Marching On

Lance wasn’t sure what he had expected by going back to Hyrstmill last evening. A part of him had been feeling… Lonely. Lost even. Wanting to remember life back before it had become so damned complicated.

To remember the first person he had gotten close to after leaving Ishgardian territory for the first time. A friendly smiling face that he missed so much.

Lady Miu… A part of him longed to know how she was doing. How she fared in the time since they had parted ways. Her heart not ready for a relationship with him. She had let him down gently. Always a sweet woman even on the day she broke his heart.

However his visit to Hyrstmill ended up being… Odd to say the least. He was still trying to process everything that happened last night.

He had run into Miu again. After so long apart. Except… Miu had apparently had quite the story in the time they had not spoken. Miu was no longer a woman. He was honestly shocked at first. Yet… She was still Miu even if she now had a male body instead. All due to a misadventure.

Lance ran a hand over his face before looking towards the great sword sitting by his desk in his new apartment. Maybe what he needed was to try again to learn. Move on to other training. He could feel the pulling allure of that stone he had found down there. Had found it even after someone had tried to hide it from him. Most likely Tara. He had been on a rather self destructive streak when she had found him.

Still no sign of Tara. Or even Alexois. Yet now he had Miu back. Even if she was different now. It was still going to take him time to get used to. He still found himself referring to her as a woman. Not to mention he refused to tell her just how much he had missed her. Miu had more then enough problems on her own plate. He refused to add to them. No way in seven hells would he admit to Miu that he still had lingering feelings despite their time apart. Despite the changes. Miu was still Miu inside. His feelings would remain his own personal secret.

Lance plopped down in one of the armchairs in his apartment with a heavy sigh. He had options but right now all of them seemed… Dangerous. He was trying to be good for Tara’s sake. But… His cousin was going off on a wild adventure. His family… Well technically he was still disowned. Yet he worried for his little brother who was now head of the family. He felt almost unneeded. Lost. All he truly had was his work at Skyfire watching over the young Lord Francel.

His eyes wandered around the apartment. It was warm and inviting. Yet so very lonely. Even Soren was too busy for him to catch and return the key to the other man’s apartment. He owed the man for giving him a place to stay after the whole fiasco with his family. Still wished to find out what had happened that night in Ishgard. Destiney had only given him vague answers.

Finally he stood and walked over to his desk. Hand wrapping around the hilt of that sword. The other hand swiping the stone from the desktop. Sitting idle wasn’t doing him any good. He needed to work. Needed to move. Anything but sitting there feeling sorry for himself. Remembering…

Betrayal - Lancefer and Alexois

Lancefer an the team of men he had been sent with were on the look out for a group of known heretics. They had reportedly fled this way a few bells ago. There was no way he was going to let these people remain hiding in Haillenarte controlled territory. It would be a further stain to the name if he remained idle or allowed these men to escape.

Caution was necessary as they crept closer towards the cave mouth. The near silent drawing of swords. He looked to each of the men on his team. A slight nod to them as he pushed forward into the darkness that waited to swallow them whole.

He couldn’t have gone more then a few feet when light lit the tunnel as if dawn had flared up around them. Lance’s arm raised to shield his eyes from the sudden amount of bright light. Yet there was a cry of alarm and pain from behind. Had they been surrounded?!

Lance couldn’t see before him because of the blinding light. Taking the chance, he whirled about to find one of his team in a pool of his own blood. A wicked grin on the face of another knight, sword dripping with the blood of his fallen comrade.

“Alexois?! What have you done?!” Lance cried out as he looked at the smug half crazed smile on the tanned duskwight’s face. Lance didn’t have a chance to find out as he heard footsteps approaching from the direction of the light.

“Stomping on some roses of course.” Alexois responded as he poked the fallen knight with the tip of his sword. “Getting revenge on you damn High House bastards who make our lives hell. Took me long enough to find a way in.”

Lance looked between the approaching men and Alexois. He an the remaining two of his team were betrayed by one they thought of their own. It had all been cleverly played. They could still retreat. Getting past Alexois alone behind them wouldn’t be that hard. The heretics had the advantage now having caught them off guard. The call would chafe. To retreat an let this betrayal go unpunished…

“This isn’t over, Alex. I will kill you for this.” Lance growled before charging towards the man they once trusted. “Retreat! That is an order!” His sword clashed against Alex’s blade. He would buy time for the rest of his team to get out alive. He watched them run past back into the snows of Coerthas. The footsteps from the cave were coming quicker now. Lance brought his shield up towards Alex’s face to stun the other man. A moment of time bought.

Lance bolted from that cave. Anger clawing at his heart. They had been betrayed by Alex. He had once liked the man. Trusted the man. Only to have it turned against them. Halone have mercy on the man if they ever met again. Lance would make sure the man breathed his last.

Aiden's Rest - Lancefer and Tara

Lancefer Aurifore: “Mind if I join you, Tara?”

Tara Griffinsong: “…” Tara says nothing at first, staring out at Dravania in the far distance. “…If you wish.”

Lancefer Aurifore frowns and looks at her a moment before finally climbing up to sit beside her on the wall. “I am guessing something very bad happened last eve. Neither you nor Destiney seem to be yourselves this eve.”

Tara Griffinsong wipes red rimmed eyes, “…You could say that, yeah. It….it was damaging to all of us, in our own way.”

Lancefer Aurifore ‘hmms’ softly as he looks out at the snowy skies. “I was afraid of such when my cousin pretty much told me to get the hells out of her house an find you instead. What happened last night? If it is okay for me to ask.”

Tara Griffinsong glances over at him, her eyes flitting away before she could meet his eyes, “We…It started out fine, a normal mission…for us anyway. We eventually got into a situation where a machine? Spell? Where -something- showed us….memories. For most of us, I think, they weren’t happy either.”

Lancefer Aurifore looks over at Tara as she explains. “I see…Must have been pretty bad if both you and my cousin are out of sorts this eve. Do you wish to talk about it? You did listen to me the other night. I would be willing to offer the same if you so wish.”

Tara Griffinsong points at the mountains in the distance. “I was born over those, in the Orn Wildes. Or so near the Wildes it wasn’t really the Hinterlands anymore and it wasn’t the Wildes yet. There’s a ranch there, called Little Hope.” She laughs, a little broken, “Little Hope isn’t so little really.”

Lancefer Aurifore: “I don’t think it matters if it is little or not. To someone at some time it was that small shred of hope they needed most likely. It is Hope that gives some people the drive needed to push forward when things are bleak.”

Tara Griffinsong: “We’re…family. Refugees from basically everywhere the Empire’s looked who’ve made it across Abalathia’s Spine is welcome in our home and I’m actually related to most of them. We….also have taken in…people the See is not fond of.” She chooses her words carefully. “I was born the second of three children, with my twin the only one younger than me.”

Lancefer Aurifore frowned at her comment on the See, looking around to make sure no others knights had been nearby. “So many people found hope in what your family offered. So the place is actually well named despite not being so little. Please continue.”

Tara Griffinsong tugs her cap off as the wind settles, letting her waist length hair unfurl behind her.

Tara Griffinsong: “For years, we were peaceful. We didn’t make trouble with our ‘neighbors’ and even breed war chocobos. Aiden was my older brother, a good eight years older than me, but we were thick as thieves, more so than me and my twin really. He understood me in a way that….no one else has ever really been able to.”

Lancefer Aurifore: “Sounds like he was a good older brother. What happened to him? You said 'was’. I take it he is no longer walking this world. Forgive me for asking if it hurts too much. You may ask me to leave if you wish.”

Tara Griffinsong: “Carteneau. He was eight years older than me, so he was nineteen when the Alliance went to battle. Ishgard wasn’t involved, of course, but Aiden somehow got his way south and joined the Adders. …He didn’t make it home.”

Lancefer Aurifore made a soft 'hmph’ noise. “So then the odds were high that maybe you an Destiney met for a reason. Did she ever mention Carteneau to you?”

Tara Griffinsong nods quietly. “She did.”

Lancefer Aurifore: “Maybe one of the Twelve thought the two of you could use each other. Well use is not really the right word. A shared pain is an easier burden when it is shared. Have you ever told her about your brother?”

Tara Griffinsong shakes her head, “Most days his memory is bearable and she hurts far worse than I.”

Lancefer Aurifore looks at her in silence for a long moment. Thinking of the words he wanted to say. “I think you should. Or at least maybe try. Maybe she is finally healing? Unless it was something about her father she saw last eve. She wouldn’t tell me. Seemed to get lost in her thoughts easier than usual.”

Tara Griffinsong shakes her head, “I…wasn’t really able to focus on what others were reacting or saying. My own memories were….distracting.” She slides off the railing and picks up the sack and a large, cloth wrapped item that looked far too heavy for her to be carrying, though she managed fine. “…Join me? I’m going to do something I should have done while coming south.”

Lancefer Aurifore watches her get up, eyeing the sack. “Of course. I would gladly offer you my sword and shield out here. Not that I do not believe you a capable young woman. It just makes me worry less. If that is alright to you. Or I would even offer to carry that for you if you wished.” Brushes snow off his armor as he climbs down off the wall.

Tara Griffinsong shakes her head, “We’re not going far and it’s my thing to carry.” She smiles wanly.

Lancefer Aurifore: “Then lead on and I shall follow.”

Tara Griffinsong pauses, grumbling a little about public stair safety and hefting the wrapped object higher in her hold.

Tara Griffinsong takes a deep breath at the opening to the cave.

Lancefer Aurifore keeps an eye on her while still making sure to keep an eye out for anything dangerous as well. “So what have you come here to do? If you do not mind me asking.”

Tara Griffinsong bites her lip, “Visiting the Fury’s Gaze.”

Lancefer Aurifore: “That much I could figure by where we are.”

Tara Griffinsong sends him a dry look.

Tara Griffinsong gazes around the cave, staring at the stalagmites and tites, seemingly searching for something.

Tara Griffinsong walks over to one of the bigger ones, feet making little to no sound.

Lancefer Aurifore looks up before closing his eyes and making a motion of respect for Halone.

Lancefer Aurifore walks over and quietly watches Tara.

Lancefer Aurifore eyes the axe she had placed against the pillar. “Did it belong to your brother?”

Tara Griffinsong kneels and drags from her sack a large, flat stone and sets it before the pillar, making four indentations in it with a touch of aether. Next comes candles, one deep purple, one blue, one white and lastly a pitch black one. “Yes, one of the only uncharred things that was found to bring home to us.” She lights the candles with a match and smiles, “Rest well in Halone’s Halls, Aiden. May She greet you with a Warrior’s welcome, for you fell in battle protecting your home and your family.”

Lancefer Aurifore looks back towards the stone bearing Halone’s mark before looking back towards the axe and Tara. “I am sure Halone has embraced him with open arms. She does not forsake those who have served her well.” His words were softly spoken.

Tara Griffinsong quieter, “Be safe big brother…I miss you…”

Tara Griffinsong: “I hope so…I wasn’t…sure if I should do this, since he never fought for Ishgard, but…I felt I had to, you know? I know this is probably unorthodox and frowned upon to leave these here…”

Tara Griffinsong: “I got mad at him, you know, before he left. My last words to him was that he was abandoning us, me. I was mad that I didn’t tell him I loved him.” She sobs.

Lancefer Aurifore steps closer and puts his hands on her shoulders first, not wanting to startle her. Before wrapping his arms around her in a hug from behind. “Halone may be the patron who watches over Ishgard but her children are not just those of us born and bred in Ishgard. I am sure she loves all her children no matter their birth. Even your brother.”

Tara Griffinsong sobs freely now, hands coming up to hug his arms as tears stream down her face.

Lancefer Aurifore just lets her cry as he holds her. “I’m sure he knows you love him too. You’ve probably made him proud so many times. Look at all the good you’ve done. The people you’ve helped. If he watches over you… I am sure he is very proud of his little sister. I would be.”

Tara Griffinsong hiccoughs, “Twelve I hope so. I…I don’t think I’ve earned his pride though.” She sniffles, “How…how do I submit a formal request to Haillenarte to not remove it? Or at least move it somewhere more appropriate and not throw it off the cliff?”

Lancefer Aurifore takes a deep breath an looks up. “I can try calling in some favors. Maybe talk to Lord Francel. He would probably be the best one to convince. He is a very kind young man who I am proud to serve under.”

Tara Griffinsong shakes her head, “I’ll do it Lancefer. I don’t want you spending your favors on me.”

Lancefer Aurifore chuckles softly. “No. It is alright. They would be well spent if they offered you some measure of peace. I wish I could do the same for my cousin.”

Tara Griffinsong tilts her head up to glare at him, poking his arm gently. “It’s fine. I’ll ask the Lord myself. I’m not that socially awkward.”

Lancefer Aurifore let’s go of her to raise his hands in the air, a slight grin on his face. “Alright. I did offer at least. But yes I would suggest talking with Lord Francel. He is a kind hearted young man. If any of the Haillenarte children might hear you out, it would be him.”

Tara Griffinsong drags gentle fingers down the head of the axe, pressing a kiss to her fingers and then her fingers to the axe. “Rest well Aiden. Feast and Make Merry at Halone’s side.”

Lancefer Aurifore: “May Halone watch over his soul.”

Warning Signs - Lancefer

Sky blue eyes stared up towards the grey clouds. More snow soon to come they promised. Something that was not an usual occurrence for Ishgard. He had trouble remembering anymore what his city used to look like without the cold and snow. Hard to believe it had been so long already.

He knew he should have returned home last eve. Was probably going to hear about it from his mother at the very least. Hopefully his father was too busy with work for Dzemael to even be home at this hour. He could slip in an find his spare armor. The chainmail he had worn yesterday needed repairs. There was no way he could wear it to duty without questions being raised. He had no answers to give. None that made sense. There was no way he could explain it without seeming as if he was crazy. Though he had seen a good many crazy things since he had started following his cousin around.

Yesterday… The man with the snow white hair and teeth like razors. The one Tenrai had called a foul water sprite. His left hand came to rest over his right shoulder. There was no real pain. Tara had taken good care of the injury he had sustained. Yet… The memories of that brief fight still disturbed him. There was still no name to put with the stranger’s face yet he had claimed to know Destiney. Which disturbed him even more…

Chaotic. His cousin had some very chaotic choices of people to claim knowing. That was the best way he could think of it. Like turbulent waters of the sea. He hadn’t had a chance to see her an ask about the strange man he had found outside of Dragonhead.

It had started as mere curiosity and concern. The man had been sitting in the snow against the outer wall. Wanting to make sure the fool hadn’t frozen to death mere feet from the camp itself. There was a sort of madness about the stranger wearing the half-mask. Talking about dragon blood. Saying how it had no effect on him an wanting to test it on Lance. An then… The odd way the man fought like a demon. Trying to pierce Lance with those… Things! Like the tentacles of a octopus but far more dangerous. Their shape was not solid. More like half frozen water able to shift shape. The edges tipped crimson with blood. There was no way Lance wanted to find out if it was truly dragon blood in those dangerous tendrils.

Lance hadn’t wanted to fight. Not at first. However there was no way he was going to allow someone so dangerous to walk freely. Not in that state of madness. However he had no idea where his cousin was to call her to deal with the masked man. It had been like fighting a Hydra. Cut off one an two regrew. Until he was facing at least seven tendrils. In the end it wasn’t one of those tipped in the color of blood that caught him. He had opened up a gaping wound in the man’s chest but even that did not seem to faze the man. From there something shot out like those tendrils, caught him in the right shoulder. His chainmail hadn’t seemed to be much of an obstacle for it either. That creeping cold. Like something crawling under his skin. Then it was nearly over as quickly as it had begun. The man withdrew and fled away. Leaving him there stunned and wounded. Leaving him to wonder what sort of creature that man was.

His thoughts finally drifted back to the present as he approached the door to the house. A deep breath before his hands reached up to give it a push open. Cautiously without seeming like a thief sneaking about his own home, Lance made his way towards his room.

“Lancefer?”

He paused an mentally cursed his luck. His mother’s voice. So much for getting in an out without notice. Elviane always seemed to be keeping an eye or ear out for his coming and goings. Especially when it came to trying to set him up with a potential wife.

“Yes mother. I had to stop by an fetch something from my room. I have another shift of duty shortly.” He knew she wasn’t going to come out of the other room to see him though. She rarely did anymore. Not unless she had something specific she needed him for. Nor did he feel truly bad for lying about having duty soon. He mere wanted to avoid the possible conversation about his love life. Or rather lack of one.

“Your father and grandfather wished to see you in the study. Do not keep them waiting. You know how they hate being made to wait.”

Halone have mercy… Both of them? He grimaced an looked down the hall towards the closed doors to the study. It would have been easier to turn around an run. But he didn’t run. With a deep breath he pushed forward towards those doors. Looming ahead of him like the gates to hell. Dealing with them one at a time was bad enough. Dealing with both at once… Maybe he should have let that man kill him yesterday.

Inside the room Grandfather was his usual place. Behind the sturdy manor desk, polished to a shine. Papers spread across it’s surface. A tray of tea that was no longer steaming. Obviously they had been waiting for him for some time. His father frowned from where he stood near the windows looking out into Ishgard.

“You’re late.”

The urge to cringe was there as his father spoke. Vairemont was never a patient man. Yet Lance kept his face passive. He had been dancing to this game long enough. A respectable bow to both of his elders. He didn’t dare look up at either of them. Gaze kept down to the floor. They would not tolerate being lied to. Yet they didn’t truly know the lies he told them on a regular basis. There was no reason to give them a chance to suspect him now though. Tread careful. Dealing with both at once was like walking on cracked glass. One wrong step would have disastrous consequences.

“I apologize. I got caught up in business last eve an chose to rest before returning. It was already far late for travel back to Ishgard.”

He heard his father’s steps more then saw them. Felt his father’s displeasure. The man always seemed to radiate that feeling around him anymore. Ever since his fateful choice of Haillenarte over Dzamael. He was no longer the favored son. Had not been for many years.

“Resting at the beach I heard.”

Surprised eyes found his father’s stern gaze. Had they realized? Was his ruse up? Did they know every bit of information he fed them since finding out who the lady they had him following was, was false? Surely he had not slipped up that much to give himself away so soon. He was no shadow yet surely they couldn’t have found out. Unless… They had begun to suspect an had him followed… Or he was truly unlucky that someone his father knew was there at Costa…

“Her free company goes to the beach at the end of the week, every week. As I said. Business. Unless you no longer wish for me to keep trying to find information for you.” He tried hard to keep the venom from his voice. He hated what they demanded of him. The orders chaffed an cut at him. Defying them was hard. They were his family. Yet… They also made it so easy to do. His time among the men and women of Haillenarte had given him a better understanding of how family should be. Even his time learning of his cousin an her crazy free company that she considered family… Even they were more family then the one he had.

Fast. His father’s hand struck out at him. Hand on his injured right shoulder. Fingers digging into that wound. On purpose. The intent was clear on his father’s face. Lance couldn’t keep his face passive any longer. His teeth were gritted against the pain as those fingers pressed hard against that injury. Tara’s hard work… It pissed him off. Finally the pain subsided as his father shoved him back into the nearby bookshelf. A few of the books tumbled to the floor at the jolt of a body hitting the shelves.

“You will not take the tone with me, boy.” His father’s voice a snarl.

“Enough!” Age wizened eyes looked on at the scene of father and son before finally settling on Lancefer. Their disappointment was clear. “You have been failing to provide us with anything useful lately. If this keeps up… Well. I don’t have to remind you now do? Consider this a warning, Lancefer. You will not get another. You know what was asked of you.”

“Yes, Grandfather.” Lance bowed his head. A warning. They were indeed beginning to suspect. His lies had not been clearly as clever as he had thought they had been. Maybe he had been wise in warning Nate last evening. If they suspected it would not be long before they took this matter out of his hands. If they did that he would no longer be able to control the flow of information. He would need the help of men like Raiden and Nate. The purple-eyed aevis and the wolf of Dzamael. But would it be enough?

“You are dismissed.”

Lance did not wait around. Nor did he hurry in his departure. He would not give them the satisfaction of thinking they had him running scared. Once in the safety of his room, he slid down the closed door to sit on the floor. Slowly he removed his jacket and shirt. Trying to be careful of the bandages on his shoulder. They were stained with fresh blood where his father had dug his fingers into the wound. A quiet curse under his breath as he leaned his head back against the door behind him. He would have to think of something. Surely he could do this.

“Halone… Please help me…”

Two Paths Converge - Destiney and Lancefer

(So. First meeting for the cousins, Destiney and Lance. Since my characters cannot actually ever meet each other in game, of course, I wrote this for them.)

Destiney quickly tucked away her journal as she finished the last lines for the entry she was working on. The fact that someone was knocking on her door had her curious. Chee and J'siris usually didn’t bother knocking and waiting. They usually just knocked then came in. Whoever was at the door today wasn’t them. She didn’t usually get visitors at her personal home. It wasn’t an address she openly gave out. This place was an escape from all the chaos and activity in her life. Her one safe haven from everything.

What she hadn’t been expecting was the handsome elezen on the other side. She was pretty sure she had never met this man before. His darker skin tone almost made her mistake him for a duskwight at first. But the racial cuffs on the ears marked him as a wildwood. His hair was raven black with what appeared to be dark blue highlights in places. Faint freckles dotted his cheekbones right below his summer sky blue eyes. She found herself speechless as she stared up at him.

“Destiney? Destiney Delvanguard yes?” He asked as he bowed politely to her. Even an Ishgardian accent touched his voice.

“Yes. Who are you?” She finally managed to find her voice to ask the young man before her. The accent had set her on edge. It had been the douse of cold water she needed when staring at a handsome elezen man. She knew very few people in Ishgard. He was not among those. Very few of those she even knew there could be counted among those she trusted. So what brought this man to her doorstep then?

“Lancefer, Knight in service of House Haillenarte. May I come in?”

Destiney stepped aside as she held the door open for him to come in. She had not missed his lack of a last name. Curiosity won out over caution though. There was no one she remembered among Haillenarte. Never before had she interacted with anyone from the High Houses. Not even a knight of one. She had always kept her time in Ishgard limited after her five year stay had ended years ago. Only returning as needed for information or items bartered from a trader there. Not even returning to visit her aunt. Though she did send letters at times to let her aunt know she was still alive.

Thankfully the recent remodel of her kitchen allowed for better space to deal with guests. Mostly because she had been tempted to invite members of the company by sometime. Most definitely a few of them at the very least. She had already had Felix over once. Along with his friend Rowan. It had just been a few nights ago actually.

Lancefer picked a chair not far from the doors, placing his gauntlet clad hands on the back but didn’t sit. He looked anxious and nervous though he did hold himself well without fidgeting. As if whatever he had come here for, was bad news. Or at least news he was unsure how she would take. Destiney didn’t take her eyes off him though as she moved around the counter into the kitchen. The more distance between them the better. Not that there was much room for escape if needed. Especially being in the kitchen. Still the space between them an the counters made her feel a fraction safer to deal with the Ishgardian in her home.

“What can I help you with, Ser Lancefer?” Destiney asked as she grabbed a bottle of white wine off the cupboard shelf before turning her attention back to him. There was no way she wished to take her eyes off him for long. His sword and shield were not drawn but that did not make him any less dangerous. Her bow was downstairs on her desk as she had not expected needing it. As was her soulstone so there was no way to call Daisy to her aid. Fingers reached into her pocket to brush against her linkpearl. At least that much she never left just anywhere. It was also on her person.

“This… This is hard to explain.” Lancefer said with a sigh as he ran a hand through his dark hair. He finally let go of the back of the chair and began to pace. “After speaking with both Lady Miu and Lady Dusk… They both thought it time I come clean to you. That I come speak with you. I beg you to hear me out until I finish what I have to say though. Will you?” He looked at her with pleading eyes as he stopped his pacing for a moment.

“Lady Dusk? You know Dusk?” Destiney frowned as she looked at him. Lady Miu was a name she had not heard before but she only knew one Dusk. It made her feel she needed to be extra cautious now if the Dusk he spoke of was the one she knew. Though it also made her want to find out the truth. Surely if he was dangerous Dusk wouldn’t have suggested he come speak to her. After all Dusk kept trying to warn her of Leera because she thought the duskwight was dangerous. Granted Leera was dangerous in a way but he had never proven a danger to her yet.

“Lady Dusk of the Order you belong to yes. I have…” He hesitated as he took a deep breath as if to try an ease the tension of his body. He could see the way Destiney had tensed up as he confirmed that they were talking about the same Dusk. “I… have been speaking with various members of your company. For a while now actually. Raiden. Oni. Lady Tara.  To name a few. I dined with them for a brief time at the beginning of the week even. They knew the truth an have held their tongues on the matter because I pleaded for them to do so.”

“Held their tongues on what matter? Get to the point.” Destiney said with a frown as she gently placed the wine bottle down on the counter behind her. She no longer trusted herself to hold on to it. Afraid she may either throw it or drop it. Almost wished she had a seat in case she needed it with whatever this knight was about to tell her.

“Please hear me out until the end. At first what I have done is because of orders on behalf of my grandfather. But as time went on my motivations changed. My reasons for doing what I have done have changed. Fury take me… I even battled Raiden on behalf of those motivations. Before the eyes of Halone herself outside the gates to Ishgard…” A heavy sigh as he resumed pacing once more as his story slowly unfolded. “I lost gloriously to Raiden. I never stood a ghost of a chance. I thought… thought you were safe with members like Raiden to watch your back.”

“Safe? Safe from what?” Destiney struggled to remain patient. She found his words to grate her nerves. Why had he challenged Raiden? What was she supposed to be safe from? Interally she was screaming for him to get to the point. However she knew screaming an getting angry would do little good. It was obvious whatever this knight was trying to say was difficult. He wanted to make his point with as many details as possible.

“From my grandfather. Our grandfather.” His eyes met hers. He held his breath as he watched her for any sign. Any sign of what she was likely to do. When she just stared at him in confusion he pressed forward. His words came quicker now. Hurrying to make his point before she had a chance to toss him out of her house without finishing. “My name is Lancefer Aurifore. I am your cousin. Grandfather at first sent me to spy on you an report back to him. Looking for any weakness he could use against you. Once I learned you were my cousin though… I started to defy his wishes. I fed him false information. I fought Raiden for your safety. He… Doesn’t have the best of reputations among the knights but it is not my story to tell.”

“Wait… What? Grandfather… That…” Destiney sucked in a sharp breath as she gripped the counter behind her. Her eyes stared down at the floor beneath her feet. She felt like a rug had been ripped out from under her. She had had no interactions with the old bastard since she had left Ishgard. Gladly had she kept it that way. Neither one of them wanted to be family to one another. Yet this man in her home was calling himself her cousin. She felt angry and confused all at the same time.

“I tried my best to work from the shadows. To keep anything that might damn you as a heretic from reaching grandfather. But… I am a knight not a spy. I have a certain amount of honor to uphold. Haillenarte has already fallen too far without me adding anything worse to their reputation.” His pacing stopped again. Once more his hands gripped the back of the chair nearest to him. His gaze was downcast. “Both Lady Miu and Lady Dusk insisted this farce needed to end. That I needed to come clean an speak with you. I… You are my family. I cannot stand by an allow this continue. To allow this all to spiral out without you knowing what sort of danger might lurk in the shadows. Please…”

His words seemed heartfelt. That was what struck Destiney the most. Never before beyond her aunt had anyone from that side of the family reached out to her. To most of them her mother was an outcast. An she a half-breed bastard. Yet here was one claiming to be different. To actually be trying to warn her. Grandfather having a desire to brand her a heretic was actually not very far fetched. She didn’t like the man an he certainly didn’t like her.

“If you can not trust my words alone… If you have reason to distrust me… Speak with Raiden or Lady Dusk. Or even Lady Tara. Please. Even if you toss me out right now… Please just believe me… All I want is to keep you safe.”

Destiney felt at a loss for words. Every name of an Order member was someone she trusted. Even if she was not currently on good terms with Oni. It still said something if those people had trusted him enough to keep his secret. It explained the occasional feeling of being watched.

Family. The gods were offering her another piece of a family. A piece she had never known till now. Could she trust his words rang true? Could she really just accept his words for what they were? Haillenarte… It was one of the decent High Houses. One she had always thought to be far more noble then those monsters of House Dzamael. Maybe his words could be trusted.

Raiden had fought with him an allowed the man to live. He had walked away from a battle that could have very well killed him. If Raiden had allowed him to live… There must be some shred of truth to his pleas. Which struck another cord in her. After what she had watched Oni and Raiden to be capable of… They had allowed someone who had clearly attacked them to walk away alive.

Her hands clenched as she tried to decide how to react. Slowly she reopened her hands and finally looked up at him. His head was still bowed as if waiting for her judgment. Part of her was angry, furious even. Part of her felt sympathy towards him. Her heart was tugged in various direction of emotion as her mind tried to sort through the information in a reasonable fashion. How dare he assume she needed his protection. How dare he spy on her! Yet… He was reaching out to her now…

Destiney stalked from the kitchen over to where Lancefer stood, still not looking up as she approached. Her hands met his shoulders, shoving backwards. With a clatter of metal, Lancefer found himself on his butt staring up at her with wide startled eyes. Destiney crossed her arms over her chest as she looked down at him with a frown.

“How dare you assume I need your protection. How dare you stalk me from the shadows yet call yourself a knight. How dare you assume I want any contact with anyone in the Aurifore family.” Destiney began. Her voice was firm yet the anger was held at bay. Slowly she dropped her arms from where she had crossed them. A hand stretched out to him. “Get up.”

He stared at her dumbfounded and speechless. First she had shoved him and scolded him. Now she was offering her hand out to him. Demanding he get back to his feet. Her expression was hard for him to read. He took her offered hand, getting back to his feet with her assistance.

“I appreciate your concern but I can protect myself… Most of the time.” A tug at the corners of her mouth was the first sign of true emotion since that frown had faded into a blank look. “I will give you a chance. One chance. If you screw up, you will never bother me again. If you are truly as honest as you have made yourself sound… Then… Welcome to the family?”

Lance felt his eyes would pop out of his head as he listened to her words. He threw his arms around her without thinking, hugging her tight. She squeaked in protest at the sudden hug by a man she didn’t really know yet. He quickly pulled back with a sheepish smile.

“Sorry… I was expecting worse. Like things thrown at me… Or spells. Halone have mercy.” He laughed nervously. “I am… Overjoyed that you are going to give me a chance. I have never been close with my siblings. I have been… the black sheep of the family since the day I joined Haillenarte.”

“Well then…” Destiney looked around at her kitchen, eyes settling upon the bottle of wine. “Tell me about it over a drink? You already know more about me then I know about you.”

“Ah… Tea maybe? You do drink tea yes? I am afraid I have duty later this evening. Alcohol would not be wise.” Lance said as he removed his sword and shield, leaving them near the door.

“Tea it is.”

Heartbreak - Lancefer

Lance had been over the moon to go to that wedding as Miu’s date. Though being on display to her friends and free company had been a tad bit embarrassing. Though the mood had sobered up a bit once they had been alone. Well mostly alone even though one of her drunk friends slept on in the room next to where they had stood.

She had asked after his well being since it had been days since they had last met. He hadn’t wanted to worry her. Hadn’t wanted to admit he had an encounter with Savara. He had been in Camp Dragonhead at the time when Savara made yet another appearance. His wounds had been minor in comparison to those also injured in fending off the dragon. But he had not been able to lie to her. Not to Miu.

Unfortunately his work had kept her from seeing her again for a few days. Thankfully it had been an uneventful few days. No more injuries to report. Those that he had had were fine with a little healing help from Miu the last they were together. However…

He had not expected the wound that was dealt when he met with Miu last night. It was not physical but emotional. She had broken things off between them. His family had gotten between them. Not in a literal sense. But she had been worried about him. Worried about his future if they remained together. She had not also been ready. Seeing her ex-lover at the wedding had reminded her of painful times.

Lance’s fist hit the stone wall. The metal of his gauntlet protecting his hand from more then possibly bruising. He was disappointed and upset about this turn in his life. He heaved a sigh as he leaned against the wall, resting his forehead against the cold stone.

Miu wanted to remain his friend and steadfast ally. She still wanted to help him explore that dreaded place in his mad quest. Still cared about him. Just not in the way he had hoped. But he still had her in his life. They had only dated twice. He had hoped too soon. It was his own fault really. He knew better. But it still stung. Still hurt that his family was part of the reason for what happened last night.
As soon as he was released from duty for the day he went out into the cold frigid air of Coerthas. The air burned his lungs as he took a long walk. He needed to clear his head and his heart.

He would be fine. He knew he would be. He just needed a few days to process all that had happened. He would maintain a friendship with Miu. A ghost of a smile crossing his lips at the thought of her. He’d allow himself a few days to mourn what could have been. Then life would have to continue. He had a job to do. A life to live. A cousin to protect. An a High House to serve. Life would move on as it always did. He would not hide himself away forever. Just a few days. He just needed a few days.

Eleven Questions (2)

1. If your character was allowed to murder one person without any consequences, who would that person be and why?

“Whatever Garlean bastard decided on that fight that took my father’s life. He’s the one person I will never forgive. If I wanted to stain my hands with further blood it would be his.” - Destiney

“No one. I would not murder anyone. Not even because I hate them. Any who die by my blade it is because they deserved it for trying to attack something I am sworn to protect. In which case it is no longer murder.” - Lance

2. If your character had one thing to say to their parents before they died, what would it be?

“I love you and I’m so sorry.” - Destiney (OOC: Mostly in answer to the fact she did lose her father an the last time she saw him she never said good-bye and was angry with her parents.)

“I know you have never really approved of my choices but I do not regret them. I’m sorry that we could never come to an understanding an fix what was lost between us.” - Lance

3. Does your character get restless when things are too quiet or do they favour solitude and silence? Why?

“I favor solitude and silence most of the time. I’m not a fan of crowded places. Though I do also enjoy the noise of the Order. They are lively but they are family.” - Destiney

“The silence makes me restless. It usually comes before an attack. But… Noise can also make it hard to hear what is coming. So it is a bit of a mixed feeling. If I am somewhere safe then the silence can be a bit of a bother.” - Lance

4. Your character has been granted 3 wishes; what would they wish for and why?

“My family to be whole again for certain. The death of my father broke our family apart I feel. Leon to not have passed on so soon. I did not have enough time to appreciate everything he had to offer to me. And I would wish I was a better person. That I didn’t have these moments of such dark thoughts or anger that I hurt those I love with words that are not always meant.” - Destiney

“I would wish my family was not so stuck in ways long past. I want them to realize how foolish it is. I wish I could have saved Lord Choldebaimt at the Steel Vigil. He was a great man and did not deserve the fate he ended up with. An for Miu to be happy no matter what happens. My life will always have an element of danger to it. I don’t want to see her lose that smile if something happens to me.” - Lance

5. How does your character tell someone they love them without words?

“Hugs. They are the best way to say this without words. Without making someone believe I want more from them then their precious presence in my life.” - Destiney

“I find this hard to answer. I guess through my undying loyalty. I have only loved a few ladies in my days. My job has been my love for so long I’m a bit out of touch with the world an acceptable behavior.” - Lance

6. As a child, what did your character think they would be when they grew up?

“I thought I would be like my father. A member of the Gods’ Quiver. However things did not go as planned. Now I’m a healer like my mother. Oh the irony of it.” - Destiney

“I thought I would be a knight like my father and grandfather. I did become just that. However I did not join Dzemael. I chose Haillenarte instead. Not a decision I regret.” - Lance

7. Would your character ever cheat to accomplish something?

“That… Would depend what was at stake. Gambling? Bartering? No. It would have to be life or death to cheat. I don’t find cheating acceptable.” - Destiney

“Never. I am above such behavior.” - Lance

8. What does your character view as their worst personality trait?

“ Neuroticism. My emotions are not always stable. The worst my week is going the more likely I am going to be in very dark places in my emotional state.” - Destiney

“I can be Obsessive. When I find something like the rumors of Lord Chlodebaimt’s spirit… I will not stop till I find out if there is any truth of these rumors.” - Lance

9. What’s something that really repulses them?

“Slimey creatures. Anything slimey in general. Keep it away!” - Destiney

“I refuse to answer…” - Lance (OOC: Actually… I haven’t really picked anything for Lance. XD I probably should.)

10. Which one of the five senses is most important to them?

“Touch. Being able to touch someone an know it is not a dream. That they are real an here.” - Destiney

“Sight. Being able to see. See what might be coming and fight back. Seeing Miu’s smiling face. If I had to live my life in darkness without sight… It would be sad world.” - Lance

11. What was something they struggled with greatly and how did they overcome it?

“I struggled for so long. With the consequences of the things I did when I left Ishgard after five years. I decided my vengeance for what the Garleans had taken from me was worth it. Only to learn how foolish I truly was. I was not ready for the nightmares that haunted me nor the fact I realized later that the people I killed… Should not have been punished for those that had killed my father. They had families and loved ones. I had done to them what had been done to me. I had continued the circle of hate an destruction. I am not sure I will ever truly be over it. But… I have those I love and care about. They support me an keep me strong. With them… I can overcome anything. Maybe even this.” - Destiney

“For days… I would not leave my room. I was so lost. I had been a novice when I joined the troops at Steel Vigil. To be one of those… To survive… The man I admired and wanted to be most like gave his life for us. For us that survived. I was not sure where to turn or what steps to take as I wallowed in my misery. I lost myself for a time. My dreams haunted by the roars of dragons. Eventually I found myself once more. I pledged myself to a purpose. If I was going to idolize Lord Chlodebaimt… Then I could not, would not continue to mope about my room in Ishgard like some sort of child. I was a man an it was time I acted as such. I would do my best to see the family and country he loved so much safe. Help to restore the glory lost when Steel Vigil fell. I would honor that man in my own way.” - Lance

Eleven Questions (1)

1: How did your character meet their best friend?
“I met Chee and Arthur when I first started as a freelance healer working with other adventurers or mercenaries. I think it was in Ul’dah as we all signed up to work with the Immortal Flames. They were a blessing in a world where I felt lost on where to even begin.” - Destiney

“Best friend… I do not have one. Not unless one counts my duty. There are people I speak with but none that I trust deep enough. Though… I guess Lady Miu could be counted as one though what we share I hope is also more then just that.” - Lance

2: What would your character die for?

“The people I love. I wouldn’t give a second thought of sacrificing myself for them. My life isn’t worth the lives of everyone I love and cherish. My husband, my free company, my friends. Everyone of their lives is worth more then mine alone. If I can give back to them the life that was saved so long ago from the brink of death… Then without a doubt my life for theirs.” - Destiney

“My country, my family, Lady Miu. I am a knight an my life is pledged to Ishgard. If they send me to fight and I die then it was my fate. I pray that Halone though would take mercy upon me. I have so much life left to fight with. I am not ready to return to her hallowed halls just yet but if it is what must be done then I will do it willingly.” - Lance

3: What is the cutest thing your character has ever done?

OOC Destiney: Probably being teased endlessly about her obsession with certain types of elezen. She tends to get very shy and blush around them, sometimes stammering or rambling in her embarrassment. Certain people in the FC even go as far as to tease her about butt biting. She hasn’t done such a thing but it often leaves her flustered if there is a cute guy around.

OOC Lance: Oh gawd. His whole relationship with Miu is entirely adorable right now. It makes me happy enough to giggle at this sap. He’s a hopeless romantic. Just watching these two interacting is so damn cute.

4: What is your character’s deepest, darkest secret?

OOC Destiney: I answered something like this in a ask a short while ago. So I’ll try to summarize. She has bad reactions to Garlean bases due to an old incident. An because she is still healing emotionally she has moments of self-destructive tendencies. An she can not fight other people because of her incident. Partly personal choice and partly because she simply can’t make herself do it.

OOC Lance: He won’t willing admit he’s scared for the future. He’s at a very thin edge with his family an the fall honestly scares him. He’d rather face down dragons or heretics then admit how scared he is for what the future holds if his family casts him out.

5: What is the most surprising thing about your character?

OOC Destiney: I had never intended Destiney to be such a emotionally broken mess. I never thought she’d make me cry some days. Quite literally. I wanted her to have a bit of turmoil in her past but it evolved into something a bit darker then originally planned. But for her it works. It just and I can’t explain it. I guess what surprises me most is finding a FC willing to take an deal with her crap an give me such acceptance despite Dest being such an idiot at times. :)

OOC Lance: I had intended Lance to be more… Snobbish and sarcastic. A upper class snob. He turned out completely different then my original vision. He ended up being this loving and caring man with a sort of white knight complex. What surprises me most is just how much he’s changed from my original vision into something so warm and happy. That despite all the darkness that looms over the horizon he still pushes to find the light an goodness. I just want to hug him an try to keep all that darkness from trying to drag him down. He’s almost like a brilliant light of hope.

6: If you could title your character’s life, what would you title it?

OOC Destiney: Darkest Before Dawn. Destiney has moments where she feels so broken and consumed by dark emotions. Yet she always finds a way back out, usually with help from those she loves and cares about. It’s always darkest before the light of dawn chases away the shadows of night. So I found this rather fitting for Destiney.

OOC Lance: Winter’s End. Because he has finally left the cold endless winter of Coerthas. He’s begun to see more of the world beyond those frosted windows. He’s found a woman he likes to refer to as his Summer Sun. At the end of Winter comes Spring, hope for a new beginning. This is Lance’s new beginning. A time where he came finally come into his own.

7: What is their deadly sin?

“Wrath. I can be… fairly vengeful.“ - Destiney

“Pride. I’ve always had a lot of Pride as a knight and as a man. I’m not afraid to admit it.” - Lance

8: What is one question they’ve always wanted an answer to?

“Why was I spared when I wanted to die? I was throwing away my life. I didn’t deserve to be saved.” - Destiney

“Was there something we missed or something we could have done differently to stop the fall of Steel Vigil? It will haunt me till the day I die.” - Lance

9: What would it take to break them, inside and out?

“Being broken once wasn’t enough? … Losing everything I have now. My friends and my family I’ve made. I’ve come so far from that day. If I lost it all now… I don’t think I could find my way out of that darkness again. Leon isn’t here to put me back together again this time.” - Destiney

“… I… Losing Lady Miu or my cousin. Losing my position as a knight for Haillenarte would be devastating yet… If I lost Miu or Destiney I am not sure I would have the strength to walk back into that bleak landscape of Coerthas anymore. How could I keep calling myself a knight knowing I had failed them in some way.” - Lance

10: Where are they ticklish?

“Excuse me?! Keep your hands away from my sides! Unless you wish to be smacked in the head with a book!” - Destiney

“Uh… M-my under arms. I do not want to hurt you. I’d suggest keeping your hands to yourself.” - Lance

11: Would you want to hang out with your character?

OOC: HAHAHA. I hang out with them in my head all the time! :P They’re parts of me. ^^/ I have a small group of characters spending time in the back of my head at all times. Destiney and Lance are always among them now. Welcomed with open arms by the others. Welcome to the insane asylum of my mind.

Thoughts - Lancefer

Lance felt like he was walking on air as he went to his next day of duty in Skyfire Locks. He may not have been able to find his cousin but his day with Miu had been nothing short of perfect.

Finding his cousin still worried his mind though. The few days he had shadowed her before his date had left him troubled. She had seemed so… Disturbed. There just had not been the usual mood about her. She had seemed so detached an almost… Broken. This was not the cousin he had gotten used to spying on. Something was clearly wrong.

He tried to keep his thoughts on Miu as he worked. He had kissed the girl for crying out loud. Even more that she had kissed him back! But slowly his thoughts became troubled with other problems. If his family found out about his affections for the small miqo’te woman… They would surely cast him out. Even if he was no longer heir to the family name he had still been expected to marry well an carry on the family name. This would not be the kind of woman they expected him to end up with.

A frown creased his brow as he looked out over the winter landscape of Coerthas. How was he to keep protecting both ladies? He had to find a way to keep all the truths hidden behind lies to his family.

He had to find his cousin as soon as he could. He was worried for her. He had tried last night to find her with no success. His cousin apparently did not want to be found. Not that he had had much luck finding Raiden either. He still wanted to seek Raiden for training or at least to challenge the man in hopes of strengthening himself. Things around the Order’s house had been so… Subdued feeling. Something had happened. Something bad.

Now he just had to wait for his duty to end for the day. He would try again. Destiney was out there somewhere. Hopefully whatever was going on would pass if he could not. Miu had told him to speak with Destiney. He was done hiding in the shadows.

A heavy sigh as he looked away from the snow. He was worried for his future and the future of his cousin. His future with Miu. But he could not be afraid. He had to keep fighting. No more hiding in shadows. It was time to be open and honest. It was time to confront the monster head on.

A small smile as he thought again on that day with Miu by the waterfall. Together with her. She was his strength right now. He would get through anything and everything as long as he had her. She was his summer sun in the never ending winter of his life.

Just like a rose. Together they had something beautiful but he was the thorns protecting the beauty an joy that was Miu, the rose.

Beginnings - Lancefer

Lance swung his sword hard, connecting to his sparring partner’s shield with a loud clang. Next thing his partner knew, was starring up at the snowy sky above as Lance swept the man’s feet.

“Get up. You can’t tell me you’re done already.” Lance scoffed as he rolled his shoulders about to try an keep the muscles loose.

“Aurifore! Go for a run!” His superior ordered. “Burn off that energy before you come back.”

“Yes sir.” Lance answered back with a salute before sheathing his sword at his side. He would be the first to admit he was restless. Very restless. And edgy. But he had reasons. Reasons he was not willing to explain to his fellow knights.

The last few days had been a whirlwind. Both good and bad. A smile drifted across his lips as he thought of Miu. How long had it been since he had last looked at a woman like he did her? She was sweet an smart. He enjoyed being in her presence. It made him feel warm. Made him feel less alone. Less concerned that his every waking moment was for nothing but duty or protecting his family. Not that he was not concerned about his duty or family. That was far from the truth. He just now had more in his life. A blue haired Miqo’te who made him want to be better. Made him want to try harder. A promise from her to show him more of Eorzea.

If anything he now had more desire to find Tempete again. No not Tempete. The man had left that name behind. He was still confused on the relationship of Oni and Raiden. But he still wished to let Raiden train him. He wanted to be stronger. Needed to be. Especially if last night was any indication of what lay ahead. Regardless if the man was once a Dragoon for Durendaire. He needed Raiden. The other knights he served with… They just weren’t enough. They weren’t serious enough. They weren’t skilled enough. They lacked Raiden’s poweress.

“Lord Chlodebaimt…” Lance whispered the name once before starting off jogging towards Camp Dragonhead. He would jog there before heading back south towards the Observatorium.

Miu and her friend Cio had offered to help him sort through that dreaded place people were calling the ‘Palace of the Dead’ in the South Shroud. But he still felt bad allowing the ladies to accompany him. But… He knew he could not do it alone. Yesterday had been proof enough. The traps… The numerous enemies that never seemed to end. The number of exploding traps he had managed to trip… Plus being transformed into a frog a few times… If it had not been for Miu and Cio he probably would have joined the rumored spirits that wandered that place.

But… He had to know. Had to find out if Chlodebaimt’s spirit truly wandered those haunted halls. If… If he did indeed… Then Lance knew he had to find a way to free the man’s spirit. Help him find peace. He owed Chlodebaimt that much. If it had not been for that man’s sacrifice at Steel Vigil… Lance knew he might not still be alive today. Might not have survived the fall of the Vigil as the enemy razed the place with fire and claws. The sound of wings still bothered him to this day. Still put him on edge. But it would not stop him from repaying the debt the son of House Haillenarte made in giving his life so others might live.

He also had to worry about the safety of Miu and Cio. He would not allow harm to come to them for aiding him in this venture to discover if rumors were true or not. He needed to be stronger to protect Miu. She was… An important light in his life right now. He would do his best or die trying to keep her safe. He had promised her. His sword and shield were hers.

“On my… honor… as a knight… of House… Haillenarte…” The words between each puff of breath as he jogged the path. His promise an vow. The words that drove him forward.

Beaten and Bruised - Lancefer

Waking up the next day was hell. Lance did not want to leave that borrowed bed in the guest room at the Order’s house. Everything hurt. Mostly just aches. The worst of the injuries had been handled with the elixir Raiden had given him from the medical ward. Though he had somewhat lied to Raiden that nothing was broken. He knew the bone in his lower left arm had fractured from that blow he had foolishly tried to block with his shield gone. As well as at least one rib had broken. Every breath had been like fire after it had happened. But pride made him brush it off as minor.

He was still unsure why he even agreed to come back here with Raiden. He looked around the room to find where he had dropped his armor the night before falling into bed exhausted. The one gauntlet was heavily damaged from his foolish maneuver. The chainmail would need fixed on the right arm. An of course there was a tear on the left leg of his pants. His favorite damned pants… Plus he would have to replace his sword and hope to either find his forgotten shield or replace it as well. Maybe he was really touched in the head after that fight. The only thing undamaged was his greaves. It was at least one small mercy.

Of course there was also the heavy bruises on his torso and left arm. There was no way he could have returned last night. He poked softly at the bruises on my side with a grimace. The elixir had definitely helped but he still looked like someone had beaten the hell out of him. This would definitely had raised numerous questions had he gone home. None of which he could honestly answer. Not if he wished to keep his cousin from harm.

He had fought the purple-eyed aevis an lived. Granted he had totally lost completely. He had never even stood a chance. He realized it the moment Raiden had decided to show him his true strength. Lance laughed wryly. He had been foolish to think he could kill Raiden. An yet… Even though Raiden knew Lance was trying to kill him… He had still shown mercy when Lance was beaten. To think he had survived the terrible night of Steel Vigil’s fall only to encounter a ghost of the past an face him down in a fight. Just to lose. Lance leaned back against the wall with a sigh.

It was going to be a long day… He pushed off that wall finally an left the Order of the Sword and Rose behind. His mind still drifting between Raiden and his cousin. To think she spent time around such a man. He just hoped Raiden’s dark past would not drag her down. He would continue to do his best to keep the hounds from finding the truth. She was family an he would not let her suffer for an old man who was too foolish to see beyond outdated thinking. Ha. As if he was one to talk as he shook his head. He had thought what he was doing was right. Maybe he had needed sense beat into him. Challenging Raiden had gone from wanting to kill the man to a competition between A Bell and A Rose.

He was conflicted. However we still went about securing repairs to his armor and replacing what needed replaced. His new sword was not the same as the old but it would work. Better then trying to wield or repair the one he had shattered last night in his fight. Thankfully no one would see the bruises once he was dressed in armor once more. The chainmail covered all them. Now he could at least head to Skyfire Locks to report for duty later in the day. No one would know any better that he, a Hallienarte Knight, had been bested by a former Durendaire Dragoon. Not that he could even begin to explain things to anyone. Better left between him and Raiden. He was even still confused on how Raiden was even still alive.

He paused an took a deep breath of that frigid Coerthas air as he arrived at Camp Dragonhead. One glance towards the office where Haurchefant had once been. He had never known the man personally. He wished he could have. That was two honorable knights now that had died, sacrificing themselves for the greater good. War was never pretty. He was glad Ishgard was slowly moving on past the war. His feet crunched through the snow as he walked south towards his post. He would have all evening to dwell on thoughts.

A grin crossed his lips. Maybe he should keep touch with Raiden. Foolish as the idea was. Keep tabs on the man an his cousin at the same time. As well as maybe get some much needed work on his sword skill. He had felt truly alive in that fight the night before. No one had given him quite the challenge Raiden had. Not since he had been a fresh faced novice at Steel Vigil. As much as part of him hated the idea of even thinking that way of someone who had once been tried as a heretic… Maybe it was a way to help make a difference for Hallienarte. To be as noble an tough as Lord Chlodebaimt. Ishgard was changing. Why couldn’t he? A laugh escaped him as he shook his head at the thought. One step at a time.