Larsa's favorite place to be was his own chambers at midday. The three conjoined rooms that comprised his private quarters had belonged to his paternal grandfather, and once great king of Arcadia. They had been empty for nearly a generation, growing cold and taking up a draft, until Larsa, newly appointed Emperor, left his childhood behind. Now the rooms were his and they afforded him a particularly breathtaking view of the largest city in the Empire. They were secluded just far enough away from the general population of the palace to compress the ever present noise into a mild muffle, and within them Larsa could find just a few moments of peace each day.

Come rain or shine, and despite the palace being situated greatly above the city below, Larsa could always make out the comings and goings of his people. With his precious few moments of solidarity Larsa watched the men go about hauling building materials, and conducting business affairs. Soldiers and Judges patrolled their designated areas, keeping the peace and settling disputes as fairly as possible, while women shopped and children played. While not always the things Larsa saw pleased him, but they did more often than not.

A year after tentative peace settled between Arcadia and Dalmasca, Larsa saw his Empire prosper. No longer frantically producing methods of waging war, the people had taken to softer things. Not to say Arcadia had grown weak itself, for they were as battle ready as ever, but priorities had become somewhat shifted. Without constant invasion and war on the minds of Arcadian citizens, Larsa was free to watch them settle and prosper, to archive great advancements in mathematics and the sciences. It was all and more Larsa had dared to hope for merely one year before.

Behind him the doors to his sitting room were forced open. The motion was smooth and free, and aside from squeaking body armor and a slight breeze of wind Larsa might never have known he wasn't alone, so engrossed by the happenings below him. Yet being Emperor had heightened his senses, all too aware of how great the increase of danger to his life had become by merely taking the title. His most favored protector warned him often to be aware of his surroundings, and Larsa took the almost chastising voice to heart.

Larsa's hands fell down from his elbows where he had been combating the chill the open window besieged upon him and with a final look down he turned to Basch.

Larsa caught himself from falsely addressing the armored man standing dedicatedly in front of him. It did not happen often, but just enough to clasp at Larsa's heart. For once was too often for the young Emperor to forget it was not Gabranth in front of him.

"My lord?" Basch said, voice muffled by the helmet he wore.

In one fluid motion Larsa turned from Basch and pulled the curtains over the window. It was a precautionary measure as much as one to alleviate any possible distraction.

"I am fine, Basch. I meant to step away for a mere moment. I'm afraid time has left me."

Basch reached for his helmet and pulled it from his head. His eyes were prying as he assessed his lord, then he tucked his helmet to his side and said, "You've had the Senate worried. You departed quickly from this morning's session."

In all honesty Larsa had felt suffocated. His brother had disbanded the Senate for all the wrong reasons, and yet in doing so Larsa recognized that Vayne's actions had been much needed. The group of obstinate senators had grown bold in their power. Yet Larsa found quickly that Arcadia needed the Senate as much as it needed a fit Emperor, and reinstating them had been the only logical course. A country so vast and large as Arcadia was far too difficult for one person to keep thorough watch over, no matter how hard Larsa tried. The Senate now operated again, but under close watch from Larsa who attended nearly every gathering, and with strict limitations.

Larsa smiled faintly to his protector. "Do forgive me for eluding you, Basch. I had urgent matters to attend to once the internal strife became manageable." It was not so much a lie.

"They are still becoming acclimated with the power they poses, or rather what little they do," Basch reminded gently. "They must go about their actions very orderly and knowing you observe them and their proceedings. Give them time, they will learn."

Larsa sighed, looking all of his thirteen years. "I fear they ask too much and give too little. We are not the same nation that we have been before. Boarders must be redefined, and yet they cling to their old ways, presuming to use force on all matters that do not come easily to them. Basch, this country hangs by a mere thread. We are young once again and fragile. They would break us if but given the chance with their petty disputes."

Basch inclined his head. "This could be so in any other situation, but you care for Arcadia as your father did. You will not let her go to waste."

"I thank you for your confidence, Basch. It is most appreciated in this trying time."

The young male took his leave from the window and drifted into his study; the clinking of Basch's armor indicating the man was following him.

"I'm sure you recall Penelo's letter that arrived earlier this week," Larsa assumed. He reached into a side drawer on the desk and withdrew a rolled piece of parchment, clearly not the referenced letter. "She spoke of Lady Ashe's upcoming coronation, among other things."

Larsa could almost feel Basch's thoughts stray to the would-be Queen. Larsa knew how deeply the former Captain's feelings for her still ran and it saddened the Emperor. The briefest sensation of jealousy overcame him before Larsa's sense returned to him.

"The formal invitation has come," Larsa said, handing the parchment to Basch.

The Judge unfurled the parchment and his eyes quickly dissected the written lines.

Larsa said softly, "I admit I had partially forgotten, even with Penelo's mention. My mind has been elsewhere as of late."

He brunet shook himself from his thoughts and glanced over at Basch who was nearing the end of the letter. Larsa took it back from him when he had finished. He rounded his large desk and seated himself gracefully.

"The Lady has requested us earlier than originally intended, and I concur with her request. I should think the moments before her coronation would be an auspicious time for further positive relations between our countries. My instincts tell me well formulated agreements will best serve us with the looming threat of interference from an outside party."

"I am prepared for such a threat," Basch remarked easily. "No harm will come to you or the Lady from any aggressor."

"I am comforted," Larsa said, "but we must prepare for the possibility. Should we have several agreements in place, merely waiting for the Queen's approval, there shan't be much time for a saboteur. Surely there will be opposing parties present, to both Lady Ashe's coronation and growing ties between our nations. Perhaps even some of our own citizens."

Basch's hand strayed down to the hilt of his sword almost involuntarily at Larsa's words.

"You speak of the rumors," Basch said, voice dropping significantly. At Larsa's nod Basch continued, "I have been searching out the source of them. Should there be any truth to the callously spoken words I will find it. The betrayers will be found before they do you any harm, my Lord."

"At the moment they pose little threat." Larsa folded his hands atop the desk. "I do not wish to discredit them all at once, for any organization with ample cause may pose a threat, but they have not moved against me directly."

"Yet," Basch commented. "But rumors of this group and their messages are disconcerting at best."

Larsa admitted, "But not entirely unexpected."

The burdened Emperor allowed himself to slouch forward, shoulders almost shaking. He took a moment to compose himself, aware of Basch's eyes on him.

"For two hundred years," Larsa said softly, "Arcadia has known nothing but war. Whilst our engagements have been primarily within the realm of the Rozarrian Empire, lately the people had grown accustomed to the occupation of Damasca and the neighboring lands. They grew to think themselves better than those they dominated, which is unacceptable. It is also a mindset that more than few Arcadians have held to after our withdrawal from Dalmasca."

"Peace would not have been achieved if Arcadia had not withdrawn from Dalmasca."

"And it was not Arcadia's rightful land to begin," Larsa added. "Yet there are citizens of Arcadia that do not feel as you and I, and I am most unpopular for ordering a complete extraction."

Basch set his helmet down on the corner of Larsa's desk. "Many gave their lives for the peace we have now. Only the malicious and careless would so frivolously let peace slip away."

Larsa gazed up at his protector—the man he could pretend was his twin at just the right moment. "I am inclined to agree, but you better than most understand how damaging war truly is. This group is allowed to have grievances with my decisions, as I am no tyrant, but they should air these to me directly so I may address my motivations."

Basch could not help the small smile that found his face. "If only we all were as reasonable as you, my lord, Ivalice would never know war."

Larsa felt his cheeks flush with heat.

"Forgive me," Basch said with mirth in his voice, "I speak too freely."

Larsa countered, "And were others as earnest as you, my Judge Magister, conference of all caliber would be a process to look forward to."

When Basch smiled a bit wider Larsa was able to return it.

Basch was not Gabranth, Larsa reminded himself once more, but if there was ever to be a replacement for Larsa's most trusted protector, it was his brother.

"In any case, we shall flush these miscreants out when we return. We have happier things to engage in now. Lady Ashe's coronation will be a most spectacular event, especially in light of Dalmasca's recent liberation."

Basch's face was pinched, a sure sign of worry and Larsa asked, "What is upon your thoughts?"

"There is discontent here," Basch answered freely. "There will be even more in Dalmasca with your coming. We must be cautious."

"I trust you will use your best judgment." Larsa paused before finishing, "However, Lady Ashe must not distract you from your duties to me." He held strong as Bash turned sharply to him. "I am young, but not so blind to your feelings for the Lady. Nevertheless, you have pledged yourself to me and you must honor your word. I ask this not of you in selfishness, but for my people. Were I to die at this moment with no heir or clear successor chaos would befall on these lands and spread out to Dalmasca and Rozarrian, perhaps even as far as Bhujerba. I must have your complete attentiveness."

Basch's face grew dark. "Do not think me so weak, my lord. I know my place."

Larsa nodded deeply once, conveying his regret of having questioned Basch.

Larsa set the invitation back in his desk and rose from his seat. The strong breeze that blew through the Northeastern lands pushed the curtains on the window aside and Larsa caught a glimpse of sky falling dark.

"Basch," he said gently, arms tucked formally behind his back. "Dear Basch, I would release you if you but asked." He managed a brief look over his shoulder, Basch's normally impassive face was now radiating distress. "Is it what you desire?"

Basch approached him rapidly, shadowing him even in the depleted light. He fell to one knee. "You are my Lord. I am your servant. This is my place and here I wish to stay. Do you not want me anymore? Have I failed you trust in me?"

Larsa cleared his throat then responded, "I once told Penelo that the men of my family are taught to put others before themselves. If you are no longer by my side there will be many more Judges to fill the void. However, Basch, I am of the firm belief that the heart knows true love from all other forms of affection, and if you truly feel this for the Lady, I will release with no ill will or hesitation on my part."

The Emperor gave little time for Basch to retort. He was as reserved as possible, recognizing the sensitivity of the issue between the two of them.

"You have come to the position of Judge Magister by oath to Gabranth. It was with his dying breath that he implored you to take his post, and while I remember him with honor and favor, I do not enforce what he beseeched of you. You have remained at my side for a year, long enough for me to judge the character of those around me and their loyalty to my rule. I am confident in my judgments and if you so wish it, I say once more that I will release you."

Larsa broke eye contact with Basch and walked the short distance back to his desk. He took Basch's helmet into his hand, cool metal sending a chill through his body. He returned to the Judge and extended the helmet.

"We have known each other for but a year, and in that time you have grown to be my most trusted protector and wisest advisor. I would be amiss not to convey that I wish you by my side, but even more I wish your happiness."

Basch took his helmet from Larsa as the boy told him, "You are not Judge Gabranth, no matter how well you perpetuate the charade for all our sakes. Do not condemn yourself to his life. If you go to the Lady may it be for whatever rationale pleases you, and if you stay here, let it be for those same reasons." Larsa pursed his lips gauchely. "Let us speak no more of this tonight. There is ample time for you to weigh your place and an answer now would be hasty."

Wordlessly Basch swallowed hard, and then slipped his helmet over his head. Hidden from the world once more he nodded. Sounding too much like Gabranth he said, "I will make arrangements for our swift departure and confer with you in the morning."

Larsa saw Basch to the door and when it was firmly closed he leaned back against it. Pressing his hands into his face Larsa could not help but imagine his life without Basch. Larsa had managed to persevere through Gabranth's death, but he was unaware if he could survive a second loss.

Larsa slept fitfully that night and when he awoke in the morning to the bickering of his Senate, worsening domestic affairs and those of a dangerous international nature, he appeared as if he had not slept at all. Basch was by his side as always, mood as if Larsa had not spoken bluntly to him the day previous. And as he traversed the palace towards the highly guarded treasury room to select Ashe's coronation present, his heart was heavy.

He took his afternoon meal with Basch in the small garden on his personal veranda and all was normal. He and Basch chatted lightly over city-state affairs and their refinement of the Judges.

Then finally Basch said, "I have sent word to Lady Ashe that she should expect us to depart shortly, and arrive in Rabanastre in the days soon afterwards. I have readied your personal cruiser, gathered the armaments who will accompany us and once you speak briefly to the Senate, we will be ready to depart at your word."

Larsa sipped cool, sweet juice before asking slyly, "And how many would you have escort us? Surely not a battalion as was the case previously."

Basch raised an eyebrow. "No, my lord, anonymity will be our ally as we travel into a potentially antagonistic land."

Larsa nodded. "I fear time has not softened the distrust the citizens of Dalmasca contain for the Empire. We should appear to be as least threatening as possible and hope to inspire a strengthening of goodwill. Though I do not believe we will be able to escape much detection."

"I would bring the entire Imperial Army," Basch responded truthfully. "Although I was was born in Landis, I know the people of Dalmasca well, and their rancorous ways. Some may have accepted peace between Arcadia and Dalmasca, and more place their faith in Lady Ashe to judge your character, but there are others who will always regard all things Arcadia as loathsome and they will strike at you if but given the opportunity. And so I would bring the whole of the Imperial Army were it possible, but it is not, so I beg my lord to listen to reason and not distance himself from my watch in treacherous Dalmasca."

Larsa's hands fell away from the table that his lunch sat up and regarded the man sitting across from him. "You'll worry yourself into a fine mess, Basch, should you not take heed of my maturity. Your dear brother and Judge Drace saw to my upbringing and personal safety for many years. They taught me well. In a delicate situation I will do what is necessary to ensure my survival, if not only for the tentative peace the Arcadian's have achieved with Dalmasca."

Basch conferred, "You must, my lord, as should you be attacked by a citizen of Dalmasca at a peaceful coronation, the people of Arcadia will riot. The peace between the two countries will end and the Senate will seize brief control of Arcadia, enough to launch a new strike upon the just recovering Dalmasca."

"One might question the sanity of my attendance," Larsa offered weakly. He sensed the mood of his companion and allowed with slight humor, "Yes, clearly, the men of my family are not all endowed with what one would assume to be common sense. Nevertheless, the House Solidor must be present at the coronation. I shudder to envision the damages that might be incurred by not showing support, as our peace is weak at best. Lady Ashe attended my own, so I must return the favor to her."

Basch agreed sourly.

"I have arranged for Judge Magister Zargabaath to keep close watch over Arcadia in my stay. I believe he will do her justice. Your thoughts on this appointment, Basch?"

Basch nodded once. "He is honorable, with intentions true to the Empire. He will keep steady watch over your people, my lord."

Larsa noted Basch's winkled brow. "You approve of him, but not his actions?" The Emperor seemed to catch the Judge off-guard with his question. Larsa comforted, "He thought little of Dalmasca's resistance, and he was arrogant in his judgments, but he is an admirable man who has developed since. I trust him to keep the order with appropriate vigor and continue his management over the newly appointed Judge Magisters. He has undertaken their training personally and assures me they will surpass their predecessors in steadfastness and kindness."

"You would rather he attend the Dalmascan affair with us instead?" Basch offered boldly.

"I dare not state otherwise," Larsa allowed. "Aside from Gabranth and Drace, Zargabaath was most loyal during recent Empire campaigns. I believe he sees what I wish upon Arcadia, and he will offer utmost assistance. Having him by my side at Dalmasca would easy your burden, and mine as well. But I digress, as much of a comfort to me would his presence be, it would not be so to the people of Dalmasca. Despite his willingness to sacrifice The Alexander for Rabanastre at the end of our engagement, the people will feel ill at ease in his presence, more so than my own. No, Zargabaath must stay in Arcadia where he is most needed."

Basch nodded in agreement. "A decidedly wise choice."

Silence fell over the pair and sounds of the bustling city drifted up to the veranda. Larsa finished his meal with decided concurrence while Basch was ever watchful of approaching threats to the young emperor.

"We shall depart in the morning," Larsa told Basch in the early evening as they walked the familiar distance to the Senate's chambers. "Basch?" Larsa asked, looking up to the much taller man. "Have you given thought to what we discussed one night previous?"

Basch, personifying his brother, he said calmly, "Yes, my Lord."

"I still," Larsa said softly, "I still would have you give me no answer until after Lady Ashe's coronation. Your honor bound ways would give me one answer, potentially your heart another."

They said nothing more on the matter and while it was not the case for Basch, Larsa could spare no more time to fret over the prospective loss of his confidant and protector. He settled into his seat, the Senate spread out in front of him and for the rest of the evening he withstood the emergency assembly. He held his composure even as the so declared emergency was a juvenile dispute over Chocobo grazing territories.