#i love edmont but be srs rn he wouldn't be that at ease with three strangers in his manor

[myempireofsalt]

Catalyst WIP

A short clip of something coming about a chapter or two from the current that I'm happy with.

"If I might trouble you a little longer, would you grant me a favor?" the former Count watches as Vala's shoulders stiffen. Her expression remains that too-familiar mix of wishing to flee out the nearest window and guilty obligation.

I ask one last favor of you.

At least the eyes in the man before her's face are filled with life. Lined with grief and the stress of age weighing their corners as cleaves within mountain stone even as they are. 

A slow nod, heavy as the sword lying at rest within the job stone nestled at the hollow of her throat. "Ask it and it is yours."

"Careful," Edmont cautions her, eyes half-consumed by the smile her grave answer conjures forth. "I might take advantage and ask you to pack your Scions and sequester them here in Ishgard in selfishness."

He leans forward, hands gripping the smooth dome of his cane topper with intent. "Would you indulge me with a private performance? Particularly the one you would serenade young Alphinaud with during your time here."

A beat. "If I am not mistaken, it is also the very same I have heard over my son's grave as well."

Her heart sinks into her stomach and freezes colder than the night outside. Cheeks aflame with shame and embarrassment, it takes Vala a precious double fistful of seconds to manage a response."You-"

"Were not asleep, no." His smile fades. "You held my son's word and offering of his honor, but not my trust. I was not going to sleep undisturbed with strangers in my home."

Vala's mouth thins, jaw clenched briefly as she grapples with the emotions his words invoke. Embarrassment, as those were private moments between herself and Alphinaud, the boy she considered her adopted kit, and Haurchefant, her former lover and friend besides. Humiliation at the thought that she had been trusted– and how she was so foolish to believe that one's generosity equals trust. 

Yet another reason to doubt herself, her own judgment; there are too few people who say what they mean and mean it genuinely in this outside world. 

I want to go home.

The thought springs unwelcome, unbidden, to the front of her thoughts. The desire and sheer force of want has her eye casting in Golmore's direction. East. Ever, ever east. Far, far away to the east and south where a life she knew and loved and understood lie eternal and unchanging. Predictable in its unpredictability and dangers known and unknown alike.  

But she can't. Like the world of the Ancients. Like the former shards of the worlds destroyed in their attempt to make this one whole again.

Home does not exist for her; there is no going back.