“Praise be to Saint Reinette.†The old woman dipped her head low, unwashed ashen locks falling over her weathered visage. Within her pressed palms rattled a wooden rosary, and she rocked back and forth upon her knees, offering her prayers there on the frozen streets of the Brume.
Another pair of hands, sheltered in soft woolen gloves, wrapped around the woman’s fingers tightly. An Elezen male with long flaxen hair dressed in a thick well tailored winter coat lowered himself in front of the woman. The noble frowned at the trembling he felt in those aged, bony appendages. Ishgard’s climate was never known to be kind, and winter’s bitter touch was all the more punishing to Ishgard's unprotected poorer residents.
“Keep faith in these trying times, Miss Sadler.†Launce Jeaumis released his hold and began to tug the knitted gloves off his hands. “And I hope these will keep you a bit warmer,†he added softly, offering them to the older female.
Janne Sadler looked up at the younger Elezen, her opaque eyes widening. He knew that her sixtieth naming day was a sennight past, but her vision had been failing for many moons. She smiled at him regardless. “Lord Jeaumis, you are too kind!â€
Launce beamed, reaching behind him into the box he had hauled along with him. His retainer made a move to assist him but the noble waved him off as he pulled out a rolled blanket and a bag of dried meat and bread. “These are for you and Miss Grieves. I have not seen her in sometime now.â€
The old woman shook her head, the age lines on her face suddenly deepening with grief. “I’m afraid that Lysa is no longer with us.†Her trembling hands clutched tighter around the woolen gloves. The woman’s frail frame bent further as he draped the blanket over her gaunt shoulders. “She was cut down by an outsider. Only one returned barely alive to tell the tale!†the woman hissed under her breath.
Stunned silence was the only response Launce could give for long moments. Finally he stammered, “Cut… cut down? Miss Grieves? But how…?â€
“The foreigners. Since the Gates have opened, they have done nothing but take from us. First our livelihoods, and now our lives.†Janne Sadler spat three times upon the stones before she brought the rosary to press to her chest.
The Elezen sighed, his expression flitting between disbelief and disquiet. “Surely, if the Holy See has seen it fit to open the Gates, it is with Halone’s blessing--â€
“It is but another test laid down before us by the Fury,†a placid voice interrupted the noble, drawing both his gaze and Janne Sadler's to the figure standing behind him.
A woman dressed in a thick black coat stood there patiently, her gloved hands clasped neatly in front of her. Her eyes were hidden behind a pair of wide-rimmed glasses, and her jet black hair fell neatly around her pale porcelain complexion. When she spoke, her quiet voice was certain, and clear enough to cut through the whistle of the wind.
“Embrace your trials,†she said serenely to the older woman, who was still kneeling on the ground. Janne Sadler murmured another prayer under her breath before she gathered the bag of food laid before her.
“Ah, Miss Reeves.†Launce grunted as he pushed himself up, dusting off the dirt and snow from his coat. “I had not expected you to join me today.†He rubbed his hands together to warm them, the winter chill already seeping into his fingertips.
The bespectacled woman just stared at him blankly, her expression ever absent of emotion. It was something the Elezen had come to expect from her by now. When she did finally speak again, her voice seemed lower. “I have come to retrieve you, Lord Jeaumis. It is regarding some matters of import.â€
The Elezen noble sighed with disappointment. Launce had come to know that tone quickly enough. “Can it not wait? I had wished to deliver a few more giftings this eve. I fear there will be a deathly chill come nightfall. Given that it’s the season of Starlight, the residents here could use a bit of good cheer...and some protection against the cold.†He gestured to the box that was still half full with supplies.
Josette Reeves stood still as a statue, not even a stray strand of hair out of place. “The work of the faithful is never done,†she said pointedly, her gaze unwavering. Launce noted absently that she seemed to be looking right through him rather than at him, as if it wasn’t what was on the surface that ever interested her. He was told by some others that her stare unsettled many, but Launce had dismissed it with ease. She too was one of the devout, after all.
“Ah, forgive me.†The noble let out a soft chuckle. “Of course.†He wrapped his scarf around the neck once more over to keep the cold from permeating into his chest. Launce had to remind himself that his title of “lord†was something of a formality observed by the woman, but she never seemed to truly acquiesce to his authority. The Elezen rarely had to mention his family's distant relations with House Durendaire and the old blood that ran in their veins, for the hierarchy within the social caste was not something that was ever forgotten amongst the Ishgardian nobilities. This Midlander woman seemed to be well familiar with it--and she showed outward respect for it, of course--but he truly doubted if she held any earnest deference.
Launce gestured for his retainer to finish handing out the blankets and the food, while he began to walk toward the lower entrance to the Forgotten Knight. “Is this about the new recruits? I heard from Inquisitor Bellamont that a few from the last batch seemed quite eager to be redeemed.â€
The woman fell in step next to him, her violet gaze looking straight ahead. “Our numbers have swelled. Many seem eager to answer the Fury’s call.â€
“Wonderful!†Launce clasped his hands in front of him. “I should send the Inquisitor tidings for all that he does.†He paused, regarding the woman. “Is it about your work then? Is all going well on that front?†Even though the noble had lowered his voice before inquiring, the sharp look that was shot in his direction from the corner of the woman's eyes nearly made him cringe. He recalled he had been chided more than once for his enthusiasm in mentioning her work, even in the most vaguest sense possible. He knew she rarely expressed herself in public and held her work and her privacy closely guarded to her breast. She even changed the color of her hair two moons past after hearing a rumor that someone recognized her as she accompanied him in the Brume. She has rarely accompanied him on his charity visits since.
“You know I believe in your work, Miss Reeves," the noble assured her warmly. "More than anyone! If I did not, I would not have brought you to Lord Garamond in the first place.†Launce held up his hands in front of him as if in a peace offering, broadening his smile.
Her cool facade did not thaw. "You will always have my gratitude for your generosity and your faith in my work, Lord Jeaumis." Her words, while polite, held no warmth. "But the matters I bring to you is not of my research. They are regarding one of our knights. He has passed and now walks within the Fury's Halls, but has bequeathed his mantle to another before his death."
"Oh?" The Elezen arched a brow as he paused, coming to stand under a scaffolding. "Anyone we know?" He made no show of flinching at the news of another death.
"This one is another new devout," the woman recited monotonously. "The supplicant hails from Thanalan, but has shed his name in favor of the title of his predecessor. He believes he can serve as a champion to Halone's cause to atone for his sins."
Launce's smile widened, a new light in his blue eyes. "Well then, our numbers are strong indeed. I will arrange a meeting, to see if this new champion is indeed worthy." He rubbed his hands again, blowing on them to warm them. "Many believe since the Gates have been opened, the outsiders have only brought more woes. But I think it can be a boon to us if we know where to look."
The woman before him seemed indifferent to the idea. "It has forced Ishgard to adapt. That is not a bad thing."
The Elezen laughed with delight. "That is an optimistic view, Miss Reeves! Something I had not expected from you! Indeed, perhaps change is what is needed. After all, even those that have given in to temptation can be given a chance at redemption, yes?"
"For those worthy of atonement," the woman replied dryly.
"And may wrath and vengeance befall upon the rest," Launce added cheerfully. He tucked his hands into the opposite sleeves of his coat in an attempt to ward off the chill. "Where there is fear, we carry light, Miss Reeves." He gave her a polite bow.
"Walk not in darkness, Lord Jeaumis." She returned the gesture with a sharp one of her own, almost militaristic in its succinctness. The noble watched as she turned and disappeared down the darkened streets of the Brume, before he opened the door to the Forgotten Knight, his expression beaming at the warm air that greeted him.
Another pair of hands, sheltered in soft woolen gloves, wrapped around the woman’s fingers tightly. An Elezen male with long flaxen hair dressed in a thick well tailored winter coat lowered himself in front of the woman. The noble frowned at the trembling he felt in those aged, bony appendages. Ishgard’s climate was never known to be kind, and winter’s bitter touch was all the more punishing to Ishgard's unprotected poorer residents.
“Keep faith in these trying times, Miss Sadler.†Launce Jeaumis released his hold and began to tug the knitted gloves off his hands. “And I hope these will keep you a bit warmer,†he added softly, offering them to the older female.
Janne Sadler looked up at the younger Elezen, her opaque eyes widening. He knew that her sixtieth naming day was a sennight past, but her vision had been failing for many moons. She smiled at him regardless. “Lord Jeaumis, you are too kind!â€
Launce beamed, reaching behind him into the box he had hauled along with him. His retainer made a move to assist him but the noble waved him off as he pulled out a rolled blanket and a bag of dried meat and bread. “These are for you and Miss Grieves. I have not seen her in sometime now.â€
The old woman shook her head, the age lines on her face suddenly deepening with grief. “I’m afraid that Lysa is no longer with us.†Her trembling hands clutched tighter around the woolen gloves. The woman’s frail frame bent further as he draped the blanket over her gaunt shoulders. “She was cut down by an outsider. Only one returned barely alive to tell the tale!†the woman hissed under her breath.
Stunned silence was the only response Launce could give for long moments. Finally he stammered, “Cut… cut down? Miss Grieves? But how…?â€
“The foreigners. Since the Gates have opened, they have done nothing but take from us. First our livelihoods, and now our lives.†Janne Sadler spat three times upon the stones before she brought the rosary to press to her chest.
The Elezen sighed, his expression flitting between disbelief and disquiet. “Surely, if the Holy See has seen it fit to open the Gates, it is with Halone’s blessing--â€
“It is but another test laid down before us by the Fury,†a placid voice interrupted the noble, drawing both his gaze and Janne Sadler's to the figure standing behind him.
A woman dressed in a thick black coat stood there patiently, her gloved hands clasped neatly in front of her. Her eyes were hidden behind a pair of wide-rimmed glasses, and her jet black hair fell neatly around her pale porcelain complexion. When she spoke, her quiet voice was certain, and clear enough to cut through the whistle of the wind.
“Embrace your trials,†she said serenely to the older woman, who was still kneeling on the ground. Janne Sadler murmured another prayer under her breath before she gathered the bag of food laid before her.
“Ah, Miss Reeves.†Launce grunted as he pushed himself up, dusting off the dirt and snow from his coat. “I had not expected you to join me today.†He rubbed his hands together to warm them, the winter chill already seeping into his fingertips.
The bespectacled woman just stared at him blankly, her expression ever absent of emotion. It was something the Elezen had come to expect from her by now. When she did finally speak again, her voice seemed lower. “I have come to retrieve you, Lord Jeaumis. It is regarding some matters of import.â€
The Elezen noble sighed with disappointment. Launce had come to know that tone quickly enough. “Can it not wait? I had wished to deliver a few more giftings this eve. I fear there will be a deathly chill come nightfall. Given that it’s the season of Starlight, the residents here could use a bit of good cheer...and some protection against the cold.†He gestured to the box that was still half full with supplies.
Josette Reeves stood still as a statue, not even a stray strand of hair out of place. “The work of the faithful is never done,†she said pointedly, her gaze unwavering. Launce noted absently that she seemed to be looking right through him rather than at him, as if it wasn’t what was on the surface that ever interested her. He was told by some others that her stare unsettled many, but Launce had dismissed it with ease. She too was one of the devout, after all.
“Ah, forgive me.†The noble let out a soft chuckle. “Of course.†He wrapped his scarf around the neck once more over to keep the cold from permeating into his chest. Launce had to remind himself that his title of “lord†was something of a formality observed by the woman, but she never seemed to truly acquiesce to his authority. The Elezen rarely had to mention his family's distant relations with House Durendaire and the old blood that ran in their veins, for the hierarchy within the social caste was not something that was ever forgotten amongst the Ishgardian nobilities. This Midlander woman seemed to be well familiar with it--and she showed outward respect for it, of course--but he truly doubted if she held any earnest deference.
Launce gestured for his retainer to finish handing out the blankets and the food, while he began to walk toward the lower entrance to the Forgotten Knight. “Is this about the new recruits? I heard from Inquisitor Bellamont that a few from the last batch seemed quite eager to be redeemed.â€
The woman fell in step next to him, her violet gaze looking straight ahead. “Our numbers have swelled. Many seem eager to answer the Fury’s call.â€
“Wonderful!†Launce clasped his hands in front of him. “I should send the Inquisitor tidings for all that he does.†He paused, regarding the woman. “Is it about your work then? Is all going well on that front?†Even though the noble had lowered his voice before inquiring, the sharp look that was shot in his direction from the corner of the woman's eyes nearly made him cringe. He recalled he had been chided more than once for his enthusiasm in mentioning her work, even in the most vaguest sense possible. He knew she rarely expressed herself in public and held her work and her privacy closely guarded to her breast. She even changed the color of her hair two moons past after hearing a rumor that someone recognized her as she accompanied him in the Brume. She has rarely accompanied him on his charity visits since.
“You know I believe in your work, Miss Reeves," the noble assured her warmly. "More than anyone! If I did not, I would not have brought you to Lord Garamond in the first place.†Launce held up his hands in front of him as if in a peace offering, broadening his smile.
Her cool facade did not thaw. "You will always have my gratitude for your generosity and your faith in my work, Lord Jeaumis." Her words, while polite, held no warmth. "But the matters I bring to you is not of my research. They are regarding one of our knights. He has passed and now walks within the Fury's Halls, but has bequeathed his mantle to another before his death."
"Oh?" The Elezen arched a brow as he paused, coming to stand under a scaffolding. "Anyone we know?" He made no show of flinching at the news of another death.
"This one is another new devout," the woman recited monotonously. "The supplicant hails from Thanalan, but has shed his name in favor of the title of his predecessor. He believes he can serve as a champion to Halone's cause to atone for his sins."
Launce's smile widened, a new light in his blue eyes. "Well then, our numbers are strong indeed. I will arrange a meeting, to see if this new champion is indeed worthy." He rubbed his hands again, blowing on them to warm them. "Many believe since the Gates have been opened, the outsiders have only brought more woes. But I think it can be a boon to us if we know where to look."
The woman before him seemed indifferent to the idea. "It has forced Ishgard to adapt. That is not a bad thing."
The Elezen laughed with delight. "That is an optimistic view, Miss Reeves! Something I had not expected from you! Indeed, perhaps change is what is needed. After all, even those that have given in to temptation can be given a chance at redemption, yes?"
"For those worthy of atonement," the woman replied dryly.
"And may wrath and vengeance befall upon the rest," Launce added cheerfully. He tucked his hands into the opposite sleeves of his coat in an attempt to ward off the chill. "Where there is fear, we carry light, Miss Reeves." He gave her a polite bow.
"Walk not in darkness, Lord Jeaumis." She returned the gesture with a sharp one of her own, almost militaristic in its succinctness. The noble watched as she turned and disappeared down the darkened streets of the Brume, before he opened the door to the Forgotten Knight, his expression beaming at the warm air that greeted him.
