Roen paced back and forth.
Sebastian, the grey pup that always seemed to have a keen eye for people’s moods, trotted alongside her, his black eyes watching her worriedly. A frown had been her constant companion since she had returned to the Theron manor, and she was thankful that her wards had stepped out for a bit of shopping in the Jeweled Crozier. Her mind was too preoccupied with all that she had learned, that she could not sit from the restlessness and the agitation of it all.
“The one you are seeking are called The Redeemers. And they seek to eradicate the dragon’s influence from all our bloodlines.â€
The confessions of the dragoon, Maximillien Valencourt, still rang through her mind like a church bell echoing through the midday. Surprisingly, he was one of the first to answer her missives; Ser Tournes was still across the realm in the Sea of Clouds, and Roen had yet to pay a visit to Ser Heuloix and Lady Dufresne. And even with his written acceptance of her request for a meeting, Roen had arrived at the Valencourt estate with some measure of apprehension. The last time she had met the dragoon, the Elezen was full of confidence and charm, but it was clear to her that his own ambitions were paramount in his eyes. Would he answer her inquiries about possible conspiracies that were glossed over by most authorities in Ishgard, because it largely targeted outsiders?
The answer she received was far more than she could have ever imagined.
Upon receiving her in his library, Ser Valencourt retained the gregariousness that Roen had remembered. But as their conversation continued, she noticed a sharper edge to his demeanor. His smile did not quite reach his eyes, and where his confidence used to be smooth and polished, there was a dullness this time; as if a shadow of disquiet had stained the underside of an otherwise clean glass.
But even more unexpected than that, was what he was willing to share with her. When she questioned him again about the Au Ra killings, the Elezen gave her a vastly different answer than the one he had on the hillside of Western Coerthas.
“The Au Ra killings were nothing more than the Redeemer’s zealots needing an outlet for their frustrations.†Maximillien said with a dismissive wave. “The Court decided that cultivating such fervor was useful.â€
“The Court…?†was all Roen managed to ask in her bewilderment. He had answered her bluntly and forthrightly; she did not know where to start.
“...ah, that’s right. You would not have heard of them.†the Elezen said, bowing his head with a patient expression, noting her confusion. “According to their claims, the Redeemers trace their bloodlines to the individuals they refer to as the ‘wayward triune’...that is, the three knights excepting Haldrath that survived the first battle with Nidhogg, and chose not to partake in the founding of the High Houses. These three knights grew remorseful of their betrayal of dragonkind, and felt disgust towards their kin for their consumption of the dragon’s eyes, and so the three conspired to purge their fellows and all of their descendents of their ill-gotten power.â€
The dragoon’s eyes narrowed slightly. “As for how much of that is true, well...it is impossible to say. Were they always privy to the true nature of King Thordan and Ratatoskr, or is this merely a new fabrication made to adapt to the revelations passed forward by Ser Aymeric? Perhaps we may never know. Nevertheless, the wayward triune’s self-proclaimed descendents control the Redeemers, and they call themselves ‘the Court’, styling themselves as marquises and marquis so as to place themselves as above the Counts of Ishgard.†Maximilien leaned backwards. “Of course, they keep their identities safely hidden through a combination of subterfuge, deception, and hideous facial accessories.â€
Roen blinked. As Ser Valencourt recounted the Redeemers’ history, there was no effort to villainize their origin. The founders were fervently religious and followed the teachings of Saint Reinette, who after killing a dragon in the name of vengeance, shed the cerements of war, dedicating her life to servitude. But as time passed, the Redeemers did not quite follow the same unselfish course.
“There was an Inquisitor that...recited a prayer to Saint Reinette,†Roen recalled. “Those same words were also engraved upon the wooden stakes where the murders occurred.â€
“There is more than one Inquisitor that serves the organization,†the Elezen answered casually. “It is one of their most common ways to recruit. They either falsely accuse people of heresy or comb through those that are arrested. They specifically look for those possessing marked animosity towards the Dravanians, the Holy See, or both. And once driven to a zealous fervor, it is easy to mark the draconic appearances of the Au Ra, as the enemy.â€
“I see how their campaign against the dragonkind would have been easy to recruit for during the war, but now Ishgard has negotiated for peace.†Roen narrowed her eyes, regarding the Elezen. “Is not their cause all but lost?â€
Maximillien lowered his gaze, running one hand through his hair. “Their recent activities suggest that the Court is in disarray. Aye, their original goal was to propagate complete destruction of the dragons for the sake of peace. Logically speaking, it is the only option; the Dravanians are immortal and thus hold immortal grudges. Such short-lived spoken as ourselves would ordinarily have no chance of making peace with such hateful creatures. And yet peace has come, so they have turned their efforts to ridding Ishgard of the dragon blood in its heritage and the memories of the Dragonsong War. To remove the responsibility of the war altogether. As long as the history exists in our minds and the blood runs in our veins, forever are we entwined with the dragons.†He cleared his throat. “Or so they believe.â€
Her eyes widened. “Is that even possible?â€
The Elezen crossed his arms, lazily leaning back against one of the towering bookshelves. “The Court has accumulated much knowledge over the years. They have stolen tomes from Sharlayan, and obtained some pieces of relics from Allagan ruins from the Second Astral Era, especially when the formation of magic was new. One of the old civilizations they focused on was based on fervent faith and prayer, and as their magic had yet to be refined, they used extremely dangerous mind-altering rituals used to control their followers and secure their absolute faith and obedience. The Court, I believe, plans to replicate one of these rituals to purify and absolve -- that is to remove the influence of any non-Spoken blood, and remove the memory of the Dragonsong War from all.â€
Roen’s mind spun. There were too many possibilities, but some were beginning to form tenuous threads with each other. “There was an Au Ra that was killed recently," she said. "He possibly had an old relic that was stolen from him…a keystone.†It was a term that Khadai had given the item that they had retrieved. “It is for another old civilization, and they too have the capacity to alter memories. Do you know something of it?â€
Maximillien glanced elsewhere. “If you believe this ‘keystone’ to be one of the missing pieces they need, that would certainly explain why their zealots have gone suspiciously quiet.†He gave her a sidelong look, his expression grim.â€Everything leads me to believe that they are moving forward as fast as possible now.â€
“What have you done about all this?†Roen stepped forward, frowning deeply.
The Elezen threw both his hands in the air. “You may think it callous of me, but I have been investigating the Redeemers for some time now, suspecting them to be heretics. Neither the Inquisition nor the Temple Knights saw fit to indulge me in my claims, and so either the Redeemers have infiltrated both organisations or they are exceedingly skilled at hiding evidence.â€
“Then why are you telling me all this?â€
Maximillien exhaled through his nose, then tilted his head, smirking oddly. “You were the first person to ask, Miss Deneith.†He leaned in towards her. “You do not truly believe Ishgardians to care about a few dead foreigners, do you? Especially if those dead foreigners resemble the foes that have waged war against us for a thousand years. And you would not ask me about the Redeemers if you did not already suspect that their existence was reality.â€
Roen narrowed her eyes at him. “So you are going to help me?â€
“Alas, Miss Deneith, this is as far as I go.†The Elezen stepped back with a helpless shrug. “My hands are now tied with defending the borders against the remainder of Nidhogg’s brood.â€
“With all that you know, you will do nothing?†She shot back, incredulous. “With this looming ritual, that could mean who knows what to the rest of your people?â€
“A twist of irony, no?†The Elezen sighed. “For me to have come so far with this, and yet be unable to see all my efforts come to fruition.†He bowed deeply. “I beseech you to do what you can, Miss Deneith. I have given you much to go on.†He straightened then canted his head. “But there is one more offering I will provide.â€
Roen crossed her arms, displeasure clear upon her visage. Maximillien only smiled at her in return.
“I will tell you where and when you may be able to find one of the Marquis.â€
It was the sound of a soft whimper and a light pressure upon her right foot that brought Roen out of her reverie. She had ceased in her pacing as she was pondering her previous conversation, and in her stillness had apparently made Sebastian nervous. The puppy had one foot upon her leather boot, the other paw scratching at her shin as he whined for attention.
She let out a sigh as she bent down and lifted the creature into her arms. “I need to tell someone. This has to be stopped. But…who do I tell first? Who would believe it?†she sighed. When the puppy licked the tip of her nose with a happy wagging of his tail, she exhaled. “You have no idea, do you? Just like the rest of Ishgard.â€
It was then that the linkpearl in her pouch vibrated, humming softly. Plucking it into her ear, Roen's eyes widened immediately.
“Khadai. You are here in the city?†She nearly sighed in relief. Indeed, he should know.
“I will meet you. There is much to discuss.â€
Sebastian, the grey pup that always seemed to have a keen eye for people’s moods, trotted alongside her, his black eyes watching her worriedly. A frown had been her constant companion since she had returned to the Theron manor, and she was thankful that her wards had stepped out for a bit of shopping in the Jeweled Crozier. Her mind was too preoccupied with all that she had learned, that she could not sit from the restlessness and the agitation of it all.
“The one you are seeking are called The Redeemers. And they seek to eradicate the dragon’s influence from all our bloodlines.â€
The confessions of the dragoon, Maximillien Valencourt, still rang through her mind like a church bell echoing through the midday. Surprisingly, he was one of the first to answer her missives; Ser Tournes was still across the realm in the Sea of Clouds, and Roen had yet to pay a visit to Ser Heuloix and Lady Dufresne. And even with his written acceptance of her request for a meeting, Roen had arrived at the Valencourt estate with some measure of apprehension. The last time she had met the dragoon, the Elezen was full of confidence and charm, but it was clear to her that his own ambitions were paramount in his eyes. Would he answer her inquiries about possible conspiracies that were glossed over by most authorities in Ishgard, because it largely targeted outsiders?
The answer she received was far more than she could have ever imagined.
Upon receiving her in his library, Ser Valencourt retained the gregariousness that Roen had remembered. But as their conversation continued, she noticed a sharper edge to his demeanor. His smile did not quite reach his eyes, and where his confidence used to be smooth and polished, there was a dullness this time; as if a shadow of disquiet had stained the underside of an otherwise clean glass.
But even more unexpected than that, was what he was willing to share with her. When she questioned him again about the Au Ra killings, the Elezen gave her a vastly different answer than the one he had on the hillside of Western Coerthas.
“The Au Ra killings were nothing more than the Redeemer’s zealots needing an outlet for their frustrations.†Maximillien said with a dismissive wave. “The Court decided that cultivating such fervor was useful.â€
“The Court…?†was all Roen managed to ask in her bewilderment. He had answered her bluntly and forthrightly; she did not know where to start.
“...ah, that’s right. You would not have heard of them.†the Elezen said, bowing his head with a patient expression, noting her confusion. “According to their claims, the Redeemers trace their bloodlines to the individuals they refer to as the ‘wayward triune’...that is, the three knights excepting Haldrath that survived the first battle with Nidhogg, and chose not to partake in the founding of the High Houses. These three knights grew remorseful of their betrayal of dragonkind, and felt disgust towards their kin for their consumption of the dragon’s eyes, and so the three conspired to purge their fellows and all of their descendents of their ill-gotten power.â€
The dragoon’s eyes narrowed slightly. “As for how much of that is true, well...it is impossible to say. Were they always privy to the true nature of King Thordan and Ratatoskr, or is this merely a new fabrication made to adapt to the revelations passed forward by Ser Aymeric? Perhaps we may never know. Nevertheless, the wayward triune’s self-proclaimed descendents control the Redeemers, and they call themselves ‘the Court’, styling themselves as marquises and marquis so as to place themselves as above the Counts of Ishgard.†Maximilien leaned backwards. “Of course, they keep their identities safely hidden through a combination of subterfuge, deception, and hideous facial accessories.â€
Roen blinked. As Ser Valencourt recounted the Redeemers’ history, there was no effort to villainize their origin. The founders were fervently religious and followed the teachings of Saint Reinette, who after killing a dragon in the name of vengeance, shed the cerements of war, dedicating her life to servitude. But as time passed, the Redeemers did not quite follow the same unselfish course.
“There was an Inquisitor that...recited a prayer to Saint Reinette,†Roen recalled. “Those same words were also engraved upon the wooden stakes where the murders occurred.â€
“There is more than one Inquisitor that serves the organization,†the Elezen answered casually. “It is one of their most common ways to recruit. They either falsely accuse people of heresy or comb through those that are arrested. They specifically look for those possessing marked animosity towards the Dravanians, the Holy See, or both. And once driven to a zealous fervor, it is easy to mark the draconic appearances of the Au Ra, as the enemy.â€
“I see how their campaign against the dragonkind would have been easy to recruit for during the war, but now Ishgard has negotiated for peace.†Roen narrowed her eyes, regarding the Elezen. “Is not their cause all but lost?â€
Maximillien lowered his gaze, running one hand through his hair. “Their recent activities suggest that the Court is in disarray. Aye, their original goal was to propagate complete destruction of the dragons for the sake of peace. Logically speaking, it is the only option; the Dravanians are immortal and thus hold immortal grudges. Such short-lived spoken as ourselves would ordinarily have no chance of making peace with such hateful creatures. And yet peace has come, so they have turned their efforts to ridding Ishgard of the dragon blood in its heritage and the memories of the Dragonsong War. To remove the responsibility of the war altogether. As long as the history exists in our minds and the blood runs in our veins, forever are we entwined with the dragons.†He cleared his throat. “Or so they believe.â€
Her eyes widened. “Is that even possible?â€
The Elezen crossed his arms, lazily leaning back against one of the towering bookshelves. “The Court has accumulated much knowledge over the years. They have stolen tomes from Sharlayan, and obtained some pieces of relics from Allagan ruins from the Second Astral Era, especially when the formation of magic was new. One of the old civilizations they focused on was based on fervent faith and prayer, and as their magic had yet to be refined, they used extremely dangerous mind-altering rituals used to control their followers and secure their absolute faith and obedience. The Court, I believe, plans to replicate one of these rituals to purify and absolve -- that is to remove the influence of any non-Spoken blood, and remove the memory of the Dragonsong War from all.â€
Roen’s mind spun. There were too many possibilities, but some were beginning to form tenuous threads with each other. “There was an Au Ra that was killed recently," she said. "He possibly had an old relic that was stolen from him…a keystone.†It was a term that Khadai had given the item that they had retrieved. “It is for another old civilization, and they too have the capacity to alter memories. Do you know something of it?â€
Maximillien glanced elsewhere. “If you believe this ‘keystone’ to be one of the missing pieces they need, that would certainly explain why their zealots have gone suspiciously quiet.†He gave her a sidelong look, his expression grim.â€Everything leads me to believe that they are moving forward as fast as possible now.â€
“What have you done about all this?†Roen stepped forward, frowning deeply.
The Elezen threw both his hands in the air. “You may think it callous of me, but I have been investigating the Redeemers for some time now, suspecting them to be heretics. Neither the Inquisition nor the Temple Knights saw fit to indulge me in my claims, and so either the Redeemers have infiltrated both organisations or they are exceedingly skilled at hiding evidence.â€
“Then why are you telling me all this?â€
Maximillien exhaled through his nose, then tilted his head, smirking oddly. “You were the first person to ask, Miss Deneith.†He leaned in towards her. “You do not truly believe Ishgardians to care about a few dead foreigners, do you? Especially if those dead foreigners resemble the foes that have waged war against us for a thousand years. And you would not ask me about the Redeemers if you did not already suspect that their existence was reality.â€
Roen narrowed her eyes at him. “So you are going to help me?â€
“Alas, Miss Deneith, this is as far as I go.†The Elezen stepped back with a helpless shrug. “My hands are now tied with defending the borders against the remainder of Nidhogg’s brood.â€
“With all that you know, you will do nothing?†She shot back, incredulous. “With this looming ritual, that could mean who knows what to the rest of your people?â€
“A twist of irony, no?†The Elezen sighed. “For me to have come so far with this, and yet be unable to see all my efforts come to fruition.†He bowed deeply. “I beseech you to do what you can, Miss Deneith. I have given you much to go on.†He straightened then canted his head. “But there is one more offering I will provide.â€
Roen crossed her arms, displeasure clear upon her visage. Maximillien only smiled at her in return.
“I will tell you where and when you may be able to find one of the Marquis.â€
It was the sound of a soft whimper and a light pressure upon her right foot that brought Roen out of her reverie. She had ceased in her pacing as she was pondering her previous conversation, and in her stillness had apparently made Sebastian nervous. The puppy had one foot upon her leather boot, the other paw scratching at her shin as he whined for attention.
She let out a sigh as she bent down and lifted the creature into her arms. “I need to tell someone. This has to be stopped. But…who do I tell first? Who would believe it?†she sighed. When the puppy licked the tip of her nose with a happy wagging of his tail, she exhaled. “You have no idea, do you? Just like the rest of Ishgard.â€
It was then that the linkpearl in her pouch vibrated, humming softly. Plucking it into her ear, Roen's eyes widened immediately.
“Khadai. You are here in the city?†She nearly sighed in relief. Indeed, he should know.
“I will meet you. There is much to discuss.â€
