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Alphinaud watched from his bedroom window of the Leveilleur estate as his sister looked around to see if anyone had noticed her arrival. Her face seemed to have some sort of white powder splashed across it. Looking at the chronometer on his wall the young Elezen frowned. It was nearly the second bell of the morning and it was far too late for her to have just now come home. While the twins had come of age already (in fact they were nearing the age in which they would likely experience their growth spurts) Alphinaud couldn’t help but worry at what might be keeping his sister out so late. This was not the first night she had arrived at an ungodly late hour of the night. At first, he brushed it off; this was Sharlayan after all and many students would spend days in sleepless study at the Noumenon. That behavior may have been quite unlike his sister, but it was an easy excuse he conjured the first few times it had happened.
Something, or someone, is keeping her out late, he thought as he chewed his bottom lip, but what, or who? Why has she not said anything to me? What if Father finds out?
A pang of worry shot through him at the thought of their father finding out Alisaie had a lover. Their father had always been overprotective of them, and Alphinaud knew that the man would not readily accept any romantic partners for either of them. Alphinaud wanted to ask his sister what was going on, but knew that if he tried to broach the subject with her she would likely get defensive- if not all out confrontational.
No, he thought, a more subtle approach is necessary. I will find this lover, and I will have a talk with him or her about the necessity of getting Father’s permission.
With that thought he crawled into bed, knowing already who he could ask to assist him in this endeavor. A friend of good repute and one who would be just as worried for Alisaie, if not more so than he himself. On the morrow he would go to Shirogane and seek out the Warrior of Light to request her assistance.
***
Alphinaud sighed, approaching the house of his dear friend as the sun began to set. He had meant to come earlier that day, but missives from Garlemald and research for their upcoming trip to the New World had delayed him significantly. Still, he was determined to at least make his request today, even if they were not able to begin the search till the morrow. Straightening up and taking a deep breath he knocked on the door of Ester’s home.
He waited a moment before knocking again. He knew that Ester was home, her chocobo was dozing in the stable nearby. She had recently returned from a particularly dangerous expedition with Thancred and Urianger so he figured that she would be resting. Alphinaud knew that unlike his estate Ester didn’t have any staff to answer her door, so he thought perhaps it was just taking her some time to answer. He raised his hand once more to knock for a third and final time when it swung open.
“Ah! Ester, I apologize for disturbing you-” Alphinaud began before realizing it was not the warrior who had answered the door.
Instead, Thancred stood there, topless and with an annoyed look on his face as he glared down at Alphinaud. The young Elezen could feel his face go hot as he looked at his companion. He had known that Ester and Thancred had a relationship going, but never realized how far they had come in said relationship. It was still quite a surprise to see his comrade standing half naked in the warrior’s personal home.
“Ester’s a bit… tied up with something at the moment,” Thancred said as he leaned on the doorframe with one arm, “what has you banging on our door so frantically?”
“I… ahem, I was not being frantic about anything,” Alphinaud said in a defensive tone, “I was simply knocking to be sure I was heard.”
“We heard you loud and clear. Now, what’s up? I can pass a message on to Ester for you and when she’s… free she can head over to you,” the gunbreaker said.
“Nothing too pressing, just concerning behavior that Alisaie is demonstrating. I wish for her input on the matter and perhaps her help in finding the reason,” Alphinaud said, attempting to sound nonchalant about the whole thing.
Thancred frowned as he replied, “I see. I’ll pass the message on. It’s getting late so you’d best get back home. I’m sure Ester will come find you first thing in the morning.”
“Thank you,” Alphinaud said with a relieved sigh, “I would appreciate it immensely, Thancred.”
“Good night, Alphinaud,” the Hyur said with a smirk, “I have a few tasks to complete.”
Alphinaud’s brows wrinkled in confusion as the door shut, he wanted to ask more questions but thought better of it. Thancred was right, it was getting late and he would be expected to be home for dinner. His father was supposed to be home that night, the first time in a sennight. He could only hope that Alisaie would be there tonight, so as to avoid awkward questions that their father might pose.
Teleporting home he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw his twin’s bedroom window ablaze with light. She had come home at a reasonable time, which was a weight off his shoulders for tonight. Nodding to the staff that greeted him on the way in, he headed off to his own room to prepare for dinner with the family. A plan was already forming in his mind as to where to begin the investigation, once Ester agreed to help him.
The next morning Alphinaud waited impatiently for the warrior to appear. He knew that it wouldn’t be long if Thancred had actually told her like the Hyur said he would. Still, it was likely that the young sage had woken too early even for his renowned friend and comrade. Yet, as he found himself pacing his room once again he heard the unmistakable sound of the doors to the estate being opened. Rushing out of the room before slowing down to a more dignified manner, he looked over the railing to see Ester greeting the manservant at the door.
Her dark brown hair was put up in a ponytail and she looked to be wearing her more casual attire- a brown leather vest that tied up the front over a white long-sleeved dress shirt. She was also clad in a pair of Highhouse pants with a matching pair of boots. It was nice to see her in a more relaxed manner than she had been in recent times.
“Ester!” Alphinaud said as he looked at her.
The Elezen woman looked up upon her name being called and seeing Alphinaud above her, she gave a two fingered salute in greeting to him. Quickly descending the stairs he couldn’t help the smile that came upon his face, he hadn’t gotten to see his friend in a while- not in a way that didn’t pertain to work in some way. Despite the worrisome nature of his request, he had to admit that part of him was happy to get the chance to speak with her again without the end of the world or some big adventure hanging in the balance.
“Alphy!” Ester said as she ruffled the hair on his head.
She tended to treat him and his sister like they were her younger siblings or something. While he would never admit it, he didn’t really mind. It was something that he held on to when his father had disowned them, knowing that Ester would always be like family to him.
“Thancred told me you had something to talk to me about, said it was important. The rouge couldn’t be bothered to tell me until this morning even though you took the time to come to my place,” Ester said with an annoyed look on her face.
“Yes, I did. Pray, forgive me for visiting without proper notification, but I believe that the circumstance warranted the rush. Thancred had mentioned that you were tied up with something at that moment, so I apologize if I interrupted something important,” Alphinaud said with a bow.
“Oh, he did, did he?” Ester said with an eyebrow raised, “I’ll have to have a bit of a talk with him about that…”
“It’s in the past now,” Alphinaud said, “come, let us go to the Last Stand and I can speak with you about my concerns.”
They made their way to the restaurant on the pier and ordered something for breakfast. A tea set was placed between them to drink while they waited for their food to arrive. Alphinaud quickly busied himself with preparing the tea while Ester watched, concern writ plainly on her face.
“I wished to speak with you about Alisaie,” he began as he pushed a teacup towards the older woman.
Ester took it in hand and said with narrowed eyes, “What about her? Is she in some sort of danger?”
“I should hope not, but her actions have been concerning as of late. She returns home at odd hours of the night and disappears during the day. The other day she came back covered in dirt and plants like she had rolled around on the ground,” he said with a sigh, “I worry that she may be… romantically involved with someone.”
“You’re both adults now Alphinaud, what your sister does in her spare time is not for you to judge,” Ester chided.
“I know that!” he said defensively.
“Then why have you called on me?”
“I… I just worry that Father may find out. You know how he is, and if she does have a secret lover…”
Alphinaud watched as Ester’s grip on her teacup threatened to break the porcelain it was made from as she hissed, “Fourchenault wouldn’t dare.”
Worried about the teacup he quickly says, “I simply want to try and find out what she is doing. If we do find it to be a lover, I wish to try and persuade him to speak with Father before it’s too late.”
“While I don’t approve of snooping into your twin’s personal business,” Ester said with a frown, “I can see that you are doing so from a place of concern.”
“So, you’ll help?” Alphinaud asked in a hopeful tone.
Ester grinned, “You know I can’t say no to you. Plus, this could be fun. I haven’t gotten to interrogate anyone in a while now. Having to act all nice and whatnot to earn the favor of people gets quite old after a while.”
“Excellent! Our first plan of action then is to try and track down who might have seen her in the recent day…” Alphinaud said.
They continued to discuss what their plan of action would be as food arrived and they ate. It was decided that Alphinaud would start at the Studium since that was the most populated area of Sharlayan, while Ester went to some of Alisaie’s favorite haunts in the other City-States. They finished their meal and paid the owner for it before parting ways, agreeing to meet up tomorrow morning to compare notes. Alphinaud headed up the hill towards the Studium. After spending a good bell or two asking around, he finally got some information from Debroye of all people in the Faculty of Medicine.
“Oh, your sister? Aye, she’s been here about a week ago. Wanted to know where she could practice some cooking,” the Hyur answered, “I had to turn her away, since the ovens here are currently all busy making Mervynbread.”
Alphinaud’s shoulders slumped at the news.
“Thank you, Debroye,” he said with a sigh, “you’ve been a big help.”
“Of course! I only wish I could have done more.”
He began to head out from the facility when he turned and asked, “oh, one more question. What was she wanting to cook?”
“I… never actually asked now that I think about it,” the Hyur replied, “though she did mention something about a Hyur from the far east giving her an idea.”
“Do you remember anything else?” Alphinaud inquired.
“Can’t say I do. I was in the middle of preparing a batch and hate to admit I wasn’t really concentrating on her as much as I probably should have been,” Debroye said with an embarrassed laugh.
With that information gleaned, the young Elezen bowed and took his leave from the Studium. He stopped to sit in the gazebo by the Noumenon, which was blessedly empty for once. Sitting down, Alphinaud began to think about who his twin would have talked to from the Far East.
“Logically the first to spring to mind is Lord Hein,” he said to himself with a sigh before shaking his head, “could be him, though it could very well be Hancock as well. Afterall, t’would be fair easier to seek an audience with a business man than a ruler, no matter how connected even we are. Besides, if I recall correctly she had plans to speak with traders in Kugane about assisting in opening trade with Garlemald. Which means the tracks leads us to Kugane…”
“Kugane? What you heading there for?” came a chipper female voice.
Looking up, Alphinaud saw Krile standing at the edge of the stone gazebo looking at him with mischievous eyes.
“Just family business mostly, what brings you here? I thought you and G’raha would be busy getting paperwork squared away,” Alphinaud said, attempting to be nonchalant.
“We would be if Raha wasn’t busy right now helping someone with something,” Krile said with a shrug, “and before you ask, no I don’t know who it is or what they are doing. He’s keeping it a secret even from me. Still, it gives me time to practice my magic and do some research on Tural and the New World.”
“I should leave you to your work then,” Alphinaud stood, “besides that Kugane is a fair distance to travel even via aetheryte.
“Oh! Bring me back some sweets if you will!” Krile requested gleefully.
“Of course, I’ll be sure to acquire some while I’m there,” Alphinaud said with a bow.
Krile left with a wave and Alphinaud considered waiting for tomorrow to go with Ester, but figured she would already have her hands full with the other City-State. He wouldn’t want to burden her with something he was confident he could handle on his own.
His decision made, Alphinaud focused on Kugane and began his teleportation spell. It took but a second before the biting cold of the north was replaced by the comparably warmer feeling of the Far East. The silence of Tranquility was transformed into the sound of a bustling trade city. His first course of action was to buy the sweets he promised Krile before heading towards the Ruby Bazaar.
“Alphinaud! Welcome, welcome. Please make yourself at home,” Hancock greeted him as he walked through the door, “I dare say that I had thought it would take a little longer for Garlemald to discuss the terms of agreement.”
Alphinaud stopped for a moment before taking a seat on the couch across from Hancock and saying, “Ah, yes. Alisaie did mention that she needed to visit Jullus to discuss the trade agreement. I fear that is not why I am here, actually.”
“Oh? Then for what do I have the honor?”
“A personal request of sorts. I had wondered if perhaps my sister had talked to you recently,” Alphinaud said before clarifying, “about something other than trade with Garlemald.”
“I’m afraid that the last time I spoke with your sister was when she proposed the trade agreement. I haven’t spoken with her since,” Hancock leaned back and thought for a moment before saying, “thinking on it however, after the trade agreement was hashed out we did spend a few minutes speaking on some more mundane topics.”
“Like what?” Alphinaud asked, leaning forward but trying to hide the interest in his voice.
“Oh nothing too interesting I assure you,” Hancock said with a laugh, “she simply wanted to know about the festival that had been happening that day. I, of course, was delighted to tell her all about it.”
“A festival? I don’t recall her mentioning anything about that. I had thought myself well read on Hingashi culture but I must admit I’m drawing a blank.”
“Indeed, it’s not one typically covered in literature unless it is something of a recent book. After all, it was caused by a mixing of cultures between East and West. It’s our own rendition of Valentione's Day where-”
“What?!” Alphinaud squawked as he launched himself from the couch he was sitting on and rushed towards the door, “I knew it! I must speak with my sister at once.”
He paused for a moment before turning and bowing towards Hancock who was looking a mix between confused and amused, “Forgive me. I must take my leave now, but I thank you for the information you have provided me with today.”
Without waiting for a reply, Alphinaud rushed out of the Ruby Bazaar and quickly teleported back to Sharlayan. There was still time before Ester came back, but Alphinaud began scouring the city to see if he could find his sister. He was now completely convinced that she had a paramour and he was determined to find out who it was before their father did.
He checked all over the city where they grew up, hoping he would either run into Alisaie or at the very least someone who could point him in her direction. Yet he struck out time and time again. As the sun began to set on Scholar’s Harbor he had check nearly every conceivable place: the Studium, the Noumenon, Labarythios, the Last Stand, and even their family estate. Noone had seen hide nor hair of his fairer sexed twin. His last hope rested on either Ester having had more luck finding out just what Alisaie was doing, or perhaps finding his twin at the Baldesion Annex.
He pushed open the door to the annex and was greeted by Ojika, “Ah, Master Alphinaud! What brings you here this fine evening?”
“You wouldn’t happen to have seen Alisaie recently, have you?” he asked hopefully.
The steward thought for a moment before shaking his head, “Can’t say I have recently. Why is something up?”
Sighing Alphinaud shook his head, “Nothing to trouble yourself over. Is Krile at least here? I have some sweets from Kugane that I promised to get her.”
“Ah, yes! She’s in the main hall right now with G’raha. I’d offer to show you the way, but I’m sure you know it well enough by now,” the Lalafell said with a laugh.
“Aye, I’ll see myself in. Thank you, Ojika,” Alphinaud said with a nod before heading through the door to the man’s right.
He chewed his lip in worry as he walked down the hall past a few doors till he came to the one at the very end. As he went to open it, he stopped when he found he could hear the noise of raised voices that seemed to be in the middle of an argument. He was surprised to hear it was G’raha Tia and Krile who were fighting over something.
“What have you been doing all day Raha? You’re supposed to be helping me with the paperwork! At this point we will never get done in time before Ester sets off to the New World,” Krile said in an uncharacteristically angry voice.
“I’m sorry, Krile. I really am. I’ll be sure to get everything done I promise. I’ve just been trying to help… a friend with something,” G’raha said with what sounded like true remorse.
“That’s another thing! What are you doing that so secretive? You’ve come back covered in dirt and grass stains like you’ve been rolling in the dirt or that time you got flour all over the books as you were covered in it!”
“It’s a… project I’m working on. It should be paying off here soon and I promise it will all be explained in good time.”
Alphinaud stepped away from the door, struggling to believe what he was hearing. Everything Krile was complaining about matched the same things he had noticed about Alisaie. The dirt and grass stains, the strange white powder that had been covering her face on her latest late-night return. Was it possible that G’raha of all people was her paramour? Alphinaud’s mind reeled at the possibility. He dropped the box of confectionary he held in his hand and raced out of the hall, into the reception area and out of the Annex as fast as his legs could carry him.
Running across the bridge and on to the grass of Tranquility he stopped only when he reached the edge of the cliffs that looked out over the harbor. Breathing heavily Alphinaud sat down to let his mind process what he knew so far and what it might all mean. He still needed to talk to Ester, to confirm if possibly anyone else had talked to his sister recently. It was possible that he was over thinking this, there were many different things that G’raha could have been doing.
“Just because her complaints match what I’ve seen, doesn’t mean that it’s him,” Alphinaud said out loud, as if to convince himself more than anything.
The young Elezen pulled his knees up to his chest, wrapping his arms around them as he rested his head upon them. He decided that there was no point in jumping to conclusions just yet, but if after talking to Ester everything seemed to still point in that direction he would go and speak with G’raha. This settled his racing mind, as he awaited the Warrior’s return and hoping to hear good news.
The sun was beginning to set, and Alphinaud was getting sore sitting at the cliffside, when Ester showed up.
“Hey kid!” She greeted him, “how long have you been sitting up here?”
“Long enough,” he said with a wince as he tried to stand.
Ester caught him as his legs buckled from disuse for so many hours. He blushed profusely, clearing his throat to say, “Ahem. Thank you. Mine apologies, I had much on my mind. Come, let us go to the Last Stand for a quick meal. While we eat you can tell me what you have found and I shall do the same.”
Ester nodded and they made their way down to the eatery. Ester gave their orders to Dickon’s as Alphinaud found a table near the edge of the dock that held the dining tables. He made sure it was something away from everyone so that the two of them could talk freely.
“Well, curiously it seems Alisaie has been a busy bee,” Ester said as she sat down, placing a few plates of food on the table. She pulled out some scraps of parchment to read the notes on them before continuing, “I enlisted Thancred’s help to make things go faster, though it still took longer than I would have liked. While went to speak with those in Gridania and Limsa Lominsa, he spoke to those in U’ldah. She had visited a number of the different guilds in each City-State, either to ask questions or procure something.”
“Like what exactly?” Alphinaud asked.
“In Gridania she ordered something from Beatin, but he wouldn’t say what. Fufuchu was more open, letting me know that she asked where she could get certain items. Specifically,” the Warrior looked down at her notes, “maple syrup and kukuru beans.”
“That seems like some strange combinations, but it would explain the dirt and leaves if she were to be gathering food items,” Alphinaud said with a hand to his chin.
Taking a bite of his pasta, he chewed as Ester continued with a frown, “From Limsa it seemed she talked to the Culinarian guild but Lyngsath was just as hush-hush about it as Beatin. It irks me to know they know something and won’t tell me.”
Swallowing Alphinaud asked, “Then what did Thancred find out in U’ldah?”
“Let’s see if I can read his writing… You would think by now I could decipher his scratches…” she said, pausing to take a bite of her burger as she squinted at one of the papers before her, “hmmmm… Aldgoat Milk and Buffalo milk from a vendor.”
“Why would she need two types of milk?”
“The tastes can vary from species to species, so can the consistency,” she answered absentmindedly as she continued to eat and try to read Thancred’s notes.
“So… we know she is certainly cooking something, but what?”
“Couldn’t really say, I’ll do some research when I get home,” Ester sighed as she set down the note she was attempting to read, “and, if I’m reading this right, she also made her way to Thavnair where she bought a bolt each of red and pink silks.”
“She’s gone to nearly everywhere… but what could she be doing? My search turned up far less than yours, it seemed she had gone to the Studium to request the use of the department of medicine’s stoves but was turned down. This coming off the tail end of a talk she apparently had with Hancock about a festival that had been happening in Kugane at the time of their meeting,” he said with a furrowed brow.
“I take it from your face that you’re not too happy about the subject of said festival?” Ester asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Indeed. It has all but confirmed my suspicion. I am almost certain now that Alisaie has a lover…” he said with his shoulders slumping.
“What am I missing here?” Ester asked confused.
“Hancock said that the festival was one born of Ishgard’s own Valentonie’s day event,” Alphinaud said, “I just don’t understand what she’s doing, or why she would hide something so important from me.”
“You could just ask her, Alphy,” Ester said with an exasperated sigh, “I’ve indulged you with this search, but honestly nothing we’ve found is all that concerning to me personally.”
“But-” he began.
“No buts, either ask her or wait for her to tell you. In the end you’re both adults and must needs respect one another. I know you’re coming from a place of concern, but there’s nothing here. She’s probably just taken up a hobby or something during our down time. Now, if you’ll excuse me it’s getting late and Thancred said he had a something waiting for me at home,” Ester said as she finished her meal and patted Alphinaud on the head.
“Have a good night Ester,” the young Elezen replied as he looked out across the harbor.
Sighing, he finished his own meal before returning home. His mind was racing with all the possibilities that the clues could lead him to, but all seemed to settle upon the fact that Alisaie simply must have a paramour. Nothing else made much sense to him. As the thought solidified in his mind, so too did the resolve to confront either G’raha or Alisaie. It was with this thought that Alphinaud fell into a fitful sleep.
Alphinaud rose with the sun the next morning and was surprised to find a moogle floating above his head. It had a blue hat and district red bag draped around its shoulders. He blinked his eyes for a moment, wondering if he was seeing things.
Then the moogle dug into its bag and pulled out a sealed envelope. It double checked the addressee before it threw the letter into Alphinaud’s face while saying, “Delivery complete, Kupo!”
The moogle disappeared before Alphinaud could say anything. Sighing, he grabbed the letter and looked at it. The envelope was made of good quality parchment and Alphinaud recognized it as the one that had been used back when the Scions were still meeting. It was a sign that someone wanted to meet up.
Dearest Friend and companion,
As I ate my lunch today, I thought back on our many adventures and begin to wonder how you had been. Would that I could see you and be regaled with your many tales, as I’m sure you will have many to tale. I know I certainly have much and more I wish to speak with you about. Much and more, I wish to present to you. Alas, ‘tis only through the medium of written words which I find myself able to communicate with you and the written word can only express so much.
May the stones rise beneath you to guide your path till next we meet.
Alphinaud folded up the letter before burning it in the embers that remained of the fire from last night. When he was certain that naught remained of the paper he began to get dressed. The message had been clear, someone from the Scions wanted to meet with everyone at the Rising Stones around the noon bell. It seemed they had something important to say, and Alphinaud felt the pit grow in his stomach as he wondered if it was his twin who had called this meeting.
He did his best to go about his day as usual, meeting with various dignitaries as well as doing research on Tural and the New World. All day he kept his eye on the chronometers scattered in the various locations throughout the city. When he saw the timepiece showing quarter of a bell to noon, he got up from his chair and focused on the Aetheryte Plaza in Revenant’s Toll. He left the chill of the Northern Empty and arrived in the aether charged region of Mor Dhona.
Walking through the doors of Seventh Heaven, Alphinaud nodded to Alys behind the bar before continuing to the door across the way. Opening it he entered the Rising Stones and was greeted by his friends who were already gathered. Looking around he saw all but Alisaie had made it there before him. Y’shtola and Urianger were discussing something with Krile while Thancred and Ester sat close together whispering something that made the Warrior of Light blush. G’raha seemed to be sitting alone, reading a tome of some sort. Estinien leaned against the wall, arms crossed and brooding as always. He had given a small smile when Alphinaud entered, but it was quickly masked. Tataru was sitting behind her usual desk, a swath of fabric and needle in hand.
Alphinaud smiled seeing all his friends gathered here, but his mind kept replaying the argument he had heard between G’raha and Krile. It felt as if on loop, fixated and unable to get out of his mind. He needed answers.
Before he realized it Alphinaud found himself sitting down next to the red hair Miqo’te. G’raha’s ears flicked towards him as he did so and the archon set his book down to smile at the young Elezen.
“Alphinaud! ‘Tis good to see you in person rather than hear about your escapades from the Students,” the seeker grinned.
“It is good to see you G’raha, Krile has told me that you have been busy,” replied Alphinaud.
“Indeed, I seem to be being pulled in many a direction, but it is my hope that some of that will be calming down soon.”
“Why didn’t you tell us?” Alphinaud blurted out before he could stop himself.
“Tell you…what?” G’raha asked, his face filled with confusion.
“We would have supported you, you know. None of us here would have judged you, not after all we have been through.”
“I’m… afraid I’m lost, Alphinaud,” G’raha replied with furrowed brows.
“You and Alisaie. You’re courting are you not?”
“What?!” G’raha said with wide eyes. His ears shot straight up and his tail puffed out in shock.
“Oh? Do tell,” Y’shtola said with a grin.
“Well isn’t that news?” Thancred said with a laugh to Ester.
“Are you the one who sent these invitations?” The Warrior asked.
“N-no!” G’raha stammered with a blush.
The doors to the rising stones opened as G’raha yelled “I-we-no! I’M NOT COURTING ALISAIE!”
“Excuse me?” came a feminine voice from the doorway.
All in attendance turned to look as Alisaie stood in the doorway to the rising stones, arms full of boxes. Her eyes were wide with confusion mixed with anger.
“I’m dating who? Which one of you nitwits are spreading rumors?” Alisaie hissed as she marched into the room and set the boxes in her arms down on a table, “Someone better explain themselves… right… now.”
“It wasn’t me!” insisted G’raha, “Alphinaud is-“
“ALPHINAUD!” his sister yelled as she grabbed his collar, “what in the gods are you spouting out about? For the smarter twin you sure can’t seem to rub two thoughts together!”
“B-but!” Alphinaud protested, trying to fight his sister’s grip but losing miserably, “it’s the only thing that makes sense! All those late nights spent with him and coming back dirty as if you had just rolled around in the grass. You’re even researching the domestic arts!”
“OH! Oh…” G’raha said suddenly as he looked to Krile.
The lalafell shrugged saying “I told you so, Raha.”
“Told him what exactly?” Asked Estinien.
“Raha had been spending extra time helping someone, to the point of neglecting his duties. I happened to walk in on them one day and was sworn to secrecy. I told them they should either hide it better or let someone talk since it could be misinterpreted but… here we are.”
“Someone please tell us what is going on before Alisaie becomes an only child by her own hands?” Ester said exasperated.
“R-right, ahem,” G’raha said clearing his voice, “I have been assisting Alisaie with a surprise for you all for Valentoine’s Day.”
Alisaie let go of her brother’s collar with a sigh, “I had recently gone to the Far East on a business trip and while there witnessed a festival going on. When I asked about it, Hancock explained that it was something adopted from interacting with Erozean’s.”
She paused a moment then turned to the boxes she had brought in. Alphinaud looked at them and saw each looked like they were custom wooden boxes, each with their own designs. His twin picked one up out of the pile and handed it to him. On the top was carved the Sharlayan symbol, painted in a blue to match his hair tie. On the sides were carved Elipis flowers. Looking at the rest of the boxes, each seemed to follow the same motif. The top carved with specific symbols but all had the flowers on the side.
Alisaie proceeded to hand each one out to the rest of those gathered before saying, “Open them. G’raha and I worked hard for this. Though to his credit it was mostly him.”
Alphinaud opened the box to see it was lined in delicate silk, a deep red, nestled on the silk was a bag. He picked it up, placing the box delicately on the table, before opening the bag. Inside was an assortment of chocolates, that based on the inconsistent size and shapes, seemed to have been homemade. There were cookies and other treats as well but all were of a chocolate variety.
“This is what you’ve been hiding? All those late nights?” Alpinaud asked in amazement.
“I wanted to try and do everything by hand, but ended up only being useful enough to gather ingredients and try my hand at the baking. G’raha helped secure the orders for the boxes and make the silk linings…” Alisaie said with a blush, “Happy Valentoine’s Day everyone.”
Alphinaud took a bite of one of the cookies and had to admit it was quite tasty, “this is very good!”
“Don’t think your complements will get you off the hook for all the snooping I know you did,” his twin said with a scowl, “we will be having a long discussion at home.”
The group of friends, all equally enjoying the presents brought by Alisaie, laughed heartily at the sibling’s banter. Alisaie turned to Ester saying, “and don’t think I don’t know you helped him!”
“Who? Me? I didn’t do anything besides visit a few old friends,” Ester said with a smirk, “if they happened to be people you talked to as well, all the better. After all I couldn’t deny Alphy when he came to me so worried to death about his sister’s lover.”
“I DON’T HAVE A LOVER!” the young Elezen yelled throwing her hands up in the air.
The room erupted in laughter as the twin bickered playfully and the rest enjoyed the small reunion. After about a bell, duty called and they all began to leave the Rising Stones one by one. The last to leave were the twins who bid Tataru a warm farewell and headed home.
As they arrived outside the Leveilleur Estate, Alisaie turned to her brother and said, “I appreciate the worry, but assure you that if I did have a lover, you would likely be the last to even notice it, dear brother.”
Alphinaud stood with his jaw slack in amazement as his sister laughed and waved, leaving him dazed by her statement as she entered their home. His mind began to race with what she could possibly mean by this.
Have you not learned your lesson about snooping? He chided himself with a chuckle as he began to ascend the steps to the front door of his family home, best to leave well enough alone.