So this is my very first fanfic! Exciting I know. I figured I'd post this chapter before I convinced myself not to, so here it is! This one in particular revolves around Ashe, so hopefully you enjoy reading!

Disclaimer: I definitely do not own Final Fantasy XII or its characters. If I did, I probably wouldn't be writing a fanfic about it.

The sunset over the horizon of Rabanastre was by far the most beautiful in all of Ivalice. That was this Queen's opinion on the matter, and there was little anyone could do to change it. It was a vivid, golden sky, with wisps of orange like liquid fire cutting through—true art. As the young woman sat upon her throne, having turned it around to face the wall of windows, a sigh of content came from her; it was nice to feel as though she was finally at peace.

The events of the last three years, though she would never forget them, almost completely felt like the past now. Perhaps her new life as ruler of the country she loved would bring an end to the chaos that had been her life for so long. The war was over. Now she had nothing else to worry about, right? Of course her duties were ever prevalent, but it was nothing she could not handle. From now on it would be smooth sailing, so to speak.

"Your Highness! May I come in?"

Then again, could a new Queen ever truly be at peace? Recognizing the voice outside her door to be none of than Sahrin, her main advisor, Ashelia removed herself from her thoughts to attend to him. "Please allow him in," she called to one of the guards standing watchfully by the doorway. Not bothering to leave her throne, the Queen redirected her gaze out over the horizon as she heard the door open and close with a thud.

Footsteps echoed throughout the spacious room, and when they stopped all was silent. "Yes, Sahrin?" Ashelia spoke out, even as she realized that having him speak to the back of a throne wasn't quite the most gracious etiquette. It was with this thought in mind that she stood, walking around the ornate chair to stand in front of it.

Being that she was on a platform, the Queen looked down at her adviser as he bowed deeply towards her. "Your Majesty," he began, the man's voice just dripping with formality as it always was. "I have come to converse with you in regards to a rather...pressing issue." As he spoke, Ashe could not help but notice his hesitant manner of speech, as if he were trying carefully to choose his words. With a slight raise of the brow, the royal's curiosity was clear. "Is that so? Well then, the two of us should take a seat."

"Yes well, as I was saying, the matter at hand is one of great urgency, Highness." Sahrin continued once they had taken seats at a small table in the throne room. Ashelia listened intently from across the table, slightly nodding for him to go on. "You see, the other advisors, and myself of course, have had a great debate over this situation." The middle-aged man seemed almost nervous now, much to the Queen's surprise. By the Gods, what could possibly be the cause of all this?

With her chin resting atop her folded hands and her elbows resting delicately on the table, Ashelia urged him to continue. "What situation do you speak of, if I may so ask?" Her voice was calm and patient for the most part, but a trained ear would surely catch the bit of anxiousness in it. Sahrin looked as though it almost pained him to tell her, and even when he did Ashe could nearly see him flinch as the words came out of his mouth. "To be quite frank, the commotion revolves about your situation, Majesty."

If the young Queen hadn't trained herself to keep her composure whenever possible, an amused smile certainly would have graced her features. However the young woman had no way of keeping her emotions from being portrayed through her pale gray eyes. "My situation, Sahrin? I shudder to think what the problem may possibly be." This was meant as a slight jest, but the faithful adviser didn't seem to catch on.

"You are Queen of Dalmasca; the youngest in our history. Even greater, you are the last ancestor to Dynast-King Raithwall." Sahrin seemed to be reaching for a way to avoid the main subject as long as possible, and the Queen was quick to take notice. If there was anything Ashelia truly enjoyed, it was getting to the point of things. "This is all true." She replied, "Still I fail to see how this may lead to any sort of dilemma. Educate me, if you will."

"Well...." He started, before breaking off suddenly, sounding more nervous than ever. "Well," the male resumed, now speaking quickly, as if to get it all out before he changed his mind. "We have all spoken and have come to the decision that the Queen has a certain responsibility to her people. That being...that she marry, and preferably as soon as possible."

Gray eyes widened immensely at this, at if she hadn't been the polite young woman any Queen should be, her mouth would have dropped open. "Marry?" The blonde repeated, almost hoping that she had heard incorrectly. Sahrin could only nod mutely in response, perhaps afraid to insight any sort of outrage from the royal. "Surely this matter is one that can be taken care of at a later date. My apologies Sahrin, but I simply cannot worry myself about such things when we have only just released ourselves from the bonds of war."

"But you must, Highness!" He insisted strongly, though his voice lowered immediately afterwards, perhaps remembering his etiquette. "What I mean to say is; waiting will only cause many an issue in the future. You are twenty years of age now, nearly twenty one. We cannot risk the purity of the royal bloodline any longer. Dalmasca must ensure that Raithwall's line continues in the royal family. It is a matter of necessity, Majesty." Ashe could only narrow her eyes at this, quickly wanting this conversation to be over with.

"I understand that well enough. I also understand that a marriage will take time and energy—both of which we don't have at this moment in time. To be perfectly honest, I would place marriage at the very bottom of my priorities." As she spoke, her thumb instinctively rubbed the silver band on her ring finger. "Yes, Majesty. We have considered this in our deliberations. We still came to the decision that the end justifies the means in this case.

"We are sure Dalmasca would not suffer too gravely. It would be a benefit in the long run. Especially once you are able to have children." Not even the proper Queen Ashelia could keep her mouth from going slightly agape at this, though she managed to close it quickly. "Children?!" The femme echoed, clearly in disbelief. Were they really expecting her to take such talk with at face value, in a completely serious manner?

Obviously, her oh-so-wise council had lost their heads. "I am forced to express my concerns over this sudden decision. To think! I have just gained my throne and already I am being expected to put myself into a weakened state for nine months. Children! Incredible."

"I do not mean any disrespect by it, Highness. We are only concerned for the future of Dalmasca's royal family. It is all for the good of the kingdom. Perhaps you will be more willing to consider this proposal when you hear of a potential suitor?"

"I highly doubt it, but you have every right to attempt. Please, do tell, who is this lovely suitor you have arranged as future King of Dalmasca?"

"Prince Al-Cid Margrace of Rozarria."

"Al-Cid?"

Yes, Highness."

"Of Rozarria?"

Yes, Highness."

"..."

"Majesty?"

"I... is this some sort of foolery? Surely you cannot be sincere. You...must be joking? " Ashe said, time letting a light smile appear on her face. Funny, her staff was, to have thought of such an amusing hoax. Oh, how they had got her! She didn't mind at all though, for it was all in good fun. She would have to find out just who the mastermind behind it all was.

Her smile was wiped away as quickly as it appeared, however, as Sahrin's face did not show any sort of amusement; not even the smallest sign, try as the young woman did to detect such. "This is not a jest, Highness. Al-Cid is not directly in line for the throne, and his status in Rozarria, as well as other characteristics, makes him a perfect candidate. He has even expressed interest recently. He is a fine man."

Ashelia could hardly believe her ears at this point. "Fine he may be, but Al-Cid is..." She drifted off, her mind finishing off the sentence in a variety of ways, none of them exactly showering the man in compliments. Sighing, Ashe shook her head in displeasure. "I'd rather not continue this conversation right now, Sahrin." The adviser seemed as though he was about to object, but the young Queen held up a hand to silence him. "Please. I wish to be alone with my thoughts."

"Very well, Highness. Please do consider what we have spoken of. This is a matter that we cannot ignore. Good day, Majesty."

It was surprising how easy it still was for Ashe to escape from the palace unnoticed. At this point she considered herself a master of it, having been sneaking out ever since she was a child. Yes, security at the palace was extremely tight, but it seemed as though the guards were almost too trusting of the crafty royal. All she needed to do was tell them that she wanted to go on a walk in the garden. Alone.

They were happy to comply, and soon enough she was off on her way through the royal city of Rabanastre. Ashe just needed to be away from her duties for a while, especially after her little conversation with Sahrin. All she wanted was some peace to herself, and strolling through the marketplace of Rabanastre seemed like the perfect way to go about it.

In reality, it would seem like a foolish idea for a Queen to step out into the public of her country with nothing but a simple disguise on. It wasn't as though she was unrecognizable in her average clothing, decked out in earthy tones and a sheer shawl over her head. In fact, Ashelia wasn't at all expecting that the way she was dressed would be enough to keep her true identity unnoticed.

All the young woman had to rely on was the fact that the last person anyone would expect to be walking around the marketplace would be the Queen of Dalmasca. If anyone saw her face surely they would just assume she was nothing but an uncanny resemblance. It had worked when she'd passed herself off as Amalia, and hopefully it would still work now.

Ashelia knew that she couldn't stay forever enjoying the time she had among her people. Soon enough the young woman would have to return to her lavished home, just before the guards went out to check on her. She'd have to use what little time she did have to her advantage, and she knew just the way to do it. It wouldn't even risk her being noticed by having to speak to someone directly.

Walking at a slow and leisurely pace, Ashe let her gray eyes wander as she quietly observed the people she ruled over. The day seemed to be like any other: Humes, Baangas, Moogles, and even the occasional Viera all mingled together, buying and selling goods. The marketplace was always the best place to go when you wanted to hear the most current news. With beings from all over Ivalice coming together in one small area, it was a treasure trove of information.

Really, all the femme needed to do was to listen carefully for a conversation that caught her interest—perhaps she would even get a glimpse of true opinion her people had of their new ruler. They had seemed to receive her well enough, but Ashe really wanted a more personal way of knowing they accepted her as Queen.

As she walked, no one seemed to be giving her what she was looking for, but she was quickly distracted by something else entirely. Up ahead she caught sight of a gathering of people, all of them seeming to have crowded around someone, or something. Curious, the dirty blonde walked over to the group, softly making her way through the crowd. Luckily Ashe was able to get close enough to the front that she could see just what all the commotion was about: A man speaking? Not exactly the most exciting thing.

He seemed to be preaching about something, but Ashe wasn't at all sure just what he was going on about. He was a dark-haired man with eyes just the same, perhaps Rozarrian? Ashelia was a good judge when it came to determining such things by sight. Listening to hear his accent, he most certainly was. The preacher also seemed relatively young, perhaps in his early 30s at best. It was odd; for someone so young he spoke with the sort of low, worn and wise tone that made him seem decades older.

Ashe herself had only encountered such an occurrence among royalty and the most noble of knights. Turning her attention to what he as actually saying, she could not help but find herself more than confused. "You all have your Gods, am I not correct?" The man asked; his tone closer to a shout as he addressed the crowd, the whole of which responded in a variety of 'Yes sir's and 'You are's.

This reaction was obviously just what the man had expected, as a broad smile crossed his features. It was a very proud smile he had, one of great self-assurance if Ashe had ever seen one. "I had guessed this much. But I propose to you all a question. What exactly have your gods done for you lately?"

The crowd grew quite silent at this, perhaps trying to think about the right way to answer the man's bold question. Finally, an older Hume stepped out from the crowd, his bearded face showing obvious aggravation. "Who are you to ask such a thing? You should take your blasphemous talk elsewhere!" This was backed up by many in the crowd, shouts of agreement filling the air. However, the crowd's antics only seemed to amuse the preacher even more, and Ashe heard him let out a hearty laugh. He put up his hands in a sort of surrender, before answering the man who had stepped up directly.

"Kind sir, I mean no offense with my question. However your reaction has made it abundantly clear that you do not know just how to answer my query." Before anyone could object, the Rozarrian continued speaking, "I am sure you all have asked yourselves the very question I have put before you today—whether you are willing to admit such if another matter completely."

"What in the world is this man going on about?"

"Clearly he is mad!"

"What nonsense he speaks!"

"Someone detain this man!"

The crowd's volume grew quickly with claims like this, and soon enough it seemed as though an angry mob were about to form and take the preaching man off to an asylum. He noticed this well enough, shouting over the voices of the crowd in an attempt to calm them. "Fine citizens, there is no reason for such alarm! What if I told you that your Gods are nothing in comparison to what I have come here to inform you all of?"

"We should not waste our time with such absurdity!"

"He should be sent to the palace dungeon!"

"No, the asylum!"

"Wait, let the man speak! Perhaps he has something valid to say."

From the voice Ashe could tell it was a younger man who was defending the preacher, and it seemed to be enough to settle the crowd down at least a little. Realizing now was his chance to truly make his case, the man at the center of the crowd began to speak once more. "I will first pose you all another question: Have any of you ever heard of the Occuria?" This caused the Queen's eyes to widen in surprise, and she knew that this was something she needed to wait and hear.

The rest of the crowd seemed to be shocked by his words as well, though from the verbal reaction it was clear that most had no idea what he was speaking of. Only as few of the older men spoke of it being a legend they had heard of. "Well well, it seems as though it will be my duty to educate you of their great power! The power no other beings in the universe can ever hope to attain. The Occuria are the ones who deserve your worship and gratitude. It is they who brought all of Ivalice into existence!" He spread his arms wide and looked up at the sky, perhaps hoping to see something there.

"The power of the Occuria is unparalleled!" The crowd went wild at this, again verging on the attitude of a mob when he brought his arms back down. "Wait! Before you cast your foolish judgments, behold- just one example of the Occuria's might." With this the dark haired man reached back behind him, pulling out a sword from behind his back. Ashe's gray eyes stared at the weapon. There was only one word to describe it—stunning.

It was quite a large sword, comparable to the Sword of Kings in size. However, not even that ornate weapon could compare to what was before her now. It was beautiful, pure shimmering silver with a hilt decorated in golden flames. That was the least of its majesty however, as the most amazing part of it all was the fact that the entire sword was bathed in an ethereal glow. Ashelia had never seen such a thing in her nearly twenty-one years. There was only one place the man could have acquired that sword.

The people who had been gathered before him gasped in awe at the weapon, though the Queen doubted they were aware of just what they were seeing. How could it be that such a weapon existed? There was something going on here, and she very much wanted to know just what it was. She had meant to stay longer, but chimes from a nearby clock tower alerted her of how late it had become.

The royal had no choice but to return to the palace. Her concern was great at that moment, but it would have to wait for now, much to the girl's chagrin. Making her way out of the crowd, Ashe's pace was quick as she made her way towards the palace. She had a lot to worry about; keeping the peace, keeping her sanity, and now this potential marriage. Even so, only one thought plagued Ashelia's mind as she walked.

The Occuria have returned.

Congrats, you've made it to the end of the chapter! Yay! I hope it didn't suck too much. So this is of course just an introductory chapter and the later ones will be more exciting I promise. Next chapter- We meet up with Vaan and Penelo!

Thanks for reading! Reviews would make me extra happy.3