Chapter Text
Brother,
I know that this is a huge favor to ask of you but I have no other choice. We need tools for the artisans that are working on the firmament project. I’m putting in a formal request with the Skysteel Manufactory to make them. Please, they are sorely needed.
-Francel
Stephanivien read over the note that his younger brother sent him. He wanted him to succeed in this venture. It’s something that would prove that House Haillenarte still is a great house of Ishgard. His engineers work tirelessly to make these tools. Hopefully they are to the standards of the artisans. He carried the crate of tools to the Firmament to deliver them.
As he arrived, the place was bustling. Artisans all over the place, busily making all sorts of things for the project. He spotted his brother. Running up to him with all the tools in hand. “Francel!” excited to see him, “I brought those tools you requested.”
Francel was grateful that his brother had the tools at hand. With a sigh of relief “Stephan, I’m so glad that you did this for me.” As Francel was about to open up the crate to look at them and hand them out, Aurvael ran up to him.
“F-Francel” he pants in a panic “Count Charlemend wants a word about the Firmament. He doesn’t seem all that pleased.”
Shocked that the count wanted to speak with him. Afterall the young Elezen thought he was doing a great job coordinating the efforts in the Firmament. “Now what does the good count want now?” He grumbled. Francel takes a look at his eldest brother. “Stephan, can I ask you to hand out those tools to the artisans? I’ll be back before long.”
“Wait, Francel!” Trying to stop his younger brothers. However, he was too late as both of them bolted leaving him there alone with the tools he just delivered. Besided himself he sighs, ultimately deciding that he should do what his brother asked him.
Time passes and he is bored out of his mind. He handed the tools out to the artisans that approached him. He was grateful that they all appreciated the hard work that the manufactory did but he much rather be back there than here working on his newest ideas. He was starting to zone out.
“Excuse me.” a sweet voice called out to him. He looked up and saw a purple haired woman. He noticed her deep blue eyes which he got lost in. She was quite cute in his opinion. He felt that his heart swell. “Excuse me.” she chimed up again, snapping Stephanivien out of his thoughts.
“Y-yes, c-can I help you.” He felt extremely nervous that he could barely get any words out.
“I heard that there were tools being handed out for the artisans. You wouldn’t be the one handing them out would you?” she inquired.
He cleared his throat, “Why yes,” He perked up, “which one do you need?”
She hummed for a moment, cheerful that she found the right place. “I need new sewing supplies. My current supplies broke, probably due to age.”
Stephanivien dug out the supplies that he had and handed them over to her. “I take it you are a seamstress.”
“Aye, though it’s been a while since working on a project this size.” Iris looked over the supplies, “oh my these look very high quality.” Hearing those words from her made his heart skip. She looked back at him and gave him a smile. “My name is Iris by the way.” she said cheerfully.
He calmed himself down, “Stephanivien”
“Are you all alone? If you want I can keep you company.”
“I am and I would love the company.”
“Let me get my stuff and I’ll be right back.” she skipped away.
It was at that moment he knew he was done in. He wasn’t expecting her to offer some company but glad that she did. She returned with her work. The two chatted to pass the time. Mostly over their work as crafters and their life growing up. She’d work while Stephanivien continued handing out the tools. After a few hours Francel returned to relieve Stephanivien so he could go back to the manufactory.
He felt a bit sad. While he yearned to go back to the manufactory he also didn’t want to leave being with Iris. He would invite her to come with him but it’s not the place for stray fabrics and threads. Before thinking he uttered the words “Iris, maybe we can hang out some more later.”
Iris was grateful to hear him say that “Yeah that would be great.” she smiled back at him. “I’m to assume that I can come by the manufactory?” He nodded to her and headed out.