AN: Kind of a follow-up to Wayward Son


"You're wounded." Ashe observed, noticing the split-second flinch as Basch ambled to the banks of the river.

"It's nothing to worry about princess, just a slight graze." the knight offered weakly, knowing that it wouldn't deter Ashe's concern.

"If it is a slight graze then I can easily heal it up," said Ashe, as she pressed her hand forward to remove the armour. "Magick was never your strength was it?"

"No," Basch chuckled, "anything but a sword in my hand always felt far too foreign."

"Well sit down then," Ashe ordered to which Basch complied, not wanting to face Ashe's anger if he refused.

Ashe extricated the armour slowly, causing Basch's face to grimace far too strongly for a 'slight graze'. The bleeding had stopped and the wound had begun to coalesce causing Basch's armour to fasten to his skin. Magick rushed forth from Ashe's fingertips and enveloped the wound. Basch's back relaxed as the cool of the magick met with the heat of the pain.

"Must all knights be so proud to hide their weaknesses? You might find it noble but I find it foolish." Ashe stated indignantly.

"I did not want to give the princess any cause for concern is all. You have more pressing matters to attend to after all." Basch replied.

"You do not realise that your well-being is of paramount importance Basch. How am I to go forth if you are not there to guide me? I have already lost Vossler, I cannot lose you as well."

Basch did not reply. He was slightly perplexed of how quickly Ashe's attitude had changed towards him, from bitter hatred to trust. Vossler's indiscretions had no doubt contributed to it.

An awkward silence ensued as Ashe worked the wound, the flesh slowly knitting back together. Basch racked his mind, finding the right words to say before Ashe regrettably decided to pursue a rather difficult subject. "I have thought much upon what happened on Shiva. Not just about the nethicite. What cause did Vossler have to abdicate?"

"It is a difficult question Majesty." Basch replied, hoping she would drop the subject at that. The wound was already painful as it was yet her Majesty pressed on.

"You would understand better than anyone. Even after being chained up for two years you have not lost sight of our cause."

"I can only speculate. No matter what, his intentions were right but -"

"-his methods were wrong? I have always trusted in his judgement yet did he really think would I would kneel before the Empire willingly?"

"That is precisely why he did not tell you his intentions."

At this point the wound had fully healed yet neither shifted.

"I had always thought Vossler stronger than myself, not just physically, but of his mind."

"There is no doubt that Vossler was strong; he was just weary. He wanted to see Dalmasca restored just as much as you did but was willing to give up the one thing you would not: pride."

"Do you not think I am weary too? My pride is different compared to his - the pride of a leader. I must uphold it; I must set an example to all my people. His was a small sacrifice." clamoured Ashe. The princess stood up, intent on leaving on that note before pausing. "What of your pride?"

"Mine is to protect yours."

"You will not walk the same road Vossler did?"

Basch stood up only to then kneel down in front of the princess.

"I swear it." Basch said, head downcast in deference.

Ashe offered her hand to the knight, which he grasped firmly. If he were to falter, surely the princess would too.


AN: Yes Khaleesi. I felt a lotta Dany/Jorah in this. Little wonder since I feel like my characterisation of Ashe is based on ASoIaF females.

Working my way up to full-on Ashe/Basch (one day maybe).