stormslayeradventures

[stormslayeradventures]

The Ishgardian Court Circular - 6th Sun of the Fourth Umbral Month

“Construction of the new clinics are going apace and are set to be opening within the next month.” Lord Durendaire said standing before one of the new clinics in the Mists as a part of the expansion of Ser Vandilieu’s Grace’s network of health care for all Eorzeans. The clinics are a part of the growth and expansion of Ishgardian support for not only their soldiers abroad – but for all citizens of the newly established trade agreements post-isolationism ending under the change of leadership held by Lord Aymeric. The clinics – are being primarily funded through a rather sizeable endowment that was received anonymously to House Greystone-Stormslayer – and being one of the primary patronesses of the hospitals – Dowager Countess Greystone-Stormslayer sought immediately to make sure the endowment would be used not only in refurbishment of the current hospital and extended clinics but to also to creating independent clinics in every possible City State. Allowing chirurgeons enough space and supplies to work from any location wherever possible. Furthermore, the clinics – Appropriately named The Greystone Clinics – is expanding also to Mental Health Services and group services for those who are working through illnesses that are not of the flesh. The entire clinic is funded completely by the endowment and the endowment allows care of all conditions to be completely free and for all who walk through the doors regardless of income. “I would like to think, that if things had been different and my late husband and I would have had normal lives – we would have gone not only into our love of Chocobo raising and farming the land, but our love of serving and helping others.” Lady Ophelia stated “I like to think that these clinics, will help continue that legacy of service and tending to others in their weakest – to help them heal and grow to be the best reflections of themselves. We know we can’t save everyone, but all it takes is one person to make a difference in the lives of others. I hope that Chirugeons all over Eorzea – better yet all healers of Etherys, consider our clinics as a place to host their practices and help those who are in need.” The clinics are set to open next month. Of course, we, The Circular look forward to announcing the opening events then.

[stormslayeradventures]

The Debt of Pain in regards To The Past and Present.

“He deserves to come home.” Emmelain says to Ophelia and Artoriel over tea.

“We’ve been through this Em.” Artoriel says again “The answer is no. Haurchefant is out there for a reason, and he will remain out there until the reason he is out there is no longer a concern to the households.”

Ophelia is sitting between the two of them, a letter in Em’s hand. Ophelia looked emotionless, comatose as she just sipped her tea. Athena sat across from Artoriel and Ophie on the opposite side. She looked at Ophelia’s state and knew that whatever happened at dinner a few days ago – did not make things better.

“Ophelia, come now. Surely you can understand considering recent events – “

“No.” Ophelia said point blank looking at Em “Your brother and I don’t agree on much, but right now, we agree. He’s out there for a reason, and not only does he understand the reason – he is content with the life he has built out there, away from all of us.” Ophelia takes a sip looking away from him. “Additionally – nothing is stopping him from coming home anyway on his own terms.” Ophelia says. “He has the ability to Aetheryte travel.” Ophelia says “He chooses his path. So, he has chosen to accept and make the most of his choice. There is nothing stopping you from inviting him to eat and spend time with each other.” Ophelia says point blank to Em. “None of that has been taken from him. But if he thinks his family are going to open their doors to him once more after everything – he must understand that the world is not as simple as it once was. He doesn’t have to lose his optimism for the good of others. But he needs to lose his naïve behavior in thinking that his charm is going to smooth over years of pain, struggle, and strife. He says he wants to be there for us, but has he really been there for us? Even now?” Ophelia shrugs as Athena quietly resigns herself and set the cup down on the side table. “That’s because you two stuck in the past – bound to customs like honor and dignity – “ “Because damnit – that’s all I have left!” Ophelia says standing up, letting her teacup spill tea and break all over the floor. “Look at me Em!” She says as she shows the house around her “I don’t have a husband; I don’t have children. I probably never will anymore thanks to your brother. The House we were supposed to live in – has been converted to house the Trading Company so to pay for its property taxes, and I live across the street! My dignity and honor are all I have. Instead, what do I get from him for all my kindness? Just a house I can’t live in and man who makes me promises he can’t keep, and he does so all by choice.” Ophelia’s angry loud voice goes soft as she looks Em square in the face.    “So yes, my doors are closed. And that weight of guilt he probably feels as the result of his regret and desire to come home - I’m not carrying or lessening either. He wants my kindness and friendship now; he knows where I live and what he knows what needs to be done. So, if he wants to stay out there while others do his work for him because he doesn’t have courage to acknowledge what is truly wrong, then that’s his choice, as it is mine to leave him out there to rot in humidity. Cowardice is only cute in the legends of The Witches and Wizards of Oz. Everywhere else you are just that point blank.” Em and Athena look at Artoriel as he looks at Ophelia as she sits down.

“And you are okay with this?” Em says looking at Artoriel. “Em, you weren’t alive when the scandal between mother and father came out regarding Haurchefant. Now father did the right thing, and accepted Haurchefant and the responsibility of his actions. But what Father never saw was all the pain mother silently suffered as people ridiculed her and felt pity for her after what had happened.” Artoriel says as he looks at Ophelia.  “I don’t agree with a lot of things mother did, most of all placing you Ophelia into the predicament of your marriage contract to Haurchefant. But I vowed after watching my mother suffer that any other woman that enters this family will never face that shame and sorrow again. And if they did, I would ensure all doors were closed to them and that they disappeared off the face of Etheriys. While I can’t make Haurchefant disappear for his actions, he will sit out there in Thavnair until our sister’s dignity and kindness is honored and restored. I owe the husband and brother I once knew that much at least.” Em defeated, takes his letter, and picks up his satchel before bowing to Ophelia and Athena. After Em storms out of the house, Athena sighs again. “Ophelia – what will it take for him to win your favor?” Athena asks finally “I never wanted him to marry me. I long accepted that wasn’t a prospect. But he keeps acting like everything I’ve been through, and still am going through is meaningless. He talks to me of home and of the past like it’s something in legend – never mind that was just yesterday to me." She says sitting looking into the fireplace once more. "He sends his man in lieu of himself to handle business. He sends Em to beg his cause, so he doesn’t have to feel the wrath of Artoriel and I. He doesn’t care about the estate, his family, nor does he ask about any of you when he does show his face round me. He would rather live the fantasy and go be around the family that feeds his ego and makes him feel like the great knight of lore. If that is what he truly values now, then let him do that.”   “Ophelia, it’s obvious that all of this hurts him. You will have to concede at some point.” Athena says “No I don’t. I don’t have to concede anything. I’ve conceded enough. Let him suffer and rot till he comes before my doorstep and begs for mercy. Which I don’t see him ever doing either. Knights only beg when they are truly contrite in their hearts. Have either of you seen him beg?” Ophelia says looking to either of them as they both look at her – truth in both their eyes. He had not. “Then the debts of the pain incurred of both the past and the present must be paid in full and in kind before he can come home to open doors and open arms once more. If he’s not willing to put in the work or the time, then all his pleading is for not, and he has no choice but to live in the false fantasy of the world he has built for himself. If that glass castle, is the one he prefers; then I hope he is wise enough to not throw any stones at us for holding to our values.”

And there was no more to be said after that.

[stormslayeradventures]

The Diplomatic Box- Part Two - The Sixth Month of the Seventh Umbral Age

Dear Lord Haurchefant,

Dearest Brother, I am certain you have heard of the ongoing success of your publication of you and Ophelia’s journals. It’s already on it’s fourth printing and the pre-sales are already fully booked out. Of course, I did not anticipate either your sizeable amounts that you donated either that came with the success either.

The Board spoke greatly about the decision and agreed that the best way to spend the donation - was to create something that could be helpful to all. It was decided, that we would create a collection of clinics in your honor. (Well semi-posthumous honor)

Athena and Viola are heading up the clinic development as we speak. Athena and Viola are going to specialize in traditional Chirurgeon techniques while I specialize in supporting those mentally through meetups and teaching coping skills to those working through battle shock. We will be converting Portia’s room in the Free Company House for therapeutic services, Athena’s cafe space will be a traditional clinic at home in Ishgard, and we are building a full sized clinic for Viola since she will be also have an place for non-emergencies and supporting those with chronic Aetherial conditions.

All in all - I look forward to inviting you to the clinics when the time comes to open them all. You may not get to cut the ribbon, but at least you can see the fruit of your works. As well as what love can truly build.

I do hope this letter finds you and your wife in good spirits. Pray make sure to continue to take good care of yourself in the warm days to come.

Regards,

Sophia Regina

Almoner of Ser Vandierlieu’s Grace and soon Greystone Clinics of Eorzea

[stormslayeradventures]

The Diplomatic Box - 6th Astral Sun of the Seventh Umbral Age

Dear Lord Haurchefant,

I do hope these letters find you in good spirits as well. I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with Master H’eternal and gave him some home remedies to aid in his aetherial condition, but be assured, so long as he takes good care of himself, he will be with us for quite some time indeed.

I appreciate your consideration of me despite the circumstances of our family situation. But know if there are cases such as this in the future that you hear, you are welcome to refer them to our clinics that are coming in the near future and we will do what we can to assist those in need as well.

I’ve attached a mutual letter along with Ophelias ongoing correspondence in the Diplomatic Box and I hope you don’t mind! Sophia has quite a bit to share about some developments that are the result of your recent publications and subsequent donations to Ser V’s.

Please remember to stay hydrated - the humidity of Thavnair is intense and can quickly dehydrate you with all that heavy armor you wear.

Regards,

Viola Crystal

Dowager Baroness of House Dzemael

[stormslayeradventures]

The Great Matter: Epilogue

~ Six Weeks Later ~

Ophelia stood before Haurchefant and Aine’s house in Raz-at-Han. She wasn’t sure if anyone was home, and she wasn’t sure if she even wanted to knock. Not that Haurchefant had done anything wrong, but now the whole world knew their story. He had even added bits from the Silver Journal, to fill in the spaces of time between then and now. And the whole fell in love, with the tale of love lost.

But what Ophelia didn’t realize was how big Haurchefant’s reach actually was. Two weeks after the patrons of Only Scrolls got their advanced copy, the book was sent to every bookseller from La Noscea to Garlemald, with both the first and second printings completely selling out, with the third printing weeks away. Which made work for the last six weeks a bit of a double-eged whirlwind. One the one hand, everyone loved the book, and would hug her and/or kiss Ophelia’s hand, giving their gratitude for Haurchefant’s sacrifice. For now, they all knew how beloved she really was. The woman who won the heart of the greatest Knight in modern Eorzean History, only to lose him, their children and regain the strength to fight to save the star. It truly was the love story of legends.

However, this book, caused great grief to Haurchefant and Aine’s marriage. Although Aine was patient and understanding beyond all measure, she had lost the desire to be more than just his wife in practice and in gentle affection. It did not matter that he had never been unfaithful to her since his return. This in turn, gave her cause to instead seek the arms of another when Haurchefant would be gone on long trade missions. Although Ophelia did her best to give him enough work to stay busy and close to home to give them time to heal, the damage was done. The worst part was, that he consented to it all and allowed himself in a way be treated thus. She in turn, never disobliged, disrespected or disobeyed him. She fulfilled all her duties as a Duchess and wife of an Ambassador, both in bed and in board.

But it was obvious that outside of duty, there was no desire to be anything more.

Of course in doing this, Haurchefant cursed himself unable to enter into the arms of anyone else as well. Sure there were conversations over dinners with others and gifts, but he knew he could not give any more of himself. He had committed the ultimate sacrifice - he sacrificed his newfound anonymity.

And so she stood in his doorway. Although they had seen each other earlier in the day to speak with the Raz-at-Han Council - Ophelia being the bigger dignitary in the room, was immediately whisked away after the meeting to spend the rest of the day dining and conversing with dignitaries and other leaders of the Eorzean Grand Company.

So of course under the guise of night, she hoped to catch a glimpse of him once more, before she returned back to her life in Eorzea once more. She stood at the door, and saw there were no lights on, or windows open, despite the heat and humidity of the day.

She looks once more. With no resolve to disturb at this hour, she began to turn and walk away when the doors quickly opened to reveal Haurchefant. Dressed in his white shirt and black pants with Ishgardian Thighboots. The moonlight of the evening hit his silver hair first and glistened. She turned to see see him fully.

“Hello you.” Haurchefant said to Ophelia. He didn’t bow to her despite her bowing to him.

“Hello there.” Ophelia says after bowing. “I didn’t see any lights on, so I didn’t see any reason to knock, as I thought you had already gone to bed.” There was a good six paces between the two of them, and although she knew he wouldn’t harm her, there was a tension between the two of them greater than the heat and humidity of the evening.

“I just wanted to see how you and Aine were doing and pay call, but I see I have come at a bad time, perhaps when I return in a few weeks we can have tea and catch up.” Ophelia said formally. Haurchefant stood there again for a moment, and then look Ophelia squarely in the face. Emotionless at first then his eyes narrowed as he took a deep breath as if he was resolving himself to do something bold.

Then he moved quickly to close the gap, grabbing Ophelia in doing so and wrapping his arms around her body. The scent of Peppermint and rain water enraptured him, and he gripped her body as if he was trying to absorb her body into his. Ophelia froze for a moment and then returned the hug, but noticed he wasn’t letting go after a time as well. She looked up to meet his gaze, and she saw a look in his eyes she never thought she would see in his eyes again.

“My Lord?” Ophelia said curiously to him. Then he committed the ultimate sin by kissing her in the middle of the street. Taken aback by the first kiss Ophelia pulls away, only to be pulled right back in and kissed again. Only this time as he kisses her, she doesn’t resist, but she doesn’t encourage him further to devour her. After another long kiss he pulls back, keeping Ophelia in his embrace, as he looks at her, playful looks now all over his face.

“I take it you have revisions to be made about our book if I heard the rumors correctly.” He said to her, Ophelia is taken aback by his inquiry. Yes it was true, but that could have been done via letter.

“Perhaps, but I have a feeling you desire more than red ink on parchment.” Ophelia says point blank in return, the innuendo analogy implied.

“Aye.”

“You are a knight of Ishgard sir.” Ophelia says as a matter of factly.

“No I am not. Your knight in shining died seven years ago. The man before you now, is the ambassador of Raz-at-Han, who has come to the accpetance that some aspects of chivalry are overrated. A man who also accepts, that if the second most powerful woman in Raz-At-Han can take a mistress; *the* most powerful woman in Ishgard, can take a Paramour and be served properly.” Ophelia gasps quietly at that fact as he kisses her again once more.

This time she surrenders and fully embraces his lustful hunger, desirous to feed her own. The moonlight hitting them both like a natural candle light as a gentle breeze sweeps between them giving them both deep chills and feeding a ever growing inner fire as Ophelia gives in once more and wraps her arms completely around Haurchefant’s neck and back. After another few moments of intimate touches and kisses, she pulls back once more, knowing there is no going back if she submits, she puts up one last stand.

“My Lord, we are Ishgardians!” Ophelia says quietly despite her lost breath. Haurchefant pulls her through the threshold of the door and as the doors close behind them he puts a mischevious grin on his face.

“That Ophelia we may be.” Haruchefant says as he moves his hands to her jacket buttons. “But we’re not in Ishgard anymore.”

[stormslayeradventures]

The Great Matter: Part Four

“Ophelia! Come down stairs! You need to see this!” Portia yells at the top her her lungs. Ophelia, in the middle of sewing her most updated design for the new Glam Closet at Seaside Grove, goes down the stairs to see that the family’s Only Scrolls delivery had come in. Ophelia had forgotten she was still subscribed to the service even after sending Haurchefant to the ends of the known world. She looks at her pouch and notices that it is a rather decently sized tome. She goes to open the package, and in a brown cover in silver lettering was the cover of tome simply titled “Once Upon Another Time”.

Ophelia immediately opens the book to see the full title:

“Once Upon Another Time: The Story of Haruchefant Greystone and Ophelia Stormslayer.”

And there it was. Their journal entries, complied and edited to tell their whole story. At the end of the book was a small note on the last page - written only in Ophelia’s copy.

“Now there is not a person on Etheris who doesn’t know our story. May they all know, how much I love you in every life I’ve lived..” - Haurchefant.

[stormslayeradventures]

The Great Matter: Part Three

Reading the folio documents in great detail, Haurchefant sighs and after taking a moment to make some cocoa, he sits with Ophelia’s letter in his hand. He knows at this point, that Ophelia was sending him into exile. Not only for her own welfare, but to keep the peace in the households of which she is bound. He drinks the cocoa and when he finished the drink, he grabs the letter opener and opens the letter. Breaking the seal as if he was removing a bandage of a wound and exposing it to fresh air, bracing himself for the emotional sting to come.

Haurchefant,

I beg your forgiveness for not being the one to bring you this news and your assignments. I admit at this point in the journey, I am such a coward to hide behind my duties in not bringing this forward. These last few weeks have been hard for everyone. You the most especially as we go back and forth, but I think the decision I’ve made as your superior might make things a lot easier in the future.

First, it’s convenient that your wife turned out to be of a higher rank than I, and that the place I am sending you to is in desperate need of well-trained knights who can support the ongoing training of their military and diplomatic forces. You will not be bored out there in Thavnair be assured of that. I ask you not to be angry with Athena, as she told me originally in confidence and I had no desire to pry into your affairs, I had every plan to keep confidence until Artoriel came to me and shared with me what was going on. He wanted to send you to Garlemald, lucky for you I have no desire to go out there and so Thavnair seemed like a proper concession. It takes two days travel via airship for him, and mere minutes for the rest of us. I think that��s enough for everyone involved, don’t you think?

In your box, are a few additional items that will make your transfer a little easier. First, there are receipts of payment for the land on which the Embassy now resides as well as you and Aine’s lovely home in the Yui district. No - you can’t give it back to me – it comes with the assignment and has already been paid for by the Estate and reimbursed to me via the Government – the money you will be given with the receipt simply is for renovations or any other additional things you need to make the residence your own.

Portia attached the Silver Journal, and they have enhanced the journals so now both Athena and Portia can read & respond to them – if you ever feel like writing to either of them, the lines remain open, but I have a feeling they will come see you once the Embassy is properly settled. (Portia especially as she’s going to traveling back and forth a lot in the weeks to come.) Don’t fret, they don’t see our former correspondence at all, and I no longer have a copy of the journal or the pens. I figured sneaking in letters via the Diplomatic Boxes would be enough if needed as they are Aetherially locked as well.

Lastly, and this came with hot debate and so I snuck this in – is *our* house trade seal and our house ring. These two items will grant you safe passage among the trade routes that aren’t protected by the Thavnair government. And there aren’t many like here in Coerthas, but the ones that are not covered are some of the most dangerous in terms of piracy. While I don’t anticipate you needing to use these items in an excessive amount, traders will recognize the ring, and you won’t get fleeced. (Yes, I should give one to Ser Estinien as well, but he doesn’t wear much jewelry so we will just have to figure something else out for him. Maybe a brand on his lance or something.)

Furthermore, at the embassy, once established, there will be a currency trader there. On the 1st sun of the month, there will of course be your allowance. I will have no arguments about the allocation of the allowance and the currency trader is to give you your monthly allowance and that’s it. So take it and save it, or invest any left over in some chocobo stables, you know they breed Red ones in Thavnair, so you know, plenty of money to be made in their feathers.

While this handles business affairs, this does not address the personal, and I admit, I am hesitant to speak further either in writing or in person about either matter. I am an array of feelings in every way shape and form. While I have a feeling Artoriel has shared his massive disappointment in you via his own letter that I saw in this box, I don’t completely share his sentiment.

All my life, I have known and lived with the fact that I am not an easy woman to claim, let alone please. My father warned me time and time again that I have to be mindful about what to stick my guns to and what to give grace on and when I do give grace, I have to be patient and ensure that grace has time to grow into gratitude. But for me, I have failed to be that gentle and patient woman, which in turn, means I have failed you as a wife and keeper of your legacy. I want everything now and it makes me one selfish woman. Perhaps because I spent so many years sacrificing. For you, for Ishgard, for our families, for even the greater star.

It is for this and because of this that even now, as I accept the fate of the remainder of my life lived alone, I accept it willingly even if it is painful. Because in hindsight, I’ve seen and lived through it all at this point. I’ve had a sweeping love story, with nights of deep and intimate passion and tears of joy and pain. I’ve had the joys of becoming a wife, mother, and woman of influence. I’ve also had the downs of being a widow of husband and sons, betrayals, and grief in every form. In the thirty and six years I’ve walked this earth, I’ve seen it all and lived all that life has had to offer. While I will still keep working and living to care and serve others, if it were to end tomorrow, I would be content. Because I’ve had a life well lived.

It is because of this, because of you, I cannot just send you to the moon and leave you there to rot. Despite many members of both our houses being content with that decision. For while yes, I leave quite a bit of work for you to do that will keep you busy for a few good years, eventually, there will come a day, where you will have the freedom to adventure and roam the free and warmer lands of Thavnair, seeking adventures and living your best life while raising really expensive red chocobos. All of this is a lousy replacement for the freedom you gave me both in life and in death, but it is the best I can do given the circumstances. So I hope one day you can forgive me for your “exile” and not hold it against me for shackling you down to a single place for a very long time.

Because at the end of the day Haurchie, I may never be your wife or lover again, but there is not a place in space or time, that you are not my husband and my purpose for getting up and going on. I close my eyes and watch as my life passes me by and all I see is you and your smile. You will never know how much you mean to me, and I will spend my days striving to being worthy of your name, your legacy, your smile. You gave yourself to me, and showed me what the truth was and could be. For that, I say thank you and I love you. There is no place in time or space, Etheriys or the heavens, where you not the love of my life.

I look forward to seeing what you make of the Embassy. Try to cover the hardwood floor in carpets eh? Highland flooring warps in perpetual sunlight and Thavnair loves mosaic windows.

~ Ophelia

[stormslayeradventures]

The Great Matter - Part Two

Haurchefant sighed heavily at his brothers letter. He knew that one day, his choices were going to come back and make him have to face reckoning. But it still hurt to see his brother hurt. He sets his letter, and Ophelia’s letter to the side. Unready to read her words and move instead to the folio bearing the Ishgardian Seal. Upon opening the letter he sees a letter written in Ophelia’s hand. He swears under his breath, hoping he could have avoided her words. But he presses onward to read what Ophelia has written to him.

Lord Haurchefant,

By now, I am sure you have heard the rumors of your impending transfer by the entirety of the Ishgardian Diplomatic Corps. But as the new leader of the Diplomatic Corp and Principal Nuncio to Ishgard, it’s my duty to complete the task.

You are to be formally transferred and become the Permanent Ambassador in Residence of Ishgard to the people of Thavnair and the government of Raz-At-Han. Given your considerable service, and the fact that the people of Raz-at-Han are aware of your reputation as a Knight-Errant, this transfer seems only natural. (And at least warmer than staying stuck in Camp Dragonhead.)

But there is more to this. Attached are the documents verifying a few things. First, and please do not be upset with Athena, but she shared with me the concerns in regards to Aine’s lineage. This, as well as your behavior in regards to my household and some salacious rumors of Aine’s potential infidelity caused Artoriel to seek out a way to safely distance our households from yours. It was also a safeguard, whatever we found and knew, couldn’t hurt either house. So I reached far and wide and investigated all allegations. The findings of the allegations are what led to the decision to make you Ambassador.

First, and the later bit I believe you are aware of, is Aine’s close relations of a new associate of the Scions. While it may be a faux paux to have more than one companion in Ishgard, it’s very common in Raz-at-Han. So she would be free to pursue any potential companionship without judgement of her marriage vows to you so long as there was consent given amongst all parties. Knowing you, so long as she is happy, you are happy. Regardless of whomever she is with. So that settles that, and no one really has any objections to that.

But the second finding is the one that surprised all of us. And that is of Aine’s lineage. It has indeed turned out, that she is daughter of the eldest sister of the former Satrap of Raz-at-Han. As by Thavanarian custom, all ladies of the Royal House are given a title, and hers, was the title equivalency of a Duchess, via inheritance of her mothers’ title. Unlike Ishgardian custom where the husband claims the wife’s title, Aine is a “Duchess Regnant” which means she rules in her own right and you do not become a Duke by default. Aymeric and Artoriel seeing the opportunities afforded them, immediately went to Parliament and petitioned you to become Thavnair’s Ambassador. Of which there was unanimous consent by Parliament.

Which brings us to where we are now. In this Diplomatic Folio, contains documents of import: First your Letter of Credence and acceptances of both governments to you becoming their envoy. Second, is the Raz-At-Han’s government’s recognition of your marriage to Aine - the Duchess of Raz-at-Han and your investiture of your title of His Excellency, Lord Greystone of House Urabe-Greystone. (Yes, her house goes before yours in this case.)

Additionally, there is the seal of Ishgard (don’t stamp that on everything, only official documents please.) as well as special parchment enchanted for special communications. (See Violas notes on the documents and ink in the box.) Lastly, there are your House Dissolution papers from the houses of Greystone-Stormslayer and Fortemps. Now before you get upset, these documents are only a formality as a Knight-Errant being released from our service. As a formal Amassador, you no longer can have any formal allegiance to any other High House.

You are to depart immediately, with your housing already in place. I expect the Ishgardian Embassy to be up and running in 30 days time. Your orders upon arrival is attached also in the folio as well.

Regards,

Ophelia Greystone-Stormslayer

Principal Ambassador and Consular of Ishgard

[stormslayeradventures]

The Great Matter - Part One:

There was a knock at the door at Haurchefant’s House in the Lavender Beds, as Haurchefant went to open the door this Sunday morning, there stood Honoroit holding a blue wooden document box bearing the Ishgardian Sheild

“My Lord, for you from Ishgard.” He says as he hands over the box, he notices he is wearing gloves which means the box is Aetherially locked. Taking the box, Haurchefant nods.

“Thank you Honoroit, may I give you any refreshments? Tea before you return on the road?” He said kindly.

“No thank you my Lord, but I appreciate your gesture.” Honoroit bows before turning and walking down the stairs and on the path towards the ferry.

He takes the box inside, Aine was downstairs still resting from her adventures celebrating Princess Runa’s name day. So he went over to his desk and opened the box. There were at two folio envelopes, a smaller box with ink and parchment with a letter from what looked to be Viola’s handwriting, one bearing the seal of Ishgard, the other bearing the seal of Ophelia’s house and then on top was a singular envelope bearing the seal of House Fortemps. The envelope on the front says “Read this Letter First.” Written clearly in Arortiel’s fluid and large cursive. He grabs the letter opener and opens the letter.

Haurchefant,

I preface this Folio of Letters that has been sent to you by us the family. Primarily as I have a feeling that this correspondence is going to make you feel as if we have manhandled you wrongly, and that we are simply ‘getting rid of you.’ The simple truth is that this is exactly what is happening. But this time, I had to ensure you understood why.

My brother, when you left this world, you left Ophelia to fend for herself. In doing so, you left her to become a member of the power struggles and games of the High Houses. Ophelia had to fight her way to the top where she resides today. The entirety of your Ophelia’s power, resides in her constancy. Her not wavering, her being the woman in control and leading from the front at all costs. Failure to do so, can cost her everything. Because you aren’t here to stand at her side.

I was hoping, that once the truth was shown and revealed, you would stand by her. You didn’t have to be her husband again, or even love her. But I hoped your presence, would show everyone that things would be alright, and give Ophelia the strength and courage to continue to serve. But instead, even I now, must accept disappointment. Because you abandoned her. Time, and time again you abandonded her, abandoned us.. Why you felt this was the correct course of action, I will never understand. But it consequentially means, you are now a liability to those of us who don’t have the freedom you have to just leave and go be a wayfarer.

And so, we made the call. To send you to a place where you can still be of service. As well as send you to a place where your orthodox lifestyle can be tolerated. While that sounds awful in writing, you have to understand that Ishgard while always your home, is not your home anymore either..Add the fact that you were not going to take Ophelia back as your own, and the dishonor you placed upon her, your children, and even us your brothers, made it obvious, that there is to be no peace in your household. During the war, we could have hand waived it, but now, your actions brother holds the greatest of weights, and even greater of consequences in ways I would have no amount of parchment long enough to explain.

Faced with those facts and the desire that Aymeric wants to give Ophelia the seat of Lord Speaker, we must now make the greater sacrifice, to let you go and put our trust in Ophelia. In doing so we make Ophelia take up the banner and serve the realm for the rest of her days. Most likely, doing so alone. So myself and many family members wanted to send you to locations such as Garlemald, Dalmasca and even Mare Lamentorium, putting you as far away from us as possible for all of this. For burdening your beloved Ophelia once more, when she should be taking her well deserved rest.

Ophelia however, was the one who interceded and recommended Thavnair. This was long before the knowledge of your wife’ position was made manifest. While I hold no ill will towards Aine, it has been obvious from the beginning that she doesn’t care for this life, and was happy to leave Ophelia with all of the burden of your legacy and household, and that for me brother was the final factor to agreeing with sending you away for good this time.

I’m not asking for your forgiveness, nor will I apologize for doing what needs to be done. It’s okay if you hate me for the remainder of your days. But at least I owed it to you to tell you why. Even if I spend the rest of my days, wondering who you are now.

I truly wish you every happiness brother. In this life, and any other one as well. I do hope that one day, we all can just sit before the fire made at the cliffs over looking the city like we did in our youth. Until then, I’ll make sure there is plenty of fresh flowers for Francel.

~ Artoriel