Disclaimer: I own neither Final Fantasy XII nor its characters.

He could hear a soft humming coming from just outside the tent the Garif had graciously offered to them for the night. He looked up from his book and glanced around to see that he was still the only person in the tent. He wondered if it was because they did not trust him. Still curious about the sound, he set his book down to go in search of the humming and opened the flap of the tent and peered out.

"Penelo?" He questioned softly.

"Oh, sorry Larsa, I didn't mean to wake you." She smiled at him warmly.

"Do not worry, I was not asleep." He said as he made his way out of the tent and to her side by the fire. "Where are the others?"

"Oh well, Balthier and Fran are scouting about and Vaan is playing shadow." She grinned and continued. "And Basch has been asking some of the Garif about weapons and armor."

"What of the Lady Ashe?" His blue eyes gazed into hers with concern.

"I think now that you're out here, she'll go in the tent." Penelo whispered sadly. "Don't take it personal, I don't think she really trusts anyone."

Sure enough, Ashe made her way into the tent without as much as a glance to either Larsa or Penelo. Larsa just watched her curiously and when she was no longer in sight, he turned his attention back to what Penelo was humming once again.

"Penelo what is it that you are humming?" Larsa asked with genuine curiosity.

"A lullaby my mother used to sing to me whenever I felt scared or lonely." She replied as she stared into the fire.

"Are there words?" He asked staring into the fire as well.

"Yes, would you like me to sing it to you?" Penelo asked gently as she turned to him and smiled.

"I am too old for lullabies Penelo." He huffed and glared at her.

"No one is too old for lullabies. Besides I could just sing for you to listen. Like when you go to hear a soloist sing." She pressed on with a grin.

"A performance of sorts?" Larsa mused as he placed a finger to his chin.

"Exactly." Penelo agreed expectantly.

"I will agree but with the understanding that you are not singing directly to me." Larsa stated officially.

"Agreed." Penelo grinned at him and gave him a one armed hug.

Penelo cleared her throat and stared into the fire as she began to sing.

The tumbleweed rolls as it plays in the wind.

Never knowing which way it shall go.

And as I am dust like the desert sands,

there is one thing I wish you to know.

Larsa listened to the melody she sang and felt himself lulled by its cadence.

I play with the tumbleweed rolling along.

I dance in the breeze as you sing this song.

Never forgotten my memory lives on,

In the heart of the desert lands.

Basch approached silently as he watched the young lord's eyes begin to droop. He motioned silence to Balthier, Fran, and Vaan as they came up behind him while Penelo sang on.

And when you are dust we shall play in the sun

as the tumbleweed rolls in the breeze.

Be not afraid when your time has come.

For once again you shall meet me.

Penelo continued humming after the song's end and soon Larsa was leaning against her with his eyes closed. Penelo brought her hand up and brushed the raven black hair out of his eyes gently. When he seemed fully asleep, Penelo stopped humming and smiled fondly at him. He stirred slightly and nestled against her.

"Sing it to me again please." He mumbled sleepily.

Penelo just smiled again and placed a gentle kiss to his forehead before starting the song anew.