Summary: Love and loss in Ivalice. The Sequel to "Words Unspoken". Mostly BaschxAshe, but also containing the relationships amongst Vossler, Rasler, Balthier, Fran, Penelo, Vaan, Larsa, OC... and more. Can a stoic knight ever release himself from the bindings of the Knight's Code and claim that which is his heart's greatest desire?
Author's Note: This tale is the sequel to my first chapter story "Words Unspoken". Though part one (Words Unspoken) is not finished, I suggest you read it before reading this- as it explains many things that have already taken place between the characters in this second part to the story. Words Unspoken also introduces OCs that play an important role in this sequel. (Also the "prologue" moment in the first story will play out here.)
I plan on continuing to write Part One and Part two simultaneously... Hope it doesn't get too confusing. :D
Special Thanks: to those that read and review- I appreciate it so much!!
Disclaimer: I own the plot and my own characters... Square Enix owns the rest.
.• SAVE THE QUEEN •.
Chapter 1
You Who Are Dead
Had I forgotten? and did you remember?
You, who are dead, whom I cannot forget;
You, for whose sake all my heart is an ember
Covered with ashes of dreams and regret.
-Madison Cawein, from "Ghosts"
The Arcadian Judge Magister lay on his back in his darkened quiet quarters. His brow furrowed as he ran Penelo's letter through his mind once again.
...
Dear Lord Larsa,
It's hard to believe a year has passed so quickly. Rabanastre is finally back to the way it was. Like when my parents were still alive. But I think it's important to put the past behind us and keep our eyes on the road ahead.
Ashe's coronation is next month. She grows farther and farther away from us... but I guess that's how it has to be. She is queen now, after all.
I am looking forward to seeing you at the ceremony.
How is Basch? I know he went with you to Archades "to further the cause of peace in Ivalice"... but still, I hope he comes to Rabanastre, and Ashe, soon. She has to keep up appearances now, so she would never say it... but I think she misses him.
Oh, I haven't told you the most important part!
Vaan and I had been taking care of the Strahl, but it was stolen! We had just finished having her tuned up, too. Stolen might not be the right word. If her owner wants her back, there's not much we can do. There's still plenty of time before the coronation, so Vaan's going to pay the two of them a visit. You should see him! He can hardly wait.
I'll be going too, of course. Every good sky pirate needs a partner, right?
Until the coronation,
Penelo
...
He rolled onto his side, and punched at his pillow trying to find a comfortable position that continued to elude him.
I think she misses him.
He grunted in frustration at his inability to find sleep. It had been several hours now since his lord had allowed him to glance upon the letter that had arrived from their mutual friend Penelo. Of course, both he and Lord Larsa had already been informed and officially invited to the Queen of Dalmasca's Coronation Ceremony. The upcoming event had been eating away at the back of his mind since he had broken the royal wax seal of own invitation.
Something about Penelo's letter though was disturbing him greatly.
...she misses him.
He raised both his large hands and ran them over his weary face and up into his short cropped blond hair. His gray eyes shifted to the pale full moon outside his window. The man sighed deeply, feeling the ghostly light of the moon bathe his face and bare chest. He knew sleep would not find him this night.
The soon to be queen lifted her face and gazed at the moon. Her silvery hair lifted gently away from her slender neck in the slight breeze. She barely noticed how much longer it had grown as it caressed the curves of her shoulders.
So much had happened since Vayne, the corrupt leader of Archadia had been defeated. Both she and Lord Larsa owed everything to their five new found comrades that had fought by their sides and restored freedom to Dalmasca and peace to all of Ivalice. Well, not everyone had been a new friend to her; her thoughts turned to the knight that she had once desperately loved.
...
The journey they had shared with the sky pirates and the orphans seemed both to have taken a lifetime and to have passed by in a moment. She deeply regretted her initial distrust of Basch when they had been reunited. She berated herself for believing the lies that had corrupted her mind against him. Vossler had been so sure of what had taken place in Nalbina and she had ignored what she knew in her heart and had gradually believed him.
She grabbed the railing of her balcony and cringed as she remembered slapping Basch's face on the Dreadnought Leviathan. He had been so happy to see her, in hindsight, she saw it very clearly now. The look of shock and hurt on his face after her vicious blow had been unmistakable, though he had covered his expression almost immediately. After that moment, she had seen almost no emotion from him for the remainder of their journey. He stood by her and protected her, but she knew something vital between them had been broken by her act. He was a man that lived completely by honor, devotion and truthfulness; when she had believed him to be a deceitful traitor, she had insulted the very core of everything the man had proved himself to be. Even though it felt as if they were no longer friends, her heart still swelled knowing that he was alive. Her world had been so empty the years that she believed he was dead, now life felt more real again, more meaningful.
She had been saddened and disappointed to learn that he would leave Dalmasca to serve Lord Larsa in Archades, but she had not been surprised.
...
Stepping back inside and making her way toward her bed, she wondered if Basch would attend her coronation.
He will not come.
The thought left her empty and lonely. The pale and lovely twenty year old queen slipped into bed, hoping for sleep.
A soft knock sounded upon the door to her chambers. She missed her old bedroom, but since returning as Dalmasca's sole living sovereign she had taken up residence in the grand royal chamber that had belonged to her father, King Raminas. Her chambers were huge and elaborately decorated, with several interconnected rooms. A bed chamber, a study and library, a bath chamber... Ashe still didn't feel comfortable being alone in the expanse of space here.
It took her several moments to cross from her over-sized bed to the large wooden door, pulling on a icy blue silken robe as she went.
"Yer Majesty," the voice on the other side of the door sounded worried. "You've missed breakfast."
Ashe smiled at the sound of Corliss' voice. She had been the head cook in the palace when her father had still sat upon the throne and had always been one of her favorite servants. She remembered her first strange days after returning to the Royal Palace of Rabanastre less than a year ago.
...
Once the Imperials had departed the palace on the word of Lord Larsa, few people that she remembered had remained. She had wandered the mostly empty palace feeling alone and afraid. Several members of her father's trusted senate and advisory committee had returned. These people had closed in upon her and watched her every move with great protectiveness. Word quickly spread throughout Rabanastre of her return and it warmed her heart as trusted servants and soldiers of the castle trickled back to the palace. Every time another servant arrived she would look for the face of her dear friend and hand maiden Budelle, but the arriving person was never her.
Her most emotionally wrought reunion had come the day a young maid had burst unannounced into Ashe's study, "Corliss is here!"
Ashe had leapt to her feet, "Send her in."
The maid had bowed and rushed out to the main door of Ashe's chambers.
When her eyes fell upon the kind, portly cook, the princess nearly choked back a sob of emotion. She went to her and threw her arms around the woman and hugged her warmly. Shocked and pleased by the warm reception the short woman had hugged Ashe in return.
"It is wonderful to see you Yer Majesty." The woman beamed. It was then that Ashe realized her arms were around not only the woman, but a small child as well. She pulled back and looked at the baby boy, he looked to be about a year and a half old. The sob she had held in at seeing Corliss escaped her lips now. The tiny boy's hair was a mess of dark curls and his large brown eyes stared at her in wonder. They were Budelle's eyes.
"Budelle?" Ashe's lips were trembling as she looked to Corliss.
The womans face fell, "I am sorry m'lady." She turned her face lovingly to the little boy she held. "I was with her while she died bringing this little one into the world; his name is Ian."
Ashe turned her back to Corliss and the boy for a brief moment trying desperately to hold back her grief. She didn't want to frighten the baby any more than she already had. Her heart was wrenching with loss and guilt. If Budelle had still been in her charge, she would have had the very best healers in Ivalice to see her through her birth. Ashe would have allowed no less for her dear friend. She knew Budelle's death during childbirth could have been prevented, but now her friend was gone...her life was wasted.
When she had been sure she was under control, she turned back to the pair and saw the sympathy in the kind woman's eyes.
"Would you like to hold him m'lady?" She held the little boy out toward Ashe.
Ashe had reached out with trembling hands and took the warm little body. Instinctively, she brought him to her chest and rocked him slowly. Ian seemed perfectly content in her arms and stuck his little thumb in his mouth. The queen brought her face down and smelled his sweet hair.
Corliss had smiled warmly.
...
The cook bustled past her into her room carrying a silver tray containing the queen's breakfast, talking as she walked.
"When I realized that you would not be making it to the parlor for breakfast, I made you up a plate... sorry if it's a touch cold Yer Highness."
Hot on Corliss' heals Ian tore into Ashe's room and made his way straight to her huge messy bed. It took him several tries, but finally, he climbed his chubby little body up onto the queen's bed and began jumping earnestly. The year that had passed had changed him from a baby to a little terror.
Corliss set down Ashe's breakfast and put her hands sternly on her generous hips, "Ian! Get down off there!"
"No!" The two year yelled gleefully and continued jumping, his brown ringlets bouncing.
"Corliss, if you don't mind, may I bring him down with me when I come down in a few moments?"
"Of course dear, take your time." She wiped her hands on her white apron then hesitated and added, "Though the senate is waiting for you in the parlor, so not too much time."
She gave Ashe a wink and closed the door behind her as she left.
The members of her senate were gathered around a large table in the meeting room. Servants were busily removing the remains of the breakfast that had been served there.
"I apologize for the delay."
The men gathered around the large table all stood as the queen approached.
Cobus Serhan, the head of the senate, bowed and began to speak, "Welcome Your Highness, we were just going over the..." His voice faltered as he gazed up at Ashe. His eyes darted down to the squirming boy in her arms and she saw the a flash of disdain cross his narrow features.
"Uncle!" Ashe was surprised to see Marquis Halim Ondore had joined them this morning. "I am so pleased to see you."
He made his way around the table and embraced her warmly, then ruffled Ian's hair briefly. "Ashelia, we have much to do. Your coronation is just under a week away and much needs to be done. Now put down your little friend and come sit beside me."
She smiled at him and nodded, releasing the toddler who immediately sped from the room as fast as his legs could go. A short moment later, from the kitchen, a cry of surprise then a loud bang sounded. Shortly after that, a voice could be heard scolding the little one. Iaaaan.
Ondore chuckled as the men all returned to their seats after the queen had been seated, and the official meeting began.
When Basch arrived at Larsa's makeshift study on the garden terrace he found the young man looking thoughtfully out over Archades. Basch stood where he was, fully dressed in Gabranth's judge's armor, not wishing to disturb the Emperor. Larsa gave a half glance over his shoulder, signaling to Basch that he was free to speak.
"You asked to see me Lord?" His voice, already very low in pitch, rumbled under the metal helm.
"Yes, just briefly as we both have much to do." Larsa turned to face the judge as he approached. In just the short year that Basch had been serving him under the guise of his brother, his lord had changed. Larsa was much taller, and he looked more like a teen than a young boy. He wore his hair much the same as he had before, and Basch was sure the young girls of Archadia took great fancy to him.
"I wanted to be sure you had your affairs in order as we will be departing for Rabanastre earlier than expected. In three days, in fact."
Even through the dark armor, the large man's discomfort at the news was apparent. "Earlier, My Lord?" He shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
Larsa held back a smile, "Yes, I have received a private request from the Queen, that we extend our visit to Dalmasca." Larsa lifted his eyebrows and added, "She says we are among her most honored guests."
"My...Lord..." Basch struggled for words underneath his metal shell. "Perhaps Zargabaath should escort you... I have many duties left unfinished."
Larsa made no effort to hide the look of surprise on his face, "Gabranth... you have been invited by the Queen as a guest, you are not going only as my escort...or have you forgotten?"
"Nay."
"Good." Larsa turned his back once again, signaling to Basch that their meeting was finished. "This should give you plenty of time to brief Zargabaath of your "duties left unfinished"; he will see to them in your stead."
"Of Course." Basch bowed respectfully and left the terrace.
The boy emperor finally broke out into the smile he had been holding back.
Ashe was bleary eyed with boredom. The senate had been going over every detail of her coronation ceremony for what felt like hours.
Senator Serhan spoke up, "If everyone is finished with the plan for heightened security measures, I would like to briefly go over the list of guests that have confirmed they will attend the event."
The people around the table murmured assent and Serhan began reading from the long list of names. Many of the people Ashe was familiar with, having attended countless royal gatherings when her father was king. Members of the Margrace family would be coming, and Ashe was not surprised to hear Al-Cid was among them. Her head perked up in surprise to hear some of the Nabradia family had survived the war and would be attending. Her heart wrenched as her thoughts turned to Rasler, her husband had been dead for years now. It was strange to remember that she was a widow. She gazed thoughtfully down at her wedding ring and twisted it slowly on her finger.
"I am honored to also inform you that the Emperor Lord Larsa of Archadia will be attending."
At this news Ashe's head shot up and she looked at Senator Cobus Serhan with peaked interest.
She tried to sound extremely bored as she inquired, "Does the list mention anyone else from Archades that will be attending?"
"Hmmm...," The man stroked his long white beard as he listed several other nobles from Arcadia. Each name on the list added a heavier layer of disappointment than the last. She sighed and looked away from him just as he added the last name as an afterthought.
"Oh, and a Judge Magister Gabranth."
Her head snapped back in his direction and she found herself wanting to tear the list away from the older man's grasp, just to see for herself that the name was there. She recovered her composure quickly and glanced around the table relieved that no-one had noticed her reaction... except for her uncle. When her eyes found his she saw that he was watching her closely, hiding what seemed to be a small smile.
The meeting was finally over and the senate members were filing out of the room when Ondore approached Ashe.
"Ashelia, I would like to have a word with you in private."
"Of course Uncle, shall we walk in the garden?"
He nodded and they made their way outside.
...
Once they were alone, strolling along a curving path of the elaborate garden, Ondore offered the young queen his arm. She looped her arm through his and they walked in comfortable silence for a short time before he spoke.
"Ashelia, my sister loved your father very much."
She nodded, wishing she had more memories of her mother before her death, everyone seemed to have loved her very much.
"And your father was my dearest friend. It pains me that your parents are no longer here to watch over you and guide you." He stopped then and looked down at her. "It is my hope that you will allow me to stay by your side from now until after the coronation... in place of your mother and your father. After all, Ashelia, we are family."
Ashe was touched, "Oh Uncle, I would like that very much, thank you."
He smiled and they continued down the path. "I hope you will not be angry with me, when I tell you that I took the liberty of inviting some of your friends to arrive early for the event."
"What... what friends?" Ashe looked up at Ondore nervously.
He continued, "I was thinking you could use some friendly faces about."
She had to admit, her days in the castle were terribly lonely. Without Budelle, she was virtually friendless.
"I asked for your friends Penelo and Vaan to arrive in just three days," he glanced at her to check her reaction.
She turned to him and her face broke into a wide beautiful smile. Pleased to see she was happy with the arrangement he continued, "I thought we could have some more casual and fun festivities before the official coronation." He stopped and looked at her again, "It hurts me to see you all alone in this palace, Ashelia."
She waved away his concern, "I am not alone Uncle... I am surrounded by people... I..."
He cut her off, "You know what I mean."
She urged him to continue walking and realized she was looking forward to this event more than she had before, "So Uncle did you invite any other friends to arrive early?"
He nodded and she looked at him happily, "Who!?"
"I am hoping word gets to your friends Balthier and Fran. But that may turn out to be quite a challenge. I gave the task to Penelo and Vaan and they seemed sure that they could find them," He chuckled.
"Oh and...," He glanced nervously down at her. "Lord Larsa will be arriving early as well."
"Really!?" Ashe couldn't believe what she was hearing. "Surely the Emperor is too busy to stay with me for a few days."
"Quite the contrary," Ondore replied. "He seemed very pleased by the idea."
Suddenly Ashe's throat began to feel tight and her pace slowed next to her uncle. "Surely, Lord Larsa will not be traveling alone..."
Ondore filled in the rest of her thought for her, "Of course not Ashelia, he will be accompanied by Judge Magister Gabranth."
...
At that last statement, the Queen of Dalmasca forgot how to breathe.