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Title: The Rook and the Cat
Fandom: Final Fantasy XIV
Characters/pairings: Una'to Viqqoh (OC/Warrior of Light), Male OCs, Female OCs, Grinnaux de Dzemael, Paulecraine de Fanouilley, Alphinaud Leveilleur, Tataru Taru, Haurchefant Greystone, m!WoL/Haurchefant, m!WoL/Grinnaux, m!WoL/Grinnaux/Paulecrain, like pretty much every character that shows up in the Heavensward MSQ
Ratings/warnings: Mature, major character death, minor character death, choose not to warn
Summary: The Count of House Dzemael believing that having the Warrior of Light be within his influence would grant his house more more sway and power in Ishgardian politics plots and plans. After the debacle in Ul'dah, Una'to has had enough of politics and just wants to rest and recover, all while helping those who took him in and find his missing Scion allies. Grinnaux just wants to not have any part of anything.
Chapter Summary: Una'to's breakfast is spoiled by some troubling news.
Una’to, along with Alphinaud (Tataru having got up early to go to the Forgotten Knight to find any information about their missing friends), was digging into a generous morning meal provided by House Fortemps, a meal he regarded as being very well deserved after he had to drag (literally) the youngest son of Count Edmont, and Haurchefant’s younger brother, Emmanellain, out of a Vanu Vanu stronghold after the young man had managed to get himself captured by the rotund bird men.
As he was digging into a delectable looking (and tasting) plate of scrambled eggs, one of the stewards of house Fortemps arrived at the dining room, the man managing to hide most of the worried expression on his face.
“Master Viqqoh” he called out as he approached the miqo’te, “There’s a letter here for you”
Confused, Una’to looked up from his plate of food to the servant, accepting the letter in question. With a quick bow the servant excused himself, hurriedly leaving the room. Shrugging, Una’to looked at the envelope of the letter, seeing the writing on there that was presumably his own name (and despite Alphinaud’s offers to teach him his letters, Una’to still had not taken the young elezen up on it). He flipped the letter over, noting the sigil on the red wax seal, a castle tower of some sort. He gave another frown, the sigil was similar, he had seen it on all of the Ishgardian banners in the city, though he could not place which house it belonged to. Only just remembering that Alphinaud was with him, he looked up meeting his confused expression with a blank stare. He slowly handed over the envelope to Alphinaud.
“Here, reckon you’d better understand what’s in there” he said as Alphinaud carefully took it. He watched the young elezen look at it, turn it over, eyebrows furrowing as he saw the sigil embedded in the wax.
“Well I wonder what House Dzemael would want with you” Alphinaud said, tapping at the seal “The rook on the seal, that is the sigil of House Dzemael” he further explained.
“Huh, interestin’. I’ve seen it on all the banners an’ flags ‘round Ishgard, just never really had much dealin’s with ‘em to recognise the sigil” the miqo’te replied with a shrug, before motioning to the letter. “Feel free t’read what’s in it”
Rhalgr knows I can’t…He finished off silently.
Not needing to be told twice, and with the permission of Una’to, Alphinaud carefully opened the envelope, pulling the letter from it, and quickly scanned through its contents. His eyes widened in shock, the elezen nearly dropping the letter. Alphinaud reread the letter again before looking up to Una’to eyes wide with shock.
“This, this is unbelievable” he said, his voice unusually shaky. “I know not how they think they can get away with this, the sheer audacity of them to send this”
“Somethin’ wrong?” Una’to asked, frowning at Alphinaud’s reaction, “I mean if somethin’ is wrong then it can be easily fixed, yeah?”
“More than just wrong, it’s…” Alphinaud started then trailed off with a sigh as he looked up at the miqo’te. “Apparently Count Dzemael wishes for you to be wed to his nephew”
Una’to nearly choked on his food when he heard that, staring at Alphinaud in disbelief.
“That’s gotta be a swivin’ joke right?” he asked, mind still reeling over the information.
“Somehow, I don’t think this is a joke, I believe Count Dzemael is completely serious about this” Alphinaud replied, shaking his head. “By the Twelve, what does he hope to gain from this?”
“Dunno” Una’to said, shrugging, “But I reckon we need t’go an’ talk to Edmont ‘bout this, he might be able t’help us with it”
“That would be a wise move” Alphinaud agreed, “at the very least he could advise us on how to handle this situation, a man of his standing must surely know his way around Ishgardian politics”
---
Appetites thoroughly ruined by the news, Una’to and Alphinaud made their way to Edmont’s study, with the helpful directions of one of the manor’s maids. The duo approached the study, Alphinaud knocking thrice on the door before waiting until they heard the familiar voice of Edmont beckoning them in.
Edmont, put down his quill and gave a warm smile as the pair entered, the count beckoning them to sit at the seats in front of his desk.
“Ah, Alphinaud, Una’to, pleasure to see the pair of you” he greeted
“And you too Count Edmont, though I wish it was to be under more happier circumstances” Alphinaud replied.
Edmont was briefly taken aback, quickly regaining his composure. “Has there been an issue with something?” he asked, cautious in his wording.
“‘Fraid so” Una’to replied, “nothin’ t’do with House Fortemps, we assure you. Though everythin’ t’do with a certain House Dzemael”
“House Dzemael? What could they possibly be up to? They surely haven’t tried to do anything untowards any of you, have they?” Edmont asked, failing to hide the concern in his voice.
“I’m not quite sure what you mean by ‘untowards’, though a letter from the House arrived for Una’to just this morning, the contents of it and who it was from has left us a little...concerned” Alphinuad explained, handing the letter over to Edmont.
“I see,” Edmont replied as he took the letter “Firmien had notified me of such not too long ago, worried that the Count Dzemael would be up to something”
Not much else was said while Edmont read the letter, the trio sitting in silence until the elder elezen let out a soft curse as he finished reading it.
“What does he think he’s playing at?” Edmont asked, indignant, “treating Una’to like he’s some pawn to be used in Ishgard’s political games? And of all people in Ishgard, Grinnaux?”
“You an’ me both” Una’to said. “It’s ‘cause of political aurochshite that the mess in Ul’dah happened. I’m none too happy t’bein’ used for someone else’s political shite”
“Count me in as number three” Alphinaud agreed, “though may I ask, who this Grinnaux is? As far as I recall, Count Dzemael’s letter did not actually name anyone”
“My apologies for my countrymen dragging you into their political games. I had hoped that they would refrain from such, but it appears that my hopes were sadly misplaced” Edmont replied, apologetic. “As to your question Alphinaud, Count Dzemael only ever had one other sibling who had children. His younger brother who fell in battle against the Dravanians some twenty years ago. Grinnaux has opted to follow in the footsteps of his fallen father, and his mother who also fell in battle, in fact several days before his father. Unfortunately from what I knew of them, Ser Grinnaux did not take after them in temperament. The man is a brute, a well accomplished brute, but a brute nonetheless”
"Does this Grinnaux not have any other siblings, or even distant cousins?" Alphinaud asked.
"Several, though many are already married or are betrothed to others and I would imagine that the Count of House Dzemael would prefer to keep someone as powerful and influential as the Warrior of Light as close to him as possible"
"I ain't either of that" Una'to said.
"You sell yourself far, far short Una'to. You've felled primals and Dravanians and even faced a legatus of the Garlean Empire and came out on top, as well as the fact that until recent events, you've had the ears and attention of the leaders of three city states. No small feat indeed" Edmont gently chastised. "But mine apologies Alphinaud, to answer the other question, Grinnaux does indeed have a younger sibling, so it may be possible that my Dzemael counterpart would be wanting to marry him off to Una'to, but I would still assume that he would wanting Una'to to marry Grinnaux instead"
"Why would you assume so?" Alphinaud asked, Una'to nodding in agreement to the young elezen's question.
"I've said that Grinnaux is a brute, and it's no secret that Charlemend, Count Dzemael, has been trying to find ways to try and temper and calm the worst of his behaviours and habits. This may simply be another attempt, while also trying to politically one-up the other Houses of Ishgard"
“This bodes ill” Alphinaud murmured, Una’to mutely nodding in agreement.
“Indeed it does, though I have no idea what the Count thinks he’s doing, considering that Grinnaux is presently a knight of the Heaven’s Ward” Edmont said.
“Heaven’s Ward? Who are they an’ what makes Grinnaux bein’ one of ‘em so special?” Una’to asked.
“The Heaven’s Ward are twelve knights who serve as the Archbishop’s bodyguard. As you could imagine, it is a high honour to be asked to serve” Edmont replied, “ But despite being knights, they are forbidden to marry or to have families and must take a vow of celibacy, much like the senior clergy of the Halonic Orthodox Church. Those who are married are unable to join the Heaven’s Ward”
“If this Grinnaux is in the Ward and is forbidden to marry, then why is his uncle attempting to have him married? What could he possibly gain from getting Grinnaux to step down as a knight of the Heaven’s Ward in order to marry Una’to?” Alphinaud asked “this makes very little sense”
“With Alphinaud on this. I’m the Warrior of Light, but for most people in Ishgard, I’m some outsider an’ unbeliever” Una’to agreed, “though most are kinda wrong on the whole ‘unbeliever’ thing, as a follower of Rhalgr, Halone is an important goddess t’me, she just ain’t as important as Rhalgr”
“I’m afraid I’ve no answers for you two at this point in time, but I shall speak with the Count de Dzemael myself and try to get to the bottom of this” Edmont promised. “I assure you, I shall do everything on my end to work out this embarrassing situation, so please, try not to worry too much about it”
Saying their goodbyes and thanks, Una’to and Alphinaud left Edmont with the letter, hoping that some sense could be made of the whole situation, but dreading about future outcomes.
---
Dzemael’s reply arrived the day after Edmont’s inquiry, a politely worded note thanking the Count for his concern and interest, but that there was no need to do so. Everyone who read it could tell that it was simply Dzemael politely telling Edmont to piss off.
The trio were once again sitting in Edmont’s study, to see Dzemael’s reply and to decide on the next course of action, all to be discussed and decided upon depending the Count de Dzemael’s response and what information they managed to obtain. Unfortunately they got zero information, making planning their next actions harder, or for Una’to, easier.
“Just tell ‘em t’piss off, ‘cept y’know, in that polite, Ishgardian highborn way of sayin’ it” the miqo’te offered.
“Una’to does bring up a solution, a refusal, though mayhaps we should do it in a less...abrasive manner” Alphinaud agreed.
“Indeed, it is worth a try. Though I must confess I do not believe that we will dissuade the Count de Dzemael from pursuing this” Edmont admitted, his expression worried and voice weary, “Though I shall do everything in power to try and get you out of this blatant power grab by House Dzemael”
“I’m in no place t’ask for anythin’, but all I can do is hope that y’can an’ that y’succeed” Una’to replied, downcast.
“I shall do what I can” Edmont said, “and for what it’s worth...I’m sorry that this is happening to you”
Una’to said nothing, only offering a sad small and a small shrug of his shoulders.
---
Another letter arrived soon after, though not as prompt as the first, and not bearing the seal of House Dzemael. Only Una’to was called in to see Edmont, though thankfully Alphinaud was already preoccupied with something else.
“I s’pose there’s a reason as t’why it’s just me that’s bein’ called in?” the miqo’te asked, noting the grave expression Edmont bore.
“Indeed” the elezen replied, as he pushed the envelope bearing its letter towards Una’to. “Count de Dzemael has sent his reply”
Una’to frowned as he picked up the letter, and while he was illiterate, he did notice that the sigil on the envelope was much different to that of the previous two letters that came from House Dzemael. “This ain’t from Dzemael” he stated.
“You would be correct Una’to” Edmont said, taking the letter back from Una’to, “it is in fact from the Inquisition. Apparently the Inquisition, or should I accurately say one of the inquisitors, believes that Alphinaud and Tataru may in fact be consorting with heretics. Preposterous, I know, but there will be an investigation, a particularly in-depth one considering that those being investigated are wards of Fortemps”
“But nothin’ will come up, Alphinaud an’ Tataru aren’t consortin’ with heretics, hells Alphinaud’s assisted with rootin’ out heretics for Ishgard in the past!” Una’to objected
“We both know that, and I’d wager that Dzemael knows that as well, which is why I fear that there may be evidence that would be...adjusted to ensure your friend’s guilt” Edmont replied.
“That ain’t right” Una’to said, fists clenched and ears flicking back “Someone’s gotta know that that kinda evidence was tampered with, right?”
“Indeed they would, but I have my suspicions that the Inquisitor who would be heading the investigation would have strong ties to House Dzemael, mayhaps a son or daughter in one of the branches of the house, or someone married to such a son or daughter” Edmont explained. “Someone who’s close enough to the house and is willing to create or tamper with evidence to ensure the guilt of your friends, but just distant enough for people to not get too suspicious. Though there could always be the more audacious route and just have a Dzemael close enough to the house lead the investigations, as very few would be willing to question his or her judgement”
“Shite” was all Una’to said. “Not left with much of a choice, am I?”
“Could I do more, I would, but unfortunately an Inquisition investigation is one of very few areas I am unable to assist with” Edmont replied, apologetic. “There’s always trying to prove their innocence in a trial by combat, but I fear that even then the Count de Dzemael will just get his pawns within the Inquisition to lay more charged upon your friends”
Una’to remained silent, trying to keep his composure. “Will...can y’let ‘em know I’ll come over an’ discuss things with ‘em?” he asked quietly, voice full of defeat.
“Of course” Edmont said, “and once again, you have my deepest apologies for being dragged into this mess”
Fandom: Final Fantasy XIV
Characters/pairings: Una'to Viqqoh (OC/Warrior of Light), Male OCs, Female OCs, Grinnaux de Dzemael, Paulecraine de Fanouilley, Alphinaud Leveilleur, Tataru Taru, Haurchefant Greystone, m!WoL/Haurchefant, m!WoL/Grinnaux, m!WoL/Grinnaux/Paulecrain, like pretty much every character that shows up in the Heavensward MSQ
Ratings/warnings: Mature, major character death, minor character death, choose not to warn
Summary: The Count of House Dzemael believing that having the Warrior of Light be within his influence would grant his house more more sway and power in Ishgardian politics plots and plans. After the debacle in Ul'dah, Una'to has had enough of politics and just wants to rest and recover, all while helping those who took him in and find his missing Scion allies. Grinnaux just wants to not have any part of anything.
Chapter Summary: Una'to's breakfast is spoiled by some troubling news.
Una’to, along with Alphinaud (Tataru having got up early to go to the Forgotten Knight to find any information about their missing friends), was digging into a generous morning meal provided by House Fortemps, a meal he regarded as being very well deserved after he had to drag (literally) the youngest son of Count Edmont, and Haurchefant’s younger brother, Emmanellain, out of a Vanu Vanu stronghold after the young man had managed to get himself captured by the rotund bird men.
As he was digging into a delectable looking (and tasting) plate of scrambled eggs, one of the stewards of house Fortemps arrived at the dining room, the man managing to hide most of the worried expression on his face.
“Master Viqqoh” he called out as he approached the miqo’te, “There’s a letter here for you”
Confused, Una’to looked up from his plate of food to the servant, accepting the letter in question. With a quick bow the servant excused himself, hurriedly leaving the room. Shrugging, Una’to looked at the envelope of the letter, seeing the writing on there that was presumably his own name (and despite Alphinaud’s offers to teach him his letters, Una’to still had not taken the young elezen up on it). He flipped the letter over, noting the sigil on the red wax seal, a castle tower of some sort. He gave another frown, the sigil was similar, he had seen it on all of the Ishgardian banners in the city, though he could not place which house it belonged to. Only just remembering that Alphinaud was with him, he looked up meeting his confused expression with a blank stare. He slowly handed over the envelope to Alphinaud.
“Here, reckon you’d better understand what’s in there” he said as Alphinaud carefully took it. He watched the young elezen look at it, turn it over, eyebrows furrowing as he saw the sigil embedded in the wax.
“Well I wonder what House Dzemael would want with you” Alphinaud said, tapping at the seal “The rook on the seal, that is the sigil of House Dzemael” he further explained.
“Huh, interestin’. I’ve seen it on all the banners an’ flags ‘round Ishgard, just never really had much dealin’s with ‘em to recognise the sigil” the miqo’te replied with a shrug, before motioning to the letter. “Feel free t’read what’s in it”
Rhalgr knows I can’t…He finished off silently.
Not needing to be told twice, and with the permission of Una’to, Alphinaud carefully opened the envelope, pulling the letter from it, and quickly scanned through its contents. His eyes widened in shock, the elezen nearly dropping the letter. Alphinaud reread the letter again before looking up to Una’to eyes wide with shock.
“This, this is unbelievable” he said, his voice unusually shaky. “I know not how they think they can get away with this, the sheer audacity of them to send this”
“Somethin’ wrong?” Una’to asked, frowning at Alphinaud’s reaction, “I mean if somethin’ is wrong then it can be easily fixed, yeah?”
“More than just wrong, it’s…” Alphinaud started then trailed off with a sigh as he looked up at the miqo’te. “Apparently Count Dzemael wishes for you to be wed to his nephew”
Una’to nearly choked on his food when he heard that, staring at Alphinaud in disbelief.
“That’s gotta be a swivin’ joke right?” he asked, mind still reeling over the information.
“Somehow, I don’t think this is a joke, I believe Count Dzemael is completely serious about this” Alphinaud replied, shaking his head. “By the Twelve, what does he hope to gain from this?”
“Dunno” Una’to said, shrugging, “But I reckon we need t’go an’ talk to Edmont ‘bout this, he might be able t’help us with it”
“That would be a wise move” Alphinaud agreed, “at the very least he could advise us on how to handle this situation, a man of his standing must surely know his way around Ishgardian politics”
---
Appetites thoroughly ruined by the news, Una’to and Alphinaud made their way to Edmont’s study, with the helpful directions of one of the manor’s maids. The duo approached the study, Alphinaud knocking thrice on the door before waiting until they heard the familiar voice of Edmont beckoning them in.
Edmont, put down his quill and gave a warm smile as the pair entered, the count beckoning them to sit at the seats in front of his desk.
“Ah, Alphinaud, Una’to, pleasure to see the pair of you” he greeted
“And you too Count Edmont, though I wish it was to be under more happier circumstances” Alphinaud replied.
Edmont was briefly taken aback, quickly regaining his composure. “Has there been an issue with something?” he asked, cautious in his wording.
“‘Fraid so” Una’to replied, “nothin’ t’do with House Fortemps, we assure you. Though everythin’ t’do with a certain House Dzemael”
“House Dzemael? What could they possibly be up to? They surely haven’t tried to do anything untowards any of you, have they?” Edmont asked, failing to hide the concern in his voice.
“I’m not quite sure what you mean by ‘untowards’, though a letter from the House arrived for Una’to just this morning, the contents of it and who it was from has left us a little...concerned” Alphinuad explained, handing the letter over to Edmont.
“I see,” Edmont replied as he took the letter “Firmien had notified me of such not too long ago, worried that the Count Dzemael would be up to something”
Not much else was said while Edmont read the letter, the trio sitting in silence until the elder elezen let out a soft curse as he finished reading it.
“What does he think he’s playing at?” Edmont asked, indignant, “treating Una’to like he’s some pawn to be used in Ishgard’s political games? And of all people in Ishgard, Grinnaux?”
“You an’ me both” Una’to said. “It’s ‘cause of political aurochshite that the mess in Ul’dah happened. I’m none too happy t’bein’ used for someone else’s political shite”
“Count me in as number three” Alphinaud agreed, “though may I ask, who this Grinnaux is? As far as I recall, Count Dzemael’s letter did not actually name anyone”
“My apologies for my countrymen dragging you into their political games. I had hoped that they would refrain from such, but it appears that my hopes were sadly misplaced” Edmont replied, apologetic. “As to your question Alphinaud, Count Dzemael only ever had one other sibling who had children. His younger brother who fell in battle against the Dravanians some twenty years ago. Grinnaux has opted to follow in the footsteps of his fallen father, and his mother who also fell in battle, in fact several days before his father. Unfortunately from what I knew of them, Ser Grinnaux did not take after them in temperament. The man is a brute, a well accomplished brute, but a brute nonetheless”
"Does this Grinnaux not have any other siblings, or even distant cousins?" Alphinaud asked.
"Several, though many are already married or are betrothed to others and I would imagine that the Count of House Dzemael would prefer to keep someone as powerful and influential as the Warrior of Light as close to him as possible"
"I ain't either of that" Una'to said.
"You sell yourself far, far short Una'to. You've felled primals and Dravanians and even faced a legatus of the Garlean Empire and came out on top, as well as the fact that until recent events, you've had the ears and attention of the leaders of three city states. No small feat indeed" Edmont gently chastised. "But mine apologies Alphinaud, to answer the other question, Grinnaux does indeed have a younger sibling, so it may be possible that my Dzemael counterpart would be wanting to marry him off to Una'to, but I would still assume that he would wanting Una'to to marry Grinnaux instead"
"Why would you assume so?" Alphinaud asked, Una'to nodding in agreement to the young elezen's question.
"I've said that Grinnaux is a brute, and it's no secret that Charlemend, Count Dzemael, has been trying to find ways to try and temper and calm the worst of his behaviours and habits. This may simply be another attempt, while also trying to politically one-up the other Houses of Ishgard"
“This bodes ill” Alphinaud murmured, Una’to mutely nodding in agreement.
“Indeed it does, though I have no idea what the Count thinks he’s doing, considering that Grinnaux is presently a knight of the Heaven’s Ward” Edmont said.
“Heaven’s Ward? Who are they an’ what makes Grinnaux bein’ one of ‘em so special?” Una’to asked.
“The Heaven’s Ward are twelve knights who serve as the Archbishop’s bodyguard. As you could imagine, it is a high honour to be asked to serve” Edmont replied, “ But despite being knights, they are forbidden to marry or to have families and must take a vow of celibacy, much like the senior clergy of the Halonic Orthodox Church. Those who are married are unable to join the Heaven’s Ward”
“If this Grinnaux is in the Ward and is forbidden to marry, then why is his uncle attempting to have him married? What could he possibly gain from getting Grinnaux to step down as a knight of the Heaven’s Ward in order to marry Una’to?” Alphinaud asked “this makes very little sense”
“With Alphinaud on this. I’m the Warrior of Light, but for most people in Ishgard, I’m some outsider an’ unbeliever” Una’to agreed, “though most are kinda wrong on the whole ‘unbeliever’ thing, as a follower of Rhalgr, Halone is an important goddess t’me, she just ain’t as important as Rhalgr”
“I’m afraid I’ve no answers for you two at this point in time, but I shall speak with the Count de Dzemael myself and try to get to the bottom of this” Edmont promised. “I assure you, I shall do everything on my end to work out this embarrassing situation, so please, try not to worry too much about it”
Saying their goodbyes and thanks, Una’to and Alphinaud left Edmont with the letter, hoping that some sense could be made of the whole situation, but dreading about future outcomes.
---
Dzemael’s reply arrived the day after Edmont’s inquiry, a politely worded note thanking the Count for his concern and interest, but that there was no need to do so. Everyone who read it could tell that it was simply Dzemael politely telling Edmont to piss off.
The trio were once again sitting in Edmont’s study, to see Dzemael’s reply and to decide on the next course of action, all to be discussed and decided upon depending the Count de Dzemael’s response and what information they managed to obtain. Unfortunately they got zero information, making planning their next actions harder, or for Una’to, easier.
“Just tell ‘em t’piss off, ‘cept y’know, in that polite, Ishgardian highborn way of sayin’ it” the miqo’te offered.
“Una’to does bring up a solution, a refusal, though mayhaps we should do it in a less...abrasive manner” Alphinaud agreed.
“Indeed, it is worth a try. Though I must confess I do not believe that we will dissuade the Count de Dzemael from pursuing this” Edmont admitted, his expression worried and voice weary, “Though I shall do everything in power to try and get you out of this blatant power grab by House Dzemael”
“I’m in no place t’ask for anythin’, but all I can do is hope that y’can an’ that y’succeed” Una’to replied, downcast.
“I shall do what I can” Edmont said, “and for what it’s worth...I’m sorry that this is happening to you”
Una’to said nothing, only offering a sad small and a small shrug of his shoulders.
---
Another letter arrived soon after, though not as prompt as the first, and not bearing the seal of House Dzemael. Only Una’to was called in to see Edmont, though thankfully Alphinaud was already preoccupied with something else.
“I s’pose there’s a reason as t’why it’s just me that’s bein’ called in?” the miqo’te asked, noting the grave expression Edmont bore.
“Indeed” the elezen replied, as he pushed the envelope bearing its letter towards Una’to. “Count de Dzemael has sent his reply”
Una’to frowned as he picked up the letter, and while he was illiterate, he did notice that the sigil on the envelope was much different to that of the previous two letters that came from House Dzemael. “This ain’t from Dzemael” he stated.
“You would be correct Una’to” Edmont said, taking the letter back from Una’to, “it is in fact from the Inquisition. Apparently the Inquisition, or should I accurately say one of the inquisitors, believes that Alphinaud and Tataru may in fact be consorting with heretics. Preposterous, I know, but there will be an investigation, a particularly in-depth one considering that those being investigated are wards of Fortemps”
“But nothin’ will come up, Alphinaud an’ Tataru aren’t consortin’ with heretics, hells Alphinaud’s assisted with rootin’ out heretics for Ishgard in the past!” Una’to objected
“We both know that, and I’d wager that Dzemael knows that as well, which is why I fear that there may be evidence that would be...adjusted to ensure your friend’s guilt” Edmont replied.
“That ain’t right” Una’to said, fists clenched and ears flicking back “Someone’s gotta know that that kinda evidence was tampered with, right?”
“Indeed they would, but I have my suspicions that the Inquisitor who would be heading the investigation would have strong ties to House Dzemael, mayhaps a son or daughter in one of the branches of the house, or someone married to such a son or daughter” Edmont explained. “Someone who’s close enough to the house and is willing to create or tamper with evidence to ensure the guilt of your friends, but just distant enough for people to not get too suspicious. Though there could always be the more audacious route and just have a Dzemael close enough to the house lead the investigations, as very few would be willing to question his or her judgement”
“Shite” was all Una’to said. “Not left with much of a choice, am I?”
“Could I do more, I would, but unfortunately an Inquisition investigation is one of very few areas I am unable to assist with” Edmont replied, apologetic. “There’s always trying to prove their innocence in a trial by combat, but I fear that even then the Count de Dzemael will just get his pawns within the Inquisition to lay more charged upon your friends”
Una’to remained silent, trying to keep his composure. “Will...can y’let ‘em know I’ll come over an’ discuss things with ‘em?” he asked quietly, voice full of defeat.
“Of course” Edmont said, “and once again, you have my deepest apologies for being dragged into this mess”
