Well looky here! If it isn't another chapter that actually didn't take a lifetime to upload! Aren't you proud of me, fanfiction readers? I'm sure you are. I think I deserve a prize. (-coughreviewcough-) Anywaaay, thank you for the reviews I already received, they really are very endearing. I'm glad that at least a few people like my odd little ramblings. It brightens my day~ Let's get on to the story though.
I own lots of things, but not one of those things is Final Fantasy XII.
Chapter Four - In Shining Armour
Quite a bit of time had passed since Vossler's departure, and Ashelia was still in the exact same position as before: in her bed, back straight, as she rested her chin on her palm. Honestly, sitting up the way she was, it was more a method of keeping herself awake even longer than anything. The princess still did not wish to slumber, figuring that she would only be plagued by vicious nightmares brought about by her jumbled thoughts. The memories themselves were messing with her enough—the last thing she needed was to have them made worse by the darker parts of her subconscious. Given the choice, she much preferred to deal with her inner dilemmas while awake; a sense of at least a little bit of control somewhat comforting. Well, a little being the key phrase, as Ashe certainly couldn't stop herself from experiencing these flashbacks so randomly brought on.
Every time the young woman tried to think of nothing, some kind of reminder would just come out of the woodworks and trigger another episode. If she were to self-diagnose, Ashe would probably assume that she was experiencing some kind of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She had certainly experienced enough traumas in her seventeen years of life. In fact, she sometimes wondered if the fates had confused her with some hardened soldier; someone who would have been strong enough to handle all the pain and loss. Were they trying to break her? If so, was it beginning to work? The blonde only wished that she could answer that question with a definite no. The only thing she had in common with the hardened soldier was the fact she was now forced to wield a sword. Luckily for her, even before the war had changed (read: ruined) her life, she had been inspired to take up this un-princess-like sport. She could even remember the day she decided such, so many years ago...
At ten years old, Princess Ashelia B'Nargin Dalmasca was hardly ever in one stationary place within the palace. Though her father certainly would have liked for his daughter to be more... reserved in her actions, Ashe simply was not interested in sitting around and doing dull, ladylike things. By then she knew her etiquette, and despite her adventurous streak she was quite good at acting the part of a royal princess when it was needed. However, on a more casual day—going about the palace as she often did—the young girl acted more like the average child her age than that of nobility. This was obvious in how she went from hall to hall; spying on the palace's many inhabitants. She rather enjoyed observing the goings on of the palace, whether it was one of her brothers, the cooks in the kitchen, the guards, or her father signing important documents.
Today she was outside of the palace for once, roaming around the gardens and fields that surrounded Dalmasca's royal residence. It was a beautiful day in the Royal City of Rabanastre, the sun shining in the bright blue sky. Actually this wasn't much of a change from what was the norm, as the climate in her home country was a warm one, with the sun hardly ever obscured by rain clouds. This had always been the case, and yet the Princess was mostly kept inside. Apparently, it was for her own safety and security, but Ashelia didn't much buy this excuse. They probably just did not want her running around outside, soiling her petticoat or some other such nonsense. The girl huffed at this thought, walking along the path that led through the garden and into the field.
Looking around at all the sights there were to see, Ashe observed the many beautiful flowers and exotic plants that decorated the royal garden. Most of it had been the design of Queen Farrah, who had been the mother of her three eldest brothers. She had passed on long before Ashe had been born, she knew, but from the many stories she heard, Farrah had been just as beloved as Azra. Oftentimes when walking around the garden, she would catch her brother Raminas going about the garden, an expression of deep contemplation on his strong features. Perhaps the lovely flora reminded him of the mother he had lost.
Looking away from the garden itself, the Princess put her attention on the cacophony coming from all around her. The Princess could hear the sounds of voices, laughter, footsteps, and all other sorts of noises from the many people who were around the palace. Despite it being a place where many serious and sombre decisions were made, it was also a home to many more amusing, fun activities. For the most part it was an open palace, meaning that citizens were often allowed to explore the courtyard and check out the main interior of the ornate building. Though she was not permitted to associate with strangers (again, 'for her own safety'), Ashe still liked to watch the average citizens, wondering what their lives were like. The girl could bet that they didn't have to stay locked up in their home all day, every day. As soon as she was old enough, she decided then, she would like to travel all of Ivalice.
Caught up in her thoughts of exploring all her world had to offer one day, Ashelia had long stopped paying attention to where she was going. Instead she simply let her feet take her somewhere, and soon enough she was standing at the edge of the main fields, where many a royal chocobo galloped and played. The grassy area was also used for events such as Chocobo Polo (in which she was not allowed to participate despite her interest, due to her age) and Jousting. Also, every now and then the Dalmascan Army would borrow it for use of training, especially if they wished to show the King their progress. This seemed to be the case that day, as Ashe immediately recognized the armoured birds out on the field to be military mounts.
Staying near the very edge of the field, the girl leaned against a nearby tree, hoping not to draw attention to herself. The moment she was noticed, everyone would surely start making some kind of fuss about her. For now, she was much more interested in watching in peace, intrigued by the soldiers during their practice. They seemed to be honing their riding skills, as well as having target practice with bows and arrows. Ashe's gray eyes followed intently as the soldiers maneuvered their chocobos with grace, the large golden birds making sharp turns about the field. She had always wanted to ride in such a way, not having to settle with the more princess-like slow trot she was forced to conform to by those around her. The girl's father was always worried about her well being and safety; not wanting her to do potentially harmful things. Sighing, Ashe wondered if she would ever be allowed to have any genuine fun; things that didn't matter if she was a princess or not.
Enthralled by the scene playing out before her, Ashelia couldn't help but admire the skill and stamina required to conquer such feats. Her attention caught by a particular soldier, the girl watched as the man with short, dishevelled brunet hair rounded about a target, hitting it straight on with what seemed like no effort at all. A few of the other soldiers gave a cheer at this, though it was likely they weren't as impressed as the young Princess, seeing as it was surely a normal occurrence. The man wiped at his forehead with his arm, a slight smile on his face. Looking at him, he seemed somewhat familiar, but Ashe couldn't put her finger on it. She had seen many soldiers walking about the palace, so perhaps he had passed by in the halls one day. Her attention was soon taken away from the goateed man however, as one of his other comrades took the limelight.
In a flash of yellow, a chocobo and its equally golden-haired rider dashed by the small group who had gathered around the first man. The attention of the other soldiers seemed to have been caught by this as well, as they all watched the man pull a few quick turns. He rode with some confidence, Ashe could tell, the chocobo seeming to follow his every command. Once the man had rounded about the target (as was considerably farther away from it than the first had been) he let his arrow fly, making a perfect bulls eye. The girl was quite impressed by this, so much so that she didn't even notice someone approaching her behind. She couldn't help but jump slightly when a voice sounded, though it was one she recognized quite well.
"Observing our fine soldiers, Ashelia?"
Turning around on her heels, Ashe smiled sheepishly at her father, hoping that he wouldn't chastise her for being out. King Raminas only returned the smile however, taking a step forward to stand next to his young daughter. The royal guards who always followed him were indeed close by, but they gave the father and daughter a few feet of space, for some form of privacy. The girl had always wondered if they ever got bored, just following the King around wherever he went. "Oh, good morning Father." Ashe said, standing with her hands folded behind her back, trying to look innocent. "I was only watching for a little while. They are here to show you their training, yes?"
"Today the Dalmascan military wished to have me observe the men with the most potential. I will be choosing new Knights for the Order, soon. Have you yet noticed any outstanding characters, daughter?" The King was clearly humouring the child, as it was quite obvious that he would not rely on a ten-year-old girl to make crucial decisions. However, he was kind hearted in nature and had a special spot in his heart for his only daughter. Though he could be strict at times, it was no doubt that the Dalmascan King loved all his children dearly.
Just as Ashe was about to try and answer Raminas' question, the attention of both of the royals was drawn away from each other and onto the field. The dark haired man Ashe had observed before was at it again, this time literally riding circles around the others soldiers. Pulling some rather tricky looking maneuvers on the chocobo, the soldier was clearly aiming to impress. The King chuckled at this display, speaking in a light hearted tone. "Dalmasca certainly has many a skilled soldier to choose from."
Still pondering over what her father had asked her, the Princess took a few moments to think before making her decision. It was clear that her father really wasn't depending on her answer, but Ashe appreciated any chance to show her father that she was at least somewhat knowledgeable. Pointing out on the field towards the previously mentioned brunet, she spoke decisively. "He is the best rider." The girl then pointed to the golden-haired soldier; "though that one, he has the better shot."
The King laughed again at this, lightly patting his daughter on the head. "Is that so?" Raminas asked, greatly endeared by the young Princess. "I do believe you have pointed out Generals Azelas and Fon Ronsenburg. They are young and yet new to their positions, though no less worthy I am told." Just then one of the existing Knights came over to the King, bowing before him respectfully. The man smiled kindly at Ashe, but she only looked at him in curiosity. Usually the people who came to speak with her father just ignored her presence completely, so she had learned to generally do the same.
"Your Highness, I assume you have been watching them go about their training. Have you your judgements on them? I have hopes that these men will make fine additions to the Order."
"Ah, yes. I am glad to see the skill of those who fight for Dalmasca."
As the two men conversed, Ashe simply let herself stop paying attention to them, turning her gaze back to the field. The ten year old wondered if her older brothers would be able to do such things one day, the majority of them then having started their military training. Perhaps if she asked nicely they would teach her some of the skills that the average princess was kept far away from. It would certainly be more interesting for her than etiquette lessons.
Ashe frowned deeply at this memory, not having intended to bring up a certain someone. He was not in any way worthy of invading her thoughts in such a manner. In fact, he deserved nothing but to be completely forgotten, only to be written off in the history books as a traitor. To think, she had held so much admiration, such respect...it was all gone now; dead and buried along with her father. Bitter thoughts, she knew, but no less true to her feelings. Though in truth words alone could not even wholly express what Ashelia Dalmasca felt in regards to a certain Basch Fon Ronsenburg.
What did it matter anyway? He was gone. Executed. The punishment fit of a King-Slayer had been dealt to him, if her Uncle Halim was to be believed. There was no use in dwelling on him any longer. He had betrayed her more than she had ever been before. She would not give his spirit the satisfaction of haunting her, she refused to do so. Ashe had no need to preoccupy herself with hate when she had many, many other things more worthy of her concentration. Glaring out at the darkness, Ashelia attempted to calm herself. It was not the time now to give in to the hatred of a dead man. She was still living, and she still had something to fight for. Someone to fight for...
And so ends Chapter Four! A bit shorter, but I hope you don't mind too much. I don't have much else to say other than what I always do at the bottom here. Reviews are nice, you should write me one, etc. Though I've noticed the button has changed color on me. Odd.