Chapter 6: The Silver Fuller

He watched from the depths of the aetherial sea, smiling alongside his father as he brought his new daughter, or perhaps his sister, home. The entire household welcomed them with more smiling faces, but his brothers were among those who were enthusiastic to see how well she looked and insisted for her to join them for dinner

"I just want to say that everything at Camp Dragonhead is going well," Emmanellain stated proudly as they all took their seats at the dinner table. "I have Honoroit keeping an eye on things for me while I'm away, but I'm making sure to run a tight shift."

"Remind me to thank Honoroit when next I see him and to offer any apologizes to the knights stationed there," he heard Artoirel whisper to Claire, who smiled back and seemed to be trying to hold her laughter in at that.

Ah, Camp Dragonhead… how he missed walking through those halls, being greeted by his many faithful friends. He knew that they would be alright… Emmanellain was doing a fair job so far… but that was mostly because hardworking knights such as Corentiaux and Yaelle had things well in hand in terms of keeping everything organized. But he was sure that Emmanellain will get there… sooner or later.

He chuckled at the thought while his father asked Artoirel how Ser Aymeric was fairing and if he agreed to their invitation to join them this evening while their food was being served. Oh, how mouth-watering it all looked with the thick stews and richly roasted meat with grease practically dripping off it and so soft that it would melt in your mouth.

Food was a true pleasure in life and he would have given an arm to be able to sit down with them as well.

"I did invite Ser Aymeric, and he may stop by later after he speaks with Lord Francel on some other matters," Artoirel answered as he thanked the servants and told them that they were all free for the rest of the evening.

"Still working hard?" Claire asked knowingly.

"Ha! It's stranger to see the old boy not working!" Emmanellain laughed, more than happy to start off with swallowing a big mouthful of food. It was something that they often joked about as children because Emmanellain had the appetite of a bear and that his mouth was like an antlion den.

"Emmanellain, chew your food before swallowing. You're going to choke one day," Father scolded.

"Sorry Father, but I am just so heartened to learn that Lady Laniaitte will be spending the day tomorrow in the Firmament," he answered back in excitement. "And she has agreed to meet with me while she is visiting Francel!"

"Truly?" Father asked, sounding far too astonished for it to be anything but insulting. Which was fair because one could not help but wonder what Emmanellain had done to cause her to seek him out.

"I'm surprised that you were able to secure a meeting with her," Artoirel said rather suspiciously as he buttered up his role. "You know, she's not someone that you can impress easily…?"

"Oh, don't you worry about a thing! I can handle the fair Lady Laniaitte," Emmanellain said confidently.

"You can? Then you must have learned to very recently," Father spoke up while he and everyone other than Emmanellain started laughing at that as his little brother looked rather stormy faced.

"Yes, well, I am now curious to hear how things went with the last meeting with the House of Lords," Father said, changing the subject, as he looked to Artoirel. "How is the new doctrine coming along now?"

"Well enough, for the most part," Artoirel said, pouring himself a little more wine than one would usually take at the mention of their last meeting. "It's really just trying to build a new foundation for our faith and everyone else and their uncles has their own interpretation so it's difficult to be able to decide what parts of our records to focus upon.

"But otherwise, all is proceeding well?" Father asked him.

"Well, it's very hard…?" Artoirel began slowly before Father waved a hand at him and interrupted.

"Artoirel, you are addressing your father, not the rest of the House of Lords," he asked. "You have family here."

"But no, don't mind us, it's not like we're anyone important," Emmanellain muttered under his breath, still sore about the jab at him of his lovelife.

"It's just that… well, I just feel that a lot of them have no logic in their reasoning's," Artoirel confessed, still attempting to be polite.

"Oh, no…" Claire spoke up in her soft voice as she drank her own wine. "If one was to search for logic, then I would not recommend so in politics."

"What? But you have so many friends who deal with diplomacy! Like Alphinaud for example…?" Emmanellain pointed out and she smirked at that.

"Well, he's a rare exception," she answered evenly. "But in my experience, searching for logic within politics is akin to banging one's head against a brick wall." She set her glass down and finished, "It makes no sense, nothing budges, and you are left with an awful headache."

"Oh gods… I think that sums it all up right there," Artoirel slumped over in his chair, shaking his head with a satirical look on his face. "I often feel as if I had run headlong into a wall at the end of most of these meetings. Father, I know not how you were able to stand them…?"

"Years of experience," he chuckled in answer as he cut his meat. "Though I can full recall several agonizing meetings between the Heads of Houses in my own youth. They felt as if they had gone on for years. Ah, but let us turn our attention to something more exciting, and why don't you tell us more of what it was like to have boarded the Ragnarok, my dear?"

At the sound of that, everyone leaned in, eager to hear more as she took her time to think it all over for an answer.

'My friend, do not hold it all in suspense!' he thought excitedly as she told them of what it was like to see the Starship for the first time, how it felt to ride it through the sky as it was being piloted by… of all things… a crew of talking rabbits?

"Yeah, I know that they were created by Hydaelyn and all that, but why did she choose… talking bunnies of all things?" Emmanellain stated as he was clearly thinking of the furry crew that he saw while he was in Sharlayan.

At the sound of the curious creatures, he started to laugh, wishing that he only had the opportunity to meet them in person. Oh, how he would have been honored to have journeyed to the very heavens with them? That was the journey of a lifetime… he supposed that he would have to settle for being there in spirit.

"What will become of the Loporrits and of the moon vessel now that we no longer need to fear the end of the world?" Artoirel suddenly asked curiously, pausing to mull it over.

"I honestly do not know yet," Claire confessed. "However, I recently ran into Lord Fourchenault while I was visiting Garlemald and they were thinking of turning the moon into a repository for the star's knowledge."

"Ah, that is a splendid idea," Father said brightly as he thought that over. "All of mankind's knowledge stored away for safe-keeping? That way, should anything happen, that knowledge would be safe for future generations. Perhaps, once our new doctrine is decided upon, we shall see to it that Ishgard be ready to send over copies to be stored away as well."

"So… that's it?" Emmanellain asked in surprise, "The rabbits are going to become librarians or something? Well, why not? I guess there could be worse jobs."

"So it's true then that you have been to the moon?" Artoirel asked Claire with poorly concealed enthusiasm, ignoring what his little brother just said.

He laughed at that. He knew how Artoirel tried so hard to hold himself up as 'proper' but he knew better than to be fooled by that facade. His older brother had a heart that was as curious as an adventurer's. He certainly hoped that he would be allowed to visit the moon one day.

As if she somehow heard his thoughts, Claire confirmed with a nod and said, "I am able to come and go as I please, but it is very difficult to teleport straight there due to the distance. As of right now, the only way that we have to get directly to the moon is through the transporter in Garlemald. A small handful of people have even begun joining the Loporrits upon the moon. I'm certain that one day the rest of mankind will be able to visit though and I would love to be able to show you once that day comes."

"You truly are a marvel," Father sighed fondly.

"See? There's the favoritism right there," Emmanellain called out openly, having just shoveled about half of his stew into his mouth and was pointing his spoon at Father.

"Just speaking the truth, Emmanellain," he answered back evenly.

He laughed again as he watched them talk, a typical family discussion.

Too bad that he wasn't able to have too many of those while growing up.

On one hand, he understood the Countess completely for not wanting anything to do with him when he was a child… but it still stung to have been hated so deeply. To never feel as if you belonged when all that you wanted was for that security to feel warm and safe.

He couldn't remember the last time he had seen his family as relaxed as they were right now and privately wondered if having the weight of the war, and the ending of the world, ending on such a good note took the worry off everyone's shoulders. Indeed, His father now looked younger than he had ever seen him despite the lines of gray that were now touching upon his black hair.

But more than that, he was gladdened to see that his friend managed to finally find that here with those that she could be comfortable with to call family.

He knew only a little of her own past… they spoke of it a little while she was staying with them at Camp Dragonhead. One particular conversation stuck out in his mind when she returned from a long day of helping others around the camp with their endless tasks. He had asked her more of some of her favorite things and what she did when not going around slaying gods or helping the needy before she confessed that she did love to travel from place to place, but did not feel very confident when it came to such meetings when he asked for her opinion on battle tactics she could teach them to help their fight with the dragons. She just turned red and muttered in embarrassment she knew precious little on matters at the discussion table.

"Truly now? I have a feeling that you would be marvelous at it," he said reassuringly.

"I doubt that," she answered in a sure voice.

"Oh, now the discussion table isn't a talent that one is born with, you simply need some practice," he countered. "I noticed you barely spoke the entire time when meeting upon Ser Aymeric. Though Master Alphinaud certainly more than made up for that."

"Oh, that is where he shines brightest," Claire answered with a laugh. "Me? I'm more content to simply be a piece upon the board."

"Well, I have a feeling that you should voice your own opinions more. You should always embrace who you are!" Haurchefant spoke up brightly.

"I'm trying," she answered. "But I always am afraid that the more I continue to embrace who I am, the more I scare away people."

"Truly?" he asked in surprise. "I find you incredible."

And he meant it. For from a humble adventurer coming to these snows to look for a missing airship… to savior of the entire Star. While it may be painful at times to know that he could no longer sit with them, he didn't regret the choices he made. He knew that it all happened for a reason… and that he had just been a small part in that adventure that guided them to a world of limitless possibilities.

He thought back to the moment she stepped into the aetherial sea when he lent her what strength he had left. He felt her presence before actually seeing her as she and her friends raced through the glittering roads of crystal. The souls of those who held grudges against her before having been cut down, had swarmed towards her, and he offered what was left of the man he once was to aid them in their advance.

It wasn't much and it came and went all too fleetingly. But he saw the way that her face melted into a look of complete contentment when she felt him standing there with her.

He just smiled and held on tightly, reassuring her that all would be well in time, hoping that would be enough to give her the push she needed to continue onwards.

He trusted in the Scions without any doubt or hesitation there and he had every confidence that she would continue to strive on before she triumphed. It may be a long, winding road to get there, but that was life. The road would stretch out seemingly forever and he knew better than most that there would be plenty of times where it would be difficult to take that next step. But he vowed that he would be there to help give her that gentle push when she needed it most.

His mind thought back to when he was first able to do that.

*Flashback*

"Honestly, Haurchefant…" Father said as he watched him pace up and down the room. "You mean to ask me to allow these three strangers to become wards?"

Haurchefant sighed again, trying to get his father to comprehend just how important this is.

"Father, please," he begged, "I understand your concerns, but I need you to do this one favor for me."

"I heard that they're accused of murder!" Emmanellain spoke up from the sofa, enjoying warming himself by it while looking over some of the new accessories he bought at the markets today, trying to decide what looked better on him, all while Haurchefant gave him a dark look.

"You should know better than anyone just how far highborn are willing to sink to get what they want. And some are not above sinking as low as to frame an innocent for a crime they did not do," he retorted coldly before turning back to his father. "They are framed for a crime that they did not do. They came to me, their order all but destroyed, and seeking refuge. I cannot, will not, turn my back on them now after all they had done for Ishgard."

"Isn't she a sellsword though? They are a common enough," Artoirel retorted behind him as he drank a cup of tea at the table, which Haurchefant ignored as well.

"She is far more than a mere sellsword, Father," Haurchefant said firmly, as if his brothers weren't in the room. "It was she who saved both myself and Francel when he was accused of heresy by a false Inquisitor… but far more than that, it was by her hand that the primal Shiva was slain. She and the Scions were responsible for defending the Steps of Faith! She was the key that ended up defeating Gaius Van Baelsar and some half dozen other primals! Ser Aymeric will tell you the exact same thing! And now, during their greatest hour of need, you would have me turn my back on them?"

"Things that she claims she's done," Artoirel added doubtfully. "I've heard more than a few tales about this Warrior of Light. The things spoken about her beggar belief."

"Actually, she doesn't speak much of her own accomplishments, not that she needs to. I assure you that every tale you have heard of her is true," Haurchefant declared before adding to his father, "Please, Father! You are the only one I know who can help her and her fellow Scions."

"Haurchefant, even if what you say is true, I cannot imagine that will endear us to our neighbors, especially with Ul'dah if they have decided she is their enemy. And I fear the last thing that Ishgard needs is to make possible enemies with another nation while we are still at war," Father reminded him.

"But Limsa Lominsa and Gridania are still supporting her and thus would be supporting Ishgard in giving her and the other Scions sanctuary!" Haurchefant reasoned. "Not only that, as of yet, there is no official word out from Ul'dah that she is a public enemy. It seems that Ul'dah's conspirators are keeping that news secret for the time being. There is no proof that she would ever harm those that she had defended time and time again! Even if they did feel the need to declare that she had done so unlikely a crime, the common folk will not accept it! For the Warrior of Light has been their steadfast protector for so long now! More than a few of them would rise up in protest."

On this, he knew he was not exaggerating in the least. His friend was friends with so many across all of Eorzea and was heartened to hear that they were completely upon their side. That was probably why the Ul'dah agents were keeping quiet about Nanamo's murder for the time being because they feared the fall out with the common man. The reason that the Crystal Braves could hunt the Scions with impunity for now was because such news hadn't reached the people. Meaning that if their biggest concern was how the people would react if they accuse Claire outright of such unlikely a crime… it speaks magnitude.

He explained all of this to his father before finishing stubbornly, "We turn our backs on the Scions now, it will be a grave blow to the future of Ishgard."

It may have seemed dramatic, but he was putting his entire heart and soul into pleading their case. Too bad not everyone seemed to believe that as his brothers were looking up with new interest.

"You sure you didn't hit your head or something while you were at Camp Dragonhead?" Artoirel asked cynically.

"Sounds more to me like you're smitten with her," Emmanellain prodded with a waggle of his eyebrows.

"Enough, the both of you," Father said firmly, finally growing tired of listening to their interruptions. "The two of you may leave. I will to speak with Haurchefant about this alone. Now."

His brothers shrugged but didn't complain as they left the room. No one said a word as he watched the door close behind Artoirel, and Father turned to the two stewards who were also there and nodded to them, silently asking for privacy.

When they were gone, leaving just the two of them, Father sighed and turned back to his middle son.

"Now then," he said seriously. "Tell me the whole story from the beginning. If you are asking me to take them in as wards, then I wish to know more about them. So please explain, and without any theatrics, Haurchefant."

Haurchefant then launched into the tale how he first met the Warrior of Light and Master Alphinaud, explaining that they had arrived to Camp Dragonhead with none other than the legendary Cid Garlond to look for their airship. There had been a rosary found in Francel's belongings, having been planted there by a heretic posing as an inquisitor to frame Francel. Claire had warned Francel of these development before bringing a letter from Francel to him, explaining what was happening. Afterwards, he had allowed Claire and the others to stay with him at Camp Dragonhead where she had shown the people there nothing but compassion and helped his people with all manner of tasks, big or small. It didn't matter if it was hunting wild beasts, gathering supplies, or even just running errands… there was nothing that she wouldn't accept to do to help them.

He then went on to talk more about how she had gone out to help Francel when he foolishly tried to slay some dragons to prove their loyalties and then later on helped to save them both when they went to Witchdrop to stop the trial. Haurchefant went on and on what it was like to fight alongside her that day. He could see his Father raising his eyebrows as he looked at him in amusement at his details, like how an artist would talk about his muse…

But he went on to talk about how she and her companions had gone to Whitebrim Front to continue their search for their airship. Where they then went on to expose the Inquisitor's true colors as well as reclaiming the Stone Vigil before taking their airship… which he assured his father that Drillmont will be able to vouch for all of this.

"She truly sounds like one incredible person," Father admitted once he let it all sink in. "I've heard more than my fair share of rumors about her, and Ser Drillmont isn't known to overly-praise…?"

"And I'm not done by a long shot, Father," Haurchefant said with a smile, glad to see that his father was definitely interested in what he was saying. "She is so much more than that! Even after leaving Coerthas, she travelled onwards to defeat Gaius Van Baelsar! She put a stop to him and his monstrous weapon and returned to tell the tale! Can you name a single knight in all of Ishgard who is capable of such achievements?"

"No, I cannot say that I can," Father admitted, thinking it all over as Haurchefant told him then of everything after that, such as the hunting and slaying of heretics who have been attack their caravans, to clearing out Snowcloak, to the frightening experiences of waiting for her to return from her battle with Shiva… to defending the Steps of Faith and being the one to slay one of Nidhogg's most dangerous allies—Vishap.

"Ser Aymeric has also been working to get them access into the city as well," Haurchefant added quickly. "But that will take time… unless you accept them as wards, which could bring to the city proper in only a couple days. I can go on and on about all that the Scions and the Warrior of Light have done for us! I know that if they were allowed into Ishgard, then they will do everything they can to help the people here regardless of station! Young Master Alphinaud may still have a lot to learn when it comes to battle, but I can think of very few who are able to match him when it comes to words. I think he can talk any merchant into making any deal and still end up getting the better end of it! And Miss Tataru is a gentle soul who has helped me get through mountains of paperwork in mere bells! She is no stranger to hard work and they will all more than earn their worth in no time at all."

"Mmm…" Father said as he walked to the fireplace and looked into the flames. Haurchefant watched him, patiently waiting for an answer. At last, father turned back to look at him as he asked, "And no matter what I say, I suspect that you will continue to fight for them?"

"Even if it means coming back here every day and begging for it, then yes," Haurchefant nodded firmly. "They fight for the good of all, never thinking of their own safety! Claire above them all! She is so much more than a warrior, father! She is a dear friend… she is hope incarnate! And I know that she will become as a beacon who will guide the people of Ishgard through the snowstorm!"

"I thought I asked for no dramatics," Father commented, sounding tired.

"I meant every word, Father," Haurchefant smiled simply. "And when you meet her, I know that you will agree. Please, Father… I am begging you for this favor. They are no strangers to hard work and they will be able to accomplish anything that will be asked of them. I know that this is a great risk for our House, but…"

His father held up his hand, his expression still unreadable as he was clearly thinking this all over.

"I know you would not speak so highly of them if it was not true," Father said as he turned back to him. "They do realize that it will not be easy for them. Most of our people here still have a strong distrust of outsiders."

"Just give them a little time and our peers will soon be read of any doubt," Haurchefant said confidently. "And there is something truly special about Claire… I know that Artoirel and Emmanellain could learn a lot from her if given the chance. I know I have."

He went on about this woman who had unexpectedly come into their lives, this bright, shining paragon of virtue, whose very presence drove others to be better than themselves. He truly believed every word he said, that this cherished friend of his was a hero and he didn't give a damn about any of the lies and slander that spoke of her. He had to help her.

Afterwards, he remembered how his father simply stared at him in a silence for a long time as Haurchefant looked back, not backing down. Finally, father turned and promised to give him his answer the next day when he had time to think of it.

*End of Flashback*

'You always were a good man, father,' he thought to himself, truly grateful that he had been able to persuade him into seeing the truth.

He never believed that hope was beyond them.

Even after the calamity and their beautiful Coerthas was reduced to a frozen wilderness, where he had seen the look of despair in plenty of his knight's eyes. But he refused to give in. For despair is something that only those who believe that there is no future anymore and gave up the thought of living through to see it. But no one is in that position… no one knows what the future holds.

So in that sense, there is always hope.

But now it was so nice to see that hope shining through all across the Star. With the threat of the Final Days over, the people were finally free to move on and continue living. It wasn't going to be easy, for the Final Days had left their own scars behind… but the people of this star, and Ishgard in particular, weren't the type to give in without a fight.

They will pick themselves up again and again no matter how many setbacks they faced.

He knew that they would be fine and his family was in good hands.

He watched them as they talked and laughed, still only wishing that he could be there with them in person, but to see them all together like this brought a warm smile to his face.

While it was bittersweet, he was also aware that they were wishing that he could have joined them here as well.

But he has no regrets on how he lived. It all worked out in the end. His brothers were well under way to long and fulfilling lives—though he prayed that Honoroit could keep Emmanellain in line—and he no longer had to fear his father being lone.

'If you love happy endings, I wish you can see many more... though it won't happen if you die on us, so please take care of yourself,' he whispered softly, though aware that they could not hear his words—he hoped that they could sense his feelings from here in the aetherial sea. He appeared behind his dear friend, whispering the words to her directly: 'I'm always trying to protect you, you know? Despite the pain, the suffering, the losses, you've always pushed on, and you need no longer fear having to look back. So keep going forward and embrace whatever life has left to throw at you. Really, you're such an amazing person!'

With one last fond look, he faded from there as he returned to the aetheral sea, ready to help guide those souls who had been lost during the Final Days. Some are beyond saving, from having fallen so deep into despair… but there are still those who have not fully lost themselves to the transformation. Those souls, while damaged, can one day heal… this he believed.

He passed by them, the warmth of his soul just gently brushing by their own and they all seemed to pause in their conversation as they felt it. In fact, his father looked up, as if he heard his name being called, and Haurchefant only smiled along with his dear friend… who seemed to sense his presence there with them.

Now there's the smile that he had been looking for. Not forced or with tear-filled eyes… but a truly happy, contented smile.

It better suited her and he hoped that she would greet the next new dawn with it.

(Come on… how can I not put him in here? He deserves to be part of this as much as anyone and it was only fitting to finish up this story with him watching in the rafters. And so that is the ending of another story, thank you all so much for reading, what can I say, I'm a sucker for sweet family time and this is something I had been thinking of writing for a while, but decided to wait until after Endwalker to attempt it. I think that it all turned out well. As for future stories, I feel that I'm running out of ideas but I do have two stories in mind, one of which was a suggestion and the other is for a gift for a friend. One will be about four chapters long and be involving mostly things that happened in Garlemald while the other is just a quick one chapter which will have some sweet bonding moments. Once those stories are up, I will be taking a break from writing FFXIV stories, at least for a time. I guess it all depends on how well 6.2 and onwards work out. The one chapter will be out before then, and I'll see if I can get the Garlemald story finished before Buried Memories but we'll see. Anyway, thank you all so much for reading, I hoped that you enjoyed this lovely story with our Ishgardian boys, I know that I had a lot of fun putting it together and I'll be seeing you again later on.)