Work Text:
"Someone died at the top of the Vault!" Joye screamed as she burst into the Skysteel Manufactory.
Stephanivien looked back at her, eyes wide. For the first time in his life, the ever-turning cogs of his mind came to an abrupt standstill. His thoughts, that were always ticking like clockwork, always working like a machine, echoed in silence. Joye was talking before him. He could see her speak agitated words, but nothing reached his fine Elezen ears. The only thing on his mind was fear: Fear that he had lost Hanyo.
"Milord, your father has requested your urgent presence to the manor ,” said Joye, panic still in her voice. Without a glance back, Stephanivien made his way home, by the Last Vigil.
Normally, he would simply jog to the manor. But not today.
Earlier…
"What do you mean, you are going to free Ser Aymeric?! The Ward's and the Archbishop are going to try to stop you!" Stephanivien protested, sick with worry at his lover’s intention: Who in Halone's name thought this was a good idea?! Hanyo had come back briefly to pick up a few things and let Stephanivien know of their plans to rescue Ser Aymeric. No matter how much the Elezen protested against it, the Miqo'te was determined to accomplish his mission.
"I'll be fine - I won't be alone. I will be careful, I promise you ,” Hanyo reassured him a small smile, kissing him gently as he cupped Stephanivien’s face. However, it did little to calm the Elezen's mind who still had so many questions.
"I don't understand . Do you have the Echo? Are you… a Warrior of Light?"
"I…" Hanyo paused, searching for the right words. There just wasn't enough time. "I will explain later. It's complicated."
__
Stephanivien was running like his life depended on it. Maybe it did actually. He wasn't ready for this outcome. There was so much he still wanted to tell and to ask Hanyo. He wanted to travel with him ; he wanted to live with him, to wake up every morning in his arms. Now that he has tasted love, that he has found someone who made him truly happy and better, the thought of losing it all… Hanyo barely made it out of his own grief alive. The many scars on his arms, his many nightmares and the sleepless nights… Stephanivien didn’t know if he would be able to find the strength to get back up like Hanyo did. He didn’t know if anyone could give him that strength…
He could see the Vault and a few figures standing in front of its gates. He kept running in that direction, his heart twisted.
Then, he saw him. Hanyo’s expression was a portrait in stoicism…. save for the silent tears streaming down his face and his quivering lips. Stephanivien felt his heart slow down . Hanyo was still alive. The Miqo'te spotted the panicked Elezen, excused himself and moved towards Stephanivien, his expression grave. Something was wrong…
As he got closer, Steph noticed the blood staining Hanyo’s breast plate. His eyes moved to meet Hanyo’s painful gaze. Something happened… They could also hear someone sobbing loudly and letting out gut wretching cries that made the Dark Knight flinch, the pain too much to bare at that moment. Stephanivien could hear the voice, but its words were lost in the painful agony.
"Hanyo! You're… Are you alright?" Asked Stephanivien, worried as Hanyo came closer to him. The Miqo’te simply nodded as he bit down his own lips to keep himself from breaking. He took a deep breath, his gaze falling back to his lover.
"I… I am. But… Haurchefant, he…" tried to say Hanyo, his words stuck at the back of his throat. He glanced back, directing Stephanivien in the direction of Haurchefant's pale, unanimated body and Alphinaud, crying over him.
Something shattered somewhere in Steph's mind.
Haurchefant had always been there for him. He was probably one of the very few who knew about his preference in men… Who knew about him and Hanyo. They shared secrets and dreams ever since they were little boys. They both wanted to help people, they both wanted to change their nation.
But now… Haurchefant was gone. Stephanivien didn't know how to process it. He walked slowly toward his friend’s body; every step felt like adding another nail to a coffin.
No more late night drinks at the Forgotten Knight.
No more laughs in the Pillars.
No more talks of the future.
No more Haurchefant.
Stephanivien felt his knees grow weak as he stood over his childhood friend. Alphinaud was sobbing , clinging desperately to the knight’s cold body, his small body barely covering the gaping hole in Haurchefant's chest . Stephanivien felt his knees hit the ground next to the younger man, unable to contain his tears at the sight. Hanyo kneeled next to Stephanivien, and after making sure no untrustworthy eyes were around, took Stephanivien’s hand into his own, using their body to block the view of their locked hands to anyone else that might be coming closer to the scene.
Curious voices rose from behind them as people started to gather around to see what th e commotion was all about. As Lord Fortemps arrived, Hanyo gently let go of Stephanivien’s hand to try to speak with the mourning father. However, his ears caught something else.
“Disgusting”, spat a man in the nearby crowd. Hanyo made a beeline to the noise, calm save for the fury in his eyes.
“Utterly disgusting. How does Lord Edmont feel about his bastard being involved with another man?” the same voice continued, misinterpreting Alphinaud and Haurchefant's relationship. Some voices grew silent, others agreed. Hanyo stood before them, his heart beating fast with wrath, his eyes murderous for a moment as he looked at the crowd before blinking away to cold anger.
“Whoever said that, say it to my face again. I dare you ,” s aid the Miqo’te, arms crossed before the crowd. A man stepped forward. It was Count Baurendouin de Haillenarte, Stephanivien’s father.
“It’s disgusting, two men together. It’s unnatural and against the teachings of the Fury,” he answered firmly. Stephanivien felt his heart drop, trembling in fear. He always knew his father was more of a conservative man, but this…
“Pray tell me, Lord de Haillenarte: have you ever been in love?" Hanyo asked, glancing to Francel, who was standing next to his father. Lord de Haillenarte scoffed at the simple question.
"Of course. My late wife was the love of my life. I don't see why you would need to ask such a simple question, Dark Knight.” The lord’s face remained impassive, the air between the two men growing colder than the freezing air of Coertas as the tension rose.
" How did you love her?" Asked Hanyo, his calm voice betrayed by a hint of venom.
It was clear what questions bounced around in Lord de Haillenarte's head. Hanyo didn't wait for an answer.
"Was your love for her disgusting too? Was her love for you disgusting?" he repeated, eyes still firmly set on the lord. This was not just for Haurchefant and Cain; it was also for Stephanivien and the bond they shared.
"The love between two people, be it romantic or not, is a precious jewel that should never be spat upon! You misunderstand the situation and yet..." he paused as he fought back tears. The words stuck in his throat for a moment.
"He gave his life to protect Ishgard. I won't let anyone insult him, his memory, and the love he had for others… not even you,” said Hanyo, knuckles white with rage as he held back his anger.
"And what do you know about love, Dark Knight?" the Count snapped testily.
Without missing a beat, Hanyo replied, "I was saved by the love I share with someone. I love that person more than life itself, and owe them my life."
Stephanivien bit his tongue as he felt his lover come back next to him. Of course, he had heard the whole thing. Of course, he wanted to kiss him, but his rational thoughts kicked in at the last second and held him in check. He felt Hanyo's hand on his shoulder and couldn't hold back his tears. Stephanivien was still a proud man. As much as he wanted to break down and let his emotions flow, his upbringing held him back. He had to act strong. He had to act like the heir of House Haillenarte, the eldest son of the House. He had to show a noble’s face… A noble’s tears… He cried silently, biting his tongue and aching to be in the embrace of his lover.
There will be time to mourn him… Later… he thought.
A few hours later, Haurchefant's remains were taken away, and the Scions began preparations to depart. They didn't have time to wait around; Thordan was a step ahead of them and they needed a clear destination in sight. With the clock against them, as it was, the Scions left in a rush — Hanyo barely had time to pick up a few essentials before storming off with the group into the unknown.
For the next week, Stephanivien barely slept; he was far too anxious and worried. His thoughts collided with one another, making him doubt and keeping him on edge. He didn't know Hanyo was a Warrior of Light. He didn't know how long Hanyo had been working with the Scions. Indeed, Stephanivien wasn't sure what to think anymore. He loved Hanyo, but that wasn’t enough to stop him from feeling anger that the Miq'ote still kept secrets from him. Did Hanyo not trust him enough?
Usually, in times such as this, Stephanivien could turn to Haurchefant for advice and reassurance. That was, of course, impossible now. Stephanivien became moodier during that week of wait, cursing often against his machines, crumbling and throwing away pages after pages of scratched-off ideas and blueprints, and losing patience easily when people asked him some questions. The people of the Manufactory figured he was still upset at Haurchefant's death and mostly left him alone.
Hanyo came back the day Stephanivien went to pay his respects at Haurchefant's grave. He saw the airship of the Ironworks and a dragon fly into the sky towards Ishgard. Hanyo had left his chocobo in Stephanivien's care and the bird chirped at the prospect that her owner was back. The Elezen was able to come back quickly to the city with the help of the light blue chocobo.
He left Durin at the stables and rushed to the airship landing in the Pillars. He wasn't sure if he was happy, worried or angry. He didn't know how he was going to react. Stephanivien quickly arrived at his destination and noticed the crowd. Everyone seemed to cheer for the Scions, in awe of the dragon standing there.
It was then that Stephanivien spotted the Lord Commander speaking with Hanyo. Aymeric was smiling, but Hanyo's face remained unnervingly stoic and bitter. Stephanivien looked around to see Hanyo's friends, the Leveilleur boy, the Ironworks engineers and Tataru speaking with other members of the crowd. As he cast his gaze towards the other Scions, he knew something else had happened. He looked back towards Hanyo hoping to catch his attention. The Miqo’te looked tired.
Hanyo eventually noticed Stephanivien at the back of the crowd and looked relieved for a moment. He exchanged a few words with Aymeric before bowing.
"I will give you a full report on these events by tomorrow, Lord Commander. I just ask that people let us... process all this in peace,” Hanyo was saying as Stephanivien came closer to them. Aymeric acquiesced before taking his leave to speak with the dragon. Hanyo's tired eyes looked back to Steph and smiled weakly.
"Hey…" said Hanyo, his voice low and uncertain. His eyes looking to the side, clearly uneasy.
"Welcome back,” Stephanivien replied almost immediately. He felt his heart pounding in his chest. He was afraid. Hanyo sighed as he kept a watchful eye on who was around them. It looked like he wanted to say more, but knew better than talking out loud in public. He bowed to Stephanivien.
"I'll be on my way now. I need to make that report for Aymeric and…" Hanyo's eyes followed Alphinaud across the distance. "And I wanna make sure he's not doing anything crazy"
His gaze remained resolutely fixed away from Stephanivien's , deliberately avoiding his lover. The Elezen felt his heart constrict with pain. He forced himself to affect a noble smile, hiding his emotions.
"I'll be getting a bottle of whiskey from the Forgotten Knight. Would you like some later?" he asked, extending an invitation to hang out in their room later. Hanyo paused, unsure.
"I… yeah, maybe…" the Miqo'te replied, as he promptly left Stephanivien's side. The Elezen could only watch his lover leave in silence, feeling his heart-shattering in his chest as he watched him chase after Alphinaud.
He decided to strike up a conversation with Cid Garlond and his engineers, hoping it would change his mind. However, it would have been a lie if he claimed he remembered anything about his conversation with the Ironworks — his mind was far too preoccupied as he struggled to hold back his tears. He eventually excused himself and, instead of returning to the Manufactory, he took a left and made his way "home", to the Haillenarte mansion.
It had been a while since he last stayed there, but tonight, he would rather sleep in an empty bed that didn't remind him of Hanyo. The front door guard was surprised when Stephanivien arrived. He briefly exchanged meaningless prattle with them before quietly entering the mansion in the hopes of sneaking into his room.
Alas…
"Stephanivien ! Such a rare occasion! What blesses us with your presence today? Are you feeling alright, my son?" said Lord de Haillenarte from the comfort of his fireplace. He was genuinely worried about his son, yet Stephanivien couldn't tell him the reason why. He knew full well his father's beliefs regarding relations between men, now more than ever since…
"I… I need some time away from the Manufactory… At least for one night…"
"I understand. Why don't you go clean yourself while the maids go tend to your room? You deserve a good night's rest in a bed that is not riddled with dust,” his father said warmly. For a moment, Stephanivien almost thought his father would accept him. That he could tell him what was really on his mind…
"Father, I…"
But his fear was stronger.
“Thank you, but I think I will just retire to my room after a warm bath. Don't wait or expect me for dinner later."
And that was the extent of their exchange that night. Stephanivien slowly walked up the stairs, forcing a smile for the manor staff. He didn't know how much longer he could fake it. After a few minutes, he spotted Joye leaving the bathroom as she had finished preparing Stephanivien's bath.
"Mi lord… do… do you wish to talk? I-"
"I'll be fine, Joye. Please just return to the guild once you are available. I don't know how long I will be staying here,” he replied wearily, finally letting his fake smile drop. Joye bowed, acknowledging his order, and left.
Once he heard the door click behind him, he felt numb.
He had hoped to simply break apart and cry his lungs out, but he couldn't. He felt empty, drained of emotion. He removed his old clothes, put them away so that they be washed overnight, and stepped inside the bath. The water was warm and should make him relax… But he couldn't. He began to wash himself, stopping for a moment when he found an old mark Hanyo had left on him. It had been over a week, and it simply looked like an old bruise, but its sight brought him back to tears once more.
What if… What if he had grown tired of him? What if that was it? That Hanyo had moved on? That he grew tired of being with him…? The constant distance wasn’t helping. The constant fear of being found out by the Holy See and the inquisitors was also not helping.
And now, his own father has publicly acknowledged his opinion towards same-sex relationships and Hanyo has stood up against him. Steph could see why someone would not want to pursue a relationship under these circumstances. Was he just going to be a footnote in the story that is Hanyo’s life?
Stephanivien quickly lost track of time. He wasn’t sure how long he stared at the ceiling, asking himself the same questions over and over again; at some point, the water had turned cold and the sun had set.
He reluctantly got out and dried himself before making a beeline for his room. He promptly locked it and sat down on the floor, his back on the door.
It will feel odd to sleep here. The silence was deafening: He had grown used to the rhythmic sounds of the Manufactory and their distant reverberation helped him sleep during his lonely nights. He took a look around, hoping he would get lost in the familiarity of childhood memories. It did, but everywhere he looked, it only reminded him of Haurchefant. He eventually got up, only to fall on his bed.
It's cold, he thought to himself before finally, the first tears escaped. He came here specifically to avoid being in a bed that smelled like Hanyo, to avoid being hurt… Yet the absence of that familiar warmth that kept him afloat for the past few days… His absence… It pierced like a spear through his heart. He sobbed violently, muffling his cries in his old bed sheets and praying to Halone that no one could hear him. He curled on himself, clenching his chest in agony as he felt his heart shatter like glass. He cried a week's worth of tears of being lovesick, of being worried and wondering what the future had in store for them.
He ached to feel his warmth, to see his eyes, to feel his caresses on him, to see the love in those fire and ice eyes… He loved him so much, it hurts. The silence, the lack of acknowledgment, and the secrets…
He cried late into the night, asking himself the same old questions as he felt sleep overtake him eventually, his last fearful thoughts rolling down his cheeks.
_____
Stephanivien wasn’t sure how long he slept, but he dreaded waking up. He still felt tired. All colors seemed greyer and duller. He kept his eyes closed for Halone knows how long before hearing a commotion outside by the manor's entrance. He bundled himself lazily in his bed covers and sneaked to the window to see what was happening.
"What do you mean I can't see him?!" Hanyo demanded, clearly annoyed. Stephanivien's heart skipped a beat, yet he didn’t fail to notice how tired Hanyo looked.
"Lord Stephanivien is retired to his private chambers; we wish to offer him peace and quiet in this time of grief. Surely you can understand that. Wasn't Haurchefant your friend too?" the guard replied, tone defensive. "When he comes out, I will let him know you are-"
Stephanivien didn't hear the rest of the conversation. His mind was racing once more. On one hand, he was happy to see Hanyo come all the way here to ask for him. On the other, what if it compromised them? He quickly found his clothes, folded and cleaned them behind his closed door, and got into them. He wanted to see him. He needed to ask him. At least then, he’ll be sure…
As he quietly got out of the room, he spotted his father also coming out of his own room down the hallway. Stephanivien noted that the man was walking towards him rather slowly, using his cane.
His old war wound is acting up again .
"Good morning. Are you feeling better today, Stephanivien?"
"A little. My… my mind is still processing everything that is happening at the moment. I can't imagine what Francel must be going through. He looked up to Haurchefant a lot…" Stephanivien replied, quicking shifting his father’s concern to his younger brother. His father placed a hand on his shoulder, smiling at his eldest son.
"I’m not worried about him - it’s you I'm concerned about. I haven't heard you cry like this since Chlodebaimt's passing and never with such intensity. I never knew you were so close with that… ahem…,” he said, stopping himself from finishing that phrase. Stephanvien felt a hint of panic rises in his chest. Did he give himself away by accident?
"Haurchefant has always been just a great friend." he quickly corrected. “We often shared drinks at the Forgotten Knight, catching up and exchanging ideas. He helped me quite a bit after Chlodebaimt's death… Helped me deal with his passing. He was a good man and a great friend. I will miss him…" he replied, eyeing his father's reaction.
His father nods in acknowledgement. The silence lingered between them as they walked down the stairs. Stephanivien could feel his father's eyes on him, his gaze almost burning a hole in his back.
"I was informed that this… Dark Knight came by the manor earlier, demanding to see you. Do you have business with the likes of him? Do you know what he wants?"
Stephanivien didn't reply immediately. He could feel the venom in his father's words towards Hanyo. Dark Knights were considered heretics, and Hanyo never hid the nature of his job from anyone. All the same, he still struggled to gain the trust of the people of Ishgard , despite all he’d done for the city. Plus their stand-off from a few days earlier must have left the Count in a very sour mood towards the outsider.
S tephanivien sighed heavily, pushing aside his annoyance.
"I do not know. I forgot to tell anyone I would not be returning to the Manufactory yesterday. He was probably sent to check if I was okay," Stephanivien replied, plastering on a fake smile. "On that note, I will be on my way there. I will talk to you later, Father."
“Stephanivien,” Lord de Haillenarte called out, voice warm once more and his tone worried. “Take care of yourself, my son. You are always welcome to stay longer if you wish. And if something is bothering you, you can always tell me.”
“… Of course. Thank you .” At this point, Stephanivien’s smile was all but straining to appear genuine.
After some brief farewells, Stephanivien left the manor and made his way towards the Manufactory. He took his time, trying to enjoy the morning cold air as he went through the Jeweled Crozier. It usually relaxed him, but not today, as every step he took made his heart race. The unknown usually didn't scare him, but this was something entirely unfamiliar.
Not knowing if the man he loved still cared, not knowing what the future could hold for them… It paralyzed him with fear.
Without realizing it, Stephanivien’s feet led him to stand right before their shared bedroom door. It was their safe haven: close enough to the Manufactory to get there in a hurry, but isolated enough that it scarce saw any visitors. He simply stood there for a moment, wondering if Hanyo was still on his way. Was he waiting on the other side? Was he…. was he gone…
A sudden, wall-rattling noise shook him from his thoughts. Stephanivien feared it might be a dragon attack, but as the dust settled and silence returned, his fears were assuaged. He gathered his courage and gently knocked on the door before slowly pushing it open.
The first thing he noticed was the knife stuck 3 ilms deep into the wall.
"S-Steph?"
Hanyo was sitting on the bed, bandages to the side and scars exposed…. though, thankfully, there were no new fresh. The Miqo'te's eyes were initially wide with surprise, then his face was disfigured with bone-wracking sorrow as the shame of what he almost attempted sunk in . He nervously rubbed his hands together, as if to ease a phantom pain and calm his old demons. Their eyes locked.
It felt familiar in a way. The concern in the Elezen’s eyes, the distraught in the Miqo’te’s stare. A bit like that first night they spent together.
But before Stephanivien could say a word, worry taking hold of him, Hanyo suddenly got up and tried to make a beeline out of the room.
"I have to go…" Hanyo blurted out, avoiding the Elezen's gaze before receiving a slap on the face.
"You have to go?! Where ?! You can't just walk up to my family's house, demanding to see me only to run away when I get here!" Stephanivien yelled. He didn't care at that moment if someone could hear them. He had enough of Hanyo's games.
"Do you have any idea how worried I was - how worried I am?”
He could feel tears prickling his eyes as he spoke, but he forced himself to continue on.
“You tell me you're a Warrior of Light, that you work with the Scions, that you're off to fight whatever Primals that need to be killed … ”
Without realizing it, Stephanivien cornered Hanyo against the wall. It was easy to forget that, while Hanyo was the stronger of the two, Stephanivien was almost a head taller. The Miqo'te offered no fight, even as he hit the wall behind him. He was listening, his eyes still locked with Stephanivien's. It was painful, but not a word escaped him.
“… and I just have to accept it?! That you’re off into mortal dangers without having the good sense of letting me know about it?!”
It felt horrifically good to let his pent-up emotions pour out of him, as though extracting a parasite gnawing at his insides. Haurchefant’s death, his father’s bigotry, Hanyo’s silence, and his absence… It didn’t matter to him at this moment… All of his frustration were directed to the man who stood silently and ears low before him.
“What else are you not telling me? That you found someone else? That we're done? Is that… Is that why you’ve been avoiding me like the plague?"
Stephanivien was breathing heavily. It was perhaps the first time he'd ever yelled so much. He felt his voice crack a few times under the abuse, but how it felt good to finally let all this steam out…
Once the silence began to linger between them, Hanyo looked down at his shaking forearms and struggled to find his words.
"Steph, I'm so, so sorry. I never wanted you to feel this way. I …I'm… I tried… This- All of this, was never my intention. I don't… I don't know what to do…"
"Why did you leave? Do… Do you not love me anymore? Why are you trying to leave me when I need you most right now?" the Elezen sobbed. He felt calmer now, the venom drained from his voice.
Hanyo hesitantly moved closer to Stephanivien, as if to test the waters, before embracing him. The Elezen could feel the Miqo'te's rough hand and fingers brush his cheek, guiding him closer until their foreheads touched. They had nowhere else to look - only into each other's eyes.
"Steph, I love you. There’s only you. No matter the distance, no matter what, my heart belongs only to you. I love you so much - it hurts how much I love you,” Hanyo said earnestly.
Stephanivien knew it was all true. He looked away, ashamed of his previous outburst.
"Hanyo, I'm-" Stephanivien tried to say, words falling to silence as the Miqo'te ’s nose gently nuzzled his. Instantly, he felt the tension melt away from him.
"Don't be. I'm an idiot, you have every right to be angry with me. I'm the one who should be sorry. Please forgive me. I'm not strong like you."
Stephanivien looked back toward Hanyo, taken aback by his words.
"Me?! Strong? I don't understand… I'm not-" The Elezen was baffled in confusion as the Miqo'te gave him a weak smile.
"You are love… More than you think. You see the best in people, the good in every day, you keep pushing forward despite what others might think and it never changes you. You have your own strength. It's one I lack and admire in you Steph." Stephanivien was left speechless for a moment before looking away, feeling more ashamed of his earlier outburst.
Hanyo leaned in closer, his fingers gently tipping the Elezen’s face so their gaze could meet again.
"It's okay. I deserved that. Never be ashamed of speaking your mind to me. Even when that concerns me. Gods know I'm the definition of imperfect." Replied Hanyo, as he read Stephanivien's mind.
From this distance, Stephanivien could now see just how tired the Miqo'te truly was. He could feel Hanyo's hands cling to him like his life depended on it.
"When I saw you yesterday, I wanted to run up to you. To hold you in my arms and kiss you. To tell you how much I missed you and love you. I was… I was so happy. Seeing you after all that bullshit with the Ascians, Thordan, Estinien. After losing both Ysayle and Haurchefant, seeing you there was a victory for me. But…"
Hanyo thought for a moment, looking deeper into Stephanivien's blue eyes, searching for something in the depths of the Elezen's soul, looking for understanding and forgiveness perhaps...? "Here I am, happy, while Alphinaud suffers the loss of Estinien. I want to be there for him. I want to help him, like Haurche did for me. I was alone, but he doesn't have to be. I don't… I don't want him to go down the same dark path…"
The pair moved to sit on the bed. Again, Hanyo seemed to pause as he considered his next words.
"And yet… I feel like I've failed. I can't get him to stop. He's so focused on looking for Estinien or Nidhogg, he barely sleeps, barely takes care of himself... I... I stopped him last night... From jumping off a cliff... "
For a moment, Stephanivien felt the air grow cold around them. His blood froze at what might have happened had Hanyo not been there.
"He doesn't know about us but I… That the man I love is still alive and well, while his is… is… And Haurchefant... I can't stop thinking about what happened... How he jumped in front of me and-"
The Miqo’te choked on the last word. He held back his tears, putting on a mask Stephanivien knew too well.
He doesn't know how to grieve…
"It's okay to cry Hanyo. You're not alone this time. I’m-”
It all happened so fast. The silent tear streaks on the Miqo’te’s cheek, his strong arms pulling the Elezen closer, the painful roar that resonated with Stephanivien’s own pain… and finally, the reality of the situation finally sinking in for the pair.
Haurchefant the dreamer…
Haurchefant the optimist…
Stephanivien’s childhood friend…
Hanyo’s savior…
The man who brought them together, who smiled till the very end, was no more.