Author's Notes: Holy crap this is a long chapter! I've been hiding this monster away till I got chapter 3 written up. I like having extra chapters in reserve :) Anywho, uhh…I hope this chapter is to your liking. I tried to introduce everyone and it was fun but I'm worried that they might be out of character (but my beta reader thought otherwise, so I don't know!) Finding the right words is tough, and romance is just as hard...I JUST WANT YOU TO ENJOY IT!
The name for Ashe's mother was inspired by Baschashe's fanfic, True Feelings. I think it's a cool idea :D
Chapter's Theme Song(s): First song I chose was "Procession of the Spirits" from the Spirited Away Soundtrack. Second song is "Waltz for the Moon" from the Final Fantasy VIII Soundtrack. (The idea of Ashe and Basch dancing like Squall and Rinoa tickles me :D!!)
CHAPTER TWO: A Coronation, a Fete, and Subtle Confessions
"I am truly glad to see you this day, Your Highness"
The crowd was growing by the minute. All of Rabanastre came to see the crowning of Ashelia B'nargin Dalmasca as well as others from all parts of Ivalice. Originally the ceremony was to be held in front of the Cathedral but it was too small once the Marquis noted the numbers coming into the city. Ashe's Uncle changed the location to the Grand Courtyard of the palace. It was better that way since the Fete would be held there at eventide and Ashe would not have to run back and forth from ceremony to ceremony.
She was dressed in her mother's outfit. That morning when one of the servants held it out, she inhaled sharply. Ashe could not believe it was still intact and so well kept. The women servants said it was the finest Bhujerban fabric they had ever seen, and since her mother loved it so much they made sure it maintained its magnificent luster. Now, out in the grand courtyard, Ashe stood proudly in it. The sun giving the dress an almost ethereal gleam, she could hear people in the crowd gasp in awe and admiration. Marquis Ondore stood beside her and leaned in a bit so he could fondly whisper "You look like your mother."
"Are you ready, Your Majesty?" Ondore spoke. "We have waited long enough and it appears everyone is growing anxious."
Ashe nodded. "I am ready, Uncle."
Marquis Ondore stepped ahead on the center platform to address the people. The murmuring noise of the crowds quickly died down as he began to address them.
"Where's Ashe?" Vaan asked out loud, poking his head up to look over the shoulders of people who were taller than he. Penelo grabbed him by his shoulder and pulled him down.
"Be quiet, Vaan." she spoke, emphasizing by putting a finger to her lips. "The Marquis is starting the ceremony."
"Yeah, but I can't see Ashe!" There were a few collective "shh's" from the crowd and Vaan shrunk a bit. Again he spoke, but with a lower tone. "Let's move in for a closer look."
"Okay."
Vaan and Penelo carefully weaved and squeezed through the crowds with little disturbance as possible. Vaan received a few glares as he bumped into someone here and there, but no one raised their voice as their attention was wholly fixed on the Marquis and the Lady Ashe standing beside him. He found Penelo near the front of the crowd, standing up on the ledge of one of the palace's many fountains. Vaan joined her and for the first time noticed how many people were actually here for this event.
"Whoa." He breathed.
"I know," he heard Penelo whisper. "She looks amazing in that dress, doesn't she?"
"Huh? Oh, right." He was glad she didn't realize how clueless he was towards her statement. For a while he watched as Ashe's Uncle briefly recalled the events of Ashe's journey before going into something about Raithwall and Raminas. By then his attention wandered and he glanced back towards the crowd.
He caught glimpses of familiar faces and figures, and some were not from Rabanastre. He was surprised to see Garif in the crowd, discernable by their masks and impressive leather-covered horns. He saw the people from the Giza Plains village, and the pirates of Balfonheim who were pinpointed from their loud grunts and shouts. Vaan also thought he spotted a few men dressed in the Kiltias apparel. Did they all come so far just for this? Van felt he shouldn't have been so surprised. After all, they did make a lot of friends during their trek across Ivalice. Still, he could not spot Balthier or Fran, and he scanned every area where a Viera's ears were seen among the crowds of people.
"Ashelia B'nargin Dalmasca, daughter of King Raminas and Queen Amalia, and direct blood descendent of Raithwall himself…"
The grand titles Marquis was bestowing on Ashe brought Vaan back to attention. Penelo's gaze never left the platform and as he watched he saw the Marquis standing before Ashe as she held the hilt of the Treaty Blade with the blade facing downward. Vaan remembered Penelo telling him something about Ashe keeping the sword as her line's new heirloom now with the nethecite gone. It made sense – what better replacement than the God-sword itself?
"…Do you hereby pledge to serve the people of your Land, to protect Dalmasca and its people from all dangers within and beyond? Will you uphold your title and your lineage with honor, to act with a mind and heart that is clear and true? That you will rule justly and righteously. And that you will honor this vow for all your days?"
There was silence then, and as Vaan watched he could see the determination in Ashe's eyes as her grip tightened around the hilt of the Treaty Blade.
"Yes." She spoke firmly, "This I vow with all of my being."
Vaan didn't know if it was proper to clap and cheer yet, but before he could decide the Marquis nodded to Ashe and turned to where one of his servants held something on a velvet pillow.
"Then in the name of the Gods, Ivalice, and the Dynast King – I now pronounce you Ashelia B'nargin Dalmsca, Queen of the sovereign nation of Dalmasca."
When Ondore held it up Vaan could see clearly that it was a crown. She bent her head down as he placed it on her head. It matched perfectly with her dress, gleaming beautifully in the sunlight.
"People of Dalmasca," the Marquis began as he and Ashe both faced the crowds. "Hail your new Queen."
The thunderous shouts scared Vaan so much that he fell off the ledge of the fountain and into the water side.
"Isn't it wonderful?" Penelo shouted above the others, unaware of Vaan's situation. When he didn't reply she turned back. "Vaan? Vaan! Your shirt is all wet now!"
Ashe stood at the front of the throne amidst a vast group of people in the great hall who have come to wish her well. Behind the throne, the Treaty Blade was placed up on the wall, blade pointed downward earning several stares and gaping mouths. Many of the people in the throne hall were officials of some sort, and most she did not know though they have claimed to have known her father (as if that helped her with remembering). Still, she did her best to respond politely while scanning the room for a familiar face.
"Fondest greetings, Your Highness."
That heavy accent brought Ashe to attention. She saw a man with a dark complexion and darker hair. He wore shades but soon he took them off and with the other hand did he gracefully take hers and press his lips to it in a chaste kiss.
She smiled, drawing her hand back and nodding to the Rozarrian man respectfully. "Hello, Al-Cid."
"It warms my heart to see you again," he smiled, his eyes glowing with genuine sincerity.
Ashe tried not to look flustered from his charm. "The feeling is mutual, my friend. How have things been in Rozarria?"
"Better than they have ever been!" Al-Cid almost laughed. "And all is thanks to the little Lord Larsa. I never thought I would live to see the day when we would be negotiating matters of peace with Archadia."
The Queen nodded, and was suddenly reminded. "Have you seen him and Basch by any chance?"
"Not yet, but be assured they will come seek you out." Al-Cid put his shades back on, giving her a grand bow. "My leave I take, My Lady, but I will see you at the fete tonight, to be sure."
"Of course, Al-Cid." The Queen replied, waving as he left.
For another hour she greeted people who kept coming into the great hall in droves. From the corner of her eye, Ashe spotted her Uncle who was talking to a few of the officials, and one of them she did recognize. It was Eurek, he was a renowned scholar, head of the palace's library and the only living council member of her father's original court. She watched them for a while, thinking back on how much her Uncle and everyone in the palace had done their best to help her get situated over the year. The Marquis even sent some of his own trusted officials to help aid her when he could not. Already she was gathering a new council for her rule, and Ondore's men, as well as Eurek were a part of her new court.
After speaking with the other officials, The Marquis then approached the Queen, bowing which only caused Ashe to chuckle lightly.
"Uncle Halim, stop." She said.
"I only wish to pay my respects to the Queen of Dalmasca." He smiled. She detected the humor in his voice.
"Thank you, Uncle." She said sincerely, "For everything."
"My dear Ashelia, you have grown so swiftly in the past three years. I know you will make your father proud as you have done for me. Though the others and I will be here to help, I know you are well capable of taking care of things yourself."
"High praise, Uncle."
"It is simply the truth." The Marquis smiled. "The fete will begin as soon as you are ready."
"Not just yet, Uncle Halim." Ashe replied. She was determined to meet with Larsa and Basch. Her uncle nodded, and then Ondore kissed her on the forehead and stepped away. Ashe watched him leave and noticed some one else approaching, someone very short and very young.
"Larsa." Ashe smiled. The young boy stood before her and gave a bow placing one hand on his chest as he did so. When he looked up he was smiling from ear to ear.
"Dear Lady Ashe," he began. "It is so good to see you again. You look beautiful."
Ashe laughed a little, flattered by the young Emperor's comment her eyes glanced toward the floor. She noticed some one behind Larsa and for a moment her heart skipped. Looking up she saw the form of the Judge Magister and her eyes widened, taken aback she almost faltered in her step.
"Gabranth? But, I thought he—" she stopped as she saw that Larsa's smile did not leave, perplexing her even more.
"Nay," he shook his head, and then turned to look at his bodyguard. "Sir Basch, please. You may remove your helmet."
Without a word the Judge did as his young Lord said. As if entranced, Ashe watched as he took off his helmet, revealing his face. Surprise mingled with the warm feeling of familiarity she felt when looking at him. Basch held the helmet at his side, and bowed to her.
"Your Highness." He said. The Queen felt as if she would break down, but inside she fought madly with herself to keep composure. A whole year she waited to hear his voice, and see his face. She was not disappointed.
"Basch." Ashe spoke softly. "It is good to see you again."
"It is good to see you as well, My Lady." The Knight replied formally, "Especially on this day that you and I, and so many others have fought for."
"And I will do my best to honor you and those who have fallen for this cause."
"Of that I have no doubt." Basch allowed a smile while Ashe tried not to stare like an idiot. Luckily she found herself able to breathe when Larsa spoke, drawing Basch's gaze off her.
"Penelo has been keeping in contact with us constantly. We've all been looking forward to your coronation."
"I am truly sorry I could not send any letters myself, Larsa." Ashe's expression saddened but the young Emperor waved his hand as if to brush her worries aside.
"It is understandable. The duties of a Ruler are great, though Penelo had shown some concern that you were becoming distant." Larsa lowered his head, he looked embarrassed. "To be honest, I too, feared we would grow apart."
Ashe looked at him, touched by what he said. She placed one hand on his shoulder and then Larsa looked up. His smile was back.
"Imagine my surprise, and joy when I see it is not so."
"Indeed, mine as well." she smiled warmly, and then to his surprise, Ashe lowered slightly to give the little Emperor a hug. Larsa made no move as his skin turned a bright pink. Not wanting to seem rude, he finally found his courage to return her hug.
When Ashe drew away from him, Larsa feigned a cough, still looking somewhat flustered. Basch only smiled as the boy regained composure. "We will see you at the fete, this evening then, Lady Ashe."
"Enjoy yourselves." Ashe said, "We will have much time to talk then."
Larsa bowed again, and turning on his heel he began to walk away. Soon to follow was Basch who first looked toward Ashe, also bowing.
"My Lady—" he started slowly, looking as if he wanted to choose his words carefully. "I am truly glad to see you this day, Your Highness."
Ashe watched him leave while her mind screamed at her to say something. "Basch."
Her heart began pounding when she realized it was loud enough for him to hear, and he stopped and looked back at her. "Yes?"
She froze, feeling the heat rise in her face and she could only hope it wasn't too apparent. Her mind went completely blank and she struggled to find the will to speak. "Uh….you cut your hair."
Fool!
Basch didn't seem troubled, or puzzled in any way. He only nodded. "Aye, the longer hair did not work well with this armor. Do you approve?"
Some reason his question made her anxiety vanish. He was still the same old Basch, even though he served Larsa he did not treat her any differently. He was still her friend, and her Knight, and knowing this made her confidence return.
"Yes, you look very handsome."
Perhaps that was a little too confident.
"Thank you, Majesty." Basch replied slowly and formally out of caution, again considering the social boundaries between them. He averted his eyes from her and turned, heading after Larsa.
Ashe dropped her head down; making a face and clenching her teeth shut as she mentally berated herself for that foolish moment. Never had she acted so awkwardly around Basch, not since she was sixteen.
Evening approached and the fete was already underway. From the hallways Ashe could hear the music playing and people laughing. She almost decided against going after the embarrassment she caused herself not too long ago, but she knew she had to make an appearance. Besides she still wanted to find the others, if they decided to come at all. She turned a corner and began down another hallway, only to be surprised by a very familiar voice.
"Well, well Your Highness." A brown-haired man casually stepped out from behind a pillar ahead of her. "It seems you are doing quite well for yourself. Perhaps I should have held you up for more than just a ring."
"Balthier!" she exclaimed. The Queen began to approach and saw Fran appear behind the Sky Pirate.
"Good evening, Your Majesty."
"We though we'd pop in for a quick appearance." Balthier smirked. "After all, we put in a lot of hard work to make this day happen – we deserve to see the end results at least."
"I am glad you both came," Ashe spoke, but Balthier's words troubled her and she slightly frowned. "Does your stay have to be so brief?"
Fran shook her head. "Do not listen to him."
She couldn't help but notice they were dressed for the occasion. Balthier wore a different vest than what she remembered him wearing. And even Fran's outfit was more formal, covering more than her last outfit had done, yet still complimenting her figure (though modestly this time). She wondered if Fran insisted they stay longer than what Balthier had intended. Viera or not, she was still a woman and Ashe smiled, amused by it all.
Despite this, Balthier still refused to show his sentimental side. "Mind you, we are only concerned that officials are not thinking of raising the bounty on us. We did kidnap you after all."
"I assure you, no one will be seeing you in that light any longer." Ashe said. Balthier crossed his arms and looked over to Fran. The Viera simply nodded.
"In that case, I suppose we can spare time for the new Queen of Dalmasca."
"How very generous of you," Ashe said with playful sarcasm. "Then you won't mind joining me as I look for the others."
"I hear them." said Fran. "They look for you as well."
"If Vaan is somewhere in the crowds I doubt finding them will be too difficult." Balthier noted as he adjusted his cuffs.
"I'm Basch fon Ronsenburg of Archadia!" a loud shout came from among the crowd.
People nearby stopped dancing and stared at the blonde youth who boldly made his way up to the man in Judge armor. Behind Vaan, Penelo followed at a distance, embarrassed by her friend's antics. Ahead, Larsa and Basch watched them approach, and the Knight shook his head but he was amused nonetheless.
"You would do well to watch your tongue, my young friend." Basch warned Vaan though his tone was light hearted. "I am sure the penalty for impersonating an Archadian Knight is more severe than what they had in Bhujerba."
"Oh that's alright," Vaan replied casually, rubbing his nose. "I like breaking the rules."
Both Penelo and Larsa were smiling; she rolled her eyes while the boy shook his head. The girl then ran over and gave Larsa a hug, surprising him and making him turn pink in the face once more. Vaan raised an eyebrow while Basch just watched, trying not to look too amused at the young Lord's wide-eyed expression.
"We missed you so much." Penelo said, this time moving in to hug Basch, or at least as much as his armor would allow. She drew back suddenly and looked at the Knight. "You cut your hair!"
"Aye." He replied.
"Wow, you look so different." She raised her hands to show she meant no offense and added, "You look handsome though."
"That seems to be the general agreement."
Penelo didn't have time to ask what he meant by that when Vaan broke in this time. "Did you get see Ashe?"
"Yes," Larsa replied, "it is customary for officials to meet before a fete."
"How did she look?" Penelo asked.
"She looked well, and was glad upon seeing us. I am sure she will be most pleased when seeing you two again."
Vaan and Penelo both smiled, and Vaan moved over and tousled the Emperor's hair much to the younger boy's chagrin. "It's really great to see you guys again."
"The feeling is mutual, Vaan, though it appears you have not changed one bit." Larsa pushed Vaan's hand away from his head and adjusted his hair. Jokingly he added, "It makes one wonder if that is a good or bad thing."
"Yea—hey!" Vaan's reaction caused Penelo to giggle and earned even a quiet chuckle from Larsa.
"That reminds me…I hope Balthier and Fran show up." Penelo added, looking around the room with a slightly worried expression.
"You know them, they'll pop in when we least expect it." Her friend responded, and for once, Vaan was right.
"If it isn't our two young enterprising pirates, and decked in your finest threads. Vaan, I never knew you had it in you." Balthier appeared behind Vaan and Penelo as he draped arms over their shoulders. The Sky Pirate noticed that Vaan's shirt felt a little damp but he didn't really care to ask why.
"It's nice to see you too." Vaan grinned and pulled the Sky Pirates arm off his shoulder.
"Balthier!" Penelo gasped and laughed in surprise.
"As always, it seems you've managed to gather a full party of interesting people around you." Balthier told Vaan as he nodded to Larsa and Basch in greeting and they did the same in turn.
Penelo noticed that Fran was not with him but then caught glimpse of her and Ashe coming up from behind. She darted off, leaving Vaan confused as always, and Balthier a little put off by being discarded so quickly.
"Ashe! Fran!" the young girl ran up to the Queen and Viera.
She gave Ashe a hug who happily returned the gesture, and then one for Fran who looked a little surprised by it all. Fran was always unsure about social customs seeing as Hume gestures were not like the Vieras, but she returned the hug even if she wasn't as enthusiastic as Penelo was when giving it.
"You both look so beautiful." Penelo admired, "And Fran, I never seen you in a dress before!"
"Viera usually do not see the need." Fran responded, but Penelo couldn't help but notice how content the Viera looked wearing it.
"Did Balthier get that for you?"
The others joined up with them, and Ashe, seeing them all together made her heart glad. Vaan tucked his hands behind his head and grinned boyishly.
"Now this is a reunion!"
"Thank you for coming." Ashe spoke, "Seeing you all here has truly made my night."
"Aww, Ashe you know we wouldn't have missed this for the world." Penelo comforted their Queen.
"I agree with Penelo," Larsa joined in. "We have been through much in such a short time; it would be a waste to discard our friendships now."
"While this is all well and good," Balthier interrupted, "I would also like to take the chance to enjoy myself. Not often you are invited to a Queen's Fete."
Balthier's talk about enjoying the fete reminded Penelo of the music that was playing in the background. She found herself slightly swaying to the music, but now it was just too tempting to resist, she wanted to dance. She looked to Vaan innocently. "Hey Vaan?"
"Yeah?" he looked over at her.
"Want to dance?"
"Uh…no I don't think so. I don't really like to dance."
"Aww, just this once? Please, Vaan?" Penelo pleaded, cupping her hands together.
"No way." He shook his head vigorously, and he was completely oblivious of all the looks the others were giving him. Penelo's shoulders drooped but then she looked over to Larsa and her expression was hopeful again.
"Larsa?"
"It would be my pleasure, Penelo."
The young Emperor playfully made an extravagant bow, making her giggle. He offered her his arm, and despite being shorter than her, Penelo took it and walked out on to the dancing floor. Vaan said nothing, nor did he look too bothered by the fact Penelo asked Larsa. In fact he was relieved the child went instead, but then his feeling of relief was soon placed by worry when he finally noticed the disapproving stares from the others.
"What?" he asked stupidly.
"Poor move, Vaan. Poor move." Balthier shook his head.
"She asked you to dance, how could you say no?" Ashe added, her voice sounding harsher than Balthier's.
"I don't like to dance." Vaan stated again.
"It was wrong, Vaan." Basch added.
"You've hurt her feelings." Even Fran stated her opinion on the matter.
Vaan only shrugged, not understanding why it was such a big deal. "It's just a dance, it couldn't have meant that much to her."
"Vaan you are clueless when it comes to the dealings of the fairer sex." Balthier walked ahead a few paces, looking back at Fran and holding his hand out. Without a word she took it and followed him out to the dance floor.
"Do you really think it's that big of a deal?" Vaan asked looking towards Ashe. Her expression softened but she sighed at his disregard for Penelo's feelings.
"It can be for a young woman, especially when it concerns someone she cares for." The Queen replied, trying to hint to Vaan of the situation and praying he caught on.
"If you say so."
He didn't.
However Ashe didn't have time to lecture Vaan about his blunder, as she noticed Basch now standing beside her. Already he was speaking before she could react to his presence.
"My Lady." He said.
"Yes, Basch?" She almost jumped. Ashe could feel a lilt in her throat beginning to form and hoped she would not act as she did in the throne room.
"I think the people would like to see their Queen dancing as well. I would be happy to escort you." again he was addressing her formally but still his offer made Ashe blush.
"Thank you." she replied, mustering all she could to make those two words sound just as formal.
Vaan watched as the Knight led the Queen out onto the dance floor. He made a face as he rubbed the back of his head. "I still don't get it."
Ashe was surprised how well Basch danced, but then again he probably attended countless fetes and ceremonies in the past during his service under her father. He was bound to pick on it sooner or later; even his armor did not seem to impede his movements. She was too distracted by their proximity to notice the looks other people gave them – men without dancing partners looked at Basch with envy, while women whispered fondly to one another how the two figures made a charming picture.
Perhaps it was good neither she nor Basch noticed these things or else their dance may have come to an abrupt end. However, the Knight found the silence between them to be uncomfortable.
"My Lady." He started, getting Ashe's attention. She had been too nervous to make eye contact and found sudden interest in the patterns and grooves of his armor, but now she had to look at him.
"Yes?" she answered slowly.
He cleared his throat, also feeling uneasy and most of it was due to how Ashe looked at him when she did. "When you had complimented my change of appearance, I had wished to return the favor. I hope you do not mind me saying that I have not seen you look so radiant since the day you were married."
He tried to make it sound formal – a simple compliment from a servant to a Queen, but the timbre in his voice betrayed that. He saw Ashe dipping her head and he mentally kicked himself for overstepping his bounds.
"Thank you," she replied quietly. Ashe only looked down so he would not see her face turn red. "That is very kind."
She couldn't see him, but Basch nodded just the same and averted his eyes from her feeling ashamed. He decided it was best to change the subject, and quickly. "So what are her Majesty's plans now that she has finally achieved her goal?"
"I am not sure, to be honest." Ashe replied glad of the distraction though her eyes focused back on the patterns of his armor. "I was so used to fighting that I almost forgot what a life of peace was like."
Basch nodded, the uncomfortable feeling was slowly starting to vanish. "Yes, when you think on it, it is easier to push forward when there is something to push towards. I have championed one cause or another for as long as I can remember."
"And you still have a cause, that being Lord Larsa." Ashe stated. This time she looked at Basch. She still couldn't shake off the feeling of sadness over the thought that he would no longer be here. She felt petty in thinking in such a manner; she was no longer a spoiled princess who could have her way. She was a Queen with responsibilities.
"Aye, and you have a cause of your own – the people of Dalmasca." He added.
Leave it to Basch to remind anyone of duty. Ashe had to relent to the fact and nodded in agreement. She wanted to help Dalmasca and her people, but the thought of doing it alone made her heart sink. The Knight noticed her troubled expression and cleared his throat again.
"Majesty," he began, this time he waited till she looked at him. "Do know that even though I have pledged my sword to protect Lord Larsa, if ever you should need me I shall be at your side no matter what come."
Ashe was surprised, but she did not look away and even allowed herself to smile without feeling too embarrassed. However it was not to last, there was something about Basch's gaze that made her break, and she finally gave in and looked away.
"…And I thank you, Basch." She didn't bother trying to sound formal, the Queen casted off her royal image allowing her heart to speak, if only for a brief moment."With all the ordeals you have endured, you may be the strongest man I've ever known."
Basch seemed to forget about formalities and protocol as well. "You honor me, but I am only strong because I must, for those who have been lost and those who were left behind."
"You give strength to those people."
"As do you, Your Highness."
Fran's ears twitched slightly, and Balthier grew to recognize her subtle behaviors to know there was something that caught her attention within the crowds. Pressing close to her as they danced he whispered.
"Found something of interest, have we?"
"Perhaps." She replied, eyeing him. Balthier knew she wasn't going to tell him.
"Fine, keep your secrets." He chided playfully, dipping her then pulling her back up.
"Why does this matter to a sky pirate?" Fran asked.
"Oh, nothing of great importance really, but it would be nice to have some form of entertainment."
"I suggest you do not tamper with this particular affair unless asked to."
Balthier stared at Fran, arching an eyebrow. "Affair?"
"A poor choice in words," she admitted.
"Yes, perhaps, but now my curiosity is piqued."
"Have you not mentioned what curiosity once killed?"
"Ah yes, but I'm not a cat, am I?" Balthier grinned mischievously.
As they continued to dance he glanced around trying to find the two Fran spoke of. He didn't need to know their names to know who she was talking about. Yes, things have become most interesting, he was also glad his Viera partner was picking up the habit of eavesdropping. She would counter by saying her ears can pick up anything, but it was her choice whether she wanted to listen in or not. He noticed that Fran was staring at him again, no doubt worrying about what he was thinking in that conniving mind of his.
"Don't worry, Fran," the Sky Pirate assured her. "I wouldn't dream of stealing the show. Even the Leading Man knows when to let the other players have the spotlight."
Something else caught Fran's attention as she heard small bits of conversation between Penelo and Larsa. It sounded as if they ended their dancing and she could hear Penelo walking off. Both Fran and Balthier caught a glimpse of the young girl marching through the crowds and heading out to the hallways where Vaan had wandered off to.
"Speaking of entertainment..." Balthier smirked. The Viera said nothing, now only able to listen as Penelo left. She could hear Vaan turning around when he noticed his friend approaching.
"Hey Penelo!" he replied, apparently forgetting the trouble that was caused earlier with the topic of dancing. She said nothing but suddenly Fran could feel the workings of powerful magicks.
"THUNDAGA!" Penelo shouted. Vaan's cry of pain and a bright flash of light filled the hallways, causing people in the ballroom to yelp in surprise.