The next morning I polished my dragoon armor and put it on minus my helmet. I would likely die from a heat stroke if I dared to wear it. Instead I pulled my long hair up into a high ponytail as I usually did when I knew things were going to get too busy for my hair to be in my face. I strapped my lance to my back and opened the door to my chambers. Estinien was leaned against the wall in his usually brooding fashion. Gone was any trace of the empathy I had received the night before.

"You could have simply knocked," I remarked.

"And walk in to you crying again? No thank you." He pushed from the wall and walked ahead of me without sparing me a single glance. What had gotten into him?

We made our way through the city without a word. I struggled to keep up as his legs were much longer than mine. I knew better than to complain when he was in a mood though. Alphinaud had made that mistake one too many times in my presence. It wasn't a pretty sight. So I continued at almost a jog behind him until we were outside of the city gates.

"Will you be able to keep up?" He asked gruffly.

My jaw nearly dropped at his tone. That was rare considering he was always fairly abrasive. "Do you even want me to accompany you?"

"Of course. I would not have asked otherwise. What gave you the impression that I had changed my mind?" He looked truly stunned. I wanted to stab him.

"You just asked me if I could keep up!" I exclaimed throwing my hands over my head.

He looked at me like I was crazy. How could he not see that as rude? "You had quite a lot to drink last night. You are a very small woman. I assumed you weren't feeling well."

"Estinien," I groaned. "It would be much easier to understand you if you would just ask normal questions like 'are you feeling well enough to do this' and the like."

After staring at me for a few moments he grunted clearly annoyed and continued on. I couldn't help but notice that his pace had slowed considerably which made me feel a bit smug. It was likely as close to an apology as I would get for his brusque nature. We continued farther into the trees when I heard the distinct growls and groans of the blasphemies. It always made me sad to think of them because they were once people like me.

We both unsheathed our lances at the same time. It could never be denied that both Azure Dragoons together was a force to be reckoned with. I crouched and slowly made my way through the bushes when I saw them. A big blob with teeth and several eyes drooling and gnashing it's teeth followed by several small goblin-like creatures. Their small size did not fool me. They were quicker than most other blasphemies. I looked in Estinien's direction. We nodded to one another and dove out into the group.

"Agh!" I roared as I dove through the air at one of the little ones. One stab of my lance was enough to blow it apart due to the sheer force of my dive. I twirled my weapon and made quick work of the next. The big blob made a grab for me, so I tucked and rolled out of its way. Estinien made a dive for it. He got a stab in before he was knocked back into a tree. I propelled myself off the ground and drove my lance into it with as much force as I could muster. It blew apart. We made quick work of the remaining stragglers.

As we rested against some rocks for a few moments I caught Estinien wince a bit as he moved his shoulder. He tried to hide it from me as always. I rolled my eyes as I turned towards him. "Remove your armor."

"What? You cannot be serious?" He looked at me as if I had grown another head. "Isolde, you are a pretty girl but this is hardly the time or place."

"You are a pig. I want to check your injuries. You hit that tree hard enough to crack the trunk." I was growing impatient.

"Tis but a scratch, woman. I shall be fine. Just a little sore. I have gotten a bit complacent recently and need to work my lance arm a bit harder," he argued.

"If you say so." I pushed myself from the ground. After brushing myself off before setting off back towards the city. I didn't offer so much as a parting glance. My mood was quickly souring again. While battle always thrilled me to no end it always upset me when my comrades were injured. Especially comrades that refuse help.

Angry footsteps clomped not far behind me. He wasn't the only one allowed to brood. Neither of us spoke a word as we made our way to our chambers. Wordlessly, I slipped into mine. I felt slightly guilty because he had not meant to directly anger me. It was probably one of the least rude interactions we had experienced since meeting up in the hall that morning. I was just no longer in the mood for his hot and cold temperament.

The thing I loved most about Radz-at-Han was the big bath tub I had in my room. It had working plumbing. Tiles of blues, oranges, and yellows made a beautiful pattern all around it. I turned on the hot water, added some lovely fragranced soaps, and made quick work of removing my armor. While piling my hair on top of my head I slipped into the hot tub. It was almost a little too warm, but with all of the aches from old injuries I didn't mind. A mirror faced directly across from it. I cringed at my naked form. While I was in great shape I hated the long scar that started at my back, across my ribs, and ended just a few inches above my navel. It was a reminder that Zenos had nearly gutted me like a fish, but somehow there was enough will and magic in me to hold myself together literally and figuratively.

A loud groan left me as I sunk down into the hot, bubbly water. Muscles I didn't even know were tensed released. My mood was still foul. I found myself again thinking of the life I had briefly planned beyond are venturing. My heart felt raw. Wishing to drown out the world I let myself slide under the water in the large bath. My eyes slid closed as I finally relaxed. The water was hot so it soothed my aching wounds and headache that was forming. It wouldn't take much for me to nap, but I would hate to wake up in cold water.

Just as I started to feel a light doze I was abruptly yanked out of the water. To say I was disoriented was a huge understatement. Full of panic I pushed my long, wet hair out of my face to find out who my assailant was and figure out how to fight my way out of this. Estinien sat before me looking angry and scared

"Have you lost your mind? What in the seven hells are you doing?" I yelled angrily.

"I should ask you the same, woman! What were you thinking trying to drown yourself? There is no problem worth that," he roared.

"Trying to drown myself?" What was he talking about. Then it hit me. I was under the water for a very long time. "You absolute moron! I can breathe underwater. I was blessed by a Kojin."

He crossed his arms angrily. His shirt was sticking to him from pulling me from under the water. "How was I to know that?"

"I suppose you're right there." He just sat there unsure what to do next. His face said he almost didn't believe me.

"Estinien."

"What?"

"I need you to leave."

"Why?"

"Because I'm not wearing a stitch of clothing. You ruined my bath so I want to get out," I snapped.

He shrugged, "You speak as if I've never seen a woman in her altogether."

"I seriously doubt that," I scoffed. I knew that was going to get far under his skin.

"You do realize I am not a young man. Surely you know how life works…" He was taking me seriously. That would be his downfall.

I snickered, "You can also be a bit of an arsehole. And by a bit I mean a lot. And always."

He glared at me clearly very annoyed. "What is your point?"

"You are too mean for a woman to wish to undress for you." I snatched my towel from the edge of the tub. "Turn around or leave."

He stood, turned his back to me, and folded his arms. This argument clearly wasn't over. Good. It was giving me something else to focus on. I dabbed the excess water from my body, wrapped the large towel tightly around me, and began to drain the tub.

"I can be charming when I want to be," he argued with his back to me.

As I put my small clothes on I suppressed a laugh. I slipped on a beautiful skirt Tataru had made me. It was black with gold threading and beading throughout. It sat on my hips and ended just before my ankles. "Now that is an all out lie. In all the years I have known you 'charming' is not a word I would ever use to describe you."

"Excuse me!" He whipped around to face me. His eyes fell to the jagged scar on my torso. The expression on his face darkened. If he thought it was disgusting then I was right in my attempts to hide it. Without another word he promptly left my room. I slipped on the black, satin wrap style shirt Tataru had made for the skirt. It stopped right in line with my navel, but covered the full scar.

Angrily, I toed on a pair of sandals. Thank the gods for the little woman and her sense to pack for me because I did not have anything to cope with the heat for a long time. I opened my door to make my way down to the tavern for a drink. My infuriating comrade stood waiting for me just as he had that same morning. This time I ignored him as I carried on down the hall. He continued to stalk after me as I ordered at the bar. Then he followed me wordlessly and sat at the table I chose. I continued to sit in silence as if he did not exist.

"Why are you angry with me?" he finally erupted. I just glared at him. "You were the one being very insulting to me. Now what have I done that I am unaware of?"

"Entering my room without permission for starters," I hissed.

"I knocked several times. You did not answer. It worried me."

"Not having the decency to avert your eyes while I was in the bath."

"Again, I was concerned. And the bubbles did much to cover you."

"Running out of the room like a coward when you saw how Zenos had marked me for life!"

"Do you think that was easy for me to see?" His eyes bore holes into mine. "I was there after that. I helped hold your flesh together as our friends exhausted their aether to knit you back together as best they could."

"Oh," was all I could muster.

"I care not for scars. I do, however, mind the harsh memory of that particular scar very much." He leaned back in his chair with his arms crossed over his chest. "Aside from worrying you would die I had to listen to G'raha and Alisaie sob like babies for hours with no escape!"

"I am truly sorry," I said quietly. "For all of it. Everything you have endured because of me. Oh, and for being an absolute monster since yesterday."

"Just buy me a drink and let's stop discussing it," he told me. I nodded in agreement.

The evening went on as we sat quietly. We eventually had dinner. I did not ask him to stay near me, but he did. For a man that loved solitude above all else this surprised me. He just nodded as I bid him goodnight. It was a change from the chaotic pace of the last two days. Is this why Tataru sent me here?

A letter with my name had been slipped under the door. I assume the courier could not find me and that was why it was there. I carefully opened it and read the very familiar script handwriting:

"My dearest Mistress Storme,

I hope you are well. I hear you have taken some time to rest. Full glad I am to hear of this, my friend. It is well earned.

While I wish I was writing to you with happy news, I regret to inform you that the former Count of the House de Fortemps, Edmont, has passed in his sleep. His health has been delicate for some time. Some suspect he has never been the same since losing Ser Haurchefant. It felt as if it was my duty to let you know as I know you are quite close to his family.

My apologies for writing to bear the bad news. My hope is that all is well with you and we can hope to be graced with your presence in Ishgard soon. I will have a bottle of wine waiting.

Sincerely,

Ser Aymeric de Borel, Lord Speaker of the House of Lords"

My breath caught in my throat as I read Aymeric's words over again. One of the kindest men I had ever know was gone. Guilt bubbled in my gut as I knew I had not visited nearly enough to repay his kindness. It was too much. I resolved to rip the bandage off, travel to Ishgard, and pay my respects to his remaining sons. Maybe I would gain the courage to visit Haurchefant up on the hill.

With haste, I gathered my necessary things. I traded my beautiful, summery garb for a tunic, leggings, and laced traveler's boots. I would adorn my coat upon arrival. I would be able to teleport to the Aetheryte in the center of the city once I was outside my room. I slung my bag of necessities over my shoulder, strapped my lance to my back, and left my room. Estinien was coming down the hall as I was leaving.

"Have I run you off?" he asked without the usual teasing note.

"No. Edmond de Fortemps has passed. I must go pay my respects to Artoirel and Emmanellain. If I do not go now while my resolve is strong then I may back out," I told him. Why was he concerned?

"Will you be okay traveling there?"

"What? Of course. I've traveled the world and to space alone. I shall be fine."

He put a hand on my shoulder. "No. Will you be okay?" The question threw me off. He meant my heart.

"I shall be as fine as possible, my dear friend." I placed my small hand over his in reassurance. His eyes held a look of worry I was not used to seeing from him. "I've left plenty of my belongings behind, so rest assured I shall soon return for my things and to disrupt your peaceful life here in no time."

"I look forward to it, little monster," he said over his shoulder as he sauntered to his quarters. Even if he called me a monster it did bring a smile to my face. I might even miss him while I was away. But then I would remember his nasty attitude and quickly change my mind.

Ishagard was as cold and gloomy as ever. As soon as I entered the city my heart ached. I made sure to pull my hood over my head when I adorned my coat to ensure no one noticed my presence. As I trudged toward my destination I passed the plaza where Haurchefant and I shared our first kiss. It was where we both realized we were in love. I gritted my teeth to hold back the tears as I hurried past the spot. The ache in my chest was quickly igniting into an inferno.

The House de Fortemps guard was more than thrilled to see me once I removed my hood and he recognized my face. He hastily allowed me entrance into the home. I sucked in a big breath before opening the doors to the parlor. Artoirel stood in the middle of the room speaking to a servant. As he registered me standing there his eyes lit up.

"Come in, come in, my lady! What a pleasure it is to lay eyes upon you during this sad time!" He opened his arms for me. Never had we been affectionate, but this was a different circumstance. I willingly reached for him and was pulled into a friendly hug. "How is the savior of the star?"

"Oh stop, Count Fortemps," I teased.

"It is Artoirel and Artoirel only to family. Do you hear me?" he said very seriously.

"But of course. I was only teasing. How are you, my friend? Are you okay?" I asked.

"As well as I can be. Father was not doing well, so it was no surprise. At least he is with my dear brother now." And there was the punch to my gut. It was true. Edmont was now with the son he felt he had so much to make up to.

A young, Elezen woman made her way into the room. She had beautiful golden hair, big green eyes, and was cradling a small bump on her stomach. She smiled warmly as she joined us. Her hand slid to the crook of Artoirel's arm. She asked quietly, "Is this her?"

"Yes, dear. This is Isolde," he told her. He turned to me absolutely beaming. "Isolde, this is my wife, Fleur."

I took her free hand in my own. "I am honored to meet you, Countess. And may I say you are positively glowing?"

She giggled nervously. "If by glowing you mean sweating, then yes. Pregnancy does not seem to agree with me. This little one keeps me more warm than the best fireplace."

We sat on the couches. They told me of their wedding. With Edmont's declining health they opted for a family only ceremony at the manor. It was a quiet affair. Aymeric himself officiated for them. Edmont was thrilled to learn he would be a grandfather in the weeks before his untimely passing. Emmanellain was still unmarried, but successfully running Camp Dragonhead almost as efficiently as his late brother. Not much else had changed.

The ceremony for Edmont would not be for two days. Fleur excused herself to lay down. Artoirel had some paperwork to catch up on, so he showed me to my room and took his leave. I stared around the room I lived in for so long while i taking refuge in the city. Not much had changed. I placed my things on the bed. My heart began to flutter in my chest as I looked upon the bed we had spent our one and only night together. The air was thick as if he were standing there with me. I was too exhausted to ruminate much before I lay down and pass out not waking until the morning.

It was cold as I walked toward the hill. The sun was shining as I approached the headstone with the shield perched next to it. The hole was glaring at me as I gazed upon it. I collapsed to my knees in the snow. My tears could no longer be contained as they began to flow freely down my face.

"Damn you, Haurchefant Greystone. Damn you. Why did you have to be so brave?" I sobbed. "Why did you have to come with me? Why couldn't you have stayed at your damned camp where you were safe? Now I'm here to suffer alone."

"It was because he loved you," a familiar voice said from behind me. "He would rather it be him than you lying here any day."

"Hello, Ser Aymeric. I did not expect to see you here," I said without turning to look at him. Surely I looked a mess. His hand came down upon my shoulder.

"I had received word that you had arrived in Ishgard and I came to call upon you. I arrived in time to see you rushing off in this direction. It may have been a bit of an assumption on my end that you would need a friend," he said to me.

I wiped my face with the back of my arm. "How did you know?"

"Know what?"

"That he loved me."

"Isolde, anyone with eyes and ears could see his utter adoration for you. Such devotion is only stronger in that of a married man." My lip quivered again. The tears threatened to take control. Maybe we weren't as secretive as we thought. "He also requested personal leave from his post after the war. When I asked why he said to take some time to travel with a woman he was considering asking to be his wife. I knew it was you."

"It has been a long time since I've visited him," I said softly. "He is always on my mind. When things get most difficult it's almost as if he appears to push me through."

"He's always with you," he assured me.

"I know." I used the sleeve of my coat to wipe my face.

"When you've finished here, would you care to meet me at my home for a bottle of wine? Much time has passed. I would love to hear of your adventures." He knew I needed a few more minutes alone. He never hovered.

"I would like that very much. I shall be along shortly." I waited for him to take his leave. I breathed out in a long sigh. "Ser Greystone, you work in the strangest ways. I miss thee so. It is as if you sent our friend to find me in this state." The wind blew around me. It smelled like cedar and a warm fire. Like him. My heart began to settle. "I love you. I always will. I carry you with me in all that I do. It's lonely thinking of what could have been. Gods be damned that you jumped in the way of that spear, but thank you. One day when I return to the aether we will meet again."

With one last wipe of my face I trudged away to get properly drunk with a friend.