Frosted windows shook quietly against the wind of Ishgard. Cold breezes that swept up the snow in soft flurries that danced across the stone walkways and decorated the tight corners of each frame that peered over the pillars. Though the estate had been quiet since the departure of children, it was never so silent. A lone clock chimed in the hall, the crackle of flames in the hearth that sat in the center of the bedroom was meant to give warmth and comfort. It offered nothing now but illumination on the parchment that the old elezen held in his hand. The armchair held his looming finger, bent over as he stared at the letter as if he had misunderstood it the first few times he’d read it. Yet, it was all plainly stated in elegant writing.
We extend our deepest apologies to the recent loss…
Over and over the words were traced with his eyes, yet even after three days he was still unable to process it.
The doorway framed his wife, ever elegant in her fine linens and lace, though she’d donned dark blues and blacks since the courier had arrived. In her still-smooth hands, she held another cup of tea for her beloved husband, stepping forward to set it on the small side table next to the man’s chair. Nothing was said as no words could soothe him now, only the clinking of three other cold cups of drink were carefully picked up to be taken to the maids in the hallway.
Cosette had known long before the letter arrived. The cold ping in her heart and the feeling of absence had alerted her that she’d lost yet another of her loves. This time, however, they were not simply gone from home to be missed for a brief period of time. Her handmaidens bowed and excused themselves as she stepped toward the library, closing the door but for a crack while making her way back to the desk tucked next to the multiple bookshelves. With pen in hand, she adjusted herself over the unfinished writing and took a deep breath, once more attempted to reach out to her last.
I apologize for not writing you more often. As a mother, it is my duty to keep in touch so that you do not lose your recognition of home. Ishgard stands among a small civil unrest after the events of our treaty with the dragons, but you are well aware of what would come with such exchange of handshakes.
But it is not why I write you.
I’ve no words for what I am to tell you. It aches my heart to not have you here where your father and I need you. I hope that you are among friends that will extend a hand for I am not sure how you will take this news.
My love, we have received confirmation they have found your sister. At least, all that was found of her in the last place she was known to stand. Forgive me for my failings as a mother to protect you both, for the inability of me as a parent to lead you into safety and for my ignorance in believing the evils of the world would not claim my children.
Your father sits now in loss. He has not eaten nor drank in three days since the letter arrived. I beg of you, come home. If not for me, for your father.
As the quill clinked into the inkwell, Cosette lifted the edge of the paper to fold it. Her finger slipped against the edge as a loud crash came from down the hall, causing her to leap upward and throw open the door as one of her maids returned her gaze in horror.
Cosette stepped into the bedroom, finding her husband on his knees with the note ripped in half while he sobbed. The chair lay on its back, tea splayed across the floor. She stood with her hand to her heart, unable to bear the sight of her husband so broken. A man who had put everything behind his children, now suffering the loss of his only daughter. With a quick inhale, Cosette turned to usher the maids away, closing the door as she moved to gather up her husband against her chest while he clung to her.
She swallowed her tears, brushing her fingers through his white hair and rocking softly.
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