Chapter 5: (Edmont)
"You will always have a place here. For you are family. Now, go! Do not let me keep you from your labors. The world waits for none—not even you."
- Lord Edmont de Fortemps of Ishgard
Lord Edmont de Fortemps was busy with overlooking a few proposals for projects from all manner of people across Ishgard. Many of them piqued his interest, and he was eager to hear more, but he had to remind himself to exercise a little restraint. After all, Ishgard wasn't built in a day and he couldn't be expected to magically fix everyone's problems no matter how he wished to.
So, instead he began to shift the many different proposals into various piles, choosing those that he felt deserved the most attention to be looked at more closely to others that he felt could afford to wait a bit longer.
He knew that with the successful completion of the school for their future airship pilots was just the start, and was eager to see what else they could begin working on as soon as possible. Lord Charlemend had been more than eager to discuss the work they've been doing at Ser Vaindreau's Grace, and seeing how eagerly the Count of House Durendaire has been taken to working as a simple Aid these days was truly inspiring… and oddly fitting for him as well.
His eyes had trailed over several more potential projects—trying to find one petition in particular.
It only made sense that he be beseeched on all sides for contributions though. Ever since he had his memoirs published, the gil he received from the many sales was a true embarrassment of riches one would say. Rather than keep it all for himself and know he would never be able to spend it all within this lifetime however, he decided to invest it in these projects to help improve the lives of his fellow Ishgardians. With his eldest having taken over the role of Count, he normally would be the one to make the final decision on such projects, but Artoirel had reassured him that he trusted his father's judgement and this was all his money anyway, and so he was free to do as he saw fit.
Edmont chuckled slightly to himself, so proud of how well his son was settling in with his new role as Count.
Ah, here it is… the proposal of building a full school where both highborn and lowborn would be attending together seemed like a wonderful idea to get them to meet and interact. Most children were either homeschooled or go to small education centers, such as the one that was recently set up in the Firmament, but this would help many of those highborn children really begin to learn more of a wider world. Not only that, but also provide many wonderful opportunities for some children that may not have otherwise been able to afford.
He would be sure to discuss this with Lord Charlemand when he next saw him before he set all the promising proposals aside and stretched out tiredly with a yawn. He looked to the chronometer in the corner and was surprised to see that it was already noon and he stood up, planning to stretch his legs for some exercise after he remained at his desk since early this morning.
He merely waved off the worry of some of the servants, promising to be home later tonight and reassured them that he would be just fine. Things have been so peaceful since many former knights that had returned from the front lines took up positions as guards around the city, so the streets were much safer nowadays than ever before. And these knights were also enjoying the more relaxed lifestyle now that they didn't need to worry about facing death out in the wilds as they once did.
He made sure to bundle up his coat before stepping outside and breathed in the brisk air as he headed down the street, planning on heading straight off to the Firmament today. As he passed by the Hoplon, he heard the shouts of laughter and glanced below him to see a group of children all racing each other in the streets. He paused there and watched happily for a moment before one of the children, a boy with silver hair, caught his eye. He was fast, grinning from ear-to-ear, as he outran all of his friends and made it to the nearest building—which was clearly serving as their finish line.
He watched as the boy laughed and cheered on the rest of his friends when he stopped, waving at them to join him… the image brought to mind of another young boy Edmont used to watch…?
"Come! Have at thee! For the glory of House Fortemps!"
The image took his breath away as he could still remember when his son would swing his wooden sword with reckless abandon against the makeshift practice dummies that he set up in the training yard. Once, when Edmont saw him continuing to come at dummy before backing away, he asked his son what he was doing.
Haurchefant turned to him and said, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world, "I'm practicing, father! One day I will become a knight! So I need to practice now!"
Edmont blinked and he was suddenly back to the present and the children had all reached their friend. He was too far away to hear what they were saying, but it seemed like they were eager to begin a new game and all went hurrying off with smiles that could be seen even from here. He watched them go a little forlornly before he continued on his way down the steps while older memories that he thought he had forgotten came back.
He knew that he wasn't always the perfect partner.
He knew that his duties as Count often caused him to neglect his duties as a husband. Which, in turn, caused his wife, the late Countess, to become cold to him. And that, in time, led to him developing feelings for another…?
He honestly didn't mean to make such a mess of things, and he did try his best to step up to become a better father to his sons… not that it justifies the mistakes on both sides. When Haurchefant's mother died, he couldn't just abandon the boy to the cold and insisted upon taking him in, much to the Countess's chagrin.
Nothing he said could ever pacify her. She had hated having Haurchefant around and made that well-known whenever she had the chance. He remembered how glad that he was when Haurchefant became such good friends with Francel, for he didn't need to fear him being alone… but the arguments between his son and wife grew more and more common the older that Haurchefant got and more often than not he would run off to spend the night with Francel at the Haillenarte manor. Edmont wouldn't have minded if she took her anger out on him if she could just spare his son her ire. Once when he told her to stop such treatment of him, she yelled out instead, "He looks just like her! How can I ever look at him and not see that you loved another woman?!"
He sighed as he ran a hand over his face and knew that he was not a perfect man. He made many mistakes, but the fact was that despite all that happened, he did love his children with all his heart and soul. And so, when Haurchefant was old enough to join the Temple Knights as a squire, he felt true fear grip his heart.
It was true that squires often lived at the Temple Knight headquarters, something that Haurchefant probably thought as one of the most tempting things about joining at such an early age… but he would first need to be granted permission to become a knight for House Fortemps.
Edmont had been preparing himself for the day that his son would beg to join the knights, but that did little to sway the anxiety he felt when he thought of any of his sons wishing to fight in the war. All of his children were trained to be able to fight should the need arise, but to become a full knight and risk their lives out in the wilds against the dragons every day…? A knight lives to serve, to sacrifice… yet it was no secret how dangerous it was and in the middle of a war, those chances of never returning only increased… even those survivors who do… many are scarred for life.
He wouldn't wish such a thing upon anyone, let alone a boy who wasn't even of age yet.
Rather than immediately grant the wish, he tried to persuade his son into a less dangerous role… he had a gentle, healing hand—having cared for his ailing mother in the final moons of her life and Edmont tried to suggest that he could be trained to become a chirurgeon instead. Or perhaps help train the chocobos in war…? A blacksmith…? Armorer…? He would have supported just about anything else that his son may have been interested in than simply becoming a knight and risk his life against the Dravanians.
But he would not be deterred. Haurchefant had a passion for swordplay, dreaming of knighthood for as long as Edmont could remember so trying to change his mind was a futile effort. So after a lot of pleading, Edmont agreed in the end, finally realizing that he could not persuade his son no matter what he said.
Haurchefant immediately moved to the Temple Knight barracks and began his new life as a squire, quickly working his way up through the ranks. Edmont visited him as often as he could, and Haurchefant's eyes always lit up at the sight of him; and he could remember fondly how Haurchefant would excitedly tell his father all that he had learned and of the new friends that he met. Many of the lowborn knights were also bastard children, so they were able to get along amazingly well, and Edmont took comfort that his son was thriving in this new environment.
And then, only a few years later, he learned of how Haurchefant rescued young Francel from kidnappers while the boy was out upon the highlands with his father. Edmont heard the stories of how an untrained, unseasoned bastard of seventeen summers tracked down and saved a lordling with naught but his knife and escaped with only a scar on his arm from when he took an arrow.
And that was how Haurchefant won the title of the Silver Fuller.
During the ceremony, with pride in his heart, he presented the shield bearing their family crest to Haurchefant and earned his full knighthood. Edmont would never forget the same pride that was reflected back at him from those deep blue eyes—identical to his own—and Haurchefant slung the shield onto his back. Soon after that, he arranged for him to be positioned at Camp Dragonhead, where he planned for him to one day take over command of their outpost when their old commander retired. Only a few short years later, Haurchefant took command and seemed to have settled into his role as the lord of Camp Dragonhead very steadily.
How he wished that he had more time to talk to him about all that. He could only hope that Haurchefant was smiling at how far the city had come.
The war is over, the city slowly being rebuilt, peace between the Dravanians continuing to grow by the day while new doctrine for their church was currently being looked over for future generations…? Yes, how far they had come indeed.
And to think it was all because of a few lost souls fleeing from Ul'dah coming here was the beginning of it all?
Edmont smiled sadly at the distant memories before looking back up to the scattering of fluffy clouds and thought to himself, 'You would have been so happy to see these changes.'
*Hours later*
Edmont walked the streets, breathing in the brisk air, enjoying the few rays of sunshine that would sneak through the fluffy clouds from overhead. He suspected with the north wind blowing through here, the skies should be completely clear this night, which was a relief to not have to worry about more snow for a short time. He had gone to several houses to conduct business or merely to discuss matters with old friends, finding the afternoon hours quickly slipping away from him by the time that he stepped through the Brume on his way to the Firmament. He often enjoyed his time wandering the streets these days, often just amazed at how far that this patch of the city had rebuilt itself and was now thriving.
Just a few moons ago, you would never have imagined seeing this place as even habitable… but now the Firmament seemed to shine brilliantly as an example to all of Ishgard. It was because of this that the new housing district of Empyreum were now being set aside to all manner of people across Eorzea. Most were adventurers, who would fight for the plots of land—which Ishgard would then use the money from those said purchases to put back into places like the repairs for the Brume which was still underway.
Though he had to admit seeing the adventurers take on building their own houses or company houses was… interesting to say the least.
Many houses looked like they drew inspiration from all over the world… such as Hingashi-style homes, Gridania, Ul'dah, Limsa…? Just to name a few. While others… were of questionable taste. Why, just the other day as he was passing through a section of Empyreum and he saw a couple that looked like they were made of giant desserts?
Well, they certainly brought much enlightenment to the city in his opinion and he enjoyed hearing the many rumors that spread across such places. Such as these days there was apparently a mysterious figure—a blue elephant or the Azure Elephant as the citizens have been calling him—has been seen wandering about the Firmament and Empyreum as if on patrol.
In fact, Edmont recalled when he first saw this 'Azure Elephant' wandering about the housing district and had to stop dead in his tracks until he saw the elaborated sword at his hip. At the sound of his laugh, the Azure Elephant looked up at him and gave a friendly wave, which Edmont couldn't help but return with a wide grin. He suspected that if Lucia was still around she would have more than a few choice words to say… but Edmont loved the idea. If nothing else, it was good to see him was out and enjoying himself rather than being chained to his desk all day.
He couldn't help but laugh at the memory as he finished crossing over the Brume and was welcomed through to the Firmament itself. Edmont found himself oddly at peace as he wandered through the now familiar streets—how long has it been since he had seen this city this lively? He could not remember.
Still chortling, he continued on with his long walk, pausing only to speak to a man, Jeacock, about some of his flowers. Edmont made a habit of asking him about his budding nursery, for he did enjoy getting flowers for Haurchefant's memorial. Jeacock was a good man, and often refused any forms of payment in terms of coin, so Edmont instead offered to replace some of his gardening tools instead, which Jeacock took gratefully.
Otherwise, Edmont spent the rest of the day wondering about, before pausing and sit down upon benches to watch the people out and about. He even found time to be able to write down quick notes, thinking of writing a second volume of his memoirs… though he doubted that anything he wrote would be near as exciting as his first volume. If nothing else, he was looking forward to writing down in great details about the restoration projects and everything that had happened with the changes in the church and the blasphemies that threated these lands.
It was getting late though at this point and most of the people have already begun to head home. The moon had already risen and the light had shifted to twilight with stars already beginning to twinkle within the sky; a clear sign that he should return home before causing the servants to needlessly worry.
As he was taking a long way around, he heard music upon the wind and he paused to listen to it. It was sad but… gentle and loving at the same time. He didn't know why, but it reminded him of his sons when they were young. He shut his eyes, suddenly remembering the joyful days when all three of his boys were still children and poked fun at each other.
Curious to know what was going on, he decided to turn around and began to track where the music was coming from. It only took a few minutes for him to realize the only place it could be coming from and headed towards the source. He had suspected that someone was playing one of the pianos that were still set up upon the platform where their musical troop often gathered to perform concerts for the Firmament.
It was who was playing it that brought him surprise.
Claire was sitting upon the bench of the white piano and her eyes were closed as she let her fingers trail over the keys: it spoke of love for someone dear to you… that much he was sure of… but soft and gentle… like a lullaby.
It was melancholy but it brought him much happiness to hear from it.
At least, that was what Edmont took from it.
Edmont didn't interrupt, having found himself strangely enchanted by this song and stood there to listen for a time. The song seemed to have some deeper meaning to it and he was aching to understand more but loathed to speak up and cause the song to come to an end. But eventually, he realized that she didn't even realize she had an audience and seemed to be lost inside her own mind.
He wondered what she was thinking of when she played this song?
After a moment, he made a decision. He turned back to the markets, just as they were packing up and getting ready to head home for the day, and ordered a few lemon cakes. The stall owner recognized him and generously gave all the remaining cakes that they had left, saying they would be tossed out anyway since they bake their cakes fresh every morning. Instead, they wanted to use this as their way of thanking him for his continued contributions to the Firmament.
Either way, Edmont made sure to tip them generously as he took the box of food with him back to the piano, and where Claire was still playing. Her eyes were still closed and a rather sad smile was upon her face as she continued to let her fingers pass over the keys. Still not realizing that he was there as he climbed up the few steps and took a seat at the bench of the second piano, all the while still listening to the music.
He was content to listen as the sky around them turned darker and brought a chill when a sudden wind swept up from the mountains around them. At last, when Claire felt the chill, she paused in the song and seemed to sigh. He began to clap softly, causing her head to jerk up in surprise.
"Lord Edmont?" she questioned in astonishment as he smiled kindly at her.
"Forgive me, I did not mean to startle you. I had been passing by when I heard you playing," he said as he stood up and brought the box of little cakes for her. "I figured that you would be getting hungry by now?"
She tried to refuse, but her stomach betrayed her when they both heard a grumble at that point and she turned red.
"Perhaps…?" she agreed shyly and he chuckled as he set the box upon the piano and he took a seat next to her on the bench. She happily took one of the cakes, rubbing her eyes in a tired way before glancing around at the twilight settling in around them.
"I didn't realize how late it was. I didn't mean to worry you," she told him.
"Not at all," he reassured her. "Just a little surprised to run into you here. As I said, I was just passing by and getting ready to head home when I heard your song. It was so beautiful, I couldn't bring myself to stop listening. But tell me, what brings you here this day?"
She shrugged and confessed, "Is it hard to believe that I was struck by an urge to come here for no other reason than to practice my musical skills?"
"Why do I doubt that?" he asked and she chuckled.
"Well, I was just looking around for something to do and I remembered the fetes are coming up today so I wanted to join in," she insisted and he just smiled back.
"Yes, they do seem like they're a lot of fun," he agreed, having not had the chance to be able to join in with his bad leg constantly in the way. But he had seen the way that the people's eyes lit up and it didn't take much effort to imagine the people enjoying themselves. "In either case, full glad I am to see you well."
His eyes drifted down to the piano keys as the music she had just been playing echoed in the back of his mind.
"What song were you playing if you don't mind me asking? I don't recall ever having heard it before…?" he asked curiously as he let his fingers trail over the keys, playing a few of the notes that he could remember listening to before.
She was quiet for a moment as she took her time in eating one of the little cakes. He patiently waited before she finished swallowing to find her answer.
"Someone very dear to me sang it," she explained with a rather sad smile. "She… she didn't have a title for it. At least, not that I was aware of. I gave it a lot of thought and so far, the only name that I could think of for it is… Flow."
"Flow…" he repeated softly as he watched her raise her hands and played the very beginning for him again and he closed his eyes as the notes vibrated within the air around him. He then commented, "It is very beautiful. The whole time I was listening… it reminded me of my sons. As if… as if listening to a lullaby."
"Yes… at least, that was what I think it is. Though when I first heard it, it was a song that a mother sings it for her children," she answered knowingly. He had a feeling that there was more to it than that, but he didn't press the issue as he listened to her play again.
"Where did you learn to play so well?" he asked curiously. "Who taught you?"
"No one, there's just a piano back in my free company's estate so when no one was around…?" she said and he turned his head in surprise.
"You mean you taught yourself?" he repeated and she shrugged.
"I suppose so," she confirmed, "I never really thought of it."
"Oh, you have no idea how much Artoirel would complain about having to practice any instrument when he was young," he said with an amazed grin. "It was seen as proper to have a well-balanced education, and thus every child of the High Houses had to learn at least one instrument. Artoirel much preferred to listen but even grew to enjoy comprising is own music from time to time… but trying to get him to practice was akin to banging your head against a wall. Nothing budged and you ended up with a headache."
She laughed at that and he grinned before adding, "Emmanellain, on the other hand, did enjoy learning about music. I truly believed that he had found something that he had true passion for… at least until I realized that he only wanted to learn so that he could show off at some of our estate's parties."
He shook his head in exasperation at that, but at least Emmanellain never let his musical skills go to waste.
"That sounds about right," she agreed as he chuckled again.
"Speaking of such events, I am curious… but when is your nameday?" he asked and she stopped playing again to look up at him in surprise. Edmont elaborated, "Emmanellain had been going on about throwing you a nameday party but he forgot to mention when your nameday actually was."
"Oh, he doesn't have to…? You don't need to worry about it," she told him hurriedly. "I never celebrated it before so it would seem strange to start to now. He just sort of mentioned it before running out of the room, I didn't think that he was actually serious about it?"
"Never?" he repeated in disbelief and she shrugged grimly.
"I had no other family, so there was no need to celebrate it," she shrugged. "I'm alright with it."
"No, that doesn't sit well with me," he answered, "I think that it would be nice if we did have something to celebrate with you. So how about a small party? We don't have to make a big deal out of it."
She looked uncomfortable about that and he wrapped an arm around her shoulders to hug her to his side.
"Alright, but how about a small dinner, just with the four of us? Oh, and perhaps Aymeric or some of your Scion friends like Master Alphinaud or Estinien? We don't have to make a big deal out of it," he promised.
At hearing that, she seemed to cheer up and after a few more words of reassurance that they will not make a big celebration of it, she seemed more open to the idea. Especially, when Edmont suggested that they look at this as more of a reason to enjoy her full recovery.
"You, young lady, had us all worried sick when we learned of your injuries," he added to her. "Though I suspect that Emmanellain may have been exaggerating when he said that it looked like you were upon death's door when you arrived back in Sharlayan?"
He felt her shift uncomfortably and he wondered suddenly if his son may not have been waxing lyrical after all. He made sure to hug her a little tighter at that thought and decided to change the subject by asking her how she was fairing when the Scions disbanding. He was surprised to learn that the Scions only disbanded upon paper—should something else ever appear to threaten the world then they would return—but for now they were only disbanded in the eyes of the world.
"So… it's really more like the Scions are on vacation for the time being," she explained and he thought that over.
"Well, I'll not lie and say that it isn't a gladdening feeling to know, but more so than that, I am glad to hear that you are finally given a break from all your many duties," he commented and she could only look back at him sweetly. "What have you been up too lately? Please tell me that you've been enjoying yourself and not have to fear about the fate of the world since your triumphant return?"
So she told him and he should have known better than to think that she hadn't been busy.
She had been travelling to all the places she visited recently and decided that the best way to regain her strength was to battle and cull monsters from these areas. Thus not only did she get much needed practice with all manner of weapons, but she made the roads safer for everyone that day. She had even found the time to add to her repertoire with the sages' nouliths and a reapers' scythe. She also had answered the call for aid from some kind of ancient crystal and she had been travelling back to the past to some sort of secret facility filled with all manner of monsters waiting for her…? It sent shivers down his spine to hear her describe of some of the creatures she faced so far and it sounded like it was some sort of horror story. And to top it all off… she apparently faced off against beings claiming to be the Twelve just recently.
"So… you faced off against Byregot, Rhalgr, Azeyma, and Nald'thal…?" he repeated slowly and she only nodded.
"I can't tell you if they were the real things or not, but they certainly didn't seem to be primals," she answered.
He just stared at her as she glanced back at him and he answered, "Were anyone else to make such claims… I would be highly doubtful. But I can't help but believe everything you say. Should you have the pleasure to meet with Halone at some point, please do let me know what that is like."
Her eyes twinkled at that and she nodded in silent promise as he ran a weary hand through his hair, gray slowly tinging the black locks.
"My word, you certainly know how to keep yourself busy, don't you?" he asked. "I can't help but feel concern, but I am full aware that you are more than capable of taking care of yourself. But please, you don't need to feel like you have to do any more than you have already. It's alright for you to take it easy, enjoy the sights and sounds… even just relaxing upon the beaches of Costa de Sol or something."
"I know," she agreed. "And I do try to find time for all that. To be honest, I feel that taking it easy for a time will do me some good. I guess that's why I find myself coming here and practicing. It makes me feel good not to have to dread such reports of the world ending."
"You and everyone else," he reassured her as he asked how the rest of the Scions were fairing. She spoke of how Y'shtola had decided to do her own research on being able to travel to the other shards and thus was doing research up in the Hinterlands for the moment… the twins were off in Garlemald to help with providing much stability and recovery to the people there… and as for Estinien…?
He laughed when she told him of Estinien and how he had turned down the offer for a job here in the city. And instead, he told her that he had apparently sent him something to 'wear' and become the talk of the city. Now the idea of the 'Azure Elephant' suddenly made sense.
"So that's what happened!" he grinned. When Claire looked at him in confusion he explained the matter with the Azure Elephant, and soon she was laughing with him.
"I didn't think he would really do it?" she told him as she hiccupped from her fit and he took another cake for himself.
"Those two really are something else," he sighed fondly. "I think that it may have started off as a joke but…? You know as well as I do that Aymeric was never one to back down from a challenge. I'm sure that Estinien will get a kick out of it as well when he learns of this."
She continued to giggle to herself as he watched her.
What a polite, reserved lady she was when she was not wearing the mantle of hero or Warrior of Light. Not at all what one would envision for such a famed hero. Yet, having been a host to her for so long, her quite nature seemed more fitting than any of her tales of grandeur.
When Haurchefant first came to him, begging that he allow the Scions sanctuary within Ishgard, he had refused at first. After all, if this woman was accused of some crime in another nation then why would he want that in his household? He knew that his son enjoyed the company of adventurers and to hear stories of such faraway places, but he seemed more than a little fond of this one adventurer.
But upon begging for him to accept there strangers as wards, Haurchefant fought him on this over and over again, refusing to back down as he requested that he allow the Scions into Ishgard. It reminded him of that day when he was a child and how he was insisting on becoming a knight.
Through their disagreement, Edmont came to learn that she was the one who not only helped to clear Fancel's name and defeated the false inquisitor… but she was also the one who cleared out Snowcloak, defeated the heretic's primal Shiva, and even defended the Steps of Faith against Vishap. Such feats seemed incredible at the time, but he asked Haurchefant why he would go through such lengths for this woman… because from where he stood, this didn't seem to be merely because his son wished to repay a debt.
He just saw the way Haurchefant's eyes lit up and that familiar smile on his face that reminded him so much of his late mother. There was no hiding the warmth in his voice as he answered, "She is hope incarnate father. The one who will surely guide Ishgard through the raging snowstorm and to a brighter tomorrow."
In the end… he chose to believe his son and agreed to grant them sanctuary.
How right his son was in the end.
The two of them sat there at the piano as they continued to enjoy their lemon cakes and practiced a few more songs on the piano even as the sun fully set and the street lanterns cast the warm glow about them. The moon and stars shone brightly overhead, getting Claire's attention as she looked up and stared at the countless stars sparkling above them.
He also looked up and asked her, "Tell me… did the stars look like this while you were at the edge of the universe?"
Claire was silent for a moment before answering, "Yes… and no."
"I doubt I will ever get to see it, but to just listen to how you describe it…?" he croaked out, truly wondering just what it all looked like at that moment.
"Wait, I know a way to show you…" she said suddenly and this time she began to play another song upon the piano… but this one was so much melancholier than the previous one.
"This song is also sad," he commented, closing his eyes and listening to what she was playing.
"This sums up everything I felt while in Ultima Thule," she answered softly. "My friend… G'raha Tia… he came up with the tune but hasn't been able to come up with a full name for it. But I call it… Close in the Distance."
And so he listened.
It spoke of sadness… but also of hope. Of lives that had come and gone before him… silently telling him that it was alright to remember… but it was important to move forward and not look back.
He opened his eyes once more when he felt the tears slowly fall down his face.
He glanced down and saw that she was crying as well, smiling but crying at the same time as the music
"If you like, I will tell you a tale. A tale of a world on the brink, of a people that never gave up on the future," she said softly as the music seemed to echo around them, radiating both pain and joy… sorrow and hope…? It held the weight of one who has been to the edge of the known universe to a land of lingering despair. It was almost like listening to the memory of a dream one had long ago. The voices of those who they once lost were singing out to the living to let them know that they were still there. He felt the pain of betrayal, the fear of loss, the joy of reunions, the hope in despair, the joy in sorrow, the fear of death…?
It was a song of the suffering of life.
So they sat together watching the moon drift across the sky and listened to the melody together. She would tell him of the stars in the skies, including the different constellations she learned while studying at the Astrologicum Atheneaum, all the while talking about what she had seen and experienced while at the Ultima Thule. A cluster of dead stars, long since faded, with more stars than one could ever hope to count… with silence pressing in all around them while the ghost inhabitants of said worlds waited for the end.
Her words captured his imagination and he could only think of pale imitations to what it must look like beyond the stars like that. So very beautiful… and so very sad.
She cuddled up close at his side as she rested her head against his shoulder and talked more of some of the events that happened there. Such as seeing the images of the dead worlds as they fought to find this Meteion… of the Endsinger appearing from the flock of birds all steeped in despair… to the glorious image of a sun rising upon this strange plane with the battle finally over—only for another to rise.
"And so you have saved every life upon this star," he sighed with a small smile. "Seems like only yesterday you came to Ishgard seeking refuge, and now look. Savior of not only Ishgard but the very star itself. Even having witnessed your deeds firsthand, it still seems beyond the realm of reason."
"You wouldn't be the only one to think that," she answered as her hands were now playing a slower version of Close in the Distance.
"You, my friend, are humble to a fault, if you'll forgive my candor," he answered. "Many would be rightly proud of what they have done."
"I am, but with respect Lord Edmont, I never would have made it this far on my own. Were it not for the knowledge and strength that others lent me, I would never have seen the end of this road. I probably would still be off doing simple errands for people and trying to make a living as an adventurer," she answered.
"I find that legends often do require the aid of others to make it to such heights, but that does not mean that their own contributions need not be overlooked either," he answered back. "I've been having a rather enjoyable time recounting your tales for my memoirs, and everything I have heard now could only inspire my imagination. But regardless…" he looked down at her and finished, "You are the catalyst to which we are all drawn to. We would not stand here today were it not for your conviction. The lives you have touched and inspired… so many have come away from meeting you better than they were before. I know not what to say but how much I admire you. So much so that I must ask… what do you plan on doing from this point onwards?"
"I… well, I…?" she began before she seemed unable to answer. "I… I don't know, I honestly don't know what to do next. I never gave it any thought to it since I was so focused upon the Final Days."
"You weren't planning on returning?" he asked, his eyebrows raised.
"I was going to do everything in my power to make sure the others returned," she muttered with her head down, where he noticed that she was not answering the question. "They all have people waiting for them, after all…?"
"Claire…?" he said and she paused as he gently placed his hand under her chin and lifted her head so that she met his eyes. "You listen to me. We were all waiting for you to return. If you believe nothing else of what I have to say, then let it be this… every single soul upon this star was praying for your safety and well-being as much as theirs. And if I had to guess, every single Scion was willing to do whatever it took to get you back here alive as well."
The silence was so pressing that it took him a moment to realize she stopped playing. But she just leaned in close, her face pressed against his chest as he sheltered her from the cold wind with his other arm.
"You've done him proud. My son would be beaming with happiness were he here," he reassured her.
"I… I hope you are right," she sighed.
"I know I am," he said firmly as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a letter that he must have read a hundred times by now. As soon as she saw it, he could see how her eyes widened slightly, recognizing it at once.
"You told me about what you saw there upon the aetherial sea," he reminded her as he carefully unrolled the message and looked over the words from the glow of the lanterns. "And I have been unable to stop thinking of them since then. I've been carrying it around with me since I learned of it because it seemed almost too good to be true."
He stared at the wrinkled piece of paper as the words that he read over and over were seared into his mind.
"The moment I stepped upon the aetherial sea… I felt the presence of those dear friends I was forced to say goodbye to. Upon them were my friends Minfilia… Papalymo… Moenbryda… Ysayle… and Haurchefant."
"You… you saw Haurchefant?" he asked and watched how she she shut her eyes, her fingers going up to the worn choker around her neck that still bore House Fortemps symbol… a gift that his family had given to Haurchefant's late mother and the only memento that his son was able to keep of her after her death. Edmont had found it while going through some of Haurchefant's belongings and gifted it to Claire for a Little Ladies Day present for he knew that Haurchefant would have been happy to know that a piece that he treasured so much would be well cared for by his friend.
"In a way," she answered. "I felt him there with us… offering us some protection as we fought our way through the aetherial sea. He didn't appear before us per say… but in a rush of familiar delight… I saw his sword and shield there as it lent us his strength while we pressed on. I felt his heart while I was there… and he was so proud of you… proud to be your son and he loved his brothers so much. I think he always regretted that he never told you that in person often enough… but he knows that you loved him in return."
Edmont felt something warm flow through is body as if he had sunk into a hot bath… while also something gripped his heart within an icy grip. He felt hot tears burning into his eyes as he shut them, trying to keep it all inside.
He had talked about Haurchefant before several times to others, of course and he always appreciated their kind words. Yet, it was different when he talked with her. He found himself able to really see things that he never realized before and he heard her speak of his son… he found himself believing everything she said.
"A part of me was never able to fully move on from their deaths," she confessed quietly. "I always felt so guilty… how could I be happy when they weren't here to enjoy all that we had accomplished too? It was as much their victory as the rest of us so then… why? Despite all that I can do, even in the art of healing…? There are some wounds that I cannot heal. They scar over but they never fade."
He looked down at his own hands, resting upon the keys and began to mirror the same movements she made, his own heart aching painfully as he tried to voice what he was feeling in music the same way she did…? But her hands suddenly joined him in playing as something comforting seemed to salve for the hurt that echoed inside them.
"I was so tired of those getting close to me only for me to risk losing them," she whispered. "Back at Ultima Thule… I thought I lost the Scions, my friends… and I did… it was only by a miracle that I was able to bring them back. But I…?"
She fell silent at that.
"Claire," he said softly, his voice quiet and soft as they played together. "I… cannot begin to imagine the things you have seen… the pain you felt or the burdens you had to carry. I wish that there is something more that I can do to help ease such a pain…?"
"You do," she reassured him softly. "By always being here to listen should I need it. For giving me a tiny bit of sanctuary when I need a place to rest my head." She looked up to the sky, her eyes fixed upon the bright crescent moon overhead as she finished, "I always carried this pain in my heart since the day they left. But the moment that I stepped through into the aetherial sea… I could feel their presence all around me. I braced myself for their anger and hatred for me… but what I found wasn't anything like I expected."
"What did you feel?" he asked softly as she lifted her hands up from the keys and placed them over her chest—directly above her heart.
"I felt their love," she answered back. "I didn't feel a trace of anger or resentment towards any of the friends I had lost… not even a hint of anything bad. Just… happiness that they were able to do their parts for me. They were proud to have stood with me for as long as they did… and it was like they were telling me that it would soon be alright."
She looked over at him and their eyes met as he saw the glimmer of unshed tears in her eyes.
"I don't want you to be sorry for me. I know now that it's alright to be able to forge ahead and focus on what is to come. But just because I don't need to look back anymore, doesn't mean I want to forget either," she said. "Just be ready to greet me with some of that hot chocolate that I love so much. And if I struggle to remember, I know you'll be one of those ready to greet and remind me."
They sat like that for some time, letting it all wash over them as they enjoyed the darkened night, feeling strangely at peace.
"I'm happy for you, truly," he said at long last. "And I know that they would all be happy to hear you say that. Whatever else happens from this point on, know that I am glad that you finally found your peace."
She nodded, her head still against his shoulder and he felt the slight shiver through her from a suddenly extra cold wind hitting them like daggers in the face and he drew away as he told her, "Why don't you spend the night at the manor? We've kept your room waiting for you, and I'll have a fire blazing when you retire. I do think that Artoirel will be joining us for dinner tonight… and mayhaps Emmanellain if he makes it back in time from delivering his latest report over at the Congregation."
"Yes, if there's no trouble," she agreed as they stood up.
"Oh there's no trouble at all. We have a place set for you," he reassured her and she stared at him as he laughed. "We always have one set for you, just in case you decide to drop in and grace us with a visit. I believe that young Honoroit came up with the idea and the whole household was in agreement."
"Really? I… I don't know what to say, but I would very much like that, father," she said with happiness radiating from her like light.
Edmont, meanwhile, was trying to grasp what he just heard. He was just staring at her, as if he had never seen her before and she tilted her head in confusion, not understanding what was going on. It seemed that she didn't realize what she had just said and why it would have such an impact on him. Neither of them spoke, and she was now going over in her head what she could have said…? And then, once he was coming to grips with everything, he saw how her eyes went wide and she turned red as it all sank in what she let slip out.
She had called him 'father'.
He could see an apology coming to her lips but he just smiled, placing his hands on her shoulders, shaking his head in wonder.
"You have no idea… just how happy you made me just now," he said with tears of joy now prickling at the corners of his eyes and his voice trembling slightly. "Forgive me, having only raised sons, I know not how to answer that to daughters."
She was still bright red in the face, opened her mouth, and then closed it again as he asked, "That is… so long as you don't mind the meaning. Though I have a feeling that you don't?"
She became shy at that, but the smile that was now slowly spreading across her face clearly gave it all away and he laughed as he held out his arm for her to take and guided her out of the Firmament.
For a long time, he didn't really understand what Haurchefant meant when he told her about being hope incarnate. But he could see now that his son saw something special in this woman and his desire to see that light she carried be spread, not just to Ishgard, but to the whole world was now plain to him. He may never know exactly what his son thought of… but it was clear to him that he saw her as family.
How could the rest of them not?
(I think it's about time, don't you? with all that has happened, I think that she would finally come out and start coming him Father. At least, that's what I wanted and let no one else here tell me otherwise. She has finally come to grips with her past, the choices she made, and the future that's laid out before her. She has finally learned that it's alright to be able to move on with your life and not look back, but she is free to remember all that has come and all the lives she touched and have touched her own as well. And this is a beautiful way to really begin that new journey forward. As to add the two songs that I love and hate at the same time, Flow and Close in the Distance, to hear them always makes me so sad and it feels like I'm punishing myself when I hear them because I know that I'm going to end up crying like a baby. But they fit in so well here that I couldn't ignore them. But yes, we are getting there, and I was looking forward to this chapter the most because I can't help but love all kind of parent/child interactions like this. Only one more chapter to go and I hope that you are all looking forward to next week. Who could the last chapter be about? I'll let you figure that out ;)