Chapter 2: (Emmanellain)
"The future holds so much promise. So much joy. We need only show them the way."
- Lord Emmanellain de Fortemps of Ishgard
Emmanellain had just hung up the linkpearl after being told by his stick-in-the-mud brother to remain in Sharlayan for a little longer before he was able to finish his cup of coffee. He had to admit, the food here at the Last Stand was the one saving grace this entire city had when it came to good food. He couldn't imagine how the people here could stomach such blandness all day long. Enjoying a flavorsome meal is one of the greatest pleasures of life and it's almost heart-breaking how they don't appreciate that.
Regardless, he had to admit that this city was breath-taking and he couldn't stop himself from admiring every part of it.
He eyes suddenly strayed over to a pair of pretty Elezen girls who were sitting at a nearby table with tea and several books as they happily discussed in something they were reading.
Yes, he could get used to spending some time around this city.
Everywhere he went, everyone was talking about the Scions and how they saved them from the Final Days. Many were picking up the pen and were now attempting to write down such an experience of the return of the Ragnarok. Some were even talking about getting their works published or stored inside the library…? And he even earned a laugh when he heard of how many people were fascinated by Claire, trying to learn about her.
His father's memoirs, Heavensward, had even made it here overseas was now being shared all over Sharlayan and the people were just gobbling it all up. Even more so when word got out that one of the Former Count's sons was actually here in the city with them. He had been flocked by people, asking if what they read was what really happened with the Warrior of Light during the Dragonsong War.
He couldn't help but confirm that it was all true, and that she was every bit as impressive as the stories state. He was sure she would be too shy and trying to downplay her roles in saving Ishgard, and indeed the whole world, but someone needed to be straight with the people.
It was the best that he could do anyway since no one knew how their hero's condition was outside of the Scions.
Early that morning he had been wandering about inside the Rostra halls with Sicard and the beast tribe leaders as the other Scions were granted an audience with the Forum. They did so that they could explain in more detail everything that happened to them while out there at the edge of the universe.
"From what she told us, Meteion has been finished and is no longer a threat," Y'shtola called out to them all. "While at the same time, the threat of Zenos has also been dealt with."
"But why would Zenos have agree to help her?" some called out in amazement.
"Who can say what went on inside his head?" Thancred shrugged. "He had his own reasons, that much is all I can say. I don't think I want to know how his train of logic went to be honest. The point is that you all have a basic concept of what happened."
"But how were you all able to lend your aid to her even though you were so far away?" another one of the Forum called. "It sounds like there was some kind of magical connection that allowed you to reach out and protect her?"
"Be that a fair question, we cannot give a clear answer other than one," Urianger spoke up solemnly. "But that 'twas our desire to lend her any aid that allowed us to connect with that vast energy that we hath only begun to study. Dynamis."
"Yes, I predict that Dynamis, or Akasa, will become a new subject of study here in Sharlayan," Y'shtola called as Emmanellain tried to grasp what he was hearing but to be honest most of it was going directly over his head. "As we now know there are two forms of energy out there. One of which is pure aether, which we are all very familiar with. But the second is the form of Dynamis. A form of energy that, for lack of a better way to put it, is influenced by emotions. 'Twas this very thing that caused the dreaded transformations and the skies above us to burn. The spread of ultimate despair among the people… which was the key to triggering the Final Days."
Other voice spoke up, questions were now being asked by so many as they discussed these exciting news with each other.
Y'shtola held up her hands, gaining their attention, and called out, "Now I know you all have many questions and I promise that we Scions will do our best to report all that we have experienced in the upcoming days. For now, I ask that we put this all to the side as we focus on helping the world to recover from the Final Days."
"But the Warrior of Light is supposed to have a true affinity with interacting with Dynamis, does she not?" another called out. "We must ask for her account as well and…?"
"Oh, no you will not!" Alisaie shouted out protectively and looked ready to hit the Forum member over the head with her rapier until her brother placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her down.
With a poise that even Ser Aymeric would envy, Alphinaud cleared his throat and called, "I understand that everyone is eager to learn more. And like Y'shtola said, we are here to inform you the basic idea of what befell to us while in Ultima Thule. I am certain that this city will continue to study and learn of such a mysterious force… however we cannot allow you to question our friend until she is recovered and no sooner."
"He is right," the one called G'raha Tia added firmly. "The reason we agreed to do so today was so that you will not have to bother our friend while she heals. We are aware that a couple scholars have attempted to sneak in so that they could question her."
There were some rather awkward clearing of throats at that remark.
"We hardly need remind thee that this city has a passion for knowledge and information, which we admire," Urianger spoke up as well. "Thankfully, no harm has been down thanks to our capable secretary turning them away at the door. But on this, we must insist that none is to bother our friend. She has gone through much and more on our behalf and I speak for all of the Scions when I doth say that we will not stand by and allow any to interrogate her while she is in this city's care."
"Should she make a full recovery and wish to disclose information at a later date, is her decision," Y'shtola added. "But until then, you will have to make do with what we have granted you. Much and more will have to be done in the days ahead and I think that it's better that we use our energy for something much more worthwhile than bothering the hero who granted us this respite at the near cost of her life."
Emmanellain was both impressed and somewhat afraid of the Scions at this point with how strong their stance was on this. They were pressed on all sides, but they would not yield information on Claire's condition other than that she was out of danger for the moment. They merely told them to direct any other questions towards Master Forchenault before they gathered to leave the hall.
But Emmanellain was still thinking about all that they said.
To think that emotions were so powerful that they could have such an impact on the world? That was something that he never gave any thought of before.
Then again, emotions did seem to have a power of their own when they were strong enough. Such as the day at Falcon's Nest when… when he really screwed up. It had been because of him that Honoroit had gotten hurt and when he discovered this he could only feel panic and anger rising inside of him.
He remembered the look of anger upon Claire's face when he asked them what he should have done; how she took a step towards him with her fist clenched. He remembered how good it felt to see her angry… to make her feel a tiny bit of the shame and disappointment he constantly felt on a daily basis.
But then her friend Thancred stepped in before she said or did anything.
"Stop looking to others. You make your choice and you live with the consequences."
How would he understand? How could he know how to do anything when he was one of the Scions? Everyone knew the Scions, knew them to be made of heroes and great leaders of men. He couldn't hope to ever see things from his point of view when they were free to do whatever they wanted.
Hearing his calm and emotionless words were enough to ignite a fury within Emmanellain and he struck out, giving him a hard punch to the face as he demanded to know how he could understand what was going on inside his head.
But Thancred's eyes took on a dead and empty look that honestly sent a pang of fear through him before he felt a terrible pain collide with his face. Thancred had punched him back and left him on the cold stone as he snarled out:
"You know nothing about me. I have fought tooth and nail for the people I hold dear—done everything in my power to save them… and I have failed. Learn to live with it. I have."
Emmanellain didn't move from there for a few minutes as he let that all sink in. He barely felt the cold, hard stones beneath him, barely heard the harsh winds blowing about as another snowstorm was threatening to appear.
Claire didn't say a word to him as she soon left as well, entrusting him to carry Honoroit back to the manor where he could receive proper treatment. He was just so relieved to hear that he would be just fine, but his mind wouldn't let him rest. He went for a long walk, trying to figure out where he should go from here and what to do.
He had always followed the path that everyone else had set out for him. That was easy to be able to do… but now everything about Ishgard was changing. Changing in ways that frightened him since one would have a hard time recognizing the same city. For the first time, he really began to question his life and just where he was going.
Thancred's words rang inside his head as he felt the swollen side of his cheek from where he was hit. He only wanted to stop that woman from threatening to cause a riot to their promise of peace… he hadn't meant for it to get so far out of hand. That idiot knight shouldn't have shot at her…? But it wasn't like he had told him what else to do. Just yelled out for her to be stopped. Looking at it from that point, perhaps he should have guessed that this would happen?
Didn't they all wish for the end of the war? Why were they all so hungry for more violence? They were so close to finding peace between the dragons but now their own people were turning against them and attempting to sabotage all they worked and sacrificed for.
He just didn't understand.
He hadn't expected to see the Warrior of Light again so soon after she left with her friend; but she tracked him down while he was sulking about the Jeweled Crozier. His words were biting when he saw her, commenting how he wasn't surprised that his father had signed him up for this Grand Melee.
She was not impressed with his words.
"You aren't making it easy to feel bad for you," she responded coldly.
He remembered the icy look in her eyes as she glared at him and he looked away as shame filled him. But she didn't understand either, how could she? She was free to go and do whatever she wanted. Be the person she wants to be. Whereas he had been born a son of House Fortemps. His future had been decided even before he was brought into this world. And even then, he was not here to succeed his father. He was the second born… his brother was always meant to take over as the head of the family. He was… backup.
But with everything that he once knew now in tatters around him, others stepping up to take on the challenge of leading the people into the future, he could not bring himself to take that step. He supposed that he could just meekly accept his father's decision and just continue on doing whatever he was ordered to do… but that wasn't going to fix the problem in the future. He needed to stop hiding like a child behind his father's shadow… needed to grow up and start to make up his own mind. This couldn't continue like this anymore. He couldn't just accept father's decision without first speaking with Ser Aymeric and hearing his thoughts on the matter.
He was terrified of making the wrong choices and so he let others make them for him. That way, should it all go wrong, it would be all too easy to point the finger to the leader to blame.
But that day, he had given the careless command which threatened to put an end to their peace conference before it even started. As such, there was no one else for him to blame for the consequences of his actions. He didn't realize just how greatly his decisions would impact others, such as young Honoroit, who had merely wanted to convince the people not to leave and they attacked him out of anger. When he saw his young friend beaten and left on the cold stone, he wanted to scream out in rage and break something until the ones responsible paid for their actions.
While he was walking the streets afterwards, giving him time to calm down and think, he realized he could yell and curse the heavens all he wanted to, but the fact is that he was the one in charge there—however briefly—and he was the one who had to deal with the fallout.
That was why he needed to understand, needed to know what gave people like Ser Aymeric the strength to continue forward even when it felt like everything was crumbling around them.
Ser Aymeric had always been good friends with Haurchefant ever since he was young. Perhaps it was because of how similar the two of them were… but Emmanellain had always admired and looked up to Ser Aymeric's view of the world. His courage in the face of such uncertainty was also inspiring and he couldn't help but admire him while he was left with the most difficult job of guiding the people through such hard times.
He needed to know what his secret was.
The answer was not one that he had been expecting though.
"I have faith in the people, Lord Emmanellain. I have faith that they will weather this storm, and overcome every trial set before them."
Was it that simple? Faith that their people could continue onwards?
It… it was inspiring to hear such words, such confidence that Ser Aymeric had in their people and Emmanellain felt a tiny flame of something he never felt before rise up inside him. He wanted to believe, he truly did, but after all that he had seen—especially after what happened at Falcon's Nest—with all the anger that still festered within the people's hearts, he wasn't sure if Ishgard could take that next step forward.
He had to find out though. And so he humbly begged to be allowed to join the Grand Melee. He wasn't sure how, but he just knew that he would find the answers he so desperately sought for there on the battlefield.
It was the first time that he ever made up his own mind on what he wanted. Even his father was surprised to hear such earnest words coming out of his mouth. He had ignored father though as he kept his eyes focused upon Ser Aymeric, hoping that he could sense the sincerity in his voice. He had to fight the smile coming to his mouth when he saw the Lord Commander smile back, thus agreeing to his request.
He had been prepared to go out and fight, to show people that he was capable of… he didn't know what, but he was ready to show that he wasn't just the useless son of House Fortemps. At least, he was trying hard to prove that to himself as well as to everyone else.
But when Ser Aymeric then turned to their Warrior of Light, and requested her presence in the Melee as well, he was actually taken by surprise himself. Just hearing her name was enough to turn the tide of any battle and Emmanellain could feel his own spirits rise at such a thought to have her fighting with them. But when she agreed, he felt excitement welling up inside him at such a thought. He would even joke about it later on with Thancred on how it looked like it might be love with how Ser Aymeric looked at the Warrior of Light.
He fought on that day to the best that he could, even though every part of his body was mentally screaming at him to make a break for it. Ignoring those nasty thoughts in the back of his head, he pressed on, determined to show everyone wrong.
He liked to think that he held his own out there; though all he could think of was the showdown between Claire and Raubahn. It was breathtaking to see the two strongest warriors upon the field clashed with another from within a ring of fire. He remembered how scared he had felt at the sight of it all and wondered how anyone could stand to be within such a terrifying image.
But no, the two of them not only continued to face off, he heard the laughter, saw the grins on their faces as they clashed. They were enjoying themselves. This wasn't a fight to the death, but rather a fight for the pure enjoyment of it. The joy of facing against a strong enough foe without the fear of death. He had never seen anything as amazing as that moment.
And when the fires died down so that she was still standing while Raubahn, the Bull of Ala Mhigo, on his knees…? Never had he felt such admiration for another person. Despite the odds, despite everything else that stood in front of them, it was possible for mankind to overcome any hardship. He saw this in both Ser Aymeric and the Warrior of Light… and his awe just continued to grow.
He could see what mankind was capable of. He could still recall how his lungs burned and his body ached from the battle… but he could never recall a moment he felt more alive.
He could see that after all that their people had been through in the last thousand years, through all the hardships and suffering, that was what made them strong. While it wasn't going to be easy, it was possible for them to be able to face this new challenge of finding common ground with the Dravanians and experience true peace. That day he truly believed that there were no impossibilities anymore… their futures were all filled with so much bright potential to do just about… well, anything!
One of the first things that he did when he got back into the city and was greeted by Honoroit, he excitedly told him everything that he had seen and felt. How they were all going to be ok in the end! Honoroit just stared at him as if he didn't recognize him but Emmanellain didn't care. He had never felt more optimistic for the future.
He was grinning at the thought as he leaned back in his chair as he waved a hand at one of the waiters and called for another cup of coffee… and a little wine.
*Several Days Later*
It wasn't until the morning of the third day when he was finally allowed a chance to see Claire and confirm how her recovery was progressing. It had been the first time he had seen her since her triumphant return and already she looked better than she had before. When she got off the Ragnarok, she looked like she already had one foot over the threshold of death's door; though she was far from fully healed at this point. She was very pale from all the blood she lost and the trauma of her injuries left her very stiff and having difficulties moving about.
But she was alive, which he was relieved to be able to pass this news on to the others when he left.
She didn't seem to be in the mood to talk; so he pretty much went into a long rant, complaining about Artoirel and how deplorable it was that a city considered the nation of learning was so far behind when it came to food. It was a tragedy in his eyes.
Anyways, he told her about some of the sightings of blasphemies wandering about Coerthas and how he planned to return after speaking with her to deliver all that he was able to learn of them. But as he talked, he saw how her eyes widened in shock, staring at him as if she had never seen him before.
He could not think of ever seeing her so startled.
"What?" he asked, wondering what he had said to cause such a startling reaction?
"What did you call me?" she asked slowly and he had to strain his memory to think that over. All that he said was: "I told brother dearest that he needs to make up his mind. Does he want us to check up on our little sister's health or does he want his report? I can't do both at the same time."
What that what was bothering her?
"What? Little sister? Yes, you heard right. You're like family now, why's that a surprise?" he said as if it was obvious, and she just continued to stare at him like she didn't understand a word of what was being spoken and he sighed.
He then reminded her, "The first order that Artoirel gave to the servants after he was appointed as Count was to always welcome you home as a member of the household. Besides, turns out that the order to stay here longer wasn't just my brother's idea. Father demanded it as well. Artoirel was telling me what father said when he heard that you had been hurt. Father's words were, and I quote: 'Make sure that my daughter is recovering well before returning or I shall be cross.' And trust me, you do not want to make father cross. But yes, as your elder brother now… it is my job to make sure that you are looked after so I do take that seriously."
At last, color flushed back to her face as she looked away, a faint smile of happiness appearing with bright eyes looking a bit watery. Not that he was paying too close attention, for he would have to be on his way soon and…?
Oh seven hells!
He looked to the clock on the wall and realized that he talked so much that he almost forgotten about the time. If he didn't leave now then he would be stuck here for another day! He leapt to his feet but he made sure to grab her hand in his own before promising, "Now, you need not fear reassuring everyone back in Ishgard that you are doing well. I shall be more than happy to do that in your place! In fact, I think that they want to plan a grand celebration at the manor when you are feeling up to it. Truly, you have not lived properly unless you are at an Ishgardian celebration. Why, namedays alone are considered among special events! You know, I never thought to ask, when is yours? I'm sure that father would love to dote upon you when it next rolls around. Despite that you are now the youngest, you have become his favorite."
"I… ah… don't celebrate my nameday," she confessed quietly.
What? Why would anyone not want to celebrate their nameday? Sure, he could understand why someone would hate to be reminded of their age if they were older, but she was so young?
No, they would have to fix that.
"What? Well, that certainly will not do," he said with a gasp. "No need to worry! We shall plan something truly marvelous when it next comes around."
He gave her a friendly salute before adding, "Now then, you be good and take care of yourself! We shall look forward to celebrating with you when we get the chance!"
He waved once more and skipped out the door, glad to finally be heading home, and if he was lucky, he should be home in time for dinner. He could taste the wine and the stews right now! Mayhaps to distract himself so that his mouth didn't continue to water, he jogged back down towards the docks, able to leap up on board the right ship just as the final call was going out. He let out an energetic breath, stretching out on the deck as he enjoyed the sunshine and salty smell of the water as the ship began to pull away from the harbor. Sicard—who left several days ago, just couldn't handle the cold weather here. Cold? Hah! He considered this cold? This was nothing! This was positively balmy in comparison to the Sea of Clouds or Ishgard!
He could just grin proudly at that before he decided to go ahead and give his brother a call on the old linkpearl.
Artoirel was surprised to hear him, but immediately asked about both the report and how Claire's condition was.
"Yes, yes… she's very much alive and I just finished speaking with her," he informed his brother with a classic eye roll. "She's doing well at the moment but like I said before, it will be some time before she's allowed to leave Sharlayan. But they promise that there won't be any lasting damage. Not only that, but I almost finished the report that you are so anxious about."
"Well done, little brother," Artoirel stated, sounding impressed against his will. "I guess that you getting out of Ishgard from time to time is doing you some good. Keep this up and I will recommend you for more assignments in the future."
"Ha ha… ha…?" Emmanellain laughed before realizing what he said and his chuckles faded. "You mean… to be able to meet and greet people or…?"
"Sure… in a matter of speaking," Artoirel stated slowly and Emmanellain groaned. Why did his big brother have to be such a smug pain in the arse?
"Anyways, thank you for letting me know, everyone was worried sick," Artoirel informed him. "I'll also be sure to tell father that you will be arriving after confirming everything else. You can leave the report directly with the Temple Knights as soon as you get back. I'll be sure to inform Ser Aymeric that it will be here and to expect it."
"Good, now that we got all that out of the way, we should be planning a nameday party for our little sister when next she shows up," he decided.
"Wait, what? It's her nameday?" Artoirel cried out in shock.
"Well, no, but when I asked her about it, she said that she doesn't celebrate her nameday and that is just a sad and depressing thing no matter how you look at it," he answered. "Besides, we could all use a celebration right now! This is just the perfect excuse!"
"I… I guess. I got to say that I wasn't expecting that today. But when is it?" Artoirel asked and Emmanellain froze when he realized his mistake.
"Oh…" he paused, clearing his throat a little. "I ah…? I was so excited that… I forgot to ask…?"
He heard Artoirel sigh on the other end.
"In that case, we can plan for it another day," he said. "I have a feeling that she wouldn't want to have some big, fancy party or anything like that. But a small dinner party might not go amiss."
"Very well! I shall be looking forward to it all when next she visits!" Emmanellain laughed.
"She's not even out of her sickbed yet so wait for once in your life!" Artoirel called back. "We don't even know when she will next be able to visit anyway and…?"
But Emmanellain already hung up, a big grin on his face as he looked up to the clear blue sky and savored the rare feeling of warm sun on his skin.
"The future has never looked brighter, old girl," he said happily as he watched a pair of seagulls drift over the waves and flew off towards the horizon, to where…? Who knows? "We're all still alive and it would be a shame to waste even a moment of it!"
He couldn't wait to tell Honoroit all that he saw.
(He may be the cringeist character of all time but he does have a nice side. If nothing else he presents to us some humor and we could always use a bit more of that. So that now that both brothers are done, let's head onto the next of our Ishgardian boys. Please look forward to it. :)