AN: Inspiration takes hold! What a time to be alive
The pale yellow sand rippled slowly underneath the coarse sunlight. As Ashe looked upon the ocean she could only reflect upon how accurate the name Sandsea had been. More often than not these sorts of names were misleading.
Ashe leaned on the rusty metal rail of the oil rig which encompassed the vast majority of the desert. The rest of party were taking solace for a brief moment after the relentless onslaught of the Uratan-Yensa. Vaan and Penelo jabbered away with their innocent talk, Balthier was noting some presumably witty observation to Fran and the two knights were engaged in a hushed conversation.
Knight and traitor more like, thought Ashe.
The unease of Basch's presence had not subsided at all. Vossler's word was the only one she'd trusted and so Ashe had reluctantly agreed for the traitor to travel with the party. Ashe maintained a cool distance from Basch but it had proven difficult when he was one of the more proficient members of the group. She had come to rely on his counsel, though Ashe would never admit it herself.
When Vossler had encountered the party in the middle of the Sandsea, Ashe had felt relieved. Admist a strange assembly of children, sky pirates and traitors, Ashe could finally lower her guard knowing the knight would take charge.
Footfalls crept behind Ashe as she gazed at the sky.
"Is the lady troubled?" inquired a gruff voice. Tensing, Ashe did not bother to face Basch.
"I am fine, thank you," cautiously replied the princess. Rather than leaving the conversation at that, Basch took his place beside Ashe.
"Did you not hear? I am fine, there's no need for you to worry." said Ashe adamantly, her eyes refusing to meet Basch's.
"I did hear Majesty, I just doubt those words."
Please don't do this now, Ashe agonised.
"It is not of your concern." Ashe tightened her hold on the rail before continuing further. "You are no longer a knight of Dalmasca thus I do not require your involvement at such a level."
"Perhaps not in title-"
"-but in your heart? You speak all the right words and oaths but I have yet to see you uphold them." Ashe angrily interjected.
"In time I will, your Majesty. For now just believe someday I will uphold my vows." Basch replied, seemingly unaffected the Princess' anger.
"Believe in your words? Last time that happened my father died!" Ashe snarled, trying her best not to alert the others. "Whether you are truly innocent remains to be seen but it does not change the fact I have spent the last two years despising you. Even if there is a chance it's true, I would never be so blind as to wholeheartedly trust you."
"Then you are calling Vossler blind?" said Basch calmly. Ashe shot her head in Basch's direction with brow creased. She deliberated a moment but no answer would come to her lips. "I was out of line. I apologise." Basch backed away while Ashe turned to face the horizon once again. "I know you hate me but I will continue to serve you no matter what you feel towards me." Basch's final words lingered in the heat before he walked away.
Ashe dug her fingernails into her palms until they were numb. Deep inside she knew his words were true but conceding it felt impossible; Ashe felt that in doing so would betray her father's memory.
"Majesty?" approached Vossler's voice soon after Basch left.
"It is nothing." Ashe quickly replied, knowing that Vossler witnessed the previous encounter.
"We must depart quickly; Raithwall's tomb is not much farther," Vossler said while leading Ashe away from the rail and towards the group. "I hope any questions of loyalty have been dispelled. We must co-operate now more than ever."
"I know, yet…" said Ashe doubtfully.
"He will prove himself, give it time."
"I suppose you are right, as usual." sighed Ashe in defeat.
Vossler gave a half-hearted smile before wandering ahead.
But for now Vossler, you're the only one I can truly trust.