Chapter 20: A Mother's Love
The next few days passed by uneventfully, aside from the occasional sea monster appearing on the horizon… or at least Ryne seemed convinced it was some type of two-headed sea serpent. She would start to tell exciting stories to her cousin to keep her spirits up during the long voyage and she was successful in coaxing some smiles and even tiny laughs out of Claire during this time. All the while, it seems that their escape had also done wonders for Ryne appearance; for her golden, blond hair was darkening and her crystalline eyes were starting to dull as her appearance began to shift back to normal.
This was a big relief for everyone, especially Thancred, who ran a comforting hand over her head and told her that he preferred her as a red-head anyway, which caused the girl to grin back happily.
As for Claire, her health steadily improved but their worst fears came true when her wounds became infected—which ended up triggering a bad fever. So for more than half of the journey, she was forced to spend the day in bed with a cooling cloth on her forehead to try and fight said fever.
Alphinaud hardly left her side during this time. Leaving only to care for his own needs when Y'shtola kicked him out so that she could continue to tend to the worst of her condition. Alphinaud was exhausted at this point and only thought longingly of returning home—while also simultaneously wondering what was happening back in Eulmore at this moment.
Thankfully for them that they weren't completely in the dark because Thancred was able to keep in touch with a few of their guard allies. Three days out on their voyage, he called a meeting with the others in one of the cabins that they had been sharing to tell them what he had learned.
"So I take it Vauthry is upset about all of this?" Y'shtola asked as she swirled about a cup of tea as Ryne yawned from tiredness, having been up late telling more stories to Claire.
"That, I think, is an understatement," Thancred sighed as he put his feet up on the table with a glowering expression. "People have been leaving the island in droves, most heading towards Lakeland and the Crystarium. G'raha says that they are able to keep up with the sudden influx of people, but they were struggling to hold so many. Some are able to come to the city but many more will have to make do with the surrounding villages like Holminister Switch for the time being. Most of our allies who had been part of his army have also left safely—and even those formally on Vauthry's side have made desperate escapes as well. Only the most die-hard loyal remain."
"Why would they all leave like that?" Alisaie asked in concern, "Our allies, I can understand… but even those loyal to him are beginning to flee the isle?"
"I can only assume that something bad had to have happened for them to feel that their own lives were in danger," Alphinaud reasoned, his hands clenching into tight fists beneath the table, dreading the answer.
"I think that it's safe to say that Vauthry wasn't happy about our Warrior of Darkness escaping how she did," Thancred grunted with only a tiny hint of satisfaction in his tone. "From what Kai-Shirr was able to tell me before we got out of range, Vauthry lost his mind when he learned that his greatest enemy not only was freed before her untimely execution… but also with the confirmed death of his attack dog…? Well… long story short, the entire island could hear his screams when word reached him. Anything else we are left to speculate, I'm afraid."
They took a few long seconds to really let that thought be absorbed, concern growing ever more as they tried to grasp just how serious this was.
"Do… do you think that he'll come looking for us?" Ryne asked nervously.
"If given half a chance, yes," Thancred grunted with a heavy frown. "For the time being we're safe, but I wouldn't bet on us staying that way forever."
"We'll be safe in Sharlayan though, won't we?" Alphinaud asked in worry.
"For a short time, yes," Y'shtola nodded grimly, "Krile has been busy seeing to all the preparations in our landing so we shouldn't have much difficulties getting past the entrance… but I wouldn't get too comfortable."
"Why is that?" Alisaie asked in confusion, "You don't think he would send his forces to attack Sharlayan?"
"Even if he had the manpower for that, which judging from the last report was anything to go by then I highly doubt it, I don't think that he would want to risk going to war with a powerful nation like Sharlayan," Thancred countered. "But, he knows that you are from Sharlayan and he may put two and two together that is where we're heading and he could try to negotiate some kind of deal with the Forum. You know… hand them something big in exchange for the two princesses. If he's careful with his wording, he could make it sound that Sharlayan is unknowingly harboring fugitives, which could end up causing future problems for the nation as a whole. And if that all fails, I wouldn't put it past him to try and put a bounty on Claire's head at the very least. Assassins could start flocking to Sharlayan, but given her weakened state, she doesn't have the energy to fight them off."
Alphinaud frowned at that, knowing that he was right. Sharlayan was only ever meant to be a rest stop for them… but then… where were they to go?
"If Sharlayan isn't a suitable place to stay then where pray tell do we go?" he asked curiously but that was when he noticed the strange looks that Thancred and Y'shtola gave each other before looking back at him.
"We are reaching out to our fellows from all over and it seems that we are still want without a home for the time being," Y'shtola said bracingly, "But Eorzea seems the most likely place where we can plan our next steps. For the time being, let us be grateful that we made it this far. As well as to allow the two of you to decide your own steps forward."
Everyone nodded in agreement but Alphinaud paused at her wording. The two of them? He could only assume that she meant him and Claire but…?
"The two…? Begging your pardon, but what did you mean by that?" he asked.
Did he truly sound so naïve? For at his question, suddenly everyone was avoiding looking at him as he looked around. There was a mixture of pity and concern in each of their faces, though he didn't understand why.
"What is it?" he asked as Thancred cleared his throat to try and break up the awkward silence around them.
"Ryne? Alisaie? Do you mind leaving us alone with Alphinaud to discuss something?" Y'shtola asked politely to the girls, who nodded in agreement, both quickly getting up from their seats and heading out to look out at the deck as Alphinaud looked back to the serious expressions on their faces.
He suddenly felt very self-conscious and his palms became wet with sweat as he sat up a little straighter in his chair, wondering what it was that they wished to speak to him about.
*Later*
Alphinaud felt numb and more than a little lost as he entered Claire's room to check on her, relieved to find her still sleeping peacefully. He took his usual spot by the bed as he carefully removed the warm cloth from her forehead to rewet it from the bowl of water on the table next to them. He was working mostly from muscle memory at this point as he checked her temperature—gladdened to see that it had gone down—but all the while his mind was racing with what was just talked about.
What was he to do?
*Flashback*
"So… that means…? I'm sorry, but I'm struggling to understand what it is that you are trying to say," Alphinaud said slowly as the two continued to look at him with piteous expressions.
"Know that we do not intend to influence your decision in this," Y'shtola reassured him. "We understand that this is something that you both must discuss. But we felt that you need to fully understand the full picture of what is happening."
"See, you aren't a threat to Vauthry. Or rather, he doesn't see you as a threat at this point. In fact, chances are that Vauthry thinks that you died from the fall from the balcony," Thancred pointed out, "If you wish it, you could return to Sharlayan and… live out your days in peace there."
"You intend to leave me behind like I'm not a part of this?" Alphinaud demanded.
"If you wish to continue to accompany us, then we will not stop you," Y'shtola answered bracingly in an attempt to pacify his growing anger. "But you do have the option to remain in Sharlayan if that is what you desire. You can start over there now that you are free from Vauthry's threats and control."
"Start over…?" Alphinaud whispered, the idea never having come to his mind. Now that he was calm, he realized that they were both right. This could be his chance to stay in Sharlayan and work here from the safety of a classroom. He would have to retake the classes that he missed out on before taking his finales and then he would be free to go and do whatever he wished. But…?
"What of Claire and Ryne?" he asked slowly.
"Vauthry knows that they are still alive," Thancred answered in his usual blunt manner. "In other words, he will continue on his hunt for them. It will be a lot more difficult for him now that his guard dog is out of the way, but we would be fools to believe that he doesn't have other servants. While not as dangerous as Ran'jit was… he can be a crafty bastard.
"We are still married," he pointed out softly as this news fully sank in.
"You are. But please rest assure that if you wished to remain in Sharlayan then she will not question it," Y'shtola said kindly, "But we would not blame either of you if you wished to end it as well. The circumstances for this union weren't willing and we could serve as witnesses if you desire to have it annulled. It would take a few days, but we could have it negated if that is what you both want."
Annulled? Was it truly that simple? Knowing some of the members of the Forum, not to mention his own father, he was sure that they could come up with a loophole to completely dissolve this marriage and free both of them from it.
He supposed that it would only be right…? Despite the vows that were made before the Twelve… they were forced vows that neither of them agreed to…? But that was then. They had both changed since that farce of a wedding took place…?
"Make no mistake, we have grown fond of you since getting to know you," Y'shtola reassured him, "Which is why we say this out of concern for your own future and happiness. But you must know that Claire's mind is already made up. She has chosen the path that is set out before her… she will see this battle through to the end. But you are still at a crossroads. You can choose to remain in your home or accompany us further."
"But know that if you choose to continue travelling with us, it will not be a short or easy road," Thancred added solemnly. "Things are only going to become more difficult and dangerous. We cannot promise your safety. We do not do this to try and persuade you, rather we say this so that you fully understand what is awaiting you down this road. Whatever you decide, know that we will respect it."
Alphinaud looked down to his lap, his hands curling up into fists as the weight of his choice suddenly hung over him.
"What am I supposed to say to all that?" Alphinaud finally managed to choke out, his mind turbulent.
"I guess it all comes down to one question," Y'shtola asked sadly. "What are your feelings? And what of hers?"
*End of Flashback*
His feelings?
He was an emotional mess that much he knew.
Alphinaud sighed as he took Claire's hand in his own as he thought it all over once more.
He understood their reasoning, of course he did, and he was grateful that they chose not to sugar-coat it. While it was a bit more brutally honest than he would have expected, they treated him like an adult and are now leaving his future up to him to decide.
Well, first thing's first… he would see them all safely to Sharlayan and make sure that they would be able to recover in peace while there… but then…?
He bit his lower lip, not sure what to say or where to go from here.
Her feelings? How the hells was he supposed to know how she felt when he wasn't even sure of his own? He could no longer deny that he held a kind of attraction to her…? But what of her? His mind drifted back to that night they shared together and he felt that familiar blush spread across his cheeks. Surely she wouldn't have allowed that to happen if she held nothing for him? What was going through her mind at that moment? Would she still desire to have him by her side or would it be for the best that they part ways?
He shifted uncomfortably in his chair as he struggled to make up his mind. He suspected that this would be so much easier to understand if that night never happened! If he didn't give in to such temptation and just went to bed…?! Yet he could not say that he regretted it either.
He had no idea who he could talk to about this!? He couldn't speak to his family about this… and he couldn't bear the idea of speaking to one of his friends…? And he was sure that Thancred would probably gut him if he revealed to him that they had slept together?
As he continued to think, his eyes gazed out around the room before falling upon the table next to him where he spotted a small piece of charcoal among some of the many potion bottles and stacks of parchment that were filled with notes.
More as a desperate attempt to distract himself, he grabbed the charcoal and decided to pass the time by sketching. It had been a favorite pastime hobby of his from his younger days, though he had to admit that he had not had reason to draw anything for some time. Grabbing a stack of the paper, he began drawing, mostly quick sketches of the faces of those he had met before—portraits were his specialty and it helped to calm him mind as he smiled to himself.
But he paused at one point as he tried to think of what else to draw and that was when the image of Claire coming down the stairs the night of the ball came to mind. As he went into the memory of that night he found himself drawing her in that dress. After some time, with nothing but the sounds of his scratching the paper and the slight creaking of the ship as it rode the ocean waves, he paused to inspect his work.
He smiled once more as he looked at the finished result with a sense of smug pride at how well it turned out. How her hair had been done up so elegantly, the way that her face was highlighted by the angle showed off a sense of beauty that one often missed from her often reckless actions. There was a feminine beauty to her and an elegance that one would expect from a queen as she walked down the stairs.
This was proof that she was more than just a warrior.
He ran a weary hand over his face, suddenly feeling much older than he was, not even noticing that he was being watched. Claire's hand suddenly came to rest on top of his own and he jerked his head up in surprise, not aware that she was awake.
"You… ok?" she asked softly and he let out a slight choking noise.
"Twelve preserve me, don't do that," he gasped as a hint of amusement flickered in her eyes before her gazed turned downwards to see what he was working on. Too slow to realize it, she had seen the drawing and he had tried to hide it before she reached out a hand to stop him. He paused there, almost spellbound by his own horror as she took the paper from him to see it properly.
He was mentally screaming as he saw how her eyebrows rose and some color did come back to her face when she saw it.
"Is this… how you… see me?" she asked in an even softer voice than before if that was possible and he looked down, his cheeks burning.
"I was…" he cleared his throat awkwardly, "…thinking of the night of the ball and how pretty you were."
When she didn't say anything he chanced a glance upwards and watched how she ran a finger over the page before she shook her head and handed it back to him.
"I am… nothing like… the person… here," was all she said, which took him by surprise.
"What are you saying?" he asked as he took it back and laid it on the table next to them again.
"I told you… before… that person is just… a mask…" she rasped and he saw how her face was screwed up with pain and he placed a hand over hers, to try and make her stay quiet.
"Are… we there… yet?" she asked in hardly more than a whisper and he smiled kindly down at her as he gently brushed her bangs away from her sweaty forehead as he whispered, "Not yet. But don't you worry. We'll be in Sharlayan around this time tomorrow. Once we arrive, I know we'll be able to find someone who can help you. I can't wait to show you around, but only if you are feeling well enough for it."
He wasn't sure if she would be excited to see the city, but her smile was enough to put his own mind at ease before she dozed back off.
She really was adorable when she slept… making her look so much younger in this state. As he watched over her, he couldn't help but feel himself have a sense of peace that he both loved and feared in equal measure. If he chose to leave her… would he never feel this way again?
He wished he knew.
"And just so you know," he whispered, knowing that she couldn't hear him, "I think that you are just like that woman in the picture."
*The Next Day*
Alphinaud stood up on the deck with the others as the island he knew to be Sharlayan came into sights. He let out a long, fond breath at the sight of it—having wondered for a long time now if he would ever see the white marble of the city again. He felt his heart soaring with relief upon seeing it shining under the occasional beams of sunlight that drifted through the swirling clouds above them.
"I can't wait to see the look on mother and fathers' faces when we show up at their doorstep," Alisaie grinned excitedly, "I know that they weren't going to be expecting to see us again so soon."
"Yes, that is true," Krile warned as she finished stacking a large pile of papers before shoving them into her bag, "But we need to remember that it's best that we try to lay low for the time being."
"What is all that anyway, Krile?" Alphinaud asked curiously, "You've done nothing but paperwork for days now. We've barely seen you."
"Of course you haven't," she sighed rather grumpily, "I've been busy getting everyone's papers ready for when we enter the city. It wasn't easy faking some of them, but I did manage to get them all ready in time."
"Was that all necessary though?" Alisaie asked as Krile shook her head tiredly.
"You think that the process for leaving Sharlayan take forever?" she asked, "Arriving is worse even when you have all the essential papers. They were never going to allow the others in passed the docks if we didn't have something. Not to mention they are outsiders in their eyes, so they are going to have even less reason to want to welcome them into the city proper."
Alphinaud didn't think of that. He had been so focused on caring for Claire and returning home that he didn't stop to think of what it would be like to try and get them all inside.
"Did you come up with a story?" Alisaie asked as Alphinaud could feel himself starting to panic.
"More or less," Krile sighed as she rubbed her exhausted eyes. "The story is that Claire and Ryne are here for proper treatment after an expedition gone wrong. Y'shtola and Thancred are in on it as well and are intelligent enough that we don't even need to pretend they're scholars. But the story will be that the four of them were exploring the Greatwood and studying the ancient ruins of Ronka. Claire was hired help and Ryne was their assistant during all this before they were attacked by some sin eaters. Claire was injured by one of them and Ryne was exposed to light-aspected aether in the attack so they are coming here to see if there is something that could be done to help them. This way, not only can we get Claire the medical care she deserves, but also see if there is anything that can be done to help Ryne."
Alphinaud thought that all over and was actually impressed by how good this story was.
But no sooner did he think that did Krile look back to him and explained, "The only ones in the city who know the truth will be your parents as well as some other high members of the Forum. Naturally, they will wish to keep this all quiet for as long as possible. If word were to get out that escaped 'prisoners' are here, it could cause concern all around. So, to ensure that things run as smoothly as possible until our friends are rested and healed—not to mention a new plan is decided upon—you are to pretend that you encountered them while leaving Kholusia and have offered to assist them in coming here."
"So… that means that no one knows that Claire and I are married?" he asked slowly and she nodded.
"For her sake, you have to pretend that you don't know them other than as recently met acquaintances," she informed him seriously. "Don't worry, there is plenty of room at the Baldesion Annex for all of them to stay. For now, I think that it would be for the best that you return home and speak of this with your parents before deciding anything serious."
Alphinaud frowned at that, feeling both relieved and angry at the same time. Relieved that they had such a good excuse to be allowed into the city and seek the help they need but…?
"I don't like it," he frowned, "Are you saying I can't even visit them while they're here?"
"You are free to come and visit them while at the Annex, but you must take care not to draw any suspicions," Krile warned, also frowning at him. "I know that this would be hard for you, Alphinaud, you have grown very close to them. But it's only temporary. Please, try to understand."
"Brother, try to be reasonable as you normally are…?" Alisaie began, but he just walked away from them, not answering, as he headed down below to pack what few belongings he had with him. He did understand, of course he understood how delicate their situation was… but he was still trying to figure out where he was supposed to go from here and this didn't seem like it was going to help matters.
*1 Hour Later*
At long last Alphinaud touched down upon the white stone of Sharlayan again and he breathed in the salty air, feeling better than he had in such a long time.
Everything was just as he remembered it. He looked about at the many scholars who were reading books and papers as they went about their business… could see the mammets also marching about as they performed small tasks about the docks… and even to the buildings that were so white that they were almost blinding when you looked directly at them.
Nothing here had changed.
So why did it all feel so different?
"Hey!" Alisaie called from next to him and he turned around to see that Krile was leading the others out from the administrative office, with Claire leaning heavily upon Thancred as he almost had to carry her as they did so. Alphinaud sighed in relief before waving them over to stand with them.
"So, that went rather well," Alisaie smiled at Krile, who was looking rather proud of herself.
"I don't know, that lady seemed pretty suspicious of us," Thancred countered with a cautious glance behind them, "You think that she would have asked a lot more questions than what she did."
"That's because she hates paperwork almost as much as I do," Krile countered, "And as far as she could see, everything was in order so she had no reason to hold us here. So long as we don't cause any problems while we're here, then I don't think we need to worry about getting kicked out. Now then, I'll show you all to the Annex, it's not too far away from here. It's not as spacious nor as elegant as the Leveilleur manor is, but I think that we will receive a lot more peace and privacy there. Once you are all settled in, I'll be sure to call in a favor of some old colleagues at the Studium and have them summon a couple Sages over for a proper examination."
"Sounds good to me," Thancred said, heaving Claire up a little higher so that he was carrying most of her weight on his shoulders, "She's improving but still can barely talk. I'm hopeful that the healers here can do something for her."
"You and me both," Ryne said as she stepped forward, staring around with awe. Her hair had darkened from the spun golden color to more of a rolanberry blonde as Thancred called it. Yet though the bright blue was fading from her eyes, they were still a rather disturbing shade that made it look like a pair of sapphires were looking back at you. So, they had told her to wear the goggles she used back in Kholusia before the escape for a bit longer as Thancred made sure that she kept the hood of her cloak up and over her head.
"Just pretend that you're really cold here," he said, "We can easily tell everyone that you were born in a desert region and that this is the first time that you've ever been this far north. It's not a lie at all if we word it like that."
"Ok," she promised as she huddled over and began to shiver.
"Don't overdo it," he whispered as the three of them moved forward with Y'shtola bringing up the rear. Alphinaud made to follow but he felt Krile's hand upon his leg, the highest point she could reach, and whispered, "You both should go home."
"B-But…?" he offered but fell silent upon seeing her serious expression.
"Again, I know this is hard for you, Alphinaud, but we have to be careful," she warned, "Word is probably already being passed about that the Leveilleur son has returned and it will surely reach your parents in no time. It is for the best that you both hurry back home and explain everything to them in person."
Alphinaud knew that he would have to return to his parents and tell them the truth… and he was dreading this moment more than any other—having no idea how they were going to react.
…
Well, despite not knowing how they would react… he was both surprised and not surprised that the servant opened the door to see them both there.
Alphinaud was welcomed back with open arms by the entire staff before someone ran off to collect his parents of the good news. Upon learning that their children were both home, they were called into the drawing room and into his mother's open arms. He was almost knocked off his feet as was enveloped by his mother's embrace, kissing all over his face and he held on tightly—having longed to see her again after so long. And judging by her clear happiness, he could only assume that they told her everything that happened since he had last returned.
His father was also there, and clapped him upon the shoulder, even giving him a quick one-armed hug. His father was never one for emotions, this he knew, but he could see the look of relief in his eyes when he saw him standing there.
His mother drew back and looked at him carefully in the face before saying, "Oh my boy… look at you…? You look like you've been through the seventh hell and back."
Did he? He couldn't remember when last he saw his reflection. At that though, his mother turned and hugged his sister as his father asked, "How is it that you have come to be here? I didn't think that Lord Vauthry would be the kind of man to let you go after the stunt he pulled while we were there."
Over his mother's shoulder, Alphinaud could see how his father's eyes flickered down to his throat, clearly seeing the dreaded collar was gone.
"Well, he didn't exactly give us permission to leave," Alphinaud confessed slowly as his parents suddenly had their entire focus on him.
"Now… this may be a lot to handle at the moment but let us explain before you completely lose it," Alisaie said soothingly to her parents as they stared at her, clearly baffled by what was happening.
So began the long and difficult conversation as they explained exactly what happened back in Eulmore leading up to their friends were now staying at the Baldesion Annex. Upon hearing of their harrowing escape, he could see the color fading from their faces before his mother sat down next to him upon the couch, keeping one arm around his shoulders as he told them about their long voyage home and the story they came up to explain why they were here.
When they were finished, Mother shook her head, as if she was torn about how she should feel about all this, but father was as stern and grave-faced as ever as he listened without interrupting. Once they finished, the family sat there in silence as they let everything sink in.
"So…" Father finally spoke up after several long minutes of silence, "She and the others are all here?"
"There are four of them all together," Alisaie answered as she leaned back against the comfortable couch and finished, "They're thinking about heading off to Eorzea once they recovered enough. Which shouldn't be too long if the Sages are as good as they claim."
"Good," he said firmly as he stood up and began to pace around the room, "Then that means that this is all almost behind us. All we need do is wait for them to gather enough strength to travel and see them off. This whole nightmare should be over in a few weeks, if not days…?"
"Dearest, they had such a difficult journey, yet you want to see them rushed out the door after they had been through so much?" Mother asked him.
"They are a threat to us and our peaceful lives here, Ameliance," he reminded her sharply.
"Oh, don't be ridiculous, I doubt that Vauthry will be too concerned with Sharlayan right now," she said with a wave of her hand as if she wasn't the least bit concerned. "Anyway, I am glad that everyone is safe. I have been dying to meet my new daughter-in-law ever since I found out about this whole… arrangement."
"Daughter-in…? Ameliance, this isn't something to joke about," Father said exasperatedly as she giggled behind his sigh. "That woman has been nothing but trouble. There is no possible way that we can allow this to happen?"
"Whether you like it or not, father, she is still my wife," Alphinaud spoke up firmly and his father gave him a stern look, but Alphinaud didn't back down. "Out of courtesy, Alisaie and myself will remain here to ensure that the others have as little problems as possible. Yet under no circumstances is any harm allowed to come to Claire. She is not to be thrown out of Sharlayan until I am satisfied that she has healed from her ordeal. If you try to do anything to interrupt this then I shall take it upon myself to explain the truth to everyone, and I know that you would not like that."
"Is that a threat, Alphinaud?" Father asked as he drew himself up to his full height. Even for Elezen, he was still taller than most and Alphinaud found himself having to tilt his head up slightly to be able to look him in the eyes.
"Not a threat, Father, merely a conversation starter," he said and that caused Alisaie to snort with laughter as Mother looked at her only son with glittering eyes.
Father just looked at him sharply before shaking his head in defeat before admitting, "Very well. I shall not say anything or stop what they are doing. But know that if they are not to draw any attention upon them. If they cause any trouble to us or to any of our people here then they will be ordered to depart at their earliest convenience. Is that agreeable to you?"
Alphinaud nodded, satisfied with the answer, not realizing that his mother was giving him a very knowing smile from behind him.
"Well, if things are settled…? I'll be going," she said as she stood up and began to walk to the door.
"Going? Going where?" Alisaie said, taken aback, having not been expecting their mother to head out without warning like that when her children have just returned home. But Mother paused at that and looked back at them with a rather mischievous look on her face as she did.
"I know a few things about healing," Mother said with a kind smile at him, "I shall go and see for myself how they are faring. Who knows? I may be able to help them."
"Ameliance…?" Father said worriedly, "They went through the trouble of coming up with a story to…?"
"To avoid trouble, yes, I know," Mother said as she waved her hand over at him, "Should anyone ask, I'll simply say that my children grew to know them during their voyage home and I wish to thank them for being such good companions to them from Eulmore. That is all."
Alphinaud smiled as his mother as she gave a playful wink at him in return before answering, "Why don't you both go and rest for now? You can come and see them when you've recovered."
"But…?" Alphinaud began before Alisaie nudged his side, causing him to look at her.
"Do we want to go through this argument again?" she asked and he sighed, knowing she was right and that he didn't wish to cause any alarm… especially if he looked as haggard as his mother said. He could not deny how good it sounded to be able to go up and take a nap anyway.
He nodded in agreement before asking his mother, "If they need anything, please let me know."
She beamed kindly and promised, with a wink, "Of course, my dear. I am most eager to meet them as well and rest assure that they shall be well taken care of while they're in the city." She then turned her gaze to her husband and added, "And I know that your father would never be so discourteous as to counter that, isn't that right, dearest?"
Father blinked, startled at that, before clearing his throat, "As you say, Ameliance."
"Right," she said brightly, clapping her hands together, "Off to bed for you both and please have nothing but sweet dreams this day."
Despite how it wasn't even the afternoon yet, Alphinaud could not help but feel exhaustion settling in as he climbed up the familiar staircase to the second floor. Alisaie yawned before heading across the hall to hers and he retreated into his own, feeling lost and confused to what he should do now. He didn't even bother changing as he collapsed onto his bed and stared up at the ceiling. He sighed once more, allowing his exhausted body to really relax on these soft covers as he glanced around the acquainted room. The last time that he had been in here he was still a student who foolishly believed that he would represented to a foreign nation… and now that he had returned, it felt so alien to him now. He could even make out the pile of clothes that he had struggled to decide on what to take and shook his head at his naivety from back then.
They had come a long way in such a short amount of time. Before his journey started, he was a pampered lordling with little idea to how cruel the world could be. And now…? What was he now?
He rolled over onto his side to stare out the window at the gently falling snow outside.
His mind wandered for a long time after that as his eyes lingered on the falling snow, watching it slowly pile up on the windowsill as his thoughts grew more and more anxious. It felt like days had passed during those quiet hours before he was finally carried off to sleep.
*Much Later*
Alphinaud awoke to the sounds of wind against his window, startling him awake for he wondered if the wind had closed the large window in the tower. If that happened, Claire would have a hard time getting back in from her nightly escapades. But as he opened his eyes, he was startled to see that he wasn't in the tallest tower room, but in his rather messy bedroom. It took him a few seconds for his mind to catch up and remember where he was.
"Thaliak, persevere me," he muttered as he looked to the window to see the dark sky beyond the glass, "How long did I sleep?"
He quickly swung his legs out of bed and began to go through his pile of clothes, trying to find something to change into. He was suddenly aware of how his clothes—the ones he had worn for the last few days—were really starting to smell and just grabbed something clean from the pile. He pulled on a rather plain set of garments before combing out his long hair with his fingers and tying it back so that it was out of his face before he finally felt suitable enough to leave. He hurried down the stairs, still marveling being back home once again, before hurrying out the door—much to the surprise of the servants at the entrance.
It looked like it was almost completely past twilight at this point and there were hardly any people about at this time save for those students hurrying home after being caught up in the library until being kicked out and those who were performing some sort of nocturnal research. He could feel eyes upon him, even a few people calling out as he passed, but he barely even noticed that. He couldn't help but feel anxious as he moved down the bath towards the aetheryte where he could take the road straight up to the western part of the island where the Annex was waiting for him.
Surely they were able to see a healer by now? He wanted to know how long their stay would realistically be, but more than anything he wanted to know if there was something that could be done about Claire's voice. He hated how quiet she had become… how speaking had become a struggle for her and that the idea that it was hurting her just to do something so simple was hurting him as well.
"Alphinaud?" called a sweet voice and he looked ahead to see his mother coming up the path, carrying a basket under her arm as she did, and waved at him.
"Mother?" he asked in surprise as he hurried down towards her, her smile wide as she embraced him with a quick one-armed hug, "You're still out?"
"Oh, yes," she said as she smoothed out his jacket fondly, "I got to speaking with your friends and before I knew it, the hours just flew on by. By the time that I was leaving, I thought to stop by the markets on my way home. I was planning on bringing some essentials for them all by tomorrow but judging from your hurried expression, you are planning on visiting them now?"
He nodded before asking, "How is sh—? I mean, how are they?"
He had almost just asked about Claire's well-being specifically but he changed it at the last moment. Judging from the knowing look in his mother's eyes, this slip-up didn't go unnoticed.
"Quite well," she reassured him. "They had rested the entire afternoon and Krile had spoken with the Sages. They have done what they could for them for tonight, but they should have answers for us by tomorrow morning. For now, everyone seems to be comfortable, though they don't appear to be taking to the food here."
Alphinaud chuckled at that before shrugging and suggested, "They don't have Archon Loaf in Eulmore."
"I figured that was the case," she smiled as she held up the basket, covered with a cloth so he couldn't see inside it. "I was planning on surprising them with a few treats tomorrow, but if you are going to see them now, I might as well give them to you. Be a good lad and make sure that they get everything. If they're sleeping, that's alright, just leave it for them to wake up to."
She passed it over to him, which he nodded and asked, "Did… did Claire seem well?"
"Oh, I had a lovely conversation with her," Ameliance answered with a smile. "She's feeling much better and she's in the mood to talk… or, I guess to listen. I did all the talking. But as the loving husband I know you are, how about you cheer her up?"
"H-Huh? Oh, r-right," he stuttered, completely taken aback by that. "So… you… like her?"
"Oh, she's a lovely girl," she smiled fondly, "Just adorable. If I can, I want to take her out shopping and get her some new clothes. I think that she would look darling in some of Sharlayan fashion."
Alphinaud couldn't help but shake his head while fighting a smile. He still remembered how fond his mother was of dressing him and Alisaie up in matching outfits when they were young. She always did love to see people in nice clothes like that. He would have to make a mental note to warn Claire that his mother tended to get 'carried away' in such a state. But more so than that, he was relieved to hear that his mother liked her so far, and he wanted to see them continue on this way if he could help it. The only problem was if they would be allowed to remain together?
He frowned suddenly at that as he looked to the basket, his mother's voice suddenly a dull buzz in his ears as his dark thoughts continued to spiral around him once again. He knew his father did not approve of any of this; that much was clear. He couldn't blame him at all for his feelings on the matter. It was so strange. He had been yearning to return home for the longest time but now that he was here, he was suddenly filled with a desire to step away from this island.
What was the matter with him?
"Alphinaud?"
"Hmm? Yes, Mother?" he asked, looking up to see the concern writ upon her face as he forced a smile.
"What is the matter? You looked so deep in thought that I wondered if I need send a search party out to find you?" she asked before noticing the slight shake in his hands. "Here, come sit down and we can talk."
"It's cold," he muttered absent-mindedly, but doing as she commanded as they sat down upon a nearby wall together.
"We can stay out for a little longer," she reassured him as she patted his arm, "Now then, tell me what it is that troubles you. And don't try to lie to me, a mother always knows when something is wrong with her children. So, out with it."
He didn't answer at first as he tried to gather his thoughts. That was when his mother threatened, "Do I have to tickle it out of you like when you were little?"
Alphinaud felt the corner of his mouth twitch slightly at the tease but he didn't look up from the brightly patterned chocobos that were sewn onto the cloth covering the basket. Yet, knowing better than to call his mother's bluff, he finally looked up and told her what Y'shtola and Thancred said earlier and how he was now given a choice to either continue on with them or stay here in Sharlayan. How he was now torn up about this choice and not sure what he should do any longer.
"On one hand, it was all that I wished for while I was in Eulmore," he said, "But now that I'm here… I can't help but want to see this mission of theirs through to the end. I want to be there when they put a stop to Vauthry's plans, which I still find baffling to understand. But I feel that he must be stopped at all costs."
"For revenge?" she asked softly and he shook his head. It was true that he did feel a desire to make that overgrown whale pay for the years of abuse he had done to his friends—to see him suffer even an ounce of the pain that he put them through. But that wasn't the driving force behind all of this. He had seen Vauthry commit such terrible acts and knew that there was no depth he was willing to sink to get what he wanted. So long as he was still free, then no one was safe from him. That was a painful thing to admit and he told his mother as much, who nodded her head in understanding.
"From what I've heard from you and your father after he returned, I can't say that I thought very highly of him," she said sadly, "But if he really is as bad as you say he is, then I agree that he must be stopped."
"But it will be dangerous," he pointed out.
"I know," she said reassuringly as he looked up to her.
"So… you are alright with me leaving again, if I chose to?" he asked as she ran a hand fondly through his hair.
"Of course I'm not alright with it," she answered honestly, "You're my baby boy. My little man. I wish I could just hold you in my arms and keep you safe. But you aren't a baby anymore. Long gone are the days where I could keep you and your sister at home and away from the harsh realities of the world. But know that whatever you choose, you have your mother's full support."
He stared at her for a moment before he let out a sigh of glorious relief, feeling like a massive weight was lifted off his chest upon hearing her words of support and he leaned in and rested his head gratefully upon her shoulder as she hugged him tightly to her side.
"Now, my love, it'll be alright," she said soothingly. "No need to rush things just yet. Stopping Vauthry can wait for a few days, I think."
"Hard to think that given how much damage he can do," he muttered as he stared ahead of him, his mind drifting upon the tides of thought once more. What could they expect from him from now on? Just how far will he go to get what he wants? Would he try to come here? It seemed unlikely, at least for now, but he knew better than to get his hopes up to high at this point.
"I can't help but feel afraid," he admitted quietly, almost more to himself than to her. But she heard him and gripped his hand in a comforting way.
"I know," she said kindly, "But you don't need to worry about us. We have some of the greatest minds in the world all stationed here. Should Vauthry try to attack, I am certain that they will find a way to avoid it. Especially, if it sounds like Vauthry's men are abandoning him. He won't try to attack us that easily."
Upon hearing that, also put some of his fears to rest and he nodded in agreement. At least until…?
"Which leaves us with the question of what to do about your marriage to a certain young, lady?" she asked in a whisper and he felt his face burn, something that not even the ever-increasing darkness could hide. His mother saw this and grinned mischievously while chuckling as he looked away.
"I apologize, I didn't mean to embarrass you," she chuckled as he gave her a mock glare, "It's just that I don't think I've ever seen you so open with your emotions. So, I can only assume that the young lady back at the Annex is the cause for this change in my son?"
"Y-Yeah," he muttered.
"She is certainly something else," she said lightly and he could only nod at that. Of course, what she said next nearly caused him to fall off the wall in shock…?
"So when can I expect my grandchildren?" she asked and laughed as he jerked back, went too far over the edge, and almost landed flat on his back until his mother steadied him and heaved him back up, now laughing even as his face was almost glowing in the dark.
"Mother!" he snapped as she could only laugh and waved her hands down to try and pacify him.
"I was only teasing, love," she giggled, "Goodness, I didn't expect such a reaction. I have never seen you act this way with any other young lady before. The other girls I introduced didn't leave nearly as strong an impression on you as this girl did."
"Well of course," he grumbled as he steadied himself, now avoiding looking at his mother. "She and I got to know each other very well doing my time away. Sure, we may not have started off on the right foot in the beginning, but she had grown to trust me. She could have freed herself of the collar and fled with Ryne, but no, she didn't. We talk every day, I know I can trust her with all my fears and worries, she's always there for me and…?"
He voice stopped dead as those thoughts fully sank in.
She must have known… she must have guessed that she was all but signing her own death warrant if she allowed him to get close to her. Once slip up, one mistake… and it could've been all over for her. Thinking back, he could see now the huge risk that she was bringing to herself simply by letting him see past the walls that she put up around her. But she did it anyway.
She must have been so scared that moment she saved him. But even still; she stood her ground and refused to back down as she faced off against her foe.
And yet…?
He could have left. Could have left her to her fate.
The thought sickened him.
"Just tell me one thing," his mother said quietly, "When you heard that she was being held prisoner… you weren't thinking about anything else, were you?"
He shook his head.
"Awww, I like to think that your father would have done the same for me," she sighed happily.
No, that was true. It was the only thing on his mind and he couldn't care less about being caught at that moment. He just knew that he couldn't bear the thought of leaving Eulmore without her. Whatever the price was for saving her, he was willing to pay it.
But as for Alphinaud, the answer was fully there in his face and he was mentally beating himself up for being too stubborn to see it. Claire was the one to offer him unconditional support and protection since they met. He had been ashamed of his own weakness, but the more that he came to know her, the more that he clung to it. She had inspired him to be courageous and to take a stand against Vauthry. As time went on, they grew closer and closer until it only felt natural to expect her touch… and with every meeting she seemed to burn patterns deeper onto his heart.
He had thought long and hard about his mother's words and it wasn't until he had time to really let it all settle in did he come to fully understand.
He loved her.
He trusted her.
Though it may have been a whirlwind romance, he couldn't help but have fallen so deeply in love that he didn't want to think of her parting from him. He supposed he had known about this for a while but had been too afraid to really admit to it, even to himself.
But still… that left only one question.
Did she feel the same for him?
His mind was cast back to falling from the balcony and her smile as she voiced two words: "Love you."
Was she saying that to both him and to Ryne? Or was it only to Ryne? And was it because she believed that she was about to die in that moment? Did she wish to give them parting words that would mean something rather than letting it all wash away with her death?
How was he supposed to ask her?
Will she still accept him?
No… none of that matters anymore. He loved her and he wanted to stay with her. He just… loved her so much.
He didn't voice that to his mother, but again, she seemed to understand everything. The thing about her son, was that his expressions showed upon his face as easily as if someone had written the words there. There was no doubt in her mind what her son's feelings were. Despite the circumstances, she always had a feeling that her son's taste would be… different.
He leapt up and said to his mother very quickly, "I must go now, mother. But I promise to be home soon."
"Alright, you take care, Alphinaud," she smiled as he now began to run as if the keeper of the seventh gate was at his heels. She just chuckled at the sight of him running off with a clear objective in his mind.
She loved that boy to death, but he makes things so complicated for himself by overthinking at times. When that happened, she learned to help him find a way to clear out all the unnecessary thoughts that clouded his judgement.
Something that he shared with his father.
Speaking of which…?
She smoothed out her robes as she stood and finished the rest of her walk down the path and up to the manor.
She had been wondering if it was truly love between them. Alisaie had made her thoughts about the pairing known to her, but one of the reasons that Ameliance had been so eager to meet with her was so that she could see and judge for herself. And she had to admit that she was rather impressed by what was both said and not said during their conversation.
Now, after seeing how clearly her son's heart was bore so easily, it settled things for her. It didn't seem like she had anything to worry about at this point and walked down the hall with a slight spring in her step until she came to the main hall where her husband was up with Alisaie, discussing things with an exhausted expression.
"I understand that you would like to have this matter dealt with as soon as possible, but I must refrain from pushing them to far so soon," she scolded.
"I am merely stating that it would be for the best to put in the proper paperwork to have this marriage dissolved," Fourchenault stated firmly and professionally, "I know that it would take time to have it all annulled but we will be more than happy to pay for any expenses that would…?"
"Oh, I don't believe that would be necessary," Ameliance spoke up, causing them both to look back to her.
"Ameliance? I'm sorry, I didn't hear you come in," her husband said in surprise as she gave him a thoughtful look.
"It's alright, dearest, I was just checking on—I guess the newest addition to the family," she chuckled. "Took a bit longer than expected but I have left her in capable hands."
"Newest…?" he began in astonishment, "Ameliance, need I remind you that this entire marriage has been a farce from the beginning."
"Oh, I know that," she said with a chuckle, "And while I agree that it seems to have started off that way, I don't believe that it is necessary to stop it now. You should see the way that our son was all but swooning over her…? It was precious. I must say that she wasn't at all what I would have expected our son to be attracted to but I can't say that I'm disappointed."
Alisaie laughed at that as Fourchenault just gapped at her like a fish out of water for a few minutes before he found his voice.
"Ameliance," he groaned out, trying to be reasonable, "You cannot suggest that we allow them to be married to each other? We cannot allow this… we didn't approve of it."
"Neither did they, but from what I've seen, I don't think that we need to be worried anymore," she smiled back as she hooked her husband's arm with her own and guided him to the door. "Now then, let us go out and enjoy this lovely dinner waiting for us as we talk about what is to come next."
(Hello everyone. I know that I haven't been able to work on this story much in recent days, I'm sorry but a lot has happened here. I am planning on finding a new apartment and getting ready to move, and not only that, but my kitty accidently got out and I've been spending the last three weeks searching for him. No signs of him yet but I am hoping and praying he finds his way back before I move. Hope that you all have a wonderful start of the year for 2024 and good luck to the finale of 6.55 tomorrow!)