A/N: So I have never attempted such a feat...nor do I typically condone what I'm about to under go. My motto is, 'if it's not broken, why muck with it?' However, I wasn't as happy with the sequel as I was the original game, and as my business is ghostwriting, I decided to practice. This particular project (or game I should say) is very dear to my heart, and the characters are some of my favorite ever. (specifically certain sky pirates) Anywho...this is definitely my own little flare...no it won't keep directly to the game, and yes this is a novelization. I don't promise to update often, and I may get bored and abandon it eventually. I do go through phases (though, I'll admit, my Labyrinth one has lasted a lot longer then anticipated...going on two years is either a matter for congratulations and accolations or...I need some serious help) In any case, I hope you enjoy what I write, and I hope I do finish this as I love this game...seriously on my top five list...so, without further ado, the novelization of Final Fantasy XII. Oh, and by the way, yes there will be pairings. If you don't like Ashe and Balthier...and perhaps a light version of Larsa and Penelo, then I suggest you stop right here friend. Otherwise, at you leasure, and please, enjoy.
Prologue—Once Upon A Midnight Dreary
It was in the seventeenth year of her life, after her lord had left the world, that in her depth of distress, the Lady Ashelia B'Nagin Dalmasca ended her life, unable to deal with the harshness of the truth around her...the gods go with her and be with her people in her stead...
-from the notes of the Marquis Hiem Ondore
Two Years Ago...
The would be queen sat vigil over the coffin of her beloved. Her dark veil flowed around her as she leaned forward, bitter tidings echoing through her mind as she stared into his stone cold face. Once so full of life, Rassler had made her believe that everything would be alright. They may have been an arranged match, but they had truly loved one another. And now, barely two days after they'd wed, she'd lost him.
A frozen tear fell from Ashe's eye...what was she to do? Rassler was her kingdom's card..their peace treaty, and her dearest husband. Now, he lay dead, an arrow to his heart. It was so quick. She winced, burying her face. The roars of battle filled her ears, rushing like a storm into her heart, freezing it deeply. Was it revenge or justice? She didn't rightly know. All she knew was action. She rose from her penitent position next to her husband's coffin. No, she would do right by him, by her father...she would prevail and these infidels vanquished.
Turning toward her guard, her face hardened into a stern mask that one wouldn't dare argue with. Pointing toward the door, she commanded.
'Rally your troops. We ride at dawn for Rabanastere.'
Her father...her father had fallen. First Rassler, now her father and Bacsh...of all people, why Basch...They were out for her blood now, the traitorous snakes they were, gunning for B'nagan blood. What else was there to do? The dagger in her hand glinted in the dimmed light. They were banging on the door, her father's murderers. She gritted her jaw and steeled her grip on her target. This was the only way...the only way she could free her people. She'd sworn an oath...and she would do everything a rightful queen would to see her people protected, even if that meant this...With a smirk of acceptance, she rose the menacing blade and drove it into her breast.
'Long Live Rabanastere.' she breathed as she fell to her side, a plotting smile gracing her lips.