Title: Duty
Pairing: Basch/Ashe
Summary: A missing piece to the
opening movie I'd like to have seen... Very short. AU-ish.
If her smile was a little sad, Ashe told her attendants it was because she knew she would leave for Rasler's land as soon as the ceremony was over and be separated from her homeland.
If he seemed a bit abrupt and tense throughout the wedding ceremony, Basch explained to Vossler it was because he was uneasy giving up his duty as her protector.
When Nabudis's fall reached him, Basch half wished he had been there and been spared the pain of seeing her wed. But when Rasler demanded he accompany him to avenge the loss, Basch instantly felt guilty for he knew the trek would be dangerous.
He was preparing his chocobo in the stables when she arrived.
"Lord Rasler has not yet arrived, Majesty," one of the soldiers said.
"I shall wait for him."
A moment later he could feel her standing behind him.
"Would you leave without saying farewell?"
Her voice was soft, held a hint of sadness.
"I know not my place with you now that you are married, Highness." He spoke to the saddle, unwilling to look at her.
Her skirts rustled as she moved and soon her hand rest upon his.
"Your place is by my side, always, no matter my status."
Basch looked at her then, drinking in the sight of her, memorizing. She still wore her wedding gowns and while they served to remind him of the events that transpired that day, she was still the most beautiful creature he had ever seen. He pulled her to him and embraced her.
"The gods are cruel," he murmured, kissing her hair. "To deliver you to me for too short a while before taking you away forever."
"'Tis not the gods' will that does this," she replied, looking at his face. "I chose this path."
"You love him, then?"
"I love Dalmasca. This is my duty."
Ashe kissed him, reminding him of their time together, despite its brevity.
Basch parted from her, reluctantly, unwilling to be deprived of her sweetness.
"And this is mine."
Then he was gone, his chocobo racing out of the stables toward a future neither of them could predict.
She said no words, shed no tears, not even as Rasler arrived and claimed his own chocobo, following Basch's lead. She did not kiss him goodbye.
End
