Author's Note: Alright, so setting about explaining Vossler's reasoning from the very beginning was a 'good' idea, but after thinking about it, I think I bit off more than I could chew. So instead, I've planned to revamp the story. Keeping the intro; it's a good background for what's to come, but for now I'm going to stick to what happens during the game. From Ashe's wedding to the Shiva.
Of course, I'm also curious if this is something that anybody will be interested enough in reading. Let me know; here's the rework of Chapter 2.
-Lesatho
The day had been sunshine and roses. It was stunning how the skies cleared, white clouds floating gracefully through the air in some tapestry of majesty that he could never hope to put real words to. But he also didn't try to; such things were beyond the stoic heart of a Knight. Or maybe just this knight, he often told himself. Even so, Vossler couldn't deny the fact that the wedding parade and following ceremonies had been perfect.
The Knights of the Order had made a stunning appearance in rank upon rank of glimmering silver mail that seemed to give off an inner light of it's own, and though they all kept stiffly in line and command, there were voices that wafted occasionally from within the closed helmets. 'Didn't her Highness look lovely?' 'Lord Rasler will make a grand husband.' 'Perhaps now we'll stand a chance.'
And it was that simple, hopeful comment that seemed to control the rest of Knight-Captain Vossler York Azelas' night.
True, the wedding had been wonderful and after the ceremony and preening, posing socialization that was expected of the knights of Dalmasca, the thing that weighed heavy on his sharp, soldier's mind was the threat of war on the horizon. The menace was always there; hanging unseen and heavy over the minds and hearts of both Dalmascans and Nabradians. Or so he imagined. Surely, it hung over his.
Which was why, he supposed, when he found himself at the Sand Sea later that night, surrounded by celebrants and fellow knights and soldiers who automatically equated in their heads that celebrations were only proper with lots of drinking, he couldn't really bring himself to join in. Contemplative, he stared into the bottom of his mug of ale as if hoping all the answers and strategies he might ever need would resurface so long as he never looked up. Callused hands moved restlessly across the surface of the table; turning the mug in uneasy thought, tapping on the polished wood with a sort of bone-deep impatience as his head began to ache with the celebration that seemed to multiply all around him.
It was probably a good thing that it was his fellow Knight-Captain that found him. One moment, he was alone at the table with the mug set in his sights and teeth grit against the noise that pressed inward all around him. And then the next moment, Basch was there; one hand set steadily atop his to ease the restless jittering that the fair haired knight had probably been watching for some time.
"Your unease does not suit the mood, Captain Azelas." Ever the quiet one; Basch offered a briefly encouraging smile and slid the mug away from Vossler's hands, tipping it upward in a private kind of toast.
"No, I suppose not." Admitting a problem was always half of the battle. Or so he heard. But surely Basch would understand the reason he couldn't bring himself to celebrate, even if the peace and cooperation between Dalmasca and Nabradia had finally been sealed. "I hope there is no misunderstanding. I am quite happy for Princess Ashelia and Lord Rasler. But war hangs over the horizon."
"War always hangs over the horizon. Let it go. For just a night." As if it was that simple. No words were needed though as communication flowed between the two with some sort of mutual understanding. Having been partnered together since their early years as squires the two had developed a deep friendship. And a way of communicating without the aid of words. Even though people saw Basch as a calm and controlled person in all aspects, Vossler knew the inner turmoil that plagued his friend. And in the same manner, Basch was able to see past the habitual scowl and stern features that Vossler wore around like a second suit of armor.
"You know that it is never that easy." Impatient, Vossler reached out to reclaim his mug and Basch handed it over without needing much prodding. Once it was back in his possession though, he still found no desire to drink it and once again took to using it as a distraction for his restless hands. "Nabudis has been under high alert for months now. The Archadians mass at the threshold and nobody seems willing or able to put things together enough to understand that this is a very real threat."
"I believe this is a time when I would tell you that Vossler, you worry for naught." Basch seemed so certain that despite his nature, the dark haired knight felt ready to give in and celebrate. Signaling to the bangaa barkeep that already had a hard time trying to keep up with orders, Vossler managed to get across that he needed another drink for his still-armored friend.
"Did you have a chance to shed your armor and decide you simply like the way it looks, Basch?" Vossler ribbed, though Basch didn't rise to the bait.
"My command was the last to be dismissed. I was short on time and the revelry had already begun." Shrugging rather affably, he accepted the mug of beer that the bangaa set before him and raised it up. "To the Princess Ashelia B'Nargin Dalmasca. May she find peace and happiness with her new husband."
Obligingly, Vossler tilted his mug to meet Basch's and smiled faintly at the heavy contact of the well worn earthenware. "To the Princess." Toast made, he upended the mug and winced at the sour warmth of it. Perhaps he should have taken the chance to get himself a fresh mug. Determined though, he drank until the mug was empty and slammed it back onto the hard wood with a satisfied sigh. Basch was just a second behind, bringing his mug down onto the table with a sharp clatter that still did nothing to pierce the revelry around them.
"We should go someplace a little less noisy." Vossler suggested, turning to eye the gathering crowd as they seemed to press in from all sides. Had all of Rabanastre turned up there for celebrations? "Basch, do you-.. Basch?" There was a look on the other knight's face that Vossler couldn't quite place, but he seemed to be staring right over his shoulder. Basch seemed uncharacteristically somber. It dropped a hard knot into the pit of his stomach and wiped out what cheer the older knight had started to feel.
Twisting about at the waist, he picked out the armored individual shoving his way through the crowd toward their table with ease. While the rest of the city was dressed in collections of festive silks and cottons, this man was armored in steel and his face was hard with a message of impending threat. "Oh.."
"Captains Ronsenburg and Azelas." Stiffly addressing the pair of knights, he looked from their suddenly tensed faces to the empty mugs with a look of acute longing. This was a messenger with little time for joy it seemed. "I have a message from King Raminas Dalmasca. You are needed immediately in the map room." As the messenger turned, Vossler rose smoothly to his feet and grabbed the younger man by the shoulder, turning him back around rather more forcefully than he likely needed to.
"Is that all your message was?" A short nod of worry. "Are there any more messages you need to deliver this evening?" The messenger's features twisted into confusion, but he shook his head.
"No, sir.. Captain Azelas. My duty tonight is done. You and Captain Ronsenburg were the last to receive the message." And much to the young man's surprise, Vossler quickly shifted positions, pressing him into the seat and signaling the bangaa for another drink.
"Then enjoy your night now. You may not have another chance." Vossler's dire warning seemed to sink the man's enthusiasm and the exclamation of thanks died on his lips. Basch rolled his eyes and rose to his feet, grasping Vossler's arm as they made their way through the throng of people.
"I think you could have delivered that better." Breaking out of the Sand Sea freed them to fresh air and relative silence and Basch turned toward the palace. Vossler let out a low grunt of displeasure as they began a quick march down the streets. Confetti and streamers that had been separated from celebrants were crushed underfoot and Vossler reflected on the mockery of it for a moment.
"I only hope that this is not a pressing matter." At the doors, Vossler turned to go down a separate hallway and cast Basch an apologetic look. "Please let the counsel know I am on my way. I think that armor would be better suited to what I feel they have to tell us."
"Ever the dramatic." Basch nodded though, and turned to go. Echoing crisp against the polished tiles of the palace floors, the knight's steps quickly receded from earshot.
"I am hardly dramatic." Hopefully he was mistaken. For all he imagined war and prepared for it, he didn't want to think that it was actually upon them now, the day of the wedding at that! Preposterous though it sounded, peace should have taken precedence today. The world should have stood still so this day might have passed easily on the minds of all. It was unfair, really. Not for him though, Vossler had always accepted that things don't go well for those who fight. But for the Princess, for the Prince. For the people of Rabanastre and all of Dalmasca.
Well practiced at putting on his armor, he shrugged into the heavy plate and was well on his way. Perhaps they wouldn't miss his presence much.
To some degree, he was right. In the commotion that the map room was engulfed in, his quiet arrival went largely unnoticed. But it was easy to tell that he had been right about what was to be reported. Not that it was a comforting thought.
Nabudis had fallen. Counsel and King vied for control of the floor and Vossler took a moment to study the maps.. Nabradia was as well as lost, Archadia had taken advantage of the day of celebration to catch Dalmasca's fresh ally off guard and attack in full. "This is dire news.." Muttering to himself as he studied the map unnoticed, the commotion continued.
"It's only a matter of time before they reach the borders of Dalmasca." As indicated by the war counsel's clear direction, the map lights began to glow and the perceived forces of Archadia swept across broken Nabradia in what was predicted to be their main push. "There is nothing to hold their advance."
King Raminas shook his head and Vossler lifted his eyes from the map to see a helpless weariness settle over his king. It was concerning. "Secure Nalbina with all haste." The border fortress would be their last stand.. Before Vossler could offer his aid, another voice swept in on the trailing silence.
"I will go." Basch announced, his voice carrying over the turmoil that engulfed the room. Heavy cape swinging, he turned to go before anybody could offer a protest.
"And I will go at his side." The words that Vossler had thought to speak came instead from Lord Rasler's lips. A stunned sort of silence settled over the room as the counsel and king looked on in amazement. The young Lord had a new bride, but was willing and ready to risk his life to save his homeland. Noble, but Vossler thought at the same time that it had the potential to go poorly. Basch swept out of the room, Rasler on his heels.
Cursing his poor timing and inability to speak up quick enough, Vossler turned awkwardly, fought briefly with the restraint of his heavy cape and whirled down the hallway after Basch. "Captain Ronsenburg!" Rasler looked back in surprise, but Basch kept moving; distracted by the planning that was already working its way through his head. "Damn your ears.. Basch!" Again, Rasler seemed surprised to find the other knight on their heels, but he wisely split off; no doubt to seek out his new wife and inform her of his decision.
Catching up after a few moments of tired plodding, Vossler grasped hold of the back of his comrade's collar and brought him awkwardly to a halt. "Basch," Now that he had finally brought the other knight to a halt, he wasn't sure what he had wanted to say in the first place. "You'll need backup."
"Vossler, there will be an entire army at my back." Curious, Basch waited to see if this was the only complaint Vossler had. They'd fought a long time together; shoulder to shoulder and even in some cases, back to back. If anybody knew his capabilities, he trusted that Vossler would be it.
"Lord Rasler means well, but.." Vossler trailed off lamely, uncertain as to why he suddenly felt abandoned. Unneeded.
"But.. he is not you." Basch's voice was steady but they both understood then that is was more a matter of being comfortable with the decision. They did not usually fight without the other.
"Yes. He is not me." Dark eyes sought the ground between his feet in a habitual sign of unease. Basch knew him well enough though and offered an encouraging clap to the shoulder that sang with the metal on metal contact of their armor.
"Vossler, it will be strange without you at my side, but nothing will go wrong." That said, Basch turned and was gone and Vossler was left wondering what had gone unsaid between them that made him still feel like this was some sort of mistake. They had been partnered together since their first mission as freshly promoted knights and hadn't been separated for tasks or drills since it was discovered how well the volatile Dalmascan and the steady Landisian worked together.
The early hours of morning found preparations nearly complete and the force ready to move onward to Nalbina in defense of Dalmasca. It also found Vossler resting against the wall of Basch's barracks room as he watched his friend prepare for what was to come. The dark haired night had spend much of the evening contemplating the strange turn of events and wondering if perhaps his reaction was as much due to jealousy than anything else. Or worry for Basch's safety, though neither possibility was voiced as he waited silently for his friend to finish preparations.
Things passed in relative silence, Vossler unwilling to interrupt Basch's packing and the other knight concentrating on getting everything he needed together. Regardless of what people thought, packing things was an art form among soldiers and travelers. You had to plan for where you would be and what the conditions would fall into. And so many layers to consider as well. It could be daunting, but Basch was a pro and Vossler was content to watch, keeping his movement down to a minimum so the noise of his armor wouldn't become a distraction. While the full formal plate looked and felt professional, unless you were up against something that hit like a cannon and possessed the mobility of a tree, it was too heavy to maneuver in. And impossible to wait in.
"I'm done." Basch broke the silence smoothly and Vossler looked up from the floor to fix the other knight with a blank stare. "You seem overly worried, Vossler. I would think that you of all people would have enough faith in my abilities."
"That's rather unfair of you to assume." Vossler sighed, brows folding down into a tense scowl. "I have complete faith in you, Basch." It was Lord Rasler that fueled his doubts. The man was young, inexperienced in the ways of war, and passion and drive alone wouldn't keep him safe on the battlefield. Vossler had scars to prove it. Every soldier or knight who lived past his first decade had physical proof of that fact etched in their skin.
The growing silence was broken once more as Basch drove the blade of his Order sword into the scabbard. "Vossler, while I lead our forces against the Archadians at Nalbina, you must stay wary. Attack could come from anywhere."
"I know." Pushing off the wall with a low breath of frustration, he turned and followed Basch as the knight moved toward the courtyard where the ships would be converging to transport the troops to the edge of Nalbina Fortress. Basch moved with a calm kind of certainty, Vossler trailed behind wearing his doubt like a cloak for all the world to see. It was going to be a lousy way to wish his friend well and so he stopped, clamping down on his self control. It seemed to take all of his will power not to follow Basch as he continued heedlessly down the hall. He was already hip-deep in battle in his mind and ready to shed blood for the protection of Dalmasca.
"Captain Ronsenburg," Vossler called out firmly. Slowly, Basch came to a halt and turned focused green eyes to the other knight. "Show them what it means to think us weak." Offering an encouraging smirk, Captain Azelas did what he could to make the parting easier on himself, for Basch seemed to have no trouble. Had he always been this reliant upon his friend for peace of mind?
Returning the smirk, Basch lifted a hand to his forehead in a casual sort of salute and was off once more. Taking a deep breath, Vossler turned and headed back to the counsel; who remained on edge and in the process of sorting out contingency plans. Perhaps that was all he needed to calm himself.
As he stood over the maps of Ivalice in the chamber and watched the animated fleet of Archadian warships move in a monotonous loop toward Dalmasca time after time, Vossler concentrated on what plans had to be made should Nalbina fall. It was impossible to consider, but he needed to think harder should he be pressed to offer advice and strategy.
Outside in the courtyard, a fleet of transport ships rose into the breaking dawn and headed for Nalbina.