A fresh dust of snow paved the way to his destination, his cane clutched in his palm as he felt a roar of excitement wash over him, yet his old legs couldn’t carry him as quickly as he would have liked. Still, Edmont de Fortemps, accompanied by his son, Count Artoirel de Fortemps, hastily made his way to the main hospital within the Pillars. Up that road, down this road, through this tunnel, and across from that house–Edmont knew the area very well, though necessarily not by fortune. However, this occasion was fortunate indeed, for he received a missive merely hours prior stating that the Lady of House Borel had given birth. ‘Twas an exciting moment that caused him to rip himself from his desk and summon the steward to fetch his coat—his ward, the woman who called him her adoptive father, the savior of Ishgard, had brought a new life into their cold, cold world. And he was honored to be the first to be told out of the potential hundreds of others who could have found out about Ishgard’s newest blessing–not even the Scions knew.
Not even the Lady’s own parents were notified.
The pair made their way into the main hall, greeted kindly by one of the secretaries as she realized instantly who they were and what they were there for. With a smile, she guided both men towards the maternity ward. Each bed area was blocked off by partitions and curtains alike, giving each mother their privacy. Though, towards the end of the ward one curtain was slightly ajar for just a moment as a gentleman made his way through the veil. Immediately recognizing him, Edmont picked up his pace to greet the man before him,
“Ser Aymeric,” Edmont began, “how is she? Is she well? Are both mother and babe-”
“L-Lord Edmont, Lord Artoirel, we weren’t expecting you both to arrive so soon.” Aymeric said with raised brows, though a smile nonetheless, “They’re fine, both of them. Though, the little one is asleep right now.”
My boy...I’m so proud…
Edmont held his tongue, giving Aymeric a nod, “I received the missive. Is she...free for visitors?”
“Yes, she’s free for the moment. I was just about to call upon one of the nurses to bring her something to eat as she is famished.”
“I can imagine, given the circumstances.” Artoirel stated flatly as he was so one to do. Aymeric smiled and shrugged a bit,
“I’m not in the position to really deny her or delay her requests at the moment-”
“Of course.” Artoirel sighed, “I’ll tell the nurse to bring her something, you stay here with your wife.”
“Th-that’s very kind of you.” Aymeric seemed rather flustered, but Artoirel knew that Quinn wouldn’t want Aymeric out of her sight. He was there when the knight casually approached him and the Lord Speaker to tell them that Quinn had been in labor for two hours already, and for sure she was not too happy with her husband being as tardy as he was. Obviously he had gotten an earful and then some.
“I’m sure she’ll forgive you...eventually.” Edmont chuckled, “Right now, I think you and the babe are at the forefront of her mind though.”
“Please, allow me.” Aymeric pulled the curtain back slightly to allow the elder in, just enough so that he could sidestep through.
She was sitting up holding a small bundle in her arms with an exhausted look in her eyes, yet that warm, glowing smile on her features was ever present. Edmont was taken aback by the scene, for the last time he had seen her was at a party just a week prior when she looked like she was ready to pop and miserable as ever.
“Lord Edmont,” she whispered as she looked up from the babe, “thank you for coming by.”
“It is an honor, Quinn–err, Mistress Borel.” he said with a chuckle as he took to the chair next to her.
“You know ‘Quinn’ is just fine for me.” Her voice was hoarse and soft, a harsh contrast from her more boisterous vocals.
“Well, is it a boy or a girl?” he asked curiously,
“A healthy little boy.”
“And what of you, my dear?” he sat his cane to the side so that he could offer his gloved hand to her, just as a father would. She accepted it, giving it a gentle squeeze,
“I’m fine. They said we can go home in a few days.”
“I’ve elected to postpose any meetings until I know they’re both back at the manor safe and sound, rest assured.” Aymeric interrupted before Edmont could question the new father’s willingness to put his own duties aside. Edmont gave Aymeric a proud nod before going back to Quinn,
“That warms my heart to hear.”
“Would you like to hold him?”
Edmont froze, for the last time he held a child was when Emmanellain was just a babe. That was years ago…he wondered if he still knew the proper way to hold one. But, it was fatherly instincts which kept him at ease, and Quinn gently handed the tiny bundle over to him.
“I figured it would be nice for him to meet his grandfather.” Quinn beamed as she made the statement. Edmont felt his cheeks go rosy at the thought, taking the child in his arms as he warmed to the idea of being a grandfather, even if he and the babe and the babe’s parents didn’t share blood.
The little boy’s eyes were shut tight as he was perfectly snuggled into the warm swaddle. Edmont couldn’t help but to wonder whose hair he got and whose ears he inherited, but he dare not disturb the child’s slumber.
“Oh, by the Fury, he is perfect.” Edmont stated loud enough so both parents could hear his praises, “Have you given him a name yet?”
...
That’s when Quinn and Aymeric’s eyes locked on to one another, both grinning with delight about their little kept secret. Aymeric rubbed the back of his neck,
“Well, Lord Edmont, we wanted to give him a strong name. A name that meant the world to both Quinn and I.” he explained.
Quinn went on, “...so, Aymeric and I discussed it…and we decided to name him after a knight. A knight that served Ishgard to the fullest. A knight who was known for his kindness, generosity, and overall selflessness. Those are characteristics we want to see in our son, so...please meet Haurchefant de Borel.”
…
“H-haurchefant…” Edmont stared wide-eyed at the child, “...Haurchefant de Borel.”
Quinn hesitated for a moment, unable to gauge the man’s thoughts by the way he looked at the babe. Her gaze fell to Aymeric once more, who equally had a look of concern in his eyes.
Before either of them could explain further, the former count pulled the babe closer to his chest, his free hand wiping away what appeared to be tears rolling down his cheek,
“What...what a wonderful name.” he wept, “I am…I am so honored you chose to give that name to your own son.”
Quinn smiled softly, “He gave his life for me...I wanted to honor that sacrifice. And we will raise our son to be just as honorable as he was, that we promise.”
“Oh, by the Fury,” Edmont sniffled, “to hear that name once again–Haurchefant. Ah, forgive me. I am filled with joy, truly. My ward, and the friend of our family, raising a son named after my own? Words cannot describe not only my surprise, but my gratitude that you would choose to carry on his legacy in such a way.”
“We apologize that we did not run it by you first, but it came to us the moment Quinn held him for the first time.”
“We honestly didn’t have any names lined up beforehand.” Quinn admitted bashfully, “But, I think the name fits him perfectly.”
“It truly will,” Edmont said with a smile, “I have faith in you both to honor my son’s legacy...isn’t that right, Haurchefant?”
The babe cooed softly in his sleep. Truly, he had quite the boots to fill. But, with the guidance of his parents and extended family, he would grow up to be a knight worthy of carrying the name.
Has your OC ever been asked (or commanded) to wear a particular item or set of clothes and refused? Why was this? What were the consequences?
Oooh, I had to think for quite a while on this one. I think the best-fitting moment from his past would be when he first became a paladin. The full plate armor of the Sultansworn was much heavier clothing than he was used to wearing, and he opted to forego the cuirass for a simpler shirt. Since he was a free paladin and not an actual member of the Sultansworn, there was nothing they could do about this dress code violation.
He has worn the full suit for ceremonial reasons on a couple occasions, though!
Starlight Greetings from the Proprietress of The Clockwork Boutique
"Hello Darlings. My name Is Iris Opranta (@irisopranta) and I will be helping out this year with The Starlight Initiative. As an Ishgaradian business woman, it would be pleasure to bring joy to everyone.
Now I bet you want to know what I would a business woman would provide to the public, free of charge. Well I am a seamstress my darlings. I'd be able to fix your clothing or even make you new outfits. Mayhap you looking for some toys or plushies for you living space. Whatever it may be, I would be happy to make your dreams come true."
OOC Information
As a volunteer, I will be happy to help craft armor, glamour items, or housing items (just don't expect it to be high quality if it was added recently). As well I will be happy to help farm any gear or mounts from dungeons, trials, or even exploration areas like Eureka and Bozja.
24. Is their any moment that happens between them that you know happens and just makes you melt?
This is actually something my friend helped me figure out awhile ago; Eve has an earring similar to Aymeric's that she got right at the very end of Stormblood (which helped keep her grounded through Shadowbringers) she wore it ever since. Aymeric has a peridot ring that he wears around his neck
When Eve misses him or when she's feeling overwhelmed, she touches it
When Aymeric misses her, he pulls the ring out and looks at it fondly (he does this almost every day when Eve is elsewhere)
Every time I think about this little detail I'm like 🥺
thank u!!! plate 13 is cori's nin glam which i used once i reached level 50 and then. never played nin again. also for some reason it doesnt have the shoes even though i know i definitely had them. ft these v cool daggers that were the main reason i made the glam
I would like you to write a fic about Quinn taking care of her son Hauchefant.
“Remember not to have too much coffee, my lady.” the steward reminded Quinn as she was about to pour herself another cup from the carafe. She frustratingly tapped her finger on the table as she pulled back—he was right, but she needed that extra bit of juice to get her morning started. The previous night had been a late one as per usual, and unlike her husband, she was far from a morning person. The steward instead offered to pour her a glass of water, which she could enjoy with her eggs and toast.
“Thank you.” she said with a bitter smile, her tired eyes following the steward as he excused himself from the breakfast nook with the coffee carafe in hand—no longer would she be tempted to exceed her one-cup limit for the morning. As usual, the eggs were fluffy and flavorful and the toast, crunchy to perfection, just the way she liked it. It only took the house Borel steward a few weeks to make her breakfast the way Aymeric made it for her on days he didn’t have to attend early morning meetings. It was quite impressive. Though it would have been more enjoyable to share the meal with her husband, who hastily said his farewells as she was getting herself dressed. He, too, admittedly slept in due to their elongated night.
“Did milord eat breakfast this morning?” she called to the steward, who poked his head back into the nook,
“Unfortunately, he did not. Though, I presume he will return ‘round the noon hour for a meal.”
“Gods, I hope so.” she sighed, “He’s been running himself ragged.” The steward had no retort as he went back to his duties. Quinn lost her appetite upon hearing that Aymeric, once again, skipped breakfast due to his station. The practice was becoming all-to-common for her liking, yet it pained her to have to lecture him once more while she had the luxury of staying at home for the time being. The lady of the house stood up from the table and abandoned her plate, leaving half a piece of toast and a quarter of her eggs to the side, a choice she would later regret.
Quinn made her way down the main hall towards the western wing of the house. Although she had no plans for the day involving anything outside the house, she couldn’t help but to be lost in thought as she calculated her plans for the day.
“Oh, I didn’t have tea with someone today, did I?” she muttered, “I really need to buy a planner or something to write these things down. Oh, but then I have to go to the Crozier to find one. It’s been snowing a lot lately, and I’d rather not take him out in the cold just to get a notebook. Perhaps I can ask Aym to buy me one? No, he should really be home to rest...”
Admittedly, she found herself bound to the house for the foreseeable future, especially as winter roared in with its nasty weather as it so loved to do. While Ishgard was an eternal winter scape, when the Eorzean calendar read the beginnings of the sixth umbral moon every resident knew that it was winter winter. She would just have to hunker down and wait it out…
…at least she wasn’t alone during the day anymore.
Five moons prior, Quinn had given birth to her and Aymeric’s son, lovingly named Haurchefant de Borel. He was born a healthy weight with this father’s eyes and his mother’s complexion, with an infectious smile and laughter that could fill a room. He was their pride and joy, and undoubtedly a symbol of their love.
Opening the door to their room, Quinn felt the stress of the early morning lift from her shoulders as she heard Haurchefant babbling in his bassinet. While he may have been the reason she was up so late the night before, Quinn was elated to see him up and about. At least, as about as a five month old could be.
“Looks like someone is finally awake.” she giggled as she approached Haurchefant’s crib, which sat in the corner of her and Aymeric’s room while his true room was being redecorated. The little one stared at his mother curiously for a moment before smiling and kicking his feet in excitement—at least, kicking as much as he could while swaddled in his layered onesie. Quinn leaned over his cot, gently touching her fingertip to the tip of his nose, “Good morning, my little lord.”
Haurchefant giggled in response as he reached for his mother’s hand. Upon grasping her finger, his other hand went to his mouth as he looked at her almost expectantly. The hand that touched his mouth flailed a bit more before touching his mouth again. She knew exactly what that meant.
“Is my little Haurchie hungry?” she cooed playfully, “My smart little man knows how to tell me that he is, doesn’t he?”
He nearly slapped his mouth in protest, brow furrowed as if his signal did nothing to her since there was no milk in sight. But Quinn knew better than to make her little guy wait, immediately lifting him out of the bassinet and bringing him over to the rocking chair in the opposite corner of the room,
“I can’t wait until you’re in your own room, it’s crowded in here.” she lamented as her gaze fell to all the baby necessities littered in the once-spacious master bedroom. But, soon he would be old enough to be in his own room…and maybe she and Aymeric could finally get some decent sleep.
Haurchefant fussed as there was still no sign of milk, a tiny whine coming from his mouth in frustration. How could she be so cruel? He was hungry, and he was hungry now. Even if he was picked up, which he loved, he still wasn’t getting anything to eat! Impatient as he was, the babe began to fuss even louder, despite his mother sitting down and positioning herself for a comfortable feeding time for the both of them.
“Now, now…” Quinn bit her lip a bit, trying not to raise her voice as he began to whine louder. She gently hushed him as she slid down one side of her dress, exposing her breast just before the infant had a full-on tantrum. Bringing the babe to her bosom, Haurchefant quickly latched on to her nipple and began to nurse…as if he wasn’t fed just a few hours beforehand. Quinn sighed and leaned back a bit, holding her son in the optimal position so that he could have his breakfast without any disruption.
Finally, some food!
“I’m still so glad you don’t have teeth yet.” she muttered, “…To the bottle with you when that happens.”
Of course the baby was unfazed by his mother’s promise to bottle feed him if he bit her, he was too busy focusing on his own morning routine. The little boy had his own day ahead of him—breakfast with mom, some burping, a walk around the house, and then that dreaded tummy time…but somewhere in there, lunch! And dinner! And a snack, maybe? It was a tight schedule, with little room to let his mother do much for herself. Though he would certainly let her know if she was slacking in her duties.
With a yawn, Quinn sat back in her chair and did what she could to keep her eyes open. With the vision of her son fading in an out, she used her free hand to tap her cheek in an attempt to fully wake. She wondered if Aymeric faired the same, sitting at his desk looming over paperwork with his eyelids drooping from the lack of sleep. She could not quite recall the last time each of them had a full night’s rest…maybe five months ago, she assumed.
Yet even with tired eyes, the moment she looked down at her suckling babe she couldn’t help but to beam with delight. That was her boy; her little baby boy. Sure, he had a habit of wailing and crying at night and fussed throughout the day, but those moments were miniscule compared to the quiet moments where he bonded with his mother like so. Or, the moments when he giggled and smiled up at his father, both sharing the same bright, blue eyes and wavy black hair.
Quinn could still recount the moment Aymeric held their son for the first time–how he wept with joy, praising Halone for such a healthy boy and thanking his wife for giving him such a blessing. The pair were nearly inseparable until the little one cried out for his first meal. Of course, Aymeric would soon have to return to his duties, leaving the babe in the care of Quinn for most of the day. But for sure, upon his return home every night after kissing his wife he would take his son into his arms once more, giving Quinn her much-needed break.
“All done?” she asked curiously as Haurchefant nuzzled his head against her, softly smacking his lips together with quite the bit of milk dribbling out of his mouth. As per their routine, she pulled the babe up and near her shoulder, patting him on the back until the softest belch came out of him. And then some…
“Y-yeah, you’re done.”
“b-buhb ba…”
“I’m glad you’re full.” she giggled, pressing her lips to his cheek before returning him to his bassinet for a moment.
But, oh, he wouldn’t have that. While his mother was fixing her dress back to the way it was, he was determined to get her attention once again. A loud screech came from the bassinet as he kicked as best as he could through his swaddle, Quinn wincing slightly before she got the hint.
“Alright, alright.” she cooed as she once again lifted him up and into her arms. He squealed with delight, his smile brightening up the room as he looked at his mother with adoration. Quinn began to sway with him in her arms, humming softly before pressing another kiss to his forehead.
“Well come and well met, my brave little spark…” she hummed, “how long you’ve wandered, burned bright as a star…”
The babe grinned as his mother sang to him, a hand reaching up to touch her face which she allowed as she lowered her head to kiss her son once more,
“Oh, I have awaited you patiently all this time...”
And she continued to sing and sing, lulling her baby into a calming sleep until she was able to place him back into the bassinet without worry of a tantrum. Upon her final verse, she sat herself on her bed, eyes slowly closing as she hummed,
“…for this journey’s end...is but one step forward to...tomorrow…”
And with a final note, Quinn fell back asleep.
An early morning nap between mother and child never hurt anyone.
