Chapter 2: Family Concerns
The following day, around the early afternoon, she awoke from her deep slumber; and this time she had far more faces waiting to greet her when she did open her eyes next. Most of the Scions had been in her room, waiting to see how well she was doing and there were smiles all about when they saw her stirring.
They had brought in a few drinks and some food for her as they asked her—in excruciating detail—of the battle with Endsinger. They tried to hide it under the guise of informing the Forum of it so that they were assured that their foe was well and truly defeated… but she knew them all well enough to be able to see right through all that.
Still, she indulged them with as much details as she could remember, as well as the fight with Zenos though her memory of that battle was patchy here and there from the blood lost.
Before anyone knew it, it turned into what could be called a relaxed mini-celebration; both to celebrate the end to the Final Days and her survival. Of course, they promised a much bigger party once she was fully healed, but she couldn't help but enjoy the laughter and company all about her. It made her happy to have something to look forward to since the rest of the Scions had to get back to work with the 'clean-up' so to speak.
Not that she didn't want for company. Her recovery was proceeding better than her carers could have hoped for. She was soon feeling well enough to start receiving more visitors.
Ameliance, for example, came often to check on her, usually with a tray of tea while they talked. During this time, Ameliance would entertained her with tales of the trouble Alphinaud and Alisaie got into when they were young. At this, they were both usually laughing, knowing that if the twins were here with them they would both be red with embarrassment.
Other guests could only visit once before they were forced to return home or other matters such as was the case with Cid and the Ironworks. They had wanted to wait around in Sharlayan for a few more days, but were now being called back by a very annoyed Jesse to 'get back to work or else.' None of them wanted to know what she meant by 'or else' but they decided that now wasn't the best time to find out. Though they did drop into her room shortly before departure.
Biggs and Wedge were all but bouncing off the walls with excitement when they told her all about their many new ideas that were inspired from the Ragnarok while Cid merrily informed her of some new information relating to Garlemald. The skies had returned to normal shortly before sunrise on that day… and it just so happened that everything was cleared of snow and dark clouds so they really could see the sun rising for a change.
"I know that you have been helping out more than a few people there," he said with appreciation, "And a little birdy told me that you had a hand in helping the family of the ceruleum plant find his way to our care. That is well… for with his help, should we be able to convince the tappers cooperation, the people will have access to ceruleum again… which means that their heaters will be going all the time. Being able to keep warm at night and cook hot food during the day…? This will mean the difference between life and death for many. Once that's all settled, and once more of the deadly magitek wandering the streets run out of ceruleum, then they can begin working on rebuilding in earnest. There is talk right now about offering a trade of sorts to other nations on the secrets of magitek and by doing so we will be giving people jobs and ways to earn a living while rebuilding. Yes, it's going to be a long, hard slog… but something tells me that they're going to be alright."
"Will you be going back to help them?" she asked curiously and he thought that over.
"I… may be pursued to help here and there," he confessed slowly. "If any of the Ironworks decide to return and help out then I will not stop them. But Eorzea is my home. I have no interest in relocating anytime soon."
He then grinned and added, "Having said that, once the rebuilding gets underway, I'd love a chance to be able to walk you through the streets and share some stories of the city as it was… the good stories ones mind. Not the tyranny parts."
She smiled and nodded in agreement to that. It was a bit overwhelming how many people came to check on her, to confirm that she was in alive with their own eyes.
Such as the leaders of the beast tribes, thanking her for her support all this time and reassuring her that they are beginning the long process of curing all their tempered kindred. Thanks to the Alliance sharing their knowledge of the porxies, they are eager to being reaching out to their wayward tribes and see if they could not cure as many tempered as possible. Others such as the Redbills—whom Tataru watched like a hawk to make sure they didn't make off with anything—and the theater troupe from the Prima Vista simply wanted to hear more of her journey and what it was like.
Indeed, Jenomis couldn't help but beg for more details of what the edge of the universe was like, and was even talking about being inspired to write a new play of this journey… at least until Ramsa persuaded him to hold off on that since he wanted to try and write it himself. She just smiled and promised that when she next visited, she would tell him all about it and even chuckled when she saw how Alma's eyes lit up excitedly at the sound of it.
Vrtra, or she supposed she could call him Varshahn, and Nidhana had left early this morning with most of the Radz-at-Han refugees, ready to begin the long path to start healing from the first wave of the Final Days.
"You make sure to keep taking your medicine for the next couple days," Nidhana informed her firmly. "I am heartened to see you making such excellent progress but should you require any more aid then don't hesitate to call upon me."
"I will," she promised though she couldn't stop the groan that was clearly in her voice when she was handed her next dose of medicine. Nidhana laughed at that.
"Ah, yes… well, as my old teachers used to tell me, the worst the taste the healthier it is for you," she chuckled.
They talked for a short while on the changes that will come to Thavnair and of the people's joy that they had survived… but they had paid a heavy price. There were still several Blasphemies seen stalking the area, but Varshahn had promised to spare no effort in having them as quick a death as possible. Now that the threat of transforming had diminished, he would now have to lead his people out in the open and no longer hide behind his curtain—which may be even more difficult for him than the Blasphemies.
"Will you be alright?" she asked in worry.
"You need not fear for us," Varshahn told her kindly. "The heart of our nation still beats strong. While this will leave scars that we may never fully heal from, we will continue onwards. Thanks to you and yours, the despair that hung over Thavnair has been cleared. We could ask no more from you. But let me just say this… wheresoever you choose to go from here, know that you shall always be welcomed in Radz-at-Han. When you get the chance, I should love nothing more than to show you our fair city in person."
"So long as it's in your true form," she said with a tease and he blinked in surprise as she chuckled as a slight blush appeared over his cheeks. She waved them off with promises to visit when she was well. She honestly was looking forward to being able to visit the colorful city in the near future.
Probably the biggest surprise guest however came in the form of Emmanellain de Fortemps, who was on his way to the harbor to return home. Apparently, he was supposed to have left with Sidcard to escort the beast tribe leaders back to Eorzea, but he had been given orders to remain a while longer by his brother.
His reasoning for this was rather vague at first for Emmanellain had gone into a long tirade about Artoirel and where he would love to know how he stuck his sword so far up his own…?
Before he said something he may regret later on, Emmanellain cleared his throat and instead returned to the matter at hand.
"While it was exciting to be able to visit Sharlayan I will be quite glad to leave this city behind and get back to some decent food and wine back home," he sighed. "I say, the Last Stand is the sole saving grace of this city… I don't know how the people stand to eat such bland foods otherwise! I heard that you were being force fed Archon Loaf while confined here! I don't know how you are still alive, old girl."
Well, that wasn't completely what was going on. It was true that the healers looking after her did want her to eat as much nutrients as possible and so recommended that she be served Archon Loaf. After having tried the stuff herself, the idea of being forced to eat Archon Loaf for breakfast, lunch, and dinner during her confinement was enough to nearly send her into a panic. Thankfully, whenever mealtimes came, Alisaie would ask her want she wanted and make sure to get enough of it from the Last Stand afterwards. She would still eat a little of the bread, but she would wash it down later with some delicious foods—not that she informed Emmanellain of this and just shrugged with a smile.
"Yes, and I do hope that you enjoy plenty of Ishgardian cuisine on my behalf," she told him. "But why were you told to postpone your departure? You keep veering off topic?"
"Huh? Oh, right," he said, coming back down from clear daydreams of what he would be having for dinner later tonight. "Ser Aymeric… and some others… were demanding answers on your condition. And apparently me telling them that you had returned injured and was immediately taken away for treatment only made them needlessly worry."
Oh, gods… why was she not surprised?
"So, Artoirel has forbidden me to return home without checking up on you to make sure that you are still in one piece," he finished rather grudgingly. He shook his head and folded his arms as he thought over whatever conversation he had previously with his brother before adding, "Ser Aymeric even wanted to know if there were any kinds of medicines or supplies that were needed so that he could send them straight your way. I don't think that any of them relaxed once until I let them know that you were expected to make a full recovery. You think that would've been enough for them… nope. Not my brother. He asked, nay commanded, that I stay in Sharlayan until I have seen with mine own eyes that you were alive and well. And he stated that if I knew what was good for me then I should just do my job and he will know if I'm lying just to get back home as soon as possible."
She didn't answer, fighting the urge to laugh and sigh at the same time. But then, Emmanellain continued, "And now that they know you're doing well, they are suddenly demanding that I hurry back with a full report of everything else that happened! Apparently, there are a few sightings of Blasphemies wandering about Coerthas and they want to hear every detail of what we know of them so that we can stand a chance of putting them down. It seems that the people are still transforming if a particularly powerful Blasphemy is around. So the sooner the better, apparently. 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. But no, he just told me off over the linkpearl by saying that I should be glad that I am starting to make something of myself and that he wishes that he asked Honoroit to accompany me. Well, it's not like I need Honoroit here at all times to…?"
He was about to go on with his rant until he noticed that she was staring at him with wide eyes.
"What?" he asked, not seeing what had caused such a reaction.
"What did you call me?" she repeated, sure she heard wrong.
"What? Little sister? Yes, you heard right. You're like family now, why's that a surprise?" he said as if it was obvious, "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."
Her cheeks burned at that and she looked away, feeling tears welling up in her eyes to hear such words.
Of course, Emmanellain didn't notice any of this, giving her time to wipe her eyes without him noticing. Thankfully, the rest of his visit soon ended when he looked at the clock and gasped, realizing he would miss his ship back.
"There is no way I can stomach the food here one more night!" he gasped before he leapt to his feet. "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.
"What? Well, that certainly will not do," he said with a gasp as if she told him something truly offensive. "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 then waved and almost skipped to the door as she watched on, a little taken aback by it all.
Not only that…?
…He left before even asking her when her nameday was.
She couldn't help but laugh at the thought.
By the third day of this, it was one of those rare times when she found herself without company.
At this point though, she had grown sick of being stuck in her room and often found herself daydreaming of the open road again. Of the wind in her face, the sun warming her skin, the feeling of the earth beneath her feet…? She would groan with longing to be able to go out and simply take a walk. Of course, the moment that she suggested this, she was immediately shut down by the twins, who seemed keen on waiting on her hand and foot for as long as it takes.
She decided that now was a good time to catch up on her writing and took out her journals to be able to look through them. She smiled, laughed, and cried all in equal measure as all the memories of her journey came rushing back to her. But as soon as she finished catching up writing up on her adventures in Ultima Thule, she would find her mind continuing to drift to what Hades said before:
"Tell me, have you been to the ruins beneath the waters of the Bounty? Or the treasure islands beyond the frozen waters of Blindfrost, in Othard's north? The fabled golden cities of the New World? The sacred sites of the forgotten people of the south sea isles? What about Meracydia, the southern continent? Do you know aught of its present state of affairs? I thought not. Even of your little Eorzea, you know precious little. The true identities of the Twelve, for instance. All of which is to say: expand your horizons. Go forth and seek discovery. Some of the civilizations in the reflections will surprise you. As the bearer of Azem's crystal, you may consider your duty to see at least that much… I certainly did."
Her mind had just kept racing over such thoughts that he tempted her with. She had started to dream of what such places would be like and what she would find if she would ever find herself visiting. And that's not to say anything of the other shards! She could already travel to the First after all… how hard could it be to visit the others? Especially with Y'shtola now keen to begin her research in earnest? She was so eager to see more of what was out that she would set out right this moment if she could. But even the Sages here told her that even once she heals it may take some time to regain her full strength and that it may be wise for her to not venture to new places until later on.
While she could understand their reasons for this, she could not stop her imagination from running wild so when the next Scion, Thancred, came to check up on her she asked that he bring her some books. Reading seemed to be the one activity that everyone agreed she could do on her own without worrying.
"Sure, what were you looking for?" Thancred asked her agreeably. She just smiled and requested books of places as the New World and Meracydia… the lands of the Bounty and the other nations found in Ilsabard…? And he ended up laughing out loud, realizing at once what had caused her curosity.
"I knew that it was going to be dangerous having you hear all that," Thancred joked after she made her request. "As soon as Emet-Selch started talking about forgotten ruins and golden cities I remember thinking to myself 'well, we better enjoy her while we can because she's not gonna want to sit still after hearing all that'."
There was no need to hide it and a rather shy smile crept across her face as he laughed good-naturedly again, promising her that he would send some later today. If he couldn't do it himself, he would have one of the others bring them instead.
"When will I be out?" she asked a little tiredly when he got up from his seat and pulled his coat back on.
"Now, now, I know the lap of luxury isn't your cup of tea, nor can I claim to know much about healing," he said sympathetically. "But Y'shtola did have a look at you yesterday evening, didn't she?" when she nodded he added, "Good. It should only be another few days."
His kind look became a bit grimmer as he added, "I promise, it won't be forever. It's just… we almost lost you back there. And so you'll have to forgive us for being a bit… over-protective for the time being."
She gazed back at him with kind understanding and nodded once. He turned a bit red suddenly before clearing his throat, promising that he would send someone with those books as soon as he could and left the room. She had the impression that he wished to leave before he said anything else too sentimental.
She rested back against the pillows, but was no longer tired as she gazed at the sunbeams dancing across the ceiling. She truly did her best to try and distract herself from her boredom by listening to several scrolls of the orchestrion that she collected lately. She thought to work on some crafting, having come across some new recipes and materials she was itching to try her hand at… but she found it almost impossible to do so properly while abed. She had to put it all aside as she then began to reorganizing her travelling bag.
Damn, she knew she must be desperate to be going through her bag like this just for something to do. Still, it would save her several bells of heavy lifting later on…?
It was still the afternoon when she finished just about everything she could think of and was wishing that Thancred would hurry back with those books. That was when she found the tiny sketchbook that she got a while ago. She had been taking lessons from Alphinaud for a while now though she knew she had a long way to go before she could catch up to how good an artist as he was.
Having fished out a broken piece of charcoal from her worn-down travelling bag, she set it to the paper… only to realize she didn't have a clue what to draw. Finally, just shrugging and let her hand trace over the paper and see what happened.
…
When she finished with the first page, she wondered mayhap it wasn't a good idea after all.
It wasn't that it was a bad drawing… she thought it was pretty good… it's just that…?
She sighed as she looked at the image of the bird with the long twin tails fluttering behind it as it looked ready to take to wing.
Meteion… she often found herself thinking of that innocent girl back in Elpis and felt her heart ache in sadness for her.
She tossed the sketch to the end of the bed before she fell backwards onto her pillow to stare up at the ceiling again. She knew that if Meteion was here, they would be picking up on her emotions and the confusing array that was turning inside her. She had tried not to think of her adventure through Elpis but she couldn't help but find herself curious by that unsundered world and wondered if she would ever get the chance to explore more of it?
She understood that it was a dangerous idea but just that curious spark that rose up inside her at the thought…?
Suddenly, she felt too stuffy and wanted to get some fresh air. For the first time in days, she swung her feet around and touched the bare, smooth tiles beneath her as she carefully pushed herself up to stand. She winced slightly from the dull pain and shaky limbs, but gritting her teeth, she took a few wobbly steps as she stumbled around the room.
She fought off the tingling numbness in her limbs as she tried to get her body to cooperate with her and work through the sore muscles. She made it to the wash station and got a good look at herself for the first time in days with the mirror. She certainly looked better as she stared over the faint bruises on her face and tangled hair. Careful not to stretch out too much to agitate her latest scar, she cleaned up and brushed her hair free of knots and tangles—feeling better almost instantly.
Once that was taken care, she began a slight exercise by pacing around the room. It took a short time for her to get used to walking again, but when she was more confident on her feet, she crossed to the window nad opened it up to get a fresh breeze and clear out the stuffy smell of the room.
She breathed in deeply as a pleasant wind hit her face and warm sunshine washed over her. She could just make out the scent of the ocean and opened her eyes wishing that she could catch a better glimpse of the water. Despite being so far north, it was unusually warm today… almost as if the weather was rejoicing their victory with them.
Her spirit longed to explore around today and she was so very sorely tempted to sneak out for a bell or two… surely she could do that much and enjoy the world that she fought so hard to save? Before she could give in to temptation though she spotted something blue flash out of the corner of her eyes. She didn't notice it at first, thinking that it was just part of the blue sky playing tricks on her… but then she heard a chirp as a glimpse of azure feathers darted before her. She turned her head to see a bird with a long, twin tail fluttering about between the buildings and the scattered trees.
Her eyes widened at the sight of it.
The very image of the drawing she had just made…?
"Meteion…?" she whispered, opening the doors a little wider and leaning out to try and get a better look at the bird.
She didn't know if she was just seeing things since she just finished thinking about Meteion, but she could have sworn…?
She pushed herself up so that her knees were upon the windowsill as she leaned dangerously out, gripping the bars to keep herself from falling, trying to get a better look at the bird that just disappeared. Damn, it was too far away to make out… if only she thought to ask Emmanellain for his telescope before he left…?
Just as she was wondering if there was another one here in the Annex, there was a knock at the door and she turned her head in time to find a familiar head poke itself into the room.
"Apologizes if we were disturbing you…?" Alphinaud said before he caught sight of her halfway out the window. She realized her mistake too late and by the time she moved her head back inside, his eyes were already round as plates and the books he had been carrying threatened to spill out of his arms.
"What are you doing up?" he asked in worry, "Did they say that you could be?"
At that, Alisaie—who had been right behind her brother—pushed her way inside just as the warrior's feet touched back down on the floor. She immediately knew she was in trouble when she saw the younger girl's eyes flash.
"It's alright, I'm feeling much better today and just wanted some fresh air," she told them in a voice that she hoped was nonchalant. It didn't work.
"But they're right! They said that you need at least four days of complete bedrest before you should even attempt to be moving around," Alisaie scolded as she marched in, her hands on her hips. "And last I checked, it's only been three!"
She sighed and shrugged her shoulders, knowing that this was not a fight that she would be able to win.
"I appreciate the concern, but I just wanted to move around before I lost my mind," she told them as they shut the door behind them, prepared to move her back to the bed by force if she resisted. Deciding not to argue, she allowed herself to be escorted back to bed.
"I'm not helpless," she reminded them, glad she was able to keep most of the frustration out of her voice as she sat back down.
"We know," Alisaie said with a frown. "But… we don't want you to push yourself."
She didn't even answer to that. She knew that they were just afraid for her, and while she appreciated their concern, she found their sudden 'protective mother hen approach' to be a bit smothering.
"But if I don't start moving around then I won't regain my strength," she pointed out, really trying to get them to understand.
"It looked like you were thinking of escaping out the window," Alisaie pointed out. "And, speaking from experience, I know what it's like. It's harder than it looks and don't pretend that you haven't thought of making an escape while you've been here."
But hearing that she had snuck out, the warrior couldn't help but ask, "You snuck out?"
At that, Alisaie realized what she said and turned red while Alphinaud chuckled as he cleared up the messy table.
"Oh, the number of times she would sneak out of her room…? Father would have a fit each time," he grinned and his sister gave him a hard glare.
"Not that I ever got far," Alisaie grumbled. "The furthest I ever made it was to the markets back when I was eleven summers old. A personal best… at least until I started going to the Studium and moved to the dorms there."
"What happened when you snuck out?" she asked curiously.
"Well, I was looking around for something from Eorzea, trying to learn more about the land that grandfather left for," Alisaie shrugged. "Didn't last long though, Father found out almost immediately and sent servants out to find me and drag me home where he could scold me. It was mostly a blur after that… a very… loud and angry blur."
"I think that Father feared that you had been abducted or something severe," Alphinaud piped up at that moment and Alisaie folded her arms at the thought.
"Yeah, until someone had to tell him where I went," she grumbled. "I knew I shouldn't have trusted you with that secret."
"I didn't know it was a secret," he countered. "You said that you were going to the markets, you didn't say anything about Father not allowing it. So when he asked me where you went, of course I would tell him!"
"You're still a snitch," she hissed back.
Their warrior friend just smiled as she watched the two of them bicker. It was such a cute story and she couldn't stop herself from giggling at the thought.
Once they heard her laughter, it was as if any animosity left them and they smiled happily. They soon turned their attention to telling her more of what was happening in the world, and Alphinaud tipped the books that Thancred promised onto the table for later.
"Your mother was here earlier and mentioned that you were speaking with the Forum over what happened at Ultima Thule?" she commented as they took their usual seats by her bed.
"Yes, we have been chronicling some of our experiences there," Alphinaud commented. "Reassuring them that the Final Days have truly been averted. As well as explaining more of what we know of Dynamis and the role it played in triggering such a near apocalypse. Already we have more than a few scholars looking into it and trying to study up upon what we know. I suppose that it wouldn't hurt to let them and see what else could be learned. We may have need of such information again someday."
"Father is doing well also," Alisaie said as she sat at the foot of the bed. "Tired from helping to get everything back to normal, but otherwise, well. The Gleaners are a little upset about how all their hard work has been wasted but I think that everyone is just relieved that they're still alive so the grumbling has been kept to a minimum. Right now they're workload has been lifted considerably so I think that they'll take it."
"And the other Scions?" she asked curiously, recalling how tired they've been looking lately.
"Doing what they can to help with the cleanup," Alphinaud nodded. "As you know, many of the refugees returned to Radz-at-Han, though a couple have chosen to remain here a touch longer. Estinien is also lending his support there for now to clear out any remaining Blasphemies and serving as an escort to those who are returning to their villages after fleeing to the city before. Everything seems to slowly be returning to normal for now. The other Scions are here in Sharlayan and helping out in Labyrinthos, or helping with communications with the other nations in Eorzea and the Far East. Oh, and answering any other questions that the Forum has about our recent exploits. Everyone has been run off their feet lately. But things are already beginning to calm down, so once you're strong enough to travel, we will return to the Rising Stones and discuss what we mean to do about…?"
He suddenly paused there as Alisaie gave him another sharp look as he cleared his throat. But this warrior wasn't letting it go as she tilted her head.
"About…?" she repeated slowly as he looked down.
"Forgive me," he muttered slowly. "It was just an idea that we had been playing around with, but we all wanted to wait until we were sure that you were up for debating it. It's… about the future of the Scions."
She just looked at him, but could vaguely see where this was going. In truth, it was something that she had been wondering about… ever since the eve of their trip to the stars when she was having a meal with Urianger, Y'shtola, and Thancred as they discussed their future plans.
Now that the world had been saved—the Final Days averted—what use would the Scions be anymore? The beast tribes have formed an alliance with the city states, so the odds of summoning primals had been greatly reduced especially with so many having been cured of their tempering. Not only that, the Grand Company of Eorzea also had a means to prevent tempering so there was really no need to call upon her nearly as much as before to take care of any summoned primals. Also, the threat that the Garlean Empire had is gone and they were now currently working with what remained of their army and citizens to aid the survivors. What would become of the other provinces, no one could say yet, but the Empire is no more. Therefore, their threat of invading the home is gone as well.
What need were the Scions at this point?
But the idea of never having to return to the Rising Stones…? She didn't like that thought one bit. The idea of not returning and finding her friends scattered about their Headquarters as they did research or simply mingled with each other was not something that she wanted to ever see. It hurt a bit… well, more than a bit.
There was an uneasy silence between them.
"What… what do you think about that?" he asked nervously. "I mean… I would understand if you were upset about it but…?"
"No," she confessed. "Well, not completely happy about it. But I understand. I had been giving a lot of thought about it as well. I suppose… more than anything… I'm just sad."
That seemed to sum up everything in those few words. All three of them looked away from each other. What would happen to them now? Where would their paths lead them?
But Alisaie cleared her throat before asking them, "Well, what will you two do if we do end up disbanding?"
"Well, I was thinking that there is still a lot of work to be done in Garlemald," Alphinaud admitted slowly. "It was just an idea. I'm sure that I could be of great help there. I have learned a basic understanding of magitek from Cid after all and maybe show them that magic can be a boon to their people."
"So you won't be remaining in Sharlayan?" the warrior asked curiously. "I was thinking that your parents would have enjoyed having you home after learning all that happened at Ultima Thule?"
Suddenly, both turned red in the face and she looked from one to the other, feeling that she missed something.
"We—ah—decided that it was for the best not to tell our parents of our… I guess 'heroic sacrifice' back at Ultima Thule," Alphinaud said rather inelegantly. "I mean… they worry so much. And if they found out, that… well… we may not have returned… I fear they would never let us leave Sharlayan again. And just when father had gotten over disliking you…? It felt like we would be taking a step backwards."
"We told them everything else, just not… about that part," Alisaie coughed, "So, please don't say anything else about it."
She was a little surprised, but then again, after knowing how protective they were, she supposed that it made sense.
"Well, as for the idea of disbanding… nothing's been decided," Alisaie added in a slightly more cheerful voice. "Once we return to the Rising Stones, we will have a discussion about it there and see what everything else thinks. There's a lot to discuss about… well, everything. So we are able to rest for now and we should enjoy it while it lasts. Besides, it's not like we have to disband; at least not today."
They nodded, glad to turn the conversation away from that. But as the twins continued to discuss more of the changes that were coming to Sharlayan—and how it was now slowly opening up more to the outside world—she could not help but remember back to that moment.
"A path where she finds happiness at journey's end…"
Her heart broke when Alphinaud told her of his plan to sacrifice themselves to open the path for her. But to think that the reason they did this was for her…?
"Listen… about what happened at Ultima Thule…?" she began slowly and they turned to look at her. "I was hoping that we could talk about…?"
Before she could finish though, Alphinaud seemed to sense what she was about to say, he leapt to his feet.
"I just realized that it's almost noon," he said hurriedly. "Have you eaten yet? I can go and retrieve some food."
She was taken aback by his sudden question and instinctively shook her head.
"Good," he said before promising, "In that case, I'll be back soon. I'll get only the best from the Last Stand."
"Like you know the differences!" Alisaie said as she jumped up too; adding with a slight apologetic look, "We'll be back."
She just nodded and let the twins leave the room, leaving her alone once more. She suspected that they figured out what she wanted to talk about but wanted to postpone that discussion for as long as possible… though now that she thought about it, they really didn't seem like they wanted to talk too much more about what happened at Ultima Thule after that first night?
She knew them well enough to know that something was bothering them and she wanted to know what it was about. She frowned as she laid down and went back to staring up at the ceiling—wondering more of what was plaguing their minds that they didn't want to open up and talk to her about it. Normally, it was hard not to get Alphinaud to talk…? She smirked, feeling a little bad for thinking that.
But their way of treating her had definitely changed of late. Treating her as if she was delicate or made of glass—as if she could disappear in front of them if they let her push herself. Constantly fussing and checking up on her four or five times a day and asking if she wanted anything? Alisaie in particular had been struggling with how to treat her injuries ever since she woke up and she was starting to wonder if Alisaie would ever trust her alone again.
She sighed, before realizing that the books had been left there and she swung out of bed again. Whatever else they said, she felt well enough to move around and surely just walking over to the table and picked up the topmost book labeled: "The Mysteries of Meracydia".
That caught her interest and she immediately opened the book, hearing the spine crackle a little as she got a look of the first line: "Lying to the south of the Three Great Continents of Aldenard, Ilsabard, and Othard, Meracydia is one of the main landmasses…?"
But she couldn't even finish that first line when she heard a loud chirp outside and she looked up just as the warm sunbeams stretched patterns on the floor, causing her to groan in longing once more. Yet, she spotted something blue flying past the window and her eyes widened as she remembered the bird from before and dropped the book. She went back to the window where she stared about, unable to find that little starbird from before.
Her heart was beating hard as she thought more and more of it. Could it possibly be…?
She doubted it… yet she couldn't shake it from her mind. She had to find out.
She looked behind her at the door, knowing that the others were gone, save for Krile and Tataru but they were both in the main hall at this time and Krile wouldn't be in to check on her until later on. Surely it wouldn't hurt to sneak out and take a look around…? Just to make sure…?
As quietly and as quickly as her body will allow her in its current condition, she pulled on the coat that Tataru had made for her when she had first gone to Garlemald and a pair of boots over her pajamas. Taking a deep breath, she carefully climbed out the window, her muscles shaking with the effort as she pulled herself over the railing and carefully touched down upon the road. As soon as her feet hit the ground she felt a sharp pain shoot through her ribs and chest and she hugged herself tightly.
Though the pain had been less than what it had been before, it was still painful to do even such simple movements. She took several deep breaths before she stood tall again.
Knowing that she would be given such a telling off should she be caught, she planned just a quick walk around the area until she found the bird.
And she was soon off.
It was late afternoon at this point so it looked like people were done with most of their errands or work so they were beginning to return home. Which was a relief since she would have a hard time trying to disguise herself against so many people. Thankfully, most didn't even look twice her way as she wandered around the area, keeping her head up as she scanned the area for any trace of blue.
But regardless, she couldn't help but feel good at the fresh air and the slightly salty tint to it. The air inside her room had started to grow stifling and it was a relief to be able to get away from all that for a moment. Though she did decide that it was for the best if she avoided going near the harbor to reduce the risk of the twins spotting her about.
She spent a good twenty minutes walking around the area, but had no luck at all in spotting the bird with azure feathers. She even asked a few people if they had seen such a bird about, having thought to show the sketch she made to a few of them, but they all shook their heads, apologizing for not being of more help.
After about another forty minutes of searching, she was almost convinced that her mind had been playing tricks on her and that there was no starbird about here. More importantly, she was sure that the twins would be returning soon so she knew she would be cutting it close. She would just chalk it up that it had been a strange dream or something and let it be at that.
She had been standing about the markets when she came to this decision and sadly stuffed the sketch into her pocket. After heading down a flight of stairs, looking for the quickest way to get back to the Annex, her eyes spotted the ocean in the distance and she paused to look as the glimmer of the ocean sparkled like sapphires of the deepest shade of blue.
She stretched out her arms and let the light wind tug at her hair and coat in a gentle way as she closed her eyes and breathed in deeply. This was exactly what she needed more than any kind of medicine in her mind.
Though she was beginning to shiver, having grown used to a warm and heated room for the last few days and her feet were already cold. Apparently her shivers were more noticeable than she thought for a familiar voice spoke up: "If you are cold, then might I suggest somewhere warmer?"
She jumped slightly, having not realized that someone had come over to join her. Her eyes widened slightly in surprise as he approached her in his long, white Forum robes that shone brightly in the sunlight.
"Lord Fourchenault," she said respectfully as the Forum member slowly descended the flight of stairs so that he could come to the platform with her. At the mention of his title, he held up his hand to stop her from going any further.
"Just… Fourchenault, if you please," he said humbly as he drew up closer to stand next to her and shared the view. "Between the two of us, I believe that your title as Savior of the Star, far outranks mine."
She was slightly embarrassed at that but she nodded before she turned back to stare at the ocean. They stood there together in silence for a time—a kind of discomfort between them. They really hadn't had any kind of conversations between the other without Alphinaud and Alisaie involved and usually she stood back while she let them talk. Now though, she could feel the tensions between them.
She glanced at him out of the corner of her eyes and she could see that there was an awkwardness to his face as well—and she suspected that he could feel the strain between them as well.
In an attempt to break the ice, she quietly asked how things were proceeding along in the Forum.
"Proceeding smoothly for a change," he answered a little formally. "There is so much to discuss, and of course everyone has their opinions on the many matters at hand. Most of those who had answered your call for aid have left, but we will be keeping communications open. Now that the Final Days have been averted, many are now questioning if it would be more beneficial to open our borders once again. Of course, such things will be taking time…?"
Now that their duty had been fulfilled, it seemed that a great weight had been lifted off his mind. She could see how the lines in his face had lightened considerably and he seemed more comfortable speaking out loud of such matters. He was smiling faintly before continuing on with explaining the different parties and plans that everyone was coming up with. What they could offer the rest of the world and what they could gain in return…?
"I, myself, do think that mayhaps it would be a wise idea to allow more people to visit Sharlayan and not make the process so difficult," he confessed after several long minutes of his discussion. "Though, the best change happens gradually and…?"
Eventually, he seemed to realize that he all but told her what he felt and cleared his throat. She just smiled at that, remembering how Tataru once joked with her on that.
"You must have such amazing dirt on just about everyone you ever met!" she piped up with a rather evil grin. "The fact that you like to just sit there and just nod only helps them feel more open with you and before you know it they spill their guts out and tell you their whole life story!"
Not that she ever told Tataru anything—much to their secretary's disappointment.
There was more silence between them as the wind just gently blew over them.
"Forgive me, I didn't mean to interrupt you," he said to her apologetically. "It's just that I finished with a discussion just now and thought that I stretch my legs for a moment. As I was passing, I happened to see you here and thought to see how you were faring. I was told that you were still on the mend?"
She nodded to confirm that and admitted, "I was told that I still need a little more rest, but after days of being locked inside, I simply needed to get some fresh air."
It wasn't a complete lie. And at this point, she was convinced that she had been imagining seeing the little starbird outside her window.
"I see, but you shouldn't push yourself," he informed her worriedly. "You have been through a traumatic experience and you deserve a well-deserved rest. Though my combat days are far behind me, I was once a Sage as well and know full well how serious wounds can become. Do not squander this reprieve and let us handle the rest of the work."
She smiled in appreciation of his concern which he timidly returned.
"Not only that, I am certain that my children will be worried sick about you once they hear of this," he added, "As I have a feeling that they are currently unaware of your… stroll outside?"
"No, I fear they will all but threaten to lock me in my room after this," she agreed, sighing a bit dejectedly at that. Something that Fourchenault noticed.
"Please do not think too harshly on their concern," he told her kindly. "They were truly worried for your condition when you returned. The looks on their faces when we had to take you from their side to finish treating you…?"
She looked back to him in surprise before he realized that she had no idea what he was talking about.
"Do you remember what happened after you returned?" he asked her curiously.
She shook her head, honestly not able to recall much after being led off the ship. She explained this much to him, and he nodded in understanding.
"I can't say I'm surprised," he told her. "You were barely conscious on your feet. When we called for the Sages to come assist us, my children were all but glued to your side."
He looked up to the sky to see a few scattering of clouds drifting across and told her, "Oh, the relief I felt when I saw the Ragnarok return…? To know that they were both alive and well, it made me feel as if the weight of the world was taken off my shoulders."
He gave a shuddering sigh at the memory and added, "I wanted to have them both treated right away, but they refused to allow anyone to look over them until you were treated first and foremost. I told them that we had plenty of healers to tend to everyone, but they would not be denied this and we all agreed that you needed the attention the most. They followed on either side of you the rest of the way back to the Baldesion Annex, and accompanied you as far as to your room there where we practically had to drag them outside. They didn't want to leave and it wasn't until their mother reminded them that the healers needed to be completely focused on helping you did they finally agree to leave. But once word reached them that you were going to recover, they immediately went back to your room once the other healers left and sat up with you well into the night until your friend G'raha Tia took over."
She blinked at that, feeling a blush over her cheeks and nose at the information. A warmth filled her heart at such words and she could not stop the smile that came to her lips.
Fourchenault smiled sadly and added, "I have never seen either of them in such a state. Not since my own father…?"
He trailed off.
"I… didn't know," she said quietly, suddenly feeling bad. "I wish to talk to them more of everything that happened at Ultima Thule, but they seem reluctant to do so with me. Why, they practically fled my room when I mentioned it before…?"
Fourchenault thought that over for a moment before suggesting, "Mayhaps they don't wish to burden you with what they feel is unnecessary knowledge while still recovering? Or mayhaps they are worried of discussing what happened?"
"They could never be a burden," she said firmly.
He chuckled at that and told her, "Glad I am to hear you say that."
"But something is bothering them," she declared, thinking back to the swirl of emotions that she had seen in their eyes. "I just know it… but they don't wish to open up to me."
"To you as well?" he asked. "Thank Thaliak it isn't just me then. I felt that they were hiding something from me. I know that there must have been something that took place at Ultima Thule, but whenever I try to ask about it in more details, they change the subject."
She had been worried about that. Normally, it didn't take much for her to get them to open up to her… oftentimes they did so without her prompting. With Alphinaud, if he truly feels ready to talk about it, he will bring it up on his own. He may need a little push at times, but he usually does reveal when he is upset. Alisaie on the other hand is so stubborn at times. She will only talk about what upsets her if she is either emotional or if she is directly confronted about it. She is almost… like a cornered animal at times. You need a firm but gentle hand as you wait for her to make the first move. She looked to the ocean again, where a ship seemed to be getting ready to leave the harbor. The sails were unfolding and a distant bell could just be heard from up here.
"I fear I don't know them anymore," he confessed after a few more minutes of quiet. "Not as they are now. Both of them have long since grown and changed that… suddenly, I feel that I don't know my own children at all."
She was surprised by that before his gaze turned a bit more serious and his eyes—so much like his children—met hers.
"I have finally read some of the letters that my beloved has kept of our children's adventures and I would struggle to believe half of them. But in just about every single one is mention of you…" he informed her. "They speak of you in such glowing words that one could not hope to miss their adoration and concern for you. It's quite clear to me just how important you are to them and that you mean the world to them. So if there is any out there who could speak to them on such a level for them to reveal what turmoil they are going through… it is you."
She turned fully to face him, not quite sure what to say to that as his face melted into one of a more kind look than strict like it had been before.
"But, if I may ask, I would very much appreciate an honest answer," he said, "Can you think of aught that happened at Ultima Thule that may have had such an effect on them?"
She looked away from him as she played that image over in her mind.
*Memory*
"Despite how it appears, it's no different this time," Alphinaud said with firm conviction in his voice. "There is someone here who has wished for this ruin."
But who? There was no one else here. One of Meteion's sisters appeared in the ruins to taunt the three of them, claiming they can't move on… and without someone's despair to overcome… with no one else here… it seemed that they were right. Why was this? Why was this world empty? Could Meteion's empathetic abilities have somehow caused the people of this star to disappear? She knew that her abilities had driven some of the civilizations they encountered to extinction… could that have been the fate for this world as well?
But as she gazed at Alphinaud's face, she saw the hard determination shining there and she felt a cold wave of dread wash over her. He didn't look at her at first as he turned to Alisaie, though is words weren't directed towards his sister: "And I believe that, together, Alisaie and I can overcome their will."
His words shocked them both and they were too stunned to speak. She just stared at him… knowing what he was suggesting and could not bear to accept it. She didn't want to hear what he was suggesting that they do… she wanted to scream at him not to do it… that she would never allow it. But all she could muster was: "I promised your parents I'd keep you safe."
"I know… I know…" he muttered a sad smile appear on his face. But he remained convinced that this was something that he had to do… not just for the people of Etheirys… but for himself. Though she knew that the odds of beating him with words were slim to none she nevertheless searched her mind in a desperate attempt to think of something, anything, that could change it.
"I will not pretend otherwise. I have my fears. Not for myself, but for you. The last to remain," he admitted, finally looking at her as she turned away. "You are no stranger to carrying the burdens of others. But I can only imagine how heavy the weight would be this time."
His face was twisted into grief as he lowered his head and croaked, his voice breaking apart, "As your friend, I cannot bear the thought of making you suffer so."
So then why do it? Why? Why could she not take the role instead? But then… that would mean letting them suffer in her place. She couldn't bear that either.
Her face was screwed up in pain as she fought the emotions that were threatening to burst out.
"Then why suggest such a thing!?"
Alisaie's outburst broke through and they looked to her as she began to shake, sobs mixing in with her voice. "It's too much to ask of anyone—even her! Why must she be the one? Why must she fight alone? More than a hero, she's a dear friend. Not only to us, but to so many others. There are so many people in the world who care for you, and yet…"
"Alisaie…" she whispered, staring at the girl, who was now crying silently next to her. It looked like she was closed to breaking down completely and that there was something more she wanted to say.
"And yet…" Alisaie mumbled in a quieter voice as tears began to fall from the younger girl's eyes.
Before Alisaie could voice what she was feeling, Alphinaud stepped forward. She could only watch as he spoke to his twin, his face showed not a sign of fear, only a kind understanding as he forced a smile.
"Alisaie," he said softly, "I have an idea. Given the nature of this realm, it may be possible to do more than unbar our friend's path. We might also pave her a new one."
'A… new one?' she thought to herself in confusion as Alisaie looked at her brother, wiping the tears away, and wondering what he was trying to say.
"For instance…" he said, his voice almost breaking again there as they both looked to her, "A path where she finds happiness at journey's end."
That humble wish sucked the breath right out of her. Happiness? They were willing to risk their lives for her happiness? How could she ever be happy with a choice like this though?
She wanted to stop them here and now but he already went on talking to Alisaie: "This much, I think we can believe with the utmost conviction. No matter how deep our despair."
"Do I not get a say in this?" she asked him as he looked back to her with a sad smile.
He slowly shook his head and instead pleaded, "So please, believe in us too. And press on."
There was no other choice was there? But… she couldn't…? How would she…? She knew tears were forming in her eyes for she could barely see now… but she forced herself to nod.
"Thank you…" Alphinaud said before his sister grabbed his hand and roughly pulled him away. "What are you…?"
"If the plan's decided, then let's not dally," she scolded, not looking at him… leaving her with no choice but to follow behind.
And yet… she still remained to continue on. After they made their choice and their sacrifice… taking one of Meteion's sisters with them… she was left standing alone with these countless stars—upon a world that had long since died alone in the depths of the expanse.
Her legs felt numb as she tried to move forward but she could only take a step before she stumbled and fell to her knees, her head bowed low.
The silence around her was as suffocating as when Meteion tried to kill them before onboard the Ragnarok. She tried to breathe but she could only gasp and shudder as she tried to fight sobs and the tears that fell from her eyes.
She was alone… completely alone.
In the back of her mind… she always knew that it would lead to this. Always, just before the end… she was separated from her friends and forced to continue to face the next foe. But never had it been this hard before. She understood their reasons for staying behind and as each one had made their stand she felt her heart continue to break apart until it was just her and the twins left. Each disappearance of her friends felt like a physical wound… or as if one of her limbs had been severed and she was left twitching on the ground in pain. When G'raha had sacrificed himself it was all she could do to keep herself together for Alphinaud's and Alisaie's sakes. She had to stay strong for them and see this through till the end… but now even they were taken from her as well.
And now here she was carrying the weight of the entire star upon her shoulders… and she must do so on her own.
Vrtra's words echoed in her head once more:
"For upon thy life's reel wind too many threads. Of fate. Power. Weal, enmeshed with woe. Amidst this tangled knot, thou shalt know no rest. 'Tis an endless confluence of forces; a struggle without surcease. More terrible still is the attrition wrought upon thy companions, as they are swept up in a storm of thine existence."
Was this to be her fate? To be left alone…? To drag others down with her…?
No.
No, she couldn't accept this. She would not. Y'shtola's words gave her hope that they may yet be saved. That one spark that kept her from completely giving in to despair.
She wasn't going to let this end like that. She wasn't going to allow it. If there was a chance she could bring them all back, then she had to keep moving forward. That hope was all that she had left to keep going and so she dragged herself, weary that she was, back to her feet.
The moment that she did, she could see shadows appearing around her while voices from the past began to echo in her ears. She didn't know if she was just seeing things or if this world was somehow offering her some form of comfort as she slowly took one step in front of the other.
She was going to finish this and bring everyone home. Just like she promised.
She had so many promises to keep… so much more to see…? She remembered how she promised Raha to show him around Ishgard and to accompany her on many more adventures together…? She couldn't break that… she still owed Estinien a rematch too… he had been pestering her about it after they saved the world. She smirked for the first time at that memory and knew that she couldn't possibly miss the chance to beat him again. Not only that, but she did also promise Y'shtola to help her find a way to cross over to the other shards… to help reunite Thancred with Ryne and help Urianger continue to study the world as he grew more and more open with everyone.
She wanted to see Alphinaud and Alisaie grow into full adulthood and shoot up taller than her as they shared more and more memories together.
So many promises… she couldn't break them here.
So, after wiping her tears away and with the echoes of the past ringing in her ears, she continued onwards, her fingers instinctively clutching the crystal of Azem in her breast pocket under her armor tightly as she walked up the rainbow-like steps of light.
She would reach the nest and confront Meteion… she would keep all of her promises. Only death would keep her from fulfilling them at this point.
*End of Memory*
She felt herself growing silent as the memory of that terrible moment played itself over in her mind and Fourchenault looked away.
"I see," he said simply.
"I'm sorry," she mumbled.
"No… no, don't be," he said with a quiet tone, shutting his eyes as he let what he learned sink in. "I… I knew something big happened. But to think that…? They were willing…? No, they are here and that is all that matters."
He looked back to her and this time he smiled again. "They are alive. Thanks to you. You brought them back to us and for that, I am eternally grateful. Twice over now that I think of it."
She looked back to him questionably as he explained, "They also told me what you did when you confronted the Endsinger. How it had been you who saved them from her attack by teleporting them straight back to the Ragnarok at the last moment. That you were willing to stay behind to face her alone… saving your friends at the cost of your own escape?"
She shook her head and explained, "I could have escaped too if I wanted. But then… there would have been no one left to fight Meteion. So I just…?"
She paused there as she tried to think of the best way to word it. He waited for her to find the right words. And then…?
"I simply took heart and protected them all as best as I could," she answered with a sad smile. "Though they may resent me for that stunt, I don't care. I just did what my heart commanded me to do and I don't regret it. Had I not…?"
She did not dare try to think too much about what would have happened otherwise.
But Fourchenault seemed to understand and nodded once in agreement.
"No matter the reason, you saved my children's lives, and for that… thank you," he told her. He then reached out and gripped her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. He didn't seem to really know how else to express his gratitude, but she understood all that he wanted to say and she nodded back as he smiled.
He let go of her and they turned back to the view of the lower half of the city as well as the sea that was now slowly carrying the ship away from the harbor—heading to new lands perhaps…?
"I often come here to look at the water as well," he agreed, sounding much happier than before. "Out of curiosity, where do you think that your path will take you next? You have travelled to other stars now, everything else must seem dull in comparison?"
One would think, wouldn't they? But she felt that it was the opposite. After all that she had seen, perhaps something a little more… down to earth was what she yearned for right now? She shook her head and reassured him, "Not at all. G'raha, at least, seems convinced that my greatest adventures are still waiting for me. Though I admit that it will be hard to top this one. But, if there is one thing that I learned from all this… is just how much I have yet to discover."
She felt his gaze on her as she thought more and more of Emet-Selch's final words to her.
"Meracydia… the New World… the other shards…? Just to name a few," she said. "I only just scratched the surface of what this world has to offer. I realized that everything up till now has only been the first saga… indeed, even upon Eorzea, I see that there is still much for me to learn. And I want to be able to know more of it."
He nodded approvingly at her words.
"Seek… discover… learn… these are all things that we love to encourage here in Sharlayan," he agreed. "There are countless books on such places that you could begin. I could probably teach an entire course upon such places."
"I'm sure you could," she agreed. "But… it's one thing to read about it. It's another to see it with your own eyes."
She reached into her pocket as she felt Azem's crystal against her palm and her traveler's heart slowly began to grow warm of the thought of more adventures waiting for her. The crystal of Azem… the seat of sorrow… born of love for this world and to find a way ever forward and help steer mankind to a bright tomorrow.
At least, that is what she learned from Venat.
"Staying on an island for most of your life will not teach you to appreciate all that you have," she added, before realizing how rude that sounded. "Sorry, I just meant that it's very different to be able to go out and see it for yourself rather than sitting back and reading about it in a book."
But to her surprise, Fourchenault burst out laughing. Her head jerked over to stare at him, having never heard him laugh like that before and wondering what she said that caused it. He laughed like that for about a minute before it was reduced to a chuckle. When he finished he beamed and informed her, "You sound just like him when you said that."
She slanted her head before he elaborated, "My father, Louisoix. He said something very similar shortly before he departed from here for the final time. 'The world is so vast and beautiful that no book, no matter how big, could ever hope to capture the sheer vastness of it all.' I just remember trying to convince him to remain behind and leave Eorzea to deal with its problems on its own."
He sighed and looked back up to the sky with an unreadable expression.
"To condemn those that one might conceivably save is not wisdom, it is indolence," he recited. "My father used those words as well and for a long time I struggled to truly understand the meaning of them."
He looked down and asked, "While it may sound noble… I can't help but worry about the costs. What if that means putting those that you love in harm's way? What if that means dragging all that you have ever known down into war and strife? What then? Ideals alone cannot protect those that you love most. My heart had long since been conflicted with both love for the man I tried so hard to emulate… and anger that he would have chosen to walk such a path. I simply consoled myself with my decision to continue protecting my family and my home the only way I knew how. And it had worked until my children decided that they wished to leave. Again, I felt anger at my father for influencing my children to leave the safety of Sharlayan for the outer world. Yet, they were old enough that I could not forcibly stop them from leaving… and I reassured myself that they would soon return after realizing the many problems that were afflicting the realm. What I was not expecting was for them to stand up to me so boldly when next we met. And when I heard you say the exact same words that my father once said to me… it was suddenly too much. I…" he looked embarrassed before admitting, "I admit that I lost it and I disowned them on the spot. I regretted the words the moment they left my mouth and there and I wish I could take them back… but I couldn't… I just left."
He continued to look away as a distant memory suddenly returned to him when he was still a child himself. Much younger than even his children right now when he approached his father and asked him, "Father… I have a question. People have been saying how wise and knowledgeable you are… but… what is the difference between wisdom and knowledge?"
He remembered his father's kind smile as he crouched down to meet him at eye level.
"Ah, that is a good question, Fourchenault," he told him sagely. "Well, there are many different ways to look about it. But, to put it simply, what I think it means is that knowledge is the information you have learned, such as from your studies or your teachers. Wisdom, however, is the ability to use that knowledge in a profound way."
Fourchenault remember looking at him in confusion before his father laughed. "Knowledge is easy to gain access too. You can learn it from both books and reports or going out and experiencing the world. However, wisdom is very different in that the only way you can gain it is through experience. That is why they say that the old are very wise for they have lived a very long time and gone through much."
"Oh, I see," Fourchenault said slowly, "Then, how will I know when I am wise?"
"Hmmm," his father muttered thoughtfully. "I know. Here's a question for you, my son. And depending on the answer, that will tell us how wise you are. Tell me: when the sun sets and the moon rises, it becomes night. So, answer me this… why does the moon change as it rises into the night?"
Fourchenault blinked at that and smiled proudly as he proclaimed the moon cycle and the different phases of the moon. His father listened to him patiently and chuckled as he ran his hand through his son's hair fondly.
"And that proves that you are very knowledgeable, my son. But the thing is that there is no one right answer for this particular question," he said and his son was left feeling more confused than ever.
The adult Fourchenault smiled at that memory before he looked to her and asked, "I have a question for you and I simply wish to hear your honest opinion on it. There is no one right answer so don't be worried about saying the wrong thing."
She looked up at him and waited as he asked, "When the sun sets and the moon rises, it becomes night. But when it is time for the moon to wane… why does the moon change as it rises into the night?"
She looked surprised by the question before she thought it all over. Finally, she decided, "It doesn't."
He blinked at that, staring at her as she explained, "The moon is always the same but its reflection changes so that we can only see what we expect. I guess, maybe like people at times. How we can hide our faces and even hide ourselves completely when we want to but that doesn't change who we are?"
He continued to stare at her before a faint smile appeared on his face.
"A very wise answer," he told her as he ran a hand through his hair, ruining the prefect braid that it had been in as he sighed.
Suddenly, there was a warm fondness there as he asked, "It's clear to me that meeting you had been the catalyst for the changes in my children, for which I am gladdened. You will always be welcomed at Leveilleur estate. When you are feeling better, I pray that you will join us there for lunch. I know that Ameliance will be thrilled to hear more stories from you."
"I'd like that," she smiled.
"And if you would like, you are more than welcomed to remain in Sharlayan for as long as you wish," he added. "If you ever decide to take a more… slow way of life from your exciting adventures, please don't hesitate to return here."
She smiled a little wider at that and said with a nod, "I would love to. I would also love to learn a few more stories of the twins when they were younger. Ameliance has been more than eager to tell me some of them."
He laughed once more as he stepped a little closer so that they could both enjoy watching the ship as it set sail upon the horizon.
"I can still remember the day they were born," he told her. "Never have I ever known such happiness. I was almost dazed with joy. When I held them in my arms for the first time I swore then and there that I would do everything in my power to protect them."
She didn't answer right away as she slowly thought of the two of them when they first met…?
"Perhaps… you did too well a job of protecting them?" she offered at last. She had feared that she may have insulted him at that, but he took what she said in strive as he closed his eyes for a moment.
"I fear mayhap you may be right," he confessed before opening them again. "I admit that until recently, I believed that the Scions influence, yours in particular, had been the reason they had were willing to throw themselves into such dangerous situations."
"I know," she said knowingly. "The way you looked at me back in Gridania… told me everything."
He shook his head in a way that clearly told her that he had hoped that she had forgotten that.
"Looking back, I am quite ashamed of my reaction towards you," he admitted. "In all honesty, I feared that you being around them was only making them throw away everything that we have built. How could this outsider ever understand Sharlayan's stance? Why would I ever have allowed this one person to completely change my children in such a way that I didn't even recognize them when I saw them? How could she ever understand that all that we have ever done we did for the sake of our people and this star? Why question it when it had spared our people such war and sufferings?"
She didn't answer him, simply gazing on as he went on with his rant.
"All I saw was someone whom was a dangerous influence on my children. I didn't know who you were or what you were capable of, but I believed that you were to be blamed should something happen to Alphinaud or Alisaie," he stated. "But… after everything that has happened, especially after having seen what you were willing to do for the sake of this star… showed me like nothing else that I can't protect them forever. And that it wasn't just your influence that made them wish to walk this path."
A proud glint appeared in his eyes as he finished, "It was the people in this world. The people they wished to save. I see that now, and I hope that you can forgive me for my behavior and continue to guide them down their chosen path. Especially for Alisaie. She always was hotheaded and known to throw caution to the wind… but you… you are the very pinnacle of everything she believes in and what she wishes to one day become."
Once again, hearing such a thing made her heart grown as warm as her cheeks as she felt a blush covering them.
"There was never anything to forgive," she reassured him. "Nor do you even have to ask for that. I understand, truly I do. You only ever wished to keep safe that which you treasure and I will never judge you for it. I also pray that we will continue to share more adventures together—and I will not refuse should you ever wish to join us."
She saw a strange sparkle in his eyes at her offer.
"Though my duties are here, I'll not deny a part of me hopes to see a little more of the world now," he confessed. "Now that we no longer need fear this star fading anytime soon, I can't deny that I am rather… curious about what else is out there. Mayhaps I, too, will grow as my children had if I leave on a little adventure of my own."
She grinned at that, knowing that Alphinaud and Alisaie would very much enjoy that… and she was sure that he could probably teach Alphinaud a few tricks with those new weapons of his if he were to ask.
"I also understand completely your desire to protect them all too well," she told him. "But in truth, I now know where they get their overprotectiveness from."
He arched an eyebrow until they heard a pair of voices calling out her name and she shut her eyes with a sigh—knowing that she was in for it now.
Fourchenault looked above her head when he spotted his son and daughter racing directly towards them when they spotted her. It didn't seem that they even noticed him at first as they skidded to a stop.
"What—are—you—doing—out of bed?!" Alisaie demanded angrily from their friend, panting from their run. "Are you trying to cause us to worry? We got back to your room to find that you weren't there?! But Tataru had no idea because you didn't walk out the door! Don't tell me you jumped out the window! I swear, Estinien is such a bad influence…?!"
"Was I gone that long?" she asked lightly, not realizing how much time had passed. Well, if she was going to be yelled at, she might as well earn it. "Sorry, I meant to return before anyone noticed that I was missing. I just wanted to go for a walk."
"A walk? A WALK?!" Alisaie demanded loudly, marching straight up to her, her hands on her hips, "What was so important that you had to go for a walk and risk your health like this?!"
"Father?" Alphinaud asked in surprise and Alisaie stopped in the middle of her tirade when she finally noticed that her father was standing right there.
"No need to worry," he told them kindly when he saw Alisaie's face turn bright red. "I just happened to finish with an important debate earlier than I expected and decided to stretch my legs when we happened to run into each other and I thought to see for myself how she was fairing."
"He was just convincing me to return to my cell before you appeared," she added.
"Your cell…? Oh, for gods sake, you're not imprisoned!" Alisaie reprimanded with a growl. "Now come on, we are taking you back before lunch gets cold."
She had no desire to return to her room, but her chest and ribs were really starting to hurt at this point and her feet were now numb with cold. She bit back the sigh that wanted to break free and nodded as she followed after them with nary a word of complaint.
"Ah, sorry, for that display, father," Alisaie muttered before they left and he smiled.
"Not at all," he reassured her. "We just had a pleasant, and dare I say, most enlightening, conversation. I can see now why she means so much to you."
Both twins looked surprised at that as he merely gave them a welcoming smile and bade them to have a good rest of their time here in Sharlayan.
"You all take care of each other, for me," he said before his eyes found the warrior's and a kind of understanding seemed to flow between them. "Oh, I do hope that when you plan to next leave Sharlayan, you will pay us a visit at the estate before you do so that we may be able to see you off."
He gave them a friendly wave before he turned and began to walk back up the stairs, leaving the twins a bit bemused at such a calm exit. But then they remembered why they were there and began to escort their wounded friend back to the Annex.
"What did you two talk about?" Alisaie asked her as she gripped friend's her arm, as if making sure she didn't make a break for it.
"Just what a beautiful day it is today," she answered shrewdly as Alphinaud followed behind them, still looking stunned.
(Yeah, I had planned on it being all about the sweet angst with the twins, but as I was writing the scene where the WOL escapes, I just happened to think to myself: what would happen if Fourchenault appeared? And next thing I know the chapter is so long that I had to break it up into two chapters. Oh well, I loved it. The third and final chapter will be devoted entirely to the twins, where they vent a lot of feelings and there will be some cute bonding moments here, so I hope that you are looking forward to it.)
