Summary: Rhea returns to her home of Ishgard with Alphinaud, Tataru and Haurchefant. Welcomed by the Count de Fortemps rather warmly, Rhea is held back from giving a tour of the city for a most unexpected reason.
Rhea stared up at the silhouette of the great city of Ishgard once more, its features made distorted by the fierce blizzard barraging the bridge leading to the main gate. The wind blew relentlessly as snow hammered their faces, causing her companions to lift their arms to ward against the onslaught.
The Warrior of Light, however, didn't try to block the wind and snow from lashing at her as her hair whipped this way and that. It was bracing, a sharp reminder that this homecoming was not going to be an easy one, nor like how she had planned she'd return home when she had left. She needed the reminder that while there were warm souls within her walls - such as her knight, her father, her twin, the Count de Fortemps and the Lord Commander - there were those with more ice in their hearts than the ice wall of the Western Highlands. Her time away had done much to make her strain and fight against her beliefs of the status quo of their society. Things she had never questioned before now railed against new beliefs and new perspectives.
The girl who had left nearly a year ago was not the woman who was returning now.
What would her father think of the changes within her? What about her twin?
She missed them dearly and though she knew visiting the Count de Fortemps was the priority, she couldn't wait to go home and see her family once business was concluded. Even her mother she had missed, to a degree, and she was excited to see her youngest sibling, Jean. He was nearly twelve years her younger and she had been quite the doting older sister to him before she left. Now nine winters old and, at least when she had left he seemed he would be more like Rhea and her father than Philippe and their mother - a point of pride for Rhea, if she was honest. Even that young though, he had his eyes set not on adventuring beyond Ishgard but in taking that passion for adventure and thrusting himself fully into training to become a Temple Knight. Thinking on it, Rhea realized by then that we would likely already be a squire, undoubtedly. Especially with the war, Ishgard felt one was never too young to start their training to serve the Holy See.
Wincing as a particularly icy gale slashed across her face, Rhea pulled herself from her thoughts as she and the refugee Scions pushed forth, the great gate barring the city proper rising to welcome them.
The Lady Rhea de Baphineaux was home.
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Rhea had hoped, coming home, to see the city as unchanged as she had left it, but that had been a fool's dream. She had known a toll had been taken on the city with the assaults by the Horde but to truly see the devastation with her own eyes broke her heart anew. Rubble was still strewn along the streets, buildings within the gates of Ishgard, the district known as Foundation, half destroyed. The faces of those she could see wandering about looked as soul worn, weary and miserable as she had felt the night before, after escaping Ul'dah.
She also noticed the glares they received, from children and adults alike, though those looks were more directed at Tataru than Alphinaud or herself. Elezen and Hyur were commonplace in Ishgard, the other races were not so well known - especially since the closing of the borders. Placing herself between the glares directed at her friend, she gave a stern look to them in return. Glare at her, you glare at me. Even if they didn't know who she was, she was dressed as a noblewoman and that was enough for them to look the other way - mostly. Some dared to continue to challenge them and she let them.
Let them stare. They were wont to believe whatever they had already set their minds to.
In short order, they were greeted by the manservant Haurchefant had mentioned and were escorted through the streets and up into the Pillars district where the upper echelons of Ishgardian society resided. There, the damage was far less than further down in the city and though it was a relief, she also knew why and it was no less upsetting that seeing the destruction below for herself. The nobles were afforded privileges the common folk were not - in particular, increased defenses to protect against assault and invasion.
Before she had left she had known of the painful gap between the highborn and lowborn. It hadn't been until she was away from the class system that she realized how atrocious it was. Had she really once lived among the privileged while allowing herself to be blind to the risks and plights of those not of noble blood? To say she was ashamed of herself did not do how she felt justice.
When her eyes set on Haurchefant, waiting outside the Fortemps Manor for them, she let her thoughts sink to the background and she readied herself for what was to come, welcoming the reassuring smile and warmth radiating from her secret lover.
"The Warrior of Light and her brave companions, walking the streets of Ishgard at last! What a glorious sight!" the silver-haired knight beamed at them as they arrived, "I cannot tell you how long I have waited for this day. Allow me to present to you my family home: Fortemps Manor! I should like nothing more than to show you around, but everyone is gathered to receive you." His eyes looked at Rhea and the smile he boasted was infectious, bolstering her own mood and helping her get into the proper mindset for meeting the Count. "Come, my friends! Introductions must be made!"
With a nod by all, they entered into the Manor.
Opulent did not do the manor justice, though unlike the Dzemael manor she had been to visit, this was of a more quiet and cozy feel. It gave a warmth where few other noble houses did and it was inviting, to say the least. Being escorted into the parlor, Rhea and her companions were greeted by the sight of the Count de Fortemps with, she assumed, his two legitimate sons standing back and to his left. The taller and older one was no doubt the heir. The both of them looked like the quintessential noblemen she had spent her life being raised around, insulting of a thought as that was. The eldest seemed haughty, rigid and far too reserved - as most Ishgardians were. The youngest looked like a fop and dandy with nary a thought in his head of import.
Rhea chastised herself as they came to stand before the trio of lords. She was letting old habits of her life here already begin to snake in, letting her narrow-minded Ishgardian judgement and a lifetime of being paraded before men like them hinder her from giving them credit they deserved. They were, if nothing else, the children of the Count and the half-brothers to the man she loved. To think so sourly without even a word spoken between them was unfair and did them, the Count and her Haurchefant a grave disservice. In truth, she knew nothing about them. What little her and Haurchefant had spoken of his family, mainly pillow talk that very morning, had consisted of her learning that the Count and his illegitimate child were not the closest of fathers and sons.
Her silver eyes moved from the sons to land upon the Count, who stood regal and poised as ever, his blue eyes - so akin to Haurchefant's eyes - greeting them warmly as he leaned on his ornate cane. When his gaze landed on her, she felt the weight of his years and experience, as well as his respect before a single word was uttered. Already she liked him.
"My lord, I have returned with the Scions," Haurchefant announced, his posture straight and proud as he addressed his father, then stepped back and to the side of their party. She noticed he'd taken a place on the opposite side of her beside Tataru and she was glad for it. Every little thing to keep anyone, especially his family, from seeing even subtle things they did not know they were betraying was vital. He knew how risky them being together was, at least at this time, and, by a mercy, he had spent as much of his life navigating the social politics of their society as she had. It had been a smart move and one Rhea approved of.
"I hope your journey was not too taxing," the older man across from them spoke, his voice refined and assured. It was clear that when he spoke, people listened. Yet there was a warmth in his gaze that showed his words, while formal and proper, were genuinely met. It was refreshing and a rather pleasant way to have her return greeted by. "I, Count Edmont de Fortemps, do bid you welcome. As wards of House Fortemps, you shall be afforded every courtesy. My home is your home."
Rhea sank into a deep, respectful curtsy as Alphinaud stepped forward and bowed his head in respect to the Count, "My companions and I are deeply honored, Count Fortemps."
"The honor is mine, Master Alphinaud. Consider it an expression of our gratitude for your service to Ishgard," the Count replied with a warm and diplomatic smile then gave them a bow of respect in return. It was surprising, to say the least, for both Rhea and Alphinaud. There were very few people who were higher up in Ishgardian Society than the Count and for him to bow to them was a staggering honor. It had not been a mere nod of acknowledgement but a proper bow of respect. Rhea had never thought she'd ever be bowed to by someone so prestigious and high ranking as him.
"Forgive me, my lord, but...are you not concerned? To accept foreign guests at such a juncture - especially ones with our...reputation…" Alphinaud asked, putting voice to the thoughts Rhea shared. She was glad for him to have brought it up. She didn't want the Count to think she was talking specifically about her concerns regarding him taking in a vassal of House Dzemael as an official ward of House Fortemps. Her concerns, while present in that arena, were more for her companions. Foreigners were not as welcome in Ishgard as they once had been.
"Do not worry yourself on my account. 'Tis true that Ishgard's first thought has ever been the war effort, hence the closing of our borders...yet it is in troubled times most of all that men should seek allies, don't you think?" The Count turned his head to his sons at his side and they nodded in agreement before his sapphire eyes looked to Rhea. The weight of his gaze conveyed that, though they had not been voiced yet, he knew her own worries regarding House Dzemael. Ever the diplomat, he added, "Granted, my decision will have raised eyebrows in the Vault and in the halls of the other High Houses. But so long as you continue with your altruistic endeavors, I doubt my honored peers will feel moved to voice their concerns." It was a subtle warning to her that feathers were certainly going to be ruffled but if handled carefully by all, it would not cause any severe strife.
"Then there is naught to fear. Though our numbers are much reduced, we are no less determined to carry on our work," Alphinaud said confidently, standing up just a touch straighter.
"Full glad am I to hear it. Ah, but before you return to your labors, why not take a tour of the city? You would do well, I think, to acquaint yourselves with your new surroundings. After all, you may be here for some time," the Count suggested, understanding in his words that their situation would not be quickly resolved, but also informing them that they would be welcome no matter how long it took.
Alphinaud looked up to Rhea, "Though our friends in House Fortemps have been generous enough to extend us their protection, we must take care not to impose too much on their hospitality. It is only proper that we learn about our new home, so that we might become more self-sufficient."
"It'll take a while to learn the lay of the land, but learn it we must. Then there's the markets and taverns - we'll need to know where to shop and where to hear small talk!" Tataru piped up, excited to begin their exploration of the city. Rhea was actually looking forward to showing her friends her home.
"'Twould seem a tour of the city is indeed in order," Alphinaud said, then addressed the Count, "I thank you for your counsel, my lord. My companions and I shall of course do as you suggest."
"Very good. Then my manservant shall accompany you. He will be able to answer any questions you might have. Ah, but I grow forgetful in my dotage - there is something I must give you ere we part," the Count Edmont de Fortemps said before looking to his manservant, "Their documentation is in order, I trust?"
The manservant bowed and nodded, proffering three envelopes from his coat, "Yes, my lord."
Stepping over to the three of them, he handed them each an envelope. Rhea knew what they were but she let their honored host explain it to her friends. "Those documents identify you as wards of House Fortemps. Given that our borders have remained closed for decades, many of my countrymen are unaccustomed to treating with foreigners. Should anyone happen to question your presence here, it may prove necessary to remind them that you remain under the protection of House Fortemps. But let us hope it shall not come to that," the Count said with a nod to them.
"Rest assured that we shall do our utmost to avoid any situation which might compel us to invoke your name. Rhea, Tataru - the city awaits!" Alphinaud said brightly to his companions.
"Actually, Master Alphinaud, I am afraid you will have to take your tour of our fair city without the company of Lady Baphineaux," the Count interjected, halting them from departing. His eyes moved to Rhea, "My lady, when we knew when you would be arriving back in the city, I took the liberty to reach out to your family on your behalf and inform them of your return. They were most eager to see you and await you now in the drawing room. I pray you will accept my apologies at the impertinence of calling upon them without your consent but recent events here made me feel that arranging a reunion post-haste would be more suited."
Her family was there? In the manor? Only a momentary flicker of surprise crossed her gaze before excitement filled them - excitement which faded when the words, and tone, the Count used near the end sank in. Something with the way he had spoken left her feeling ill at ease.
Something had happened.
Still, ever the courtier and a once-shining debutante of the ton, Rhea dipped her head in courtesy to the Count, showing she took no offense to his forwardness, "My lord does me a great honor by seeing to such matters himself. Thank you, Count Edmont. Full glad am I to hear my family is as excited to see me as I am of them. It has been far too long since I've beheld them and my heart yearns for the reunion." Rhea looked to Alphinaud and Tataru then, Haurchefant ever remaining silent yet a warm, soothing presence behind them. "Looks like you'll have to go without me. Don't worry though, you'll be taken good care of. I'm excited to see what you think of Ishgard when you return."
Alphinaud and Tataru smiled, giving a respectful bow and curtsy to the Count before the valet stepped up to Rhea, "This way, my lady. I shall escort you to the drawing room."
With a nod to him, she smiled over to the Count and his sons before turning and making way to follow the older elezen. As she turned, her gaze caught Haurchefant's and she gave him a similar smile as she had his father and brothers before disappearing out into the main hall of the Manor.
Her heart fluttered in her chest at the thought of seeing her father and brothers again, even her mother, though she couldn't help feeling a pang of anxiety at the way the Count had spoken. It was clear something had happened, she only prayed it wasn't something major.
Escorted as she was to the drawing room, Rhea took a breath then nodded to the valet as the doors opened and he announced her arrival.
Inspirational Soundtrack Song: Coming Home, Pt. II - Skylar Grey