shadowbringers more like feelsbringers

[heauxchefaunt]

It has been an arduous journey, as if the puzzle pieces have never really quite fit in, especially during that fateful day. Of course, much has happened since; he had been able to avenge his fallen friend, defeating the entirety of the Heavensward with aid from the Scions and whatever strange phenomena occurred since he'd touched that crystal. He has felt stronger physically ever since that day, but emotionally his heart has been a bit broken. Yet, he has gone one to help bring independence for both Doma and Ala Mhigo, fighting ever still since.

So he will battle on in his friend's stead. To shield others, protect those in need. Even if it means walking this path for the remainder of his days, as if somehow that would make up for the terrible loss.

Yet, what helpless torment it'd been to watch the Scions succumb to such a summoning! He could not even keep his word to Alisae, watching helplessly as she too collapsed eventually. Halone help him, he very well nearly fell in battle if Estinien hadn't been swift as he had been. Whoever it is calling for them, he wonders how it could be more important than keeping the Garlean Empire at bay!

So here, he hesitantly walks, with a blinding light in the sky that never seems to dim, and trees with leaves of violet.

"Tis a wondrous yet somehow daunting sight, my friend," Haurchefant murmurs, as if his comrade is at his side here and now to listen. "Ah, but no doubt we will find your friends. They fight just as hard as I do, if not more. I pray we've not left them to their own devices for too long..."

Comments

[centuriesinspired]

The Scions are not the only ones who have been waiting and, for some, it has been far longer than Haurchefant likely realizes. Not that the man can be blamed for things he cannot possibly know. It wouldn't be right to lay such expectations at his feet. It isn't right. And yet here the Exarch comes, bearing a burden that no man should be asked to carry. At least the onus will be brief, should everything go as planned.

Very little has, so far.

Long strides carry the Exarch away from the Dossal Gate toward Lakeland proper, heavy hood protecting his features from the cold light above. One would think, as practiced as he had become at summoning, he could have managed to bring Haurchefant to the Occular directly. Instead he must hope that the man sees the massive spire of Syrcus Tower and heads towards it rather than anywhere else. It would be wise to hurry, yet the layers of his robe weigh his shoulders down and the weight of his staff drags where there are no guards or citizens to see. He cannot bring himself to run.

Instead, Lyna is the first to spot the approaching stranger. He is clearly no sin-eater but the armed and armored elf is given a measuring look as she steps forward to intercept him.

"Hold, stranger," the guard captain says. "What business brings you to these gates?"

[heauxchefaunt]

The Crystal Tower is a familiar sight by now, but hardly expected to observe here, wherever it is that he is anyway. It serves its purpose well, Haurchefant approaching it, hoping that it's where he must go. He has little else to go by.

The viera woman surprises him, and he tilts his head curiously.

"I mean not to startle you," he says by way of apology. "I was... invited here."

That sounds way too vague to be helpful, doesn't it? Truthfully, he isn't certain how much he ought to share.

[centuriesinspired]

It's not an unreasonable answer. Many who live and work in the Crystarium first arrived at the behest of another. What's strange is that the elf is alone. Traveling any distance across Norvrandt is dangerous enough, but alone? That's suicide. Either the man is unreasonably fortunate, an incredibly skilled warrior, or he is hiding something.

Lyna's stern expression does not change though her stance appears relaxed, hands near her chakrams. She did not earn her rank by overlooking any such inconsistencies.

"You've done no wrong, yet," she says. "It is my duty to know who comes and goes, that is all. So tell me, who are you seeking and from where do you hail?"

[heauxchefaunt]

"Of course. You do your duty well," he compliments sincerely. Be it guard or knight, the tasks are very similar. "I... fear I was not given a name, precisely. Merely the invitation itself. However, I hail from Ishgard, formerly as one of her knights. I don't suppose anyone indicated to expect me?"

Oh, and what a simple role of being a knight had been in comparison to now! It is almost amusing to think of, how far away those days of serving his people and homeland. How long has it been? Has he truly bothered to count the days from since his dear friend fell?

[centuriesinspired]

For all her stoic professionalism, Lyna cannot keep the look of genuine confusion that Haurchefant causes off her face. The answer was given with complete honesty from what Lyna's ears can determine, but he can't be. Is the man addled? Pixies aren't out of the question, though they normally do not allow those who wander too close to Il Mheg to leave. With a weary sigh Lyna tries one more time, folding her arms as she gives Haurchefant another piercing look. Whether the man sticks with his made-up kingdom or not, Lyna isn't inclined to turn him away for some sin-eater to make a meal of, but he certainly won't be allowed into her home as is.

"I've no mood for games, stranger," she says, voice terse. "If you cannot tell me the truth--"

"At ease, captain," another voice calls out. Startled, Lyna turns to reveal a smaller figure in hooded robes moving towards them. His pace is steady and his voice measured, a more suiting figure for Lyna's softly questioning 'My lord?' The Exarch smiles up at her, reassuring. "Thank you, Lyna, for greeting my guest in my stead...and my apologies for being unable to inform you sooner."

Ah, Lyna thinks to herself. That explains it. She gives the Exarch a different sort of frown, but she does not question his decision. Not now and in front of a stranger, at least. At last the Exarch turns to look up at Haurchefant, trying to keep his smile. It's difficult, but he thinks he manages.

"Apologies to you as well," he says. "For the difficult journey. Well come, Haurchefant de Fortemps."

[heauxchefaunt]

For a moment, he's unsure by her reaction. What part of what he said sounded like falsehood? Just as he's considering, the familiar voice calls out, momentarily shifting the mood of the matter, as it were.

And so, here he is, meeting the hooded, mysterious man who summoned away the Scions... and himself, of course. There is, of course, the desire to chastise him, to ask for answers now, but this is a man with a penchant for secrecy. The captain has only been performing her duty, so he'd rather not raise more confusion for her than necessary; when they are in private, they can speak more plainly, perhaps.

The full name he hears from the man, however, makes him more hesitant than he cares to admit.

"I fear you give me a name I do not have," Haurchefant says carefully. His father has done a great many things to allow him to live his life, but legitimacy has never been something Haurchefant has dared to ask for. "Still, I am grateful for your welcoming. You can imagine I have quite a few questions for you."