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The thought clung to his mind like a morbol root, a little after peace between dragon and man is brought to boil.
It’s an uncomfortably warm day in Ishgard, a rare occasion indeed, when he lets his mind slip. He’s in the middle of Artoirel and Emmanelain, listening to the latter wax poetic on the last sparring match they’d had with only half concentration.
Every since Haurchefant—since Estinien… his thoughts haven’t quite been centred on one thing. It’s hard to focus, and he’s tired. But there’s not the time to rest, to take that break, and so he keeps on with it.
He’s held up at the entrance of the House du Fortemps manor, between the gawks and stares of the citizens around him when he hears his name — well, title — from behind him. It’s a server girl from the Forgotten Knight, dark haired and hyuran. Rare sight, in Ishgard, but he remembers her lingering shy looks from across the way when he visits Tataru.
“Master Tante, Master Alphinaud calls for you. He’s waiting outside the tavern.”
Thanking whichever one of the twelve above him were listening intently and casting good faith, makes his excuses and departs. Tucking the dark hair behind his ear, he slinks away down the cobblestone steps, and over to the tavern building.
“Hawu!”
He can’t quite bare to involve himself in the deepest of conversation, but the smile finds its way to his mouth even without it meaning too.
“Alphinaud,” he greets, slowing down upon approach.
“Are you alright? I heard you got accosted by the brothers…”
“Yes, well,” he groaned to himself, reaching up to clasp the junction between his neck and his shoulder and roll his arm back. “A hero’s work is never done, or whatever they say.”
“I,” Alphinaud starts, frowning, before recollecting himself and trying again. “I’m worried about you. That’s why I called you out here. I just wanted to see if you were… It’s been a lot. Recently. And ever since—Haurchefant—“
Hawu smiles sadly, reaching out to squeeze at his cheek with a soft pinch.
“Oh, what would I do without you, my sweet boy.”
Alphinaud scrunches his nose up at that, clearly disgruntled at his kind words getting cast away, but lets him do whatever he wants.
“I appreciate you. I’ll go take a break,” Hawu says with that same smile, instead of answering the real questions embedded within his words.
He ruffles his hair then sidles past him, at ease to duck away into the tavern and away from prying eyes, leaving Alphinaud staring after him with more questions on his lips.