Florian ran at his mother when she opened the door. Annshera was relieved to see him so energetic again. He didn’t seem traumatized. She carried home and covered him with kisses. Florian was shouting screams of joy. She softly caressed him.
“Say hello to Julian. You remember him baby?”
“Hello !”
“Hello little guy.”
Julian put his hand on Florian’s head. Maybe Florian was in good mood but he was very comfortable with him at Annshera’s surprise. Aymeric left his documents and kissed his wife.
“Aymeric this is Julian, the man who rescued us. I invited him home to thank him properly. Maybe you know him already. He’s Ishgardian as well and since you basically know everybody here.”
They both stared at each other, suspicious, without realizing they hand check lasted over a minute. I t created an odd atmosphere in the living room.
“Have we met already Julian ?” politely asked Aymeric intrigued.
“I doubt it.”
Julian walked away and sat on the sofa. He crossed his legs then Florian joined him. He was obviously happy to have found a new playing partner. Julian agreed and they both headed to Florian’s playground.
“Annshera can we talk in the kitchen ?”
“Sure darling. Florian be a good boy !”
“Yes Mummy !”
Annshera prepared a plate with tea and biscuits. She served a cup to her husband. She could see in Aymeric’s eyes that he wasn’t pleased with Julian’s presence.
“Where did you find him ?”
“I didn’t, he found us.”
“He’s feeling quite comfortable.”
Same as you while we barely knew each other remember, must be an Ishgardian thing I guess.”
Aymeric smiled and attracted his wife against him. He carried her on the table and kissed her. She put her arms around him and bit one of his ears. He stepped away from her, amused.
“Annshera… Stop… Florian could hear us and his new pal as well. Let’s join them.”
Annshera brought the plate to everyone. They all drank the tea at the exception of baby Florian who drank his favourite juice. They were all silently looking at each other while enjoying the tasty biscuits. Aymeric broke the ice.
“So Julian, you’re visiting your family ?”
“If you will excuse me I’m exhausted. I traveled from very very, I would like to sleep. It was a pleasure. You boy is very cute. I will go to the inn."
“By all means you can stay here. We have a guest room upstairs. You are were welcomed Julian. Stay as long as you please.”
“Fine, good night.”
He politely bowed, the elezen way and went upstairs. Annshera manifested her annoyance to Aymeric. Aymeric looked at Florian seeking for comfort but baby simply smiled at him, clueless about what was happening in front of him.
“What did I do ?!”
“His family seems to be a sensitive subject. He spoke about his mother with so much sadness on his eyes. I’m gonna check on him.”
***
Annshera entered in the guest room discreetly. She rearranged few stuff inside. With her fingers she brushed Julian’s coat, very nice fabric. One thing for sure he had money, she told herself. She felt something heavy within one of the pocket. A very sophisticated Magnum with Garlean emblem on it. Shivering, she immediately put the gun back where she found it. A Garlean spy ? Here to kill her ? She wouldn’t leave this room without knowing the truth. Annshera sat next to the bed quite upset by her recent discovery. Julian seemed like a nice guy. A nice guy with overexpensive Garlean Magmun though. Yet she couldn’t forget the way he was looking at her, full of tenderness and admiration. It wasn’t like her fans for example, she could feel some deep concern and love for her.
Julian started agitating himself, scared. “He’s having a nightmare.” she shouted worried. She tried to calm him, putting her hands on his chest just like she could do with Florian. He woke up and held her hands very tightly.
“Mother…”
Annshera wide opened her eyes and giggled.
“It’s not your mother, it’s me Annshera. You had a nightmare. You dreamed about her right ? You mother ? You called for her.
“Mother…”
He took her hands. On one of his finger, she recognized one of her most precious belongings, her father’s ring. Annshera’s face distorted with anger.
“Where did you get that ?”
“What ?”
She violently put Julian’s hand on the bed and hold it tight, he yelled of surprise.
“Why do you have my father’s ring ? Why do have a fancy Garlean gun ? Who are you ?”
“Mother stop ! Stop yelling !”
“Stop calling me Mother you idiot ! I’m in my twenties, so are you ! I’m way too young to be your mother.”
“Mother calm down. Don’t you recognize me ?”
She looked at him more carefully. Green eyes. Greyish hair. Mixed elezen ears. Hyuran mother. Julian, Florian’s middle name ! She stood up and started walking all over the room.
“Impossible… That’s impossible ! Florian ?! Is that you my son ?”
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