TALES OF THE FALLING SNOW: CHAPTER TWO - BLACK AND WHITE
Trouble brews in Camp Dragonhead as implications of Lord Francel being in league with the heretics. How will Shoto and Angel save Haurchefant's dear friend?
Writers are Xehnis (Shoto) and @angel-lockhart.
***
The dining hall was quiet, except for the occasional tap of a cup being set down. Shoto stared into the dark liquid of her cup as it sloshed around within its container. She took a long drink; the bitterness served to help wake her more quickly than even the cold of Coerthas. Her ears flicked back and flattened some at the taste.
Across the table, her companion noticed her reaction. “I’m not really a fan of bitter things either.” Angel smiled as Shoto looked up from her mug. He seemed a bit more awake than she was at the moment.
The past few days had been exhausting for them both. They hadn't had much luck in proving Lord Francel’s innocence, let alone their own. It felt like a wild goose chase around Coerthas so far; everything they thought they had figured out seemed to end at a wall. Everything was tied up in politics and paperwork... Everyone was so distant and untrusting! Everyone except their host; Lord Haurchefant.
Shoto smiled a little at that last thought. She shifted forward and leaned onto her hand, with her elbow propped on the table. Haurchefant’s words echoed in her mind.
Please, warm yourselves by our hearth, take a rest from your journeys. Life is not a race, my friends--rushing blindly forward without concern for your health, and you will one day pay the price.
He had told them to take care of themselves first and foremost. Alas, Shoto knew she and Angel had a job to do. It always felt like there was something else to take care of, something else they had to do. She thought about how nice it would be to take a break every once in a while... Like the other night, when she sat beside Haurchefant in his chambers, sipping the hot chocolate he'd made for them...
No no no. She shook away the thoughts with a light blush on her face, then took a large swig of her remaining coffee; much to Angel's surprise. She then sat the mug down loudly and chuckled to herself, “Ah~! At least the bitterness is helping me wake up!”
Angel blinked, blushed a little, then gave her a nod and went about finishing his breakfast. Her smile faded some as she thought about their plans for the day; they had learned that Lord Francel’s trial was upon them. She and Angel would need to act fast. They had yet to hear from Haurchefant on the rosaries they had found in the parcels just last night. He had simply told them to get some rest while he looked into it. They were both worried that they may not be able to continue waiting, despite Alphinaud's insistence that they continue to try and uphold 'diplomacy with the Isgardians'.
A loud bang from a swiftly-opened door made Angel jump and drop his remaining piece of toast. Shoto blinked and looked over to see a guard hurriedly scanning the room. He locked eyes with her and called out as he took a few steps into the hall. “My lady Takashi and my lord Lockhart, I'm glad I found you.”
Shoto stood up to acknowledge the guard as he hurried over, “What's happened?” Angel turned to silently look at the guard, then his eyes followed Shoto as she stopped in front of him, “Is there something you need us to assist with?”
The guard took a breath, then lowered his voice, as he no longer needed to yell. “Lord Haurchefant wishes to speak with you. It is a matter of great import. Something about a conclusion from last night?”
Shoto nodded firmly, “Sure thing! We'll make our way over.” The female Miqo'te looked back to Angel, “Welp, I guess breakfast is over. It seems he's got an answer for us.” The White Mage nodded, then hurriedly gathered his plate to clean up. They then hurried off to the main barracks, and into Haurchefant’s office.
* * *
The Elezen with silver-blue hair looked up at the sound of his door, and immediately beamed as he saw the two enter the room. “Ah, splendid! You both have wonderful timing."
"The guard said you found something?" Angel tilted his head curiously.
"Just so! And I would like to ask you for your assistance.”
Shoto smiled back at him, placing her hands on her hips, “Of course! You know we're more than happy to help. Especially since we know it will help out both parties.”
“Most splendid." Haurchefant chuckled, despite the serious matter. He held up a few papers, "It seems whoever is responsible has overplayed his hand while attempting to sully House Haillenarte’s reputation. Now, we will need to act quickly. I am currently preparing the formal statement to the Holy See. However...” He lowered the papers, then looked between Shoto and Angel, “I ask that you bear my words to Inquisitor Brigie.”
The Elezen stood swiftly, “Tell her that House Fortemps asks...nay, demands that Lord Francel’s trial be postponed until a full investigation has been conducted!”
Angel took a step back, as Haurchefant hit the desk to accentuate the 'demand'. His ears tipped back as he glanced over to the Miqo'te Scholar at his side. Shoto just nodded, as she looked back at Haurchefant, “We will move quickly to deliver your message!” She gave a slight bow. Angel blinked then nodded and did the same.
The Elezen laughed in response, “Must you always be so formal?”
* * *
Shoto walked out of the barracks, then looked over to Angel, “Any idea where we might find Inquisitor Brigie, Angel?”
The White Mage brought a thoughtful hand to his chin, “I think I saw her this morning... She left the dining hall... I think she was heading towards the aetheryte...?”
“Oh! We can start there then. You're the best Angel!”
The male Miqote’s ears perked and he shuffled a bit in spot as he blushed, “I-It was nothing, really. I just happened to notice her.”
Shoto giggled, “You should give yourself more credit, Angel.” With a flick of her ears, the two hurried towards the Aetheryte scanning the area.
“Ah! I see her over there,” Angel pointed up the stairs. Shoto followed where Angel was pointing, and found a tall Elezen woman with dark blue and black robes standing up by the aetheryte.
The two hurried up the stairs, then over to the Elezen. Shoto spoke first, “Inquisitor Brigie?”
The Elezen turned blinking; obviously confused, “Yes? How may I help you two?”
Angel fidgeted, “W-we're here to... deliver... a-a message,” Shoto placed a comforting hand on Angel’s arm as he trailed off a little. She knew the Miqo'te hated having to be so direct. His ears pinned back a little, and Shoto spoke up to continue.
“We're here with a report from Lord Haurchefant. New evidence has been brought to light, and House Fortemps demands that the Lord Francel’s trial be postponed until a full investigation is made.” Shoto paused to see how the Inquisitor would take her message.
Brigie simply frowned, “But that is not possible. Inquisitor Guillaime presides over Lord Francel’s trial at Witchdrop even as we speak.” She stood a little more confident, “Fear not: if Lord Francel is indeed innocent, he shall walk in Halone’s halls with the fallen heroes of Ishgard.”
Angel’s eyes went wide, he grabbed at Shoto’s sleeve before she could continue. His expression said what he was too flustered to say in a hurry, ' we need to report back to Haurchefant right now '.
A sentiment Shoto wholly agreed with, “Right. Of course. If you would excuse us.” As the two walked away, Brigie did a bit of a shrug and went back to her business.
Dread sat on the two Miqo’te’s faces as they made their way back to the barracks. What were they going to do...?
Haurchefant immediately looked up from his paperwork as they entered the barracks, confusion apparent upon his face when he saw their expressions. “Has something happened?”
Angel and Shoto stopped in front of his desk, then looked at one another. It was the female Scholar who took the step forward, “We found Inquisitor Brigie as you requested... but it seems we may be too late.”
"What do you mean?" Haurchefant quickly stood, concerned. His chair made a sudden, sharp squeak as it was pushed backward; both Miqo'te flicked their ears back at the sound.
Shoto frowned, “She said Lord Francel's trial is already taking place at Witchdrop.”
The Elezen's eyes widened with fear, “They took Lord Francel to Witchdrop !? This is madness!” The Elezen looked down towards his desk, then gestured with his hands as he tried to process what that meant for his friend. “The inquisitor does not have sufficient grounds to subject him to that manner of trial!”
Shoto just frowned, she knew the Elezen Commander would not take this lightly. Angel fidgeted behind her. Haurchefant then shook his head, “ No! I will not stand idly and allow an innocent man to die.” He pointed to the two Miqo'te before him, as he spoke pointedly. They both jumped slightly at his sudden movement. “Shoto. Angel. I would dispatch you both with one of my knights to Witchdrop.” He gestured over to one of his knights nearby, an Elezen with his reddish-brown hair pulled tightly back, who hurried over to their side and saluted to his Commander. “Hourlinet, Shoto, Angel, do whatever you must to forestall the proceedings. It is imperative that you keep Lord Francel alive!”
“Let us make haste!” Hourlinet encouraged. Shoto and Angel nodded, then hurried off with the knight towards Camp Dragonhead’s north gates.
Witchdrop wasn't that far from the encampment; it bordered the edge of the Ixal stronghold, Natalan. Hourlinet crouched down behind a rocky area as they approached. The two Miqo'te caught sight of the Inquisitor and his men, and knelt beside him. Poor Lord Francel at the edge of the canyon, facing the sheer drop that gave Witchdrop its name. One of the guards shoved him forward onto his knees as they crouched in wait. Shoto would have immediately rushed to the Elezen man’s side if it weren’t for Angel. His grip on her arm was firm, as he gave her the look of “I understand, but not yet.” She knew to trust her friend’s judgement in such matters.
“It is good to see that Lord Francel still lives.” Hourlinet glanced over to them, “We must try to reason with the Inquisitor... but, if his guards see us as a threat... Well, we must also be prepared to defend ourselves.”
Shoto knew it would more than likely be the latter option, but they had no choice if they were to save Lord Francel. They looked back to the scene before them; the young Lord had gotten back on his feet, and was now facing the Inquisitor and his men.
“Joacin Charlemend Francel de Haillenarte,” Inquisitor Guillaime clutched his book as he stared Lord Francel down. “You stand accused of heresy against the Holy See of Ishgard. Is there aught you wish to say in your defense?”
Lord Francel appeared to stand a little taller as he responded, “Hear me, brothers. These charges are false! The men and women of my line have ever opposed the Dravanians, and I am no different! Since the very birth of our nation, we have gladly shed blood in service to the Holy See! Condemn me and you will strike a blow for the enemies of Ishgard!”
A shake of his head, the dark hair of the Inquisitor swayed, “It is for Halone to judge if you speak the truth.” The man smirked a bit as he continued slightly louder, and a bit more theatrically, “ Prove your innocence in the eyes of gods and men. Leap from the cliff and entrust your fate to the Fury. The righteous shall take their place in Halone’s halls, while the wicked shall reveal their drachen forms and be put to the sword !”
Angel and Shoto knew they could wait no longer or the young Lord would more than likely jump. Having heard enough, the three gave up their hiding spot, and hurried forward.
Hourlinet called out, “In the name of House Fortemps, I beseech you to stay your hand!”
The Inquisitor and his men turned to face the three as they came to a stop a few yalms away. His guards gripped their weapons on alert.
Hourlinet’s hands were up in an offer of peace. “Inquisitor, we have come on behalf of Lord Haurchefant. My lord has uncovered evidence which suggests that the charges against Lord Francel are without merit.” Tilting his head up, looking a little more stern, “We humbly request that these proceedings be suspended until a full reexamination of facts has been conducted.”
Looking between the three, the dark-haired Inquisitor scoffed, “Lord Haurchefant has allowed his personal relationship with the accused to cloud his judgement. He dares to interfere in legal proceedings sanctioned by the Holy See?!” His eyes narrowed. “To defy the will of an inquisitor is to commit heresy!”
The two Miqo'te frowned at the response. “Looks like we have no choice then.” Shoto responded, as she deftly unbuckled the tome at her side. Angel readied his White Mage staff just as swiftly. Inquisitor Guillaime crossed his arms without another word his guards rushed forward. An arrow shot towards them, which Angel quickly deflected with a spin of his staff. Shoto traced her finger along the rune on the page, then sent a Broiled energy blast into the chest of the archer. The surge knocked him off his feet.
Hourlinet was quick on his feet, and immediately clashed swords with the tall, dark blue-haired elezen. A Pugilist guard was coming up on Angel's flank. The mage hurriedly slid to the side to dodge. He spun in a light circle as he called Stones from the earth beneath the Pugilist's feet; the sudden upheaval sent the him flying backward. That took care of those two, as they now laid in the snow incapicated. Both Miqo'te then turned their attention to the Paladin that Hourlinet contended with. Shoto rushed towards Hourlinet, as Angel moved quickly to Francel’s side.
A piercing roar rang out through the area. Shoto fell to one knee as her hands clamped down against her ears; the sound knocked her off-balance. Her tome landed in the snow before her. Angel clutched his staff in a white knuckle grip, and winced as he pinned his ears tightly against his head; he held his ground before Francel, just barely still standing. The sudden sound had thoroughly distracted Hourlinet. The Paladin he was fighting took the opening, swung at him, and sliced his shoulder.
Shoto regained her senses as she heard the distinct sound of leathery flapping that was swiftly approaching from her left. A large wyvern had appeared over the rocky outcropping they had only recently hidden behind.
Why? Why is there suddenly a wyvern here?!
A grimace sat on the Scholar’s face as the talons closed in. There wasn't enough time to react or dodge. Her eyes squinted shut...
...but the impact and pain she had expected did not come. Her eyes opened to find Haurchefant in front of her. His shield actively blocked the talons of the beast, which held it at bay. It snarled in annoyance, then quickly circled back, away from the two.
He glanced back at Shoto with a soft smile. He offered a hand to help her up. “I can’t leave all the work to you two. Come now.”
Shoto’s ears flicked in surprise. She recovered her book, then took his hand to regain her footing as she stood once more. The Scholar nodded and turned to face the wyvern before them. Haurchefant leapt forward and struck it as Shoto cast another Broil in turn.
Over near Francel, Angel threw up a barrier to deflect arrows from the Archer. The White Mage focused to call forth more Stones from the earth to make short work of the Archer; he successfully knocked them unconscious. The male Miqo'te turned to Francel, concern written on his face, “Are you alright?” Words failed the poor Elezen lord, and he simply nodded shakily. Angel nodded in response, then moved to stand closer to Francel in a defensive stance. “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you while Hourlinet, Shoto and Lord Haurchefant take care of the others.” He spied the wound on Hourlinet's shoulder, and cast a quick Curative spell while Shoto focused on her Dravanian trouble.
The wyvern continued to bear down on Shoto and Haurchefant with one attack after another. The Scholar quickly worked to shield the knight from the Dravanian's claws. Hourlinet had continued to push back against the dark-blue haired Paladin. Angel's Cure gave him the strength back in his arm to quickly push his shield against the other Paladin. He stumbled at the move and lost his footing. Hourlinet took the opening with a forward swing. The Paladin barely managed to clumsily block, but fell flat on his arse; something fell from his grasp on impact. Hourlinet stayed his blade, hovering close to the Paladin on the ground. “It is over now, please withdraw.”
A roar once more rang out from the wyvern as it shook its head, then simply turned to retreat. Hourlinet turned to see a very confused Shoto and Haurchefant still standing there tensed, as the Dravanian simply turned, then flew away as if nothing had happened. The dark blue-haired Elezen took this chance to flee. Hourlinet turned to stop him, but he was not fast enough. “Tch...seven hells…”
Shoto and Haurchefant then made their way over to him. The tall Elezen commander put a comforting hand on the shoulder of his guard. “Do not fret. You did well.”
Angel headed over as well. The Miqo'te chanced to catch sight of a glimmer in the snow, around where the Paladin had been. The mage moved over to find a shiny rosary in the snow, which appeared to be Draconian in nature. He picked it up, then held onto it as he moved over to Shoto’s side.
Haurchefant hurriedly approached the Inquisitor as he sheathed his sword and put away his shield. “Please, if I may. It is not our intention to defy the will of the archbishop. But this trial,” he looked over to Lord Francel then back to the Inquisitor before him, “like many others, has been orchestrated by enemies of House Haillenarte." Haurchefant’s tone was serious, his hands gestured to accentuate his point. "They have used you and your fellows to sow discord, Inquisitor. To set brother against brother, that we may tear ourselves apart.”
The Inquisitor crossed his arms in a sneer, “This is a fevered imagining of a desperate man. What proof have you of this?”
Angel held out the Draconian rosary he had found. The movement drew attention to the White Mage. Haruchefant looked just as surprised as the Inquisitor did. “By the Fury...a draconian rosary! Pray, where did you find this?”
Angel pointed with his free hand to the spot the Paladin had been knocked down. “It was over there. In the spot the dark-haired knight was, before he fled.”
Haurchefant brought a hand to his chin in thought, “Then the knight who refused to yield must have been the one who summoned the wyvern.”
The Inquisitor frowned. “A heretic in the ranks of the Temple Knights. This has grave implications…” He trailed off, thoughtfully, then let out a loud sigh, “Your claims would appear to have merit, Lord Haurchefant. I shall withdraw my charges against Lord Francel, pending further investigation.” With a motion of his hand, the remaining guards moved to return with him to the encampment.
Lord Francel moved over slowly, “Lord Haurchefant. I...I have not the words to express my gratitude." He fidgeted, confused. "But why...why would you risk your reputation to save mine?”
A hearty laugh came from Haurchefant in response; followed immediately by a big grin. “Because I know you, boy. You’re too loyal to betray Ishgard, and too devout to question your sentence. Had we been any slower, you’d have jumped of your own free will.”
Shoto blinked at the comment, Angel jumped a bit in disbelief, and the young lord's face turned a bright crimson. Joacin Charlemend Francel de Haillenarte most certainly wasn’t going to argue the truth; he had been fully prepared to jump if it would have meant clearing his house’s name.
Haurchefant spoke before anything more could be said, “Come now, let us head back to the Camp.”
The group moved to head back. Angel shivered, then hurried to keep pace with Francel and Hourlinet; both Elezen eager to return to Camp Dragonhead and calm themselves after such excitement.
Haurchefant slowed his pace to match Shoto's as they walked back. “If I may say, it was truly a pleasure to fight by your side.” Shoto looked up to him as they walked. Her head tilted to the side a bit in confusion. He smiled at her lack of reply and continued, “You are such a fearless and skillful warrior.”
Her cheeks burned with a blush as her eyes darted away from him at the flattery. Her embarrassed reaction gained a hearty laugh from him.
“Oh ho! How the lady blushes...such a lovely color! Truly splendid!”
Her blush only brightened further. Many people over time had complimented her for her performance. Even her friend, Angel, had done so. But... this seemed different, somehow...
"Lord Haurchefant, please. I'll, I'll catch a chill blushing, from all this flattery."
“Oh?” Haurchefant tilted his head a bit to get a better read on her face, and smiled warmly, “Fret not. I can make us some hot chocolate once we are back.”
Shoto looked up at the Elezen with a soft smile of her own, “That does sound lovely.”
The Miqo’te trailed off a bit as she stopped in the snow, causing the tall Elezen to pause as well. The rest of the group continued on without them, as Shoto simply stared at the snowy ground before her.
Haurchefant looked confused, then noticed a single tear slide down her cheek. Worried, he closed the gap between them and placed a hand on her shoulder as he stood beside her. His normal, playfully teasing tone was muted, "Are you alright, my dear?"
She simply nodded, and remained silent. Haurchefant frowned, then moved to stand in front of her. He used the tips of his long fingers to tip her head, which prompted her to look up to him.
“I would very much like you to talk to me if something is amiss. Large or small, please share your troubles with me...?"
The Miqo’te stared up at him, the tears falling a little more steadily at his warm smile and gentle touch. “I...You,” she squeaked, as her words seemed to fail her. She shook her head slightly, then spoke quietly, even as her tears continued. “I wasn’t able to stand alone. I messed up and you had to save me yet... yet here you are complimenting me.”
The Elezen’s eyes widened a bit in surprise. He hadn't expected that. “By the Fury, my dear, I was honored to fight at your side!” He moved his hand to her cheek, then used his thumb to wipe away some of her tears. “No battle need be fought alone. It is a knight’s honor to fight for and to protect those they love.”
“...L...Love...?" Shoto blinked, as her cheeks turned red. No, she misheard him. That has to be it.
"Yes, love." Haurchefant nodded. He didn't seem to be joking.
Shoto looked towards the Camp; Angel and the others were just passing through the gates. She knew Angel cared about her, the same way she cared about him; they were close friends. She looked back to Haurchefant, but felt a sad laugh escape her mouth before she spoke, "C-Come now, Lord Haurchefant... who would feel that strongly about me?"
Haurchefant leaned down closer to her as he stepped in front of her, “Who would not ? You are absolutely stunning, my dear. In many ways. More so than I think even you know.” He closed the distance between them. His fingers touched under her chin, then his lips caressed against hers with a soft hum. He drew it out as long as possible before they parted, then stayed close; a few ilms away from her face. “Splendid. Something I can savor, my dear Warrior of Light. I suspect we may not meet again for some time after tonight.”
Shoto remained speechless, and made no effort to pull away from him. Her face was twice as bright red as it had been, and it seemed her brain had finally caught up to his meaning after the kiss.
He stood back up tall, and extended his hand out to her, “Come now! Let’s get you out of the cold. I did promise you hot chocolate after all.” She nodded, then took his hand as they slowly made their way back to the Camp.
***
Notes: Seems like Haurchefant is finally getting his feelings across to poor dense Shoto. Hopefully, we will have another chapter out soon. Also, note that each chapter so far is named after songs in the game. I would listen to them as we wrote the chapters. - Xehnis If you’re curious what the characters look like, you can see their bios on our main series “Shard Weavers” Tumblr: https://shardweavers.tumblr.com/ You can also find some side stories involving the characters that we write at times on the Tumblr. Once again, thanks for reading our work!
