Dinner for Five
The wind howled across the mountains of Coerthas, a warning cry of the approaching snow that would soon arrive at the Highlands to cover it once again in the ever-familiar white of snow. From the highest mountain top to the deepest valley. Harsh and unforgiving, yet also quite beautiful, especially on a night with a clear sky, when the light of the moon made the snow almost glow in the night.
If only it wasn't so godsdamned cold.
Pulling her coat closer to her, S'eni followed the all too familiar trail up Providence Point until she reached the part of it where it was said that King Thordan himself had once received a vision of the Promised Land while overlooking the Sea of Clouds. Now, countless years later, the city he had founded stood tall and proud in the distance for all to see. But as nice as the view was, she was here for something else; the grave that silently stood vigil on this very spot, overlooking Ishgard as the one it belonged to would have wished.
A smile formed on her lips when she noticed that it had been cleaned and cleared of snow recently.
"Hey, Haurchefant," she said as she came to a stop. "It's been a while. I know, I said that once before, and that I should come visit you more often as well. But I had a good reason for it."
Kneeling down, she placed a small bundle of flowers on his grave. "You see, I was in another world. Yeah, sounds quite unbelievable, but taller tales have been told in the past. Some of which I'm sure came from you." She chuckled before sitting down in the snow. "Ah, but I suppose I should explain how it even got to that point..."
As S'eni told him about the events that had soon happened after the liberation of Ala Mhigo, she reached out towards his broken shield, the tips of her fingers traveling across the broken edges at its lower center just underneath the Unicorn that presented his house. Once she was done with that, she continued with the events that followed her own arrival on the First, or at least as much as time permitted her right now.
"...I won't lie, for a while, it didn't look good. But in the end, it was Ardbert's sacrifice that gave me the strength to go on. Funny, isn't it?" she asked, looking up to the sky now covered in clouds. "We started out as enemies and ended up saving a world as one."
She closed her eyes for a moment, then slowly rose back to her feet, brushing away the snow that had gathered on her clothes. "Anyways, I'm afraid the tale of our journey back home will have to be told another time. If I don't run now, I'll be late to dinner with your family," she explained. Her hand came to rest on top of his gravestone. "Next time I'll also tell you more about the girl whom I entrusted with your words."
As if it was Haurchefant's shoulder, she gave the stone a friendly little pat, before turning around and leaving. By the time she had made it back down to Camp Dragonhead, it was already snowing in earnest, but thankfully it wasn't strong enough to make traveling difficult. She gave the knights standing guard a friendly nod as she stepped inside and immediately made a beeline for the main building. Inside, she found Y'shtola, dressed in a warm-looking coat as well, having a conversation with Emmanellain. Or rather, Emmanellain talking to her while she duly listened.
"You're back," Y'shtola said when she noticed her approach. "I was afraid we might have to come fetch you."
S'eni knew that it was a joke but she apologized nevertheless. "I lost track of time. We're still good, right?"
"No worries," Emmanellain said and raised his hand. "And even if, no one would hold it against you for being late from visiting Haurchefant."
He turned his head to look at the portrait of his late half-brother hanging above the place he used to occupy with pride, his friendly smile still welcoming those that entered these halls even with Emmanellain having inherited his post. A contemplative look flickered across his face before being replaced by a smile of his own.
"Well then—" he stood up, running a hand across the sleeve of his fine coat. "Shall we be off?"
They left Camp Dragonhead in the direction of the Gates of Judgement. While Emmanellain conversed with the knight that escorted them, lamenting the fact that his 'fairest Laniaitte' declined his invitation, Y'shtola and her hung back a little.
"You could have come along, you know," she said, stepping a little closer.
The other Miqo'te shook her head. "I didn't wish to intrude. He was your friend after all."
The corners of her lips curling upward, S'eni reached out to take Y'shtola's hand into hers, giving it a gentle squeeze.
It didn't take long for them to arrive at the gates, and from there to walk along the Steps of Faith. As they traversed it, she looked around. It felt like ages ago when she had first set foot onto this bridge, leading a team of willing adventurers to come to Ishgard's aid. In a way, that had been the first step of change for this nation torn by a millennium-long war that had also ended on this very bridge as Nidhogg had finally fallen.
The damages from the battle were slowly, but surely, being mended, and what had once been something to protect Ishgard from the outside world, was becoming something to welcome it in.
The city, too, was slowly recovering from the war; nobles as well as commoners working together to repair what had been broken and to restore what had been lost. Yes, the city had come far from that fateful day she had entered it. Making their way upward, they soon reached the Last Vigil and Fortemps Manor, where the knight standing guard swiftly ushered them inside.
Firmien, who must have been waiting for them, was the first to welcome them. "Mistress Gata, Mistress Rhul," he said after greeting his young lord, giving them a respectful bow. "It is a pleasure to greet you in these halls once again."
"It has been a while, hasn't it?" S'eni asked good-naturedly as two maids took their coats.
"Indeed it has." A hint of amusement entered the old steward's polite smile. "And I see you still possess the dress my lord has given you."
A sudden wave of heat spread out over her cheeks and she looked down at herself, raising the red and green colored skirt a little. "Well it, uh, was a present after all."
"And one that looks rather lovely on you, if I might say so," Firmien said.
"Ah, so that is how you came into possession of it," Y'shtola said, putting a hand on her hip.
"Yeah, I seem to stumble my way into dresses." She did a little shrug. Y'shtola too was wearing a dress for the occasion, black and clearly less expensive than the one S'eni wore, but made up for by an elegant and practical fur trim. Someone sure has acquired a taste.
"If you would please follow me," the old Elezen said, then led them into the manor's dining room, where they were already awaited by the former head of the house.
"Coun—" S'eni began but manage to catch herself in time. Old habits really died hard. "Edmont. It's good to see you."
Edmont in turn chuckled and rose from his chair to walk over to them. "S'eni, it does my heart good to see you return safe and sound," he said, placing a fatherly hand on her shoulder. "You as well, mistress Y'shtola. When I heard that you and your fellows had fallen ill I had already expected the worst."
"Thank you Lord Edmont," Y'shtola replied. "I am glad to see you in good health as well."
"My dear brother has not arrived yet?" Emmanellain asked.
"He is still seeing to a few matters, but will be with us shortly," Edmont replied. "Let us sit in the meantime."
As it had turned out, on the very same day that they had encountered Emmanellain at Costa del Sol, word had arrived from the frontlines that Artoirel would return for a few days to rest, something the former had promptly used to invite the two of them over, being friends of the family and all.
"How have things been since the last time we met?" she asked as they sat down.
"As you can see, quite a lot has happened in Ishgard, and you will be pleased to know that the restoration of the Firmament is almost complete," he told her. "In fact, a celebration will soon be held. Perhaps you should go and see for yourself, if time permits it. I am sure Lord Francel would be delighted to see you as well."
"Then I will try to make time."
The door then swung open, and Artoirel stepped inside the dining room, accompanied by his personal servant, signing something he was holding before sending him on his way. "Please, remain seated," he said when he saw her getting up, a smile forming on his face. "There is no need for formalities."
"Alright," S'eni said and sat back down, shooting Y'shtola a quick look of amusement, who just shrugged in return.
"It is good to see you again, my friend," the young count said as he joined them. "You as well, mistress Rhul. How are the rest of your fellows faring?"
"Slowly recovering from the ordeal," Y'shtola replied. "That reminds me. Alphinaud and Tataru send their regards, Count Artoirel."
With Artoirel now having arrived, their goblets were filled with wine by one of the maids, soon followed by the arrival of their food in the form of a light soup as an appetizer.
"Now, why do you not tell us about your recent exploits?" Edmont asked after a spoonful of soup. "I am sure your adventures since you left must have been quite numerous."
She shared another look with Y'shtola and smiled. "You could say that..."
While she told them about what they had been after too since she had last talked with the former count, the soup soon made way for the actual main course, consisting of some of the finest Dhalmel meat she had ever tasted. For the three noblemen though, the meal was all but forgotten once she had gotten onto the topic of the First, while Y'shtola, who had witnessed it all first hand, just continued to eat quietly.
"Another world..." Edmont said afterwards.
"I know, unbelievable, but it's true."
"Oh, I believe you. Perhaps when I first met you I might have been more skeptical of the notion, but since then you have more than proven that what others might think impossible is hardly a hindrance to you. And just like then, you have touched the lives of many and brought them hope."
His sons nodded at that, each offering her a smile.
The older Elezen then grasped his wine goblet. "A toast then. To our hero returning from another adventure."
Artoirel and Emmanellain followed their father's example, raising their goblets. Even Y'shtola joined in on it, sending her a teasing look. Clearly outnumbered here, S'eni released an exasperated sigh and raised hers as well.
After they were done with their food and the following delicious dessert, they left the dining room. "Will you do us the honor of staying the night?" Artoirel asked them as they walked down the hallway.
"Hmm, what do you think?" She looked at Y'shtola.
"Brave the cold at night or stay in a lavish room with thick blankets. A very difficult choice," her lover replied dryly.
With a chuckle, she turned her head back towards the young count. "We'd love to."
"Excellent. I will have two rooms prepared for you. Please excuse me."
"Actually," S'eni said, making him pause. "One room will be enough."
Her words were met by a round of curious eyebrows from the three nobles, but no comments otherwise. Artoirel's lips then formed a polite smile. "Very well, one room for you and mistress Rhul."
As she watched him walk away, a friendly slap on her back made her glance over her shoulder to see Emmanellain give her a friendly wink before following his older brother, leaving Y'shtola and her with the former count. No one said a word until they had reached the main hall, where Edmont finally decided to speak up.
"Since it will be a moment until your room is ready, would it be alright if I borrow S'eni for a bit?" he asked.
Y'shtola gave him a searching look for a second, then let the corners of her lips curl upward. "Not at all. My last visits here have only ever been brief, so I wished to explore a bit. If that is alright with you."
"Please, make yourself at home."
"Thank you," the other Miqo'te said and left as well. Edmont then turned towards S'eni and gestured for her to follow him.
"Given your words from last time, am I right in my assumption that this is not a recent development?" he asked.
"You are. We've been together for a while but have only begun to tell people recently," she replied. "I—I hope it wasn't rude of me to just spring it on you like this."
"Perish the thought. When it comes to the matters of the heart, we all must decide for ourselves what is right." A painful look flashed through his eyes for but a moment before vanishing once more. "But it gladdens me to know that you have someone walking at your side."
S'eni couldn't help but smile at his words.
As they entered his study, she was greeted by a comforting toasted chestnut scent, warm and welcoming, and so very much like the man that had offered them shelter in the past. She watched him make a beeline for his desk and followed, coming to a stop just in front of it.
"So, why did you bring me here?" she asked while he sat down.
"I wished to show you this." he opened a drawer and pulled out a book, bound in fine brown leather, and placed it on the desk. Her eyes widened in realization.
"Is that—?"
"Indeed. My personal copy in any case," he replied.
His memoirs. So they were finally done...
Leaning on the desk, she took a closer look, letting her fingers run gingerly across the golden dragon etched into the very center of its cover and the words underneath. "Heavensward..." she breathed out. "May I?"
"Of course." Edmont nodded.
Carefully taking the book, S'eni opened it and began to turn the pages, letting her eyes fly over the words written there; words that would guide future generations to strive for a better tomorrow and, in another time, served as one of the sources of hope in a world that had lost everything. Slowly, she closed it once more and placed it back down.
"Thank you for showing this to me," she said.
"It seemed only fair, since you feature quite prominently in it."
She giggled at that. "I suppose I do, don't I?"
Silence settled over them and she turned her gaze towards the window, fogged up from the warmth inside the room but still not enough to fully obscure the falling snow. The flowers she had placed on Haurchefant's grave must have long since been buried underneath it by now. Her gaze grew warm and she sat down in one of the chairs.
"I'd like to tell you about someone I met on the First. A very special girl I entrusted with the words your son once said to me." S'eni glanced over to the older man, waiting for his silent nod telling her to continue. "Her name is Ryne, though when I met her she was going by another name..."