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Maid Day

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actually artoirel is one of the funniest and most tragic characters in heavensward like. man. imagine being the first trueborn son of one of the highest noble houses in a country where primogeniture is the word of law, having spent your entire life doing your damndest to fulfill your ordained role in life & gaining you father's approval, only to be the second-favorite son because your father likes his illegitimate son better than you—and you can't even truly blame him because yeah, your half-brother is just that lovable; having almost none of the privileges that your birth allowed you, he's still proud and happy and takes everything in stride; he's pretty much the embodiment of the chivalric ideal you both are meant to uphold; his men love and respect him because he's both a capable leader and a really good person; he is the ultimate faithful and virtuous knight and he's so good that he doesnt even begrudge you the place and privileges that he should be allowed, which makes you definitely ashamed of being jealous of him: he plainly likes and respects YOU!; he shows up one day begging your father for a huge favor (which he usually never does, as he doesn't like to use his connections for his own ends, thus lending a special weight to the request) i.e housing and protecting his "friend" of whom he speaks like they're the embodiment of hope and a new avatar of the Fury herself and YOUR FATHER ACTUALLY CONSENTS, much to your dismay, and THEN when said ""friend"" shows up (with their own retinue)—a complete stranger, a so-called "hero", more like a fraud in your opinion, but it's not like you were allowed to give your opinion in this matter anyway—you're half-secretly praying that they're just overrated and will fail but they actually are just that cool—dishonor upon dishonor: your father assigns them your own mission (the shame!!) and THEN you send them to what is most likely their own death in the field (cowardly and despicable move that should definitely strip you of your honor in the eyes of men and the gods both) but, against all odds, they actually survive AND succeed (and don't even blame you?? therefore proving their own moral superiority—JUST like your brother), so you have no choice but to actually agree with your brother here, and oh no you watch your father start actually loving them, and THEN your brother literally dies the single most heroic and righteous death a knight could ever wish for, and YOU, INSTEAD OF MECHANICALLY BECOMING THE NEW FAVORITE, even as you are named the new Count as your father steps down from the role—you realize with growing horror that you will never, ever be the first in his heart because now your dead brother has become a literal cult object, a genuine holy martyr, no less, and he tells the new similarly-virtuous-embodiment-of-chivalric-virtues illegitimate-born knight-leader that he sees your glorified dead brother in him in front of you and witnesses, including the stranger your brother died to protect, and it's only ever going to be that way. forever. and you always did what you were asked. and all you did was seeking to gain your father's approval by playing by the rules. ah well. luckily your younger brother is such a fuckup you can vent your frustrations on him and scorn him like the rest of the world does, at the very least,

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I love that tonberries have salamander horror designation now.

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question for the chat:

how many people gruesomely die live in the arcadion but no one remembers? i say at least 5 a year

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Tataru Week Day 4 Business

Sometimes Iris does have to rough up Estinien due to his spending habits for Tataru. Sorry Estinien, nothing personal, it's business. Day 4 Business

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Edmont

A fresh dust of snow paved the way to his destination, his cane clutched in his palm as he felt a roar of excitement wash over him, yet his old legs couldn’t carry him as quickly as he would have liked.  Still, Edmont de Fortemps, accompanied by his son, Count Artoirel de Fortemps, hastily made his way to the main hospital within the Pillars.  Up that road, down this road, through this tunnel, and across from that house–Edmont knew the area very well, though necessarily not by fortune.  However, this occasion was fortunate indeed, for he received a missive merely hours prior stating that the Lady of House Borel had given birth.  ‘Twas an exciting moment that caused him to rip himself from his desk and summon the steward to fetch his coat—his ward, the woman who called him her adoptive father, the savior of Ishgard, had brought a new life into their cold, cold world.  And he was honored to be the first to be told out of the potential hundreds of others who could have found out about Ishgard’s newest blessing–not even the Scions knew.

Not even the Lady’s own parents were notified.

The pair made their way into the main hall, greeted kindly by one of the secretaries as she realized instantly who they were and what they were there for.  With a smile, she guided both men towards the maternity ward.  Each bed area was blocked off by partitions and curtains alike, giving each mother their privacy.  Though, towards the end of the ward one curtain was slightly ajar for just a moment as a gentleman made his way through the veil.  Immediately recognizing him, Edmont picked up his pace to greet the man before him,

“Ser Aymeric,” Edmont began, “how is she?  Is she well?  Are both mother and babe-”

“L-Lord Edmont, Lord Artoirel, we weren’t expecting you both to arrive so soon.” Aymeric said with raised brows, though a smile nonetheless, “They’re fine, both of them.  Though, the little one is asleep right now.”

My boy...I’m so proud…

Edmont held his tongue, giving Aymeric a nod, “I received the missive.  Is she...free for visitors?”

“Yes, she’s free for the moment.  I was just about to call upon one of the nurses to bring her something to eat as she is famished.”

“I can imagine, given the circumstances.” Artoirel stated flatly as he was so one to do.  Aymeric smiled and shrugged a bit,

“I’m not in the position to really deny her or delay her requests at the moment-”

“Of course.” Artoirel sighed, “I’ll tell the nurse to bring her something, you stay here with your wife.”

“Th-that’s very kind of you.”  Aymeric seemed rather flustered, but Artoirel knew that Quinn wouldn’t want Aymeric out of her sight.  He was there when the knight casually approached him and the Lord Speaker to tell them that Quinn had been in labor for two hours already, and for sure she was not too happy with her husband being as tardy as he was.  Obviously he had gotten an earful and then some.

“I’m sure she’ll forgive you...eventually.” Edmont chuckled, “Right now, I think you and the babe are at the forefront of her mind though.”

“Please, allow me.” Aymeric pulled the curtain back slightly to allow the elder in, just enough so that he could sidestep through.

She was sitting up holding a small bundle in her arms with an exhausted look in her eyes, yet that warm, glowing smile on her features was ever present.  Edmont was taken aback by the scene, for the last time he had seen her was at a party just a week prior when she looked like she was ready to pop and miserable as ever.

“Lord Edmont,” she whispered as she looked up from the babe, “thank you for coming by.”

“It is an honor, Quinn–err, Mistress Borel.” he said with a chuckle as he took to the chair next to her.

“You know ‘Quinn’ is just fine for me.”  Her voice was hoarse and soft, a harsh contrast from her more boisterous vocals.

“Well, is it a boy or a girl?” he asked curiously,

“A healthy little boy.”

“And what of you, my dear?” he sat his cane to the side so that he could offer his gloved hand to her, just as a father would.  She accepted it, giving it a gentle squeeze,

“I’m fine.  They said we can go home in a few days.”

“I’ve elected to postpose any meetings until I know they’re both back at the manor safe and sound, rest assured.” Aymeric interrupted before Edmont could question the new father’s willingness to put his own duties aside.  Edmont gave Aymeric a proud nod before going back to Quinn,

“That warms my heart to hear.”

“Would you like to hold him?”

Edmont froze, for the last time he held a child was when Emmanellain was just a babe.  That was years ago…he wondered if he still knew the proper way to hold one.  But, it was fatherly instincts which kept him at ease, and Quinn gently handed the tiny bundle over to him.

“I figured it would be nice for him to meet his grandfather.” Quinn beamed as she made the statement.  Edmont felt his cheeks go rosy at the thought, taking the child in his arms as he warmed to the idea of being a grandfather, even if he and the babe and the babe’s parents didn’t share blood.  

The little boy’s eyes were shut tight as he was perfectly snuggled into the warm swaddle.  Edmont couldn’t help but to wonder whose hair he got and whose ears he inherited, but he dare not disturb the child’s slumber.  

“Oh, by the Fury, he is perfect.” Edmont stated loud enough so both parents could hear his praises, “Have you given him a name yet?”

...

That’s when Quinn and Aymeric’s eyes locked on to one another, both grinning with delight about their little kept secret.  Aymeric rubbed the back of his neck,

“Well, Lord Edmont, we wanted to give him a strong name.  A name that meant the world to both Quinn and I.” he explained.

Quinn went on, “...so, Aymeric and I discussed it…and we decided to name him after a knight.  A knight that served Ishgard to the fullest.  A knight who was known for his kindness, generosity, and overall selflessness.  Those are characteristics we want to see in our son, so...please meet Haurchefant de Borel.”

…

“H-haurchefant…” Edmont stared wide-eyed at the child, “...Haurchefant de Borel.”

Quinn hesitated for a moment, unable to gauge the man’s thoughts by the way he looked at the babe.  Her gaze fell to Aymeric once more, who equally had a look of concern in his eyes.

Before either of them could explain further, the former count pulled the babe closer to his chest, his free hand wiping away what appeared to be tears rolling down his cheek,

“What...what a wonderful name.” he wept, “I am…I am so honored you chose to give that name to your own son.”

Quinn smiled softly, “He gave his life for me...I wanted to honor that sacrifice.  And we will raise our son to be just as honorable as he was, that we promise.”

“Oh, by the Fury,” Edmont sniffled, “to hear that name once again–Haurchefant.  Ah, forgive me. I am filled with joy, truly.  My ward, and the friend of our family, raising a son named after my own?  Words cannot describe not only my surprise, but my gratitude that you would choose to carry on his legacy in such a way.”

“We apologize that we did not run it by you first, but it came to us the moment Quinn held him for the first time.”

“We honestly didn’t have any names lined up beforehand.” Quinn admitted bashfully, “But, I think the name fits him perfectly.”

“It truly will,” Edmont said with a smile, “I have faith in you both to honor my son’s legacy...isn’t that right, Haurchefant?”

The babe cooed softly in his sleep.  Truly, he had quite the boots to fill.  But, with the guidance of his parents and extended family, he would grow up to be a knight worthy of carrying the name.

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Handeloup? :D

Metallic footsteps echoed on hardwood floors as the soldiers wearily entered the barracks of the Congregation of Our Knights Most Heavenly.  After a long day of training, most were ready for a nice hot meal and their respective cots.  Following behind the group was none other than Ser Handeloup de Daimbaux, jotting down his final notes on the day’s training before finalizing his report.

The main hall emptied rather quickly, leaving the second commander alone with his thoughts as he approached the main writing desk.  Usually, there would be a pile of memos, notes, and applications littered upon said desk as it was his duty to file through them and give each its proper attention.  Though to his surprise, the desk was rather empty as it used to be when the full cabinet of command used to walk those halls.  Alas, with Ser Aymeric’s appointment to the House of Lords and Lucia’s duties in Garlemald, many tasks fell to the aging knight.  But on this occasion, which became exceedingly rare, it appeared that the Lord Speaker was wearing his mantle of Lord Commander for the day.  

How he could do both tasks with a babe on the way puzzled Handeloup to no end.  

“Well, if he’s in his office I should at least give him my report.” he muttered to himself, “Though at this hour, he should really be at home.”

Leaving his personal feelings aside, Handeloup made his way to the Lord Commander’s office with paperwork in hand.  A simple knock on the door was all that was necessary to gain entry, and the second commander marched in with a salute to his superior,

“Evening, Lord Commander.”

“Ah, Handeloup.” Aymeric motioned for him to be at ease, “What do you have for me this evening?”

“Just the day’s report, my Lord.” he approached Aymeric’s desk and offered his notes to the Lord Commander, who gently took the bunch from his grasp,

“Thank you.” he said with a tired smile, “I will review your training report once I finish reviewing our supply report.”

He noticed the usual look of exhaustion in the Lord Commander’s eyes, but something else seemed to exist within his psyche.  Was it anxiety?

He was hesitant to speak on it, but he had to remember first and foremost: Aymeric was simply a man, just like him. And without Lucia, he may have not been able to confide in anyone other than his wife.  But, perhaps, some worries were left unspoken to one’s betrothed…

“…If I may, my Lord.” Handeloup began.

“Speak freely.” Aymeric gave him a nod before turning his attention back to the supply report for a moment, suspecting that the notion was more of an aired grievance rather than actual concern for his own health.  

“You seem…uneasy.”

“Hm?” he lowered the report from his line of sight, bringing his attention to his second commander, “Whatever gave you that notion?”

“Come now,” Handeloup sighed, “ we have broken bread at the same table for years, as knights, as administrators, and even as friends.  There is very little you can conceal from someone who knows you so well, my Lord.”

Aymeric placed the report back on his desk and leaned back in his chair, pressing his fingertips to the bridge of his nose with a loud sigh, “It is noticeable, is it not?”

“Quite.”

“…Handeloup, did you feel the same way when your wife was with child?”

The second commander’s eyes slightly widened with surprise, “Ah, while it has been nearly ten summers now, I do remember my heart fluttering with anticipation for our babe.  However...you seem to be in the opposite disposition.”

“It’s not that I am not excited, it’s rather…” he sighed, “Quinn is house-bound now as we approach her ninth moon of pregnancy.  I...I fear that when the time comes, I will not be as prepared as most men are—”

“Prepared?” Handeloup chuckled, “My Lord, there is little to prepare for.”

Aymeric was taken aback by his knight’s sudden lighthearted mood.  A smile pulled at the second commander’s lips as he looked at his superior with whimsy,

“Forgive me, my Lord.  Please, do not see me as a man mocking you.  Your worry is justified, but know this: there is nothing that can prepare you for fatherhood.  Your babe will arrive in this world and will surprise you in many ways.”

His smile was brought upon by a fond memory of his youth—the birth of his own daughter, and how unprepared he was for the wonderous life she would give him.  

“It really is that uncertain.” Aymeric’s gaze fell to the door of his office, “Here I am, wondering how I can give my child the life my own father failed to give me…and yet there are no instructions on how best to do that.”

“…’Tis trial and error, I’m afraid.” Handeloup sighed, straightening himself back to his normal demeanor, “But, my Lord—no, Aymeric.  My friend.  You are as prepared for your child as any man can be.  Support Quinn, and love both her and your babe with all of your heart.  Things will fall into place as the summers pass.”

For the first time in their conversation, Aymeric broke a small smile towards his second commander.  Handeloup gave him a reassuring nod in response.

“...Thank you, my friend.”  Aymeric stated with a warmth about him, “I should worry less about my capabilities as a father and focus on the excitement of starting a family with my dearest...”

“...And you should be with her more during this time.”  Handeloup muttered rather quickly to add to his sentiment.

Aymeric blinked a few times before bringing himself to his feet, “Well, I do suppose that’s enough work for me to pour over this evening...”

Handeloup smirked before taking the reports off of Aymeric’s desk, “I’ll give you a shorthanded summary of them tomorrow.  Go home to Lady Borel, my Lord.”

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Tataru Week Day 4 Business

Sometimes Iris does have to rough up Estinien due to his spending habits for Tataru. Sorry Estinien, nothing personal, it's business. Day 4 Business

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Join us this Sunday, April 27th, at the Cracked Cluster for some good food and fun! Shake out those April showers and bring in the May flowers!

We welcome RPers of all skill levels, and respectful non-RPers to our events! Come hang out, have a drink or two, play a game of darts, or just sit and chat with us!

When: Sunday, April 27th from 7 - 10 PM EST

Where: Located in Revenant's Toll, Mor Dhona

OOC Info: NA - Crystal - Mateus - Lavender Beds - Ward 19 - 57 - Tavern upstairs!

Menu and more info here!

We hope to see you there!

--

@ffxivrp @ffxiv-rp-events @balmungrpcalendar

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Tataruweek 2025 Day 3 Vacation

Tataru knew what was on Iris' mind. She figure taking her to the Kugane Hot Springs might cheer her up. A break from it all. Day 3 Vacation

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Tataruweek 2025 Day 3 Vacation

Tataru knew what was on Iris' mind. She figure taking her to the Kugane Hot Springs might cheer her up. A break from it all. Day 3 Vacation

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Tataru Week 2025 Day 2 New Job

Picking up a new job can be quite a struggle. Good thing you are friends with the world's most powerful hero, though her carbuncle does look a little funky.

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Tataru Week 2025 Day 2 New Job

Picking up a new job can be quite a struggle. Good thing you are friends with the world's most powerful hero, though her carbuncle does look a little funky.

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