So, you got your hands on the butler's notebook? Clever you.
The massive ledger lays now without its guardian.
The leather cover book seems austere to you. Black, white: no colours, only shades of grey barely contrasting with the iron clasps entrapping the pages.
There does not seem to be any title engraved on the front.
Many scratches scatter the book's shell, and its solid corners have been damaged by countless travels against the Coerthan weather.
Now only remains one question:
Will you open the book and pry shamelessly into the intimacy of Mr Lupin?
Perhaps it would be for the best to leave this book behind while Mr Lupin is oblivious to your actions.
Have you covered your tracks? Did you leave any evidence that someone had tampered with his personal belongings? Or perhaps you are above such trivial details?
Should you keep investigating now? Or leave the butler to his own demise?
Or are you perhaps...
...no, I dare not make such assumptions...
...but...
...would you be STEALING anything from the butler?
That much is up to you!
You open the ledger. The yellowish antique pages fall into place, sliding out of your fingers to unveil the elegant handwriting of Mr Lupin. Black ink upon average quality paper. The scent of fresh rain invades the air.
The pages are entirely covered with reminders, lists of all kind of furnitures and culinarian ingredients, dates, amounts and observations. Nothing of interest, really. What did you expect from Mr Lupin's notes?
Contrasting with the rushed writing on these two pages, a religious motivationnal quote stands out by its size and the care brought to its perfectly symetric letters.
Faith is seeing light with your heart when all your eyes can see is darkness.
- Enchiridion, verset 7:3
You catch a glimpse of a few coloured bookmarks as you lean closer to inspect the pages. Simple thin braided threads, barely visible from afar, that seemed to reference different sections of the large book.
Is your curiosity satisfied, or should you pry any further?
You flip the pages to start reading from the left and...Oh?
A lot of pages seem missing. They've obviously been torn off the book. By inspecting it a little closer, you notice burnt marks on the edges. Mmm...whatever used to be here is not something you'll be likely to retrieve. But why would Mr Lupin tear or burn pages from his own book?
The first entry on the remaining pages was dated some fifteen years ago.
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At Lord Sibaruse's estate
I never thought I would be employed again.
As I walked through the alien halls, everything around me felt off.
The doors, the layout of the house, the portraits on the walls, the color of the carpets, the bookshelves...
My outfit, my gaze, my smile.
Everything felt different.
I poured my heart into this interview. I was grateful to get a role as a butler again. It was more than someone like me could hope after what happened. I was born to serve another, and on this day onward this person would be Lord Sibaruse.
Such is the reason why, so many years later, I decided to accept his request concerning his most turbulent son, Ser Simeon.
If I did not know better, I could have mistaken this request for a token of Lord Sibaruse's trust. But alas...
Am I to be a pawn in the political warfield?
Again.
____________________________________________________________
The following entries are only professional notes and rushed lists of duties covering hundreds of pages. You probably lost interest at the second page. There is no mention whatsoever of said "request" on the other pages at first glance. Some of the pages are missing, which leads you to think you are unlikely to learn anything juicy about Lord Sibaruse and his son.
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You flip the pages starting from the right. Hundreds of blank pages are still waiting to be filled. You go up to the last entry and realize you've discovered Mr Lupin's culinary section!
There were many drawings of numerous ishgardian dishes alongside a short description of the needed ingredients. Some more complicated recipes were granted full step by step instructions.
A budget of 6000 gils was highly detailed on one of the pages, aiming to feed no less than 25 persons a week.
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Flat Bread / Walnut
Rye flour, table salt, mineral water / smooth butter, adlgoat milk, walnuts
Coerthan Stew
Mutton loin, wild onions, coerthan carrots, wheat flour, mineral water + popotoes
Mint Lassi / Rolanberry
Aldgoat milk, fresh mint / rolanberry
Tomato sauce
Ruvy tomato, garlean garlic, wild onions
Pearl Chocolates
Aldgoat milk, butter, maple sugar
Parsnip salad
Olive oil or vinegar, wild onions, lettuce, spinach, buffalo beans, alpine parsnip
Pie dough
Wheat flour, mineral water, table salt
Meat pie / Shepherd
Pie dough, any meat, coerthan carrots, wild onions, black pepper + butter, popotoes
Meat miqa'bob
Meat tenderloin, paprika, ruby tomato, table salt
Dodo Omelette
Dodo eggs, smooth butter, aldgoat milk, tomato sauce, table salt, Highland parsley + add popotoes
Cottage cheese
Cider vinegar, adlgoat milk
Lentils & chestnuts
Chestnuts, lentils, mint, olive oil, sour red, black pepper
Chicken & mushrooms
Chicken breasts, Gil Bun mushrooms, butter, salt
Mashed popotoes
Cottage cheese, popotoes, butter, garlic, sweet cream
Spinash saute
Spinash, mushrooms, salt, butter, water
Pea soup
Jade peas, mineral water, wild onion, table salt, poultry meat
Risotto
Sticky rice, cottage cheese, onions, alpine parsnips
Alligator salad
Alligator pear, paprika, salt, vinegar, olive oil, blue cheese
Scrambled Eggs
Eggs, cottage cheese, salt + white truffle
Cawl Cennin
Leeks, chicken stock, butter, sweet cream, wild onions, water
Sauerkraut
Cabbage, dragon pepper, salt, water, laurel
Ratatouille
Eggplants, ruby tomatoes, laurel, lavender oil, garlic, zucchini
Eft steack
Eft tail, papper, garlic, sour red, vinegar, laurel
Spinach quiche
eggs, pie dough, nutmeg, cream cheese, salt, spinach
Chilled popoto soup
Leeks, popotos, sweet cream, butter, salt, parsley
Stuffed cabbage rolls
Pearl sprouts, loaghtan chumps, chicken stock, tomato sauce, salt
Baked onion soup
Onions, knight bread, chicken stock, cream cheese, salt
Beet soup
Beets, loaghtan chumps, pearl sprouts, mist dill, sour cream, salt
Emerald Soup
Emerald beans, buffalo beans, bouillon cube, chives, salt
Sausage links
Meat, sugar, salt, pepper, sheep casings
Lemonade
Lemons, honey, water
____________________________________________________________
No, seriously, have you really read all that?
Are you perhaps a food nerd?
You want more?
As you flip the pages and read through all the descriptions of Mr Lupin's recipes, you feel something crawling under your skin.
Your gaze lingers on the realistic drawings of cream puffs, honey covered crumpets, juicy roasted Dhalmels and fried vegetables.
Suddenly, you hear a tremendous growl beneath you!
Oh.
Wait.
That was just your stomach.
Mmm.
Oh, look, the culinary section is over twenty more pages! Mr Lupin is taking his Temple Knife's role very seriously.
____________________________________________________________
Secret Recipe of Herbal Liquor
Lavender, marjolaine, melisse, sauge, thyme, bétoine, chamomille, armoise, black berries, mint, ginger roots, black pepper, lemon, anis, pure mineral water ~two weeks, alchemy alambic
Goddess' Apple Pie
Pie dough, fairy apples, chicken eggs, cinnamon, smooth butter, maple sugar, almonds + sweet pink cider
Honey Muffins
Wheat flour, chicken eggs, butter, mineral water, aldgoat milk, honey
Dzemael Pretzel
Wheat flour, maple sugar, chicken eggs, salt, butter, water
Ser Clement's special tea blend
Loose-Leaf Coerthan Red, ginger roots, cloves, yak milk, maple sugar + 2 drops of liquor
Coerthan Mountain Secret herbal Tea
Verbena, Chamomille, thyme, rosemary, ginger roots, cinnamon, milk + honey
Ginger cookies
Wheat flour, maple sugar, chicken eggs, natron, pearl ginger, smooth butter
Festive Crumpets
whet flour, buffalo milk, salt, natron, butter, maple syrup
Special Endurance Blend for chocobos
Yafaem wildgrass, ghysal greens, tantal plants, little worms + change greens for stamina
Any fruits tart
Pie dough, seasonnal fruits, butter, maple syrup, gelatin, natron + nuts
Acorn Cookies
Rye flour, salt, water, iron acorn + add butter, chocolate chips
Cheese Souffle
Cream cheese, night milk, dodo eggs, maple syrup, sun lemon
Temple Knights' Bread
Rye flour, water, midland basil, chicken eggs, honey
Fancy Pastry Fish
Pie dough, raisins, salt, almonds, apples + desert saffron
Jerked Meat
Meat, salt, pepper, sage, nutmeg, cumin seeds, oregano, dragon pepper
Salt Cod Puffs
Salt cod, thyme, eggs, clove oil, wheat flour, nutmeg
Dzemael Gratin
Popotoes, garlic, pepper, nutmeg, sweet cream, eft tail
Trapper's quiche
Eft tail, eggs, pie dough, cream cheese, nutmeg, basil
Fruit cheesecake
Fruit sweet cheese, sweet cream, honey lemon, gelatin
Finger Sandwich
Eggs, lettuce, butter, walnut bread, salt + dried meat or cheese cream
Fig Bavarois
Figs, gelatin, yak milk, maple sugar
Ishgardian Muffins
Yak milk, sunset wheat flour, cornmeal
Dhalmel Gratin
Dhalmel meat, onions, zucchini, highland flour, popotoes, sour cream
Sohm Al Tart
Chestnut, maple sugar, sweet cream, highland flour
____________________________________________________________
Ok, that's enough. You don't have a moon to read through all this...do you?
You decided to rely on Fate to decide where to begin!
Rejoice, for Fate has answered kindly!
Or perhaps you were more interested in looking at pictures rather than reading that huge book filled with way too many words, half of them being names, furnitures or food. Boring.
The two pages you ended up opening the ledger on displayed detailed pencil sketches of different hair styles for women and men alike. Some were obviously intricate and complicated, very high class fashion. Others seemed way more pragmatic and simply, but offered some delicate distinction nonetheless.
Was this some kind of hobby for the butler? Did he draw these himself?
You were (un)lucky the first time, so why not try another entirely random page?
This time again, it's the pictures that drew you to these pages. A whole section of few words alongside many patterns, symbols and peculiar...wait, was that what the scholars named Heraldry?
Names of many minor Houses were written alongside what seemed to be their Coat of Arms and mottos. There were more than fifty pages filled with these information, followed by twice as many gossips and rumours on each members of the noble houses.
Was Mr Lupin interested in History?
Was he a shameless rumourmonger?
Of the Sky, From the Sky, For the Sky
"Where Halone leads"- (the name has been erased.)"Authority. Sagacity. Prosperity" - House De Auzenne"It is best to walk together in darkness then alone in light" - House Blackheart"Deeds, not words" - House Boisnoir"Paratus ad Pugnam" - House Deschamps"By the balance of Her lance shall all be set free" - House Hildegarde"Balance by the spear" - House Prejugaire
You lift up the ledger. It weights heavily in your hands, and one can only wonder how unconvenient it must be to carry it around all day.
You flip it around to proceed with your examination and hear a slight brushing noise inside the ledger. What an odd noise. You flip it over once more. Again. As if something just slid briefly. Where could that come from?
You could probably shake the book or start throwing it across the room, but that would probably look ridiculous. Ha, and, it could damage the book, too. Mmm, maybe if you had time, you could take a proper look at the cover and pages? Something feels off.
Or maybe it is just your imagination. Maybe it's just some broken clasp, and you're wasting time on irrelevant details. Do you even know how to read a book?
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As you start investigating the strange noise, your attention is caught by the book's gutter. When your fingers meet the pages, you realize the last pages of the book had been glued together against the leather cover.
It definately isn't your imagination!
But whether you wish to unglue these pages or tear them off might hinder your relationship with the butler. Would you care if he found you out?
On the other hand, what would someone like Mr Lupin could possibly hide inside a book? You've already come that far after all. t's too late to go back now.
Gently or not, you unglued the pages to unravel the mystery of the faint brushing noise.
Inside the glued pages, a small cache had been digged through the paper. Two identical small iron keys lied hidden inside. Rusty.
Such small keys could not possibly open any doors. But then, what does Mr Lupin use these for? And why go to such extents to hide them?
Should you take one, both, or leave them behind and pretend they do not exist?
You pull the blue braided string and go right to the section referenced. It seems to be on the right side of the book.
You quickly realize that the bookmark stands for the first entry of Mr Lupin's new appointed role in the IVth company.
The first entry explains his unexpected appointment by Ser Clement Faucheux, and a summary of the IVth company and its notorious members.
The next pages seemed divided by each members' name, leaving a blank section that Mr Lupin started to fill with observations.
Meeting Ser Clement Faucheux
The smile danced on his lips and his eyes gauged me like a Coeurl gauging a prey. I knew from the first seconds of this encounter that the man was dangerous. I left with a crawling discomfort and a feeling of induced panic pulsing against my skin.
How much does he know about the past?
I came offering my services as an aesthetician and left with the unspoken promise of a better employment at his service, should I prove myself worthy through the trial of feeding the IVth company.
I was not in a position to refuse.
As much as I feel grateful towards him for offering me a chance to serve under better circumstances than those of Ser Simeon's expected wreckage, the obvious political abilities of Ser Clement strike me with awe. Perhaps, with time, I shall learn to know him better. Appreciate him, even.
My efforts shall now be dedicated to improve the daily lives of our heroes, holy protectors of our city, defenders of all that is good and saint. If I can somehow soothe their burden with the comfort of food and the warmth of care, then mayhaps I should not be so worried about mere suppositions of hidden agenda. May they all walk in Halone's watchful gaze.
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Organisation of the IVth company
Knight-Captain - Ser Clement de Faucheux
1st Knight-Sergeant - Ser Helene de Mouvieu
2nd Knight-Sergeant - Ser Lanvallaoix de Prejugaire
Knights-Dragoon - Ser Armond de Aguillarde
Squires
1. Artoirel Travanchet
2. Tyrvuld Stone
3. Lyn Louvet
4. Gerivien Greystone
5. Darcy Mayfield
Guardsmen
1. Neero Thura
2. Raeventiel Beaudonet
3. Aumeric Jeralt
4. Aelina Forester
5. Adrie Launfeuille
6. Ymiraude Valdecendre
7. Caim Battenard Abalon
8. Dimitri Delacroix
9. Ashlont Lucardeaux
Temple Knives
1. (Lord) Auguste Flambeaux
2. Myself
Chaplain
1. Lucienaux de Auzenne
2. Louistiaux de Lalerier
Friar
1. Cucubi Iybi (?)
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Ser Clement Faucheux, Knight-Captain
Has not been given proper tea fitting to his rank. We must remediate!Gossips and public slandering from the half-breed hysterical lady Edith at the Knight depicted him as a cruel man, insulting and uncivilized. What a poorly educated hysterical woman!Heard about the slandering (did his squire reported it?) and answered to them with admirable diplomacy. Skilled politician. High confidence. Fine wine connoisseur, will expect high standards, obviously.Made a clear point about the "deserter". No reports expected on him."I shall not fault //// if there is an accident that leads to death". His words stuck in my mind as the realization of my own naivety. From the Church to these Halls I once deemed sanctified and glorious, my eyes can only see darkness. As much as I understand my role in all this, I do not known if I have the strength to pursue my mission for Ser Clement. I have broken a promise; must I now consort with fiends to prove my loyalty? I cannot betray my Lord. But I cannot betray Thee nor can I turn my back on the kids, can I? Is winning more important than the tears shed and the lives broken to reach such a goal...?--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Squire Gerivien Greystone
Stressed and aggressive, defensive about his feelings.Loves chocobos, consider them as friends? Named his chocobo Lady Puddles. I should use spare gil in the budget for the chocobo's food. He would probably enjoy taking care of the birds.Very bad language, but makes efforts for Ser Lanvallois. Good leverage to convince him to improve his attitude.Loves Somh Al Tart, hot chocolate, starlight cakes, snowflakes peaks. Let's add one of these to the menu.Doesn't know his nameday? Family? Pretends he doesn't care. Something happened in his childhood?His axe "puddlemaker" is precious to him. Pride? Gift? He was offended when Miss Darcy made fun of it.Does not know the first thing about behaving at church.Now under Ser Helene for field studies everyday before dawn. I should get up before he does to prepare his breakfast.I have taunted him a little too much. He tried to flip a table over me today. Were it not for Mr Liamont's help, I would probably be in a sorry state. His anger issues are rooted deeper than I thought. He could be a danger to himself and to this company. I think he realized it. He apologized. I only need to push him further... Whatever Mr Liamont said, I cannot save anyone with just kindness and smiles. If such is the price to pay to free Mr Gerivien from his demons, I suppose I should prepare myself to be hit by a table or...or a dozen...Ser Helyan encouraged him to spar with Mr Liamont, which ended up with Mr Gerivien hurting Mr Liamont so badly the latter could not attend duties on the next morning. It seemed to have affected Mr Gerivien's mood but I am unsure as to how...Clear disdain for nobility and keep challenging the rules.Envy and jealousy, constant need for being valued. Ser Lanvalloix's apparent lack of empathy for the boy threw him in great disarray. He's erasing himself and everything around him that prevents him to get the recognition he seeks. His spirale of auto-destruction worries me greatly, especially after he pushed Miss Darcy and rejected her help.I tried to fix his relationship with Mr Liamont, to no avail. It seems he now resents me for even trying. His behaviour towards Father Lucienaux is yet another proof of my failures to teach the kids. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Squire Darcy Mayfield
Enjoyed Masala Chai a lot, acorn kukuru cookies were "great", let's deliver some to her as a motivationnal gift.Not keen on sweets usually, dislikes sour but likes savory, bitter, hearty food (bread, meat, soup). - Let's add some to our menu.Defended Ser Clement's honour against that half-breed hysterical woman Edith. Does she held Ser -Clement in high esteem, or is it something else? Her anger was painful to witness.Lowborn origins, Ser Clement's squire. Interesting contrast.Weapons are tools, chocobos are beasts - does she mean it?She grew up in the Brume. Joined the Temple Knights to get enough gil for her mother's medical treatment. Lady Genevieve helped stopping the disease's spread to her mother's lungs for no cost. This explains why Miss Darcy has so much self-control over her emotions, and a true dedication to her duties: it is a matter of life and death for her mother.Her mother was a baker of great reputation for her bread. I offered to visit with my fiancée.Her friendship for Mr Gerivien is genuine, even if not equally reciprocated. Her concerns and dedication to help him are touching.I fear that she has no emotional support to go through the challenges of her life. The expectations, the pressure, her mother, and now her concerns to become "another Liam" broke her usual calm and serenity. The girl needs a haven. I offered the kitchen, and hope I can at least comfort her until she finds a reliable friend. If only Mr Gerivien could stop being an idiotic moron and see all the harm he's done to his only friend.Miss Darcy has boldly stood against Father Lucienaux and denied him any authority over her within the company. Although her arguments are somewhat understandable, I fear that she put herself in great danger.I have failed her. My words do not reach her anymore. It is my fault. I supported these vain hopes. I did not interfere when nobles, in a comfortable position, tried to give her the illusion of safety. Now she has been kicked down in the mud. I see her slowly burning out. Breaking. Ser Clement reminded her of her place and choose to let Father Lucienaux handle her punishment. A political move. Clever. I would almost be impressed, were I not more concerned by the blatant disregard for Miss Darcy's feelings and dignity. In my heart I am convinced that her mother is the only reason why she is still holding up.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mr Liamont Arbeau
Never give him hot beveurages unless you wish to see him choke on it or spill it all over people's clothes and food. And here I thought he could not surprise me anymore...His nameday is on the 3rd of the Sixth Umbral Moon? If I bake a cake, I should probably send it indirectly... Ser Clement wouldn't approve.Is in possession of Ser Helyan's brother's crystal?Excessive brutality and violence against Mr Gerivien encouraged by Ser Lanvalloix during their first spar? Unlike Mr Liamont to act like this, but it seemed the boy's behavior is the root of the problem of the lingering anger Mr Gerivien feels around him.Mr Gerivien wounded him badly in the spar supervised by Ser Helyan. I should check on the boy. Did Mr Gerivien wounded him on purpose, or are these spars so badly supervised that the knights keep concussing their comrades?Acknowledged his difficulties in controlling his brutality in battle. Pretends to be trained as a killer - but it does not fit him.He has (had?) a sister ?Has been promised that redemption was not beyond his reach. It's all but lies.He needs help and protection before it is too late.Asked to keep it a secret. But Ser Clement demanded explanations. I have betrayed the boy. I thought I could save him. How wrong was I.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ser Lanvallois Prejugaire (& Ser Ebrelnaux)
Seemed concerned by Squire Gerevien's education. Asked me to supervise his etiquette studies.Outstanding and fancy wedding ceremony with Ser Ebrel and bold choice against what would be expected from Dzemael. Outsiders attended the wedding.Inquired about Edith's health from Lady Marcelle: how do they know each other's? Edith sent back to the front-lines, Lady Marcelle implied she turned insane. Does this explain the hysterical crisis against Ser Clement?Went to the ghymlit?Ser Ebrelnaux was once married to lady Genevieve?Encourage sparring brutality. "He is the most brutal of the VIth". He chose Mr Gerivien as a squire as he only was able to withstanding his methods of teaching. His lack of encouragements has weighted upon the squire, and caused the incident with Miss Darcy.Both of them had a heated arguments with someone at the congregation today, I failed to grasp the man's name, but he seemed either drunk or exhausted. / The man's name was Lord Arquette de Auzennes. I learnt of his training under Ser Ebrelneaux.I was blessed by the chance of learning more about Ser Lanvalloix today. He confided his difficulties in adjusting to society and his genuine care for "his flock". His morale values were compelling and I do admire greatly how he stood for the company against those who have wronged us. I fear, however, that Ser Lanvalloix does not measure the full consequences of acting against them. Had he noticed what had been done to his own flock behind everyone's back, perhaps would have I found the courage to speak up. Alas...the past is repeating over and over again. 'Tis a lost fight, and all I can do is protect the dignity of my protégés for now.Ser Lanval is affiliated with the Inquisition. He does not seem to know anything past my employment with the Sibaruses. It seems our views over Justice are quite different. Caution.Ser Ebrelnaux was very outspoken towards miss Darcy's incident with Father Lucienaux. It seems they both made enemies with the Auzennes.Ser Lanvalloix seemed eager to assist miss Darcy with her feelings. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ser Helene Mouvieu
Proud mother of two beautiful son. I had the pleasure to meet Master Laurent.Bow-woman.Cousin of my dear Iselle? She is aware of my relationship.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Miss Ymiraude Valdecendre & Lady Genevieve
See "the vanishing case of Miss Valdecendre".Miss Ymiraude = friend of Miss Darcy?Aether-user. Suspicious reserved attitude.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Father Lucienaux de Auzenne
A man of high standards with an education fitting the upper classes. Has been very polite and pleasant towards a servant like myself nonetheless.I have asked him assistance in handling the education flaws of Mr Gerivien and encouraged Mr Liamont to seek his guidance. It was a terrible mistake I aught to fix. Quartered sigil, House Durendaire, silver lance on a black field.Old noble house, centuries of History born from the lineage of a daughter of Durendaire and Ser Marcellaux de Auzenne. Allies of the Archbishop.Unstained reputation throughout generations. Everyone has secrets; but not them?Head of the House: Viscount Cesaireaux de Auzenne. Viscountess Adeline de Auzenne née Dzemael.One of the viscount's son commited suicide: what happened?Alexandrine de Auzenne (great aunt), bishop in the Church, was killed in the wake of Thordan's fall. Sponsored Father Lucienaux.Artoirel de Auzenne: current heir, significantly involved with mercantile/artisanal classes.Father Lucienaux is Lord Artoirel's middle son. Father Lucienaux has supposedly clashed with many men, including our Knight-Captain?Rumors reported to the Knight-Captain.Will handle miss Darcy's punishment.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Father Louistiaux de Lalerier
Had I any trust left in my heart, I would have perhaps think he meant right by extending his hand to miss Darcy and myself. But in the end, there is nothing more to gain from the confession of our sins than more sufferings and grief to handle. Help is unlikely to be given, nor am I even expecting it.I misjudged him. We had a heart to heart conversation today. He reminded me of my first household. He helped me remember the noble integrity and compassion I forgot ever existed. I feel relieved knowing the man is starting to figure out my protégés' problems and genuinely wish to guide them. I believe Halone truly sent this man to pursue the work I had not the strength to pursue. I can rest knowing he will be watching over them. If only he had been there twenty years ago... If only a man like him could have shielded the boy I was from the storm of politics... Alas, it is too late now.----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Blank space.
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Since you've started your new career as a stalker, why stop now?
You keep on reading the section about the IVth company and end up on a page entitled "Duty List", followed by long reports labeled "Investigation cases". The different entries have lot of blank pages between them: it seems Mr Lupin is updating them frequently.
DUTY LIST FOR THE IVTH
Teach Squire Gerivien how to properly bow - Completed.
Progress was accomplished on the fourth attempt after challenging his ego.Squire Gerivien performed a perfect bow during Ser Lanval's wedding.
Teach Squire Gerivien proper etiquette - In progress
High aggressivity and lack of politeness, impulsive, but willing to try, corrects himself frequently.Outstanding progress was made. It seemed more a question of motivation than limitations, really. The squire is fully capable of using proper terms of conversation and keep his shameless swearing out of his sentences when he desires so.Regression when he cursed in front of Ser Clement. I got a warning about his attitude, which falls under my responsability. The boy has no idea how much trouble he's giving me, does he...?Old habits die hard and we did not make any significant progress over the last two weeks. Mr Gerivien managed to impress me by his self-confidence, which was missplaced: he crashed a whole tea tray in front of others and spilled a crate of popotoes in the middle of the dining hall.
Assist Squire Gerivien in controlling his anger - New
More of a personal unofficial duty so far Ser Clement assigned me this responsibility after my report. Mr Gerivien is allegedly quite unable to control his emotions and I was appalled by how bad the situation is without a safe-guard. This could definitely be a weakness for others to exploit should they have ill-intentions towards the company. I would hate to see Mr Gerivien join the victims of political moves...Disdain for nobility, excessive insulting behaviour when talking about highborns. Had to take a more punitive approach, but I am struggling to make him realize what an absolute idiotic moron he can be sometimes. This will certainly get us all in troubles, and I certainly do not need another stain on my resume. Neither do I need one more on my heart... Fury, open your eyes, Mr Gerivien, you silly paissa!It was to be expected: his blatant disrespect for Father Lucienaux came to my attention lately. Of all people, he had to clash with the most dangerous ones. Perhaps I am not up to the task. Perhaps I cannot protect them in the end. Not the way I wished I could.
Teach Squire Gerivien how to read and write - In progress
Terrible hand-writing which led Ser Clement to mistake his reports for trash to bin.Difficulties to read, but know the basics.Copying exercices have been given: Enchiridion, Valentione poems, Heraldry books. Outstanding performance when reading love poems, but perhaps we should change the reading topics next time. I still do not quite know what to make of his infatuation: why did he look at me with such intensity when reading a love confession?!
Impress Lord Flambeaux with delicious dishes - In progress
Challenging budget and low quality ingredients.
Report on the well-being of the company and dietary programs to Ser Clement - In progress
Menus adapted on feedback and blind tests.Reports delivered to Ser Clement on a daily basis.____________________________________________________________
INVESTIGATION CASES FOR THE IVth
The vanishing case of Miss Ymiraude Valdecendre
Miss Valdecendre was last seen in the company of a wounded ex-dragoon wearing a blue drachenmail. A man labeled enemy of Ishgard, supposedly slain by Ser Lanvalloix himself.
Lady Genevieve visited miss Darcy. She was in a pathetic state, explaining to the squire how desperate she was to find her friend. She mentioned how odd it felt to see her staff left in their shared room. This staff was so precious to Miss Valdecendre that she could not have possibly left it behind her. I heard from miss Darcy that lady Genevieve was Ser Ebrelnaux's ex-wife. As the case unfolded, I realized that Love was entangled in the political ramifications of this vanishing.
She claimed that Miss Valdecendre attended to the dragoon's wounds, despite him being an enemy. Miss Darcy described the man as "charismatic" and confided me that he was called the Red Raven. She was afraid that the Red Raven would target other knights in the company, especially herself, since he had already met her in the past.
She delivered a report to Ser Clement, and most obviously kept some details for his ears only. I now write these lines to immortalize the case. Should we all perish in our duty most holy to bring Justice, I trust someone shall find this humble book and not toss it in a fire right away...
Observations
Find out about Ser Lanvalloix: how come he did not realize the man was not dead? We lack context on the protagonists' relationships. Miss Darcy seemed afraid to be seen as a rumormonger: she might be hiding something?Put Lady Genevieve on watch: although distressed, the lady should have notice something if Miss Valdecendre left the room without her staff. If Miss Valdecendre was kidnapped in her room, how come lady Genevieve did not perceive anything wrong? If she was not in her room when it happened, how come she did not have her staff on her? Would lady Genevieve lie about this incident?Could Valdecendre have willingly follow the Red Raven? If the reports on her conduct are true, then she chose to heal and assist an enemy of Ishgard, making herself, by extension, a criminal. We should be cautious about her and, in the lack of evidence, consider the uncertain possibility that she turned against us for her own interests.Would it be possible that a third-party had taken advantage of the situation? We have no evidence so far as to this Red Raven's implication except a witness' vague report.
Investigation aborted, no new information on my end.
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The Hood and the Scabbard
Wretched by the day a thief dared steal from my fiancée! Alas, this case is a personal matter, and I shall see it through, on my honor.
My beautiful fiancée was in the Jeweld Crozier when it all happened. A hyur wearing a hood, with golden dye in the tips of her hairs and a peculiar foreign weapon at her waist, snatched my lovely fiancée's dagger scabbard. A scabbard she was gifted by her Father, bearing the sigil of House Haillenarte as a token of loyalty and honor.
Under the judgmental gaze of Ser Clement, Miss Darcy, Mr Gerivien and myself tracked the thief into the Brume. Here she was, playing with jewels. She barked and fooled around, and when all reasoning attempts failed, she attacked miss Darcy! Thankfully, Halone blessed me with a strength I never knew I had, and I managed to seize her before she escaped, allowing my fellow knights to arrest her and throw her in a cell.
Unfortunately, the thief only had jewels on her. No trace of the scabbard!
Moreover, the thief did not seem worried at all. She claimed that a certain lady Blackheart would come, and free her from her shackles. She seemed very confident about it.
When interrogated about the scabbard, she claimed that a man paid her to steal it. Hence she had fine jewels on her. She claimed that her crimes were justified by the noble value of compassion for the children of the Brume whom she intended to feed with her prize money.
Day 2
I knew this name was familiar. The mysterious incident around lady Blackheart have been amongst these little detective stories I read alongside him. She was supposed to have died but the body was never found. Yet here she is now, Scarlet Blackheart, and no one ever found out what happened in her past. Strange, as it reminded me of this other House's story, one about the Hildegarde heir who vanished after the massacre of her family and servants.
Scarlet Blackheart's origins weren't difficult to find in my usual book references. Half hyur, half elezen on the mother's side. Her dad was a lowborn blacksmith working for commoners and soldiers alike. It seemed she inherited quite a small fortune from her mother's side... So peculiar how the dates coincide... Blackheart House really thrived in Scarlet's hands, when she supposedly inherited the money and started a business in crystals trading. It seems she has the support of House Haillenarte for this business. The crystals are supposedly used to enhance the abilities of those who know how to use them properly. Such a peculiar business...
Based on the rumors I gathered in the past, I see I had a note about her. Described as a sweet yet cautious lady, rarely seen in public, which only increased the mystery around her. If she goes out of her ways to step into the public scene, it means it is important to her, that much is for certain. As for the mystery around her, it grew as far as assumptions of heresy. Some gossips about forbidden magic, but of course no evidence to support any of these baseless rumors. How odd... The heir of Hildegarde had the same kind of reputation. They sound quite alike to me.
My contacts at the Orphanage reported to me that our thief was not a liar. She is known by the children of the Brume. She sure is a petty criminal but the children did not seem to fear her, quite the contrary. She was quite often seen bringing them food.
Maybe Lady Blackheart's humble beginnings make her an exception at the eyes of our thief?
Day 3
(A drawing of Scarlet Blackheart and her shield's sigil is joined.)
Lady Blackheart visited the Congregation, and her attitude and words shed a new light over the case. I unfortunately lack the time to write all my observations, but it seemed bold and dangerous to infuriate the lady and treat her in such a poor way. I fear that her frustrations shall only lead us to lose both the scabbard and a political fight with Haillenarte House.
I need to find another way to get the scabbard back.
Observations
We should ask the children of the Brume if they know the thief. If she was close to them and was feeding them, then we might have evidence of her not-so-evil nature. I shall bake sweets with our leftovers ingredients tonight and ask my connections at the Orphanage to deliver them to the Brumes' children. Let's see what we could learn...If an exchange was done, perhaps we could find a witness to this deal she made with the mysterious man? Since the thief was found on our way from the markets to the Brume, it is expected that the exchange was made in this area. Otherwise, we wouldn't have found her sitting there so merrily... Fine jewels narrow the man's profile. A noble? Or a talented criminal? What connection would this lady have with a petty thief, and how much influence can she have to bypass the Temple Knights' authority? Granted that we do not have any hard evidence that the thief is actually guilty without witnesses. She could also demand a trial by combat and we would forever lose the trail of the scabbard... We should investigate on lady Blackheart's whereabouts and history. I will browse my books until I find something. I hope sleep will not fall upon me tonight.
Investigation in progress
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You pull the green braided string and end up on the left side of the book. The pages open with a refreshing scent of rosemary.
On the left: the realistic drawing of a maid, sketched in all simplicity. There was no name alongside it, but should you know Iselle Greystone, this would be a very flaterring and endearingly cute representation of her.
On the right: Valentione poems written with great care, decorated letters sliding in the pages with such elegance it truly must be Art.
Fury! Did you just manage to find Mr Lupin's love life section?!
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Laughter seems part of daily life where before it did not exist anymore.
She comes to my mind with the simple scent of rosemary, the red shades of the sunset, the forest green of the Coerthan trees and the sweet taste of apple pies.
I open my heart knowing that there’s a chance it may be broken, to relish in love and joy as I thought I would never dreamed possible again.
I have never felt so vulnerable, yet so strong at the same time.
This love has grown so real that it scares me.
You turn the pages and read through many poems about Love, some of them you did not know ever existed, some perhaps even from Mr Lupin himself. What an oddly well-educated servant.
After going through a wide range of emotionnal displays and love confession essays, you find out a budget list the man seemed to update frequently. There is only one line:
Wedding rings - 2000 gil / 300 700 890 1000 1100 1300 1650 1900 2000!
Other budgets are displayed below this one line, mainly for restaurants, flowers bouquets, perfumes, ingredients for teas and cakes, alongside drawings picturing the enthusiasm and goals of a very infatuated Mr Lupin.
Other very enthusiastic drawings can be found by the end of the section, but of an entirely different kind, picturing in flattering traits the lovely Iselle with far less clothes than propriety should ever allow. Flowers were conveniently displayed to keep the artworks decent and subtle.
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I fell in love with her sincerity, her courage, her wit, her mischievous smile and her kind patience.
I fell in love with her laughter, her small gestures and her affectionate teasing.
I fell in love with the forest green maze of her orbs, and her red hairs boldly dancing on pale ashen skin.
I fell in love with the way she says my name, like no one ever did before her.
I love her for who she is, and it is the beginning of everything.
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The following pages seem to heavily focus on the different types of weddings and venues, alongside traditionnal descriptions of what would be fitting for a lowborn or not.
Long lists of furnitures, recipes and decorations go over half a dozen of pages, with a blank guest list.
The last entry displays a rough sketch of a wedding ceremony featuring two fashionable men. Whoever attended the ceremony might guess Mr Lupin portrayed Ser Lanval with Ser Ebrel.
A brief part of their vows were written below the sketch with more or less accuracy. It seemed Mr Lupin was impressed by the ceremony.
Amongst the wedding pages, one question written with obvious hesitation has been penned:
Should we ask Mr Liamont to be our best man?
"As your lord husband, I vow that I will serve as your shield of love, as you shall be mine.
For what wickedness may roam and threaten to consume the world, I shall be your bastion.
In the darkest of black days, I will serve as your beacon against despair.
When there is rain, I shall be your shelter. When you are cold, I will be your warmth.
I swear to support you when you waver, to guide you when you are lost.
I will answer whatever summons You level unto me."
- Ser Lanvallois Prejugaire
_
“You choose me.
You looked beyond my drachenmail and found grey eyes and you gave them a pinch of light to find the cobalt hiding inside.
And so, this is my promise and vow; fall, and I will be there no matter the height.
Succumb to shadows and I will bring you back to the light. I swear.
You saved me.”
- Ser Ebrelnaux
You pull on the red braided string and flip the pages open on a section by the middle of the book.
It has a wide rough sketch as the first entry, showing the Halonic Tribunal in its simplified glory, and a prisonner standing there to await judgement. It is hard to tell who the man is, purposedly drawn this way, but those who attended Liamont's trial might figure out what this whole section is all about.
___________________________________________________________
Twenty years later, I pushed the self-same doors that condemned my eyes to see none but the darkness lurking inside elezen's souls.
Long have I debated, whether I would have the courage to sit here, listening to the deafening silences. Hearing screams nobody else could hear. Seing shadows nobody else could see.
It was Mr Liamont's choice, Ser Simeon told me. He had to. He felt compelled to grovel and beg for the forgiveness of crimes he was sure he had committed long ago. The Fury had been witness of his sins; then why would he beg for the forgiveness of those who were blinded to his deeds?
Blind Justice, in fur and white garb, pervading the air with its perfume. Blind Justice climbing up the stairs of the potence they laid for silly Mr Liamont. And who would dare to speak up for the naive lamb, when all the wolves gathered to rip his soul from his chest?
Who would...?
To think that Mr Liamont's parents did not turn into dragons. One could only wonder where the accusations came from. For Halone sees us all, but Halone's Justice is not the Justice of mortals.
The Inquisition was wrong once.
Writing these words sent a chill in my spine.
I've been led to feel their presence so very close to me, watching, listening, judging... But now the war is over, and in love lies a courage I never knew I had.
Mayhaps the Inquisition was wrong again.
Mr Liamont's guilt over these three years was already a torment, a punishment. What could the mortal Justice bring upon his head that was worse than the misery the boy was breathing?
I despise him greatly. But certainly not as much as they trained him to despise himself. Relentlessly did he begged, and admitted all his sins, while the wolves were casting dirty glances at him. The accusations rained down upon him.
I could not bare it.
Not again.
Not anymore.
I had failed twice. The boy threw Lord Sibaruse's reputation in the mud. I have been sent by him to prevent these things from happening, and here I was, powerless, while a silly young boy was lighting political fires everywhere.
But I have failed the boy, too. Failed to protect him from himself. Failed to protect him from those very same fires he was so oblivious too.
I suppose I had to speak up. And so I did, as a witness of his stupidity - but, him, a villain? a heretic? Ha! I would feel more threatened by a ladybug. None of them knew Mr Liamont as well as us other servants did. He deserved to be punished, but not to be thrown in a court to lay bare his guilt and be devoured by those who held in their hands the whips of politics.
He was oblivious to the core. Clumsy. And a pain to work with, really. I’ve never been acquainted to someone as naïve and bubbly as this young man. His dedication to serve House Sibaruse was as deep as his stupidity. And for what? Ser Simeon did not even defend him.
Mr Liamont nearly cried when I offered him a copy of the sacred book. He prayed the Fury every day and every night from the depths of his heart. The lamb was lost but alas! It found its way back to the flock to atone for his crimes. Ishgard has suffered so much, our nation scarred by the war – there is much to rebuild, and this man is still young.
He was given a chance. To live. And repay his debt. And how? With gil. Such bitter irony.
Following this trial, I did what I had to do. I gave my letter of resignation and faced the wrath of Lord Sibaruse. I left Ser Simeon's household and turned my back to the silly boy who chose agony over freedom.
I did what I felt was right in my heart. And doing so in Halone's faith made my eyes see the dim light at the end of the tunnel...
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You flip the next pages, uncovering another entry. The date catches your attention: more than a whole year after the previous section relating the trial. A third of the right page has been covered with black ink. Some spots have been spared, standing out as blurred lines and shapes forming some sort of dreadful shadowy beast dressed in holy white robes, a truly twisted representation one could only see in horror tales.
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I always knew they were watching.
Hiding in plain daylight.
T . H .E .. . . M . O . N .. S. .T ..E ..R .S...
Twenty years after I can still feel his grasp over my shoulder. His warm breath on my neck.
Sit down, Mr Lupin.
Sit down and watch the monsters.
And now it's happening again. And all I can do is watch. And...
I pushed the kids into their claws.
After all these years, I still thought my efforts could make a difference. That, by helping the kids, I could ask for Thy forgiveness to have kept on living.
But I can't help them.
Gerivien, perhaps, would stand strong. And most likely get burn by doing so. And there is nothing I can do to prevent it, than perhaps ensure he never gets the chance to fall into this monster's hands.
But I can't help Liamont either.
His eyes can only see darkness, thrown in a bottomless pit of despair, monsters clawing at his heart like voidsent starving for fresh aether.
And all I can do is watch while they tear him apart. While they make him beg for the torture they are raining down upon him. While they make him want it. Need it. I can see how easily he might have been convinced. Extirpate the sins, purge the shame, torn the flesh and break the mind, until there is left but the carcass of a man. An empty shell for the monsters to enjoy.
I can picture him now so vividly. The faceless and shapeless nightmares of my haunted memories have taken his appearance. Claded in white and red. Time stood still twenty years ago. The monsters never left.
He is there. Hiding behind smiles and curtesy. Defiling all that is holy for the perversion of flesh and soul.
Am I the only one who sees it?
Liamont told me my accusations against this monster of his would not be tolerated. How dare I...?
And he is right.
Time has trapped me into a maze. Were it not for my dear Iselle, I'd think myself dead, condemned in hell to live with this overwhelming guilt, and shame, and pain, and fear, all over again...again...again...
There is no end to it, all the choices are wrong.
I cannot save Liamont.
I could not save Thee. I could never get Justice for Thee.
I shall not get it for Liamont.
He is too far gone. Even if I'd chose to go against the monster preying on him, he would never understand. He'd stop me. Protect this monster. Protect his illusion of redemption, no matter the agony of his humiliation. One single misstep and he would take me down with him. My second chance, my future with Iselle, the illusion of safety and stability. He'd tear it all apart in his spirale of destruction and take us all down in his suicidal quest. For as long as his heart is shrouded in darkness, he will never be free.
In the end all I could ever do is...
...sit down and watch...
...while the monsters feast upon our lives.
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I was wrong. There is hope.
I found in my heart the strength to tell Mr Liamont that I forgave him.
I do. I really do. I forgive him, for he was but a terrified child, who never meant any harm to anyone.
I forgive him and I shall take my responsibilities now.
Twenty years ago I was just like him. A young boy trapped in an unfair game of which I did not know the rules. I sat like he did and cried my eyes out at the unfairness of it all. I had been silenced, blinded, deafened. I have been chained to my role and I could not stop them.
Monsters defiling Nobility. Monsters defiling Holiness.
"I cannot refuse." Mr Liamont told me. Like I could not refuse anything from them so many years ago. We have but illusions of choices.
I say - no more.
I have tried my best to give to Mr Liamont a faint beacon of light. Thou came to my mind and whispered me the words. Words of hope, of forgiveness and reassurance.
And when he thanked me, I wished I could have done the same to all those who now loathe and resent me. I wish I could be forgiven. I wish I could have thanked Thee too.
Now I aught to take action. It is too late to cower in fear.
I need to protect Mr Liamont, one way or another.
I have dreaded this day for so many years. But I cannot ignore his desperate plea. I cannot ignore his tears, his sufferings, his silent cries for help. I cannot ignore his will to endure.
Just a little longer...
But how long can he still hold on? How long 'till his hope withers and dies. If I do not find a way, then I shall be guilty of his fall too.
I have started my investigations. Surely there is something to be found. Everyone have secrets. I need to find something, anything... If I cannot protect these kids then how could I face Thee in Halone's Halls?
I cannot bear to suffer this unfairness in silence. Not again.
If the boy dies, I fear I will lose my mind.
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How foolish of me, to think I could turn the tides of a such an endless sea.
It is an ever-lasting hell, a pit of despair and darkness in which I have been throw twenty years ago.
Nothing has changed.
I cannot save anyone.
I have failed them.
I cannot withstand the idea to lose those I care for. To watch as they suffer and break. To watch every last second of their misery. To watch as they wither and die.
I don't have the strength anymore. I cannot fight these monsters crawling their way out of my mind. I cannot fight the ones hiding behind the smiles.
My heart cannot see the light anymore. And the shades are spreading, like a poison, threatening to stain the lives of those I learnt to cherish.
I need to end it.
If I must fall, I must fall alone.
Forgive me, my young Lord.
Forgive me, my dear Iselle.
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" The only reason you are not sent to the frontlines of the Ghimlyt or put to death is from all those that testified of your goodwill.
And in all honesty that you are simply too dumb to really have meant your desertion as one. ” - Father Orrick Drecken
-
"I have not forgotten that I still needs repay my debts. Yet I am going through redemption! And I shall go through it until I prove myself worthy to be forgiven—and if I die in the process, so be it!" Mr Liamont
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You flip the pages and decide to go a little further in your discovery of this particular section flagged with the red bookmark. The next pages are not dated and seemed to relate another encounter of Mr Lupin. As you read through the lines, it finally occurred to you that this book's section had recurring themes around Justice, Inquisition, Church, and everything related to them.
The handwriting is nervous. Rushed. The author's priority seemed to rely more on the importance of relating the events rather than focusing on how elegant the letters looked like on the ledger. One of the page even seemed stained with ink spots, as if a bottle had been dropped nearby.
A very realistic drawing was joined, picturing what looked like a torture chamber. Did Mr Lupin drew it? Was that an accurate drawing, or just his vivid imagination? Anyone who had seen an Inquisition's chamber once in their lives would know the drawing was frighteningly realistic...
From Heavens
Descending from the Halls of Halone, claded in steel, Her "servant" blessed the Congregation by his unprompted arrival. A giant, 7 foot tall of muscles and iron, entered the vicinity of our home. Stairs creaked under the weight of armed Justice, and the walls trembled with the strength of his laughter. He had the appearance of the holy knights in the tales of the Church. The wings of his helmet could have been mistaken for those who bring one's souls closer to the Sky. But when the light shined upon the holy scriptures of his armor, I knew deep in my heart that the truth was not one of a child's tale.
Ser Helyan was his name. He was here for Mr Gerivien and Mr Liamont. An acquaintance of Ser Lanvalloix, if I heard correctly. His "brother" gave a crystal to Mr Liamont: 'tis all but so mysterious to me. He did not break any rule, nor did he acted in any hostile way, but I felt his gaze peering into the very depths of my soul.
"If you are a Gods' fearing man, there is no need to worry." His words sounded hollow. The bitterness of it all made me sick again. Words, engraved in my soul with melted iron. I do not fear Halone for She is Justice, and Truth, and my soul is in Her hands. However I have learnt to fear the Justice of men. No need to worry? My mind is filled with creeping fears and deafening screams. No need to worry, when these vows are ones of destruction and murders? No need to worry, when I can smell the scent of blood pervading the air just by gazing at such armor? How could I not worry, when a hound in disguise stand right in front of me. How could I not fear for my life when crawling nightmares take such a shape to haunt me in a place I thought was safe and holy...?
'Tis true the Fury leads our souls to fight, but there are many ways to lead a war. And these are not the ones I can willingly embrace. How many Liamont, Gerivien or Darcy, must they all sacrifice to be content? How many of these kids' bodies shall lie in the mountains until we may all accept peace? How much blood must still be spilled in the name of Halone, and all that is Holy?
Did Halone really sent this man? Am I wrong to feel this way?
The Fury's Hand holds a lance, but she holds a shield, too.
I hoped in my heart that I would be spared this man's presence in the future, but Halone works in mysterious ways. I only wish my silence shall be enough to drive the man away from me. He is of the same-self cloak than those who still haunts me everyday. I've tried so very hard to bury this all underneath, but this encounter reminded me that my efforts are still...O so very fragile...
I have done nothing wrong. Why must I feel this fear in my bones again?
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