moment as they both looked long and hard at each other, and then he took a step forward.

"I needed no reason to do what I had done. I did what I wanted to, searching, ever searching... and yet found nothing in my search until you came," he said as he slowly approached as she felt the cold wave of fear inside her heart mixed in with the hatred she felt for this beast. His eyes were fixed upon her, as if he was unable to look away... that look...? Wait... she had seen that look before... it was the same one that Emet-Selch had given her several times already. She supposed that she shouldn't be so surprised to see a resemblance between the two since they were great-grandfather and great-grandson... but it was enough to make her skin crawl when she thought of the two of them side by side.

Zenos slowly turned and his mouth curled up into a sickening grin as he reached out to her though she was now too weary to resist at this point.

But she then felt his cold, metal hand caressed her face in a surprisingly gentle way... before it found its place around her neck.

She could feel his immense joy to see her in such a state. Bound and unable to move as she struggled to breathe. His hands constricted and his hold was crushing her windpipe and it hurt so much to try and struggle. She saw a blinding light filtered through her vision as she began to fade... had she been in her right state of mind, mayhaps her dying brain would have questioned why she was seeing light instead of darkness as she faded away.

But the light was growing stronger and stronger and she allowed herself to fade away.

As she took her last gasp of air, a voice whispered in her ear...

Hear...

Feel…

Think…

Who...? You...?

Suddenly the hand gripping her throat let go of her and she took a deep gasp of air before forcing herself backwards and breaking free of the hands, which seemed to have gone slack in that fraction of a moment.

She hit the ground hard, but rolled back to her feet, readying herself for another fight...

But realized that she was all alone.

What the hell...?

She was being punished for something, that she knew, but didn't know by who or how. She just fell to her knees, feeling so broken and lost in that second she wished that she would just become one with the darkness around her so that she could not worry about feeling anymore.

But as she began to wish for this blank emptiness, something out of the corner of her eye caught her attention and she wearily looked up.

She blinked, barely able to make out the shadowy shapes. Slowly turning on her knees, she faced the two beings, who stood with their backs to her... but she recognized the blue robes of the woman Elezen... while also getting a glimpse of the male Elezen's armor... and silver hair.

"W-Wait!" she called, finally stumbling to her feet and following after them as they continued walking away towards her. She was now sprinting as hard as she could go but though the two of them were only just strolling, she was eventually realized that she wasn't getting any closer.

But she couldn't just stop... she had to keep going... even as she was gasping for air and a voice... a concerned and familiar one, was all but screaming out her name.

And then her eyes snapped open to stare up into the anxious face of Lord Edmont.

*End of Dream*

Claire sat bolt-upright, dripping in a cold sweat and shaking as the nightmare faded from her mind.

Her sudden movement surprised Lord Edmont, who moved back to avoid her accidently head-butting him.

She then began to cough violently as Lord Edmont rubbed her back in a soothing way until she was able to regain control and breathe normally.

"Are you feeling alright?" he asked her worriedly, "If you like, I can summon a Healer if you...?"

But she was shaking her head, knowing that there was no point. Whatever was wrong with her was not something that someone could give her a tonic and she would feel better.

Lord Edmont frowned at that, but he didn't press the matter as he promised he would be back in a moment.

He left her alone as she finished coughing and brushed her tangled hair out of her face as the image of the dream came back to her and she shivered at the reminder of the feel of those hands restraining her and the sounds of those voices echoing in the back of her head.

As well as the two figures who led her away from the darkness and back... was that all just a twisted dream created from her own mind...?

But the form of that armored sin eater also reappeared and she shook her head. NO. She was sure of that... it felt too real to be a dream... there was something far stronger than just a bad dream.

"Fray...?" she whispered, but nothing answered her. She looked down, feeling an overwhelming sense of abandonment when she could not hear Fray answer... then again, it wouldn't surprise her if Fray was staying silent on purpose just to keep her in line?

But if it wasn't Fray... who was that eater?

A single knock sounded on the door and she looked up to see that Lord Edmont had returned with a goblet of water for her.

"Drink this," he told her, "It will help."

She nodded and thanked him, now fully embarrassed at her disheveled state so she took it without question.

He then went to the near dead hearth and began to add a couple more logs to it to bring new life to the faintly glowing embers.

"The meeting went on far longer than I hoped it would. I was just coming to check on you when I heard you crying out in your sleep," he explained as he finished adding the final log and then returned to her side. "I can only assume that you were having a truly terrible nightmare?"

She felt her face glowing red as she nodded, sipping her water as her heart slowly calmed down.

As she stared at the cup, she was vaguely aware that he had pulled a chair up by her bedside and he took a seat next to her.

"I don't suppose you are willing to discuss what this nightmare was about?" he asked her gently and she sighed.

The last thing she wanted to do was mention something that her own warped memory created, but when she looked up to his kind and worried face, she found she couldn't say no and told him: at least a rough description of what she dreamt of.

He was silent as she spoke, hiding most of the fear she felt when confronted by those old faces. Of their words and how they haunted her… how that no matter how many times she tried to look at it… she found it hard to see any of them as pure evil. That most of them had reasons for doing what they did, even if their actions were far from honorably.

"Just like they did..." she whispered and he tilted his head wonderingly.

"They...?" he repeated as she shook her head.

"The Warriors of Light... or as we called them here, Warriors of Darkness," she informed him, "They were good people, all of them, and they only ever did what they felt was right. And look how that turned out? They were remembered as villains in their own home. Will that happen to me, one day? That I will be remembered as a villain when I only ever tried to do good?"

His eyebrows shot up at that.

"What makes you think that you could be remembered as a villain?" he asked her softly, "After all that you had done? Ishgard, for one, will never forget what you had done for us."

"Well, maybe not exactly with what happened to Ardbert and the others," she said, struggling to try and explain this knot of worry that was roaring inside her. "But... alright, say that this doomed future does happen! If it does, apparently in this dark future, I was killed because of it! Wouldn't people blame me for not being able to stop the Eighth Umbral Calamity! They would see me as a failure in the end because I...?"

"You are a mortal woman who has her limitations," he answered, causing her voice to die there, "No one can expect you to be perfect and to never fail. You have already done more than enough... if you were to stop fighting and take a well-deserved retirement from battle, not a single person out there would condemn you for that."

Would they though? It sounded so reassuring when he said it like that, but she knew better than to think that she could ever be given that chance to ever retire from the battlefield. It just felt like the farther along this road she travelled, the more likely it will be that she will end up meeting her end through battle than live long enough to see the changes she so desperately craved. A world where she wouldn't be forced to continue to fight to protect innocent people.

"I think that you are laboring under the delusion that you are responsible for everyone," he told her firmly, "And that is not healthy for you, my dear. You need to let go of that thought and...?"

"And what will happen if I do?" she asked him desperately, "There will always be battles to fight, this I know, and it's gotten to a point now that I don't think I can say no. It's just like with what happened to the Warriors of Light in the Source! They started off just trying to make their way in the world and they...?"

And before she knew it, she was telling him all that she learned of the fate of the Warriors of Light/Darkness as they knew them and of their deeds both in the First and what they had done while they were here in the Source before they sacrificed themselves to save their world on more than one occasion. Only for their good names to be spoken of as only as a curse.

When she paused for breath again, Lord Edmont offered, "Mayhaps they felt that this was their way to make amends for what happened."

"But they were as much victims in this whole thing as anyone else! Not a single part of this is fair," she said, "They were just ordinary people who only ever tried to do the right thing. They never once thought about themselves and even if that meant that they were willingly sacrificing themselves for the sake of others. Especially when it was for the sake of someone else, even if that person never wanted to see them die right in front of them and that image will forever haunt them as this terrible guilt now feels as if a rusty dagger has been driven straight into their heart. It's never an easy thing to go through seeing someone you care about just lying there dying, but the idea that they died because you weren't paying attention and they have to step up to protect you when...?"

She didn't even realize she was going into a rant at that moment. Not until Lord Edmont said her name very quietly, but it was enough to get her to stop and she looked to shaking hands as she breathed hard as if she had been running all day.

She then felt his fingers under her chin and forced her to look up at him as he gazed at her sadly.

"We're not talking just about the Warriors of Light, are we?" he asked knowingly.

"Why?" she asked, still fighting the unshed tears now fighting to be released as she begged for an answer that she had been desperate to know since that day atop the Vault, "Why don't you hate me? Your son died because he was trying to protect me. Why?"

He merely kept his hands on her shoulders as he seemed to need a moment to find an answer for her.

"I will not lie and say that I never blamed you," he confessed, "When I first learned of what happened to Haurchefant, it was as if the ground had opened up beneath me and I fell into the void. It was as if my very spirit had shattered at the news. He was a knight, so I was always aware that something like this would happen one day, but that did not prepare me when it did. And I confess that I did blame you initially for that. It was because of that I could not bear to even look at you afterwards."

She lowered her head as that same crushing guilt threatened to take her once more.

But then he went on sadly, "But when I learned that you later flew off after the archbishop, seeking to stop his plans to summon a primal, I cannot lie and say that I did not feel true worry and fear for you and the others. But it did give me the time I needed to really think about all that had happened... all that this meant... and I came to the realization that you were not to blame for my son's death."

"But I...?"

"You were not the one who threw that godsdamned spear that pierced him," he interrupted kindly. "And I know that he would not wish for you to feel that you were responsible. He knew what he was doing and he had faith that there could be a better future for all of Ishgard. This I do believe."

He gazed down at her before adding, "I have a feeling though that a parent's love is something new to you?"

She hesitated before nodding and whispered the fates of her parents to him before he sighed at this new information.

"I figured that it was something along those lines," he answered, "You never once mentioned your family the entire time that you were here. And, forgive me, but I could not help but notice that whenever I spoke to my sons, you seemed… as if you felt out of place."

Was she that obvious?

"You never had that kind of experience, have you?" he asked sadly, "Then who was the one who raised you?"

"The villagers where I lived were able to keep an eye on me when I was an infant, but once I was old enough to walk and talk, I was mostly on my own," she admitted shamefully, "They made sure that I didn't starve, and I would find ways to repay them by helping out where I could, but I don't recall what it's like to truly have a family. Not in that kind of way."

"I see," he told her softly, "That sounds incredibly lonely."

Mayhaps he seemed to understand for he pulled her in closer so that he had an arm around her shoulder and rubbed her back in a soothing way before he spoke again.

"I don't believe that any parent worthy of the name would willing leave their children behind unless they had no other choice," he told her softly. "It's easy to pretend that your child doesn't exist and cut off all ties… and it's difficult to step up and take responsibility for that child and do what you can to raise them… yet I imagine that it must be beyond all imaginable pain to be forced to leave their child behind."

She rested her head against his chest as he gently stroked her head and she shut her eyes at the touch as she shut her eyes, wondering if this was how it felt to have a parent care for you.

She could never fully recall ever being held or comforted in such a way. The people that she grew up with were kind to her, but she had always been an outsider... never part of a family.

If this was how it felt to be cared for by a parent... it felt nice.

"I cannot imagine that any parent would willing have left you behind, my dear," he informed her.

Those words meant more to her than she could ever say and she felt tears slowly beginning to drip from her eyes.

"Does it ever get easier?" she asked him softly, her cheek resting against the furry collar of his coat as he held her securely to his chest.

"Not really," he whispered. "And those who try to offer comfort by saying that they were deeply loved and that they died a hero for the future of all… they either lie to themselves or to others from the loss or have never experienced the pain of losing someone they loved."

He sighed with a shake of his head and she could feel the rise and fall of his chest.

"There are some wounds that one can't recover from," he said, "Oh, a day will come that mayhaps it doesn't bleed as much as it once did… that it will heal over. But there will always be scars. A lingering damage that one cannot ever fully remove or even understand no matter how much time goes by. It shows that you are never quite the same and while there will be days that you can feel as if you have been healed… more often than not, just thinking of it makes it difficult to breathe or even leave your bed. Yet, we all have work to do and you must find the strength to get up and soldier on through another day. But… you do come to laugh again and find joy in the simple things. Mostly because you know that it isn't healthy to hang onto the bad memories."

This would not be easy, but like with old wounds, one can learn to live with them and some days would be easier than others. She felt that she could understand that. But there was still this nagging thought at the back of her mind that would not let go of her.

"It will be hard," he said, gently wiping the tears, "But you must live. That is the best way to honor Haurchefant's memory and all others that you have lost. He lives on in you through that sacrifice, and he passed with no regrets… at least, that is what I choose to believe. And we…we all would never forgive ourselves if you left. This world is poorer for my son's death… and if we lost you as well…?"

He sighed as he pressed his lips against the top of her head.

"I already had to bury one child," he whispered, "Please forgive me for this selfish request, but I could not bear to bury another."

She felt like the world was slowly crushing down upon her and she was breaking under the pressure. She rested her head against his chest and she felt tears falling hot and fast. Lord Edmont didn't question her. Merely cradled her head in one hand and had the other wrapped around her shoulders as he held her close.

"It will be all right," he murmured for her when she let her voice die out. "You are safe here."

"I don't want anyone to protect me," she whispered, "I'm just so… so tired. I feel so sick all the time now and it's… exhausting."

"Regardless of whatever title you go by, you are still just one person," he reminded her with a gentle tease, "You should stop trying to do the work of twenty people at once. You are more than a warrior... you have other parts to you that you try to hide from those who care. You need care as much as anyone else."

"Even if I'm the Warrior of Darkness?" she asked wearily.

"Especially because of that. You don't have to be, though," he said, "At least not here. This is your home for as long as you wish it to be."

Home... what a simple word but with so much meaning. She just nodded and allowed some of this.

It seemed that the apple truly didn't fall far from the tree because this wasn't the first member of this family who insisted on having a safe place for her to rest her head if she needed it.

"That reminds me," she said quietly as she finally pulled away for a moment as she reached for her bag at the foot of the bed and pulled out her journal. She didn't speak as Lord Edmont watched, and she opened the cover to find the letter that she had tucked safely inside.

She remained silent as she handed the letter to him and he took it with polite curiosity. But as soon as he opened the paper up, she saw how his eyes widened in shock.

"This is in Haurchefant's handwriting," he said and she nodded to acknowledge that. She watched his expression as it turned from confused, to hardened, to terrible joy and then finally grief. When he finished, he hide his face in one of his hands as she touched his shoulder as he took several deep breaths.

It hurt… there will always be things that will always be painful to think about.

This she knew better than anyone. She did try her best to go forward. But it was nice to hear that it was alright to do so once in a while. And she figured that he would have wanted to know more of what his middle son thought of him.

He then slowly, very carefully, folded the letter back up and he held it out for her to take. She tried to refuse it, but he shook his head as he set it very deliberately on the journal on her lap.

"It was written for you," he told her, "It should remain with you."

He sighed as he brushed another stray lock of hair from her face and said, "Look at those dark circles under your eyes. When was the last time you got a good night's sleep?"

"I don't know," she sighed, "I've been sleeping a lot more than I usually do lately, but I just seem to be tired all the time now. Even after waking up from a nap seems to make me tired."

That was another thing that was bothering her. She just seemed to be going through energy so quickly now…? Why was that?

"I think the stress is getting to you," he said firmly, "That's not healthy. So you are going to get a good night's sleep tonight and you will join me for a full breakfast tomorrow before you are to rush off back to your adventure. No arguments now. Do you understand?"

She nodded, her eyes already dropping as she laid down. She was hesitant to go back to sleep only to be greeted by nightmares, but it seemed Lord Edmont expected that. Perhaps there was just something soothing in his voice, or mayhaps he had experience in helping three boys fall asleep over the years, but she felt her tension slowly slip away.

She distantly felt something brush through her bangs, as she sighed a contented hum when he promised, "Sleep well without dreams. I shall watch over you until you go back to sleep."

For the first time, in perhaps a long time, she believed him. She felt safe here. That she could relax and not have to put up the walls that she worked so hard to build around herself to protect her. Her eyes drooped and it was a struggle to keep them open.

And soon afterwards, she fell back into the peaceful oblivion that is sleep.

*Morning*

Claire had been afraid to sleep before... terrified she would have more nightmares of creeping shadows and drowning in a sea of burning light... but she slept through the rest of the night deeply and peacefully. Perhaps one of the best nights of sleep she could remember having.

By the time that she finally woke up, light was shining in through the window, signaling that it was quickly leaving the morning and heading into the afternoon.

For one horrible moment she pictured the skies awash with that hateful glare, but she realized how warm it was on her face and knew it to be regular sunlight, causing her to hum in content once again as she sat up.

She rubbed her eyes, her limbs feeling oddly stiff before the wonderful smells of cooked food reached her nose and her stomach let her know that she was hungry.

Lord Edmont was waiting for her in the dining room after she changed and went downstairs. They did share a light breakfast, with him discussing more stories about his sons and what they were like while growing up and the mischief that they were caught up in.

She couldn't help but laugh at the thought of serious Artoirel ever sneaking out of the house to explore when he was supposed to be studying during his lessons… or when Emmanellain met Honoroit. Apparently, when the boy was nine summers old, he ran into Emmanellain in the Jeweled Crozier, where Emmanellain took him in as his ward and even was the one who taught him letters and sums.

"Young Honoroit is a clever boy and a quick learner," Lord Edmont chuckled, "And the perfect person to be able to bring my absent-minded youngest back to reality. Only too happy was I to bring him officially into our household."

"I had no idea," Claire said with a smile.

"Ah, Emmanellain does have a big heart, though he does have strange ways of showing it," Lord Edmont chuckled. "But I must say that you have certainly been a big influence on him. Him and Artoirel both. Truly, I hardly recognize them, but in a good way."

She felt herself blushing as he chuckled.

She was enjoying herself and when the grandfather clock struck, she remembered how long she had been here and sighed, knowing that she was already running late in returning to the First. But it was with a heavy heart that she finally stood up and Lord Edmont gazed up at her.

"Leaving?" he asked and she nodded.

"I'm afraid I have to," she said sadly. He didn't look surprised, but he did stand up to walk around the table and offered her his arm.

As she took it, he told her, "Before you go, I have something for you."

She was surprised by this as he guided her out of the dining room and back into the main room where she saw two packages wrapped in string and ribbons sitting upon the table, one large and one very small. She stopped dead to stare at them.

"One practical gift and one not so much," he confessed as she stared at the two brightly wrapped packages. "For Little Ladies Day."

She looked up at him, quickly telling him that he didn't have to get her anything, and forgetting that it was Little Ladies Day twice now. He just laughed and guided her to the table to the packages, and insisted that it was no trouble at all and that he hoped that she would like them.

"The larger one I ordered yesterday," he told her, "While we were in the markets. Why don't you look at that one first?"

She was deeply embarrassed by this, but she did what he suggested and untied the ribbons and lifted the lid. She stared at the gown that was lying among the tissue paper and pulled it out to get a good look at it. It was an Ishgardian gown, much like the kind of dresses that she had seen young women in the city.

"Lord Godbert had started selling them in the Gold Saucer," he chuckled, "And quoting from him, they are selling 'like hotcakes and with no signs of stopping'. Not very practical where you are heading off too, I realize that, but I think that a young lady should have more than just armor and torn robes in her wardrobe. After all, what would they say if the hero shows up at the celebration with destroyed rags?"

But he was laughing at that with a good-natured smile as she ran her hands over the beautiful mixture of wool and silk. It was a light cream color with the borders a pink color, the color of peach blossoms, with not a stich out of place.

"It's beautiful," she whispered, feeling tears coming back to her eyes again. "I just… feel…?"

"Don't you dare say guilty," he lightly warned, "I wanted to do this for you. So please allow an old man to be selfish and give a gift on Little Ladies Day."

She didn't know what to say... she was just so touched that someone, anyone, would spend so much for her. In truth, she was so taken aback by this that she didn't know how best to react other than stunned shock.

"If it makes you feel more comfortable, rest assure that I didn't spend any money for this one," he promised as she took the smaller package and carefully unwrapped it. Her hands were shaking as she slowly opened the lid to see a necklace sitting on a silk pillow. It was a black strap choker that held the emblem of House Fortemps, the bright red unicorn flanked by thorns, on the pedant on the front.

She picked it up and held it in the palm of her hand, her fingers running over the slightly worn front, finding herself as touched to see this as she was with the gown.

"This belonged to Haurchefant," he informed her and she stared up at him as he smiled sadly. "Or rather it belonged to his mother. All the servants are gifted a piece of jewelry to mark them as House Fortemps when they first join our household. She wore this necklace every day until she chose to leave and when she passed, she gave it to Haurchefant. I found it among some of Haurchefant's things."

"I can't take something this precious," she tried to reason but he held up his hand to silence her.

"Something like this should be worn proudly," he told her, "Better that than sitting in a box and gathering dust. I do think they would be thrill to know that you have it now."

She didn't know how to put into words how she felt at that moment. She felt that she didn't deserve something like this... but then she was reminded of Lord Edmont's words from last night and she braced herself, reminding herself that she did deserve it. So, with a deep breath, she reached up around her neck and took off the one she already wore and instead hooked the new choker. It settled comfortably upon her skin, the pendant offering a nice feel upon her skin as she felt the elaborated unicorn.

She wasn't too proud to confess she did cry once again, but Lord Edmont understood the reason for these tears.

He just rubbed her back before she was able to get control of herself again and helped her pack her belongings so that she could head out. He didn't speak much during that time, but all that needed to be said was understood and she felt as if part of the massive weight she had been carrying around had been removed.

So that by the time she stood at the door, saying her goodbyes, it was with a bittersweet feeling.

She turned to go… but paused for a moment before turning back and throwing her arms around Lord Edmont's neck in a hug. He was taken aback by that, but he returned the hug freely.

"You stay safe for us," he told her softly, "And when you next return, I wish to hear more stories of this 'First'. There will be a mug of hot chocolate waiting for you when you do."

She nodded, promising to come back to visit as soon as she was able to before pulling back and turning on the spot to spirit herself back to the First. In truth, she still had doubts, but she was in a much better state of mind than she had been a few days ago.

She hoped that the others wouldn't be so mad at her though…?

When she returned to Slitherbough, she ended up teleporting almost straight on top of Minfilia, who had been waiting by the aetheryte.

Claire apologized, helping her to stand up as Minfilia looked up at her with both shock and relief.

"Oh, thank goodness you're alright!" she said quickly, "We were starting to get worried! You were taking so long to get back and…?"

Claire paused at that and quickly asked how long she had been away.

"About three days," Minfilia confessed, "We were all starting to wonder if something happened. Where did you go?"

Claire decided that she would first reassure the others that she was in one piece before telling them anything. So, Minfilia took her back to Y'shtola's chambers, where the others were there, going over some old books and maps, perhaps discussing their next course of action, when the two of them walked in.

"There you are!" Thancred said as he set his mug down hard on the table, looking like a father who had just caught his eldest daughter sneaking out the night before and had been waiting up for her to come home so that he could catch her.

The others were all up in an instant and asking where she had been, and it took a little while for Claire to tell them that she was fine and that she just was struck by an urge to return to the Source for a short time to check on how everyone was doing.

She mentioned the status at the borders, and how their forces were holding the line as well as they could have hoped. So far, it sounded like a fair cause to disappear without warning. She apologized for worrying them, but she just needed a brief spite away to get her head on straight.

She could tell that Y'shtola was about to go into a rant, but perhaps seeing Claire's lightened mood changed her mind and she shook her head, merely scolding her to at least let them know where she would be next time so that they didn't worry overmuch. They had ten minutes to finish packing anything they needed and to meet at the entrance.

"Why didn't you tell us where you were going?" Minfilia asked her curiously as Thancred told them all to start getting ready to pack so they could head out.

"Just needed time to sort some things out," she said rather vaguely. That was when the sunlight caught hold of her necklace and it sparkled slightly, just getting Minfilia's attention.

"Oh, where did you get that?" she asked and Claire reached her fingers up to brush over the unicorn one more time before just smiling and reassuring her, "A gift... from my... father..."

*Several days ago*

Emet-Selch he had been watching from the shadows of the roots over him as they had their discussion. It was really quite funny to watch the little mortals run around in a panic when they realized that their champion was missing. He had sensed her presence leave for a time, but he had little doubt that she would return sooner or later.

The others though, they were afraid that something truly terrible happened. In fact, he heard the one who had once been Lahabrea's puppet, offer the suggestion that 'lying Ascian', had done something to her when they weren't looking.

He chuckled in amusement when he saw their stress levels rise until they found the message that was left behind. This did some to calm their nerves, now that they knew that she hadn't been snatched from under their noses, but he could still see the concern in their faces.

"Why would she do this now?" the pale Miqo'te asked as they stepped outside the settlement to discuss their options. "I just spoke with her last night…? So she must have left soon after I left her…?"

"Did she seem well to thine eyes?" the Elezen in black answered worriedly and the mage sighed.

"She was distracted… and distant," she confessed, "I could tell that something was weighing heavily upon her mind, but she wasn't interested in confining in me. But, I believe she was deeply bothered by what Emet-Selch said."

His ears perked up at the sound of his name and he listened in a little closer.

"Aye, I guess she would take that news hard," the man in white sighed and he folded his arms.

"So… what should we do?" the rather feeble-looking Oracle girl asked worriedly.

"Nothing," the first man answered back, "We don't know where she went or how to find her. There's nothing we can do until she comes back. I guess we should try and make ourselves useful here, but we should send a message back to the Crystarium letting the others know that the Lightwarden of Ra'tika is slain, but we might be a little late in returning."

"I hope she's alright," the girl whispered anxiously and Emet-Selch rolled his eyes.

"Must you fret so loudly?" he called, his voice getting their attention and they looked up to see him setting upon a branch just above their heads and looking down at them with the air of a man who was just trying to take a nap. Which sounded very welcoming now that he thought of it.

"It's a little sad that when she's not around, the rest of you start to panic and jump to the worst conclusions," he shrugged as he leaned back against the trunk of the tree. "Honestly, how do you get anything done on your own?"

He didn't miss the way they were glaring at him.

"Funny you appear when she is missing," Y'shtola said slowly, "But your reasons are your own for being here. Did you see anything at all?"

"Last night? Not at all," he shrugged, "I did see her enter your chambers for a moment and didn't come out. Though I did feel a slight disturbance in the aether, signaling teleportation…?"

"So she must have teleported somewhere else," Thancred sighed with a shake of his head.

"Do… do you know where she went?" Minfilia asked him suddenly and he shrugged back in a bored way.

"Is it such a bad thing to want a little time to oneself without having so many fretting over you?" he asked with a shrug, "I honestly don't know how she stands it with you all acting the part of mother hens."

But the man that had once been Lahabrea's puppet—his name escapes him—stepped up and gave him a dark look; as if he was just bursting to say something.

"What?" Emet-Selch yawned in annoyance, but deciding to humor him.

"What are you planning with her?" he asked coldly and Emet-Selch opened up one of his eyes to gaze down at him with curiosity while the others looked to him in surprise.

"Whatever makes you think that I'm going to do something to her?" he asked.

"Call it concern for a friend's well-being," he answered sharply back, "I've seen the way that you look at her. Like she's the only one that you're talking to and the rest of us are annoying flies. Well, I guess in your eyes we would be. But that's not the issue here. I don't like the way that you look at her. Nor the way that you talk to her. What do you want?"

"Oh? Is that it? Concerned that I'm going to stab her in the back should the opportunity present itself?" he asked with another shrug.

"You aren't following us around, you're following her," he countered, "And out of concern, I would appreciate it if you would be so kind as to inform us of why."

"Is that what you think?" he asked in mild annoyance. "Well, whatever else you believe, you are not her keeper, and even if you were, she doesn't need your protection, does she? If anything, it is the other way around since you all go running to her whenever something happens."

He observed they with a critical eye for a moment.

"This is how it works isn't it?" Emet-Selch asked, "You all investigate the problem, but whenever it becomes too dangerous, you send her in to protect yourselves? Without even bothering to ask what it is that she desires?"

"We have never made her do anything against her will," Y'shtola countered at once, "We always gave her the choice and she has always chosen to do the right thing."

"Truly?" he asked curiously, "Always…? Or did you just give her the only options that were open to you without truly giving her the chance to speak her mind?"

No one spoke as they tried to think of an answer. But he could see the way that they were frowning at themselves, as if they had yet to given this any thought. And that was when he saw the guilt settling in.

He didn't give them the chance to answer that as he leaned back against the tree trunk again, his hands folding behind his head.

"Well, in that case, don't you feel as if you owe her the time to be left alone with her thoughts?" he asked lightly, "Oh, I doubt that she'll be away for too long. But if I were her, I would wish to get away from all the fretting. Quite frankly, it is irritating just watching it if one cannot trust their friends to take care of themselves."

"We do trust her," Lahabrea's puppet countered angrily, "It's you that we don't."

Emet-Selch gazed back down as he got a good look at his soul that was shining behind his eyes. It burned hot and blazed with a dark white color that coursed through it like cracks. Ah, he could see the damage that was left behind. Lahabrea was ever so hard on the bodies that he used. Lahabrea's scars ran deep in him and so it didn't surprise him to realize that his ability to manipulate aether was all but non-existent. Lahabrea certainly all but crippled him. But despite all that there was still a fire of determination, suspicion, and unease burning as hot as coals… as well as…?

The other emotion he sensed there confused him for a moment.

"Oh, I see now," he said in understanding, casting his mind back to when he spoke to Lahabrea briefly after his defeat in reviving the Ultimate Weapon and what took place there. "That's why you are so protective of her. She saved you once before and you wish to return that favor. I can see the determination… but that's not all. Since we're asking questions, tell me, what is this resentment you have for her?"

The man froze at that and Emet-Selch smirked.

"I've had countless centuries of learning to read one's emotions, but I can see one's soul very clearly; especially when powerful emotions are involved," he answered. "I see that your soul bears scars from when Lahabrea inhabited that body. You generally think of me as a threat, as you should, but there is grudging respect inside you as well for my presence since I pulled your little friend from the Lightstream."

He nodded his head towards the mage, who just glowered back before Lahabrea's pupped held up his hand to stop her from saying anything.

"You are always hovering close by her whenever you choose to grace us with your presence," the pale man hissed back, refusing to give up the high ground here, "And I just want to warn you now that if you plan on going after Claire in any way, shape, or form… I won't need any auracite to kill you."

Emet-Selch gazed back into his eyes, trying to see the driving force for these many different, and conflicting, emotions knotted together inside him like string.

"Fascinating," he said with a shrug. "Despite the negative feelings that you secretly harbor for her, your first thought is leaping to her defense when you believe she is in danger. But I must know, what is this wrong that she had done for you to harbor such anger? Or… is this guilt over something that you may have done to her instead?"

"What are you talking about?" Lahabrea's puppet demanded furiously.

There was no doubt that he was deeply angering the man and so he went on calmly, "You are protective of your little friends… and hold your champion in the highest esteem. But… there is anger and resentment towards her inside you along with those warm and fuzzy feelings. In fact, if I'm not mistaken, you hold almost as much resentment for your champion as with the little girl."

The oracle girl flinched behind him, but Lahabrea's puppet just glared on with his hands curled into tight fists, shaking slightly.

He just yawned pointedly once more before reassuring them, "If it puts your minds at ease, I have no intention to harm your beloved errand girl. I don't know how much I must say it before you understand that I am merely here to observe, nothing more."

"Why are you interested in helping us anyway?" he demanded back, "You didn't do it out of the kindness of your heart; I could see that much when you looked at Claire before. The only reason that you saved Y'shtola—which I begrudgingly admit that I am grateful for—but the reason you saved her wasn't because you wanted to save her, or felt it was the right thing to do, but because that was what Claire wanted."

"Oh? Does it boggle your young mind to think that I can be capable of kindness?" he answered back. "She, alone, of you all seems to be capable of reason and so I thought to show that my intentions are not as hateful as you seem to believe. I want to see if she is capable of doing what none of the rest of you can and prove me wrong. Believe me, nothing would make me happier than to find out that she exceeds my current expectations. I will agree that she is doing well so far, but until the final Lightwarden is defeated, I will not have my answer. Is that not enough of an answer for you?"

The man just glared back as if he was something disgusting at the bottom of his boot and Emet-Selch sighed and leaned back to shut his eyes, as if drifting off to sleep, and finished, "I would be more concerned with your own issues rather and worry about mine. Just a friendly piece of advice."

"Fine," Lahabrea's former puppet answered back darkly and made to march off before pausing and asked, his head turning back to him, "Just answer me one thing. What makes you think that she will ever listen to you?"

Emet-Selch took his time in finding an answer as he thought of their champion and how similar everything had been to his 'friend' from so long ago. Everything about her… her personality, her mannerisms, her complete disregard for herself whenever it came to helping others…? Hells, even her eyes were just the same as they were so long ago…?

"She reminds me of someone I used to know," he confessed, and he completely ignored him and the others for their remaining time here in the woods until their champion suddenly reappeared a couple days later, having decided to pay a quick trip to the Source.

He watched from the shadows as he saw her face… any fatigue or anxiety that had been there before—while not gone—it had lessoned into one more relaxed and happier.

He felt himself smile slightly at that as he watched them leave… even making sure to strike down any of the few eaters that remained in the woods and were being drawn to the small group. All without them noticing what he was up to, of course.

(Oh so sweet. My parents divorced when I was little and my dad was never part of my life. But I always wanted to have that connection and be a daddy's girl. Sadly, it didn't happen and I really wished that I had a father figure in my life. Claire lost both of her parents and I think that she would also crave that kind of connection with someone. And who better than Lord Edmont? I swear, I was smiling the whole time I wrote this chapter. But really, she desperately needed to talk to someone—without having them hover over her and fret. She needed someone who cares but understands that she must find her own way in the world while offering for her to lean on him for support if she needs it. She has lost so much and has the expectations of not one, but two words waiting for her to save them. Not only that, she is lost in a world that she knows precious little about, is expected to fight these powerful monsters, nothing is easy or straightforward, and added to the fact that she found out the truth of what Hydaelyn really is on top of the fact that her health is starting to deteriorate…? Yeah, she's under a lot of stress right now and doesn't have many places to vent nor a lot of time to do so. She needed a parent at that moment and I could not think of someone better than this guy. As for the dream…? That will not be the last time that we see that sin eater and you will understand why. Before you ask, no that is not Fray, but there is another reason why we no longer hear from her. I think that you are going to like it.)