Author Note: I confess I have not written in many a year, such to think that I would not ever write again, not for my own pleasure at least. This is until my lover persuaded me into becoming her rival, though I doubt much that I ever could be. For a time I have been, or at least I would like to think myself as, a great reader of hers. The level of her scripts has been commended by many, myself included, and I could only hope to achieve a fraction of her talents on paper. Since she is the drive behind this attempt at finding what passions I held long ago, I hereby dedicate this to her, my love, my purpose, and my forever faithful knight.
P.S. – MUST READ BEFORE THE STORY! Yes, I am aware that this is canon, but this is what persisted in my head. The story follows after the ending to FFXII, although I have made some changes. First of all, since this pairing is Gabranth/Ashe, it should be obvious that unlike in the ending of FFXII, Gabranth did not die. And yes, Yoshi, I can do that. Even though he was mortally wounded by Vayne, he has survived. Since he was wounded and unable to protect Larsa, Basch has temporarily taken his place as "Judge Gabranth" until Gabranth recovers. Everything else is about the same unless otherwise notified as the story progresses. I am also ignoring FFXII: Revenant Wings.
Disclaimer – I do not own anything in Final Fantasy XII! Thank you.
Chapter I – The Coronation
Point of View – Ashelia B'nargin Dalmasca
In the years that have gone by, though the trials and turbulence, I prayed for this moment to come, longed to take these steps, awaited these cascades of praises and tears and cries of allegiance. I admit there were times when I thought the fates against me in making it through this journey. Yet, here I stand. This is what I came so far for, what I fought so hard for. So why do I, amongst these displays of happiness and cheerfulness, not share in the same?
"Make way for Princess Ashelia B'nargin Dalmasca!" rang throughout the large cathedral, signaling all within to stand and bow as the large wooden doors revealed the many citizens and guests, noble and common alike, inside. The cheers calmed but the smiles on the people's vestiges never faltered as they looked on.
The sheer magnitude of the Rabanastrean cathedral was breathtaking as rays of light flowed down from the stain glass windows, illuminating the white stone walls and Dalmascan banners bearing the royal crest of red and gold. The path up to the coronation chair was laid with red carpet and pew decoration with golden trim and ties.
Though my aspiration for this day to be realized as more than just a dream had indeed become a reality, I should have thought it to be a happier occasion. I could not suppress a sigh as I reflected that Rasler should have been here at my side. But shutting my eyes as tight as ability would allow would not help impede on the void sensation slowly unfurling within me, creeping through my veins and threatening to desist any futile attempt at reaching Marquis Ondore who stood next to the seat. I could see him smiling at me, a proud façade drawn on his aging face and could not help but will a small smile in response. I knew my uncle had an inkling as what might have been on my mind as he took my lightly trembling hand when I came within reach and led me to sit on the chair, facing my subjects and guests. So it was time.
The Marquis began to recite a speech that my ears would never hear and as I gazed about the room my eyes could not help but fall upon a pair of cold russet eyes staring at me, yet seeming to not see me at all. Maybe it was better that way. So he had decided to attend my coronation after all; how civil of him. After all, who had seen to it that he be taken care for during this past year.
"And so do I present these symbols of her majesty, the queen, the Scepter of Axiom and the Orb," Ondore announced, placing one in each of my hands. "And finally, I present to her royal majesty, the Crown of Dalmasca."
All in the cathedral cheered as I looked on and felt the cold circle placed upon my head. The surge of exclamations of "Long live the Queen!" echoed throughout the halls and shook at their very foundations. And the realization struck me then. My father was indeed gone, and I had taken his place. Alone I sat there, frozen in what seemed a blur of noise and light. And if the first was not enough, another realization struck me, almost crippling my entire resolve.
It was over. I was Queen.
The banquet held in my honor at the palace served as a minor distraction from my inner plight. All citizens were invited to attend the grand affair and many accepted graciously, enjoying the festivities of fine cuisine and wine to the music. Sauntering about the banquet hall welcoming guests did little to ease my growing anxiety with the claustrophobic and loud conditions, however, and soon I found myself once again seated, unable to shake a nauseating feeling growing at the pit of my stomach. A frantic wave soon caught my attention and to my delight I recognized the four walking towards me.
"Ashe! It's been a while since we last saw you. How are you doing?" Vaan rang out, making a quick bow before me. Penelo, Balthier, and Fran made their bows as well, each greeting me. Vaan and Penelo had on each their best attire, Penelo a dress of light blue flowing material and Vaan dark gray trousers with a navy dress shirt. Fran wore her dark armor and Balthier his usual attire of black leather trousers, a white loose dress shirt and his usual vest. For the first time that day I give a genuine smile as I stood to embrace each one.
"I am as well as can be expected. The coronation and its preparation has been taking a toll on me for the past few months, but I am happy it is done and over with," my voice surprised me as collected as it sounded.
"Well, to say the least, the coronation was beautiful. I've never seen such a thing before," Penelo beamed, smiling broadly.
"I'll say. It was, truly, a coronation befitting a queen. And after so long a time of unease with the Empire, I think it was about time to celebrate something around here," Balthier chuckled. I could not help but to laugh quietly. During the course of our adventure defeating the Empire, I had grown a soft spot for Balthier. His humor, wisdom, and charm was a godsend in the times of the war.
"Yeah, and the food and entertainment are great!" Vaan turned toward the many people dancing about, a good lot of them undoubtedly either tipsy or further under the influence.
"Is something bothering you, my lady?" Fran spoke up. I had noticed her studying me carefully, but had thought nothing of it. "Something seems to be troubling you."
"I am alright, Fran, thank you. It is a bit difficult, even now after so long, to finally be back at court. I had always dreamed of this day, though had I known then the journey, I would have prepared myself better."
"Hm. You mustn't blame yourself for what happened to your father or Rasler, you know. It has been quite the journey, even for a sky pirate like me, but you're here now. Enjoy it." Balthier placed a hand on his chin and shut his eyes, looking deep in thought.
"That's right. You're the Queen now and probably have a lot of things to do. Enjoy this while you can," Penelo smiled reassuringly at me, temporarily easing my nerves. I knew they were right. There were many trials as Queen ahead that I would have to face. I should enjoy my time as it came.
"Speaking of which, Fran and I are going to do a little dancing tonight before we take off tomorrow. Treasures don't find themselves, you know. Remember, take a breather every so often. It's good for your health." And with a bow he and the viera walked to the dance floor.
I suppressed a chuckle as I wished he would stay longer on his short visits to Rabanastre. Whenever he and Fran had visited briefly, it always reminded me of our adventure and I always thoroughly enjoyed their tales of expeditions and treasure hunts on far off coasts.
"Well, my lady, how wonderful it is to see you again," a voice from my right drew my attention. I remembered the distinct voice immediately as Al-Cid Margrace bowed deeply to me, taking my right hand in his and kissing the top of my palm. He was dressed fashionably as always, black trousers, a loose white collared shirt and gold embroidered vest. His hair was pulled back for the occasion, though he still carried his sunglasses folded in his pocket this time. Part of me briefly wondered where his maid was. By this time Vaan and Penelo had chosen to quietly sneak off toward the buffet table as Al-Cid, with one arm behind his back and the other holding my own gently eased me up from my seat, leading me to walk with him around the edges of the hall.
"How have you been, your majesty? I take it being back at the palace has treated you well?" Al-Cid spoke softly, as if wanting no one else to hear the conversation.
"Yes, your grace, it has most graciously. How have you been in Rozarria?" I replied, finding the nauseating feeling slowly return to me as we slowly ambled. I found it odd how his gaze fixed only on me for but a moment, ever jumping to something else on the far corner of the room.
"After the defeat of the Empire peace has served Rozarria and myself well. Accounting for the prosperity Dalmasca has experienced in the past year, may I assume the same of you? Ruling as the sole monarch of a nation can be hard business, one even I do not want to attempt. I hope it has not taken any adverse charges on you, my lady."
"The obligations I have as ruler of Dalmasca, to rebuild a just, stable government and to ensure the safety and well-being of my people is always first at hand, though I admit no, it is not always easy. I look toward my privy council for support in these matters and I am never disappointed," I gazed a moment out into the crowd, curious as to what he kept looking after.
"Ah, well, I propose you take up my offer in visiting Rozarria in the near future. I have spoken to Emperor Larsa and we have agreed that a perpetual peace treaty be made between Archadia, Rozarria, and Dalmasca. I would be honored if the summit was to be held in Rozarria," Al-Cid bowed. A treaty between the countries would be ideal and necessary to maintain peace throughout Ivalice. "What do you say, my lady?"
"I would very much like to take part in such an event. The peace treaty would serve not only as a renewed alliance of our countries but also as a pursuit towards world peace," I smiled broadly as I gave a slight bow.
"Then that settles it. I will give word to Emperor Larsa as soon as possible. I will arrange a time and place and send word as soon as they are chosen."
"Thank you, your grace. It will be a great honor."
"Believe me, my lady, the pleasure is all mine. I still have a promise to you that I would like to fulfill. I promised you that I would take you to the Ambervale of Clan Margrace and show you many a thing of my country, and that I shall," he gestured in grandeur.
"Until then, your grace," I bowed as he once again kissed the top of my palm and released it. He then strolled off into the crowd as I once again started in the direction of my seat.
A sudden wave of dizziness over took me then, to the point of grasping the edge of a nearby table to steady myself. My vision focused and unfocused for what seemed an eternity as I witnessed dancers twirl in slow motion and felt my heartbeats slow and pound loudly in my ears. And again, if my current condition were not bad enough, the nausea returned and I had no choice but to shut my eyes and feel for the wall. A lightness in my head began to form and it took all my god-willed strength not to fall as I finally felt the cold stone of the wall I had been searching for. The cool marble felt soothing against my skin as I struggled to catch my breath and wondered with all my might where this abrupt illness was coming from. Thankfully as I reopened my eyes, my vision had returned to normal and my nausea had lifted. I stood my ground a moment, my breath slowly returning.
As I felt well enough again, I slowly made my way back. I rested my forehead on my knuckles as I sat back down, contemplating whether or not I should leave the celebration early to retire to my bed chamber for the night.
"Your majesty, is everything alright?" a low voice whispered to me from behind. My head shot up in surprise as I was locked with those cold russet eyes once more. The hairs on the back of my neck stood and a sudden jerk in the pit of my stomach resulted from the proximity. What he was doing and why he cared to do it was out of my reasoning.
"Gabranth, you startled me," I whispered, scowling at him. "And yes, I am fine, just a bit under the weather."
"Perhaps you should retire early then. I would suppose you would need to be in good health if you wish to attend the summit in Rozarria," he whispered in reply, seemingly unaffected by the scowl I cast at him. "And you mistake me, madam, my name is Noah, Noah fon Ronsenburg."
I let out a sigh. I had forgotten, he was still in hiding. I took a better look at him as he stepped out of the shadows and stood before me, bowing. He seemed in better condition than when I had last seen him. The chest wound he had received from Vayne more than a year ago had nearly killed him, breaking most if not all his ribs which had damaged his lungs and had come dangerously close to piercing his heart. His thick armor had been the only thing that had saved him. The last I had seen him was a few weeks back. At the time he had been receiving physical therapy and still required some aid for moving around and such. At the request of Basch I had kept him at the palace and had him nursed back to health, though I had been reluctant to do so.
He was dressed in black trousers and black leather boots, a fitting white dress shirt with a jacket of black leather and silver cuffs. His hair was slicked back and as always he was cleanly shaved. The image took me by surprise. As much as I would have hated to admit it, he was handsome. And he was apparently a spy.
"How do you know of the summit? I was just discussing it with Al-Cid," I demanded, aghast as to how he had managed to overhear our conversation.
"I have my ways, your majesty. I do wish to discuss the matter further with you, however; I have recently received word from Judge Magister Gabranth. Apparently, there have been some recent outbreaks of rebellion against Emperor Larsa that he has been attending to. Unfortunately, he will not be able to rejoin your company for some time. However, upon hearing of your future travel, I ask that you allow me to assume the role of your guard," Gabranth bowed low. I was frozen, how could the man who carried out the orders to murder my father now come and ask that he be my guard?
"How would you suppose to be my guard when you, yourself, are just now recovering from a nearly fatal injury? And even if you could, why would you volunteer to? Hardly has a word ever been spoken between us before now. What has changed?"
Gabranth looked up slowly, keeping eye contact with me as he stepped forth, kneeling at my feet, taking my hand in his own, and bowed his head, much to my surprise. Never had I seen him abandon his usually cold, unreadable demeanor.
"I have my honor. All that I wish to do is to repay the kindness you have shown me over these fourteen months. All that I can pay with is my skills. I swear upon my honor, I will not fail you if given but the chance. And I will not take no for an answer, your majesty."
The tone of his words struck a chord within me. His words were soft yet leading, weaved with a gentleness and strength I had not yet seen in him before now. But how could I trust him? It was indeed true that he turned on Vayne Solidor but he still holds allegiance with Archadia. Is he really sincere with his words? Only time would tell, and I will have to seek advice. As I took a deep breath, I returned my gaze upon his bowed head.
"I will consider your offer, Noah. I will notify you when I have reached my decision," I tried to keep my voice steady, hoping he did not detect my uncertainty.
Once again a wave of sickness overtook me and I had to bury my face in my hands and grip my chair to keep from falling. At once Gabranth was by my side, one arm around my torso, the other holding my hand. Immediately he called for a doctor and began leading me up the way to my bed chamber.
"Really I'm fine," I pleaded, knowing my lie as I felt myself weaken. All of a sudden I felt myself being lifted off my feet, my arms instinctively wrapping around Gabranth's neck out of fear. All I could hear was shouting in the background that was becoming fainter all the while, and a low buzzing sound as the world around me dimmed into darkness.
Author Note: Please review! :)